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: 811-05088

 

 

The AB Portfolios

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

Joseph J. Mantineo

AllianceBernstein L.P.

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10105

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 221-5672

Date of fiscal year end: August 31, 2020

Date of reporting period: August 31, 2020

 

 

 


ITEM 1.

REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


AUG    08.31.20

LOGO

ANNUAL REPORT

AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO

 

LOGO

 

Beginning January 1, 2021, as permitted by new regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling the Fund at (800) 221 5672.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper form free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you can call the Fund at (800) 221 5672. Your election to receive reports in paper form will apply to all funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you invest directly, to all AB Mutual Funds you hold.


 

 

 
Investment Products Offered  

  Are Not FDIC Insured May Lose Value Are Not Bank Guaranteed

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

This shareholder report must be preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s prospectus for individuals who are not current shareholders of the Fund.

You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com, or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227 4618.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC 0330. AB publishes full portfolio holdings for the Fund monthly at www.abfunds.com.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.

The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.


 

FROM THE PRESIDENT    LOGO

Dear Shareholder,

We are pleased to provide this report for AB All Market Total Return Portfolio (the “Fund”). Please review the discussion of Fund performance, the market conditions during the reporting period and the Fund’s investment strategy.

As always, AB strives to keep clients ahead of what’s next by:

 

+   

Transforming uncommon insights into uncommon knowledge with a global research scope

 

+   

Navigating markets with seasoned investment experience and sophisticated solutions

 

+   

Providing thoughtful investment insights and actionable ideas

Whether you’re an individual investor or a multi-billion-dollar institution, we put knowledge and experience to work for you.

AB’s global research organization connects and collaborates across platforms and teams to deliver impactful insights and innovative products. Better insights lead to better opportunities—anywhere in the world.

For additional information about AB’s range of products and shareholder resources, please log on to www.abfunds.com.

Thank you for your investment in the AB Mutual Funds.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Robert M. Keith

President and Chief Executive Officer, AB Mutual Funds

 

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ANNUAL REPORT

 

October 14, 2020

This report provides management’s discussion of fund performance for AB All Market Total Return Portfolio for the annual reporting period ended August 31, 2020.

The Fund’s investment objective is to achieve the highest total return consistent with the Adviser’s determination of reasonable risk.

NAV RETURNS AS OF AUGUST 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

     6 Months      12 Months  
AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO      
Class A Shares      2.05%        1.44%  
Class C Shares      1.61%        0.67%  
Advisor Class Shares1      2.16%        1.68%  
Class R Shares1      1.87%        1.05%  
Class K Shares1      1.99%        1.35%  
Class I Shares1      2.14%        1.64%  
Primary Benchmark: MSCI ACWI (net)      15.22%        16.52%  
Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index
(USD hedged)
     1.18%        3.28%  

 

1

Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table above shows the Fund’s performance compared to its primary benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World Index (“MSCI ACWI”) (net), and the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index (USD hedged), for the six- and 12-month periods ended August 31, 2020.

All share classes of the Fund underperformed the primary benchmark for both the six- and 12-month periods. All share classes underperformed the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index (USD hedged) for the 12-month period, but outperformed for the six-month period, all before sales charges.

During both periods, equity markets performed well, and therefore, the Fund’s more diversified approach, which balances exposures to equities, bonds, commodities and alternative strategies, underperformed the

 

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all-equity benchmark. Overall allocations within equities contributed to absolute performance. Allocations within fixed-income assets contributed for the 12-month period, but detracted for the six-month period; alternative strategies detracted for the 12-month period, but contributed for the six-month period. Security selection within all three asset classes detracted over both periods.

The Fund utilized derivatives for hedging and investment purposes in the form of futures, inflation Consumer Price Index swaps and purchased options, which contributed to absolute performance for both periods, while credit default swaps, interest rate swaps, total return swaps, variance swaps and written options detracted; currency forwards detracted for the six-month period, but contributed for the 12-month period; purchased swaptions contributed for the six-month period, but detracted for the 12-month period.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Global equity markets, led by a strong US rally, recorded positive returns for the 12-month period ended August 31, 2020. US, international and emerging-market equities erased losses from March when the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a decline from all-time highs as global economies were shuttered amid stay-at-home mandates. Investor optimism was supported by expanded monetary and fiscal stimulus, signs of encouraging economic data, and news that several potential vaccines had reached advanced trials. Despite the widespread rebound, headwinds from a resurgence of US-China tensions, persistently high rates of COVID-19 cases in many countries and an unprecedented contraction of economic growth threatened to temper the acceleration of economic activity. In the US, growth stocks consistently outperformed value stocks in all categories. Small-cap stocks continued to rally, outperforming large-caps at times; however, overall, large-cap stocks have performed significantly better.

Global fixed-income market returns were positive yet volatile over the 12-month period. Central banks and governments enacted an unprecedented amount of monetary and fiscal stimulus to combat market illiquidity and cushion the negative economic impact of COVID-19, which set the stage for a rebound in risk assets following the sell-off that started in March. Government bonds rallied as interest rates were slashed. Emerging- and developed-market investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds led gains as investors searched for higher yields in a period of falling interest rates. Securitized assets advanced, while emerging-market sovereign and local bonds also ended the period with positive returns. The US dollar fell against all major developed-market currencies and was mixed against emerging-market currencies.

The Fund’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) strives to provide the highest total return consistent with reasonable risk. The

 

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Team’s global multi-asset strategy focuses on growth and defensively managing market volatility. The Team utilizes a rigorous quantitative research toolset with fundamental expertise across all regions and markets.

INVESTMENT POLICIES

The Adviser allocates the Fund’s investments primarily among a number of asset classes, including equity securities, fixed-income securities, and a number of alternative asset classes and alternative investment strategies. The Fund pursues a global strategy, typically investing in securities of issuers located in the United States and in other countries throughout the world, including emerging-market countries. Under normal circumstances, at least 40% of the Fund’s net assets will be invested in securities of non-US issuers.

The Fund’s investments in equity securities of issuers consist primarily of securities of large-capitalization companies, but include securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies to a lesser extent, and include derivatives related to equity securities. In selecting equity securities for the Fund, the Adviser uses fundamental and quantitative analysis with the goal of generating returns primarily from security selection rather than price movements in equity securities generally. Fixed-income securities include corporate and sovereign debt securities as well as interest rate derivatives and credit derivatives such as credit default swaps. Fixed-income securities also include debt securities with lower credit ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”). In selecting fixed-income securities for the Fund, the Adviser attempts to take advantage of inefficiencies that it believes exist in the global fixed-income markets. These inefficiencies arise from investor behavior, market complexity and the investment limitations to which investors are subject.

Alternative investments include various instruments the returns on which are expected to have low correlation with returns on equity and fixed-income securities, such as commodities and related derivatives, real estate-related securities and inflation-indexed securities. Alternative investment strategies that may be pursued by the Fund directly or indirectly through investment in other registered investment companies include (i) long/short equity strategies through which the Fund takes long positions in certain securities in the expectation that they will increase in value and takes short positions in other securities in the expectation that they will decrease in value; (ii) strategies that consider macroeconomic and technical factors to identify and exploit opportunities across global asset classes; and (iii) event-driven strategies that invest in the securities of companies that are expected to

 

(continued on next page)

 

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become the subject of major corporate events and companies in which an active role in company management has been taken or sought by a third-party investor.

The Adviser adjusts the Fund’s asset class exposure utilizing both fundamental analysis and the Adviser’s Dynamic Asset Allocation (“DAA”) approach. DAA comprises a series of analytical and forecasting tools employed by the Adviser to gauge fluctuations in the risk/return profile of various asset classes. DAA seeks to adjust the Fund’s investment exposure in changing market conditions and thereby reduce overall portfolio volatility by mitigating the effects of market fluctuations, while preserving consistent long-term return potential. For example, the Adviser may seek to reduce the Fund’s risk exposure to one or more assets classes when DAA suggests that market risks relevant to those asset classes are rising but return opportunities are declining. In addition to merely increasing or decreasing asset class exposure by buying or selling securities of that asset class, the Adviser may pursue DAA implementation for the Fund by utilizing derivatives.

The Adviser intends to utilize a variety of derivatives in its management of the Fund. As noted above, the Adviser may use derivatives to gain exposure to various asset classes, and may cause the Fund to enter into derivatives in making the adjustments called for by DAA. As a result of the use of derivatives, the Fund will frequently be leveraged, with net investment exposure substantially in excess of net assets.

While the Fund may seek to gain exposure to physical commodities traded in the commodities markets through investments in a variety of derivative instruments, the Adviser expects that the Fund seeks to gain such exposure to commodities and commodities-related instruments and derivatives primarily through investments in AB All Market Total Return Portfolio (Cayman), Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Subsidiary”). The Subsidiary is advised by the Adviser and has the same investment objective and substantially similar investment policies and restrictions as the Fund except that the Subsidiary, unlike the Fund, may invest, without limitation, in commodities and commodities-related instruments. The Fund is subject to the risks associated with the commodities, derivatives and other instruments in which the Subsidiary invests, to the extent of its investment in the Subsidiary. The Fund limits its investment in the Subsidiary to no more than 25% of its total assets. Investment in the Subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with commodity exposure within the limitations of federal tax requirements that apply to the Fund.

 

(continued on next page)

 

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Currency exchange rate fluctuations can have a dramatic impact on returns. The Fund’s foreign currency exposures will come from investment in securities priced or denominated in foreign currencies and from direct holdings in foreign currencies and currency-related derivatives. The Adviser may seek to hedge all or a portion of the currency exposure resulting from Fund investments or decide not to hedge this exposure. The Adviser may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives.

 

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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS

 

Benchmark Disclosure

All indices are unmanaged and do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The MSCI ACWI (net, free float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted) represents the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index (USD hedged) represents the performance of global investment-grade developed fixed-income markets, hedged to the US dollar. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations, and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices, any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI. Net returns include the reinvestment of dividends after deduction of non-US withholding tax. An investor cannot invest directly in an index or average, and their results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Fund.

A Word About Risk

Market Risk: The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock, bond or commodities markets fluctuate. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as growth or value, may be underperforming the stock market generally.

Allocation Risk: The allocation of investments among different investment styles, such as equity or debt, growth or value, US or non-US securities, or diversification strategies, may have a more significant effect on the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) when one of these investments is performing more poorly than another.

Credit Risk: An issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to a derivatives or other contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The issuer or guarantor may default, causing a loss of the full principal amount of a security and accrued interest. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. There is the possibility that the credit rating of a fixed-income security may be downgraded after purchase, which may adversely affect the value of the security. Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are subject to a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations.

 

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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)

 

High-Yield Debt 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.

Interest-Rate Risk: Changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of existing investments in fixed-income securities tends to fall and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from new investments. Interest-rate risk is generally greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations.

Inflation Risk: This is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the value of the Fund’s assets can decline as can the value of the Fund’s distributions. This risk is significantly greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities.

Foreign (Non-US) Risk: Investments in securities of non-US issuers may involve more risk than those of US issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be more difficult to trade due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

Currency Risk: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.

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.

Alternative Investments Risk: Many alternative investments can be volatile and may be illiquid. Their performance may have little correlation with the performance of equity or fixed-income markets, and they may not perform in accordance with expectations.

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.

 

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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)

 

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund. Derivatives, especially over-the-counter derivatives, are also subject to counterparty risk.

Leverage Risk: To the extent the Fund uses leveraging techniques, its NAV may be more volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of changes in interest rates and any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s investments.

Commodity Risk: Investing in commodities and commodity-linked derivative instruments may subject the Fund 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.

Subsidiary Risk: By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary. The derivatives and other investments held by the Subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. The Subsidiary is not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and, unless otherwise noted in the prospectus, is not subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act. However, the Fund wholly owns and controls the Subsidiary, and the Fund and the Subsidiary are managed by the Adviser, making it unlikely the Subsidiary will take actions contrary to the interests of the Fund or its shareholders. In addition, changes in federal tax laws applicable to the Fund or interpretations thereof could limit the Fund’s ability to gain exposure to commodities investments through investments in the Subsidiary.

Short Sale Risk: The Fund is subject to short sale risk because it may engage in short sales either directly or indirectly through investment in the Underlying Portfolio. Short sales involve the risk that the Fund or Underlying Portfolio will incur a loss by subsequently buying a security at a higher price than the price at which it sold the security. The amount of such loss is theoretically unlimited, as it will be based on the increase in value of the security sold short. In contrast, the risk of loss from a long position is limited to the Fund’s or Underlying Portfolio’s investment in the security, because the price of the security cannot fall below zero. The Fund or Underlying Portfolio may not always be able to close out a short position on favorable terms.

 

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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)

 

Management Risk: The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results.

These risks are fully discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate as the prices of the individual securities in which it invests fluctuate, so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. You may obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end by visiting www.abfunds.com. The performance shown for periods prior to April 24, 2017 is based on the Fund’s prior principal strategies and may not be representative of the Fund’s performance under its current principal strategies. Class B shares are no longer being offered. Effective November 7, 2019, all outstanding Class B shares were converted to Class A shares. Please see Note A for more information.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Fund have been deducted. NAV returns do not reflect sales charges; if sales charges were reflected, the Fund’s quoted performance would be lower. SEC returns reflect the applicable sales charges for each share class: a 4.25% maximum front-end sales charge for Class A shares and a 1% 1-year contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares. Returns for the different share classes will vary due to different expenses associated with each class. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

 

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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE

 

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE FUND (unaudited)

8/31/2010 TO 8/31/2020

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in AB All Market Total Return Portfolio Class A shares (from 8/31/2010 to 8/31/2020) as compared to the performance of the Fund’s benchmarks. The chart reflects the deduction of the maximum 4.25% sales charge from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF AUGUST 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

    NAV Returns     SEC Returns
(reflects applicable
sales charges)
 
CLASS A SHARES    
1 Year     1.44%       -2.90%  
5 Years     4.73%       3.82%  
10 Years     6.09%       5.63%  
CLASS C SHARES    
1 Year     0.67%       -0.32%  
5 Years     3.93%       3.93%  
10 Years     5.30%       5.30%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1    
1 Year     1.68%       1.68%  
5 Years     4.99%       4.99%  
10 Years     6.37%       6.37%  
CLASS R SHARES1    
1 Year     1.05%       1.05%  
5 Years     4.30%       4.30%  
10 Years     5.67%       5.67%  
CLASS K SHARES1    
1 Year     1.35%       1.35%  
5 Years     4.64%       4.64%  
10 Years     6.00%       6.00%  
CLASS I SHARES1    
1 Year     1.64%       1.64%  
5 Years     4.95%       4.95%  
10 Years     6.34%       6.34%  

The Fund’s current prospectus fee table shows the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratios as 1.10%, 1.85%, 0.85%, 1.51%, 1.20% and 0.87% for Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares, respectively. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

 

1

These share classes are offered at NAV to eligible investors and their SEC returns are the same as their NAV returns. Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

 

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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

SEC AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS

AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 (unaudited)

 

     SEC Returns
(reflects applicable
sales charges)
 
CLASS A SHARES   
1 Year      -5.16%  
5 Years      3.96%  
10 Years      4.78%  
CLASS C SHARES   
1 Year      -2.65%  
5 Years      4.07%  
10 Years      4.46%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1   
1 Year      -0.70%  
5 Years      5.13%  
10 Years      5.51%  
CLASS R SHARES1   
1 Year      -1.30%  
5 Years      4.44%  
10 Years      4.82%  
CLASS K SHARES1   
1 Year      -0.99%  
5 Years      4.76%  
10 Years      5.15%  
CLASS I SHARES1   
1 Year      -0.71%  
5 Years      5.10%  
10 Years      5.49%  

 

1

Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

 

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EXPENSE EXAMPLE

(unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions. Therefore, the hypothetical example is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

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EXPENSE EXAMPLE (continued)

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
March 1,
2020
    Ending
Account
Value
August 31,
2020
    Expenses
Paid
During
Period*
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio*
    Total
Expenses
Paid
During
Period+
    Total
Annualized
Expense
Ratio+
 
Class A            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,020.50     $ 5.28       1.04   $ 5.38       1.06

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,019.91     $ 5.28       1.04   $ 5.38       1.06
Class C            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,016.10     $ 9.07       1.79   $ 9.17       1.81

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,016.14     $ 9.07       1.79   $ 9.17       1.81
Advisor Class            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,021.60     $ 4.01       0.79   $ 4.12       0.81

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,021.17     $ 4.01       0.79   $ 4.12       0.81
Class R            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,018.70     $ 7.36       1.45   $ 7.46       1.47

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,017.85     $ 7.35       1.45   $ 7.46       1.47
Class K            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,019.90     $ 5.79       1.14   $ 5.89       1.16

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,019.41     $ 5.79       1.14   $ 5.89       1.16
Class I            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,021.40     $ 4.12       0.81   $ 4.22       0.83

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,021.06     $ 4.12       0.81   $ 4.22       0.83

 

*

Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**

Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

 

+

In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Fund’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Fund’s pro rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    15


 

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

August 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

PORTFOLIO STATISTICS

Net Assets ($mil): $639.6

 

 

 

LOGO

 

1

All data are as of August 31, 2020. The Fund’s security type breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. The Fund also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). “Other” security type weightings represent 0.1% or less in the following types: Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities, Governments–Sovereign Bonds, Local Governments–US Municipal Bonds, Mortgage Pass-Throughs, Options Purchased–Puts, Preferred Stocks, Quasi-Sovereigns and Warrants.

 

16    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY (continued)

August 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

 

 

LOGO

 

1

All data are as of August 31, 2020. The Fund’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. The Fund also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). “Other” country weightings represent 0.6% or less in the following: Angola, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Macau, Mexico, Mongolia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Zambia.

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    17


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

August 31, 2020

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

COMMON STOCKS – 57.5%

      

Information Technology – 14.9%

      

Communications Equipment – 0.5%

      

Acacia Communications, Inc.(a)

      31,746      $ 2,142,220  

Accton Technology Corp.

      22,000        175,444  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

      3,030        468,893  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson – Class B

      21,397        249,487  
      

 

 

 
         3,036,044  
      

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 2.1%

      

Amphenol Corp. – Class A

      49,835        5,471,883  

Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a)

      1,010        79,346  

CDW Corp./DE

      31,686        3,601,114  

Fitbit, Inc. – Class A(a)

      198,008        1,259,331  

Ingenico Group SA(b)

      13,111        2,238,622  

IPG Photonics Corp.(a)

      4,003        647,405  

LG Innotek Co., Ltd.

      1,571        191,135  

Synnex Technology International Corp.

      61,000        90,800  
      

 

 

 
         13,579,636  
      

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services – 0.3%

      

Grubhub, Inc.(a)

      29,365        2,124,558  
      

 

 

 

IT Services – 4.1%

      

Afterpay Ltd.(a)

      1,004        67,739  

Amadeus IT Group SA – Class A

      8,680        487,618  

Atos SE(a)

      2,160        187,204  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

      38,816        5,398,916  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

      12,196        1,073,980  

Capgemini SE

      5,540        768,500  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. – Class A

      46,069        3,080,173  

EPAM Systems, Inc.(a)

      550        179,905  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

      6,030        909,625  

International Business Machines Corp.

      3,258        401,744  

Mastercard, Inc. – Class A

      26,835        9,612,029  

Paychex, Inc.

      8,870        678,289  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)

      240        48,993  

Shopify, Inc. – Class A(a)

      380        405,894  

Visa, Inc. – Class A

      13,595        2,882,005  
      

 

 

 
         26,182,614  
      

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 1.2%

      

Applied Materials, Inc.

      1,680        103,488  

ASML Holding NV

      1,205        450,316  

Intel Corp.

      9,053        461,250  

 

18    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

KLA Corp.

      800      $ 164,112  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

      30,988        2,120,819  

Novatek Microelectronics Corp.

      36,000        294,538  

NVIDIA Corp.

      90        48,148  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

      3,767        448,650  

Realtek Semiconductor Corp.

      24,000        310,967  

STMicroelectronics NV

      10,856        328,340  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

      7,000        102,026  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Sponsored ADR)

      7,770        615,773  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

      10,083        1,433,298  

Xilinx, Inc.

      9,807        1,021,497  
      

 

 

 
         7,903,222  
      

 

 

 

Software – 5.3%

      

Adobe, Inc.(a)

      1,051        539,573  

Avaya Holdings Corp.(a)

      4,431        68,769  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(a)

      470        52,128  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.(a)

      10,070        1,271,438  

Citrix Systems, Inc.

      10,120        1,469,424  

Constellation Software, Inc./Canada

      1,100        1,273,423  

Fair Isaac Corp.(a)

      730        307,177  

Microsoft Corp.

      77,830        17,552,999  

Monitronics International, Inc.(a)

      2,230        8,474  

Monitronics International, Inc.(a)(c)(d)

      2,239        8,185  

Nice Ltd.(a)

      4,900        1,125,101  

NortonLifeLock, Inc.

      13,784        324,200  

Nuance Communications, Inc.(a)

      17,800        533,288  

Oracle Corp.

      38,665        2,212,411  

Oracle Corp. Japan

      11,700        1,371,172  

SAP SE

      11,379        1,881,459  

ServiceNow, Inc.(a)

      816        393,328  

Synopsys, Inc.(a)

      1,550        343,015  

Trend Micro, Inc./Japan

      34,900        2,159,792  

VMware, Inc. – Class A(a)(b)

      5,766        832,841  
      

 

 

 
         33,728,197  
      

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 1.4%

      

Apple, Inc.

      41,172        5,312,835  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

      27,200        263,024  

Logitech International SA

      5,980        442,906  

Pegatron Corp.

      144,000        306,299  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

      49,094        2,229,169  

Wiwynn Corp.

      11,000        293,425  
      

 

 

 
         8,847,658  
      

 

 

 
         95,401,929  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    19


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Health Care – 9.8%

      

Biotechnology – 0.4%

      

AbbVie, Inc.

      3,660      $ 350,518  

Amgen, Inc.

      1,394        353,128  

Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co., Ltd. – Class A

      10,100        198,994  

Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

      30,891        1,611,584  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

      117        32,657  

Zai Lab Ltd. (ADR)(a)

      1,960        155,565  
      

 

 

 
         2,702,446  
      

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies – 2.8%

      

Abbott Laboratories

      62,393        6,830,162  

AK Medical Holdings Ltd.(b)(e)

      86,080        219,429  

Avantor, Inc.(a)

      10,080        227,506  

Cochlear Ltd.(b)

      687        97,082  

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp., Ltd.

      13,196        326,823  

Hologic, Inc.(a)

      4,830        288,448  

Koninklijke Philips NV

      53,962        2,553,543  

Medtronic PLC

      25,809        2,773,693  

Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Co., Ltd. – Class H

      136,000        316,890  

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.(a)

      11,936        2,072,925  

Wright Medical Group NV(a)(b)

      75,117        2,270,787  
      

 

 

 
         17,977,288  
      

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services – 1.7%

 

AmerisourceBergen Corp. – Class A

      3,002        291,284  

Anthem, Inc.

      17,909        5,041,742  

Centene Corp.(a)

      5,300        324,996  

Galenica AG(e)

      5,740        412,156  

Henry Schein, Inc.(a)

      19,052        1,265,815  

Humana, Inc.

      636        264,048  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.(a)

      1,610        297,802  

Principia Biopharma, Inc.(a)

      10,844        1,084,508  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

      4,937        1,543,059  
      

 

 

 
         10,525,410  
      

 

 

 

Health Care Technology – 0.4%

 

Cerner Corp.

      4,434        325,322  

Livongo Health, Inc.(a)

      16,143        2,216,434  
      

 

 

 
         2,541,756  
      

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services – 1.4%

 

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

      231        23,197  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. – Class A(a)

      630        320,412  

Eurofins Scientific SE(a)

      120        96,560  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.(a)

      46,389        7,596,199  

 

20    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

PerkinElmer, Inc.

      2,690      $ 316,667  

Sartorius Stedim Biotech

      870        311,257  
      

 

 

 
         8,664,292  
      

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals – 3.1%

 

Astellas Pharma, Inc.

      34,600        542,810  

AstraZeneca PLC

      3,390        376,291  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

      5,840        363,248  

Eli Lilly & Co.

      2,902        430,628  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

      47,240        922,754  

Johnson & Johnson

      15,465        2,372,486  

Livzon Pharmaceutical Group, Inc. – Class A

      35,400        275,940  

Merck & Co., Inc.

      17,932        1,529,061  

Novo Nordisk A/S – Class B

      21,000        1,388,380  

Pfizer, Inc.

      13,570        512,810  

Progenic Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(c)(d)

      136,645        – 0  – 

Roche Holding AG

      11,167        3,906,427  

Sanofi

      17,015        1,723,428  

Shandong Buchang Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. – Class A

      62,000        250,737  

Zoetis, Inc.

      33,903        5,427,870  
      

 

 

 
         20,022,870  
      

 

 

 
         62,434,062  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary – 7.9%

      

Auto Components – 0.9%

      

Aptiv PLC

      44,485        3,831,048  

ATD New Holdings, Inc.(a)(c)

      2,609        41,309  

Delphi Technologies PLC(a)

      83,065        1,442,839  

Faurecia SE(a)

      7,661        335,429  
      

 

 

 
         5,650,625  
      

 

 

 

Automobiles – 0.3%

      

BAIC Motor Corp., Ltd.(e)

      289,000        138,524  

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV

      188,699        2,091,428  

Tesla, Inc.(a)

      120        59,798  
      

 

 

 
         2,289,750  
      

 

 

 

Diversified Consumer Services – 0.5%

      

China Yuhua Education Corp. Ltd.(e)

      193,715        185,701  

Service Corp. International/US

      55,091        2,514,904  

TAL Education Group (ADR)(a)

      3,580        264,240  
      

 

 

 
         2,964,845  
      

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.9%

      

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd.

      55,770        1,161,805  

Compass Group PLC

      62,900        1,017,845  

eDreams ODIGEO SA(a)(b)

      29,487        79,759  

La Francaise des Jeux SAEM(e)

      8,040        297,347  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    21


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

McDonald’s Corp.

      3,200      $ 683,264  

NetEnt AB(a)

      172,743        1,664,549  

Starbucks Corp.

      6,480        547,366  

Transat AT, Inc.(a)(b)

      77,327        310,055  
      

 

 

 
         5,761,990  
      

 

 

 

Household Durables – 0.1%

      

Electrolux AB – Class B

      2,140        46,457  

Persimmon PLC

      9,000        312,734  

Whirlpool Corp.

      1,780        316,342  
      

 

 

 
         675,533  
      

 

 

 

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail – 1.7%

      

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (ADR)(a)

      5,566        1,597,609  

Amazon.com, Inc.(a)

      1,193        4,116,995  

eBay, Inc.

      6,040        330,871  

JD.com, Inc. (ADR)(a)

      3,826        300,877  

Naspers Ltd. – Class N

      14,033        2,558,703  

Prosus NV(a)

      13,786        1,381,801  

Zalando SE(a)(e)

      3,637        318,631  
      

 

 

 
         10,605,487  
      

 

 

 

Leisure Products – 0.0%

      

Polaris, Inc.

      2,954        298,472  
      

 

 

 

Multiline Retail – 0.3%

      

Dollar General Corp.

      8,770        1,770,488  

Next PLC

      3,913        313,536  
      

 

 

 
         2,084,024  
      

 

 

 

Specialty Retail – 2.3%

      

AutoZone, Inc.(a)

      1,260        1,507,351  

GrandVision NV(a)(e)

      60,204        1,726,631  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

      8,182        2,332,197  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

      880        144,927  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(a)

      730        339,910  

Tiffany & Co.

      15,830        1,939,175  

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

      77,005        4,219,104  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.(a)

      9,749        2,263,523  

Zhongsheng Group Holdings Ltd.

      15,000        93,547  
      

 

 

 
         14,566,365  
      

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 0.9%

      

adidas AG(a)

      1,761        535,868  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)

      3,360        685,003  

NIKE, Inc. – Class B

      35,435        3,964,822  

Pandora A/S

      4,374        319,285  
      

 

 

 
         5,504,978  
      

 

 

 
         50,402,069  
      

 

 

 

 

22    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Financials – 6.5%

 

Banks – 1.2%

      

Absa Group Ltd.

      23,270      $ 105,399  

Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM

      124,340        636,194  

China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd. – Class H

      344,000        209,400  

Danske Bank A/S

      20,180        312,245  

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

      112,300        1,720,993  

FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA

      20,750        314,126  

ING Groep NV

      42,980        350,806  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

      3,232        323,814  

Jyske Bank A/S(a)

      39,664        1,181,743  

Mebuki Financial Group, Inc.

      117,800        285,582  

Royal Bank of Canada

      9,320        709,745  

Signature Bank/New York NY

      3,270        317,288  

Wells Fargo & Co.

      47,873        1,156,133  
      

 

 

 
         7,623,468  
      

 

 

 

Capital Markets – 3.1%

      

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

      2,040        319,872  

BlackRock, Inc. – Class A

      897        532,988  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

      122,466        4,351,217  

China Cinda Asset Management Co., Ltd. – Class H

      175,000        33,386  

CME Group, Inc. – Class A

      9,401        1,653,354  

E*TRADE Financial Corp.

      43,640        2,360,924  

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

      860        301,344  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

      4,349        890,980  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.

      4,100        206,723  

Julius Baer Group Ltd.

      58,501        2,804,923  

Moody’s Corp.

      2,870        845,617  

Partners Group Holding AG

      1,080        1,100,205  

S&P Global, Inc.

      2,940        1,077,275  

Singapore Exchange Ltd.

      235,000        1,486,033  

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

      48,702        1,869,183  
      

 

 

 
         19,834,024  
      

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services – 0.8%

      

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. – Class B(a)

      13,032        2,841,497  

Far East Horizon Ltd.

      370,000        327,444  

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA

      8,778        809,982  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.

      17,870        313,440  

Kinnevik AB – Class B

      8,120        314,955  

M&G PLC

      135,618        313,410  
      

 

 

 
         4,920,728  
      

 

 

 

Insurance – 1.4%

      

Admiral Group PLC

      14,360        501,042  

Athene Holding Ltd. – Class A(a)

      5,390        197,058  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    23


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Aviva PLC

      33,020      $ 124,452  

CNP Assurances

      20,690        277,396  

iA Financial Corp., Inc.

      7,593        273,310  

Japan Post Insurance Co., Ltd.

      18,600        297,231  

Legal & General Group PLC

      20,691        59,475  

MetLife, Inc.

      4,315        165,955  

National General Holdings Corp.

      46,006        1,566,504  

PICC Property & Casualty Co., Ltd. – Class H

      574,000        442,642  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

      4,329        182,294  

Progressive Corp. (The)

      5,500        522,720  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

      4,280        786,407  

Sampo Oyj – Class A

      22,950        924,510  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

      10,955        2,251,581  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

      1,130        417,815  
      

 

 

 
         8,990,392  
      

 

 

 
         41,368,612  
      

 

 

 

Industrials – 5.8%

      

Aerospace & Defense – 0.2%

      

AVIC Electromechanical Systems Co., Ltd.

      59,400        89,302  

AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Co., Ltd. – Class A

      2,900        24,986  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

      7,080        1,279,639  
      

 

 

 
         1,393,927  
      

 

 

 

Air Freight & Logistics – 0.3%

      

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

      6,550        643,865  

SG Holdings Co., Ltd.

      11,800        543,015  

United Parcel Service, Inc. – Class B

      2,620        428,684  

Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd.

      5,000        130,780  

ZTO Express Cayman, Inc. (ADR)

      9,763        327,353  
      

 

 

 
         2,073,697  
      

 

 

 

Building Products – 1.1%

      

Allegion PLC

      30,596        3,163,320  

Carrier Global Corp.

      6,060        180,891  

Masco Corp.

      13,240        771,892  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

      44,714        2,812,511  
      

 

 

 
         6,928,614  
      

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies – 1.7%

      

A-Living Services Co., Ltd. – Class H(e)

      4,000        20,612  

Advanced Disposal Services, Inc.(a)

      65,728        1,980,385  

Secom Co., Ltd.

      33,600        3,179,818  

Stericycle, Inc.(a)(b)

      86,791        5,564,171  
      

 

 

 
         10,744,986  
      

 

 

 

 

24    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Construction & Engineering – 0.0%

      

WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp.(a)

      1,235      $ 22,106  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Automotive – 0.0%

      

Exide Technologies(a)(c)(d)

      48,846        – 0  – 

Exide Technologies/Old(a)(c)(d)

      1,244        – 0  – 
      

 

 

 
         – 0  – 
      

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment – 0.2%

      

Acuity Brands, Inc.

      2,778        303,607  

Prysmian SpA

      12,170        340,111  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

      2,206        333,530  

Vivint Solar, Inc.(a)

      5,861        180,988  
      

 

 

 
         1,158,236  
      

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates – 0.4%

      

3M Co.

      15,436        2,516,377  
      

 

 

 

Machinery – 0.4%

      

Dover Corp.

      11,858        1,302,483  

IHI Corp.

      19,800        293,024  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

      12,300        305,365  

Snap-on, Inc.

      2,150        318,781  

Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.

      26,000        329,267  
      

 

 

 
         2,548,920  
      

 

 

 

Professional Services – 1.5%

      

Experian PLC

      21,650        808,899  

Intertrust NV

      23,900        428,952  

RELX PLC

      101,623        2,284,999  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. – Class A

      27,275        5,091,424  

Wolters Kluwer NV

      14,780        1,212,450  
      

 

 

 
         9,826,724  
      

 

 

 

Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.0%

      

BMC Stock Holdings, Inc.(a)

      565        22,555  
      

 

 

 
         37,236,142  
      

 

 

 

Communication Services – 5.6%

      

Diversified Telecommunication Services – 0.7%

      

Comcast Corp. – Class A

      56,297        2,522,668  

HKT Trust & HKT Ltd. – Class SS

      483,000        690,172  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

      35,800        814,650  

United Internet AG

      2,350        115,668  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

      606        35,918  
      

 

 

 
         4,179,076  
      

 

 

 

Entertainment – 0.6%

      

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

      7,460        623,059  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    25


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Electronic Arts, Inc.(a)

      7,143      $ 996,234  

G-bits Network Technology Xiamen Co., Ltd. – Class A

      900        81,243  

NCSoft Corp.

      83        57,583  

Netflix, Inc.(a)

      991        524,794  

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

      2,600        1,399,600  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)

      109        18,660  

Wuhu Sanqi Interactive Entertainment Network Technology Group Co., Ltd. – Class A

      47,100        312,706  
      

 

 

 
         4,013,879  
      

 

 

 

Interactive Media & Services – 3.6%

      

Alphabet, Inc. – Class A(a)

      463        754,472  

Alphabet, Inc. – Class C(a)

      6,608        10,798,660  

Auto Trader Group PLC

      164,700        1,231,278  

Facebook, Inc. – Class A(a)

      31,816        9,328,452  

Meet Group, Inc. (The)(a)

      99,296        625,565  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

      2,000        136,637  
      

 

 

 
         22,875,064  
      

 

 

 

Media – 0.0%

      

Charter Communications, Inc. – Class A(a)

      193        118,813  

DISH Network Corp. – Class A(a)

      609        21,632  

iHeartMedia, Inc. – Class A(a)

      288        2,655  
      

 

 

 
         143,100  
      

 

 

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.7%

      

China Mobile Ltd.

      168,000        1,175,649  

Globe Telecom, Inc.

      2,370        101,970  

SoftBank Group Corp.

      48,400        2,993,842  
      

 

 

 
         4,271,461  
      

 

 

 
         35,482,580  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Staples – 3.2%

      

Beverages – 0.5%

      

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

      26,900        940,120  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

      23,780        1,177,823  

PepsiCo, Inc.

      6,540        915,992  
      

 

 

 
         3,033,935  
      

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing – 0.7%

      

J Sainsbury PLC

      13,700        33,662  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

      56,740        1,707,068  

Kroger Co. (The)

      9,190        327,899  

Southeastern Grocers, Inc. Npv(a)(c)(d)

      2,013        128,832  

Walmart, Inc.

      15,350        2,131,348  
      

 

 

 
         4,328,809  
      

 

 

 

 

26    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Food Products – 0.9%

      

a2 Milk Co., Ltd. (The)(a)

      9,010      $ 112,450  

CJ CheilJedang Corp.

      120        41,047  

Danone SA

      23,745        1,561,389  

Heilongjiang Agriculture Co., Ltd.

      101,600        298,535  

Henan Shuanghui Investment & Development Co., Ltd. – Class A

      36,700        339,824  

Ingredion, Inc.

      3,068        246,790  

Morinaga & Co., Ltd./Japan

      13,500        494,760  

Nestle SA

      13,033        1,569,787  

Salmar ASA

      22,840        1,235,689  

Tingyi Cayman Islands Holding Corp.

      158,000        296,513  
      

 

 

 
         6,196,784  
      

 

 

 

Household Products – 0.5%

      

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

      22,072        3,053,220  
      

 

 

 

Personal Products – 0.1%

      

Unilever PLC

      6,281        371,344  
      

 

 

 

Tobacco – 0.5%

      

British American Tobacco PLC

      17,360        585,119  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

      13,696        1,092,804  

Swedish Match AB

      19,926        1,513,379  
      

 

 

 
         3,191,302  
      

 

 

 
         20,175,394  
      

 

 

 

Materials – 1.7%

 

Chemicals – 1.3%

      

Clariant AG

      12,890        269,157  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.(b)

      58,542        7,246,914  

Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd.

      2,430        205,085  

Lomon Billions Group Co., Ltd. – Class A

      20,600        70,508  

Orbia Advance Corp. SAB de CV

      12,400        19,924  

RPM International, Inc.

      3,656        309,919  

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

      36,500        118,384  

Umicore SA

      5,890        270,351  
      

 

 

 
         8,510,242  
      

 

 

 

Construction Materials – 0.0%

      

China National Building Material Co., Ltd. – Class H

      58,000        81,408  
      

 

 

 

Containers & Packaging – 0.0%

      

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

      4,030        142,707  

Westrock Co.

      16        485  
      

 

 

 
         143,192  
      

 

 

 

Metals & Mining – 0.3%

      

Artsonig Pty Ltd.(c)(d)

      51,133        – 0  – 

BHP Group PLC

      5,320        121,095  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    27


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Constellium SE – Class A(a)

      4,470      $ 35,805  

Evraz PLC

      11,775        50,377  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

      24,451        312,518  

Kinross Gold Corp.(a)

      11,800        104,760  

Kumba Iron Ore Ltd.

      9,880        309,492  

Neenah Enterprises, Inc.(a)(c)(d)

      10,896        – 0  – 

Southern Copper Corp.

      6,621        318,470  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

      11,090        327,377  

Yamana Gold, Inc.

      51,040        316,175  
      

 

 

 
         1,896,069  
      

 

 

 

Paper & Forest Products – 0.1%

      

Mondi PLC

      26,338        518,234  
      

 

 

 
         11,149,145  
      

 

 

 

Utilities – 0.9%

      

Electric Utilities – 0.6%

      

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

      15,140        1,193,486  

EDP – Energias de Portugal SA

      128,000        650,697  

Enel SpA

      156,960        1,421,303  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

      3,140        876,594  

NRG Energy, Inc.

      2,348        80,794  
      

 

 

 
         4,222,874  
      

 

 

 

Gas Utilities – 0.1%

      

AltaGas Ltd.(b)

      5,790        74,886  

Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.

      20,200        449,783  
      

 

 

 
         524,669  
      

 

 

 

Multi-Utilities – 0.2%

      

Ameren Corp.

      12,240        968,306  

Sempra Energy

      2,650        327,673  
      

 

 

 
         1,295,979  
      

 

 

 
         6,043,522  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.6%

      

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.6%

      

Battalion Oil Corp.(a)

      1        8  

Berry Corp.

      9,850        38,809  

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

      4,470        88,142  

CHC Group LLC(a)(f)

      2,966        119  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

      470        18,772  

K2016470219 South Africa Ltd. –Series A(c)(d)

      465,862        – 0  – 

K2016470219 South Africa Ltd. –Series B(c)(d)

      73,623        – 0  – 

LUKOIL PJSC (Sponsored ADR)

      12,592        846,560  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

      30,101        1,067,381  

Noble Energy, Inc.

      63,130        628,144  

Paragon Litigation – Class A(c)

      649        65  

Paragon Litigation – Class B(c)

      974        5,357  

 

28    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Parkland Corp./Canada(b)

      6,964      $ 197,385  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC – Class B

      45,060        633,936  

Tervita Corp.(a)

      29,494        67,836  

Valero Energy Corp.

      2,940        154,615  

Vantage Drilling International(a)

      573        3,725  

Yanzhou Coal Mining Co., Ltd. – Class H

      264,000        202,964  
      

 

 

 
         3,953,818  
      

 

 

 

Real Estate – 0.6%

      

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) – 0.3%

      

Nippon Building Fund, Inc.

      149        897,221  

Stockland

      35,940        104,796  

Taubman Centers, Inc.

      18,056        691,545  

VICI Properties, Inc.

      10,308        230,281  
      

 

 

 
         1,923,843  
      

 

 

 

Real Estate Management & Development – 0.3%

      

CBRE Group, Inc. – Class A(a)

      22,968        1,080,185  

Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Corp.

      35,700        153,098  

Vonovia SE

      10,350        740,706  
      

 

 

 
         1,973,989  
      

 

 

 
         3,897,832  
      

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $292,568,478)

         367,545,105  
      

 

 

 
      

INVESTMENT COMPANIES – 6.5%

      

Funds and Investment Trusts – 6.5%(g)

      

Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund

      33,910        849,785  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

      21,260        2,516,546  

iShares iBoxx High Yield Corporate Bond ETF

      9,684        823,430  

iShares JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF

      10,550        1,198,269  

iShares MSCI ACWI ETF(b)

      6,391        526,299  

iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF

      15,930        1,482,446  

iShares Russell 2000 ETF(b)

      591        91,859  

iShares US Technology ETF(b)

      6,055        1,932,635  

ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF

      23,839        1,151,424  

VanEck Vectors JP Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF – Class E

      18,149        571,693  

Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF

      349,293        17,359,862  

Vanguard Real Estate ETF(b)

      162,497        13,284,130  
      

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies
(cost $43,010,529)

         41,788,378  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    29


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

CORPORATES – NON-INVESTMENT GRADE – 4.9%

      

Industrial – 4.0%

      

Basic – 0.4%

      

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
5.00%, 09/30/2027(e)

    U.S.$       16      $ 16,726  

Arconic Corp.
6.125%, 02/15/2028(e)

      33        34,806  

Avient Corp.
5.75%, 05/15/2025(e)

      32        33,984  

CF Industries, Inc.
3.45%, 06/01/2023

      78        81,058  

4.95%, 06/01/2043

      3        3,565  

5.375%, 03/15/2044

      76        94,617  

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.
6.75%, 03/15/2026(e)

      12        12,251  

9.875%, 10/17/2025(e)

      114        125,579  

Commercial Metals Co.
5.375%, 07/15/2027

      140        148,933  

Crown Americas LLC/Crown Americas Capital Corp. VI
4.75%, 02/01/2026

      20        20,812  

Element Solutions, Inc.
3.875%, 09/01/2028(e)

      91        92,806  

ERP Iron Ore, LLC
9.039%, 12/31/2019(a)(c)(d)(h)(i)

      12        10,336  

Flex Acquisition Co., Inc.
7.875%, 07/15/2026(e)

      40        41,917  

FMG Resources (August 2006) Pty Ltd.
4.50%, 09/15/2027(e)

      107        116,086  

Graham Packaging Co., Inc.
7.125%, 08/15/2028(e)

      28        29,400  

Grinding Media, Inc./Moly-Cop AltaSteel Ltd.
7.375%, 12/15/2023(e)

      123        125,376  

Hecla Mining Co.
7.25%, 02/15/2028

      28        30,867  

Illuminate Buyer LLC/Illuminate Holdings IV, Inc.
9.00%, 07/01/2028(e)

      77        82,827  

Intelligent Packaging Ltd. Finco, Inc./Intelligent Packaging Ltd. Co-Issuer LLC
6.00%, 09/15/2028(e)

      89        90,727  

Joseph T Ryerson & Son, Inc.
8.50%, 08/01/2028(e)

      58        63,100  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.
6.50%, 05/01/2025(e)

      22        23,287  

 

30    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Kraton Polymers LLC/Kraton Polymers Capital Corp.
5.25%, 05/15/2026(e)

    EUR       100      $ 120,298  

Magnetation LLC/Mag Finance Corp.
11.00%, 05/15/2018(a)(c)(d)(h)(j)

    U.S.$       146        – 0  – 

Novelis Corp.
5.875%, 09/30/2026(e)

      40        41,726  

OCI NV
5.00%, 04/15/2023(e)

    EUR       100        122,318  

Olin Corp.
5.625%, 08/01/2029

    U.S.$       124        123,923  

Peabody Energy Corp.
6.00%, 03/31/2022(b)(e)

      16        7,318  

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc./Reynolds Group Issuer LLC/Reynolds Group Issuer Lu
7.00%, 07/15/2024(e)

      93        95,384  

SPCM SA
4.875%, 09/15/2025(e)

      142        146,756  

United States Steel Corp.
12.00%, 06/01/2025(e)

      175        186,015  

Valvoline, Inc.
4.25%, 02/15/2030(e)

      152        161,289  

WR Grace & Co.-Conn
4.875%, 06/15/2027(e)

      39        40,875  

5.625%, 10/01/2024(e)

      23        24,340  
      

 

 

 
         2,349,302  
      

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 0.5%

      

ARD Finance SA
5.00% (5.00% Cash or 5.75% PIK), 06/30/2027(e)(i)

    EUR       202        241,057  

Ball Corp.
5.00%, 03/15/2022

    U.S.$       93        99,099  

Bombardier, Inc.
5.75%, 03/15/2022(e)

      364        321,707  

8.75%, 12/01/2021(e)

      60        57,655  

Clean Harbors, Inc.
4.875%, 07/15/2027(e)

      3        3,151  

Cleaver-Brooks, Inc.
7.875%, 03/01/2023(e)

      74        72,351  

Colfax Corp.
6.00%, 02/15/2024(e)

      23        24,068  

6.375%, 02/15/2026(e)

      24        25,985  

Crown Americas LLC/Crown Americas Capital Corp. IV
4.50%, 01/15/2023

      80        84,078  

Energizer Holdings, Inc.
4.75%, 06/15/2028(e)

      33        34,420  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    31


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

EnerSys
4.375%, 12/15/2027(e)

    U.S.$       100      $ 102,774  

Gates Global LLC/Gates Corp.
6.25%, 01/15/2026(e)

      130        133,900  

GFL Environmental, Inc.
5.125%, 12/15/2026(e)

      15        15,831  

8.50%, 05/01/2027(e)

      50        54,505  

Granite US Holdings Corp.
11.00%, 10/01/2027(e)

      54        56,728  

Griffon Corp.
5.75%, 03/01/2028

      22        23,363  

JELD-WEN, Inc.
4.625%, 12/15/2025(e)

      17        17,281  

Mauser Packaging Solutions Holding Co.
5.50%, 04/15/2024(e)

      13        13,285  

7.25%, 04/15/2025(e)

      236        229,298  

Moog, Inc.
4.25%, 12/15/2027(e)

      42        43,379  

RBS Global, Inc./Rexnord LLC
4.875%, 12/15/2025(e)

      60        61,418  

Signature Aviation US Holdings, Inc.
4.00%, 03/01/2028(e)

      55        53,781  

5.375%, 05/01/2026(e)

      60        61,752  

Stevens Holding Co., Inc.
6.125%, 10/01/2026(e)

      18        19,389  

Summit Materials LLC/Summit Materials Finance Corp.
5.25%, 01/15/2029(e)

      34        35,611  

Terex Corp.
5.625%, 02/01/2025(e)

      95        96,247  

TransDigm UK Holdings PLC
6.875%, 05/15/2026

      265        271,225  

TransDigm, Inc.
6.25%, 03/15/2026(e)

      47        49,617  

Triumph Group, Inc.
6.25%, 09/15/2024(e)

      14        11,442  

7.75%, 08/15/2025

      85        50,395  

8.875%, 06/01/2024(e)

      66        69,615  

Trivium Packaging Finance BV
8.50%, 08/15/2027(e)

      219        240,635  

Vertical US Newco, Inc.
5.25%, 07/15/2027(e)

      300        311,601  

Wesco Distribution, Inc.
7.125%, 06/15/2025(e)

      70        77,120  

7.25%, 06/15/2028(e)

      51        56,833  
      

 

 

 
         3,120,596  
      

 

 

 

 

32    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Communications - Media – 0.3%

      

Banijay Entertainment SASU
3.50%, 03/01/2025(e)

    EUR       150      $ 176,679  

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.
5.375%, 05/01/2025(e)

    U.S.$       30        30,678  

5.75%, 02/15/2026(e)

      87        91,171  

Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc.
5.125%, 08/15/2027(e)

      25        25,192  

CSC Holdings LLC
3.375%, 02/15/2031(e)

      200        197,328  

5.875%, 09/15/2022

      15        15,951  

6.75%, 11/15/2021

      40        42,184  

DISH DBS Corp.
6.75%, 06/01/2021

      69        70,985  

7.375%, 07/01/2028(e)

      98        103,988  

DISH Network Corp.
3.375%, 08/15/2026(k)

      56        55,231  

Gray Television, Inc.
5.125%, 10/15/2024(e)

      150        153,753  

5.875%, 07/15/2026(e)

      85        88,559  

iHeartCommunications, Inc.
4.75%, 01/15/2028(e)

      35        33,415  

6.375%, 05/01/2026

      22        22,949  

8.375%, 05/01/2027

      137        138,516  

Lamar Media Corp.
4.875%, 01/15/2029(e)

      4        4,196  

5.75%, 02/01/2026

      65        67,733  

Meredith Corp.
6.875%, 02/01/2026

      60        52,168  

National CineMedia LLC
5.75%, 08/15/2026

      33        21,652  

5.875%, 04/15/2028(e)

      67        54,000  

Outfront Media Capital LLC/Outfront Media Capital Corp.
4.625%, 03/15/2030(e)

      61        58,957  

Radiate Holdco LLC/Radiate Finance, Inc.
6.875%, 02/15/2023(e)

      60        60,980  

Scripps Escrow, Inc.
5.875%, 07/15/2027(e)

      76        76,194  

Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
5.125%, 02/15/2027(e)

      150        146,233  

Summer BC Holdco B SARL
5.75%, 10/31/2026(e)

    EUR       150        179,003  

TEGNA, Inc.
5.00%, 09/15/2029(e)

    U.S.$       110        110,526  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    33


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Univision Communications, Inc.
6.625%, 06/01/2027(e)

    U.S.$       80     $ 80,811  

9.50%, 05/01/2025(e)

      43       47,312  
     

 

 

 
        2,206,344  
     

 

 

 

Communications - Telecommunications – 0.2%

     

Altice France SA/France
7.375%, 05/01/2026(e)

      245       259,888  

CenturyLink, Inc.
Series T
5.80%, 03/15/2022

      65       67,869  

Hughes Satellite Systems Corp.
7.625%, 06/15/2021

      47       48,619  

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA
5.50%, 08/01/2023(a)(l)

      177       115,801  

Sprint Communications, Inc.
11.50%, 11/15/2021

      60       66,784  

Telecom Italia Capital SA
6.375%, 11/15/2033

      136       168,510  

7.20%, 07/18/2036

      148       194,366  

7.721%, 06/04/2038

      71       99,074  

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.
4.00%, 03/01/2027(e)

      51       50,462  

Zayo Group LLC/Zayo Capital, Inc.
5.75%, 01/15/2027(e)

      0 **      108  
     

 

 

 
        1,071,481  
     

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Automotive – 0.3%

     

Adient US LLC
9.00%, 04/15/2025(e)

      92       102,920  

Allison Transmission, Inc.
5.00%, 10/01/2024(e)

   

 

10

 

 

 

10,107

 

5.875%, 06/01/2029(e)

      60       65,903  

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
6.25%, 04/01/2025(b)

      79       81,467  

6.875%, 07/01/2028

      67       69,515  

Clarios Global LP/Clarios US Finance Co.
6.25%, 05/15/2026(e)

      54       57,262  

8.50%, 05/15/2027(e)

      152       161,503  

Dana, Inc.
5.375%, 11/15/2027

      11       11,635  

5.625%, 06/15/2028

      17       17,969  

Dealer Tire LLC/DT Issuer LLC
8.00%, 02/01/2028(e)

      14       13,940  

Exide International Holdings LP
(Superpriority Lien)
10.75%, 10/31/2021(a)(c)(d)(j)(l)

      117       103,224  

 

34    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Exide Technologies (Exchange Priority)
11.00%, 10/31/2024(a)(c)(d)(j)(l)

    U.S.$       72      $ 3,596  

(First Lien)
11.00%, 10/31/2024(a)(c)(d)(j)(l)

      24        – 0  – 

Ford Motor Co.
8.50%, 04/21/2023

      391        433,017  

9.00%, 04/22/2025

      103        120,525  

Garrett LX I SARL/Garrett Borrowing LLC
5.125%, 10/15/2026(e)

    EUR       108        96,467  

IHO Verwaltungs GmbH
3.625% (3.625% Cash or 4.375% PIK), 05/15/2025(e)(i)

      100        122,076  

Meritor, Inc.
6.25%, 02/15/2024-06/01/2025(e)

    U.S.$       107        110,635  

Navistar International Corp.
6.625%, 11/01/2025(e)

      86        87,589  

9.50%, 05/01/2025(e)

      57        64,928  

Tenneco, Inc.
5.00%, 07/15/2026(b)

      167        125,776  

Titan International, Inc.
6.50%, 11/30/2023

      102        76,213  

Truck Hero, Inc.
8.50%, 04/21/2024(e)

      84        89,594  
      

 

 

 
         2,025,861  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Entertainment – 0.1%

      

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
5.75%, 06/15/2025

      29        8,942  

5.875%, 11/15/2026

      162        47,970  

Carnival Corp.
9.875%, 08/01/2027(e)

      60        60,453  

11.50%, 04/01/2023(e)

      151        168,447  

Cedar Fair LP/Canada’s Wonderland Co./Magnum Management Corp./Millennium Op
5.50%, 05/01/2025(e)

      179        183,937  

Mattel, Inc.
5.875%, 12/15/2027(e)

      92        99,971  

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.
8.75%, 05/01/2025(e)

      93        99,585  

9.50%, 08/01/2025(e)

      73        77,167  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.
4.875%, 07/31/2024(e)

      30        29,098  

Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc.
7.00%, 07/01/2025(e)

      38        41,127  

Vail Resorts, Inc.
6.25%, 05/15/2025(e)

      25        26,739  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    35


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Viking Cruises Ltd.
5.875%, 09/15/2027(e)

    U.S.$       53      $ 37,207  

VOC Escrow Ltd.
5.00%, 02/15/2028(e)

      3        2,471  
      

 

 

 
         883,114  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Other – 0.4%

      

Adams Homes, Inc.
7.50%, 02/15/2025(e)

      79        78,919  

Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
5.875%, 10/15/2027

      7        7,108  

6.75%, 03/15/2025

      46        47,195  

Boyd Gaming Corp.
8.625%, 06/01/2025(e)

      62        68,387  

Brookfield Residential Properties, Inc./Brookfield Residential US Corp.
4.875%, 02/15/2030(e)

      113        105,811  

6.25%, 09/15/2027(e)

      3        3,045  

Caesars Entertainment Corp.
5.00%, 10/01/2024(k)

      26        47,121  

Colt Merger Sub, Inc.
6.25%, 07/01/2025(e)

      102        107,919  

Five Point Operating Co. LP/Five Point Capital Corp.
7.875%, 11/15/2025(e)

      173        175,448  

Forestar Group, Inc.
5.00%, 03/01/2028(e)

      40        40,407  

8.00%, 04/15/2024(e)

      67        71,063  

Forterra Finance LLC/FRTA Finance Corp.
6.50%, 07/15/2025(e)

      27        28,706  

Hilton Domestic Operating Co., Inc.
4.25%, 09/01/2024

      15        15,075  

4.875%, 01/15/2030

      3        3,098  

5.375%, 05/01/2025(e)

      21        22,013  

5.75%, 05/01/2028(e)

      22        23,268  

Installed Building Products, Inc.
5.75%, 02/01/2028(e)

      31        32,661  

K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
10.00%, 07/15/2022(e)

      199        177,329  

KB Home
7.00%, 12/15/2021

      54        56,840  

7.50%, 09/15/2022

      25        27,175  

Marriott Ownership Resorts, Inc.
6.125%, 09/15/2025(e)

      39        41,386  

Marriott Ownership Resorts, Inc./ILG LLC
6.50%, 09/15/2026

      154        159,900  

Mattamy Group Corp.
4.625%, 03/01/2030(e)

      88        90,658  

5.25%, 12/15/2027(e)

      53        56,147  

 

36    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Meritage Homes Corp.
7.00%, 04/01/2022

    U.S.$       11      $ 11,402  

MGM Resorts International
5.50%, 04/15/2027

      77        81,429  

Scientific Games International, Inc.
5.00%, 10/15/2025(e)

      84        83,013  

7.00%, 05/15/2028(e)

      43        42,154  

7.25%, 11/15/2029(e)

      42        41,634  

Shea Homes LP/Shea Homes Funding Corp.
4.75%, 02/15/2028(e)

      47        48,195  

6.125%, 04/01/2025(e)

      140        144,262  

Sugarhouse HSP Gaming Prop Mezz LP/Sugarhouse HSP Gaming Finance Corp.
5.875%, 05/15/2025(e)

      197        191,210  

Taylor Morrison Communities, Inc.
5.75%, 01/15/2028(e)

      20        22,427  

5.875%, 06/15/2027(e)

      3        3,361  

Taylor Morrison Communities, Inc./Taylor Morrison Holdings II, Inc.
5.625%, 03/01/2024(e)

      183        194,664  

Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc.
6.75%, 06/01/2027(e)

      72        71,431  

Wyndham Destinations, Inc.
4.625%, 03/01/2030(e)

      94        88,541  

6.625%, 07/31/2026(e)

      48        51,009  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
5.375%, 04/15/2026(e)

      3        3,121  

Wynn Las Vegas LLC/Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp.
5.50%, 03/01/2025(e)

      93        92,078  
      

 

 

 
         2,656,610  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Restaurants – 0.1%

      

1011778 BC ULC/New Red Finance, Inc.
4.375%, 01/15/2028(e)

      55        56,443  

5.75%, 04/15/2025(e)

      53        56,534  

Golden Nugget, Inc.
8.75%, 10/01/2025(e)

      140        103,936  

IRB Holding Corp.
6.75%, 02/15/2026(e)

      122        124,218  

7.00%, 06/15/2025(e)

      51        54,528  

Yum! Brands, Inc.
7.75%, 04/01/2025(e)

      51        56,995  
      

 

 

 
         452,654  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    37


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Retailers – 0.2%

      

Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp.
6.25%, 04/15/2025(e)

    U.S.$       12      $ 12,772  

Dufry One BV
2.50%, 10/15/2024(e)

    EUR       143        144,668  

FirstCash, Inc.
4.625%, 09/01/2028(e)

    U.S.$       22        22,601  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
5.00%, 06/01/2022

      160        160,000  

L Brands, Inc.
5.25%, 02/01/2028

      13        12,561  

6.875%, 07/01/2025(e)

      32        34,581  

7.50%, 06/15/2029

      13        13,844  

9.375%, 07/01/2025(e)

      55        63,937  

Murphy Oil USA, Inc.
5.625%, 05/01/2027

      6        6,022  

Penske Automotive Group, Inc.
3.50%, 09/01/2025

      65        65,436  

5.50%, 05/15/2026

      15        15,615  

5.75%, 10/01/2022

      9        9,024  

PetSmart, Inc.
7.125%, 03/15/2023(e)

      162        163,362  

Rite Aid Corp.
7.50%, 07/01/2025(e)

      151        151,462  

Sonic Automotive, Inc.
6.125%, 03/15/2027

      47        49,774  

Staples, Inc.
7.50%, 04/15/2026(e)

      215        191,283  

TPro Acquisition Corp.
11.00%, 10/15/2024(e)

      36        35,417  

William Carter Co. (The)
5.50%, 05/15/2025(e)

      47        50,382  
      

 

 

 
         1,202,741  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 0.3%

      

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.
5.50%, 07/01/2028(e)

      88        91,815  

AdaptHealth LLC
6.125%, 08/01/2028(e)

      25        26,247  

Air Medical Group Holdings, Inc.
6.375%, 05/15/2023(b)(e)

      66        65,026  

Albertsons Cos., Inc./Safeway, Inc./New Albertsons LP/Albertsons LLC
3.25%, 03/15/2026(b)(e)

      184        187,686  

6.625%, 06/15/2024

      36        37,168  

Avantor Funding, Inc.
4.625%, 07/15/2028(e)

      70        74,016  

 

38    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

        Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Bausch Health Cos., Inc.
6.25%, 02/15/2029(e)

  U.S.$     129      $ 134,809  

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc.
4.875%, 01/15/2026(e)

      55        56,207  

CD&R Smokey Buyer, Inc.
6.75%, 07/15/2025(e)

      8        8,555  

CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.
8.125%, 06/30/2024(e)

      97        66,773  

Coty, Inc.
6.50%, 04/15/2026(e)

      40        33,098  

DaVita, Inc.
3.75%, 02/15/2031(e)

      90        89,176  

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.
3.875%, 08/15/2028(e)

      13        13,195  

Endo Dac/Endo Finance LLC/Endo Finco, Inc.
9.50%, 07/31/2027(e)

      36        38,977  

Hadrian Merger Sub, Inc.
8.50%, 05/01/2026(b)(e)

      56        54,084  

HCA, Inc.
5.875%, 05/01/2023

      23        25,224  

Kronos Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
9.00%, 08/15/2023(e)

      242        246,235  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.
4.625%, 11/01/2024(e)

      140        146,327  

LifePoint Health, Inc.
6.75%, 04/15/2025(e)

      110        118,998  

Mallinckrodt International Finance SA/Mallinckrodt CB LLC
5.50%, 04/15/2025(e)

      26        5,222  

MEDNAX, Inc.
5.25%, 12/01/2023(e)

      10        10,240  

6.25%, 01/15/2027(e)

      17        18,016  

Newell Brands, Inc.
4.35%, 04/01/2023

      65        68,524  

Radiology Partners, Inc.
9.25%, 02/01/2028(e)

      73        77,511  

Spectrum Brands, Inc.
5.75%, 07/15/2025

      30        30,992  

Sunshine Mid BV
6.50%, 05/15/2026(e)

  EUR     103        127,902  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.
5.125%, 05/01/2025

  U.S.$     35        35,866  

7.50%, 04/01/2025(e)

      70        76,825  

8.125%, 04/01/2022

      55        59,382  

US Renal Care, Inc.
10.625%, 07/15/2027(e)

      85        91,695  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    39


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

West Street Merger Sub, Inc.
6.375%, 09/01/2025(e)

    U.S.$       172      $ 176,563  
      

 

 

 
         2,292,354  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.6%

      

Antero Resources Corp.
5.125%, 12/01/2022

      114        98,518  

Apache Corp.
4.625%, 11/15/2025

      8        8,205  

4.875%, 11/15/2027

      16        16,361  

5.35%, 07/01/2049

      137        131,998  

Berry Petroleum Co. LLC
7.00%, 02/15/2026(e)

      83        66,171  

Blue Racer Midstream LLC/Blue Racer Finance Corp.
6.625%, 07/15/2026(b)(e)

      29        25,581  

Callon Petroleum, Co.
6.25%, 04/15/2023

      28        9,922  

8.25%, 07/15/2025

      169        53,816  

CHC Group LLC/CHC Finance Ltd.
Series AI
Zero Coupon, 10/01/2020(f)(k)

      158        23,771  

Citgo Holding, Inc.
9.25%, 08/01/2024(e)

      50        49,370  

CITGO Petroleum Corp.
6.25%, 08/15/2022(e)

      34        33,996  

7.00%, 06/15/2025(e)

      152        152,842  

Comstock Resources, Inc.
7.50%, 05/15/2025(e)

      41        40,899  

9.75%, 08/15/2026

      39        41,668  

Denbury Resources, Inc.
7.75%, 02/15/2024(a)(e)(l)

      104        51,855  

9.25%, 03/31/2022(a)(e)(l)

      38        18,845  

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
4.875%, 11/01/2043(a)(l)

      367        39,606  

7.875%, 08/15/2025(a)(l)

      43        4,221  

EnLink Midstream Partners LP
4.40%, 04/01/2024

      7        6,442  

EP Energy LLC/Everest Acquisition Finance, Inc.
7.75%, 09/01/2022(a)(l)

      338        10  

9.388%, 05/01/2024(a)(e)(l)

      100        5  

Genesis Energy LP/Genesis Energy Finance Corp.

      

5.625%, 06/15/2024

      51        45,074  

6.25%, 05/15/2026

      47        39,911  

6.50%, 10/01/2025

      32        27,647  

7.75%, 02/01/2028

      23        20,477  

 

40    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

        Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Global Partners LP/GLP Finance Corp.
7.00%, 06/15/2023-08/01/2027

  U.S.$     79      $ 79,640  

Gulfport Energy Corp.

      

6.00%, 10/15/2024

      54        32,371  

6.375%, 05/15/2025-01/15/2026

      274        161,712  

Hess Midstream Operations LP
5.625%, 02/15/2026(e)

      197        205,254  

HighPoint Operating Corp.
7.00%, 10/15/2022

      33        8,300  

Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co.
5.75%, 10/01/2025(e)

      110        103,196  

Indigo Natural Resources LLC
6.875%, 02/15/2026(e)

      67        68,503  

Murphy Oil Corp.
6.375%, 12/01/2042(b)

      51        43,599  

Nabors Industries Ltd.

      

7.25%, 01/15/2026(e)

      59        27,596  

7.50%, 01/15/2028(e)

      60        25,719  

New Fortress Energy, Inc.
6.75%, 09/15/2025(e)

      122        123,785  

NGL Energy Partners LP/NGL Energy Finance Corp.
7.50%, 11/01/2023

      181        130,928  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.
2.70%, 02/15/2023

      69        66,477  

2.90%, 08/15/2024

      31        28,532  

3.40%, 04/15/2026

      10        8,868  

3.50%, 06/15/2025

      35        31,683  

8.50%, 07/15/2027

      26        28,744  

8.875%, 07/15/2030

      26        29,589  

Parkland Corp./Canada
6.00%, 04/01/2026(e)

      142        150,037  

PDC Energy, Inc.
5.75%, 05/15/2026

      217        221,833  

QEP Resources, Inc.
5.25%, 05/01/2023

      44        36,036  

5.375%, 10/01/2022

      81        71,249  

Range Resources Corp.
5.00%, 08/15/2022-03/15/2023

      145        144,672  

5.875%, 07/01/2022

      5        5,071  

SandRidge Energy, Inc.
7.50%, 02/15/2023(a)(c)(d)

      69        – 0  – 

8.125%, 10/15/2022(a)(c)(d)

      113        – 0  – 

SM Energy Co.
5.00%, 01/15/2024

      66        38,940  

5.625%, 06/01/2025

      4        2,034  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    41


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Southwestern Energy Co.
8.375%, 09/15/2028

    U.S.$       40      $ 41,198  

Sunoco LP/Sunoco Finance Corp.
5.50%, 02/15/2026

      104        107,189  

5.875%, 03/15/2028

      129        134,991  

6.00%, 04/15/2027

      4        4,255  

Targa Resources Partners LP/Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp.
4.25%, 11/15/2023

      45        45,605  

Transocean Phoenix 2 Ltd.
7.75%, 10/15/2024(e)

      98        90,652  

Transocean Pontus Ltd.
6.125%, 08/01/2025(e)

      51        45,360  

Transocean Sentry Ltd.
5.375%, 05/15/2023(e)

      150        120,056  

Transocean, Inc.
6.80%, 03/15/2038

      96        19,002  

7.25%, 11/01/2025(e)

      39        12,811  

7.50%, 01/15/2026(e)

      103        31,897  

Vantage Drilling International
7.50%, 11/01/2019(a)(c)(d)(h)

      111        – 0  – 

Vine Oil & Gas LP/Vine Oil & Gas Finance Corp.
8.75%, 04/15/2023(e)

      286        183,280  

Western Midstream Operating LP
3.95%, 06/01/2025

      24        24,014  

4.00%, 07/01/2022

      14        14,323  

4.10%, 02/01/2025

      48        47,829  

4.50%, 03/01/2028

      59        59,598  

4.75%, 08/15/2028

      29        29,386  

5.05%, 02/01/2030

      48        49,082  

5.45%, 04/01/2044

      19        17,590  

Whiting Petroleum Corp.
6.25%, 04/01/2023(a)(l)

      42        9,565  

6.625%, 01/15/2026(a)(l)

      54        12,714  
      

 

 

 
         3,981,976  
      

 

 

 

Other Industrial – 0.1%

 

American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc.
4.00%, 01/15/2028(e)

      96        98,759  

5.875%, 05/15/2026(e)

      55        57,586  

H&E Equipment Services, Inc.
5.625%, 09/01/2025

      58        60,264  

IAA, Inc.
5.50%, 06/15/2027(e)

      34        35,828  

KAR Auction Services, Inc.
5.125%, 06/01/2025(e)

      130        131,418  

 

42    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Laureate Education, Inc.
8.25%, 05/01/2025(e)

    U.S.$       134      $ 142,181  
      

 

 

 
         526,036  
      

 

 

 

Services – 0.3%

      

ADT Security Corp. (The)
6.25%, 10/15/2021

      10        10,602  

ANGI Group LLC
3.875%, 08/15/2028(e)

      209        211,612  

Aptim Corp.
7.75%, 06/15/2025(e)

      122        62,174  

APX Group, Inc.
6.75%, 02/15/2027(e)

      35        36,744  

7.875%, 12/01/2022

      185        186,965  

Aramark Services, Inc.
6.375%, 05/01/2025(e)

      90        94,370  

Carlson Travel, Inc.
11.50% (9.50% Cash and 2.00% PIK), 12/15/2026(e)(i)

      200        113,000  

Carriage Services, Inc.
6.625%, 06/01/2026(e)

      87        92,597  

Garda World Security Corp.
9.50%, 11/01/2027(e)

      149        162,741  

Gartner, Inc.
4.50%, 07/01/2028(e)

      49        51,176  

Korn Ferry
4.625%, 12/15/2027(e)

      63        65,237  

Monitronics International, Inc.
0.00%, 04/01/2020(a)(c)(d)(h)

      120        – 0  – 

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC/Prime Finance, Inc.
5.25%, 04/15/2024(e)

      118        125,364  

Refinitiv US Holdings, Inc.
6.25%, 05/15/2026(e)

      70        75,226  

Sabre GLBL, Inc.
5.25%, 11/15/2023(e)

      75        74,606  

5.375%, 04/15/2023(e)

      105        106,528  

9.25%, 04/15/2025(e)

      41        45,578  

Service Corp. International/US
3.375%, 08/15/2030

      103        104,930  

TripAdvisor, Inc.
7.00%, 07/15/2025(e)

      41        43,339  

Verscend Escrow Corp.
9.75%, 08/15/2026(e)

      115        124,639  
      

 

 

 
         1,787,428  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    43


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Technology – 0.1%

      

Banff Merger Sub, Inc.
9.75%, 09/01/2026(e)

    U.S.$       110      $ 117,166  

Boxer Parent Co., Inc.
7.125%, 10/02/2025(e)

      7        7,601  

CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp.
4.125%, 05/01/2025

      59        61,516  

CommScope, Inc.
5.50%, 03/01/2024(e)

      75        77,625  

Conduent Finance, Inc./Conduent Business Services LLC
10.50%, 12/15/2024(e)

      1        919  

EMC Corp.
3.375%, 06/01/2023

      55        56,771  

Logan Merger Sub, Inc.
5.50%, 09/01/2027(e)

      51        52,024  

Microchip Technology, Inc.
4.25%, 09/01/2025(e)

      58        60,324  

NCR Corp.
5.75%, 09/01/2027(e)

      40        42,146  

6.125%, 09/01/2029(e)

      28        30,174  

8.125%, 04/15/2025(e)

      28        31,265  

Presidio Holdings, Inc.
4.875%, 02/01/2027(e)

      12        12,309  

8.25%, 02/01/2028(e)

      18        18,898  

Science Applications International Corp.
4.875%, 04/01/2028(e)

      11        11,400  

Sensata Technologies, Inc.
3.75%, 02/15/2031(e)

      90        90,201  

Solera LLC/Solera Finance, Inc.
10.50%, 03/01/2024(e)

      119        124,721  

Veritas US, Inc./Veritas Bermuda Ltd.
7.50%, 09/01/2025(e)

      181        187,775  
      

 

 

 
         982,835  
      

 

 

 

Transportation - Services – 0.1%

      

Algeco Global Finance PLC
8.00%, 02/15/2023(e)

      200        204,000  

Avis Budget Car Rental LLC/Avis Budget Finance, Inc.
5.75%, 07/15/2027(b)(e)

      23        22,012  

10.50%, 05/15/2025(b)(e)

      64        74,563  

XPO Logistics, Inc.
6.125%, 09/01/2023(e)

      30        30,309  

6.75%, 08/15/2024(e)

      105        111,413  
      

 

 

 
         442,297  
      

 

 

 
         25,981,629  
      

 

 

 

 

44    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Financial Institutions – 0.8%

      

Banking – 0.4%

      

Alliance Data Systems Corp.
4.75%, 12/15/2024(e)

    U.S.$       115      $ 110,231  

Allied Irish Banks PLC
7.375%, 12/03/2020(e)(m)

    EUR       200        241,654  

Ally Financial, Inc.
5.75%, 11/20/2025

    U.S.$       55        61,618  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA
5.875%, 09/24/2023(e)(m)

    EUR       200        235,090  

Banco Santander SA
6.75%, 04/25/2022(e)(m)

      300        373,825  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.
Series B
6.00%, 07/06/2023(m)

    U.S.$       116        113,413  

Credit Suisse Group AG
6.25%, 12/18/2024(e)(m)

      200        217,714  

7.50%, 07/17/2023(e)(m)

      206        222,093  

Discover Financial Services
Series D
6.125%, 06/23/2025(m)

      306        330,449  

Societe Generale SA
8.00%, 09/29/2025(e)(m)

      200        227,826  

UniCredit SpA
9.25%, 06/03/2022(e)(m)

    EUR       200        261,310  
      

 

 

 
         2,395,223  
      

 

 

 

Brokerage – 0.1%

      

Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.
5.625%, 01/24/2013(a)(h)

    U.S.$       1,030        12,355  

LPL Holdings, Inc.
5.75%, 09/15/2025(e)

      35        36,400  

NFP Corp.
6.875%, 08/15/2028(e)

      257        268,645  

7.00%, 05/15/2025(e)

      43        46,234  
      

 

 

 
         363,634  
      

 

 

 

Finance – 0.1%

      

CNG Holdings, Inc.
12.50%, 06/15/2024(e)

      93        83,064  

Curo Group Holdings Corp.
8.25%, 09/01/2025(e)

      207        168,109  

Enova International, Inc.
8.50%, 09/01/2024-09/15/2025(e)

      190        181,030  

goeasy Ltd.
5.375%, 12/01/2024(e)

      74        76,590  

Lincoln Financing SARL
3.625%, 04/01/2024(e)

    EUR       103        121,241  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    45


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Navient Corp.
5.50%, 01/25/2023

    U.S.$       25      $ 25,770  

5.875%, 03/25/2021

      1        1,440  

6.50%, 06/15/2022

      31        32,371  

7.25%, 01/25/2022

      31        32,787  

SLM Corp.
5.125%, 04/05/2022

      30        31,244  

Springleaf Finance Corp.
7.75%, 10/01/2021

      55        58,044  

TMX Finance LLC/TitleMax Finance Corp.
11.125%, 04/01/2023(e)

      112        99,833  
      

 

 

 
         911,523  
      

 

 

 

Insurance – 0.0%

      

Acrisure LLC/Acrisure Finance, Inc.
7.00%, 11/15/2025(e)

      35        35,582  

8.125%, 02/15/2024(e)

      68        71,816  

Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC/Alliant Holdings Co-Issuer
6.75%, 10/15/2027(e)

      91        96,454  

Genworth Holdings, Inc.
7.625%, 09/24/2021(b)

      19        19,521  
      

 

 

 
         223,373  
      

 

 

 

Other Finance – 0.1%

      

Intrum AB
2.75%, 07/15/2022(e)

    EUR       13        15,591  

3.00%, 09/15/2027(e)

      100        109,937  

4.875%, 08/15/2025(e)

      100        121,631  

Tempo Acquisition LLC/Tempo Acquisition Finance Corp.
6.75%, 06/01/2025(e)

    U.S.$       184        187,097  
      

 

 

 
         434,256  
      

 

 

 

REITS – 0.1%

      

Brookfield Property REIT, Inc./BPR Cumulus LLC/BPR Nimbus LLC/GGSI Sellco LL
5.75%, 05/15/2026(e)

      265        216,068  

Diversified Healthcare Trust
6.75%, 12/15/2021

      21        21,753  

9.75%, 06/15/2025

      90        100,534  

GEO Group, Inc. (The)
6.00%, 04/15/2026

      30        23,055  

Iron Mountain, Inc.
4.875%, 09/15/2027(e)

      3        3,114  

MGM Growth Properties Operating Partnership LP/MGP Finance Co-Issuer, Inc.
5.625%, 05/01/2024

      90        97,368  

5.75%, 02/01/2027

      108        119,662  

 

46    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Realogy Group LLC/Realogy Co-Issuer Corp.
9.375%, 04/01/2027(e)

    U.S.$       204      $ 213,029  
      

 

 

 
         794,583  
      

 

 

 
         5,122,592  
      

 

 

 

Utility – 0.1%

      

Electric – 0.1%

      

Calpine Corp.
4.625%, 02/01/2029(e)

      105        107,561  

5.125%, 03/15/2028(e)

      28        29,599  

NRG Energy, Inc.
6.625%, 01/15/2027

      3        3,211  

Talen Energy Supply LLC
4.60%, 12/15/2021

      1        712  

6.50%, 06/01/2025

      144        100,598  

7.25%, 05/15/2027(e)

      37        38,149  

10.50%, 01/15/2026(e)

      152        121,938  

Texas Competitive/TCEH
11.50%, 10/01/2020(a)(c)(d)

      142        – 0  – 
      

 

 

 
         401,768  
      

 

 

 

Total Corporates – Non-Investment Grade
(cost $32,491,093)

         31,505,989  
      

 

 

 
      

CORPORATES – INVESTMENT GRADE – 2.6%

      

Financial Institutions – 1.4%

      

Banking – 0.9%

      

Ally Financial, Inc.
5.80%, 05/01/2025

      82        94,738  

Banco Santander Mexico SA Institucion de Banca Multiple Grupo Financiero Santand
5.375%, 04/17/2025(e)

      184        207,460  

Bank of America Corp.
Series AA
6.10%, 03/17/2025(m)

      243        270,600  

Series DD
6.30%, 03/10/2026(m)

      114        131,571  

Series Z
6.50%, 10/23/2024(m)

      7        7,888  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)
Series G
4.70%, 09/20/2025(m)

      17        18,454  

Barclays Bank PLC
6.86%, 06/15/2032(e)(m)

      35        44,234  

Barclays PLC
7.25%, 03/15/2023(e)(m)

    GBP       200        279,047  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    47


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

        Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

BNP Paribas SA
7.625%, 03/30/2021(e)(m)

  U.S.$     32      $ 32,576  

CIT Group, Inc.
3.929%, 06/19/2024

      31        31,987  

5.00%, 08/15/2022

      80        83,694  

Citigroup Capital XVIII
1.019% (Sterling LIBOR 3 Month + 0.89%), 06/28/2067(n)

  GBP     185        226,573  

Citigroup, Inc.
5.95%, 01/30/2023(m)

  U.S.$     365        382,768  

Series V 4.70%, 01/30/2025(m)

      95        94,024  

Comerica, Inc.
5.625%, 07/01/2025(b)(m)

      205        221,574  

Credit Agricole SA
8.125%, 12/23/2025(e)(m)

      400        474,664  

DNB Bank ASA
6.50%, 03/26/2022(e)(m)

      201        210,555  

Fifth Third Bancorp
Series L
4.50%, 09/30/2025(m)

      27        27,675  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)
3.50%, 04/01/2025

      50        55,446  

Series O 5.30%, 11/10/2026(m)

      23        24,727  

Series P 5.00%, 11/10/2022(m)

      185        179,972  

HSBC Holdings PLC
6.00%, 09/29/2023(e)(m)

  EUR     300        380,380  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC
7.625%, 06/27/2023(e)(m)

  GBP     260        369,107  

Morgan Stanley
5.00%, 11/24/2025

  U.S.$     211        249,628  

Natwest Group PLC
8.625%, 08/15/2021(m)

      320        337,229  

Nordea Bank Abp
6.625%, 03/26/2026(e)(m)

      350        391,209  

Santander Holdings USA, Inc.
3.244%, 10/05/2026

      68        72,342  

4.40%, 07/13/2027

      91        101,349  

State Street Corp.
2.901%, 03/30/2026(e)

      12        13,106  

3.152%, 03/30/2031(e)

      16        18,343  

Swedbank AB
Series NC5
5.625%, 09/17/2024(e)(m)

      200        210,604  

Truist Financial Corp.
Series P 4.95%, 09/01/2025(m)

      211        228,914  

Series Q 5.10%, 03/01/2030(m)

      56        61,450  

 

48    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

UBS Group AG
7.00%, 02/19/2025(e)(m)

    U.S.$       400      $ 451,964  
      

 

 

 
         5,985,852  
      

 

 

 

Brokerage – 0.0%

      

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)
Series G
5.375%, 06/01/2025(m)

      119        130,794  
      

 

 

 

Finance – 0.1%

      

AerCap Ireland Capital DAC/AerCap Global Aviation Trust
3.65%, 07/21/2027

      242        224,232  

3.875%, 01/23/2028

      244        226,251  

Aircastle Ltd.
5.25%, 08/11/2025(e)

      164        160,556  

Synchrony Financial
2.85%, 07/25/2022

      50        51,712  

4.25%, 08/15/2024

      23        24,763  

4.375%, 03/19/2024

      31        33,390  

4.50%, 07/23/2025

      42        45,863  
      

 

 

 
         766,767  
      

 

 

 

Insurance – 0.3%

      

Allstate Corp. (The)
6.50%, 05/15/2057

      191        243,560  

Assicurazioni Generali SpA
5.50%, 10/27/2047(e)

    EUR       185        262,745  

Caisse Nationale de Reassurance Mutuelle Agricole Groupama
6.00%, 01/23/2027

      200        294,075  

Centene Corp.
5.375%, 08/15/2026(e)

    U.S.$       81        85,654  

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc.
7.80%, 03/15/2037(e)

      298        361,132  

MetLife Capital Trust IV
7.875%, 12/15/2037(e)

      254        350,746  

MetLife, Inc.
6.40%, 12/15/2036

      47        58,689  

Prudential Financial, Inc.
5.20%, 03/15/2044

      44        46,652  

5.625%, 06/15/2043

      126        135,231  

SCOR SE
3.00%, 06/08/2046(e)

    EUR       100        133,751  
      

 

 

 
         1,972,235  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    49


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

REITS – 0.1%

      

GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc.
5.25%, 06/01/2025

    U.S.$       32      $ 34,664  

5.375%, 04/15/2026

      20        22,216  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.
4.25%, 11/15/2023

      3        3,288  

MPT Operating Partnership LP/MPT Finance Corp.
5.00%, 10/15/2027

      33        34,926  

5.25%, 08/01/2026

      96        101,291  

5.50%, 05/01/2024

      5        5,053  

Sabra Health Care LP
4.80%, 06/01/2024

      77        80,028  

Spirit Realty LP
4.45%, 09/15/2026

      13        13,944  
      

 

 

 
         295,410  
      

 

 

 
         9,151,058  
      

 

 

 

Industrial – 1.2%

      

Basic – 0.2%

      

ArcelorMittal SA
7.00%, 03/01/2041

      54        68,385  

7.25%, 10/15/2039

      53        67,884  

Arconic Corp.
6.00%, 05/15/2025(e)

      54        57,865  

Equate Petrochemical BV
3.00%, 03/03/2022(e)

      255        258,347  

Fresnillo PLC
5.50%, 11/13/2023(e)

      200        221,125  

Glencore Finance Canada Ltd.
6.00%, 11/15/2041(e)

      11        13,637  

GUSAP III LP
4.25%, 01/21/2030(e)

      200        209,124  

Industrias Penoles SAB de CV
5.65%, 09/12/2049(e)

      201        236,301  

Vale Overseas Ltd.
3.75%, 07/08/2030

      16        16,780  
      

 

 

 
         1,149,448  
      

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 0.0%

      

General Electric Co.
Series D
5.00%, 01/21/2021(m)

      122        95,517  
      

 

 

 

Communications - Media – 0.0%

      

Fox Corp.
3.05%, 04/07/2025

      18        19,736  

 

50    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Omnicom Group, Inc.
4.20%, 06/01/2030

    U.S.$       24      $ 28,012  

ViacomCBS, Inc.
4.75%, 05/15/2025

      174        200,864  
      

 

 

 
         248,612  
      

 

 

 

Communications - Telecommunications – 0.1%

      

Hughes Satellite Systems Corp.
5.25%, 08/01/2026

      55        60,169  

Qwest Corp.
6.75%, 12/01/2021

      133        140,419  

Sprint Spectrum Co. LLC/Sprint Spectrum Co. II LLC/Sprint Spectrum Co. III LLC
4.738%, 03/20/2025(e)

      330        359,244  
      

 

 

 
         559,832  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Automotive – 0.1%

      

General Motors Co.
5.20%, 04/01/2045

      140        151,024  

6.125%, 10/01/2025

      15        17,616  

6.25%, 10/02/2043

      185        216,189  

6.80%, 10/01/2027

      18        22,026  

General Motors Financial Co., Inc.
5.20%, 03/20/2023

      14        15,284  

Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc.
3.35%, 06/08/2025(e)

      93        98,683  

Lear Corp.
3.50%, 05/30/2030

      27        27,379  

3.80%, 09/15/2027

      34        36,325  

4.25%, 05/15/2029

      24        25,322  

Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp.
2.60%, 09/28/2022(e)

      8        8,039  

2.80%, 01/13/2022(e)

      6        6,035  

3.45%, 03/15/2023(e)

      8        8,178  

3.875%, 09/21/2023(e)

      27        28,131  
      

 

 

 
         660,231  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Entertainment – 0.1%

      

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
10.875%, 06/01/2023(e)

      127        139,819  

11.50%, 06/01/2025(e)

      224        259,419  

Silversea Cruise Finance Ltd.
7.25%, 02/01/2025(e)

      213        213,976  
      

 

 

 
         613,214  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    51


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Other – 0.1%

      

Lennar Corp.
4.75%, 11/29/2027

    U.S.$       3      $ 3,433  

6.25%, 12/15/2021

      55        57,226  

Marriott International, Inc./MD
Series EE
5.75%, 05/01/2025

      29        32,598  

MDC Holdings, Inc.
6.00%, 01/15/2043

      195        227,070  

PulteGroup, Inc.
6.00%, 02/15/2035

      130        159,556  

7.875%, 06/15/2032

      151        204,841  

Standard Industries, Inc./NJ
6.00%, 10/15/2025(e)

      74        77,076  

Toll Brothers Finance Corp.
4.875%, 03/15/2027

      27        30,352  

5.875%, 02/15/2022

      86        89,924  
      

 

 

 
         882,076  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Retailers – 0.0%

      

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)
3.50%, 04/15/2025

      53        59,146  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 0.1%

      

BAT Capital Corp.
4.70%, 04/02/2027

      64        74,204  

CVS Health Corp.
4.78%, 03/25/2038

      265        325,285  

Sysco Corp.
5.65%, 04/01/2025

      16        18,929  

5.95%, 04/01/2030

      10        12,634  

Universal Health Services, Inc.
4.75%, 08/01/2022(e)

      151        151,107  
      

 

 

 
         582,159  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.2%

      

Cenovus Energy, Inc.
5.375%, 07/15/2025

      63        64,129  

6.75%, 11/15/2039

      4        3,662  

Ecopetrol SA
5.875%, 05/28/2045

      36        40,853  

6.875%, 04/29/2030

      93        112,083  

Energy Transfer Operating LP
4.25%, 03/15/2023

      108        113,739  

6.125%, 12/15/2045

      135        137,557  

Energy Transfer Partners LP/Regency Energy Finance Corp.
4.50%, 11/01/2023

      95        101,590  

 

52    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Marathon Petroleum Corp.
4.70%, 05/01/2025

    U.S.$       68      $ 77,532  

ONEOK, Inc.
2.20%, 09/15/2025

      35        34,663  

2.75%, 09/01/2024

      114        117,466  

5.85%, 01/15/2026

      84        97,122  

Parsley Energy LLC/Parsley Finance Corp.
5.625%, 10/15/2027(e)

      32        33,005  

PBF Holding Co. LLC/PBF Finance Corp.
9.25%, 05/15/2025(e)

      95        104,532  

Plains All American Pipeline LP/PAA Finance Corp.
3.60%, 11/01/2024

      19        19,805  

4.50%, 12/15/2026

      37        40,090  

4.65%, 10/15/2025

      99        107,773  

Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations LP
3.90%, 07/15/2026

      13        13,607  
      

 

 

 
         1,219,208  
      

 

 

 

Services – 0.0%

      

Expedia Group, Inc.
6.25%, 05/01/2025(e)

      25        27,429  

7.00%, 05/01/2025(e)

      116        125,799  
      

 

 

 
         153,228  
      

 

 

 

Technology – 0.1%

      

Baidu, Inc.
3.075%, 04/07/2025

      250        268,040  

Dell International LLC/EMC Corp.
5.85%, 07/15/2025(e)

      61        71,572  

6.02%, 06/15/2026(e)

      20        23,479  

Nokia Oyj
3.375%, 06/12/2022

      15        15,468  

6.625%, 05/15/2039

      34        43,534  

Western Digital Corp.
4.75%, 02/15/2026

      10        10,812  
      

 

 

 
         432,905  
      

 

 

 

Transportation - Airlines – 0.1%

      

Delta Air Lines, Inc.
7.00%, 05/01/2025(e)

      97        106,199  

Mileage Plus Holdings LLC/Mileage Plus Intellectual Property Assets Ltd.
6.50%, 06/20/2027(e)

      354        368,755  
      

 

 

 
         474,954  
      

 

 

 

Transportation - Services – 0.1%

      

Aviation Capital Group LLC
2.875%, 01/20/2022(e)

      90        88,902  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    53


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

3.50%, 11/01/2027(e)

    U.S.$       19      $ 16,889  

3.875%, 05/01/2023(e)

      55        54,414  

4.125%, 08/01/2025(e)

      39        37,616  

4.375%, 01/30/2024(e)

      20        19,872  

4.875%, 10/01/2025(e)

      30        29,535  

5.50%, 12/15/2024(e)

      65        67,138  

United Rentals North America, Inc.
3.875%, 11/15/2027

      60        62,764  
      

 

 

 
         377,130  
      

 

 

 
         7,507,660  
      

 

 

 

Utility – 0.0%

      

Electric – 0.0%

      

Israel Electric Corp., Ltd.
Series 6
5.00%, 11/12/2024(e)

      200        225,000  
      

 

 

 

Total Corporates – Investment Grade
(cost $15,748,942)

         16,883,718  
      

 

 

 
      

GOVERNMENTS – TREASURIES – 2.1%

      

Colombia – 0.1%

      

Colombian TES
Series B
10.00%, 07/24/2024

    COP       1,391,900        453,467  
      

 

 

 

Indonesia – 0.2%

      

Indonesia Treasury Bond
Series FR56
8.375%, 09/15/2026

    IDR       2,937,000        225,683  

Series FR77
8.125%, 05/15/2024

      15,146,000        1,136,795  
      

 

 

 
         1,362,478  
      

 

 

 

Mexico – 0.1%

      

Mexican Bonos
Series M 20
7.50%, 06/03/2027

    MXN       9,211        467,243  
      

 

 

 

Russia – 0.1%

      

Russian Federal Bond – OFZ
Series 6212
7.05%, 01/19/2028

    RUB       23,770        346,093  

Series 6217
7.50%, 08/18/2021

      40,638        565,467  
      

 

 

 
         911,560  
      

 

 

 

United States – 1.6%

      

U.S. Treasury Bonds
1.25%, 05/15/2050(o)

    U.S.$       204        193,800  

 

54    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

U.S. Treasury Notes
1.625%, 08/15/2029(o)

    U.S.$       2,329      $ 2,532,532  

2.25%, 08/15/2027(o)

      3,809        4,271,583  

2.375%, 05/15/2029(o)

      2,628        3,021,379  
      

 

 

 
         10,019,294  
      

 

 

 

Total Governments – Treasuries
(cost $12,350,193)

         13,214,042  
      

 

 

 
      

EMERGING MARKETS – SOVEREIGNS – 1.7%

      

Angola – 0.1%

      

Angolan Government International Bond
9.50%, 11/12/2025(e)

      386        355,603  
      

 

 

 

Argentina – 0.1%

      

Argentine Republic Government International Bond
3.75%, 12/31/2038(a)(l)

      52        21,998  

5.625%, 01/26/2022(a)(l)

      48        22,560  

6.875%, 01/26/2027(a)(l)

      1,184        525,030  

7.50%, 04/22/2026(a)(l)

      623        284,049  

Series NY
8.75%, 01/11/2028(a)(l)

      116        50,750  
      

 

 

 
         904,387  
      

 

 

 

Bahrain – 0.1%

      

Bahrain Government International Bond
6.75%, 09/20/2029(e)

      200        225,188  

7.00%, 10/12/2028(e)

      200        227,687  

7.375%, 05/14/2030(e)

      200        232,875  

CBB International Sukuk Programme Co. SPC
6.25%, 11/14/2024(e)

      218        236,802  
      

 

 

 
         922,552  
      

 

 

 

Brazil – 0.0%

      

Brazilian Government International Bond
3.875%, 06/12/2030

      260        266,890  
      

 

 

 

Costa Rica – 0.0%

      

Costa Rica Government International Bond
6.125%, 02/19/2031(e)

      335        312,388  
      

 

 

 

Dominican Republic – 0.1%

      

Dominican Republic International Bond
4.50%, 01/30/2030(e)

      300        295,781  

8.625%, 04/20/2027(e)

      425        495,789  
      

 

 

 
         791,570  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    55


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Ecuador – 0.1%

      

Ecuador Government International Bond
Zero Coupon, 07/31/2030(e)

    U.S.$       48      $ 23,688  

0.50%, 07/31/2030-07/31/2040(e)

      802        504,195  
      

 

 

 
         527,883  
      

 

 

 

Egypt – 0.2%

      

Egypt Government International Bond
6.125%, 01/31/2022(e)

      407        417,430  

7.053%, 01/15/2032(e)

      200        198,750  

7.625%, 05/29/2032(e)

      208        211,640  

8.70%, 03/01/2049(e)

      239        245,124  

8.875%, 05/29/2050(e)

      208        215,865  
      

 

 

 
         1,288,809  
      

 

 

 

El Salvador – 0.0%

      

El Salvador Government International Bond
7.125%, 01/20/2050(e)

      334        287,240  

7.65%, 06/15/2035(e)

      10        9,359  
      

 

 

 
         296,599  
      

 

 

 

Ghana – 0.1%

      

Ghana Government International Bond
6.375%, 02/11/2027(e)

      200        188,500  

10.75%, 10/14/2030(e)

      248        304,420  
      

 

 

 
         492,920  
      

 

 

 

Guatemala – 0.1%

      

Guatemala Government Bond
5.375%, 04/24/2032(e)

      294        343,704  
      

 

 

 

Honduras – 0.1%

      

Honduras Government International Bond
7.50%, 03/15/2024(e)

      400        440,250  
      

 

 

 

Ivory Coast – 0.1%

      

Ivory Coast Government International Bond
6.375%, 03/03/2028(e)

      360        373,500  
      

 

 

 

Kenya – 0.1%

      

Kenya Government International Bond
6.875%, 06/24/2024(e)

      200        205,500  

7.00%, 05/22/2027(e)

      275        275,000  
      

 

 

 
         480,500  
      

 

 

 

Lebanon – 0.0%

      

Lebanon Government International Bond
Series G
6.60%, 11/27/2026(a)(e)(l)

      189        29,295  

6.65%, 04/22/2024(a)(e)(l)

      45        7,256  

 

56    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

6.85%, 03/23/2027(a)(e)(l)

    U.S.$       46      $ 7,130  
      

 

 

 
         43,681  
      

 

 

 

Mongolia – 0.1%

      

Mongolia Government International Bond
5.125%, 12/05/2022(e)

      270        274,556  

10.875%, 04/06/2021(e)

      200        207,438  
      

 

 

 
         481,994  
      

 

 

 

Nigeria – 0.1%

      

Nigeria Government International Bond
6.50%, 11/28/2027(e)

      200        197,750  

6.75%, 01/28/2021(e)

      200        201,750  

7.625%, 11/21/2025(e)

      267        282,436  
      

 

 

 
         681,936  
      

 

 

 

Oman – 0.1%

      

Oman Government International Bond
4.125%, 01/17/2023(e)

      400        393,750  
      

 

 

 

Senegal – 0.1%

      

Senegal Government International Bond
6.25%, 05/23/2033(e)

      365        375,494  
      

 

 

 

South Africa – 0.1%

      

Republic of South Africa Government International Bond
5.75%, 09/30/2049

      247        220,833  

5.875%, 09/16/2025

      300        322,500  
      

 

 

 
         543,333  
      

 

 

 

Sri Lanka – 0.0%

      

Sri Lanka Government International Bond
6.20%, 05/11/2027(e)

      220        179,369  
      

 

 

 

Ukraine – 0.0%

      

Ukraine Government International Bond
7.75%, 09/01/2024(e)

      285        302,011  
      

 

 

 

Venezuela – 0.0%

      

Venezuela Government International Bond
9.25%, 09/15/2027(a)(l)

      815        57,050  
      

 

 

 

Total Emerging Markets – Sovereigns
(cost $11,248,891)

         10,856,173  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    57


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS – 0.9%

      

Risk Share Floating Rate – 0.9%

      

Bellemeade Re Ltd.
Series 2018-2A, Class M1B
1.525% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.35%), 08/25/2028(e)(n)

    U.S.$       58      $ 57,673  

Series 2018-3A, Class M2
2.925% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.75%), 10/25/2028(e)(n)

      150        142,969  

Series 2019-3A, Class M1C
2.125% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.95%), 07/25/2029(e)(n)

      164        154,284  

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust
Series 2018-R07, Class 1B1
4.525% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.35%), 04/25/2031(e)(n)

      51        48,491  

Eagle Re Ltd.
Series 2018-1, Class M2
3.175% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.00%), 11/25/2028(e)(n)

      150        142,901  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Series 2019-DNA3, Class M2
2.225% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.05%), 07/25/2049(e)(n)

      16        15,930  

Series 2020-DNA1, Class M2
1.875% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.70%), 01/25/2050(e)(n)

      338        329,415  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes
Series 2015-HQA1, Class M3
4.875% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.70%), 03/25/2028(n)

      297        304,991  

Series 2016-HQA2, Class M3
5.325% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.15%), 11/25/2028(n)

      348        361,987  

Series 2016-HQA3, Class M3
4.025% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.85%), 03/25/2029(n)

      374        387,167  

Series 2016-HQA4, Class M3
4.075% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.90%), 04/25/2029(n)

      410        425,345  

Series 2017-HQA1, Class M2
3.725% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.55%), 08/25/2029(n)

      388        395,470  

 

58    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

        Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Federal National Mortgage Association Connecticut Avenue Securities
Series 2015-C02, Class 1M2
4.175% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 05/25/2025(n)

  U.S.$     153      $ 156,191  

Series 2015-C02, Class 2M2
4.175% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 05/25/2025(n)

      101        102,401  

Series 2015-C03, Class 1M2
5.175% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 07/25/2025(n)

      8        8,246  

Series 2015-C03, Class 2M2
5.175% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 07/25/2025(n)

      143        145,516  

Series 2015-C04, Class 2M2
5.725% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.55%), 04/25/2028(n)

      160        168,681  

Series 2016-C01, Class 2M2
7.125% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.95%), 08/25/2028(n)

      100        105,829  

Series 2016-C03, Class 2M2
6.075% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.90%), 10/25/2028(n)

      226        237,442  

Series 2016-C05, Class 2M2
4.625% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.45%), 01/25/2029(n)

      257        265,873  

Series 2016-C07, Class 2M2
4.525% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.35%), 05/25/2029(n)

      268        276,257  

Series 2017-C01, Class 1B1
5.925% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.75%), 07/25/2029(n)

      27        27,570  

Series 2017-C01, Class 1M2
3.725% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.55%), 07/25/2029(n)

      307        313,618  

Series 2017-C02, Class 2M2
3.825% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.65%), 09/25/2029(n)

      203        206,161  

Series 2017-C03, Class 1B1
5.025% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.85%), 10/25/2029(n)

      27        26,447  

Series 2017-C05, Class 1B1
3.775% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.60%), 01/25/2030(n)

      27        25,362  

Series 2017-C06, Class 1B1
4.325% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.15%), 02/25/2030(n)

      143        130,966  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    59


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Series 2018-C01, Class 1B1
3.725% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.55%), 07/25/2030(n)

    U.S.$       107      $ 98,771  

Home Re Ltd.
Series 2018-1, Class M2
3.175% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.00%), 10/25/2028(e)(n)

      235        212,997  

Mortgage Insurance-Linked Notes
Series 2019-1, Class M2
3.075% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.90%), 11/26/2029(e)(n)

      365        311,455  
      

 

 

 
         5,586,406  
      

 

 

 

Agency Fixed Rate – 0.0%

      

Federal National Mortgage Association Grantor Trust
Series 2004-T5, Class AB4
0.712%, 05/28/2035

      96        88,813  
      

 

 

 

Non-Agency Fixed Rate – 0.0%

      

Alternative Loan Trust
Series 2006-28CB, Class A14
6.25%, 10/25/2036

      11        8,537  

CSMC Mortgage-Backed Trust
Series 2006-7, Class 3A12
6.25%, 08/25/2036

      13        8,847  
      

 

 

 
         17,384  
      

 

 

 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(cost $5,791,178)

         5,692,603  
      

 

 

 
      

BANK LOANS – 0.8%

      

Financial Institutions – 0.1%

      

Finance – 0.0%

      

Ellie Mae, Inc.
4.058% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.75%), 04/17/2026(p)

      114        113,604  

Jefferies Finance LLC
3.438% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.25%), 06/03/2026(p)

      32        30,514  
      

 

 

 
         144,118  
      

 

 

 

Insurance – 0.1%

      

Hub International Limited
5.00% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 04/25/2025(p)

      124        123,740  

 

60    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. (Lightning Cayman Merger Sub, Ltd.)
4.156% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 09/03/2026(p)

    U.S.$       148     $ 145,774  
     

 

 

 
        269,514  
     

 

 

 
        413,632  
     

 

 

 

Industrial – 0.7%

     

Basic – 0.0%

     

Illuminate Buyer, LLC
4.308% (LIBOR 3 Month + 4.00%), 06/30/2027(p)

      60       59,640  
     

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 0.1%

     

Brookfield WEC Holdings Inc. (fka Westinghouse Electric Company LLC)
3.75% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.00%), 08/01/2025(p)

      104       102,303  

BWay Holding Company
3.523% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.25%), 04/03/2024(p)

      142       135,094  

Granite US Holdings Corporation
6.322% (LIBOR 3 Month + 5.25%), 09/30/2026(c)(p)

      165       158,989  
     

 

 

 
        396,386  
     

 

 

 

Communications - Media – 0.0%

 

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.
3.714% (LIBOR 2 Month + 3.50%), 08/21/2026(p)

      0 **      80  

3.761% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.50%), 08/21/2026(p)

      35       31,638  

iHeartCommunications, Inc. (fka Clear Channel Communications, Inc.)
3.156% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.00%), 05/01/2026(p)

      40       37,696  

LCPR Loan Financing LLC
5.162% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 10/15/2026(p)

      62       62,058  

Nielsen Finance LLC
4.75% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.75%), 06/04/2025(p)

      50       50,000  

Univision Communications Inc.
3.75% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.75%), 03/15/2024(p)

      97       93,382  
     

 

 

 
        274,854  
     

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    61


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Communications - Telecommunications – 0.0%

      

Intrado Corporation
5.00% (LIBOR 3 Month + 4.00%), 10/10/2024(p)

    U.S.$       146      $ 130,367  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Automotive – 0.0%

      

Clarios Global LP
3.659% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.50%), 04/30/2026(p)

      60        58,303  

Navistar, Inc.
3.66% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.50%), 11/06/2024(p)

      45        44,222  
      

 

 

 
         102,525  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Entertainment – 0.0%

      

Seaworld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. (fka SW Acquisitions Co., Inc.)
3.75% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.00%), 04/01/2024(p)

      59        55,235  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Other – 0.1%

      

Caesars Resort Collection, LLC
2.906% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.75%), 12/23/2024(p)

      183        171,647  

Flutter Entertainment PLC
3.808% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.50%), 07/10/2025(p)

      18        18,492  

Playtika Holding Corp.
7.072% (LIBOR 3 Month + 6.00%), 12/10/2024(p)

      326        328,018  
      

 

 

 
         518,157  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Restaurants – 0.0%

      

Whatabrands LLC
2.905% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.75%), 07/31/2026(p)

      42        40,889  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Retailers – 0.0%

      

Bass Pro Group, LLC
6.072% (LIBOR 3 Month + 5.00%), 09/25/2024(p)

      52        51,963  

PetSmart, Inc.
5.00% (LIBOR 3 Month + 4.00%), 03/11/2022(p)

      85        84,772  

Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC
9.00% (LIBOR 3 Month + 8.00%), 11/08/2024(p)

      69        10,432  

 

62    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Specialty Building Products Holdings, LLC
5.906% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.75%), 10/01/2025(p)

    U.S.$       138      $ 137,395  
      

 

 

 
         284,562  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 0.2%

      

Aldevron, LLC
5.25% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.25%), 10/12/2026(c)(p)

      87        86,871  

Alphabet Holding Company, Inc. (fka Nature’s Bounty)
7.906% (LIBOR 1 Month + 7.75%), 09/26/2025(p)

      183        176,473  

BI-LO, LLC
9.00% (LIBOR 3 Month + 8.00%), 05/31/2024(p)

      243        241,908  

Froneri International Limited
5.906% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.75%), 01/31/2028(c)(p)

      20        19,700  

Global Medical Response, Inc.
4.25% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.25%), 04/28/2022(p)

      294        290,581  

LifePoint Health, Inc. (fka Regionalcare Hospital Partners Holdings, Inc.)
3.906% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.75%), 11/16/2025(p)

      111        108,254  

U.S. Renal Care, Inc.
5.188% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 06/26/2026(p)

      169        164,436  
      

 

 

 
         1,088,223  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.0%

      

CITGO Petroleum Corporation
6.00% (LIBOR 3 Month + 5.00%), 03/28/2024(c)(p)

      55        52,408  

Triton Solar US Acquisition Co.
7.072% (LIBOR 3 Month + 6.00%), 10/29/2024(p)

      221        188,865  
      

 

 

 
         241,273  
      

 

 

 

Other Industrial – 0.0%

      

American Tire Distributors, Inc.
8.50% (LIBOR 1 Month + 7.50%), 09/02/2024(p)

      72        61,581  

Dealer Tire, LLC
4.406% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.25%), 12/12/2025(p)

      40        38,838  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    63


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Rockwood Service Corporation
4.558% (LIBOR 3 Month + 4.25%), 01/23/2027(p)

    U.S.$       10      $ 9,443  
      

 

 

 
         109,862  
      

 

 

 

Services – 0.1%

      

Allied Universal Holdco LLC (fka USAGM Holdco, LLC)
4.406% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.25%), 07/10/2026(p)

      33        32,303  

Amentum Government Services Holdings LLC
4.156% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 01/29/2027(p)

      40        39,850  

Garda World Security Corporation
4.93% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.75%), 10/30/2026(p)

      11        10,975  

Parexel International Corporation
2.906% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.75%), 09/27/2024(p)

      27        26,253  

Team Health Holdings, Inc.
3.75% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.75%), 02/06/2024(p)

      197        163,966  

Verscend Holding Corp.
4.656% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.50%), 08/27/2025(p)

      89        88,555  
      

 

 

 
         361,902  
      

 

 

 

Technology – 0.2%

      

athenahealth, Inc.
4.818% (LIBOR 3 Month + 4.50%), 02/11/2026(c)(p)

      214        212,424  

Avaya Inc.
4.412% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.25%), 12/15/2024(p)

      100        96,967  

Boxer Parent Company Inc. (fka BMC Software, Inc.)
4.406% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.25%), 10/02/2025(p)

      168        164,341  

MTS Systems Corporation
4.00% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.25%), 07/05/2023(c)(p)

      24        24,108  

Pitney Bowes Inc.
5.66% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.50%), 01/07/2025(p)

      120        116,008  

Presidio Holdings Inc.
3.77% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.50%), 01/22/2027(c)(p)

      43        42,493  

 

64    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Solera, LLC (Solera Finance, Inc.)
2.906% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.75%), 03/03/2023(p)

    U.S.$       0 **    $ 364  

2.938% (LIBOR 2 Month + 2.75%), 03/03/2023(p)

      141       138,907  

Veritas US Inc.
6.50% (LIBOR 3 Month + 5.50%), 09/01/2025(p)

      225       220,020  
     

 

 

 
        1,015,632  
     

 

 

 

Transportation - Airlines – 0.0%

     

Delta Air Lines, Inc.
5.75% (LIBOR 3 Month + 4.75%), 04/29/2023(p)

      20       19,918  
     

 

 

 
        4,699,425  
     

 

 

 

Utility – 0.0%

     

Electric – 0.0%

     

Granite Generation LLC
4.750% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.75%), 11/09/2026(p)

      184       181,112  

4.750% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.75%), 11/09/2026(p)

      34       33,307  

6.000% (PRIME 3 Month + 2.75%), 11/09/2026(p)

      2       1,872  
     

 

 

 
        216,291  
     

 

 

 

Total Bank Loans
(cost $5,482,400)

        5,329,348  
     

 

 

 
     

EMERGING MARKETS – CORPORATE BONDS – 0.7%

     

Industrial – 0.6%

     

Basic – 0.2%

     

Braskem Netherlands Finance BV
4.50%, 01/31/2030(e)

      200       190,300  

Consolidated Energy Finance SA
6.875%, 06/15/2025(e)

      200       184,930  

CSN Resources SA
7.625%, 02/13/2023(e)

      200       203,937  

Eldorado Gold Corp.
9.50%, 06/01/2024(e)

      167       182,673  

First Quantum Minerals Ltd.
7.25%, 05/15/2022-04/01/2023(e)

      542       543,618  
     

 

 

 
        1,305,458  
     

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 0.1%

 

Cemex SAB de CV
7.375%, 06/05/2027(e)

      300       324,890  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    65


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Embraer Netherlands Finance BV
5.40%, 02/01/2027

    U.S.$       90      $ 83,194  

Odebrecht Finance Ltd.
5.25%, 06/27/2029(a)(e)(l)

      200        8,000  
      

 

 

 
         416,084  
      

 

 

 

Communications - Media – 0.0%

      

Globo Comunicacao e Participacoes SA
4.875%, 01/22/2030(e)

      231        227,174  
      

 

 

 

Communications - Telecommunications – 0.0%

      

Digicel Group 0.5 Ltd.
7.00%, 09/16/2020(i)(j)(m)

      8        973  

8.00% (5.00% Cash and 3.00% PIK), 04/01/2025(e)(i)

      49        17,503  

10.00% (8.00% Cash and 2.00% PIK), 04/01/2024(i)

      132        99,845  
      

 

 

 
         118,321  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Other – 0.1%

      

MGM China Holdings Ltd.
5.375%, 05/15/2024(e)

      277        287,128  

Wynn Macau Ltd.
4.875%, 10/01/2024(e)

      214        214,736  

5.50%, 10/01/2027(e)

      214        215,538  
      

 

 

 
         717,402  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Retailers – 0.0%

      

K2016470219 South Africa Ltd.
3.00%, 12/31/2022(i)(j)

      38        14  

K2016470260 South Africa Ltd.
25.00%, 12/31/2022(i)(j)

      18        16  
      

 

 

 
         30  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 0.1%

      

BRF GmbH
4.35%, 09/29/2026(e)

      211        216,209  

Cosan Ltd.
5.50%, 09/20/2029(e)

      388        397,094  

Tonon Luxembourg SA
6.50% (0.50% Cash and 6.00% PIK), 10/31/2024(c)(d)(i)(j)

      5        154  

Virgolino de Oliveira Finance SA
10.50%, 01/28/2018(a)(h)(j)

      434        4,338  
      

 

 

 
         617,795  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.1%

      

Leviathan Bond Ltd.
6.50%, 06/30/2027(e)

      109        113,583  

 

66    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Petrobras Global Finance BV
5.093%, 01/15/2030(e)

    U.S.$       117     $ 121,771  

5.60%, 01/03/2031

      59       63,190  

6.125%, 01/17/2022

      0 **      342  

8.75%, 05/23/2026(b)

      208       262,912  
     

 

 

 
        561,798  
     

 

 

 
        3,964,062  
     

 

 

 

Utility – 0.1%

     

Electric – 0.1%

     

Cemig Geracao e Transmissao SA
9.25%, 12/05/2024(e)

      200       224,625  

Light Servicos de Eletricidade SA/Light Energia SA
7.25%, 05/03/2023(e)

      393       412,282  

Terraform Global Operating LLC
6.125%, 03/01/2026(j)

      12       12,187  
     

 

 

 
        649,094  
     

 

 

 

Financial Institutions – 0.0%

     

Insurance – 0.0%

     

Ambac LSNI LLC
6.00% (LIBOR 3 Month + 5.00%), 02/12/2023(e)(n)

      18       18,133  
     

 

 

 

Total Emerging Markets – Corporate Bonds
(cost $4,658,397)

        4,631,289  
     

 

 

 
     

INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES – 0.5%

     

Japan – 0.5%

     

Japanese Government CPI Linked Bond
Series 22
0.10%, 03/10/2027
(cost $2,851,137)

    JPY       301,034       2,847,911  
     

 

 

 
     

COLLATERALIZED LOAN OBLIGATIONS – 0.3%

     

CLO - Floating Rate – 0.3%

     

Ares XXXIV CLO Ltd.
Series 2015-2A, Class CR
2.273% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.00%), 04/17/2033(e)(n)

    U.S.$       270       260,983  

Dryden CLO Ltd.
Series 2020-78A, Class C
3.217% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.95%), 04/17/2033(e)(n)

      250       245,145  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    67


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Dryden Senior Loan Fund
Series 2017-49A, Class E
6.572% (LIBOR 3 Month + 6.30%), 07/18/2030(e)(n)

    U.S.$       250      $ 217,538  

Octagon Investment Partners 29 Ltd.
Series 2016-1A, Class DR
3.364% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.10%), 01/24/2033(e)(n)

      263        242,207  

Rockford Tower CLO Ltd.
Series 2017-2A, Class DR
3.125% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.85%), 10/15/2029(e)(n)

      306        288,031  

THL Credit Wind River CLO Ltd.
Series 2017-1A, Class AR
1.412% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.14%), 04/18/2029(e)(n)

      500        496,736  

Voya CLO Ltd.
Series 2019-1A, Class DR
3.125% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.85%), 04/15/2031(e)(n)

      109        98,270  
      

 

 

 

Total Collateralized Loan Obligations
(cost $1,919,965)

         1,848,910  
      

 

 

 
      

EMERGING MARKETS – TREASURIES – 0.3%

      

Argentina – 0.0%

      

Argentine Bonos del Tesoro
15.50%, 10/17/2026(a)(l)

    ARS       1,161        5,616  

18.20%, 10/03/2021(a)(l)

      3,135        34,111  
      

 

 

 
         39,727  
      

 

 

 

Brazil – 0.3%

      

Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional
Series F
10.00%, 01/01/2021

    BRL       8,037        1,503,733  
      

 

 

 

Total Emerging Markets – Treasuries
(cost $2,314,023)

         1,543,460  
      

 

 

 
      

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES – 0.2%

      

Other ABS - Fixed Rate – 0.1%

      

Marlette Funding Trust
Series 2018-3A, Class C
4.63%, 09/15/2028(e)

    U.S.$       125        125,753  

SoFi Consumer Loan Program LLC
Series 2017-6, Class C
4.02%, 11/25/2026(e)

      360        362,698  

 

68    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Taco Bell Funding LLC
Series 2016-1A, Class A23
4.97%, 05/25/2046(e)

    U.S.$       38      $ 40,676  
      

 

 

 
         529,127  
      

 

 

 

Autos - Fixed Rate – 0.1%

      

CPS Auto Trust
Series 2018-C, Class D
4.40%, 06/17/2024(e)

      120        123,409  

Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust
Series 2019-2A, Class E
4.68%, 05/15/2026(e)

      115        117,195  
      

 

 

 
         240,604  
      

 

 

 

Home Equity Loans - Fixed Rate – 0.0%

      

CWABS Asset-Backed Certificates Trust
Series 2005-7, Class AF5W
5.054%, 10/25/2035

      109        110,263  

GSAA Home Equity Trust
Series 2006-6, Class AF5
6.241%, 03/25/2036

      165        69,723  

Lehman XS Trust
Series 2007-6, Class 3A5
4.615%, 05/25/2037

      29        28,281  
      

 

 

 
         208,267  
      

 

 

 

Home Equity Loans - Floating Rate – 0.0%

      

ABFC Trust
Series 2003-WF1, Class A2
1.30% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.13%), 12/25/2032(n)

      26        25,229  
      

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities
(cost $1,002,051)

         1,003,227  
      

 

 

 
      

QUASI-SOVEREIGNS – 0.1%

      

Quasi-Sovereign Bonds – 0.1%

      

Mexico – 0.1%

      

Petroleos Mexicanos
5.95%, 01/28/2031(e)

      275        247,404  

6.49%, 01/23/2027(e)

      51        50,240  

6.50%, 01/23/2029

      41        39,102  

6.75%, 09/21/2047

      62        51,531  

6.84%, 01/23/2030(e)

      124        119,536  

7.69%, 01/23/2050(e)

      186        165,860  
      

 

 

 
         673,673  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    69


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

United Arab Emirates – 0.0%

      

DP World Crescent Ltd.
3.875%, 07/18/2029(e)

    U.S.$       220      $ 230,381  
      

 

 

 

Total Quasi-Sovereigns
(cost $772,726)

         904,054  
      

 

 

 
      

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – 0.1%

      

Non-Agency Fixed Rate CMBS – 0.1%

      

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2014-GC23, Class D
4.635%, 07/10/2047(e)

      35        31,030  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2014-GC18, Class D
5.155%, 01/10/2047(e)

      71        57,351  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2012-CBX, Class E
5.303%, 06/15/2045(j)

      298        185,777  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2013-C17, Class D
5.054%, 01/15/2047(e)

      71        61,227  
      

 

 

 
         335,385  
      

 

 

 

Non-Agency Floating Rate CMBS – 0.0%

      

DBWF Mortgage Trust
Series 2018-GLKS, Class E
3.18% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.02%), 12/19/2030(e)(n)

      100        88,992  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust
Series 2019-BPR, Class E
4.912% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.75%), 05/15/2036(e)(n)

      39        28,455  
      

 

 

 
         117,447  
      

 

 

 

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
(cost $591,184)

         452,832  
      

 

 

 
      

GOVERNMENTS – SOVEREIGN BONDS – 0.0%

      

Mexico – 0.0%

      

Mexico Government International Bond
4.75%, 04/27/2032
(cost $195,624)

      200        228,938  
      

 

 

 
      

 

70    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS – US MUNICIPAL BONDS – 0.0%

     

United States – 0.0%

     

State of California
Series 2010
7.60%, 11/01/2040

    U.S.$       60     $ 110,032  

7.95%, 03/01/2036

      0 **      12  

Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority
Series 2007A
7.467%, 06/01/2047

      45       47,472  
     

 

 

 

Total Local Governments – US Municipal Bonds
(cost $134,099)

        157,516  
     

 

 

 
          Shares        

PREFERRED STOCKS – 0.0%

     

Industrials – 0.0%

     

Consumer Cyclical Services – 0.0%

     

Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.
7.625%(a)

      1,190       7,152  

WESCO International, Inc.
Series A
10.625%(a)

      3,350       93,029  
     

 

 

 
        100,181  
     

 

 

 

Utilities – 0.0%

     

Electric Utilities – 0.0%

     

SCE Trust III
Series H
5.75%(a)

      116       2,666  
     

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks
(cost $102,012)

        102,847  
     

 

 

 
     

WARRANTS – 0.0%

     

Communication Services – 0.0%

     

Media – 0.0%

     

iHeartMedia, Inc.,
expiring 05/01/2039(a)

      2,165       17,515  
     

 

 

 

Industrials – 0.0%

     

Construction & Engineering – 0.0%

     

Willscot Corp.,
expiring 11/29/2022(a)(c)

      1,913       10,104  
     

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    71


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Information Technology – 0.0%

      

Software – 0.0%

      

Avaya Holdings Corp.,
expiring 12/15/2022(a)

      4,686      $ 7,029  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.0%

      

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.0%

      

Battalion Oil Corp.,
expiring 10/08/2022(a)(c)

      8        – 0  – 

Battalion Oil Corp.,
expiring 10/08/2022(a)(b)(c)

      10        – 0  – 

Halcon Resources Corp.,
expiring 10/08/2022(a) (c)

      6        – 0  – 

SandRidge Energy, Inc., A-CW22,
expiring 10/04/2022(a)

      4,803        67  

SandRidge Energy, Inc., B-CW22,
expiring 10/04/2022(a)

      2,019        45  
      

 

 

 
         112  
      

 

 

 

Total Warrants
(cost $50,185)

         34,760  
      

 

 

 
          Notional
Amount
        

OPTIONS PURCHASED – PUTS – 0.0%

      

Swaptions – 0.0%

      

IRS Swaption
Expiration: Nov 2020; Contracts: 237,000; Exercise Rate: 1.20%;
Counterparty: JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA(a)

    USD       237,000        6,545  

IRS Swaption
Expiration: Nov 2020; Contracts: 76,000; Exercise Rate: 1.28%;
Counterparty: Goldman Sachs International(a)

      76,000        1,653  

IRS Swaption
Expiration: Nov 2020; Contracts: 98,000; Exercise Rate: 1.28%;
Counterparty: Goldman Sachs International(a)

      98,000        2,232  

IRS Swaption
Expiration: Nov 2020; Contracts: 98,000; Exercise Rate: 1.28%;
Counterparty: Goldman Sachs International(a)

      98,000        2,232  
      

 

 

 

Total Options Purchased – Puts
(premiums paid $10,195)

         12,662  
      

 

 

 

 

72    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGHS – 0.0%

     

Agency Fixed Rate 30-Year – 0.0%

     

Federal National Mortgage Association
Series 2006
5.00%, 01/01/2036
(cost $124)

    U.S.$       0 **    $ 131  
     

 

 

 
          Shares        

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 17.6%

     

Investment Companies – 17.3%

     

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. –Government Money Market Portfolio –Class AB, 0.08%(g)(q)(r)
(cost $110,385,163)

      110,385,163       110,385,163  
     

 

 

 
          Principal
Amount
(000)
       

U.S. Treasury Bills – 0.3%

     

United States – 0.3%

     

U.S. Treasury Bill
Zero Coupon, 10/29/2020(o)
(cost $1,999,742)

    U.S.$       2,000       1,999,694  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(cost $112,384,905)

        112,384,857  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned – 96.8%
(cost $545,678,331)

        618,968,750  
     

 

 

 
          Shares        

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED – 1.2%

     

Investment Companies – 1.2%

     

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 0.08%(g)(q)(r)
(cost $7,426,123)

      7,426,123       7,426,123  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments – 98.0%
(cost $553,104,454)

        626,394,873  

Other assets less liabilities – 2.0%

        13,174,902  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets – 100.0%

      $ 639,569,775  
     

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    73


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

Description   Number of
Contracts
    Expiration
Month
    Current
Notional
    Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Purchased Contracts

 

10 Yr Australian Bond Futures

    166       September 2020     $ 18,055,060     $ (36,981

10 Yr Canadian Bond Futures

    192       December 2020           22,218,331       (63,580

10 Yr Japan Bond (OSE) Futures

    30       September 2020       42,937,261       (117,260

Euro Buxl 30 Yr Bond Futures

    47       September 2020       12,166,491       261,361  

Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures

    104       September 2020       4,052,140       (6,944

Euro-BOBL Futures

    44       September 2020       7,069,072       15,797  

Euro-BTP Futures

    250       September 2020       43,619,932           1,972,951  

Euro-Bund Futures

    57       September 2020       11,941,760       54,639  

Euro-Schatz Futures

    147       September 2020       19,649,949       (8,941

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    43       September 2020       3,426,685       (33,699

FTSE/JSE Top 40 Futures

    51       September 2020       1,537,168       (32,705

Hang Seng Index Futures

    31       September 2020       5,014,871       (80,137

Long Gilt Futures

    351       December 2020       63,346,594       (563,429

MSCI Emerging Markets Futures

    520       September 2020       28,610,400       2,046,151  

MSCI Singapore Index ETS Futures

    185       September 2020       3,958,895       (36,426

MSCI Taiwan Index Futures

    79       September 2020       3,879,690       (57,852

Russell 2000 E-Mini Futures

    36       September 2020       2,810,340       373,582  

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    209       September 2020       36,563,505       4,207,602  

S&P Mid 400 E-Mini Futures

    62       September 2020       11,939,960       951,540  

S&P/TSX 60 Index Futures

    2       September 2020       303,293       (478

TOPIX Index Futures

    31       September 2020       4,729,831       164,696  

U.S. Long Bond (CBT) Futures

    2       December 2020       351,437       (3,948

U.S. T-Note 2 Yr (CBT) Futures

    77       December 2020       17,012,789       2,038  

U.S. T-Note 5 Yr (CBT) Futures

    317       December 2020       39,951,906       51,602  

U.S. T-Note 10 Yr (CBT) Futures

    302       December 2020       42,053,500       (33,464

U.S. Ultra Bond (CBT) Futures

    227       December 2020       50,145,719       (736,516

Sold Contracts

 

10 Yr Canadian Bond Futures

    84       December 2020       9,720,520       62,330  

10 Yr Mini Japan Government Bond Futures

    78       September 2020       11,158,533       39,266  

 

74    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Description   Number of
Contracts
    Expiration
Month
    Current
Notional
    Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

E-Mini Russell 1000 Futures

    52       September 2020     $ 5,060,120     $ (744,210

Euro Buxl 30 Yr Bond Futures

    20       September 2020       5,177,230       (96,517

Euro STOXX 50 Futures

    168       September 2020       6,545,764       (113,482

Euro-Bund Futures

    300       September 2020       62,851,367       (369,808

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    17       September 2020       1,354,736       52,298  

Long Gilt Futures

    24       December 2020       4,331,391       38,151  

MSCI EAFE Futures

    13       September 2020       1,235,065       (73,423

OMXS 30 Index Futures

    236       September 2020       4,815,603       16,988  

Russell 2000 E-Mini Futures

    3       September 2020       234,195       (2,356

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    4       September 2020       699,780       (35,996

S&P/TSX 60 Index Futures

    3       September 2020       454,939       (23,694

SET 50 Futures

    112       September 2020       605,946       30,103  

SGX Nifty 50 Futures

    240       September 2020       5,455,440       67,721  

SPI 200 Futures

    34       September 2020       3,780,313       (48,979

TOPIX Index Futures

    13       September 2020       1,983,477       (277

U.S. T-Note 5 Yr (CBT) Futures

    47       December 2020       5,923,469       (7,701

U.S. T-Note 10 Yr (CBT) Futures

    81       December 2020       11,279,250       4,630  

U.S. Ultra Bond (CBT) Futures

    26       December 2020       5,743,563       84,204  
       

 

 

 
  $ 7,168,847  
       

 

 

 

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

  RUB       79,145     USD 1,105       09/14/2020     $ 38,985  

Bank of America, NA

  SEK 11,030     USD 1,259       10/16/2020       (17,135

Bank of America, NA

  USD 5,072     CAD 6,702       10/09/2020       66,802  

Bank of America, NA

  USD 625     CLP      490,096       09/17/2020       5,134  

Bank of America, NA

  USD 2,329     KRW 2,762,931       11/10/2020       (570

Barclays Bank PLC

  IDR 14,646,957     USD 984       10/15/2020       (16,724

Barclays Bank PLC

  TWD 183,009     USD 6,276       10/19/2020       24,550  

Barclays Bank PLC

  PHP 33,528     USD 683       11/10/2020       (6,288

Barclays Bank PLC

  CNY 22,063     USD 3,124       10/19/2020       (86,591

Barclays Bank PLC

  AUD 2,668     USD 1,914       09/16/2020       (53,703

Barclays Bank PLC

  GBP 2,569     USD 3,364       09/16/2020       (70,364

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 1,916     CHF 1,726       09/16/2020       (5,651

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 1,380     NZD 2,045       09/16/2020       (2,923

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 5,165     EUR 4,350       09/16/2020       27,762  

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 1,274     MYR 5,330       10/27/2020       7,692  

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 2,757     CNY 19,268       11/18/2020       41,080  

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 4,479     CNY 30,914       10/21/2020       19,282  

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 1,302     NOK 11,464       10/16/2020       10,996  

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 414     RUB 30,640       09/14/2020       (1,414

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    75


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty   Contracts to
Deliver
(000)
    In Exchange
For
(000)
    Settlement
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 2,294     THB 72,412       10/27/2020     $ 32,534  

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 3,175     TWD 92,186       10/19/2020       (25,760

BNP Paribas SA

  NZD 1,894     USD 1,245       10/27/2020       (31,078

BNP Paribas SA

  USD          1,900     CNY 13,227       10/21/2020       24,622  

Citibank, NA

  COP 3,404,199     USD 902       09/17/2020       (7,492

Citibank, NA

  CZK 27,880     USD 1,256       10/22/2020       (10,567

Citibank, NA

  ZAR 22,027     USD 1,271       09/03/2020       (28,410

Citibank, NA

  CNY 9,497     USD 1,359       10/21/2020       (22,699

Citibank, NA

  PEN 2,196     USD 623       09/17/2020       3,862  

Citibank, NA

  GBP 2,003     EUR 2,209       09/18/2020       (40,962

Citibank, NA

  USD 1,264     PLN 4,704       10/22/2020       13,626  

Citibank, NA

  USD 632     NOK 5,721       10/16/2020       23,324  

Citibank, NA

  USD 652     ZAR 10,921       09/03/2020       (7,923

Citibank, NA

  USD 2,530     SEK 22,837       10/16/2020       111,660  

Citibank, NA

  USD 643     RUB        47,092       09/14/2020       (8,397

Citibank, NA

  USD 2,519     CLP 1,972,994       09/17/2020       18,340  

Citibank, NA

  USD 1,885     COP 6,887,524       09/17/2020       (46,309

Credit Suisse International

  SEK 27,223     USD 3,100       09/16/2020       (47,660

Credit Suisse International

  CNY 21,484     USD 3,075       10/19/2020       (51,118

Credit Suisse International

  NOK 6,170     USD 709       09/16/2020       2,229  

Credit Suisse International

  PLN 3,460     USD 930       10/22/2020       (9,205

Credit Suisse International

  AUD 3,193     USD 2,358       09/16/2020       3,125  

Credit Suisse International

  USD 6,203     CNY 43,547       10/19/2020       134,322  

Deutsche Bank AG

  ZAR 10,921     USD 656       09/03/2020       11,543  

Deutsche Bank AG

  PEN 5,736     USD 1,631       09/17/2020       11,873  

Deutsche Bank AG

  PEN 3,306     USD 925       09/17/2020       (7,690

Deutsche Bank AG

  EUR 1,608     USD 1,897       09/18/2020       (22,592

Deutsche Bank AG

  GBP 554     USD 724       09/16/2020       (16,318

Deutsche Bank AG

  USD 643     CAD 854       10/09/2020       12,393  

Deutsche Bank AG

  USD 1,131     NZD 1,731       09/16/2020       35,554  

Deutsche Bank AG

  USD 621     PEN 2,196       09/17/2020       (1,499

Deutsche Bank AG

  USD 2,878     CAD 3,801       09/16/2020       35,984  

Deutsche Bank AG

  USD 877     ZAR 14,607       09/03/2020       (15,439

Deutsche Bank AG

  USD 979     JPY 103,867       09/16/2020       1,968  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  CLP 2,009,734     USD 2,572       09/17/2020       (13,113

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  PHP 172,361     USD 3,501       11/10/2020       (42,239

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  CZK 110,026     USD 4,938       10/22/2020       (62,354

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  INR 95,022     USD 1,263       10/15/2020       (26,953

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  RUB 72,415     USD 1,019       09/14/2020       43,509  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  BRL 33,679     USD 6,438       09/02/2020       290,576  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  CHF 9,169     USD 10,116       09/16/2020       (31,665

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  AUD 7,646     USD 5,504       09/16/2020       (134,915

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  EUR 1,677     USD 1,988       09/18/2020       (13,965

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  EUR 1,207     USD 1,427       09/16/2020       (13,738

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  EUR 1,090     USD 1,283       10/16/2020       (18,123

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD 896     CAD 1,169       09/16/2020       (124

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD 6,205     BRL 33,679       09/02/2020       (57,617

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD 3,484     NZD 5,325       09/16/2020       102,830  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD 1,285     NOK 11,522       10/16/2020       34,338  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD 5,298     MXN 120,004       10/08/2020       162,600  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD 6,833     INR 518,642       10/15/2020       209,632  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD 3,273     CZK 72,936       10/22/2020       41,335  

 

76    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty   Contracts to
Deliver
(000)
    In Exchange
For
(000)
    Settlement
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD 4,790     RUB 341,761       09/14/2020     $ (187,620

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD 3,431     HUF 1,008,813       10/22/2020       (46,355

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD 711     CLP 544,237       09/17/2020       (10,596

HSBC Bank USA

  HKD 139,445     USD 17,989       10/21/2020       3,467  

HSBC Bank USA

  BRL 23,844     USD 4,358       09/02/2020       5,727  

HSBC Bank USA

  BRL 23,844     USD 4,286       10/02/2020       (61,750

HSBC Bank USA

  EUR 11,773     USD 13,841       10/15/2020       (221,346

HSBC Bank USA

  CAD 2,513     USD 1,904       10/09/2020       (22,665

HSBC Bank USA

  PLN 2,293     USD 613       10/22/2020       (9,357

HSBC Bank USA

  NZD 952     USD 628       10/27/2020       (13,117

HSBC Bank USA

  USD 1,304     PLN 4,874       10/22/2020       19,892  

HSBC Bank USA

  USD 4,291     BRL 23,844       09/02/2020       61,481  

HSBC Bank USA

  HUF 385,705     EUR 1,103       10/22/2020       24,057  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  IDR 16,760,491     USD 1,132       10/15/2020       (12,828

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  COP 2,309,283     USD 627       09/17/2020       10,701  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  HUF 623,108     USD 2,118       10/22/2020       27,493  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  INR 91,931     USD 1,221       10/15/2020       (27,521

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  NOK 41,751     USD 4,711       09/16/2020       (69,002

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  CAD 5,456     USD 4,068       10/09/2020       (114,735

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  BRL 4,811     USD 879       09/02/2020       1,156  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD 1,310     CAD 1,729       10/09/2020       15,972  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  NZD 1,929     AUD 1,774       10/29/2020       8,979  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD 893     BRL 4,811       09/02/2020       (14,552

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD 6,860     CAD 9,069       09/16/2020       93,653  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD 762     ZAR 12,665       09/03/2020       (14,728

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD 2,031     ZAR 35,413       09/03/2020       58,114  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD 5,767     SEK 50,129       09/16/2020       29,422  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD 5,649     IDR 83,651,872       10/15/2020       64,025  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  COP 2,303,620     USD 625       09/17/2020       9,487  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  JPY 508,592     USD 4,821       10/08/2020       16,931  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  RUB 47,092     USD 639       09/14/2020       4,954  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  ILS 21,215     USD 6,238       11/12/2020       (93,695

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  NOK 11,405     USD 1,281       10/16/2020       (24,648

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  TWD 10,173     USD 350       11/18/2020       1,089  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  PEN 7,258     USD 2,057       09/17/2020       8,504  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  GBP 2,719     USD 3,454       09/14/2020       (180,505

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  USD 3,461     GBP 2,719       09/14/2020       174,037  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  USD 640     NOK 5,711       10/16/2020       14,001  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  USD 2,521     MYR 10,715       10/27/2020       56,140  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  USD 1,264     ZAR 22,027       09/03/2020       34,868  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    77


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty   Contracts to
Deliver
(000)
    In Exchange
For
(000)
    Settlement
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  SEK 11,312     EUR 1,090       10/16/2020     $ (6,871

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  USD          1,289     CLP 1,004,939       09/17/2020       3,754  

Natwest Markets PLC

  COP 6,294,528     USD 1,722       09/17/2020       41,269  

Natwest Markets PLC

  CLP 4,293,588     USD 5,527       09/17/2020       5,440  

Natwest Markets PLC

  JPY 270,519     USD 2,544       10/08/2020       (11,351

Natwest Markets PLC

  EUR 5,742     USD 6,538       09/14/2020       (315,864

Natwest Markets PLC

  EUR 554     USD 660       10/15/2020       (2,371

Natwest Markets PLC

  USD 2,167     CAD 2,872       10/09/2020       34,959  

Natwest Markets PLC

  USD 1,274     NZD 1,949       10/27/2020       39,336  

Natwest Markets PLC

  USD 2,232     TWD 65,630       11/10/2020       15,396  

Natwest Markets PLC

  USD 1,290     CLP 1,027,625       09/17/2020       31,154  

Standard Chartered Bank

  KRW 1,550,560     USD 1,311       11/10/2020       4,252  

Standard Chartered Bank

  JPY 133,807     USD 1,269       10/08/2020       4,775  

Standard Chartered Bank

  GBP 981     EUR 1,077       09/18/2020       (25,969

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  THB 59,049     USD 1,869       10/27/2020       (27,566

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  JPY 41,168     USD 390       10/08/2020       1,600  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  NOK 11,549     USD 1,254       10/16/2020       (68,120

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  MXN 8,119     USD 358       10/08/2020       (11,024

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  SEK 14,240     USD 1,536       09/14/2020       (110,734

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  GBP 3,400     USD 4,291       09/18/2020       (254,250

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  CNY 1,512     USD 216       10/21/2020       (3,563

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  SEK 2,924     USD 337       12/11/2020       (1,736

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  CAD 538     USD 400       09/14/2020       (11,797

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  EUR 2,922     USD 3,261       09/14/2020       (226,921

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  CAD 211     USD 157       10/09/2020       (4,491

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  EUR 570     USD 676       12/11/2020       (5,240

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  EUR 256     USD 302       10/15/2020       (3,367

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  EUR 118     USD 141       12/11/2020       377  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 708     EUR 597       10/15/2020       4,808  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 4,595     EUR 3,948       09/14/2020       117,433  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 65     CAD 88       09/14/2020       2,618  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 274     CHF 249       11/19/2020       2,161  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 297     CAD 399       10/09/2020       8,506  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 306     SEK 2,689       09/14/2020       5,158  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 623     AUD 870       10/29/2020       18,389  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 3,836     SGD 5,248       10/27/2020       21,969  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 1,579     NOK 14,791       10/16/2020       114,605  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 2,780     SEK 25,386       10/16/2020       156,846  

UBS AG

  TWD 65,630     USD 2,235       11/10/2020       (12,602

UBS AG

  NOK 14,791     USD 1,611       10/16/2020       (82,862

UBS AG

  SEK 9,017     USD 1,045       09/16/2020       2,686  

UBS AG

  BRL 5,024     USD 929       09/02/2020       11,753  

UBS AG

  EUR 2,173     USD 2,571       10/15/2020       (25,570

UBS AG

  GBP 745     USD 997       09/16/2020       891  

UBS AG

  USD 918     BRL 5,024       09/02/2020       (1,207

UBS AG

  USD 635     TWD 18,398       10/19/2020       (6,451
       

 

 

 
  $ (423,887
       

 

 

 

 

78    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAPS (see Note D)

 

                Rate Type                      

Notional
Amount
(000)

    Termination
Date
    Payments
made
by the
Fund
  Payments
received
by the
Fund
  Payment
Frequency
Paid/
Received
  Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

USD

    14,040       06/04/2022     3 Month
LIBOR
  0.248%   Quarterly/
Semi-Annual
  $ 3,955     $  —     $ 3,955  

CNY

    36,260       02/17/2025     China 7-Day
Reverse
Repo Rate
  2.547%   Quarterly/
Quarterly
    (35,872           (35,872

CNY

    107,914       02/20/2025     China 7-Day
Reverse
Repo Rate
  2.598%   Quarterly/

Quarterly

    (73,654           (73,654

CNY

    109,516       02/21/2025     China 7-Day
Reverse
Repo Rate
  2.620%   Quarterly/

Quarterly

    (59,265           (59,265

SEK

    4,260       04/16/2030     3 Month
STIBOR
  0.476%   Quarterly/

Annual

    4,940             4,940  

CHF

    1,700       05/05/2030     6 Month
LIBOR
  (0.335)%   Semi-Annual/

Annual

    (16,728     (1     (16,727

CHF

    3,670       06/02/2030     6 Month
LIBOR
  (0.337)%   Semi-Annual/

Annual

    (38,307     (19     (38,288

USD

    2,800       06/04/2030     0.671%   3 Month
LIBOR
  Semi-Annual/

Quarterly

    4,132             4,132  

SEK

    3,530       06/23/2030     3 Month
STIBOR
  0.354%   Quarterly/

Annual

    (1,447           (1,447

NOK

    32,370       07/10/2030     6 Month
NIBOR
  0.900%   Semi-Annual/

Annual

    (57,844           (57,844

SEK

    65,980       07/10/2030     3 Month
STIBOR
  0.303%   Quarterly/

Annual

    (67,249           (67,249

SEK

    3,340       08/03/2030     3 Month
STIBOR
  0.275%   Quarterly/

Annual

    (4,725           (4,725

CHF

    2,060       08/03/2030     6 Month
LIBOR
  (0.382)%   Semi-Annual/

Annual

    (34,049           (34,049

NOK

    57,460       08/11/2030     6 Month
NIBOR
  0.825%   Semi-Annual/

Annual

    (153,810           (153,810

CHF

    4,240       08/11/2030     6 Month

LIBOR

  (0.343)%   Semi-Annual/

Annual

    (53,726           (53,726

SEK

    4,990       08/11/2030     3 Month

STIBOR

  0.280%   Quarterly/

Annual

    (6,862           (6,862

NZD

    8,060       08/27/2030     0.565%   3 Month
BKBM
  Semi-Annual/

Quarterly

    22,035             22,035  
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $   (568,476   $   (20   $   (568,456
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    79


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 


Description
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
August 31,
2020
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Buy Contracts

 

           

CDX-NAHY
Series 29, 5 Year Index, 12/20/2022*

    (5.00 )%      Quarterly       2.83   USD  4       $(254   $ (175   $ (79

CDX-NAHY
Series 31, 5 Year Index, 12/20/2023*

    (5.00     Quarterly       3.15     USD 1,128       (76,084     (68,448     (7,636

Sale Contracts

 

           

CDX-NAHY
Series 29,
5 Year Index, 12/20/2022*

    5.00       Quarterly       2.83     USD 4       254       188       66  

CDX-NAHY
Series 31,
5 Year Index, 12/20/2023*

    5.00       Quarterly       3.15     USD 1,128       76,084       29,329       46,755  

CDX-NAHY
Series 33,
5 Year Index, 12/20/2024*

    5.00       Quarterly       3.55     USD 7,598       505,035       (682,748     1,187,783  

CDX-NAHY
Series 34,
5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    5.00       Quarterly       3.65     USD 2,862       193,509       104,196       89,313  

CDX-NAIG
Series 28,
5 Year Index, 06/20/2022*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.76     USD 62,370       396,070       532,641       (136,571

CDX-NAIG
Series 32,
5 Year Index, 06/20/2024*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.60     USD 1,090       18,621       18,420       201  

CDX-NAIG
Series 34,
5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.65     USD   10,940       201,662       (157,111     358,773  

CDX-NAIG
Series 34, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.65     USD 3,740       68,899       3,490       65,409  

CDX-NAIG
Series 34, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.65     USD 8,580       158,159       29,373       128,786  

Federative Republic of Brazil
4.250%, 01/07/2025, 06/20/2025*

    1.00       Quarterly       2.12     USD 346       (17,132     (25,778     8,646  

 

80    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 


Description
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
August 31,
2020
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

iTraxx -Xover
Series 33, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    5.00 %       Quarterly       3.22 %     EUR 4,802     $ 495,992     $ (60,439   $ 556,431  

iTraxxx Europe
Series 27, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2022*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.20     EUR  30,780       612,354       410,354       202,000  

iTraxxx Europe
Series 31, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2024*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.44     EUR 970       27,337       20,538       6,799  

iTraxxx Europe
Series 31, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.54     EUR 4,650       132,854       (33,722     166,576  

Republic of South Africa,
5.875%, 09/16/2025, 06/20/2025*

    1.00       Quarterly       2.87     USD 297       (24,331     (37,917     13,586  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $     2,769,029     $  82,191     $     2,686,838  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Termination date

CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
August 31,
2020
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Buy Contracts

             

Goldman Sachs International

             

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6,
05/11/2063*

    (5.00 )%      Monthly       25.00   USD 865     $ 417,560     $   282,423     $   135,137  

JPMorgan Securities, LLC

             

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6,
05/11/2063*

    (3.00     Monthly       23.08     USD 950       301,071       160,352       140,719  

Sale Contracts

             

Credit Suisse International

             

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6,
05/11/2063*

    3.00       Monthly       23.08     USD 4,553       (1,442,922     (443,044     (999,878

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

             

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6,
05/11/2063*

    5.00       Monthly       25.00     USD 26       (12,558     (12,923     365  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6,
05/11/2063*

    5.00       Monthly       25.00     USD   1,955       (943,733     (337,621     (606,112

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    81


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
August 31,
2020
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Deutsche Bank AG

             

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6,
05/11/2063*

    5.00 %       Monthly       25.00 %     USD   2,500     $ (1,206,819   $ (440,944   $ (765,875

Goldman Sachs International

             

Avis Budget Car Rental LLC,
5.250%, 03/15/2025, 12/20/2023*

    5.00       Quarterly       4.90     USD 50       607       2,131       (1,524

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6,
05/11/2063*

    5.00       Monthly       25.00     USD 5       (2,415     (2,482     67  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6,
05/11/2063*

    5.00       Monthly       25.00     USD 5       (2,415     (2,482     67  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

             

Rolls-Royce PLC, 2.125%, 06/18/2021, 06/20/2025*

    1.00       Quarterly       4.08     EUR 72       (11,100     (13,853     2,753  

Rolls-Royce PLC, 2.125%, 06/18/2021, 06/20/2025*

    1.00       Quarterly       4.08     EUR 68       (10,484     (13,010     2,526  

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

             

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6,
05/11/2063*

    5.00       Monthly       25.00     USD 31       (14,973     (13,136     (1,837

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6,
05/11/2063*

    5.00       Monthly       25.00     USD 32       (15,456     (13,401     (2,055

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6,
05/11/2063*

    5.00       Monthly       25.00     USD 30       (14,490     (12,638     (1,852

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6,
05/11/2063*

    5.00       Monthly       25.00     USD 33       (15,939     (13,738     (2,201

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6,
05/11/2063*

    5.00       Monthly       25.00     USD 31       (14,973     (14,212     (761

CDX-CMBX.NA.BB Series 6,
05/11/2063*

    5.00       Monthly       25.00     USD 10       (4,830     (4,858     28  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $   (2,993,869   $   (893,436   $   (2,100,433
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Termination date

 

82    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

INFLATION (CPI) SWAPS (see Note D)

 

                Rate Type                        

Swap
Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
(000)
    Termination
Date
    Payments
made
by the
Fund
  Payments
received
by the
Fund
  Payment
Frequency
Paid/
Received
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Bank of America, NA

  USD   8,460       03/20/2025     CPI#   0.388%     Maturity     $ (525,172   $     $ (525,172

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD   14,680       03/12/2025     CPI#   0.750%     Maturity       (642,458           (642,458
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $   (1,167,630   $   —     $   (1,167,630
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

#

Variable interest rate based on the rate of inflation as determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

TOTAL RETURN SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Counterparty &

Referenced Obligation

  Rate Paid/
Received
  Payment
Frequency
  Current
Notional
(000)
    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Receive Total Return on Reference Obligation

 

Bank of America, NA

 

MLABCOVL

  LIBOR
Plus 0.02%
  Quarterly   USD   593       08/16/2021     $ 899  

MSCI China A Net Return Index USD

  LIBOR
Minus 7.35%
  Quarterly   USD 22,830       12/15/2020         5,127,500  

Barclays Bank PLC

 

Barclays Capital US Inflation Linked Bonds 1 to 10 Year

  LIBOR
Plus 0.0015%
  Maturity   USD   135,821       11/01/2020       1,501,712  

Citibank, NA

 

CGABROEB

  LIBOR
Plus 0.20%
  Quarterly   USD 2,364       05/17/2021       58,826  

CGABROEB

  LIBOR
Plus 0.20%
  Quarterly   USD 790       05/17/2021       21,084  

CGABROEB

  LIBOR
Plus 0.20%
  Quarterly   USD 45       05/17/2021       1,116  

Goldman Sachs & Co.

 

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

  LIBOR
Plus 0.35%
  Monthly   GBP 78       01/05/2021       575  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

  LIBOR
Plus 0.35%
  Monthly   GBP 55       01/05/2021       476  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

  LIBOR
Plus 0.35%
  Monthly   GBP 40       01/05/2021       299  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

  LIBOR
Plus 0.35%
  Monthly   GBP 93       01/05/2021       225  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

  LIBOR
Plus 0.35%
  Monthly   GBP 24       01/05/2021       210  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

  LIBOR
Plus 0.35%
  Monthly   GBP 20       01/05/2021       182  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

  LIBOR
Plus 0.35%
  Monthly   GBP 17       01/05/2021       124  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

  LIBOR
Plus 0.35%
  Monthly   GBP 15       01/05/2021       119  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

  LIBOR
Plus 0.35%
  Monthly   GBP 8       01/05/2021       72  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    83


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty &

Referenced Obligation

  Rate Paid/
Received
  Payment
Frequency
  Current
Notional
(000)
    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

  LIBOR
Plus 0.35%
  Monthly   GBP 181       01/05/2021     $ (154

Goldman Sachs International

 

Markit iBoxx EUR Contingent Convertible Liquid Developed Market AT1 TRI

  3 Month
EURIBOR
  Maturity   EUR 840       12/20/2020       232,228  

Russell 2000 Total Return Index

  LIBOR
Plus 0.05%
  Quarterly   USD 9,126       05/17/2021       (135,725

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

 

JPQABACP(1)

  0.00%   Quarterly   USD 13,785       07/15/2021       (1,702,773

JPQABEUV

  EURIBOR
Plus 0.15%
  Quarterly   EUR 968       06/15/2021       33,619  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

 

KOSPI 200 Futures

  0.00%   Monthly   KRW 968       09/10/2020       (38,638

Sunrise Communications Group AG

  LIBOR   Monthly   CHF 546       01/27/2021       (3,560

Sunrise Communications Group AG

  LIBOR   Monthly   CHF 353       01/27/2021       (4,160

Sunrise Communications Group AG

  LIBOR   Monthly   CHF 711       01/27/2021       (9,018

Pay Total Return on Reference Obligation

 

Goldman Sachs & Co.

 

Analog Devices, Inc.

  LIBOR
Plus 0.35%
  Monthly   USD 2,282       01/05/2021       (1,911

Builders FirstSource, Inc.

  LIBOR
Minus 0.29%
  Monthly   USD 23       01/05/2021       (546

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

  LIBOR
Plus 0.35%
  Monthly   USD 1,875       01/05/2021       (125,509

Sunrun, Inc.

  LIBOR
Minus 0.28%
  Monthly   USD 9       01/05/2021       (1,766

Sunrun, Inc.

  LIBOR
Plus 0.35%
  Monthly   USD 173       01/05/2021       (30,635

Teladoc Health, Inc.

  LIBOR
Minus 0.28%
  Monthly   USD 116       01/05/2021       (11,605

Teladoc Health, Inc.

  LIBOR
Minus 0.28%
  Monthly   USD 55       01/05/2021       (6,355

Teladoc Health, Inc.

  LIBOR
Plus 0.35%
  Monthly   USD 1,457       01/05/2021       (21,034

Teladoc Health, Inc.

  LIBOR
Minus 0.28%
  Monthly   USD 434       01/05/2021       (46,323

Goldman Sachs International

 

S&P 500 Total Return Index

  LIBOR
Plus 0.08%
  Quarterly   USD   113,069       05/17/2021       (3,884,725

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

 

Borgwarner, Inc.

  LIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   USD 1       08/12/2022       (169

Borgwarner, Inc.

  LIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   USD 2       08/12/2022       (237

Borgwarner, Inc.

  LIBOR
Minus 1.58%
  Annual   USD 103       08/12/2022       (23,615

Borgwarner, Inc.

  LIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   USD 483       08/12/2022       (70,308

Borgwarner, Inc.

  LIBOR
Minus 0.31%
  Monthly   USD 863       08/12/2022       (101,083

 

84    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty &

Referenced Obligation

  Rate Paid/
Received
  Payment
Frequency
  Current
Notional
(000)
    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

JPQABHYS

  LIBOR
Minus 0.14%
  Quarterly   USD 344       05/17/2021     $ 6,076  

Morgan Stanley

  LIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   USD 1,505       08/12/2022       52,125  

Morgan Stanley

  LIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   USD 48       08/12/2022       (3,679

Morgan Stanley

  LIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   USD       64       08/12/2022       (4,381

Morgan Stanley

  LIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   USD 379       08/12/2022       (17,481

Morgan Stanley

  LIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   USD 158       08/12/2022       (39,531

Morgan Stanley

  LIBOR
Minus 0.32%
  Annual   USD 224       08/12/2022       (47,883

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.20%
  Annual   EUR 260       08/12/2022       93,885  

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.20%
  Annual   EUR 274       08/12/2022       92,835  

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   EUR 144       08/12/2022       2,677  

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   EUR 115       08/12/2022       1,706  

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR   Annual   EUR 72       08/12/2022       1,023  

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   EUR 1       08/12/2022       154  

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   EUR 6       08/12/2022       (1,111

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR   Monthly   EUR 12       08/12/2022       (1,157

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   EUR 40       08/12/2022       (8,452

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   EUR 113       08/12/2022       (10,453

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR   Annual   EUR 267       08/12/2022       (23,371

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR   Annual   EUR 146       08/12/2022       (28,854

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   EUR 409       08/12/2022       (96,973

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   EUR 224       08/12/2022       1,355  

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   EUR 1       08/12/2022       (37

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR   Annual   EUR 2       08/12/2022       (134

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR   Annual   EUR 6       08/12/2022       (116

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR   Annual   EUR 4       08/12/2022       (205

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR   Monthly   EUR 7       08/12/2022       (221

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   EUR 26       08/12/2022       658  

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR   Monthly   EUR 15       08/12/2022       (810

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR   Monthly   EUR 18       08/12/2022       (1,074

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Monthly   EUR 128       08/12/2022       (1,785

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Monthly   EUR 66       08/12/2022       (1,768

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    85


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty &

Referenced Obligation

  Rate Paid/
Received
  Payment
Frequency
  Current
Notional
(000)
    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   EUR 10       08/12/2022     $ (1,828

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR   Annual   EUR 16       08/12/2022       (3,185

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR   Annual   EUR       40       08/12/2022       (6,716

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   EUR 199       08/12/2022       (39,783

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Annual   EUR 221       08/12/2022       (41,709

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.20%
  Annual   EUR 787       08/12/2022       (81,366

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR   Monthly   EUR 124       08/12/2022       1,005  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

 

AON PLC

  LIBOR
Minus 0.25%
  Monthly   USD 61       01/27/2021       (9,443

AON PLC

  LIBOR
Minus 0.25%
  Monthly   USD 172       01/27/2021       (14,363

AON PLC

  LIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   USD 80       01/27/2021       (14,900

AON PLC

  LIBOR
Minus 0.30%
  Monthly   USD 76       01/27/2021       (16,645

AON PLC

  LIBOR
Minus 0.28%
  Monthly   USD 101       01/27/2021       (17,492

AON PLC

  LIBOR
Minus 0.25%
  Monthly   USD 258       01/27/2021       (29,250

AON PLC

  LIBOR
Minus 0.28%
  Monthly   USD 268       01/27/2021       (46,166

AON PLC

  LIBOR
Minus 1.10%
  Monthly   USD 496       01/27/2021       (108,181

AON PLC

  LIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   USD 853       01/27/2021       (152,531

Bloomberg Commodity Index

  0.00%   Quarterly   USD   50,227       09/15/2020       6,401,430  

iBovespa Futures

  0.00%   Monthly   BRL 765       10/14/2020       26,986  

Chevron Corp.

  LIBOR
Minus 0.28%
  Monthly   USD 343       01/27/2021       15,345  

Chevron Corp.

  LIBOR
Minus 0.28%
  Monthly   USD 205       01/27/2021       7,054  

Chevron Corp.

  LIBOR
Minus 0.29%
  Monthly   USD 83       01/27/2021       941  

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK 223       01/27/2021       14,402  

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK 32       01/27/2021       1,675  

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK 3       01/27/2021       165  

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK 1       01/27/2021       32  

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK 9       01/27/2021       (66

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK       6       01/27/2021       (375

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK 8       01/27/2021       (902

 

86    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty &

Referenced Obligation

  Rate Paid/
Received
  Payment
Frequency
  Current
Notional
(000)
    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK 68       01/27/2021     $ (1,651

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK 140       01/27/2021       (1,926

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK 48       01/27/2021       (3,554

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK 30       01/27/2021       (3,127

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK 43       01/27/2021       (3,508

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK 187       01/27/2021       (20,505

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK 216       01/27/2021       (21,287

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK 234       01/27/2021       (33,554

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR
Minus 0.40%
  Monthly   SEK 443       01/27/2021       (52,069

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 190       01/27/2021       12,863  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 202       01/27/2021       12,337  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 185       01/27/2021       10,237  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 103       01/27/2021       7,663  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 85       01/27/2021       6,521  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 184       01/27/2021       6,489  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 140       01/27/2021       5,061  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 67       01/27/2021       4,689  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 171       01/27/2021       4,536  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 61       01/27/2021       4,298  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 49       01/27/2021       3,057  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR       53       01/27/2021       2,133  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 15       01/27/2021       1,087  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 146       01/27/2021       680  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 10       01/27/2021       619  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 17       01/27/2021       464  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
  Monthly   EUR 17       01/27/2021       289  

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    87


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty &

Referenced Obligation

  Rate Paid/
Received
    Payment
Frequency
    Current
Notional
(000)
    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

   
EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
 
 
    Annual     EUR 23       01/27/2021     $ 439  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

   
EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
 
 
    Monthly     EUR 4       01/27/2021       124  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

   
EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
 
 
    Monthly     EUR 10       01/27/2021       118  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

   
EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
 
 
    Monthly     EUR 120       01/27/2021       (1,585

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

   
EURIBOR
Minus 0.35%
 
 
    Monthly     EUR 340       01/27/2021       (2,864

MSABHOWN

   
LIBOR
Minus 0.30%
 
 
    Quarterly     USD 1,691       05/17/2021       (35,954

Swiss Marketing Index Future

    0.00%       Monthly     CHF 784       09/18/2020       (10,712
         

 

 

 
          $     6,497,977  
         

 

 

 

VARIANCE SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
  Volatility
Strike
Rate
    Payment
Frequency
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
(Paid)/
Received
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Buy Contracts

           

Bank of America, NA

 

FTSE 100 Index 11/20/2020*

    27.20     Maturity     GBP 301     $ (21,316   $     $ (21,316

Goldman Sachs International

 

Russell 2000 Index 10/16/2020*

    40.75       Maturity     USD 916       (405,855           (405,855

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

 

Nikkei 225 Index 11/13/2020*

    26.99       Maturity     JPY 53,495       (993           (993

Russell 2000 Index 09/18/2020*

    46.10       Maturity     USD 1,107       (893,470           (893,470

S&P/ASX 200 Index 10/15/2020*

    28.29       Maturity     AUD 439       (173,188           (173,188

USD/CAD 10/26/2020*

    6.40       Maturity     USD 602       (9,773           (9,773

UBS AG

 

Euro STOXX 50 Price EUR Index 11/20/2020*

    28.80       Maturity     EUR 524       (11,054           (11,054

Nikkei 225 Index 09/11/2020*

    33.00       Maturity     JPY   37,950       (251,047           (251,047

S&P/ASX 200 Index 09/17/2020*

    30.30       Maturity     AUD 1,302       (680,428           (680,428

S&P/ASX 200 Index 11/19/2020*

    25.95       Maturity     AUD 879       (48,628           (48,628

Sale Contracts

 

Goldman Sachs International

 

FTSE 100 Index 09/18/2020*

    24.00       Maturity     GBP 202       75,852             75,852  

Nikkei 225 Index 09/11/2020*

    25.21       Maturity     JPY 21,085       105,385             105,385  

 

88    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
  Volatility
Strike
Rate
    Payment
Frequency
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
(Paid)/
Received
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

 

S&P/ASX 200 Index 09/17/2020*

    25.01 %       Maturity     AUD 886     $ 374,353     $     $ 374,353  

UBS AG

 

Euro STOXX 50 Price EUR Index 09/18/2020*

    23.60       Maturity     EUR 143       (299           (299

Nasdaq 100 Stock Index 09/18/2020*

    28.90       Maturity     USD 881       80,333             80,333  

Russell 2000 Index 09/18/2020*

    38.05       Maturity     USD 762       545,795             545,795  

Russell 2000 Index 09/18/2020*

    29.20       Maturity     USD 466       131,204             131,204  

Russell 2000 Index 10/16/2020*

    32.00       Maturity     USD 565       54,929             54,929  

S&P 500 Index 09/18/2020*

    22.45       Maturity     USD 161       18,065             18,065  

S&P/ASX 200 Index 10/15/2020*

    21.26       Maturity     AUD 251       32,535             32,535  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $     (1,077,600   $     —     $     (1,077,600
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Termination date

 

**

Principal amount less than 500.

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

 

(b)

Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)

Security in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value.

 

(d)

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 August 31, 2020, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $52,793,139 or 8.3% of net assets.

 

(f)

Restricted and illiquid security.

 

Restricted & Illiquid
Securities
   Acquisition
Date
     Cost      Market
Value
     Percentage of
Net Assets
 

CHC Group LLC

     04/26/2017      $ 34,109      $ 119        0.00

CHC Group LLC/CHC Finance
Ltd. Series AI Zero Coupon, 10/01/2020

     04/26/2017            160,191            23,771        0.00

 

(g)

To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Additionally, shareholder reports for AB funds can be obtained by calling AB at (800) 227-4618.

 

(h)

Defaulted matured security.

 

(i)

Pay-In-Kind Payments (PIK). The issuer may pay cash interest and/or interest in additional debt securities. Rates shown are the rates in effect at August 31, 2020.

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    89


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

(j)

Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities, which represent 0.05% of net assets as of August 31, 2020, are considered illiquid and restricted. Additional information regarding such securities follows:

 

144A/Restricted & Illiquid
Securities
   Acquisition
Date
     Cost      Market
Value
    Percentage of
Net Assets
 

Digicel Group 0.5 Ltd.
7.00%, 09/16/2020

     06/19/2020      $     649      $ 973       0.00

Exide International Holdings LP (Superpriority Lien)
10.75%, 10/31/2021

     06/18/2019        109,426            103,224       0.02

Exide Technologies (Exchange Priority)
11.00%, 10/31/2024

     06/21/2019        61,543        3,596       0.00

Exide Technologies (First Lien)
11.00%, 10/31/2024

     06/21/2019        17,967        – 0  –      0.00

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2012-CBX, Class E
5.303%, 06/15/2045

     03/30/2017        294,859        185,777       0.03

K2016470219 South Africa Ltd.
3.00%, 12/31/2022

     04/26/2017        17,921        14       0.00

K2016470260 South Africa Ltd. 25.00%, 12/31/2022

     04/26/2017        19,129        16       0.00

Magnetation LLC/Mag Finance Corp.
11.00%, 05/15/2018

     04/26/2017        15        – 0  –      0.00

Terraform Global Operating LLC
6.125%, 03/01/2026

     02/08/2018            12,000            12,187       0.00

Tonon Luxembourg SA
6.50%, 10/31/2024

     04/26/2017        2,624        154       0.00

Virgolino de Oliveira Finance SA
10.50%, 01/28/2018

     04/26/2017        33,435        4,338       0.00

 

(k)

Convertible security.

 

(l)

Defaulted.

 

(m)

Securities are perpetual and, thus, do not have a predetermined maturity date. The date shown, if applicable, reflects the next call date.

 

(n)

Floating Rate Security. Stated interest/floor/ceiling rate was in effect at August 31, 2020.

 

(o)

Position, or a portion thereof, has been segregated to collateralize OTC derivatives outstanding.

 

(p)

The stated coupon rate represents the greater of the LIBOR or the LIBOR floor rate plus a spread at August 31, 2020.

 

(q)

Affiliated investments.

 

(r)

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

CHF – Swiss Franc

CLP – Chilean Peso

CNY – Chinese Yuan Renminbi

COP – Colombian Peso

CZK – Czech Koruna

 

90    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

EUR – Euro

GBP – Great British Pound

HKD – Hong Kong Dollar

HUF – Hungarian Forint

IDR – Indonesian Rupiah

ILS – Israeli Shekel

INR – Indian Rupee

JPY – Japanese Yen

KRW – South Korean Won

MXN – Mexican Peso

MYR – Malaysian Ringgit

NOK – Norwegian Krone

NZD – New Zealand Dollar

PEN – Peruvian Sol

PHP – Philippine Peso

PLN – Polish Zloty

RUB – Russian Ruble

SEK – Swedish Krona

SGD – Singapore Dollar

THB – Thailand Baht

TWD – New Taiwan Dollar

USD – United States Dollar

ZAR – South African Rand

Glossary:

ABS – Asset-Backed Securities

ADR – American Depositary Receipt

ASX – Australian Stock Exchange

BOBL – Bundesobligationen

BTP – Buoni del Tesoro Poliennali

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

CLO – Collateralized Loan Obligations

CMBS – Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

CPI – Consumer Price Index

EAFE – Europe, Australia, and Far East

ETF – Exchange Traded Fund

ETS – Emission Trading Scheme

EURIBOR – Euro Interbank Offered Rate

FTSE – Financial Times Stock Exchange

IRS – Interest Rate Swaption

JSE – Johannesburg Stock Exchange

KOSPI – Korea Composite Stock Price Index

LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate

MSCI – Morgan Stanley Capital International

NIBOR – Norwegian Interbank Offered Rate

OMXS – Stockholm Stock Exchange

OSE – Osaka Securities Exchange

PJSC – Public Joint Stock Company

REIT – Real Estate Investment Trust

SGX – Singapore Exchange

SPDR – Standard & Poor’s Depository Receipt

SPI – Share Price Index

STIBOR – Stockholm Interbank Offered Rate

TOPIX – Tokyo Price Index

TSX – Toronto Stock Exchange

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    91


 

CONSOLIDATED PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

(1)

The following table represents the 50 largest (long/(short)) equity basket holdings underlying the total return swap with JPQABACP as of August 31, 2020.

 

Security Description    Shares     Current
Notional
    Percent of
Basket’s Value
 

MSCI AC World Index

     (18,200   $     (35,376,283     (256.6 )% 

Royal Dutch Shell PLC

     1,355       1,922,043       13.9

Agnico Eagle Mines, Ltd.

     20,024       1,590,081       11.5

Chevron Corp.

     16,118       1,352,932       9.8

TOTAL SE

     34,329       1,270,601       9.2

BP PLC

     2,597       937,741       6.8

Exxon Mobil Corp.

     22,258       936,618       6.8

Boliden AB

     29,296       797,061       5.8

EOG Resources, Inc.

     13,072       612,404       4.4

Polyus PJSC

     5,261       602,427       4.4

Glencore PLC

     2,580       591,272       4.3

Vale SA

     49,360       574,545       4.2

Antofagasta PLC

     394       531,768       3.9

PetroChina Co., Ltd.

     1,474,461       511,767       3.7

LUKOIL PJSC

     7,240       493,036       3.6

MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC

     18,104       475,602       3.5

First Quantum Minerals, Ltd.

     55,612       469,969       3.4

Rio Tinto PLC

     75       454,549       3.3

Kirkland Lake Gold, Ltd.

     8,295           453,007       3.3

Repsol SA

     55,387       430,958       3.1

Newcrest Mining, Ltd.

     14,731       371,654       2.7

Mosaic Co./The

     27,293       367,640       2.7

Lundin Mining Corp.

     59,905       335,414       2.4

Alcoa Corp.

     24,883       323,473       2.3

Yamato Kogyo Co., Ltd.

     14,059       285,086       2.1

Halliburton Co.

     19,894       285,081       2.1

ENEOS Holdings, Inc.

     80,619       279,991       2.0

Motor Oil (Hellas) Corinth Refineries SA

     19,278       260,783       1.9

Origin Energy, Ltd.

     65,186       251,038       1.8

Cosan SA

     14,440       250,753       1.8

OZ Minerals, Ltd.

     25,599       250,220       1.8

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.

     7,405       219,493       1.6

Aker BP ASA

     10,308       192,953       1.4

Johnson Matthey PLC

     65       189,711       1.4

Norsk Hydro ASA

     64,698       181,008       1.3

Industrias Penoles SAB de CV

     11,774       176,198       1.3

Continental Resources Inc./OK

     9,500       164,255       1.2

S-Oil Corp.

     2,758       141,231       1.0

Tupras Turkiye Petrol Rafineri

     137,444       137,444       1.0

APERAM SA

     4,689       133,282       1.0

Inpex Corp.

     23,497       133,142       1.0

Concho Resources, Inc.

     2,195       115,300       0.8

NexTier Oilfield Solutions, Inc.

     39,929       100,620       0.7

Petroleo Brasileiro SA

     10,078       85,965       0.6

Incitec Pivot, Ltd.

     63,449       83,952       0.6

TMK PJSC

     20,636       62,115       0.5

Sasol, Ltd.

     73       58,595       0.4

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

     3,504       55,155       0.4

Orocobre, Ltd.

     23,354       49,743       0.4

Petroleo Brasileiro SA

     9,963       42,489       0.3

Other Long

     255,637       133,493       1.0

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

92    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES

August 31, 2020

 

Assets

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $435,293,168)

   $     508,583,587 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $117,811,286—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $7,426,123)

     117,811,286  

Cash

     109,780  

Cash collateral due from broker

     21,635,852  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $5,750,096)

     5,750,971  

Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps

     13,784,499  

Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions

     7,149,648  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     2,998,347  

Unaffiliated interest and dividends receivable

     2,012,906  

Unrealized appreciation on variance swaps

     1,418,451  

Market value on credit default swaps (net premiums paid $444,906)

     719,238  

Receivable for shares of beneficial interest sold

     135,436  

Receivable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

     81,426  

Receivable for terminated total return swaps

     81,423  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     8,715  

Receivable for terminated centrally cleared interest rate swaps

     1,789  

Other assets

     13,091  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     682,296,445  
  

 

 

 
Liabilities   

Cash collateral due to broker

     9,139,470  

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     7,426,123  

Unrealized depreciation on total return swaps

     7,286,522  

Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency transactions

     6,799,301  

Market value on credit default swaps (net premiums received $1,338,342)

     3,713,107  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     3,422,234  

Unrealized depreciation on variance swaps

     2,496,051  

Unrealized depreciation on inflation swaps

     1,167,630  

Payable for shares of beneficial interest redeemed

     378,719  

Advisory fee payable

     268,007  

Distribution fee payable

     125,476  

Payable for variation margin on futures

     62,438  

Payable for terminated total return swaps

     45,661  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     21,185  

Trustees’ fees payable

     6,269  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     368,477  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     42,726,670  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 639,569,775  
  

 

 

 
Composition of Net Assets   

Shares of beneficial interest, at par

   $ 414  

Additional paid-in capital

     598,547,960  

Distributable earnings

     41,021,401  
  

 

 

 
   $ 639,569,775  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)

Includes securities on loan with a value of $21,991,551 (see Note E).

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    93


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES (continued)

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—unlimited shares authorized, $.00001 par value

 

Class   Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 

 

 
A   $   530,167,481          34,342,760        $   15.44

 

 
C   $ 23,155,844          1,523,085        $ 15.20  

 

 
Advisor   $ 75,493,273          4,839,998        $ 15.60  

 

 
R   $ 3,086,886          201,907        $ 15.29  

 

 
K   $ 7,395,262          481,302        $ 15.37  

 

 
I   $ 271,029          17,196        $ 15.76  

 

 

 

*

The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $16.13 which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

94    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended August 31, 2020

 

Investment Income     

Dividends

    

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $296,895)

   $     9,192,662    

Affiliated issuers

     519,917    

Interest (net of foreign taxes withheld of $50,241)

     5,123,623    

Securities lending income

     169,545    

Other income

     5,117     $     15,010,864  
  

 

 

   
Expenses     

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     3,642,224    

Distribution fee—Class A

     1,352,184    

Distribution fee—Class B

     8,116    

Distribution fee—Class C

     300,194    

Distribution fee—Class R

     15,989    

Distribution fee—Class K

     22,976    

Transfer agency—Class A

     538,269    

Transfer agency—Class B

     1,029    

Transfer agency—Class C

     31,499    

Transfer agency—Advisor Class

     77,522    

Transfer agency—Class R

     8,373    

Transfer agency—Class K

     18,548    

Transfer agency—Class I

     311    

Custody and accounting

     449,795    

Audit and tax

     137,651    

Printing

     111,361    

Registration fees

     93,246    

Legal

     44,274    

Trustees’ fees

     24,370    

Miscellaneous

     89,392    
  

 

 

   

Total expenses

     6,967,323    

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (74,646  
  

 

 

   

Net expenses

       6,892,677  
    

 

 

 

Net investment income

       8,118,187  
    

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    95


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment and Foreign Currency Transactions      

Net realized gain (loss) on:

     

Investment transactions(a)

      $ 8,632,989  

Forward currency exchange contracts

        3,036,129  

Futures

        5,589,037  

Options written

        (218,132

Swaps

        (56,172,487

Foreign currency transactions

        (601,638

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

     

Investments(b)

        29,917,229  

Forward currency exchange contracts

        1,329,983  

Futures

        3,055,676  

Options written

        (195,280

Swaps

        3,684,147  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

        759,593  
     

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

        (1,182,754
     

 

 

 

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

        13,090  
     

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations

      $     6,948,523  
     

 

 

 

 

(a)

Net of foreign capital gains taxes of $84,409.

 

(b)

Net of increase in accrued foreign capital gains taxes of $12,059.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     Year Ended     Year Ended  
     August 31,
2020
    August 31,
2019
 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations     

Net investment income

   $ 8,118,187     $ 10,350,423  

Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions

     (39,734,102     15,134,273  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     38,551,348       13,318,182  

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

     13,090       9,807  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     6,948,523       38,812,685  
Distributions to Shareholders     

Class A

     (16,836,692     – 0  – 

Class C

     (679,299     – 0  – 

Advisor Class

     (2,608,100     – 0  – 

Class R

     (83,171     – 0  – 

Class K

     (296,351     – 0  – 

Class I

     (8,115     – 0  – 
Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest     

Net decrease

     (65,423,089     (110,299,884

Proceeds from third party vendor (see Note F)

     13,089       – 0  – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease

     (78,973,205     (71,487,199
Net Assets     

Beginning of period

     718,542,980       790,030,179  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $     639,569,775     $     718,542,980  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

August 31, 2020

 

NOTE A

Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Portfolios (the “Company”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open end management investment company. The Company, which is a Massachusetts Business Trust, operates as a series company currently comprised of six series. Each series is considered to be a separate entity for financial reporting and tax purposes. This report relates only to the AB All Market Total Return Portfolio (the “Fund”). As part of the Fund’s investment strategy, the Fund seeks to gain exposure to commodities and commodities-related instruments and derivatives primarily through investments in AB All Market Total Return Portfolio (Cayman), Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Subsidiary”). The Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary and it is intended that the Fund will remain the sole shareholder and will continue to control the Subsidiary. Under the Articles of Association of the Subsidiary, shares issued by the Subsidiary confer upon a shareholder the right to receive notice of, to attend and to vote at general meetings of the Subsidiary and shall confer upon the shareholder rights in a winding-up or repayment of capital and the right to participate in the profits or assets of the Subsidiary. As of August 31, 2020, net assets of the Fund were $639,569,775, of which $13,892,221, or approximately 2%, represented the Fund’s ownership of all issued shares and voting rights of the Subsidiary. This report presents the consolidated financial statements of the Fund and the Subsidiary. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Fund offers Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares. Class B and Class T shares have been authorized but currently are not offered. Effective August 2, 2019, sales of Class B shares were suspended. On November 7, 2019, all remaining outstanding Class B shares of the Fund were converted to Class A shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A shares redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase, and 0% after the first year of purchase. Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares ten years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Class R and Class K shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge. Advisor Class and Class I shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All eight classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

respect to its distribution plan. The consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Company’s Board of Trustees (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.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Fund generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

   

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates, 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.

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.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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.

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.

Bank loan prices are provided by third party pricing services and consist of a composite of the quotes received by the vendor into a consensus price. Certain bank loans are classified as Level 3, as a significant input used in the fair value measurement of these instruments is the market quotes that are received by the vendor and these inputs are not observable.

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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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of August 31, 2020:

 

Investments in
Securities:

  Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets:

       

Common Stocks:

       

Information Technology

  $ 79,641,685     $ 15,752,059     $ 8,185     $ 95,401,929  

Health Care

    48,825,818       13,608,244       0 (a)       62,434,062  

Consumer Discretionary

    35,781,180       14,579,580       41,309       50,402,069  

Financials

    25,810,500       15,558,112       – 0  –      41,368,612  

Industrials

    26,911,032       10,325,110       0 (a)       37,236,142  

Communication Services

    26,371,582       9,110,998       – 0  –      35,482,580  

Consumer Staples

    8,945,876       11,100,686       128,832       20,175,394  

Materials

    8,989,321       2,159,824       0 (a)       11,149,145  

Utilities

    3,521,739       2,521,783       – 0  –      6,043,522  

Energy

    3,107,652       840,744       5,422 (a)       3,953,818  

Real Estate

    2,002,011       1,895,821       – 0  –      3,897,832  

Investment Companies

    41,788,378       – 0  –      – 0  –      41,788,378  

Corporates – Non-Investment Grade

    – 0  –      31,388,833       117,156 (a)      31,505,989  

Corporates – Investment Grade

    – 0  –      16,883,718       – 0  –      16,883,718  

Governments – Treasuries

    – 0  –      13,214,042       – 0  –      13,214,042  

Emerging Markets – Sovereigns

    – 0  –      10,856,173       – 0  –      10,856,173  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

    – 0  –      5,692,603       – 0  –      5,692,603  

Bank Loans

    – 0  –      4,732,355       596,993       5,329,348  

Emerging Markets – Corporate Bonds

    – 0  –      4,631,135       154       4,631,289  

Inflation-Linked Securities

    – 0  –      2,847,911       – 0  –      2,847,911  

Collateralized Loan Obligations

    – 0  –      1,848,910       – 0  –      1,848,910  

Emerging Markets – Treasuries

    – 0  –      1,543,460       – 0  –      1,543,460  

Asset-Backed Securities

    – 0  –      1,003,227       – 0  –      1,003,227  

Quasi-Sovereigns

    – 0  –      904,054       – 0  –      904,054  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

    – 0  –      452,832       – 0  –      452,832  

Governments – Sovereign Bonds

    – 0  –      228,938       – 0  –      228,938  

Local Governments – US Municipal Bonds

    – 0  –      157,516       – 0  –      157,516  

Preferred Stocks

    102,847       – 0  –      – 0  –      102,847  

Warrants

    24,656       – 0  –      10,104 (a)       34,760  

Options Purchased – Puts

    – 0  –      12,662       – 0  –      12,662  

Mortgage Pass-Throughs

    – 0  –      131       – 0  –      131  

Short-Term Investments:

       

Investment Companies

    110,385,163       – 0  –      – 0  –      110,385,163  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    – 0  –      1,999,694       – 0  –      1,999,694  

Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund

    7,426,123       – 0  –      – 0  –      7,426,123  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

    429,635,563       195,851,155       908,155       626,394,873  

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Investments in
Securities:

  Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Other Financial Instruments(b):

       

Assets:

 

Futures

  $ 10,195,947     $ 301,703     $ – 0  –    $ 10,497,650 (c)  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

    – 0  –      2,998,347       – 0  –      2,998,347  

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

    – 0  –      35,062       – 0  –      35,062 (c)  

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps

    – 0  –      2,886,830       – 0  –      2,886,830 (c)  

Credit Default Swaps

    – 0  –      719,238       – 0  –      719,238  

Total Return Swaps

    – 0  –      13,784,499       – 0  –      13,784,499  

Variance Swaps

    – 0  –      1,418,451       – 0  –      1,418,451  

Liabilities:

 

Futures

    (2,951,007     (377,796     – 0  –      (3,328,803 )(c)  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

    – 0  –      (3,422,234     – 0  –      (3,422,234

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

    – 0  –      (603,538     – 0  –      (603,538 )(c)  

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps

    – 0  –      (117,801     – 0  –      (117,801 )(c)  

Credit Default Swaps

    – 0  –      (3,713,107     – 0  –      (3,713,107

Inflation (CPI) Swaps

    – 0  –      (1,167,630     – 0  –      (1,167,630

Total Return Swaps

    – 0  –      (7,286,522     – 0  –      (7,286,522

Variance Swaps

    – 0  –      (2,496,051     – 0  –      (2,496,051
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $   436,880,503     $   198,810,606     $   908,155     $   636,599,264  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

The Fund held securities with zero market value at period end.

 

(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 swaps with upfront premiums, options written and swaptions written which are valued at market value.

 

(c)

Only variation margin receivable/(payable) at period end is reported within the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures and centrally cleared swaps as reported in the consolidated portfolio of investments. Where applicable, centrally cleared swaps with upfront premiums are presented here at market value.

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, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

It is the Fund’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

If, during a taxable year, the Subsidiary’s taxable losses (and other deductible items) exceed its income and gains, the net loss will not pass through to the Fund as a deductible amount for federal income tax purposes. Note that the loss from the Subsidiary’s contemplated activities also cannot be carried forward to reduce future Subsidiary’s income in subsequent years. However, if the Subsidiary’s taxable gains exceed its losses and other deductible items during a taxable year, the net gain will pass through to the Fund as income for federal income tax purposes.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s consolidated financial statements.

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. The Fund accounts for distributions received from REIT investments or from regulated investment companies as dividend income, realized gain, or return of capital based on information provided by the REIT or the investment company.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Company are charged proportionately to each series 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 “Advisory Agreement”), the Fund 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 Fund’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

The Subsidiary has entered into a separate agreement with the Adviser for the management of the Subsidiary’s portfolio. The Adviser receives no compensation from the Subsidiary for its services under the agreement.

The Fund compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. ABIS may make payments to intermediaries that provide omnibus account services, sub-accounting services and/or networking services. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $226,382 for the year ended August 31, 2020.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor has advised the Fund that it has retained front-end sales charges of $6,838 from the sale of Class A shares and received $3,053 and $1,605 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A and Class C shares, respectively, for the year ended August 31, 2020.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The Fund may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2021. In connection with the investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended August 31, 2020, such waiver amounted to $72,141.

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended August 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

Fund

  Market Value
8/31/19
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Market Value
8/31/20
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $   44,674     $   523,732     $   458,021     $   110,385     $   484  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

    8,911       128,026       129,511       7,426       36  
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        $ 117,811     $ 520  
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

During the year ended August 31, 2020 and the year ended August 31, 2019, the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $13,090 and $9,807, respectively, for trading losses incurred due to a trade entry error.

The Fund may purchase securities from, or sell securities to, an affiliated fund provided the affiliation is due solely to having a common investment advisor, common officers, or common directors. For the year ended August 31, 2020, the purchase and sale transactions with an affiliated fund in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act were $ 315,379 and $0, respectively, with realized gain of $0.

During the second quarter of 2018, AXA S.A. (“AXA”), a French holding company for the AXA Group, completed the sale of a minority stake in its subsidiary, AXA Equitable Holdings, Inc. (now named Equitable Holdings, Inc.)(“Equitable”), through an initial public offering. Equitable is the holding company for a diverse group of financial services companies, including an approximately 65.3% economic interest in the Adviser and a 100% interest

 

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in AllianceBernstein Corporation, the general partner of the Adviser. Since the initial sale, AXA has completed additional offerings, most recently during the fourth quarter of 2019. As a result, AXA currently owns less than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Equitable, and no longer owns a controlling interest in Equitable. AXA previously announced its intention to sell its entire interest in Equitable over time, subject to market conditions and other factors (the “Plan”). Most of AXA’s remaining Equitable shares are to be delivered on redemption of AXA bonds mandatorily exchangeable into Equitable shares and maturing in May 2021. AXA retains sole discretion to determine the timing of any future sales of its remaining shares of Equitable common stock.

Sales under the Plan that were completed on November 13, 2019 resulted in the indirect transfer of a “controlling block” of voting securities of the Adviser (a “Change of Control Event”) and may have been deemed to have been an “assignment” causing a termination of the Fund’s investment advisory and administration agreements. In order to ensure that investment advisory and administration services could continue uninterrupted in the event of a Change of Control Event, the Board previously approved new investment advisory and administration agreements with the Adviser, and shareholders of the Fund subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C

Distribution Plan

The Fund has adopted a Plan for each class of shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Plan”). Under the Plan, the Fund pays distribution and servicing fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to both Class B and Class C shares, .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares and .25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class K shares. There are no distribution and servicing fees on the Advisor Class and Class I shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. Payments under the Plan in respect of Class A shares are currently limited to an annual rate of .25% of Class A shares’ average daily net assets. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities. The Fund is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution services fee 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 Fund’s 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

 

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expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities Exchange Commission as being a “compensation” plan.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution services fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Fund to the Distributor with respect to the relevant class. The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.

NOTE D

Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $     379,776,507      $     458,063,721  

U.S. government securities

     5,244,721        7,936,276  

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Cost

   $     563,192,828  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 113,858,531  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (52,664,226
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 61,194,305  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Fund may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.

The principal types of derivatives utilized by the Fund, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:

 

   

Futures

The Fund may buy or sell futures for investment purposes or for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of potential movements in the market. The Fund bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and movements in the price of the assets, reference rates or indices which they are designed to track. Among other things, the Fund may purchase or sell futures for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

 

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At the time the Fund enters into futures, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. The credit/counterparty risk for exchange-traded futures is generally less than privately negotiated futures, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded future, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the time it was closed.

Use of long futures subjects the Fund to risk of loss in excess of the amounts shown on the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures. Use of short futures subjects the Fund 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 year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

The Fund may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on forward currency exchange contracts. Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Fund. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract

 

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and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Option Transactions

For hedging and investment purposes, the Fund may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities, including government securities, and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. Among other things, the Fund may use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions” and may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, for hedging and investment purposes.

The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. If a put or call option purchased by the Fund were permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the Fund. Put and call options purchased are accounted for in the same manner as portfolio securities. The cost of securities acquired through the exercise of call options is increased by premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid.

When the Fund writes an option, the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the option written. The Fund’s maximum payment for written put options equates to the number of shares multiplied by the strike price. 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. Premiums received from written options which expire unexercised are recorded by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains from options written. The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium received is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium received is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium

 

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received reduces the cost basis of the security or currency purchased by the Fund. In writing an option, the Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security or currency underlying the written option. Exercise of an option written by the Fund could result in the Fund selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.

The Fund 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. The Fund’s maximum payment for written put swaptions equates to the notional amount of the underlying swap. 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 year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held purchased options for hedging and non-hedging purposes. During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held written options for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held purchased swaptions for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Swaps

The Fund may enter into swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rates, credit risk, equity markets or currencies. The Fund may also enter into swaps for non-hedging purposes as a means of gaining market exposures, 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 Fund in accordance with the terms of the respective swaps to provide value and recourse to the Fund or its counterparties in the event of default, bankruptcy or insolvency by one of the parties to the swap.

 

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Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap to comply with the terms of the swap. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interim payment to be received by the Fund, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Fund considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap in evaluating potential counterparty risk. This risk is mitigated by having a netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Fund to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities. The Fund accrues for the interim payments on swaps on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the consolidated 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 consolidated statement of operations, in addition to any realized gain/(loss) recorded upon the termination of swaps. Upfront premiums paid or received for over the counter (“OTC”) swaps are recognized as cost or proceeds on the consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated statement of operations.

Certain standardized swaps, including certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps, are (or soon will be) subject to mandatory central clearing. Cleared swaps are transacted through futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) that are members of central clearinghouses, with the clearinghouse serving as central counterparty, similar to transactions in futures contracts. Centralized clearing will be required for additional categories of swaps on a phased-in basis based on requirements published by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

At the time the Fund enters into a centrally cleared swap, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the clearinghouse on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. Risks

 

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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 Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the time it was closed.

Interest Rate Swaps:

The Fund is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Because the Fund holds fixed rate bonds, the value of these bonds may decrease if interest rates rise. To help hedge against this risk and to maintain its ability to generate income at prevailing market rates, the Fund may enter into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange cash flows based on a notional amount. The Fund may elect to pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate, or, receive a fixed rate and pay a floating rate on a notional amount.

In addition, the Fund may also enter into interest rate swap transactions to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, or protecting against an increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments) computed based on a contractually-based principal (or “notional”) amount. Interest rate swaps are entered into on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments).

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held interest rate swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Inflation (CPI) Swaps:

Inflation swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index (the Consumer Price Index with respect to CPI swaps) over the term of the swap (with some lag on the inflation index), and the other pays a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swaps may be used to protect the net asset value, or NAV, of a Fund against an unexpected change in the rate of inflation measured by an inflation index since the value of these agreements is expected to increase if there are unexpected inflation increases.

 

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During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held inflation (CPI) swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Credit Default Swaps:

The Fund may enter into credit default swaps, including to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its risk exposure to defaults by corporate and sovereign issuers held by the Fund, or to create exposure to corporate or sovereign issuers to which it is not otherwise exposed. The Fund may purchase credit protection (“Buy Contract”) or provide credit protection (“Sale Contract”) on the referenced obligation of the credit default swap. During the term of the swap, the Fund receives/(pays) fixed payments from/(to) the respective counterparty, calculated at the agreed upon rate applied to the notional amount. If the Fund is a buyer/(seller) of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap, the Fund will either (i) receive from the seller/(pay to the buyer) of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap (the “Maximum Payout Amount”) and deliver/(take delivery of) the referenced obligation or (ii) receive/(pay) a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation. In certain circumstances Maximum Payout Amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront premium received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swaps entered into by the Fund for the same referenced obligations with the same counterparty.

Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if a Fund had invested in the referenced obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. If the Fund is a buyer of protection and no credit event occurs, it will lose the payments it made to its counterparty. If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, the value of the referenced obligation received by the Fund coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the Maximum Payout Amount it pays to the buyer, resulting in a net loss to the Fund.

Implied credit spreads over U.S. Treasuries of comparable maturity utilized in determining the market value of credit default swaps on issuers as of period end are disclosed in the portfolio of investments. The implied spreads serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and typically reflect the likelihood of default 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

 

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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 year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held credit default swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Total Return Swaps:

The Fund may enter into total return swaps in order to take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset. The Fund is subject to market price volatility of the underlying referenced asset. A total return swap involves commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market linked return based on a notional amount. To the extent that the total return of the security, group of securities or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Fund will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held total return swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Variance Swaps:

The Fund may enter into variance swaps to hedge equity market risk or adjust exposure to the equity markets. Variance swaps are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the difference between the stated level of variance and the actual variance realized on underlying asset(s) or index(es). Actual “variance” as used here is defined as the sum of the square of the returns on the reference asset(s) or index(es) (which in effect is a measure of its “volatility”) over the length of the contract term. So the parties to a variance swap can be said to exchange actual volatility for a contractually stated rate of volatility.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held variance swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

The Fund typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) with its OTC derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to OTC counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund typically may offset with the OTC counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of

 

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default or termination. In the event of a default by an OTC counterparty, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Fund’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.

The Fund’s ISDA Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the Fund decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered, the Fund’s OTC counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Fund to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. If OTC derivatives were held at period end, please refer to netting arrangements by the OTC counterparty table below for additional details.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund had entered into the following derivatives:

 

    

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative
Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value    

Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Interest rate contracts

      
Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures
      
$

2,586,969

      
Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures
      
$

2,038,145

Equity contracts

      
Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures
   
    
7,910,681

      
Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures
   
    
1,290,658

Credit contracts

      
Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps
   
    
2,831,124

      
Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps
   
    
144,286

Interest rate contracts

      
Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps
   
    
35,062

      
Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps
   
    
603,518

Foreign currency contracts

      
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts
   
    
2,998,347

 
      
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts
   
    
3,422,234

 

Interest rate contracts

      
Investments in securities, at value
   
    
12,662

 
   

Interest rate contracts

          
Unrealized depreciation on inflation swaps
   
    
1,167,630

 

 

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Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative
Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value    

Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Credit contracts

      
Market value on credit default swaps
      
$

719,238

 
      
Market value on credit default swaps
      
$

3,713,107

 

Interest contracts

      
Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps
   
    
1,501,712

 
   

Credit contracts

      
Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps
   
    
232,228

 
   

Commodity contracts

      
Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps
   
    
6,401,430

 
   

Equity contracts

      
Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps
   
    
5,649,129

 
      
Unrealized depreciation on total return swaps
   
    
7,286,522

 

Foreign currency contracts

          
Unrealized depreciation on variance swaps
   
    
9,773

 

Equity contracts

      
Unrealized appreciation on variance swaps
   
    
1,418,451

 
      
Unrealized depreciation on variance swaps
   
    
2,486,278

 
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    $     32,297,033       $     22,162,151  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

*

Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures and centrally cleared swaps as reported in the consolidated portfolio of investments.

 

Derivative Type

 

Location of
Gain or (Loss)
on Derivatives
Within Consolidated
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   $ 13,381,736     $ (4,435,112

 

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Derivative Type

 

Location of
Gain or (Loss)
on Derivatives
Within Consolidated
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   $ (8,668,907   $ 7,490,788  

Commodity contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures     876,208       – 0  – 

Foreign currency contracts

 
Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts
   

3,036,129

 
   

1,329,983

 

Interest rate contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments     (16,282     2,467  

Foreign exchange contracts

 
Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments
   

451,125

 
   

(205,506

Foreign exchange contracts

 
Net realized gain (loss) on options written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of options written
   

(218,132

   

(195,280

Interest rate contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps     8,645,018       (3,060,758

Commodity contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps     (4,964,785     7,043,402  

 

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Derivative Type

 

Location of
Gain or (Loss)
on Derivatives
Within Consolidated
Statement of
Operations

  Realized Gain
or (Loss) on
Derivatives
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation or
(Depreciation)
 

Foreign exchange contracts

 
Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps
   
$

535,069

 
   
$

(9,773

Credit contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps     (2,632,275     (277,499

Equity contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps     (57,755,514)       (11,225
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    $     (47,330,610)     $     7,671,487  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Fund’s derivative transactions during the year ended August 31, 2020:

 

Futures:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $   488,267,002  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 137,961,851  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 316,480,880  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 422,138,265  

Purchased Options:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 13,456,259 (a) 

Purchased Swaptions:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 2,587,250 (b) 

Options Written:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 24,209,591 (c) 

Inflation Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 14,933,846  

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 69,334,548  

Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 1,815,000 (d) 

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 9,930,252  

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 21,183,268  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 151,770,040  

Total Return Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 419,031,194  

Variance Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 10,226,431  

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(a)

Positions were open for five months during the year.

 

(b)

Positions were open for four months during the year.

 

(c)

Positions were open for ten months during the year.

 

(d)

Positions were open for six months during the year.

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities.

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Fund as of August 31, 2020. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

AB All Market Total Return Portfolio

 

Counterparty

  Derivative
Assets
Subject to
a MA
    Derivatives
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Received*
    Security
Collateral
Received*
    Net
Amount of
Derivative
Assets
 

Bank of America, NA

  $ 5,239,320     $ (564,193   $ (1,088,000   $ – 0  –    $ 3,587,127  

Barclays Bank PLC

    1,665,608       (269,418     (1,267,470     – 0  –      128,720  

BNP Paribas SA

    24,622       (24,622     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Citibank, NA

    251,838       (172,759     – 0  –      – 0  –      79,079  

Credit Suisse International

    139,676       (139,676     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Deutsche Bank AG

    109,315       (109,315     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Goldman Sachs & Co./Goldman Sachs Bank USA/Goldman Sachs International

    1,724,851       (1,724,851     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

HSBC Bank USA

    114,624       (114,624     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA/JPMorgan Securities, LLC

    1,278,602       (1,278,602     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC/Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

    474,069       (474,069     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Natwest Markets PLC

    167,554       (167,554     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Standard Chartered Bank

    9,027       (9,027     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    454,470       (454,470     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

UBS AG

    878,191       (878,191     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $   12,531,767     $   (6,381,371)     $   (2,355,470)     $ – 0  –    $   3,794,926  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Counterparty

  Derivative
Liabilities
Subject
to a MA
    Derivatives
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Pledged*
    Security
Collateral
Pledged*
    Net
Amount of
Derivative
Liabilities
 

Bank of America, NA

  $ 564,193     $ (564,193   $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ – 0  – 

Barclays Bank PLC

    269,418       (269,418     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

BNP Paribas SA

    31,078       (24,622     – 0  –      – 0  –      6,456  

Citibank, NA

    172,759       (172,759     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

    956,291       – 0  –      – 0  –      (835,528     120,763  

Credit Suisse International

    1,550,905       (139,676     (330,000     (1,075,273     5,956  

Deutsche Bank AG

    1,270,357       (109,315     – 0  –      (1,161,042     – 0  – 

Goldman Sachs & Co./Goldman Sachs Bank USA/Goldman Sachs International

    5,336,350       (1,724,851     – 0  –      (3,611,499     – 0  – 

HSBC Bank USA

    328,235       (114,624     – 0  –      – 0  –      213,611  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA/JPMorgan Securities, LLC

    4,357,080       (1,278,602     – 0  –      (3,078,478     – 0  – 

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC/Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC/Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

    1,044,366       (474,069     (480,000     – 0  –      90,297  

Natwest Markets PLC

    329,586       (167,554     – 0  –      – 0  –      162,032  

Standard Chartered Bank

    25,969       (9,027     – 0  –      – 0  –      16,942  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    728,809       (454,470     – 0  –      – 0  –      274,339  

UBS AG

    1,120,148       (878,191     (236,000     – 0  –      5,957  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $   18,085,544     $   (6,381,371)     $   (1,046,000)     $   (9,761,820   $   896,353
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

The actual collateral received/pledged may be 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.

AB All Market Total Return Portfolio (Cayman), Ltd.

 

Counterparty

   Derivative
Assets
Subject
to a MA
     Derivative
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Received*
     Security
Collateral
Received*
    Net
Amount of
Derivative
Assets
 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

   $ 6,401,430      $ – 0  –    $ 6,217,000      $ – 0  –    $ 184,430  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $   6,401,430      $     – 0  –    $   6,217,000      $     – 0  –    $   184,430
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

The actual collateral received/pledged may be more than the amount reported due to over-collateralization.

 

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^

Net amount represents the net receivable/payable that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty.

2. Currency Transactions

The Fund may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Fund may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Fund may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Fund may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E

Securities Lending

The Fund may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Fund’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Fund cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Fund will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Fund in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Fund receives non-cash collateral, the Fund will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Fund will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Fund amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Fund will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently

 

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invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Fund, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations. When the Fund earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Fund’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Fund lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. 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. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Fund in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Fund’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended August 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

Market Value
of Securities

on Loan*

    Cash
Collateral*
    Market Value
of  Non-Cash
Collateral*
    Income from
Borrowers
    Government Money
Market Portfolio
 
  Income
Earned
    Advisory
Fee
Waived
 
$     21,991,551     $     7,426,123     $     15,583,169     $     169,545     $     35,838     $     2,505  

 

*

As of August 31, 2020.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

NOTE F

Shares of Beneficial Interest

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:

 

            
     Shares           Amount        
     Year Ended
August 31,
2020
   

Year Ended
August 31,

2019

         

Year Ended
August 31,

2020

   

Year Ended
August 31,

2019

       
  

 

 

   
Class A

 

         

Shares sold

     622,360       754,606       $ 9,358,148     $ 10,993,967    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     967,561       – 0  –        15,229,411       – 0  –   

 

   

Shares converted from Class B

     283,623       87,389         4,520,626       1,293,882    

 

   

Shares converted from Class C

     630,784       998,633         9,440,569       14,854,998    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (5,154,462     (6,827,578       (76,766,552     (100,255,434  

 

   

Net decrease

     (2,650,134     (4,986,950     $ (38,217,798   $ (73,112,587  

 

   
            
Class B

 

 

Shares sold

     4,704       12,397       $ 73,542     $ 181,418    

 

   

Shares converted to Class A

     (285,587     (87,575       (4,520,626     (1,293,882  

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (5,416     (43,392       (85,024     (643,135  

 

   

Net decrease

     (286,299     (118,570     $ (4,532,108   $ (1,755,599  

 

   
            
Class C

 

 

Shares sold

     90,051       63,736       $ 1,347,759     $ 917,960    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     38,020       – 0  –        592,745       – 0  –   

 

   

Shares converted to Class A

     (639,837     (1,012,075       (9,440,569     (14,854,998  

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (410,112     (803,893       (5,953,201     (11,628,893  

 

   

Net decrease

     (921,878     (1,752,232     $ (13,453,266   $ (25,565,931  

 

   
            
Advisor Class

 

 

Shares sold

     716,344       943,849       $ 10,900,093     $ 14,010,777    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     136,144       – 0  –        2,161,969       – 0  –   

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (1,256,049     (1,222,656       (18,567,221     (18,161,766  

 

   

Net decrease

     (403,561     (278,807     $ (5,505,159   $ (4,150,989  

 

   
            
Class R

 

 

Shares sold

     21,684       122,979       $ 323,497     $ 1,751,806    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     5,318       – 0  –        83,171       – 0  –   

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (91,412     (157,136       (1,393,994     (2,253,718  

 

   

Net decrease

     (64,410     (34,157     $ (987,326   $ (501,912  

 

   

 

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     Shares           Amount        
     Year Ended
August 31,
2020
   

Year Ended
August 31,

2019

         

Year Ended
August 31,

2020

   

Year Ended
August 31,

2019

       
  

 

 

   
Class K

 

 

Shares sold

     67,213       112,395       $ 1,005,825     $ 1,622,694    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     18,900       – 0  –        296,349       – 0  –   

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (265,800     (471,773       (4,049,331     (6,845,454  

 

   

Net decrease

     (179,687     (359,378     $ (2,747,157   $ (5,222,760  

 

   
            
Class I

 

 

Shares sold

     918       721       $ 14,197     $ 10,827    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     409       – 0  –        6,558       – 0  –   

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (66     (62       (1,030     (933  

 

   

Net increase

     1,261       659       $ 19,725     $ 9,894    

 

   

During the year ended August 31, 2020, a third party vendor reimbursed the Fund $13,089 for losses incurred due to a trade entry error. This amount is presented in the Fund’s consolidated statement of changes in net assets.

NOTE G

Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund

Market Risk—The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock, bond or commodities market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as growth, may underperform the market generally.

Allocation Risk—The allocation of investments among different investment styles, such as equity or debt, growth or value, U.S. or non-U.S. securities, or diversification strategies, may have a more significant effect on the Fund’s net asset value, or NAV, when one of these investments is performing more poorly than another.

Credit Risk—An issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to a derivatives or other contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The issuer or guarantor may default, causing a loss of the full principal amount of a security and accrued interest. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. There is the

 

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possibility that the credit rating of a fixed-income security may be downgraded after purchase, which may adversely affect the value of the security. Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are subject to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations.

High Yield Debt 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.

Interest Rate Risk—Changes in interest rates will affect the value of investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of existing investments in fixed-income securities tends to fall and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from new investments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations.

Inflation Risk—This is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the value of the Fund’s assets can decline as can the value of the Fund’s distributions. This risk is significantly greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities.

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—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 more difficult to trade due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.

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.

Alternative Investments Risk—Many alternative investments can be volatile and may be illiquid. Their performance may have little correlation with the performance of equity or fixed-income markets, and they may not perform in accordance with expectations.

Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization

 

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companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.

Derivatives Risk—The Fund may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities.

Leverage Risk—When the Fund borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s investments. The Fund may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of other types of derivative instruments by the Fund, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Fund than if the Fund were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.

Commodity Risk—Investing in commodities and commodity-linked derivative instruments may subject the Fund 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.

Subsidiary Risk—By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary. The derivatives and other investments held by the Subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. The Subsidiary is not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and, unless otherwise noted in the Fund’s prospectus, is not subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act. However, the Fund wholly owns and controls the Subsidiary, and the Fund and the Subsidiary are managed by the Adviser, making it unlikely the Subsidiary will take actions contrary to the interests of the Fund or its shareholders. In addition, changes in federal tax laws applicable to the Fund or interpretations thereof could limit the Fund’s ability to gain exposure to commodities investments through investments in the Subsidiary.

 

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Short Sales Risk—The Fund is subject to short sale risk because it may engage in short sales either directly or indirectly through investment in the Underlying Portfolio. Short sales involve the risk that the Fund or Underlying Portfolio will incur a loss by subsequently buying a security at a higher price than the price at which it sold the security. The amount of such loss is theoretically unlimited, as it will be based on the increase in value of the security sold short. In contrast, the risk of loss from a long position is limited to the Fund’s or Underlying Portfolio’s investment in the security, because the price of the security cannot fall below zero. The Fund or Underlying Portfolio may not always be able to close out a short position on favorable terms.

LIBOR Risk—The Fund may invest in certain debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. Although financial regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, such as European Interbank Offer Rate (“EURIBOR”), Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA”) and Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), global consensus on alternative rates is lacking and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition away from LIBOR is underway but remains unclear. The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition away from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, adversely affecting the Fund’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Fund has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

Management Risk—The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively-managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results.

NOTE H

Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, participate in a $325 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 consolidated statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize the Facility during the year ended August 31, 2020.

NOTE I

Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

     2020      2019  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $     16,217,686      $     – 0  – 

Net long-term capital gains

     4,294,042        – 0  –  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 20,511,728      $ – 0  – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of August 31, 2020, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 337,946  

Accumulated capital and other losses

     (29,123,439 )(a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     61,540,309 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $     32,754,816 (c) 
  

 

 

 

 

(a)

As of August 31, 2020, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $28,482,558. As of August 31, 2020, the cumulative deferred loss on straddles was $640,881.

 

(b)

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments, the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), the tax treatment of Treasury inflation-protected securities, the tax treatment of earnings from the Subsidiary, the tax treatment of swaps, and the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

 

(c)

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) are attributable primarily to the accrual of foreign capital gains tax and the tax treatment of defaulted securities.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2020, the Fund had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $28,482,558, which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.

During the current fiscal year, permanent differences primarily due to book/tax differences associated with the treatment of earnings from the Subsidiary and contributions from the Adviser resulted in a net increase in distributable earnings and a net decrease in additional paid-in capital. These reclassifications had no effect on net assets.

NOTE J

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. ASU 2017-08 does not require any accounting change for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. ASU 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Fund has adopted ASU 2017-08, which did not have a material impact on the Fund’s financial position or the results of its operations, and had no impact on the Fund’s consolidated net assets.

NOTE K

Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements through the date the consolidated financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Fund’s consolidated financial statements through this date.

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class A  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  15.65       $  14.78       $  14.71       $  13.85       $  13.49  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .19       .21       .20       .44       .38  

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    .07 (c)      .66       .05       .85       .29  

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (d)      .00 (d)      .00 (d)      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    .00 (d)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .26       .87       .25       1.29       .67  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.34     – 0  –      (.18     (.43     (.31

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.13     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.47     – 0  –      (.18     (.43     (.31
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  15.44       $  15.65       $  14.78       $  14.71       $  13.85  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(e)*

    1.44  %      5.88  %      1.79  %      9.61   %      5.13  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $530,168       $578,919       $620,635       $688,485       $684,917  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(f)

    1.03  %      .96  %      .84  %      .83  %      .86  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(f)

    1.04  %      1.03  %      1.03  %      .97  %      .94  % 

Net investment income(b)

    1.23  %      1.45  %      1.38  %      3.14  %      2.89  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    76  %      81  %      38  %      108  %      14  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .02  %      .07  %      .20  %      .31  %      .31  % 

See footnote summary on page 138.

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class C  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  15.38       $  14.64       $  14.53       $  13.68       $  13.32  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .08       .10       .09       .38       .29  

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    .05 (c)      .64       .06       .79       .27  

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (d)      .00 (d)      .00 (d)      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    .00 (d)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .13       .74       .15       1.17       .56  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.18     – 0  –      (.04     (.32     (.20

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.13     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.31     – 0  –      (.04     (.32     (.20
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  15.20       $  15.38       $  14.64       $  14.53       $  13.68  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(e)*

    .67  %      5.05  %      1.01  %      8.84  %      4.31  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $23,156       $37,609       $61,466       $102,696       $198,792  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(f)

    1.79  %      1.71  %      1.58  %      1.59  %      1.61  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(f)

    1.80  %      1.78  %      1.78  %      1.71  %      1.69  % 

Net investment income(b)

    .52  %      .71  %      .63  %      2.73  %      2.17  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    76  %      81  %      38  %      108  %      14  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .02  %      .07  %      .20  %      .31  %      .31  % 

See footnote summary on page 138.

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Advisor Class  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  15.81       $  14.90       $  14.80       $  13.93       $  13.58  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment
Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .23       .25       .24       .48       .42  

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    .07 (c)      .66       .07       .86       .28  

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (d)      .00 (d)      .00 (d)      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    .00 (d)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .30       .91       .31       1.34       .70  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment
income

    (.38     – 0  –      (.21     (.47     (.35

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.13     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.51     – 0  –      (.21     (.47     (.35
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  15.60       $  15.81       $  14.90       $  14.80       $  13.93  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(e)*

    1.68  %      6.17  %      2.02  %      9.99  %      5.30  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $75,493       $82,885       $82,258       $90,911       $88,863  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(f)

    .78  %      .71  %      .59  %      .59  %      .61  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(f)

    .79  %      .78  %      .78  %      .72  %      .69  % 

Net investment income(b)

    1.48  %      1.70  %      1.63  %      3.40  %      3.16  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    76  %      81  %      38  %      108  %      14  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .02  %      .07  %      .20  %      .31  %      .31  % 

See footnote summary on page 138.

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class R  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  15.48       $  14.69       $  14.63       $  13.77       $  13.39  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment
Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .13       .15       .14       .38       .36  

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    .06 (c)      .64       .06       .85       .25  

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (d)      .00 (d)      .00 (d)      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    .00 (d)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .19       .79       .20       1.23       .61  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment
income

    (.25     – 0  –      (.14     (.37     (.23

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.13     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.38     – 0  –      (.14     (.37     (.23
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  15.29       $  15.48       $  14.69       $  14.63       $  13.77  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(e)*

    1.05  %      5.45  %      1.34  %      9.17  %      4.69  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period
(000’s omitted)

    $3,087       $4,124       $4,414       $6,196       $6,381  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(f)

    1.44  %      1.38  %      1.25  %      1.25  %      1.27  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(f)

    1.45  %      1.44  %      1.44  %      1.38  %      1.35  % 

Net investment income(b)

    .86  %      1.04  %      .97  %      2.69  %      2.70  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    76  %      81  %      38  %      108  %      14  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .02  %      .07  %      .20  %      .31  %      .31  % 

See footnote summary on page 138.

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class K  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  15.58       $  14.73       $  14.66       $  13.80       $  13.44  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment
Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .17       .20       .19       .41       .38  

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    .07 (c)      .65       .06       .86       .28  

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (d)      .00 (d)      .00 (d)      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    .00 (d)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .24       .85       .25       1.27       .66  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment
income

    (.32     – 0  –      (.18     (.41     (.30

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.13     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.45     – 0  –      (.18     (.41     (.30
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  15.37       $  15.58       $  14.73       $  14.66       $  13.80  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(e)*

    1.35  %      5.84  %      1.60  %      9.56  %      5.04  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period
(000’s omitted)

    $7,395       $10,298       $15,032       $23,344       $27,129  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(f)

    1.13  %      1.06  %      .94  %      .94  %      .95  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(f)

    1.14  %      1.13  %      1.13  %      1.07  %      1.03  % 

Net investment income(b)

    1.15  %      1.36  %      1.28  %      2.95  %      2.85  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    76  %      81  %      38  %      108  %      14  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .02  %      .07  %      .20  %      .31  %      .31  % 

See footnote summary on page 138.

 

136    |    AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class I  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  15.97       $  15.05       $  14.76       $  13.89       $  13.54  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment
Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .22       .25       .24       .47       .42  

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    .07 (c)      .67       .05       .87       .27  

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (d)      .00 (d)      .00 (d)      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    .00 (d)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .29       .92       .29       1.34       .69  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment
income

    (.37     – 0  –      – 0  –      (.47     (.34

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.13     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.50     – 0  –      – 0  –      (.47     (.34
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  15.76       $  15.97       $  15.05       $  14.76       $  13.89  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(e)*

    1.64  %      6.18  %      1.97  %      9.92  %      5.28  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period
(000’s omitted)

    $271       $254       $230       $214       $11,299  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(f)

    .80  %      .74  %      .62  %      .61  %      .63  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(f)

    .82  %      .80  %      .81  %      .74  %      .71  % 

Net investment income(b)

    1.44  %      1.68  %      1.60  %      3.33  %      3.14  % 

Portfolio turnover rate.

    76  %      81  %      38  %      108  %      14  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .02  %      .07  %      .20  %      .31  %      .31  % 

See footnote summary on page 138.

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)

Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)

Due to timing of sales and repurchase of capital shares, the net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share is not in accordance with the Fund’s change in net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions for the period.

 

(d)

Amount is less than $.005.

 

(e)

Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Initial sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges are not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(f)

In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years ended August 31, 2020, August 31, 2019, August 31, 2018 and August 31, 2017, such waiver amounted to .01%, .07%, .19% and .13%, respectively.

 

*

Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the years ended August 31, 2018 and August 31, 2017 by .03% and .03%, respectively.

 

Consolidated (see Note A).

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of

AB All Market Total Return Portfolio

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of AB All Market Total Return Portfolio (the “Fund”) (one of the series constituting The AB Portfolios (the “Company”)), including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 2020, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights (consolidated for 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020) for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the series constituting The AB Portfolios) at August 31, 2020, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights (consolidated for 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020) for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (continued)

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2020, by correspondence with the custodian and others or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from others were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

October 29, 2020

 

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2020 FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

(unaudited)

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during the taxable year ended August 31, 2020. For individual shareholders, the Fund designates 68.36% of dividends paid as qualified dividend income. For corporate shareholders, 43.65% of dividends paid qualify for the dividends received deduction. For foreign shareholders, 20.82% of ordinary dividends paid may be considered to be qualifying to be taxed as interest-related dividends.

Shareholders should not use the above information to prepare their income tax returns. The information necessary to complete your income tax returns will be included with your Form 1099-DIV which will be sent to you separately in January 2021.

 

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

TRUSTEES

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1), Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

  

Robert M. Keith, President and Chief Executive Officer

Jeanette Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Garry L. Moody(1)

Earl D. Weiner(1)

OFFICERS   

Alexander Barenboym(2), Vice President

Daniel J. Loewy(2), Vice President

Emilie D. Wrapp, Clerk

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Analyst

  

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

Vincent S. Noto, Chief Compliance Officer

 

Custodian and Accounting Agent

State Street Bank and Trust Company
State Street Corporation CCB/5
1 Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210

 

Principal Underwriter

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105

 

Legal Counsel

Seward & Kissel LLP
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, NY 10004

  

Transfer Agent

AllianceBernstein Investor
Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 786003
San Antonio, TX 78278-6003
Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP
5 Times Square
New York, NY 10036

 

1

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

2

The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund’s portfolio are made by the Adviser’s Multi-Asset Solutions Team. Messrs. Barenboym and Loewy are the investment professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Board of Trustees Information

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Trustees is set forth below.

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE
INTERESTED TRUSTEE      
Robert M. Keith,#
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105
60
(2010)
  Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the head of AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”) since July 2008; Director of ABI and President of the AB Mutual Funds. Previously, he served as Executive Managing Director of ABI from December 2006 to June 2008. Prior to joining ABI in 2006, Executive Managing Director of Bernstein Global Wealth Management, and prior thereto, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Client Service and Sales of the Adviser’s institutional investment management business since 2004. Prior thereto, he was Managing Director and Head of North American Client Service and Sales in the Adviser’s institutional investment management business with which he had been associated since prior to 2004.     77     None
     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES    
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.,##
Chairman of the Board
79
(2005)
  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (components of semi-conductor manufacturing). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership, and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the boards of two education and science-related non-profit organizations. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has been Chairman of the AB Funds since January 2014, and the Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees of such AB Funds since February 2014.     77    

None

     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

   

Jorge A. Bermudez,##

69

(2020)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.     77     Moody’s Corporation since April 2011
     

Michael J. Downey,##
76

(2005)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2015 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.     77     None

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

   

Nancy P. Jacklin,##
72

(2006)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008-2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002-May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992-2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985-1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982-1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973-1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.     77     None
     

Jeanette Loeb,##

68

(2020)

  Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi- Manager Alternative Fund, Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.     77     Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011
     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

   

Carol C. McMullen,##

65

(2016)

  Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010-2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016.     77     None
     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

   

Garry L. Moody,##
68

(2008)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Trustee Advisory Board of BoardIQ, a biweekly publication focused on issues and news affecting directors of mutual funds. He is also a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council. He has served as a director or trustee, and as Chairman of the Audit Committees, of the AB Funds since 2008.     77     None
     
Earl D. Weiner,##
81
(2007)
  Senior Counsel since 2017, Of Counsel from 2007 to 2016, and Partner prior to then, of the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. He is a former member of the ABA Federal Regulation of Securities Committee Task Force to draft editions of the Fund Director’s Guidebook. He also serves as a director or trustee of various non-profit organizations     77     None
  and has served as Chairman or Vice Chairman of a number of them. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2007 and served as Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds from 2007 until August 2014.    

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Trustees is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal and Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Trustees.

 

***

The information above includes each Trustee’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes and skills relevant to each Trustee’s qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the Fund.

 

#

Mr. Keith is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

##

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Fund’s Officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*
AND AGE
   POSITIONS
HELD WITH TRUST
   PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
Robert M. Keith
60
   President and Chief Executive Officer    See biography above.
     
Alexander Barenboym
49
   Vice President    Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Daniel J. Loewy
46
   Vice President    Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. He is also Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions and Chief Investment Officer for Dynamic Asset Allocation.
     
Emilie D. Wrapp
64
   Clerk    Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Clerk of ABI**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015.
     

Michael B. Reyes

44

   Senior Analyst    Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Joseph J. Mantineo
61
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer    Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Phyllis J. Clarke
59
   Controller and Chief Accounting Officer    Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Vincent S. Noto
55
   Chief Compliance Officer    Senior Vice President since 2015 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser** since prior to 2015.

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

The Adviser, ABI and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund.

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (SAI) has additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or AB at (800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

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Operation and Effectiveness of the Fund’s Liquidity Risk Management Program:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Fund to designate an Administrator of the Fund’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Fund’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”). Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Fund’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2020, which covered the period December 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner. Pursuant to the LRMP, the Fund classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, taking into account any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Fund participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP. The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Fund is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Fund’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Fund’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Fund’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP, and there were no liquidity events that impacted the Fund or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

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Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement

The disinterested trustees (the “directors”) of The AB Portfolios (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB All Market Total Return Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on August 4-5, 2020 (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 additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund and the money market fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business

 

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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. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2018 and 2019 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s former Senior Officer/Independent Compliance 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 fund 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.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund and the money market fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency

 

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transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of certain classes of the Fund’s shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Fund’s profitability to the Adviser 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 performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, 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 May 31, 2020 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and for services to any sub-advised funds utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund, 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

 

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with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors previously discussed these matters with an independent fee consultant.

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 this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advised accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedules 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 presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also previously discussed economies of scale with an independent fee consultant. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors

 

abfunds.com   AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO    |    155


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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This page is not part of the Shareholder Report or the Financial Statements.

 

 

AB FAMILY OF FUNDS

 

US EQUITY

CORE

Core Opportunities Fund

FlexFee US Thematic Portfolio

Select US Equity Portfolio

GROWTH

Concentrated Growth Fund

Discovery Growth Fund

FlexFee Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Growth Fund

Large Cap Growth Fund

Small Cap Growth Portfolio

VALUE

Discovery Value Fund

Equity Income Fund

Relative Value Fund

Small Cap Value Portfolio

Value Fund

INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY

CORE

FlexFee International Strategic Core Portfolio

Global Core Equity Portfolio

International Portfolio

International Strategic Core Portfolio

Sustainable Global Thematic Fund

Tax-Managed International Portfolio

Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy

Wealth Appreciation Strategy

INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY (continued)

GROWTH

Concentrated International Growth Portfolio

FlexFee Emerging Markets Growth Portfolio

Sustainable International Thematic Fund

VALUE

All China Equity Portfolio

International Value Fund

FIXED INCOME

MUNICIPAL

High Income Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio

Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy

Tax-Aware Fixed Income Opportunities Portfolio1

National Portfolio

Arizona Portfolio

California Portfolio

Massachusetts Portfolio

Minnesota Portfolio

New Jersey Portfolio

New York Portfolio

Ohio Portfolio

Pennsylvania Portfolio

Virginia Portfolio

FIXED INCOME (continued)

TAXABLE

Bond Inflation Strategy

FlexFee High Yield Portfolio

FlexFee International Bond Portfolio

Global Bond Fund

High Income Fund

Income Fund

Intermediate Duration Portfolio

Limited Duration High Income Portfolio

Short Duration Income Portfolio

Short Duration Portfolio

Total Return Bond Portfolio

ALTERNATIVES

All Market Real Return Portfolio

Global Real Estate Investment Fund

Select US Long/Short Portfolio

MULTI-ASSET

All Market Income Portfolio

All Market Total Return Portfolio

Conservative Wealth Strategy

Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Portfolio

Global Risk Allocation Fund

Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio

CLOSED-END FUNDS

AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund

AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund

 

 

We also offer Government Money Market Portfolio, which serves as the money market fund exchange vehicle for the AB mutual funds. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. The Fund may impose a fee upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

 

1

Prior to February 5, 2020, Tax-Aware Fixed Income Opportunities Portfolio was named Tax-Aware Fixed Income Portfolio.

 

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NOTES

 

 

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NOTES

 

 

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NOTES

 

 

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LOGO

AB ALL MARKET TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

800 221 5672

 

 

AMTR-0151-0820                 LOGO


AUG    08.31.20

LOGO

ANNUAL REPORT

AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY

 

LOGO

 

Beginning January 1, 2021, as permitted by new regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling the Fund at (800) 221 5672.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper form free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you can call the Fund at (800) 221 5672. Your election to receive reports in paper form will apply to all funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you invest directly, to all AB Mutual Funds you hold.


 

 

 
Investment Products Offered  

  Are Not FDIC Insured May Lose Value Are Not Bank Guaranteed

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

This shareholder report must be preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s prospectus for individuals who are not current shareholders of the Fund.

You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com, or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227 4618.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC 0330. AB publishes full portfolio holdings for the Fund monthly at www.abfunds.com.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.

The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.


 

FROM THE PRESIDENT    LOGO

Dear Shareholder,

We are pleased to provide this report for AB Conservative Wealth Strategy (the “Fund”). Please review the discussion of Fund performance, the market conditions during the reporting period and the Fund’s investment strategy.

As always, AB strives to keep clients ahead of what’s next by:

 

+   

Transforming uncommon insights into uncommon knowledge with a global research scope

 

+   

Navigating markets with seasoned investment experience and sophisticated solutions

 

+   

Providing thoughtful investment insights and actionable ideas

Whether you’re an individual investor or a multi-billion-dollar institution, we put knowledge and experience to work for you.

AB’s global research organization connects and collaborates across platforms and teams to deliver impactful insights and innovative products. Better insights lead to better opportunities—anywhere in the world.

For additional information about AB’s range of products and shareholder resources, please log on to www.abfunds.com.

Thank you for your investment in the AB Mutual Funds.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Robert M. Keith

President and Chief Executive Officer, AB Mutual Funds

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    1


 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

October 8, 2020

This report provides management’s discussion of fund performance for AB Conservative Wealth Strategy for the annual reporting period ended August 31, 2020.

The Fund’s investment objective is to achieve a high total return without, in the opinion of the Adviser, undue risk to principal.

NAV RETURNS AS OF AUGUST 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

     6 Months      12 Months  
AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY      
Class A Shares      1.64%        1.77%  
Class C Shares      1.32%        0.97%  
Advisor Class Shares1      1.80%        2.02%  
Class R Shares1      1.48%        1.36%  
Class K Shares1      1.56%        1.58%  
Class I Shares1      1.78%        2.02%  
Primary Benchmark:
Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index (USD hedged)
     1.18%        3.28%  
MSCI ACWI (net)      15.22%        16.52%  

 

1

Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table above shows the Fund’s performance compared to its primary benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index (USD hedged), and the Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World Index (“MSCI ACWI”) (net) for the six- and 12-month periods ended August 31, 2020.

All share classes of the Fund underperformed the primary benchmark and the MSCI ACWI (net) for the 12-month period, before sales charges. Overall allocation to diversifiers and equities detracted from absolute performance, while fixed-income assets contributed. Diversifiers include alternative asset classes and alternative investment strategies that are expected to have low correlation with returns on equities and fixed-income securities. These investments can include commodities and related derivatives, real estate-related securities and inflation-linked securities. Security selection within equities and fixed income also detracted, while selection within diversifiers contributed.

 

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During the six-month period, all share classes of the Fund outperformed the primary benchmark, but underperformed the MSCI ACWI (net), before sales charges. Overall asset class allocation was negative, led by allocation to diversifiers. Security selection within diversifiers contributed to performance, while selection within equities and fixed income detracted.

The Fund utilized derivatives for hedging and investment purposes. For both periods, futures, forwards, written options, variance swaps, inflation swaps, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps and total return swaps detracted from returns on an absolute basis, while purchased options and written swaptions contributed.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Global equity markets, led by a strong US rally, recorded positive returns for the 12-month period ended August 31, 2020. US equities erased losses from March when the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a decline from all-time highs as global economies were shuttered amid stay-at-home mandates. Investor optimism was supported by expanded monetary and fiscal stimulus, signs of encouraging economic data, and news that several potential vaccines had reached advanced trials. Despite the widespread rebound, headwinds from a resurgence of US-China tensions, persistently high rates of COVID-19 cases in many countries and an unprecedented contraction of economic growth threatened to temper the acceleration of economic activity. In the US, growth stocks consistently outperformed value stocks in all categories. Small-cap stocks continued to rally, outperforming large-caps at times; however, overall, large-cap stocks have performed significantly better.

Global fixed-income market returns were positive yet volatile over the 12-month period. Central banks and governments enacted an unprecedented amount of monetary and fiscal stimulus to combat market illiquidity and cushion the negative economic impact of COVID-19, which set the stage for a rebound in risk assets following the sell-off that started in March. Government bonds rallied as interest rates were slashed. Emerging- and developed-market investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds led gains as investors searched for higher yields in a period of falling interest rates. Securitized assets advanced, while emerging-market sovereign and local bonds also ended the period with positive returns. The US dollar fell against all major developed-market currencies and was mixed against emerging-market currencies.

The Fund’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) uses a global, multi-asset strategy focusing on moderate growth and defensively managing market volatility. The Team’s dedicated multi-asset investment professionals utilize a rigorous quantitative research toolset in collaboration with fundamental expertise across all regions and markets.

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    3


INVESTMENT POLICIES

The Adviser allocates the Fund’s investments among a number of asset classes, including fixed-income securities, equity securities, and alternative asset classes and alternative investment strategies. The Fund seeks to have generally greater exposure to fixed-income securities than equity securities or alternative asset classes and alternative investment strategies. The Fund pursues a global strategy, typically investing in securities of issuers located in the United States and in other countries throughout the world, including emerging-market countries. Investments will be made either directly or indirectly through underlying registered investment companies advised by the Adviser (each an “Underlying Portfolio”), although a majority of the Fund’s assets are expected to be invested directly.

The Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities may include corporate and sovereign debt securities as well as interest rate derivatives and credit derivatives such as credit default swaps. In selecting fixed-income securities for the Fund, the Adviser attempts to take advantage of inefficiencies that it believes exist in the global fixed-income markets. These inefficiencies arise from investor behavior, market complexity and the investment limitations to which investors are subject. The Adviser intends to gain exposure to high-yield debt securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) through investment in the AB High Income Fund, an Underlying Portfolio, and may, in the future, gain such exposure through direct investments in high-yield debt securities. Fixed-income securities in which the Fund or AB High Income Fund may invest may be of any credit quality or maturity.

The Fund’s investments in equity securities of issuers consist primarily of securities of large-capitalization companies and derivatives related to such securities. In selecting equity securities for the Fund, the Adviser intends to use fundamental and quantitative analysis with the goal of generating returns primarily from security selection rather than price movements in equity securities generally.

The Fund may invest in alternative investments, the returns on which are expected to have low correlation with returns on equity and fixed-income securities, such as real estate-related securities and inflation-indexed securities. Alternative investment strategies that may be pursued by the Fund directly or indirectly through investment in other registered investment companies include (i) long/short equity strategies through which the Fund takes long positions in certain securities in the expectation that they will increase in value and takes short positions in other securities in the expectation that they will decrease in value; (ii) strategies that consider macroeconomic and technical

 

(continued on next page)

 

4    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


factors to identify and exploit opportunities across global asset classes; and (iii) event-driven strategies that invest in the securities of companies that are expected to become the subject of major corporate events and companies in which an active role in company management has been taken or sought by a third-party investor. In order to gain exposure to real estate-related securities, the Adviser intends to invest a portion of the Fund’s assets in the AB All Market Real Return Portfolio, an Underlying Portfolio.

The Adviser seeks to adjust the Fund’s asset class exposure utilizing both fundamental analysis and the Adviser’s Dynamic Asset Allocation (“DAA”) approach. DAA comprises a series of analytical and forecasting tools employed by the Adviser to gauge fluctuations in the risk/return profile of various asset classes. DAA seeks to adjust the Fund’s investment exposure in changing market conditions and thereby reduce overall portfolio volatility by mitigating the effects of market fluctuations, while preserving consistent long-term return potential. For example, the Adviser may seek to reduce the Fund’s risk exposure to one or more assets classes when DAA suggests that market risks relevant to those asset classes are rising but return opportunities are declining. In addition to merely increasing or decreasing asset class exposure by buying or selling securities of that asset class, the Adviser may pursue DAA implementation for the Fund by utilizing derivatives.

The Adviser intends to utilize a variety of derivatives in its management of the Fund. As noted above, the Adviser may use derivatives to gain exposure to various asset classes, and may cause the Fund to enter into derivatives in making the adjustments called for by DAA. As a result of the use of derivatives, the Fund will frequently be leveraged, with net investment exposure in excess of net assets.

Currency exchange rate fluctuations can have a dramatic impact on returns. The Fund’s foreign currency exposures will come from investment in securities priced or denominated in foreign currencies and from direct holdings in foreign currencies and currency-related derivatives. The Adviser may seek to hedge all or a portion of the currency exposure resulting from Fund investments or decide not to hedge this exposure. The Adviser may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives.

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    5


 

DISCLOSURES AND RISKS

 

Benchmark Disclosure

All indices are unmanaged and do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index (USD hedged) represents the performance of global investment-grade developed fixed-income markets, hedged to the US dollar. The MSCI ACWI (net, free float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted) represents the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations, and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices, any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI. Net returns include the reinvestment of dividends after deduction of non-US withholding tax. An investor cannot invest directly in an index or average, and their results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Fund.

A Word About Risk

Market Risk: The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock, bond or commodities markets fluctuate. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as growth or value, may be underperforming the stock market generally.

Allocation Risk: The allocation of investments among different investment styles, such as equity or debt, growth or value, US or non-US securities, or diversification strategies, may have a more significant effect on the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) when one of these investments is performing more poorly than another.

Credit Risk: An issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to a derivatives or other contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The issuer or guarantor may default, causing a loss of the full principal amount of a security and accrued interest. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. There is the possibility that the credit rating of a fixed-income security may be downgraded after purchase, which may adversely affect the value of the security. Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are subject to a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations.

High-Yield Debt Securities Risk: Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to have a

 

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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)

 

higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, interest-rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and less secondary market liquidity.

Interest-Rate Risk: Changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities and in Underlying Portfolios that invest in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of existing investments in fixed-income securities tends to fall and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from new investments. Interest-rate risk is generally greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations.

Foreign (Non-US) Risk: Investments in securities of non-US issuers may involve more risk than those of US issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be more difficult to trade due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

Currency Risk: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.

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.

Alternative Investments Risk: Many alternative investments can be volatile and may be illiquid. Their performance may have little correlation with the performance of equity or fixed-income markets, and they may not perform in accordance with expectations.

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund. Derivatives, especially over-the-counter derivatives, are also subject to counterparty risk.

Leverage Risk: To the extent the Fund uses leveraging techniques, its NAV may be more volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of changes in interest rates and any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s investments.

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk: As with other investments, investments in other investment companies are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, shareholders of the Fund bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund (including management

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    7


 

DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)

 

fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies (to the extent these expenses are not waived or reimbursed by the Adviser).

Management Risk: The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results.

These risks are fully discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate as the prices of the individual securities in which it invests fluctuate, so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. You may obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end by visiting www.abfunds.com. The performance shown for periods prior to July 14, 2017, is based on the Fund’s prior principal strategies and may not be representative of the Fund’s performance under its current principal strategies. Class B shares are no longer being offered. Effective November 7, 2019, all outstanding Class B shares were converted to Class A shares. Please see Note A for more information.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Fund have been deducted. NAV returns do not reflect sales charges; if sales charges were reflected, the Fund’s quoted performance would be lower. SEC returns reflect the applicable sales charges for each share class: a 4.25% maximum front-end sales charge for Class A shares and a 1% 1-year contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares. Returns for the different share classes will vary due to different expenses associated with each class. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

 

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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE

 

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE FUND (unaudited)

8/31/2010 TO 8/31/2020

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in AB Conservative Wealth Strategy Class A shares (from 8/31/2010 to 8/31/2020) as compared to the performance of the Fund’s benchmarks. The chart reflects the deduction of the maximum 4.25% sales charge from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    9


 

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF AUGUST 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

    NAV Returns     SEC Returns
(reflects applicable
sales charges)
 
CLASS A SHARES    
1 Year     1.77%       -2.57%  
5 Years     3.62%       2.73%  
10 Years     4.05%       3.60%  
CLASS C SHARES    
1 Year     0.97%       -0.01%  
5 Years     2.84%       2.84%  
10 Years     3.28%       3.28%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1    
1 Year     2.02%       2.02%  
5 Years     3.89%       3.89%  
10 Years     4.33%       4.33%  
CLASS R SHARES1    
1 Year     1.36%       1.36%  
5 Years     3.21%       3.21%  
10 Years     3.65%       3.65%  
CLASS K SHARES1    
1 Year     1.58%       1.58%  
5 Years     3.52%       3.52%  
10 Years     3.96%       3.96%  
CLASS I SHARES1    
1 Year     2.02%       2.02%  
5 Years     3.85%       3.85%  
10 Years     4.30%       4.30%  

The Fund’s current prospectus fee table shows the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratios as 1.43%, 2.18%, 1.17%, 1.83%, 1.52% and 1.22% for Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Contractual fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement agreements reduced the Fund’s annual operating expense ratios to 1.25%, 2.00%, 1.00%, 1.66%, 1.35% and 1.06% for Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares, respectively. These waivers/reimbursement agreements may not be terminated before December 31, 2020. Absent reimbursements or waivers, performance would have been lower. The net and gross expenses shown include the total operating expenses of the Fund and the indirect expenses of the Fund’s Underlying Portfolios, as based upon the allocation of the Fund’s assets among the Underlying Portfolios. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

 

1

These share classes are offered at NAV to eligible investors and their SEC returns are the same as their NAV returns. Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

 

10    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

SEC AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS

AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 (unaudited)

 

     SEC Returns
(reflects applicable
sales charges)
 
CLASS A SHARES   
1 Year      -4.40%  
5 Years      2.67%  
10 Years      3.10%  
CLASS C SHARES   
1 Year      -1.86%  
5 Years      2.78%  
10 Years      2.79%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1   
1 Year      0.08%  
5 Years      3.82%  
10 Years      3.84%  
CLASS R SHARES1   
1 Year      -0.58%  
5 Years      3.13%  
10 Years      3.15%  
CLASS K SHARES1   
1 Year      -0.29%  
5 Years      3.45%  
10 Years      3.47%  
CLASS I SHARES1   
1 Year      0.10%  
5 Years      3.78%  
10 Years      3.80%  

 

1

Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    11


 

EXPENSE EXAMPLE

(unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions. Therefore, the hypothetical example is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

12    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

EXPENSE EXAMPLE (continued)

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
March 1,
2020
    Ending
Account
Value
August 31,
2020
    Expenses
Paid
During
Period*
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio*
    Total
Expenses
Paid
During
Period+
    Total
Annualized
Expense
Ratio+
 
Class A            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,016.40     $ 6.03       1.19   $ 6.84       1.35

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,019.15     $ 6.04       1.19   $ 6.85       1.35
Class C            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,013.20     $ 9.82       1.94   $ 10.63       2.10

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,015.38     $ 9.83       1.94   $ 10.63       2.10
Advisor Class            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,018.00     $ 4.77       0.94   $ 5.58       1.10

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,020.41     $ 4.77       0.94   $ 5.58       1.10
Class R            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,014.80     $ 7.95       1.57   $ 8.76       1.73

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,017.24     $ 7.96       1.57   $ 8.77       1.73
Class K            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,015.60     $ 6.54       1.29   $ 7.35       1.45

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,018.65     $ 6.55       1.29   $ 7.35       1.45
Class I            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,017.80     $ 4.82       0.95   $ 5.63       1.11

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,020.36     $ 4.82       0.95   $ 5.63       1.11

 

*

Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**

Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

 

+

In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Fund’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Fund’s pro rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    13


 

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

August 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

PORTFOLIO STATISTICS

Net Assets ($mil): $155.5

 

 

 

LOGO

 

1

All data are as of August 31, 2020. The Fund’s security type breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. The Fund also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details).

 

2

“Other” represents less than 0.3% weightings in the following security types: Corporates–Non-Investment Grade, Local Governments–Provincial Bonds, Local Governments–Regional Bonds and Supranationals.

 

14    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

August 31, 2020

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

COMMON STOCKS – 44.3%

      

Information Technology – 11.5%

      

Communications Equipment – 0.4%

      

Acacia Communications, Inc.(a)

      5,787      $ 390,507  

Accton Technology Corp.

      4,000        31,899  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

      580        89,755  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson – Class B

      3,894        45,403  
      

 

 

 
         557,564  
      

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 1.6%

      

Amphenol Corp. – Class A

      9,406        1,032,779  

Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a)

      180        14,141  

CDW Corp./DE

      5,984        680,081  

Fitbit, Inc. – Class A(a)

      36,070        229,405  

Ingenico Group SA(b)

      2,390        408,078  

IPG Photonics Corp.(a)

      757        122,430  

LG Innotek Co., Ltd.

      274        33,336  

Synnex Technology International Corp.

      11,000        16,374  
      

 

 

 
         2,536,624  
      

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services – 0.2%

 

Grubhub, Inc.(a)

      5,354        387,362  
      

 

 

 

IT Services – 3.2%

 

Afterpay Ltd.(a)

      183        12,347  

Amadeus IT Group SA – Class A

      1,660        93,254  

Atos SE(a)

      390        33,801  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

      7,254        1,008,959  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

      2,346        206,589  

Capgemini SE

      1,065        147,735  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. – Class A

      8,721        583,086  

EPAM Systems, Inc.(a)

      100        32,710  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

      1,150        173,477  

International Business Machines Corp.

      590        72,753  

Mastercard, Inc. – Class A

      5,051        1,809,217  

Paychex, Inc.

      1,690        129,234  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)

      40        8,166  

Shopify, Inc. – Class A(a)

      70        74,770  

Visa, Inc. – Class A

      2,574        545,662  
      

 

 

 
         4,931,760  
      

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 0.9%

      

Applied Materials, Inc.

      304        18,727  

ASML Holding NV

      210        78,478  

Intel Corp.

      1,643        83,711  

KLA Corp.

      150        30,771  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

      5,650        386,686  

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    15


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Novatek Microelectronics Corp.

      7,000      $ 57,271  

NVIDIA Corp.

      20        10,700  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

      690        82,179  

Realtek Semiconductor Corp.

      4,000        51,828  

STMicroelectronics NV

      1,980        59,885  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

      1,000        14,575  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Sponsored ADR)

      1,480        117,290  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

      1,922        273,212  

Xilinx, Inc.

      1,856        193,321  
      

 

 

 
         1,458,634  
      

 

 

 

Software – 4.1%

 

Adobe, Inc.(a)

      192        98,571  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(a)

      90        9,982  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.(a)

      1,920        242,419  

Citrix Systems, Inc.

      1,930        280,236  

Constellation Software, Inc./Canada

      211        244,266  

Fair Isaac Corp.(a)

      130        54,703  

Microsoft Corp.

      14,679        3,310,555  

Nice Ltd.(a)

      955        219,280  

NortonLifeLock, Inc.

      2,418        56,871  

Nuance Communications, Inc.(a)

      3,380        101,265  

Oracle Corp.

      7,297        417,534  

Oracle Corp. Japan

      2,200        257,827  

SAP SE

      2,158        356,814  

ServiceNow, Inc.(a)

      152        73,267  

Synopsys, Inc.(a)

      280        61,964  

Trend Micro, Inc./Japan

      6,600        408,442  

VMware, Inc. – Class A(a)

      1,095        158,162  
      

 

 

 
         6,352,158  
      

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 1.1%

      

Apple, Inc.

      7,808        1,007,544  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

      4,950        47,866  

Logitech International SA

      1,140        84,434  

Pegatron Corp.

      26,000        55,304  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

      9,289        421,778  

Wiwynn Corp.

      2,000        53,350  
      

 

 

 
         1,670,276  
      

 

 

 
         17,894,378  
      

 

 

 

Health Care – 7.6%

 

Biotechnology – 0.3%

 

AbbVie, Inc.

      670        64,166  

Amgen, Inc.

      256        64,850  

 

16    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co., Ltd. – Class A

      1,800      $ 35,464  

Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

      5,632        293,821  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

      22        6,141  

Zai Lab Ltd. (ADR)(a)

      360        28,573  
      

 

 

 
         493,015  
      

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies – 2.2%

 

Abbott Laboratories

      11,777        1,289,228  

AK Medical Holdings Ltd.(b)(c)

      15,660        39,919  

Avantor, Inc.(a)

      1,840        41,529  

Cochlear Ltd.(b)

      128        18,088  

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp., Ltd.

      2,405        59,564  

Hologic, Inc.(a)

      880        52,554  

Koninklijke Philips NV

      10,206        482,959  

Medtronic PLC

      4,860        522,305  

Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Co., Ltd. – Class H

      24,000        55,922  

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.(a)

      2,176        377,906  

Wright Medical Group NV(a)(b)

      13,699        414,121  
      

 

 

 
         3,354,095  
      

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services – 1.3%

 

AmerisourceBergen Corp. – Class A

      546        52,978  

Anthem, Inc.

      3,383        952,383  

Centene Corp.(a)

      960        58,867  

Galenica AG(c)

      1,090        78,266  

Henry Schein, Inc.(a)

      3,608        239,716  

Humana, Inc.

      115        47,745  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.(a)

      290        53,641  

Principia Biopharma, Inc.(a)

      1,977        197,720  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

      956        298,797  
      

 

 

 
         1,980,113  
      

 

 

 

Health Care Technology – 0.3%

 

Cerner Corp.

      811        59,503  

Livongo Health, Inc.(a)

      2,943        404,074  
      

 

 

 
         463,577  
      

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services – 1.1%

 

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

      42        4,218  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. – Class A(a)

      114        57,979  

Eurofins Scientific SE(a)

      20        16,093  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.(a)

      9,086        1,487,833  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

      490        57,683  

Sartorius Stedim Biotech

      155        55,454  
      

 

 

 
         1,679,260  
      

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals – 2.4%

 

Astellas Pharma, Inc.

      6,600        103,542  

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    17


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

AstraZeneca PLC

      620      $ 68,820  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

      1,110        69,042  

Eli Lilly & Co.

      530        78,647  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

      8,990        175,604  

Johnson & Johnson

      2,929        449,338  

Livzon Pharmaceutical Group, Inc. – Class A

      6,400        49,887  

Merck & Co., Inc.

      3,348        285,484  

Novo Nordisk A/S – Class B

      3,990        263,792  

Pfizer, Inc.

      2,470        93,341  

Progenic Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(d)(e)

      24,977        – 0  – 

Roche Holding AG

      2,095        732,871  

Sanofi

      3,266        330,809  

Shandong Buchang Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. –Class A

      11,300        45,699  

Zoetis, Inc.

      6,402        1,024,960  
      

 

 

 
         3,771,836  
      

 

 

 
         11,741,896  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary – 6.1%

 

Auto Components – 0.7%

 

Aptiv PLC

      8,188        705,151  

Delphi Technologies PLC(a)

      15,144        263,051  

Faurecia SE(a)

      1,396        61,122  
      

 

 

 
         1,029,324  
      

 

 

 

Automobiles – 0.3%

 

BAIC Motor Corp., Ltd.(c)

      52,500        25,164  

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV

      34,403        381,303  

Tesla, Inc.(a)

      25        12,458  
      

 

 

 
         418,925  
      

 

 

 

Diversified Consumer Services – 0.3%

 

China Yuhua Education Corp. Ltd.(c)

      35,250        33,792  

Service Corp. International/US

      10,422        475,764  

TAL Education Group (ADR)(a)

      653        48,198  
      

 

 

 
         557,754  
      

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.7%

 

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd.

      10,430        217,279  

Compass Group PLC

      11,902        192,597  

La Francaise des Jeux SAEM(c)

      1,460        53,996  

McDonald’s Corp.

      610        130,247  

NetEnt AB(a)

      31,494        303,476  

Starbucks Corp.

      1,263        106,686  

Transat AT, Inc.(a)(b)

      14,103        56,548  
      

 

 

 
         1,060,829  
      

 

 

 

Household Durables – 0.1%

 

Electrolux AB – Class B

      390        8,467  

Persimmon PLC

      1,640        56,987  

 

18    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Whirlpool Corp.

      320      $ 56,870  
      

 

 

 
         122,324  
      

 

 

 

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail – 1.3%

 

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (ADR)(a)

      1,047        300,520  

Amazon.com, Inc.(a)

      221        762,662  

eBay, Inc.

      1,100        60,258  

JD.com, Inc. (ADR)(a)

      694        54,576  

Naspers Ltd. – Class N

      2,651        483,370  

Prosus NV(a)

      2,594        260,002  

Zalando SE(a)(c)

      660        57,822  
      

 

 

 
         1,979,210  
      

 

 

 

Leisure Products – 0.0%

 

Polaris, Inc.

      540        54,562  
      

 

 

 

Multiline Retail – 0.2%

 

Dollar General Corp.

      1,670        337,139  

Next PLC

      715        57,291  
      

 

 

 
         394,430  
      

 

 

 

Specialty Retail – 1.8%

 

AutoZone, Inc.(a)

      240        287,114  

GrandVision NV(a)(c)

      10,979        314,874  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

      1,540        438,962  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

      160        26,350  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(a)

      130        60,532  

Tiffany & Co.

      2,887        353,658  

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

      14,877        815,111  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.(a)

      1,842        427,676  

Zhongsheng Group Holdings Ltd.

      3,000        18,709  
      

 

 

 
         2,742,986  
      

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 0.7%

 

adidas AG(a)

      350        106,504  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)

      640        130,477  

NIKE, Inc. – Class B

      6,693        748,879  

Pandora A/S

      796        58,105  
      

 

 

 
         1,043,965  
      

 

 

 
         9,404,309  
      

 

 

 

Financials – 4.9%

 

Banks – 0.9%

 

Absa Group Ltd.

      4,230        19,159  

Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM

      23,640        120,956  

China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd. – Class H

      62,500        38,045  

Danske Bank A/S

      3,670        56,786  

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

      21,000        321,824  

FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA

      3,780        57,224  

ING Groep NV

      7,820        63,827  

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    19


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

      603      $ 60,415  

Jyske Bank A/S(a)(b)

      7,448        221,904  

Mebuki Financial Group, Inc.

      21,400        51,880  

Royal Bank of Canada

      1,760        134,029  

Signature Bank/New York NY

      600        58,218  

Wells Fargo & Co.

      9,059        218,775  
      

 

 

 
         1,423,042  
      

 

 

 

Capital Markets – 2.4%

 

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

      370        58,016  

BlackRock, Inc. – Class A

      170        101,012  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

      22,176        787,914  

China Cinda Asset Management Co., Ltd. – Class H

      32,000        6,105  

CME Group, Inc. – Class A

      1,791        314,983  

E*TRADE Financial Corp.

      7,956        430,420  

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

      157        55,013  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

      806        165,125  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.

      800        40,336  

Julius Baer Group Ltd.

      11,068        530,673  

Moody’s Corp.

      530        156,159  

Partners Group Holding AG

      206        209,854  

S&P Global, Inc.

      560        205,195  

Singapore Exchange Ltd.

      44,300        280,133  

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

      8,879        340,776  
      

 

 

 
         3,681,714  
      

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services – 0.6%

 

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. – Class B(a)

      2,464        537,251  

Far East Horizon Ltd.

      67,000        59,294  

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA

      1,664        153,544  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.

      3,108        54,514  

Kinnevik AB – Class B

      1,480        57,406  

M&G PLC

      24,681        57,037  
      

 

 

 
         919,046  
      

 

 

 

Insurance – 1.0%

 

Admiral Group PLC

      2,730        95,254  

Athene Holding Ltd. – Class A(a)

      980        35,829  

Aviva PLC

      6,010        22,652  

CNP Assurances

      3,760        50,411  

iA Financial Corp., Inc.

      1,379        49,637  

Japan Post Insurance Co., Ltd.

      3,400        54,333  

Legal & General Group PLC

      3,764        10,819  

MetLife, Inc.

      790        30,383  

National General Holdings Corp.

      8,388        285,611  

PICC Property & Casualty Co., Ltd. – Class H

      112,000        86,369  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

      787        33,141  

Progressive Corp. (The)

      1,045        99,317  

 

20    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

      810      $ 148,829  

Sampo Oyj – Class A

      4,140        166,774  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

      1,997        410,444  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

      206        76,168  
      

 

 

 
         1,655,971  
      

 

 

 
         7,679,773  
      

 

 

 

Industrials – 4.5%

 

Aerospace & Defense – 0.2%

 

AVIC Electromechanical Systems Co., Ltd.

      10,800        16,237  

AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Co., Ltd. – Class A

      500        4,308  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

      1,350        243,999  
      

 

 

 
         264,544  
      

 

 

 

Air Freight & Logistics – 0.3%

 

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

      1,250        122,875  

SG Holdings Co., Ltd.

      2,200        101,240  

United Parcel Service, Inc. – Class B

      480        78,538  

Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd.

      900        23,540  

ZTO Express Cayman, Inc. (ADR)

      1,780        59,683  
      

 

 

 
         385,876  
      

 

 

 

Building Products – 0.8%

 

Allegion PLC

      5,383        556,548  

Carrier Global Corp.

      1,100        32,835  

Masco Corp.

      2,470        144,001  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

      8,455        531,820  
      

 

 

 
         1,265,204  
      

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies – 1.3%

 

A-Living Services Co., Ltd. – Class H(c)

      750        3,865  

Advanced Disposal Services, Inc.(a)

      11,993        361,349  

Secom Co., Ltd.

      6,300        596,216  

Stericycle, Inc.(a)

      16,523        1,059,289  
      

 

 

 
         2,020,719  
      

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment – 0.1%

 

Acuity Brands, Inc.

      510        55,738  

Prysmian SpA

      2,210        61,762  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

      401        60,628  

Vivint Solar, Inc.(a)

      1,069        33,011  
      

 

 

 
         211,139  
      

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates – 0.3%

 

3M Co.

      2,923        476,507  
      

 

 

 

Machinery – 0.3%

 

Dover Corp.

      2,269        249,227  

IHI Corp.

      3,600        53,277  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

      2,200        54,618  

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    21


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Snap-on, Inc.

      390      $ 57,825  

Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.

      4,500        56,989  
      

 

 

 
         471,936  
      

 

 

 

Professional Services – 1.2%

 

Experian PLC

      4,120        153,934  

Intertrust NV

      4,550        81,662  

RELX PLC

      19,254        432,927  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. – Class A

      5,110        953,884  

Wolters Kluwer NV

      2,830        232,154  
      

 

 

 
         1,854,561  
      

 

 

 

Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.0%

 

BMC Stock Holdings, Inc.(a)

      103        4,112  
      

 

 

 
         6,954,598  
      

 

 

 

Communication Services – 4.3%

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services – 0.5%

 

Comcast Corp. – Class A

      10,668        478,033  

HKT Trust & HKT Ltd. – Class SS

      92,000        131,461  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

      6,900        157,014  

United Internet AG

      430        21,165  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

      111        6,579  
      

 

 

 
         794,252  
      

 

 

 

Entertainment – 0.5%

 

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

      1,400        116,928  

Electronic Arts, Inc.(a)

      1,340        186,889  

G-bits Network Technology Xiamen Co., Ltd. –Class A

      200        18,054  

NCSoft Corp.

      17        11,794  

Netflix, Inc.(a)

      180        95,321  

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

      500        269,154  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)

      20        3,424  

Wuhu Sanqi Interactive Entertainment Network Technology Group Co., Ltd. – Class A

      8,600        57,097  
      

 

 

 
         758,661  
      

 

 

 

Interactive Media & Services – 2.8%

 

Alphabet, Inc. – Class A(a)

      83        135,251  

Alphabet, Inc. – Class C(a)

      1,244        2,032,919  

Auto Trader Group PLC

      31,540        235,789  

Facebook, Inc. – Class A(a)

      6,176        1,810,804  

Meet Group, Inc. (The)(a)

      18,102        114,043  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

      400        27,327  
      

 

 

 
         4,356,133  
      

 

 

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.5%

 

China Mobile Ltd.

      32,000        223,933  

Globe Telecom, Inc.

      430        18,501  

 

22    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

SoftBank Group Corp.

      9,100      $ 562,892  
      

 

 

 
         805,326  
      

 

 

 
         6,714,372  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Staples – 2.4%

 

Beverages – 0.4%

 

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

      5,100        178,238  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

      4,492        222,489  

PepsiCo, Inc.

      1,240        173,675  
      

 

 

 
         574,402  
      

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing – 0.5%

 

J Sainsbury PLC

      2,490        6,118  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

      10,790        324,626  

Kroger Co. (The)

      1,670        59,585  

Walmart, Inc.

      2,920        405,442  
      

 

 

 
         795,771  
      

 

 

 

Food Products – 0.7%

 

a2 Milk Co., Ltd. (The)(a)

      1,640        20,468  

CJ CheilJedang Corp.

      20        6,841  

Danone SA

      4,388        288,540  

Heilongjiang Agriculture Co., Ltd.

      18,500        54,359  

Henan Shuanghui Investment & Development Co., Ltd. – Class A

      6,700        62,039  

Ingredion, Inc.

      558        44,886  

Morinaga & Co., Ltd./Japan

      2,600        95,287  

Nestle SA

      2,450        295,095  

Salmar ASA

      4,370        236,425  

Tingyi Cayman Islands Holding Corp.

      28,000        52,547  
      

 

 

 
         1,156,487  
      

 

 

 

Household Products – 0.4%

 

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

      4,176        577,666  
      

 

 

 

Personal Products – 0.0%

 

Unilever PLC

      1,140        67,399  
      

 

 

 

Tobacco – 0.4%

 

British American Tobacco PLC

      3,300        111,227  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

      2,591        206,736  

Swedish Match AB

      3,760        285,571  
      

 

 

 
         603,534  
      

 

 

 
         3,775,259  
      

 

 

 

Materials – 1.3%

 

Chemicals – 1.0%

 

Clariant AG

      2,350        49,070  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

      10,905        1,349,930  

Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd.

      440        37,135  

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    23


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Lomon Billions Group Co., Ltd. – Class A

      3,700      $ 12,664  

Orbia Advance Corp. SAB de CV

      2,460        3,953  

RPM International, Inc.

      665        56,372  

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

      6,600        21,406  

Umicore SA

      1,070        49,113  
      

 

 

 
         1,579,643  
      

 

 

 

Construction Materials – 0.0%

 

China National Building Material Co., Ltd. – Class H

      10,000        14,036  
      

 

 

 

Containers & Packaging – 0.0%

 

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

      730        25,850  
      

 

 

 

Metals & Mining – 0.2%

 

BHP Group PLC

      970        22,079  

Evraz PLC

      2,143        9,168  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

      4,453        56,916  

Kinross Gold Corp.(a)

      2,150        19,088  

Kumba Iron Ore Ltd.

      1,800        56,385  

Southern Copper Corp.

      1,200        57,720  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

      2,020        59,631  

Yamana Gold, Inc.

      9,290        57,548  
      

 

 

 
         338,535  
      

 

 

 

Paper & Forest Products – 0.1%

 

Mondi PLC

      4,983        98,047  
      

 

 

 
         2,056,111  
      

 

 

 

Utilities – 0.7%

 

Electric Utilities – 0.5%

 

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

      2,880        227,030  

EDP – Energias de Portugal SA

      26,463        134,527  

Enel SpA

      29,910        270,841  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

      600        167,502  

NRG Energy, Inc.

      430        14,796  
      

 

 

 
         814,696  
      

 

 

 

Gas Utilities – 0.1%

 

AltaGas Ltd.(b)

      1,056        13,658  

Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.

      3,800        84,613  
      

 

 

 
         98,271  
      

 

 

 

Multi-Utilities – 0.1%

 

Ameren Corp.

      2,330        184,326  

Sempra Energy

      480        59,352  
      

 

 

 
         243,678  
      

 

 

 
         1,156,645  
      

 

 

 

 

24    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company             
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Real Estate – 0.5%

 

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) – 0.2%

      

Nippon Building Fund, Inc.

      29      $ 174,627  

Stockland

      6,540        19,070  

Taubman Centers, Inc.

      3,292        126,084  

VICI Properties, Inc.

      1,880        41,999  
      

 

 

 
         361,780  
      

 

 

 

Real Estate Management & Development – 0.3%

      

CBRE Group, Inc. – Class A(a)

      4,345        204,345  

Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Corp.

      6,500        27,875  

Vonovia SE

      1,970        140,985  
      

 

 

 
         373,205  
      

 

 

 
         734,985  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.5%

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.5%

 

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

      810        15,972  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

      90        3,595  

LUKOIL PJSC (Sponsored ADR)

      2,381        160,075  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

      5,691        201,803  

Noble Energy, Inc.

      11,510        114,524  

Parkland Corp./Canada(b)

      1,262        35,770  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC – Class B

      9,150        128,729  

Valero Energy Corp.

      540        28,398  

Yanzhou Coal Mining Co., Ltd. – Class H

      48,000        36,902  
      

 

 

 
         725,768  
      

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $55,192,776)

         68,838,094  
      

 

 

 
      

INVESTMENT COMPANIES – 25.0%

 

Funds and Investment Trusts – 25.0%(f)

 

AB All Market Real Return Portfolio – Class Z(g)

      2,355,651        19,080,776  

AB High Income Fund, Inc. – Class Z(g)

      2,253,559        17,239,725  

Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund(b)

      8,313        208,324  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

      5,212        616,944  

iShares iBoxx High Yield Corporate Bond ETF

      2,374        201,861  

iShares JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF

      1,090        123,802  

iShares MSCI ACWI ETF

      1,566        128,960  

iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF

      3,900        362,934  

iShares US Technology ETF(b)

      1,484        473,663  

ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF(b)

      5,944        287,095  

VanEck Vectors JP Morgan EM Local Currency Bond ETF – Class E

      4,449        140,144  
      

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies
(cost $40,758,308)

         38,864,228  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    25


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

GOVERNMENTS – TREASURIES – 9.9%

 

    

Australia – 0.7%

      

Australia Government Bond
Series 144
3.75%, 04/21/2037(c)

    AUD       275      $ 271,207  

Series 145
2.75%, 06/21/2035(c)

      321        282,075  

Series 150
3.00%, 03/21/2047(c)

      605        556,055  
      

 

 

 
         1,109,337  
      

 

 

 

Austria – 0.5%

      

Republic of Austria Government Bond
0.50%, 02/20/2029(c)

    EUR       359        457,926  

1.20%, 10/20/2025(c)

      285        371,037  
      

 

 

 
         828,963  
      

 

 

 

Belgium – 0.1%

      

Kingdom of Belgium Government Bond
Series 76
1.90%, 06/22/2038(c)

      95        145,058  
      

 

 

 

Canada – 0.2%

      

Canadian Government Bond
1.25%, 06/01/2030

    CAD       475        385,153  
      

 

 

 

China – 1.0%

      

China Government Bond
Series 1916
3.12%, 12/05/2026

    CNY       7,590        1,108,508  

Series INBK
3.39%, 03/16/2050

      2,860        390,770  
      

 

 

 
         1,499,278  
      

 

 

 

Finland – 0.4%

      

Finland Government Bond
0.50%, 09/15/2027-09/15/2028(c)

    EUR       477        608,359  
      

 

 

 

France – 0.1%

      

French Republic Government Bond OAT
1.50%, 05/25/2050(c)

      95        142,067  
      

 

 

 

Germany – 0.2%

      

Bundesrepublik Deutschland Bundesanleihe Zero Coupon, 08/15/2050(c)

      45        52,725  

Series 3
4.75%, 07/04/2034(c)

      110        224,958  
      

 

 

 
         277,683  
      

 

 

 

 

26    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Ireland – 0.2%

      

Ireland Government Bond
1.00%, 05/15/2026(c)

    EUR       194      $ 250,460  
      

 

 

 

Italy – 1.4%

      

Italy Buoni Poliennali Del Tesoro
0.35%, 02/01/2025(c)

      102        121,391  

1.75%, 07/01/2024(c)

      115        144,735  

1.85%, 05/15/2024-07/01/2025(c)

      940        1,190,243  

2.45%, 09/01/2033(c)

      220        296,746  

3.25%, 09/01/2046(c)

      14        21,029  

3.85%, 09/01/2049(c)

      121        201,730  

Series CAC
2.45%, 09/01/2050(c)

      146        189,544  
      

 

 

 
         2,165,418  
      

 

 

 

Japan – 1.8%

      

Japan Government Ten Year Bond
Series 358
0.10%, 03/20/2030

    JPY       101,550        964,234  

Series 359
0.10%, 06/20/2030

      75,050        712,392  

Japan Government Thirty Year Bond
Series 62
0.50%, 03/20/2049

      13,700        126,529  

Series 63
0.40%, 06/20/2049

      3,550        31,812  

Series 65
0.40%, 12/20/2049

      39,650        354,134  

Japan Government Twenty Year Bond
Series 143
1.60%, 03/20/2033

      27,400        304,149  

Series 171
0.30%, 12/20/2039

      26,000        240,357  
      

 

 

 
         2,733,607  
      

 

 

 

Malaysia – 0.1%

      

Malaysia Government Bond
Series 0310
4.498%, 04/15/2030

    MYR       670        184,990  
      

 

 

 

Mexico – 0.0%

      

Mexican Bonos
Series M
8.00%, 11/07/2047

    MXN       1,065        54,358  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    27


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

South Korea – 0.4%

      

Korea Treasury Bond
Series 2503
1.50%, 03/10/2025

    KRW       820,400      $ 698,943  
      

 

 

 

Spain – 0.4%

      

Spain Government Bond
1.20%, 10/31/2040(c)

    EUR       165        204,647  

1.25%, 10/31/2030(c)

      140        181,060  

2.35%, 07/30/2033(c)

      168        244,238  

4.20%, 01/31/2037(c)

      40        73,059  
      

 

 

 
         703,004  
      

 

 

 

United Kingdom – 1.1%

      

United Kingdom Gilt
0.625%, 10/22/2050(c)

    GBP       105        130,280  

1.50%, 07/22/2047(c)

      31        47,511  

1.75%, 09/07/2037-01/22/2049(c)

      918        1,459,949  
      

 

 

 
         1,637,740  
      

 

 

 

United States – 1.3%

      

U.S. Treasury Bonds
2.375%, 11/15/2049

    U.S.$       415        507,467  

3.00%, 02/15/2049(h)

      795        1,087,908  

4.625%, 02/15/2040

      165        265,238  

U.S. Treasury Notes
2.25%, 02/15/2027

      105        117,173  
      

 

 

 
         1,977,786  
      

 

 

 

Total Governments – Treasuries
(cost $14,680,287)

         15,402,204  
      

 

 

 
      

CORPORATES – INVESTMENT GRADE – 6.2%

      

Industrial – 3.4%

      

Basic – 0.3%

      

Anglo American Capital PLC
1.625%, 09/18/2025(c)

    EUR       100        124,896  

Glencore Funding LLC
1.625%, 09/01/2025(c)

    U.S.$       35        34,939  

4.00%, 03/27/2027(c)

      62        68,024  

SABIC Capital II BV
4.00%, 10/10/2023(c)

      200        214,638  
      

 

 

 
         442,497  
      

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 0.1%

      

General Electric Co.
3.45%, 05/01/2027

      72        76,043  

 

28    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

John Deere Cash Management SA
1.375%, 04/02/2024(c)

    EUR       100      $ 125,685  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.
4.40%, 03/15/2024

    U.S.$       16        17,415  
      

 

 

 
         219,143  
      

 

 

 

Communications - Media – 0.3%

      

Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital
4.20%, 03/15/2028

      4        4,581  

5.375%, 05/01/2047

      65        78,090  

Comcast Corp.
0.75%, 02/20/2032

    EUR       165        198,419  

4.60%, 08/15/2045

    U.S.$       45        58,787  

ViacomCBS, Inc.
3.375%, 02/15/2028

      28        30,817  

3.70%, 06/01/2028

      12        13,217  

4.95%, 01/15/2031

      5        5,970  

5.50%, 05/15/2033

      40        47,365  
      

 

 

 
         437,246  
      

 

 

 

Communications - Telecommunications – 0.2%

 

    

AT&T, Inc.
1.60%, 05/19/2028

    EUR       105        132,707  

4.55%, 03/09/2049

    U.S.$       60        71,003  

Bell Canada, Inc.
4.70%, 09/11/2023

    CAD       52        43,881  

British Telecommunications PLC
9.625%, 12/15/2030

    U.S.$       75        122,023  
      

 

 

 
         369,614  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Automotive – 0.5%

      

American Honda Finance Corp.
1.95%, 10/18/2024

    EUR       100        127,737  

BMW US Capital LLC
3.90%, 04/09/2025(c)

    U.S.$       55        61,793  

Daimler International Finance BV
0.25%, 11/06/2023(c)

    EUR       80        94,971  

General Motors Financial Co., Inc.
2.20%, 04/01/2024(c)

      100        122,614  

5.10%, 01/17/2024

    U.S.$       41        45,045  

Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc.
4.05%, 02/04/2022(c)

      230        238,538  

Volkswagen Leasing GmbH
2.625%, 01/15/2024(c)

    EUR       60        76,135  
      

 

 

 
         766,833  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    29


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Other – 0.1%

      

Las Vegas Sands Corp.
3.20%, 08/08/2024

    U.S.$       115      $ 116,747  

3.50%, 08/18/2026

      44        44,894  
      

 

 

 
         161,641  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Restaurants – 0.0%

      

Starbucks Corp.
4.45%, 08/15/2049

      50        60,575  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Retailers – 0.0%

      

Ralph Lauren Corp.
2.95%, 06/15/2030

      45        46,673  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 0.8%

      

Altria Group, Inc.
3.125%, 06/15/2031

    EUR       140        188,604  

4.80%, 02/14/2029

    U.S.$       20        23,918  

Amgen, Inc.
4.663%, 06/15/2051

      65        85,804  

Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc.
5.55%, 01/23/2049

      45        60,483  

BAT Capital Corp.
4.906%, 04/02/2030

      25        29,781  

BAT Netherlands Finance BV
3.125%, 04/07/2028(c)

    EUR       100        136,266  

Baxter International, Inc.
0.40%, 05/15/2024

      125        151,278  

DH Europe Finance II SARL
0.45%, 03/18/2028

      170        201,667  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.
4.80%, 04/01/2044

    U.S.$       45        60,146  

Medtronic Global Holdings SCA
1.125%, 03/07/2027

    EUR       120        151,370  

Royalty Pharma PLC
1.75%, 09/02/2027(c)

    U.S.$       9        9,004  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
0.75%, 07/09/2027

    EUR       110        133,618  
      

 

 

 
         1,231,939  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.3%

      

BP Capital Markets PLC
1.573%, 02/16/2027(c)

      100        128,008  

Energy Transfer Operating LP
4.20%, 04/15/2027

    U.S.$       18        18,806  

5.50%, 06/01/2027

      120        133,934  

Husky Energy, Inc.
4.40%, 04/15/2029

      115        122,325  

 

30    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Plains All American Pipeline LP/PAA Finance Corp.
3.55%, 12/15/2029

    U.S.$       9      $ 8,949  

3.60%, 11/01/2024

      50        52,120  

4.50%, 12/15/2026

      6        6,501  

Valero Energy Corp.
6.625%, 06/15/2037

      20        26,942  
      

 

 

 
         497,585  
      

 

 

 

Technology – 0.6%

      

Broadcom Corp./Broadcom Cayman Finance Ltd.
3.875%, 01/15/2027

      54        59,840  

Broadcom, Inc.
4.11%, 09/15/2028

      25        28,075  

4.25%, 04/15/2026

      23        26,099  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.
0.625%, 12/03/2025

    EUR       100        121,570  

1.00%, 12/03/2028

      100        122,188  

Fiserv, Inc.
1.125%, 07/01/2027

      105        129,421  

International Business Machines Corp.
0.875%, 01/31/2025

      165        204,832  

Leidos, Inc.
4.375%, 05/15/2030(c)

    U.S.$       53        62,174  

NXP BV/NXP Funding LLC/NXP USA, Inc.
2.70%, 05/01/2025(c)

      5        5,332  

3.15%, 05/01/2027(c)

      18        19,665  

3.875%, 06/18/2026(c)

      27        30,443  

Oracle Corp.
3.85%, 04/01/2060

      44        51,030  

QUALCOMM, Inc.
4.80%, 05/20/2045(b)

      45        61,292  
      

 

 

 
         921,961  
      

 

 

 

Transportation - Airlines – 0.1%

      

Southwest Airlines Co.
5.25%, 05/04/2025

      87        94,748  
      

 

 

 

Transportation - Services – 0.1%

      

Heathrow Funding Ltd.
6.75%, 12/03/2026(c)

    GBP       60        100,571  
      

 

 

 
         5,351,026  
      

 

 

 

Financial Institutions – 2.5%

      

Banking – 1.6%

      

AIB Group PLC
4.263%, 04/10/2025(c)

    U.S.$       200        216,800  

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    31


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Banco Santander SA
3.25%, 04/04/2026(c)

    EUR       100      $ 131,708  

Bank of America Corp.
1.379%, 02/07/2025(c)

      105        130,415  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)
Series G
4.70%, 09/20/2025(i)

    U.S.$       28        30,395  

BNP Paribas SA
2.219%, 06/09/2026(c)

      200        208,724  

Capital One Financial Corp.
1.65%, 06/12/2029

    EUR       140        170,223  

Citigroup, Inc.
1.50%, 07/24/2026(c)

      110        137,438  

4.45%, 09/29/2027

    U.S.$       60        69,669  

Credit Suisse Group AG
2.193%, 06/05/2026(c)

      250        258,805  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)
1.25%, 05/01/2025(c)

    EUR       125        153,602  

ING Groep NV
3.00%, 02/18/2026(c)

    GBP       100        145,991  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
1.09%, 03/11/2027(c)

    EUR       100        123,163  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.
0.872%, 09/07/2024(c)

      100        122,722  

Morgan Stanley
Series G
1.375%, 10/27/2026

      100        126,687  

Santander Holdings USA, Inc.
4.40%, 07/13/2027

    U.S.$       32        35,639  

UniCredit SpA
3.75%, 04/12/2022(b)(c)

      200        206,870  

US Bancorp
Series J
5.30%, 04/15/2027(i)

      46        49,923  

Wells Fargo & Co.
0.625%, 08/14/2030(c)

    EUR       125        142,983  
      

 

 

 
         2,461,757  
      

 

 

 

Brokerage – 0.1%

      

SURA Asset Management SA
4.875%, 04/17/2024(c)

    U.S.$       107        116,761  
      

 

 

 

Finance – 0.1%

      

Synchrony Financial
3.95%, 12/01/2027

      15        15,842  

4.50%, 07/23/2025

      93        101,553  
      

 

 

 
         117,395  
      

 

 

 

 

32    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Insurance – 0.7%

      

Alleghany Corp.
3.625%, 05/15/2030

    U.S.$       79      $ 88,771  

Aon PLC
2.875%, 05/14/2026

    EUR       135        181,633  

Chubb INA Holdings, Inc.
0.875%, 06/15/2027

      125        153,181  

1.55%, 03/15/2028

      100        128,140  

CNP Assurances
4.50%, 06/10/2047(c)

      100        140,833  

Credit Agricole Assurances SA
4.25%, 01/13/2025(c)(i)

      100        131,567  

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co.
3.375%, 04/15/2050(c)

    U.S.$       23        23,899  

3.729%, 10/15/2070(c)

      33        35,312  

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.
9.375%, 08/15/2039(c)

      41        66,857  

Prudential Financial, Inc.
5.625%, 06/15/2043

      98        105,126  

Swiss Re America Holding Corp.
7.00%, 02/15/2026

      77        98,708  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
4.75%, 07/15/2045

      40        54,477  
      

 

 

 
         1,208,504  
      

 

 

 
         3,904,417  
      

 

 

 

Utility – 0.3%

      

Electric – 0.1%

      

Enel Finance International NV
2.65%, 09/10/2024(c)

      200        211,474  
      

 

 

 

Other Utility – 0.2%

      

Severn Trent Utilities Finance PLC
3.625%, 01/16/2026(c)

    GBP       150        229,426  
      

 

 

 
         440,900  
      

 

 

 

Total Corporates – Investment Grade
(cost $8,989,782)

         9,696,343  
      

 

 

 

MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGHS – 2.8%

      

Agency Fixed Rate 30-Year – 2.6%

      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
Series 2019
3.50%, 09/01/2049-10/01/2049

    U.S.$       332        357,197  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Gold
Series 2007
5.50%, 07/01/2035

      24        27,936  

Series 2018
4.00%, 12/01/2048

      139        150,254  

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    33


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Federal National Mortgage Association
Series 2004
5.50%, 04/01/2034

    U.S.$       3      $ 3,059  

Series 2018
3.50%, 03/01/2048-04/01/2048

      874        941,261  

4.00%, 09/01/2048

      335        363,224  

4.50%, 09/01/2048

      228        250,529  

Series 2020
2.50%, 07/01/2050

      208        226,405  

Government National Mortgage Association
Series 2020
3.00%, 09/01/2050, TBA

      224        235,882  

Uniform Mortgage-Backed Security
Series 2020
2.50%, 09/01/2050, TBA

      950        999,875  

4.50%, 09/01/2050, TBA

      129        139,320  

5.00%, 09/01/2050, TBA

      280        306,862  
      

 

 

 
         4,001,804  
      

 

 

 

Other Agency Fixed Rate Programs – 0.2%

 

    

Canadian Mortgage Pools
6.125%, 12/15/2024

    CAD       262        235,871  
      

 

 

 

Agency ARMs – 0.0%

      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
Series 2011
3.247% (LIBOR 12 Month + 1.76%), 05/01/2038(j)

    U.S.$       28        29,660  

Federal National Mortgage Association
Series 2003
3.843% (LIBOR 12 Month + 1.81%), 12/01/2033(j)

      19        20,101  
      

 

 

 
         49,761  
      

 

 

 

Total Mortgage Pass-Throughs
(cost $4,135,956)

         4,287,436  
      

 

 

 
      

QUASI-SOVEREIGNS – 0.9%

      

Quasi-Sovereign Bonds – 0.9%

      

China – 0.7%

      

China Development Bank
Series 1805
4.88%, 02/09/2028

    CNY       2,100        330,340  

Series 2003
3.23%, 01/10/2025

      5,020        722,235  
      

 

 

 
         1,052,575  
      

 

 

 

 

34    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Indonesia – 0.2%

      

Perusahaan Perseroan Persero PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara
4.125%, 05/15/2027(c)

    U.S.$       200      $ 218,250  
      

 

 

 

Mexico – 0.0%

      

Petroleos Mexicanos
6.75%, 09/21/2047

      75        62,336  
      

 

 

 

Total Quasi-Sovereigns
(cost $1,324,542)

         1,333,161  
      

 

 

 
      

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – 0.7%

      

Non-Agency Floating Rate CMBS – 0.5%

      

Ashford Hospitality Trust
Series 2018-KEYS, Class A
1.162% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.00%), 06/15/2035(c)(j)

      100        94,263  

BX Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2019-IMC, Class A
1.162% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.00%), 04/15/2034(c)(j)

      105        100,405  

Colony Mortgage Capital Ltd.
Series 2019-IKPR, Class C
1.838% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.68%), 11/15/2038(c)(j)

      131        117,557  

Great Wolf Trust
Series 2019-WOLF, Class C
1.795% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.63%), 12/15/2036(c)(j)

      210        193,300  

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. Trust
Series 2019-SMP, Class C
1.862% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.70%), 08/15/2032(c)(j)

      160        147,357  

Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2019-MILE, Class A
1.662% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.50%), 07/15/2036(c)(j)

      105        103,699  
      

 

 

 
         756,581  
      

 

 

 

Non-Agency Fixed Rate CMBS – 0.2%

      

Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2014-UBS4, Class C
4.801%, 08/10/2047

      135        133,261  

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    35


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

GS Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2013-G1, Class A1
2.059%, 04/10/2031(c)

    U.S.$       40      $ 40,378  

Series 2013-G1, Class A2
3.557%, 04/10/2031(c)

      134        132,091  
      

 

 

 
         305,730  
      

 

 

 

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
(cost $1,120,334)

         1,062,311  
      

 

 

 
      

INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES – 0.6%

      

Japan – 0.4%

      

Japanese Government CPI Linked Bond
Series 22
0.10%, 03/10/2027

    JPY       74,215        702,106  
      

 

 

 

United States – 0.2%

      

U.S. Treasury Inflation Index
2.125%, 02/15/2040 (TIPS)

    U.S.$       197        304,833  
      

 

 

 

Total Inflation-Linked Securities
(cost $996,327)

         1,006,939  
      

 

 

 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS – 0.5%

      

Risk Share Floating Rate – 0.5%

      

Bellemeade Re Ltd.
Series 2018-2A, Class M1B
1.525% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.35%), 08/25/2028(c)(j)

      34        34,086  

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust
Series 2020-R02, Class 2M1
0.925% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.75%), 01/25/2040(c)(j)

      42        42,241  

Eagle RE Ltd.
Series 2018-1, Class M1
1.875% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.70%), 11/25/2028(c)(j)

      60        59,240  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes
Series 2014-DN1, Class M2
2.375% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.20%), 02/25/2024(j)

      41        41,171  

Series 2017-DNA2, Class M1
1.375% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.20%), 10/25/2029(j)

      43        43,287  

 

36    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Federal National Mortgage Association Connecticut Avenue Securities
Series 2014-C04, Class 1M2
5.075% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.90%), 11/25/2024(j)

    U.S.$       87      $ 89,300  

Series 2014-C04, Class 2M2
5.175% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 11/25/2024(j)

                 66        67,712  

Series 2015-C01, Class 2M2
4.725% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.55%), 02/25/2025(j)

      15        15,054  

Series 2016-C01, Class 2M2
7.125% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.95%), 08/25/2028(j)

      26        27,186  

Series 2016-C02, Class 1M2
6.175% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.00%), 09/25/2028(j)

      32        33,824  

Series 2016-C06, Class 1M2
4.425% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.25%), 04/25/2029(j)

      186        190,609  

Series 2017-C01, Class 1M2
3.725% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.55%), 07/25/2029(j)

      68        69,570  

PMT Credit Risk Transfer Trust
Series 2019-1R, Class A
2.17% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.00%), 03/27/2024(j)(k)

      119        104,806  
      

 

 

 
         818,086  
      

 

 

 

Agency Fixed Rate – 0.0%

      

Federal National Mortgage Association Grantor Trust
Series 2004-T5, Class AB4
0.712%, 05/28/2035

      33        30,190  
      

 

 

 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(cost $873,911)

         848,276  
      

 

 

 
      

COLLATERALIZED LOAN OBLIGATIONS – 0.5%

      

CLO - Floating Rate – 0.5%

      

Halcyon Loan Advisors Funding Ltd.
Series 2018-1A, Class A2
2.072% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.80%), 07/21/2031(c)(j)

      250        242,158  

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO Ltd.
Series 2018-29A, Class B1
1.972% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.70%), 10/19/2031(c)(j)

      250        247,862  

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    37


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

TIAA CLO I Ltd.
Series 2016-1A, Class AR
1.472% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.20%), 07/20/2031(c)(j)

    U.S.$       250      $ 246,804  
      

 

 

 

Total Collateralized Loan Obligations
(cost $748,400)

         736,824  
      

 

 

 
      

COVERED BONDS – 0.4%

      

BPCE SFH SA
0.375%, 02/21/2024(c)

    EUR       100        122,475  

Caisse Francaise de Financement Local
Series 06
0.20%, 04/27/2023(c)

      100        121,229  

Danske Bank A/S
0.125%, 02/14/2022(c)

      120        144,354  

Nationwide Building Society
4.375%, 02/28/2022(c)

      150        191,706  

UBS AG/London
4.00%, 04/08/2022(c)

      84        107,240  
      

 

 

 

Total Covered Bonds
(cost $636,354)

         687,004  
      

 

 

 
      

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES – 0.4%

      

Autos - Fixed Rate – 0.3%

      

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC
Series 2018-2A, Class C
4.95%, 03/20/2025(c)

    U.S.$       120        125,008  

Flagship Credit Auto Trust
Series 2018-3, Class D
4.15%, 12/16/2024(c)

      78        81,084  

Hertz Vehicle Financing II LP
Series 2017-1A, Class A
2.96%, 10/25/2021(c)

      73        73,278  

Series 2019-1A, Class B
4.10%, 03/25/2023(c)

      165        164,974  
      

 

 

 
         444,344  
      

 

 

 

Other ABS - Fixed Rate – 0.1%

      

SBA Tower Trust
Series 2014-2A, Class C
3.869%, 10/15/2049(c)

      85        89,602  

SoFi Consumer Loan Program LLC
Series 2017-2, Class A
3.28%, 02/25/2026(c)

      7        7,165  

SoFi Consumer Loan Program Trust
Series 2018-1, Class B
3.65%, 02/25/2027(c)

      115        118,332  
      

 

 

 
         215,099  
      

 

 

 

 

38    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Home Equity Loans - Floating Rate – 0.0%

 

    

ABFC Trust
Series 2003-WF1, Class A2
1.30% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.13%), 12/25/2032(j)

    U.S.$       9      $ 8,576  
      

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities
(cost $650,554)

         668,019  
      

 

 

 
      

GOVERNMENTS – SOVEREIGN BONDS – 0.4%

      

Chile – 0.1%

      

Chile Government International Bond
1.625%, 01/30/2025

    EUR       120        151,257  
      

 

 

 

France – 0.2%

      

Dexia Credit Local SA
0.25%, 06/01/2023(c)

      300        364,023  
      

 

 

 

Peru – 0.1%

      

Peruvian Government International Bond
2.392%, 01/23/2026

    U.S.$       86        90,558  
      

 

 

 

Total Governments – Sovereign Bonds
(cost $563,607)

         605,838  
      

 

 

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS – PROVINCIAL BONDS – 0.3%

      

Canada – 0.3%

      

Province of Ontario Canada
6.50%, 03/08/2029
(cost $455,055)

    CAD       445        483,483  
      

 

 

 
      

SUPRANATIONALS – 0.1%

      

Supranational – 0.1%

      

European Investment Bank
4.75%, 08/07/2024(c)
(cost $87,972)

    AUD       114        97,832  
      

 

 

 
      

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS – REGIONAL BONDS – 0.1%

      

Sweden – 0.1%

      

Kommuninvest I Sverige AB
Series 2410
1.00%, 10/02/2024(c)
(cost $78,059)

    SEK       710        84,894  
      

 

 

 
      

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    39


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

CORPORATES – NON-INVESTMENT GRADE – 0.0%

      

Industrial – 0.0%

      

Consumer Cyclical - Entertainment – 0.0%

      

Carnival PLC
1.00%, 10/28/2029
(cost $116,617)

    EUR       105      $ 69,658  
      

 

 

 
          Shares         

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 3.9%

      

Investment Companies – 3.9%

      

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 0.08%(f)(g)(l)
(cost $6,037,885)

      6,037,885        6,037,885  
      

 

 

 

Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned – 97.0%
(cost $137,446,726)

         150,810,429  
      

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED – 1.2%

      

Investment Companies – 1.2%

      

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 0.08%(f)(g)(l)
(cost $1,820,691)

      1,820,691        1,820,691  
      

 

 

 

Total Investments – 98.2%
(cost $139,267,417)

         152,631,120  

Other assets less liabilities – 1.8%

         2,884,819  
      

 

 

 

Net Assets – 100.0%

       $ 155,515,939  
      

 

 

 

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

Description   Number of
Contracts
    Expiration
Month
    Current
Notional
    Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Purchased Contracts

 

3 Yr Australian Bond Futures

    9       September 2020     $ 776,275     $ (456

10 Yr Australian Bond Futures

    13       September 2020       1,413,950       (8,055

10 Yr Canadian Bond Futures

    10       December 2020       1,157,205       (3,313

Euro-BTP Futures

    49       September 2020           8,549,507       386,398  

Euro-Schatz Futures

    4       September 2020       534,692       (243

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    5       September 2020       398,452       (2,874

FTSE/JSE Top 40 Futures

    9       September 2020       271,265       (5,505

Hang Seng Index Futures

    5       September 2020       808,850       (12,925

 

40    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Description   Number of
Contracts
    Expiration
Month
    Current
Notional
    Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Long Gilt Futures

    39       December 2020     $ 7,038,510     $ (59,235

MSCI Emerging Markets Futures

    83       September 2020       4,566,660       288,031  

MSCI Singapore Index ETS Futures

    27       September 2020       577,785       (5,316

MSCI Taiwan Index Futures

    16       September 2020       785,760       (11,717

Russell 2000 E-Mini Futures

    26       September 2020       2,029,690       269,809  

S&P Mid 400 E-Mini Futures

    12       September 2020       2,310,960       190,233  

TOPIX Index Futures

    3       September 2020       457,726       13,576  

U.S. T-Note 5 Yr (CBT) Futures

    66       December 2020       8,318,062       10,744  

U.S. T-Note 10 Yr (CBT) Futures

    8       December 2020       1,114,000       (1,113

U.S. Ultra Bond (CBT) Futures

    51       December 2020       11,266,219       (165,841

Sold Contracts

 

10 Yr Mini Japan Government Bond Futures

    19       September 2020       2,718,104       8,964  

E-Mini Russell 1000 Futures

    13       September 2020       1,265,030       (186,052

Euro Buxl 30 Yr Bond Futures

    5       September 2020       1,294,308       (26,737

Euro STOXX 50 Futures

    12       September 2020       467,555       (7,874

Euro-BOBL Futures

    2       September 2020       321,321       1,024  

Euro-Bund Futures

    59       September 2020       12,360,769       (57,397

MSCI EAFE Futures

    32       September 2020       3,040,160       (144,876

OMXS30 Index Futures

    41       September 2020       836,609       2,915  

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    119       September 2020       20,818,455       (2,815,186

S&P/TSX 60 Index Futures

    1       September 2020       151,646       (7,898

SGX Nifty 50 Futures

    41       September 2020       931,971       11,569  

SPI 200 Futures

    5       September 2020       555,928       (7,350

U.S. 10 Yr Ultra Futures

    3       December 2020       478,313       160  

U.S. Long Bond (CBT) Futures

    1       December 2020       175,719       1,959  
       

 

 

 
  $     (2,344,581
       

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

Counterparty   Contracts to
Deliver
(000)
     In Exchange
For
(000)
    Settlement
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

  CNY     533      USD     78       10/21/2020     $ 24  

Bank of America, NA

  KRW     835,085      USD     704       11/10/2020       172  

Bank of America, NA

  RUB     11,757      USD     164       09/14/2020       5,791  

Bank of America, NA

  USD     743      CAD     982       10/09/2020       9,785  

Bank of America, NA

  USD     92      CLP     72,119       09/17/2020       755  

Bank of America, NA

  USD     340      KRW     403,997       11/10/2020       (83

Barclays Bank PLC

  IDR     1,425,877      USD     96       10/15/2020       (1,628

Barclays Bank PLC

  TWD     26,817      USD     920       10/19/2020       3,598  

Barclays Bank PLC

  CNY     3,238      USD     458       10/19/2020       (12,706

Barclays Bank PLC

  GBP     434      USD     569       09/16/2020       (11,891

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD     902      EUR     760       09/16/2020       4,850  

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD     187      MYR     783       10/27/2020       1,130  

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD     375      CNY     2,620       11/18/2020       5,492  

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD     654      CNY     4,513       10/21/2020       2,814  

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD     270      THB     8,524       10/27/2020       3,830  

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD     118      RUB     8,726       09/14/2020       (403

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    41


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty   Contracts to
Deliver
(000)
     In Exchange
For
(000)
    Settlement
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD     466      TWD     13,539       10/19/2020     $ (3,783

BNP Paribas SA

  USD     278      CNY     1,938       10/21/2020       3,608  

Citibank, NA

  COP     613,737      USD     163       09/17/2020       (1,351

Citibank, NA

  CNY     20,046      USD     2,869       10/21/2020       (47,911

Citibank, NA

  PEN     323      USD     92       09/17/2020       568  

Citibank, NA

  USD     850      CHF     767       11/19/2020       (165

Citibank, NA

  USD     94      RUB     6,889       09/14/2020       (1,228

Citibank, NA

  USD     369      CLP     289,305       09/17/2020       2,688  

Citibank, NA

  USD     275      COP     1,006,133       09/17/2020       (6,765

Credit Suisse International

  SEK     4,480      USD     510       09/16/2020       (7,843

Credit Suisse International

  CNY     3,144      USD     450       10/19/2020       (7,480

Credit Suisse International

  USD     909      CNY     6,381       10/19/2020       19,683  

Deutsche Bank AG

  PEN     838      USD     238       09/17/2020       1,735  

Deutsche Bank AG

  PEN     499      USD     140       09/17/2020       (1,161

Deutsche Bank AG

  USD     91      PEN     323       09/17/2020       (221

Deutsche Bank AG

  USD     510      CAD     673       09/16/2020       6,370  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  CLP     295,146      USD     378       09/17/2020       (1,926

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  PHP     30,692      USD     623       11/10/2020       (7,521

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  CZK     18,105      USD     812       10/22/2020       (10,260

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  INR     13,929      USD     185       10/15/2020       (3,951

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  BRL     3,935      USD     751       09/02/2020       32,471  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  CHF     1,650      USD     1,821       09/16/2020       (5,699

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  AUD     1,316      USD     947       09/16/2020       (23,220

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  MYR     781      USD     184       10/27/2020       (3,767

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD     726      BRL     3,935       09/02/2020       (8,207

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD     584      NZD     893       09/16/2020       17,247  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD     370      MYR     1,569       10/27/2020       7,570  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD     1,118      INR     84,888       10/15/2020       34,322  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD     620      MXN     14,054       10/08/2020       19,042  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD     820      RUB     58,465       09/14/2020       (32,236

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD     104      CLP     79,842       09/17/2020       (1,555

HSBC Bank USA

  HKD     20,963      USD     2,704       10/21/2020       508  

HSBC Bank USA

  EUR     8,441      USD     9,924       10/15/2020       (158,695

HSBC Bank USA

  BRL     3,198      USD     585       09/02/2020       768  

HSBC Bank USA

  BRL     3,198      USD     575       10/02/2020       (8,282

HSBC Bank USA

  USD     839      EUR     714       10/15/2020       13,420  

HSBC Bank USA

  USD     575      BRL     3,198       09/02/2020       8,246  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  COP     334,632      USD     91       09/17/2020       1,551  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  INR     13,507      USD     179       10/15/2020       (4,044

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  NOK     6,549      USD     739       09/16/2020       (10,823

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  EUR     1,045      USD     1,188       09/14/2020       (59,255

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  CAD     1,645      USD     1,227       10/09/2020       (34,602

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD     1,152      CAD     1,523       09/16/2020       15,728  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD     972      SEK     8,451       09/16/2020       4,960  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD     103      CLP     78,128       09/17/2020       (2,834

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD     965      IDR     14,295,843       10/15/2020       10,942  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  COP     338,029      USD     92       09/17/2020       1,392  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  JPY     401,128      USD     3,802       10/08/2020       13,354  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  RUB     6,889      USD     93       09/14/2020       725  

 

42    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty   Contracts to
Deliver
(000)
     In Exchange
For
(000)
    Settlement
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  PEN     1,321      USD     374       09/17/2020     $ 1,548  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  GBP     496      USD     630       09/14/2020       (32,928

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  USD     188      CLP     146,742       09/17/2020       548  

Natwest Markets PLC

  CLP     801,312      USD     1,032       09/17/2020       1,015  

Natwest Markets PLC

  COP     671,068      USD     183       09/17/2020       4,281  

Natwest Markets PLC

  USD     330      TWD     9,698       11/10/2020       2,275  

Natwest Markets PLC

  USD     188      CLP     149,955       09/17/2020       4,546  

Standard Chartered Bank

  KRW     226,966      USD     192       11/10/2020       622  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  HUF     94,455      USD     321       10/22/2020       4,059  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  JPY     93,526      USD     887       10/08/2020       3,170  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  JPY     103,376      USD     972       10/08/2020       (4,262

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  NOK     19,979      USD     2,162       10/16/2020       (125,945

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  THB     8,669      USD     274       10/27/2020       (4,047

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  CZK     4,093      USD     184       10/22/2020       (1,508

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  ZAR     3,232      USD     186       09/03/2020       (4,207

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  ILS     3,092      USD     909       11/12/2020       (13,451

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  SEK     10,835      USD     1,225       10/16/2020       (28,601

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  SEK     1,608      USD     186       09/16/2020       495  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  NOK     1,605      USD     185       09/16/2020       793  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  ZAR     1,549      USD     93       09/03/2020       1,775  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  GBP     2,142      USD     2,737       09/18/2020       (126,403

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  MXN     1,232      USD     54       10/08/2020       (1,673

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  AUD     2,780      USD     1,996       10/29/2020       (55,137

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  CHF     834      USD     917       11/19/2020       (7,246

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  PLN     1,020      USD     274       10/22/2020       (3,123

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  SEK     2,597      USD     280       09/14/2020       (20,194

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  AUD     543      USD     401       09/16/2020       803  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  AUD     439      USD     315       09/16/2020       (8,892

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  NZD     1,087      USD     714       10/27/2020       (17,768

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  CAD     1,027      USD     779       10/09/2020       (8,625

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  CNY     331      USD     47       10/21/2020       (780

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  EUR     932      USD     1,100       10/15/2020       (12,785

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  EUR     479      USD     566       09/18/2020       (5,345

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  GBP     224      USD     300       09/16/2020       321  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  EUR     217      USD     257       09/16/2020       (2,511

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  SEK     519      USD     60       12/11/2020       (311

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  EUR     160      USD     188       10/16/2020       (2,669

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  EUR     103      USD     124       10/15/2020       10  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  CAD     98      USD     73       09/14/2020       (2,157

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  EUR     533      USD     594       09/14/2020       (41,501

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  EUR     103      USD     122       12/11/2020       (947

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  EUR     21      USD     25       12/11/2020       67  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     1,224      EUR     1,037       10/15/2020       14,692  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     834      EUR     717       09/14/2020       21,684  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     12      CAD     17       09/14/2020       542  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     118      CHF     107       11/19/2020       468  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     786      GBP     602       09/18/2020       18,822  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     307      AUD     426       10/29/2020       7,041  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     1,253      CAD     1,663       10/09/2020       21,620  

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    43


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty   Contracts to
Deliver
(000)
     In Exchange
For
(000)
    Settlement
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  GBP     435      EUR     478       09/18/2020     $ (9,739

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     56      SEK     496       09/14/2020       959  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     715      NZD     1,086       10/27/2020       16,234  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     631      GBP     496       09/14/2020       32,000  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     148      CAD     193       09/16/2020       (57

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  NZD     283      AUD     260       10/29/2020       1,327  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     201      NZD     307       09/16/2020       6,307  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     235      NZD     348       09/16/2020       (623

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     427      CHF     384       09/16/2020       (1,641

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     60      CNY     418       10/21/2020       323  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     1,649      SEK     14,915       10/16/2020       76,118  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     2,524      NOK     22,891       10/16/2020       97,349  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     377      PLN     1,405       10/22/2020       4,881  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     558      SGD     764       10/27/2020       3,196  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     177      SEK     1,529       10/16/2020       (98

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     361      ZAR     6,012       09/03/2020       (6,392

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     520      ZAR     9,072       09/03/2020       14,641  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  SEK     1,661      EUR     160       10/16/2020       (1,001

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     304      MXN     6,880       10/08/2020       9,341  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     481      CZK     10,712       10/22/2020       6,116  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     470      JPY     49,997       10/08/2020       1,971  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     616      JPY     64,980       10/08/2020       (1,710

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     163      JPY     17,295       09/16/2020       464  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  HUF     56,558      EUR     162       10/22/2020       3,617  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD     514      HUF     151,013       10/22/2020       (7,038

UBS AG

  TWD     9,698      USD     330       11/10/2020       (1,862

UBS AG

  BRL     737      USD     136       09/02/2020       1,723  

UBS AG

  USD     135      BRL     737       09/02/2020       (177

UBS AG

  USD     93      TWD     2,699       10/19/2020       (946
            

 

 

 
  $   (402,893
            

 

 

 

INTEREST RATE SWAPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)

 

Description   Index   Counter-
Party
  Strike
Rate
    Expiration
Date
   

Notional
Amount
(000)

    Premiums
Received
    Market
Value
 

Call – IRS Swaption

  6 Month
EURIBOR
  Bank of
America, NA
    0.12     09/28/2020       EUR       240     $ 6,197     $ (6,513

Call – IRS Swaption

  6 Month
LIBOR
  JPMorgan
Chase
Bank, NA
    0.58       09/21/2020       GBP       240       5,755       (2,609
             

 

 

   

 

 

 
              $   11,952     $   (9,122
             

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

44    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Description

  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
August 31,
2020
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Buy Contracts

 

           

iTraxx Australia Series 33, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    (1.00 )%      Quarterly       0.64   USD   264     $ (4,940   $ (2,369   $ (2,571

Sale Contracts

 

           

CDX-NAIG Series 28, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2022*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.76     USD   11,880       75,442       86,544       (11,102

CDX-NAIG Series 34, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.65     USD   265       4,885       1,997       2,888  

CDX-NAIG Series 34, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.65     USD   920       16,949       729       16,220  

CDX-NAIG Series 34, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.65     USD   940       17,328       3,218       14,110  

CDX-NAIG Series 34, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.65     USD   1,980       36,498       (28,435     64,933  

iTraxxx Europe Series 27, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2022*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.20     EUR   5,600       111,409       54,369       57,040  

iTraxxx Europe Series 29, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2023*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.36     EUR   240       5,786       3,652       2,134  

iTraxxx Europe Series 31, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    1.00       Quarterly       0.54     EUR   830       23,714       (6,019     29,733  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $   287,071     $   113,686     $   173,385  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Termination date

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    45


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAPS (see Note D)

 

            Rate Type                          

Notional
Amount
(000)

    Termination
Date
    Payments
made
by the
Fund
    Payments
received
by the
Fund
    Payment
Frequency
Paid/
Received
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
USD   3,500       06/04/2022      
3 Month
LIBOR
 
 
    0.248%      
Quarterly/
Semi-Annual
 
 
  $ 986     $   —     $ 986  
CAD    1,960       05/22/2024      
3 Month
CDOR
 
 
    1.980%      

Semi-Annual/

Semi-Annual

 

 

    78,481       1       78,480  
CNY    6,550       02/17/2025      

China 7-Day
Reverse
Repo Rate
 
 
 
    2.547%      

Quarterly/

Quarterly

 

 

    (6,480           (6,480
CNY   19,495       02/20/2025      

China 7-Day
Reverse
Repo Rate
 
 
 
    2.598%      

Quarterly/

Quarterly

 

 

      (13,306             (13,306
CNY    19,785       02/21/2025      

China 7-Day
Reverse
Repo Rate
 
 
 
    2.620%      

Quarterly/

Quarterly

 

 

    (10,707           (10,707
SEK    2,340       03/30/2030      
3 Month
STIBOR
 
 
    0.519%      

Quarterly/

Annual

 

 

    3,980             3,980  
SEK    1,770       04/16/2030      
3 Month
STIBOR
 
 
    0.476%      

Quarterly/

Annual

 

 

    2,101             2,101  
CHF    380       05/05/2030      
6 Month
LIBOR
 
 
    (0.335)%      

Semi-Annual/

Annual

 

 

    (3,733           (3,733
CHF    680       06/02/2030      
6 Month
LIBOR
 
 
    (0.337)%      

Semi-Annual/

Annual

 

 

    (7,094           (7,094
USD    700       06/04/2030       0.671%      
3 Month
LIBOR
 
 
   

Semi-Annual/

Quarterly

 

 

    1,033             1,033  
SEK    650       06/23/2030      
3 Month
STIBOR

 
    0.354%      

Quarterly/

Annual

 

 

    (267           (267
SEK    9,780       07/02/2030      
3 Month
STIBOR
 
 
    0.287%      

Quarterly/

Annual

 

 

    (11,662           (11,662
NOK   5,770       07/10/2030      
6 Month
NIBOR
 
 
    0.900%      

Semi-Annual/

Annual

 

 

    (10,310           (10,310
CHF    210       08/03/2030      
6 Month
LIBOR
 
 
    (0.382)%      

Semi-Annual/

Annual

 

 

    (3,471           (3,471
NOK    9,350       08/11/2030      
6 Month
NIBOR
 
 
    0.825%      

Semi-Annual/

Annual

 

 

    (25,028           (25,028
CHF    790       08/11/2030      
6 Month
LIBOR
 
 
    (0.343)%      

Semi-Annual/

Annual

 

 

    (10,010           (10,010
NZD    1,290       08/27/2030       0.565%      
3 Month
BKBM
 
 
   

Semi-Annual/

Quarterly

 

 

    3,527             3,527  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $ (11,960   $ 1     $ (11,961
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Swap
Counterparty &
Referenced
Obligation
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
August 31,
2020
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sale Contracts

 

             

Credit Suisse International

 

             

CDX-CMBX.NA.A Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    2.00     Monthly       8.23     USD       271     $   (30,207   $   (5,041   $   (25,166

 

*

Termination date

 

46    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

INFLATION (CPI) SWAPS (see Note D)

 

      Rate Type        

Swap
Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
(000)
    Termination
Date
    Payments
made
by the
Fund
    Payments
received
by the
Fund
    Payment
Frequency
Paid
Received
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Barclays Bank PLC

    USD       15,560       07/18/2022       1.937     CPI     Maturity     $ (170,406   $     $ (170,406

Citibank, NA

    USD       2,880       06/08/2025       1.242     CPI     Maturity       82,617             82,617  

Goldman Sachs International

    USD       1,230       01/18/2023       2.206     CPI     Maturity       (35,643           (35,643
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
              $   (123,432   $   —     $   (123,432
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

#

Variable interest rate based on the rate of inflation as determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

TOTAL RETURN SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation

  Rate Paid/
Received
    Payment
Frequency
   

Current
Notional
(000)

    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Receive Total Return on Reference Obligation

 

Bank of America, NA

           

MLABCOVL

   
LIBOR Plus
0.02%
 
 
    Quarterly       USD       145       08/16/2021     $ 220  

MSCI China A Net Return Index USD

   
LIBOR Minus
7.35%
 
 
    Quarterly       USD       4,480       12/15/2020         1,006,082  

Citibank, NA

           

CGABROEB

   
LIBOR Plus
0.20%
 
 
    Quarterly       USD       362       05/17/2021       9,007  

CGABROEB

   
LIBOR Plus
0.20%
 
 
    Quarterly       USD       239       05/17/2021       5,948  

CGABROEB

   
LIBOR Plus
0.20%
 
 
    Quarterly       USD       183       05/17/2021       4,562  

Goldman Sachs & Co.

           

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

   
LIBOR Plus
0.35%
 
 
    Monthly       GBP       14       01/05/2021       105  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

   
LIBOR Plus
0.35%
 
 
    Monthly       GBP       10       01/05/2021       87  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

   
LIBOR Plus
0.35%
 
 
    Monthly       GBP       7       01/05/2021       54  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

   
LIBOR Plus
0.35%
 
 
    Monthly       GBP       17       01/05/2021       41  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

   
LIBOR Plus
0.35%
 
 
    Monthly       GBP       4       01/05/2021       38  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

   
LIBOR Plus
0.35%
 
 
    Monthly       GBP       4       01/05/2021       33  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

   
LIBOR Plus
0.35%
 
 
    Monthly       GBP       3       01/05/2021       23  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

   
LIBOR Plus
0.35%
 
 
    Monthly       GBP       3       01/05/2021       22  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

   
LIBOR Plus
0.35%
 
 
    Monthly       GBP       1       01/05/2021       13  

Highland Gold Mining, Ltd.

   
LIBOR Plus
0.35%
 
 
    Monthly       GBP       33       01/05/2021       (28

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    47


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation

  Rate Paid/
Received
    Payment
Frequency
   

Current
Notional
(000)

    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

           

JPQABEUV

   
EURIBOR Plus
0.15%
 
 
    Quarterly       EUR       241       06/15/2021     $ 8,367  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

           

KOSPI 200 Futures

    – 0 –       Monthly       KRW       194       09/10/2020       (7,730

Sunrise Communications Group AG

    LIBOR       Monthly       CHF       100       01/27/2021       (649

Sunrise Communications Group AG

    LIBOR       Monthly       CHF       64       01/27/2021       (759

Sunrise Communications Group AG

    LIBOR       Monthly       CHF       130       01/27/2021       (1,644

Pay Total Return on Reference Obligation

 

     

Goldman Sachs & Co.

           

Analog Devices, Inc.

   
LIBOR Minus
0.29%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       416       01/05/2021       (498

Builders FirstSource, Inc.

   
LIBOR Minus
0.29%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       4       01/05/2021       (99

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

   
LIBOR Minus
0.30%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       342       01/05/2021       (22,996

Sunrun, Inc.

   
LIBOR Minus
0.28%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       2       01/05/2021       (317

Sunrun, Inc.

   
LIBOR Minus
0.30%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       32       01/05/2021       (5,594

Teladoc Health, Inc.

   
LIBOR Minus
0.28%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       21       01/05/2021       (2,116

Teladoc Health, Inc.

   
LIBOR Minus
0.28%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       10       01/05/2021       (1,162

Teladoc Health, Inc.

   
LIBOR Plus
0.35%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       266       01/05/2021       (3,832

Teladoc Health, Inc.

   
LIBOR Minus
0.28%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       79       01/05/2021       (8,446

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

           

Borgwarner, Inc.

   
LIBOR Minus
0.30%
 
 
    Annual       USD       0 **      08/12/2022       (32

Borgwarner, Inc.

   
LIBOR Minus
0.30%
 
 
    Annual       USD       0 **      08/12/2022       (45

Borgwarner, Inc.

   
LIBOR Minus
1.58%
 
 
    Annual       USD       19       08/12/2022       (4,242

Borgwarner, Inc.

   
LIBOR Minus
0.30%
 
 
    Annual       USD       88       08/12/2022       (12,592

Borgwarner, Inc.

   
LIBOR Minus
0.31%
 
 
    Annual       USD       157       08/12/2022       (17,845

JPQABHYS

   
LIBOR Minus
0.14%
 
 
    Quarterly       USD       87       05/17/2021       1,538  

Morgan Stanley

   
LIBOR Minus
0.30%
 
 
    Annual       USD       9       08/12/2022       (667

Morgan Stanley

   
LIBOR Minus
0.30%
 
 
    Annual       USD       12       08/12/2022       (794

Morgan Stanley

   
LIBOR Minus
0.30%
 
 
    Annual       USD       69       08/12/2022       (2,780

 

48    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation

  Rate Paid/
Received
  Payment
Frequency
   

Current
Notional
(000)

    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Morgan Stanley

  LIBOR Minus
0.30%
    Annual       USD       29       08/12/2022     $ (7,150

Morgan Stanley

  LIBOR Minus
0.32%
    Annual       USD       41       08/12/2022       (8,648

Morgan Stanley

  LIBOR Minus
0.30%
    Annual       USD       275       08/12/2022       10,885  

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR Minus
0.20%
    Annual       EUR       47       08/12/2022       17,306  

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR Minus
0.20%
    Annual       EUR       50       08/12/2022       17,124  

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR Minus
0.30%
    Annual       EUR       26       08/12/2022       549  

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR Minus
0.30%
    Annual       EUR       21       08/12/2022       360  

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR     Annual       EUR       13       08/12/2022       194  

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR Minus
0.30%
    Annual       EUR       0 **        08/12/2022       28  

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR Minus
0.30%
    Annual       EUR       1       08/12/2022       (204

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR     Annual       EUR       2       08/12/2022       (206

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR Minus
0.30%
    Annual       EUR       7       08/12/2022       (1,532

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR
Minus
0.30%
    Annual       EUR       21       08/12/2022       (1,861

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR     Annual       EUR       49       08/12/2022       (4,200

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR     Annual       EUR       27       08/12/2022       (5,231

Peugeot SA

  EURIBOR
Minus
0.30%
    Annual       EUR       75       08/12/2022       (17,588

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR
Minus
0.30%
    Annual       EUR       41       08/12/2022       283  

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR     Monthly       EUR       23       08/12/2022       205  

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR     Annual       EUR       1       08/12/2022       (20

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR     Monthly       EUR       1       08/12/2022       (42

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR Minus
0.30%
    Annual       EUR       5       08/12/2022       (117

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR     Monthly       EUR       3       08/12/2022       (152

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR     Monthly       EUR       3       08/12/2022       (201

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR Minus
0.30%
    Monthly       EUR       24       08/12/2022       (327

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR
Minus
0.30%
    Monthly       EUR       12       08/12/2022       (329

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR Minus
0.30%
    Annual       EUR       2       08/12/2022       (334

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR     Annual       EUR       3       08/12/2022       (569

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR     Annual       EUR       7       08/12/2022       (1,193

Wordline SA/France

  EURIBOR Minus
0.30%
    Annual       EUR       36       08/12/2022       (7,217

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    49


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation

  Rate Paid/
Received
    Payment
Frequency
   

Current
Notional
(000)

    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Wordline SA/France

   
EURIBOR Minus
0.30%
 
 
    Annual       EUR       40       08/12/2022     $ (7,577

Wordline SA/France

   
EURIBOR Minus
0.20%
 
 
    Annual       EUR       143       08/12/2022       (14,527

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

           

AON PLC

   
LIBOR Minus
0.25%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       11       01/27/2021       (1,722

AON PLC

   
LIBOR Minus
0.25%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       31       01/27/2021       (2,625

AON PLC

   
LIBOR Minus
0.40%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       15       01/27/2021       (2,749

AON PLC

   
LIBOR Minus
0.30%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       14       01/27/2021       (3,022

AON PLC

   
LIBOR Minus
0.28%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       19       01/27/2021       (3,209

AON PLC

   
LIBOR Minus
0.25%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       47       01/27/2021       (5,320

AON PLC

   
LIBOR Minus
0.28%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       49       01/27/2021       (8,412

AON PLC

   
LIBOR Minus
1.10%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       90       01/27/2021       (19,564

AON PLC

   
LIBOR Minus
0.40%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       155       01/27/2021       (27,782

Chevron Corp.

   
LIBOR Minus
0.28%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       63       01/27/2021       2,801  

Chevron Corp.

   
LIBOR Minus
0.28%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       37       01/27/2021       1,285  

Chevron Corp.

   
LIBOR Minus
0.29%
 
 
    Monthly       USD       15       01/27/2021       171  

Evolution Gaming Group

   
STIBOR Minus
0.40%
 
 
    Monthly       SEK       41       01/27/2021       2,629  

Evolution Gaming Group

   
STIBOR Minus
0.40%
 
 
    Monthly       SEK       6       01/27/2021       305  

Evolution Gaming Group

   
STIBOR Minus
0.40%
 
 
    Monthly       SEK       1       01/27/2021       29  

Evolution Gaming Group

   
STIBOR Minus
0.40%
 
 
    Monthly       SEK       0 **        01/27/2021       6  

Evolution Gaming Group

   
STIBOR Minus
0.40%
 
 
    Monthly       SEK       2       01/27/2021       (12

Evolution Gaming Group

   
STIBOR Minus
0.40%
 
 
    Monthly       SEK       1       01/27/2021       (68

Evolution Gaming Group

   
STIBOR Minus
0.40%
 
 
    Monthly       SEK       1       01/27/2021       (165

Evolution Gaming Group

   
STIBOR Minus
0.40%
 
 
    Monthly       SEK       12       01/27/2021       (286

Evolution Gaming Group

   
STIBOR Minus
0.40%
 
 
    Monthly       SEK       26       01/27/2021       (344

Evolution Gaming Group

   
STIBOR Minus
0.40%
 
 
    Monthly       SEK       9       01/27/2021       (499

 

50    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation

  Rate Paid/
Received
  Payment
Frequency
   

Current
Notional
(000)

    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR Minus
0.40%
    Monthly       SEK       5       01/27/2021     $ (570

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR Minus
0.40%
    Monthly       SEK       8       01/27/2021       (642

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR Minus
0.40%
    Monthly       SEK       34       01/27/2021       (3,730

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR Minus
0.40%
    Monthly       SEK       39       01/27/2021       (3,884

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR Minus
0.40%
    Monthly       SEK       43       01/27/2021       (6,113

Evolution Gaming Group

  STIBOR Minus
0.40%
    Monthly       SEK       81       01/27/2021       (9,493

iBovespa Futures

  1.00%     Monthly       BRL       146       10/14/2020       5,140  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       35       01/27/2021       2,363  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       37       01/27/2021       2,253  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       34       01/27/2021       1,868  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       19       01/27/2021       1,406  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       15       01/27/2021       1,191  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       33       01/27/2021       1,187  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       26       01/27/2021       928  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       12       01/27/2021       861  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       31       01/27/2021       840  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       11       01/27/2021       801  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       9       01/27/2021       558  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       10       01/27/2021       401  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       3       01/27/2021       198  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       27       01/27/2021       124  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       2       01/27/2021       113  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       3       01/27/2021       84  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       3       01/27/2021       53  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       4       01/27/2021       48  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       1       01/27/2021       23  

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    51


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation

  Rate Paid/
Received
  Payment
Frequency
   

Current
Notional
(000)

    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       2       01/27/2021     $ 22  

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       22       01/27/2021       (279

Just Eat Takeaway N.V.

  EURIBOR Minus
0.35%
    Monthly       EUR       62       01/27/2021       (492

MSABHOWN

  LIBOR Minus
0.30%
    Quarterly       USD       415       05/17/2021       (8,826

Swiss Marketing Index Future

  1.00%     Monthly       CHF       112       09/18/2020       (1,530
           

 

 

 
            $     825,332  
           

 

 

 

VARIANCE SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation

  Volatility
Strike
Rate
    Payment
Frequency
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
(Paid)/
Received
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Buy Contracts

 

           

Bank of America, NA

 

           

FTSE 100 Index 11/20/2020*

    27.20     Maturity       GBP       53     $ (3,727   $     $ (3,727

Goldman Sachs International

 

         

Russell 2000 Index 10/16/2020*

    40.75       Maturity       USD       160       (70,948           (70,948

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

 

         

Nikkei 225 Index 11/13/2020*

    26.99       Maturity       JPY       9,533       (177           (177

Russell 2000 Index 09/18/2020*

    46.10       Maturity       USD       194       (156,185           (156,185

S&P/ASX 200 Index 10/15/2020*

    28.29       Maturity       AUD       77       (30,211           (30,211

USD/CAD 10/26/2020*

    6.40       Maturity       USD       90       (1,456           (1,456

UBS AG

 

         

Euro STOXX 50 Price EUR Index 11/20/2020*

    28.80       Maturity       EUR       91       (1,911           (1,911

Nikkei 225 Index 09/11/2020*

    33.00       Maturity       JPY       6,634       (43,880           (43,880

S&P/ASX 200 Index 09/17/2020*

    30.30       Maturity       AUD       228       (118,950           (118,950

S&P/ASX 200 Index 11/19/2020*

    25.95       Maturity       AUD       157       (8,666           (8,666

Sale Contracts

 

         

Goldman Sachs International

 

         

FTSE 100 Index 09/18/2020*

    24.00       Maturity       GBP       36       13,515             13,515  

Nikkei 225 Index 09/11/2020*

    25.21       Maturity       JPY       3,686       18,421             18,421  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

 

         

S&P/ASX 200 Index 09/17/2020*

    25.01       Maturity       AUD       155       65,442             65,442  

 

52    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation

  Volatility
Strike
Rate
    Payment
Frequency
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
(Paid)/
Received
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

UBS AG

             

Euro STOXX 50 Price EUR Index 09/18/2020*

    23.60 %       Maturity       EUR       26     $ (53   $     $ (53

Nasdaq 100 Stock Index 09/18/2020*

    28.90       Maturity       USD       157       14,317             14,317  

Russell 2000 Index 09/18/2020*

    38.05       Maturity       USD       132       94,365             94,365  

Russell 2000 Index 09/18/2020*

    29.20       Maturity       USD       83       23,383             23,383  

Russell 2000 Index 10/16/2020*

    32.00       Maturity       USD       99       9,602             9,602  

S&P 500 Index 09/18/2020*

    22.45       Maturity       USD       29       3,220             3,220  

S&P/ASX 200 Index 10/15/2020*

    21.26       Maturity       AUD       44       5,675             5,675  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $   (188,224   $   —     $   (188,224
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Termination date

 

**

Notional amount less than 500.

 

(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 August 31, 2020, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $16,390,505 or 10.5% of net assets.

 

(d)

Security in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value.

 

(e)

Fair valued by the Adviser.

 

(f)

To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Additionally, shareholder reports for AB funds can be obtained by calling AB at (800) 227-4618.

 

(g)

Affiliated investments.

 

(h)

Position, or a portion thereof, has been segregated to collateralize OTC derivatives outstanding.

 

(i)

Securities are perpetual and, thus, do not have a predetermined maturity date. The date shown, if applicable, reflects the next call date.

 

(j)

Floating Rate Security. Stated interest/floor/ceiling rate was in effect at August 31, 2020.

 

(k)

Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities, which represent 0.07% of net assets as of August 31, 2020, are considered illiquid and restricted. Additional information regarding such securities follows:

 

144A/Restricted &
Illiquid Securities

   Acquisition
Date
     Cost      Market
Value
     Percentage of
Net Assets
 

PMT Credit Risk Transfer Trust
Series 2019-1R, Class A 2.17%,
03/27/2024

     03/21/2019      $   118,924      $   104,806        0.07

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    53


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

(l)

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

CLP – Chilean Peso

CNY – Chinese Yuan Renminbi

COP – Colombian Peso

CZK – Czech Koruna

EUR – Euro

GBP – Great British Pound

HKD – Hong Kong Dollar

HUF – Hungarian Forint

IDR – Indonesian Rupiah

ILS – Israeli Shekel

INR – Indian Rupee

JPY – Japanese Yen

KRW – South Korean Won

MXN – Mexican Peso

MYR – Malaysian Ringgit

NOK – Norwegian Krone

NZD – New Zealand Dollar

PEN – Peruvian Sol

PHP – Philippine Peso

PLN – Polish Zloty

RUB – Russian Ruble

SEK – Swedish Krona

SGD – Singapore Dollar

THB – Thailand Baht

TWD – New Taiwan Dollar

USD – United States Dollar

ZAR – South African Rand

 

 

Glossary:

ABS – Asset-Backed Securities

ADR – American Depositary Receipt

ARMs – Adjustable Rate Mortgages

ASX – Australian Stock Exchange

BOBL – Bundesobligationen

BTP – Buoni del Tesoro Poliennali

CBT – Chicago Board of Trade

CDOR – Canadian Dealer Offered Rate

CDX-CMBX.NA – North American Commercial Mortgage-Backed Index

CDX-NAIG – North American Investment Grade Credit Default Swap Index

CLO – Collateralized Loan Obligations

CMBS – Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

CPI – Consumer Price Index

EAFE – Europe, Australia, and Far East

ETF – Exchange Traded Fund

ETS – Emission Trading Scheme

EURIBOR – Euro Interbank Offered Rate

FTSE – Financial Times Stock Exchange

IRS – Interest Rate Swaption

JSE – Johannesburg Stock Exchange

KOSPI – Korea Composite Stock Price Index

LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate

MSCI – Morgan Stanley Capital International

NIBOR – Norwegian Interbank Offered Rate

OAT – Obligations Assimilables du Trésor

OMXS – Stockholm Stock Exchange

PJSC – Public Joint Stock Company

SGX – Singapore Exchange

SPDR – Standard & Poor’s Depository Receipt

SPI – Share Price Index

STIBOR – Stockholm Interbank Offered Rate

TBA – To Be Announced

TIPS – Treasury Inflation Protected Security

TOPIX – Tokyo Price Index

TSX – Toronto Stock Exchange

See notes to financial statements.

 

54    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES

August 31, 2020

 

Assets

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $92,881,472)

   $ 108,452,043 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $46,385,945—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $1,820,691)

     44,179,077  

Cash collateral due from broker

     5,211,045  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $1,505,545)

     1,507,717  

Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions

     1,441,858  

Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps

     1,110,762  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     642,903  

Unaffiliated interest and dividends receivable

     382,113  

Unrealized appreciation on variance swaps

     247,940  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     98,426  

Unrealized appreciation on inflation swaps

     82,617  

Receivable for variation margin on futures

     62,593  

Receivable for shares of beneficial interest sold

     9,380  

Receivable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

     5,457  

Receivable for terminated centrally cleared interest rate swaps

     319  

Other assets

     5,143  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     163,439,393  
  

 

 

 
Liabilities

 

Swaptions written, at value (premiums received $11,952)

     9,122  

Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency transactions

     3,441,925  

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     1,820,691  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     1,045,796  

Unrealized depreciation on variance swaps

     436,164  

Unrealized depreciation on total return swaps

     285,430  

Cash collateral due to broker

     276,000  

Unrealized depreciation on inflation swaps

     206,049  

Payable for shares of beneficial interest redeemed

     93,070  

Advisory fee payable

     49,324  

Distribution fee payable

     36,837  

Market value on credit default swaps (net premiums received $5,041)

     30,207  

Payable for terminated total return swaps

     13,202  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     4,904  

Trustees’ fees payable

     4,428  

Payable for terminated credit default swaps

     3,271  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     167,034  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     7,923,454  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $     155,515,939  
  

 

 

 
Composition of Net Assets

 

Shares of beneficial interest, at par

   $  126  

Additional paid-in capital

     148,138,840  

Distributable earnings

     7,376,973  
  

 

 

 
   $     155,515,939  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)

Includes securities on loan with a value of $2,147,687 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    55


 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES (continued)

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—unlimited shares authorized, $.00001 par value

 

Class   Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 

 

 
A   $   132,657,349          10,719,686        $   12.38

 

 
C   $ 10,667,171          865,639        $ 12.32  

 

 
Advisor   $ 5,418,544          435,568        $ 12.44  

 

 
R   $ 4,278,190          345,739        $ 12.37  

 

 
K   $ 2,455,928          198,898        $ 12.35  

 

 
I   $ 38,757          3,082        $ 12.58  

 

 

 

*

The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $12.93 which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%.

See notes to financial statements.

 

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STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended August 31, 2020

 

Investment Income     

Dividends

    

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $56,194)

   $     1,469,204    

Affiliated issuers

         1,424,488    

Interest (net of foreign taxes withheld of $1,170)

     806,538    

Securities lending income

     29,579    

Other income

     148     $     3,729,957  
  

 

 

   
Expenses     

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     900,314    

Distribution fee—Class A

     338,719    

Distribution fee—Class B

     1,262    

Distribution fee—Class C

     130,608    

Distribution fee—Class R

     20,924    

Distribution fee—Class K

     12,162    

Transfer agency—Class A

     140,067    

Transfer agency—Class B

     172    

Transfer agency—Class C

     14,023    

Transfer agency—Advisor Class

     6,150    

Transfer agency—Class R

     10,265    

Transfer agency—Class K

     9,729    

Transfer agency—Class I

     41    

Custody and accounting

     295,072    

Audit and tax

     98,087    

Registration fees

     87,048    

Printing

     50,055    

Legal

     32,274    

Trustees’ fees

     18,795    

Miscellaneous

     47,345    
  

 

 

   

Total expenses

     2,213,112    

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (238,135  
  

 

 

   

Net expenses

       1,974,977  
    

 

 

 

Net investment income

       1,754,980  
    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

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STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (continued)

 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment and Foreign Currency Transactions      

Net realized gain (loss) on:

     

Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

      $ (1,056,490

Investment transactions(a)

        2,899,773  

Forward currency exchange contracts

        346,968  

Futures

        504,243  

Options written

        (29,814

Swaps

        (5,891,495

Swaptions written

        14,178  

Foreign currency transactions

        (422,556

Net realized gain distributions from Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

        46,863  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

     

Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

        (282,877

Investments(b)

        6,931,777  

Forward currency exchange contracts

        (800,896

Futures

        (2,314,602

Options written

        (29,576

Swaps

        277,794  

Swaptions written

        2,830  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

        168,286  
     

 

 

 

Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

        364,406  
     

 

 

 

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

        2,404  
     

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations

      $     2,121,790  
     

 

 

 

 

(a)

Net of foreign capital gains taxes of $3,429.

 

(b)

Net of increase in accrued foreign capital gains taxes of $3,302.

See notes to financial statements.

 

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STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations     

Net investment income

   $ 1,754,980     $ 2,293,120  

Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions

     (3,635,193     3,810,773  

Net realized gain distributions from Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

  

 

46,863

 

    – 0  – 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     3,952,736       1,152,890  

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

     2,404       345  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     2,121,790       7,257,128  
Distributions to Shareholders     

Class A

     (4,906,979     (1,166,247

Class C

     (380,447     – 0  – 

Advisor Class

     (234,606     (74,105

Class R

     (135,975     (15,968

Class K

     (192,175     (44,322

Class I

     (1,234     (105
Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest     

Net decrease

     (18,377,337     (31,348,509

Proceeds from third party vendor (see Note F)

     2,403       – 0  – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease

     (22,104,560     (25,392,128
Net Assets

 

Beginning of period

     177,620,499       203,012,627  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $     155,515,939     $     177,620,499  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

abfunds.com   AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY    |    59


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

August 31, 2020

 

NOTE A

Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Portfolios (the “Company”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open end management investment company. The Company, which is a Massachusetts Business Trust, operates as a series company currently comprised of six series. Each series is considered to be a separate entity for financial reporting and tax purposes. This report relates only to the AB Conservative Wealth Strategy (the “Fund”). The Fund offers Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares. Class B and Class T shares have been authorized but currently are not offered. Effective August 2, 2019, sales of Class B shares were suspended. On November 7, 2019, all remaining outstanding Class B shares of the Fund were converted to Class A shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A shares redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase, and 0% after the first year of purchase. Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares ten years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Class R and Class K shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge. Advisor Class and Class I shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All eight classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Company’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”).

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g., last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Fund generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

   

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates,

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

yield curves, option adjusted spreads, default rates, credit spreads and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows which are then discounted to calculate fair values. If these inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value, these investments will be classified as Level 3.

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.

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

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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.

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of August 31, 2020:

 

Investments in Securities:

   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets:

 

Common Stocks:

        

Information Technology

   $ 14,952,885     $ 2,941,493     $ – 0  –    $     17,894,378  

Health Care

     9,184,597       2,557,299       0 (a)      11,741,896  

Consumer Discretionary

     6,713,449       2,690,860       – 0  –      9,404,309  

Financials

     4,771,006       2,908,767       – 0  –      7,679,773  

Industrials

     5,021,241       1,933,357       – 0  –      6,954,598  

Communication Services

     4,980,191       1,734,181       – 0  –      6,714,372  

Consumer Staples

     1,690,479       2,084,780       – 0  –      3,775,259  

Materials

     1,660,627       395,484       – 0  –      2,056,111  

Utilities

     666,664       489,981       – 0  –      1,156,645  

Real Estate

     372,428       362,557       – 0  –      734,985  

Energy

     560,137       165,631       – 0  –      725,768  

Investment Companies

         38,864,228       – 0  –      – 0  –      38,864,228  

Governments – Treasuries

     – 0  –      15,402,204       – 0  –      15,402,204  

Corporates – Investment Grade

     – 0  –      9,696,343       – 0  –      9,696,343  

Mortgage Pass-Throughs

     – 0  –      4,287,436       – 0  –      4,287,436  

Quasi-Sovereigns

     – 0  –      1,333,161       – 0  –      1,333,161  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

     – 0  –      1,062,311       – 0  –      1,062,311  

Inflation-Linked Securities

     – 0  –      1,006,939       – 0  –      1,006,939  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

     – 0  –      848,276       – 0  –      848,276  

Collateralized Loan Obligations

     – 0  –      736,824       – 0  –      736,824  

Covered Bonds

     – 0  –      687,004       – 0  –      687,004  

Asset-Backed Securities

     – 0  –      668,019       – 0  –      668,019  

Governments – Sovereign Bonds

     – 0  –      605,838       – 0  –      605,838  

Local Governments – Provincial Bonds

     – 0  –      483,483       – 0  –      483,483  

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Investments in Securities:

   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Supranationals

   $ – 0  –    $ 97,832     $ – 0  –    $ 97,832  

Local Governments – Regional Bonds

     – 0  –      84,894       – 0  –      84,894  

Corporates – Non-Investment Grade

     – 0  –      69,658           – 0  –      69,658  

Short-Term Investments

     6,037,885       – 0  –      – 0  –      6,037,885  

Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund

     1,820,691       – 0  –      – 0  –      1,820,691  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     97,296,508       55,334,612       – 0  –      152,631,120  

Other Financial
Instruments(b):

        

Assets:

 

Futures

     1,157,322       28,060       – 0  –      1,185,382 (c)  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     – 0  –      642,903       – 0  –      642,903  

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps

     – 0  –      292,011       – 0  –      292,011 (c)  

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

     – 0  –      90,108       – 0  –      90,108 (c)  

Inflation (CPI) Swaps

     – 0  –      82,617       – 0  –      82,617  

Total Return Swaps

     – 0  –      1,110,762       – 0  –      1,110,762  

Variance Swaps

     – 0  –      247,940       – 0  –      247,940  

Liabilities:

        

Futures

     (3,481,907     (48,056     – 0  –      (3,529,963 )(c)  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     – 0  –      (1,045,796     – 0  –      (1,045,796

Interest Rate Swaptions

     – 0  –      (9,122     – 0  –      (9,122

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps

     – 0  –      (4,940     – 0  –      (4,940 )(c)  

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

     – 0  –      (102,068     – 0  –      (102,068 )(c)  

Credit Default Swaps

     – 0  –      (30,207     – 0  –      (30,207

Inflation (CPI) Swaps

     – 0  –      (206,049     – 0  –      (206,049

Total Return Swaps

     – 0  –      (285,430     – 0  –      (285,430

Variance Swaps

     – 0  –      (436,164         – 0  –      (436,164
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $     94,971,923     $     55,661,181     $ – 0  –    $     150,633,104  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

The Fund held securities with zero market value at period end.

 

(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 swaps with upfront premiums, options written and swaptions 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 unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures and centrally cleared swaps as reported in the portfolio of investments. Where applicable, centrally cleared swaps with upfront premiums are presented here at market value.

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

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

It is the Fund’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income. The Fund accounts for distributions received from REIT investments or from regulated investment companies as dividend income, realized gain, or return of capital based on information provided by the REIT or the investment company.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Company are charged proportionately to each series 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 “Advisory Agreement”), the Fund 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 Fund’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

The Fund compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. ABIS may make payments to intermediaries that provide omnibus account services, sub-accounting services and/or networking services. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $58,669 for the year ended August 31, 2020.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor has advised the Fund that it has retained front-end sales charges of $1,716 from the sale of Class A shares and received $1,110 and $330 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A and Class C shares, respectively, for the year ended August 31, 2020.

The Fund may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual

 

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advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2021. In connection with the investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended August 31, 2020, such waiver amounted to $9,676.

In connection with the Fund’s investments in other AB mutual funds, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse the expenses payable to the Adviser by the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fees of AB mutual funds, as paid by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. These fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will remain in effect until December 31, 2020. For the year ended August 31, 2020, such waivers and/or reimbursements amounted to $227,878.

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended August 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

      Distributions  
Fund   Market
Value
8/31/19
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Realized
Gain
(Loss)
(000)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appr./
(Depr.)
(000)
    Market
Value
8/31/20
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
    Realized
Gains
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $     10,964     $     78,102     $     83,028     $     – 0  –    $     – 0  –    $ 6,038     $ 91     $     – 0  – 

AB Bond Fund,
Inc. – AB All Market Real Return Portfolio

    22,623       2,812       5,800       (890     336       19,081       500       – 0  – 

AB High Income Fund, Inc.

    18,201       1,828       2,005       (166     (619     17,239       824       47  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

    828       31,841       30,848           – 0  –          – 0  –      1,821       9       – 0  – 
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        $     (1,056   $     (283   $     44,179     $     1,424     $     47  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

 

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During the year ended August 31, 2020 and the year ended August 31, 2019, the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $2,404 and $345, respectively, for trading losses incurred due to a trade entry error.

The Fund may purchase securities from, or sell securities to, an affiliated fund provided the affiliation is due solely to having a common investment advisor, common officers, or common directors. For the year ended August 31, 2020, the purchase and sale transactions with an affiliated fund in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act were $57,391 and $0, respectively, with realized gain of $0.

During the second quarter of 2018, AXA S.A. (“AXA”), a French holding company for the AXA Group, completed the sale of a minority stake in its subsidiary, AXA Equitable Holdings, Inc. (now named Equitable Holdings, Inc.)(“Equitable”), through an initial public offering. Equitable is the holding company for a diverse group of financial services companies, including an approximately 65.3% economic interest in the Adviser and a 100% interest in AllianceBernstein Corporation, the general partner of the Adviser. Since the initial sale, AXA has completed additional offerings, most recently during the fourth quarter of 2019. As a result, AXA currently owns less than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Equitable, and no longer owns a controlling interest in Equitable. AXA previously announced its intention to sell its entire interest in Equitable over time, subject to market conditions and other factors (the “Plan”). Most of AXA’s remaining Equitable shares are to be delivered on redemption of AXA bonds mandatorily exchangeable into Equitable shares and maturing in May 2021. AXA retains sole discretion to determine the timing of any future sales of its remaining shares of Equitable common stock.

Sales under the Plan that were completed on November 13, 2019 resulted in the indirect transfer of a “controlling block” of voting securities of the Adviser (a “Change of Control Event”) and may have been deemed to have been an “assignment” causing a termination of the Fund’s investment advisory and administration agreements. In order to ensure that investment advisory and administration services could continue uninterrupted in the event of a Change of Control Event, the Board previously approved new investment advisory and administration agreements with the Adviser, and shareholders of the Fund subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C

Distribution Plan

The Fund has adopted a Plan for each class of shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

“Plan”). Under the Plan, the Fund pays distribution and servicing fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to both Class B and Class C shares, .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares and .25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class K shares. There are no distribution and servicing fees on the Advisor Class and Class I shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. Payments under the Plan in respect of Class A shares are currently limited to an annual rate of .25% of Class A shares’ average daily net assets. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities. The Fund is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution services fee 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 Fund’s 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” plan.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution services fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Fund to the Distributor with respect to the relevant class. The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.

NOTE D

Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $     108,991,232      $     131,128,170  

U.S. government securities

     33,776,946        34,926,382  

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Cost

   $     140,029,781  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 21,719,716  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (9,659,545
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 12,060,171  
  

 

 

 

 

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1. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Fund may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.

The principal types of derivatives utilized by the Fund, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:

 

   

Futures

The Fund may buy or sell futures for investment purposes or for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of potential movements in the market. The Fund bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and movements in the price of the assets, reference rates or indices which they are designed to track. Among other things, the Fund may purchase or sell futures for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

At the time the Fund enters into futures, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. The credit/counterparty risk for exchange-traded futures is generally less than privately negotiated futures, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded future, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the time it was closed.

Use of long futures subjects the Fund 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 Fund 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.

 

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During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

The Fund may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on forward currency exchange contracts. Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Fund. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Option Transactions

For hedging and investment purposes, the Fund may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities, including government securities, and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. Among other things, the Fund may use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions” and may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, for hedging and investment purposes.

The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. If a put or call option purchased by the Fund were permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the Fund. Put and call options purchased are accounted for in the same manner as portfolio securities. The cost of securities acquired through the

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 Fund writes an option, the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the option written. The Fund’s maximum payment for written put options equates to the number of shares multiplied by the strike price. 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. Premiums received from written options which expire unexercised are recorded by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains from options written. The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium received is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium received is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium received reduces the cost basis of the security or currency purchased by the Fund. In writing an option, the Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security or currency underlying the written option. Exercise of an option written by the Fund could result in the Fund selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.

The Fund 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. The Fund’s maximum payment for written put swaptions equates to the notional amount of the underlying swap. 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 year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held purchased options for hedging and non-hedging purposes. During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held written options for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held written swaptions for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Swaps

The Fund may enter into swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rates, credit risk, equity markets or currencies. The Fund may also enter into swaps for non-hedging purposes as a means of gaining market exposures, 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 Fund in accordance with the terms of the respective swaps to provide value and recourse to the Fund or its counterparties in the event of default, bankruptcy or insolvency by one of the parties to the swap.

Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap to comply with the terms of the swap. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interim payment to be received by the Fund, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Fund considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap in evaluating potential counterparty risk. This risk is mitigated by having a netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Fund to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities. The Fund accrues for the interim payments on swaps on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of assets and liabilities, where applicable. Once the interim payments are settled in cash, the net amount is recorded as realized gain/(loss) on swaps on the statement of operations, in addition to any realized gain/(loss) recorded upon the termination of swaps. Upfront premiums paid or received for over the counter (“OTC”) swaps 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.

 

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Certain standardized swaps, including certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps, are (or soon will be) subject to mandatory central clearing. Cleared swaps are transacted through futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) that are members of central clearinghouses, with the clearinghouse serving as central counterparty, similar to transactions in futures contracts. Centralized clearing will be required for additional categories of swaps on a phased-in basis based on requirements published by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

At the time the Fund enters into a centrally cleared swap, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the clearinghouse on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. The credit/counterparty risk for centrally cleared swaps is generally less than non-centrally cleared swaps, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each centrally cleared swap, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the time it was closed.

Interest Rate Swaps:

The Fund is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Because the Fund holds fixed rate bonds, the value of these bonds may decrease if interest rates rise. To help hedge against this risk and to maintain its ability to generate income at prevailing market rates, the Fund may enter into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange cash flows based on a notional amount. The Fund may elect to pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate, or, receive a fixed rate and pay a floating rate on a notional amount.

In addition, the Fund may also enter into interest rate swap transactions to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, or protecting against an increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments) computed based on

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

a contractually-based principal (or “notional”) amount. Interest rate swaps are entered into on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments).

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held interest rate swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Inflation (CPI) Swaps:

Inflation swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index (the Consumer Price Index with respect to CPI swaps) over the term of the swap (with some lag on the inflation index), and the other pays a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swaps may be used to protect the net asset value, or NAV, of a Fund against an unexpected change in the rate of inflation measured by an inflation index since the value of these agreements is expected to increase if there are unexpected inflation increases.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held inflation (CPI) swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Credit Default Swaps:

The Fund may enter into credit default swaps, including to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its risk exposure to defaults by corporate and sovereign issuers held by the Fund, or to create exposure to corporate or sovereign issuers to which it is not otherwise exposed. The Fund may purchase credit protection (“Buy Contract”) or provide credit protection (“Sale Contract”) on the referenced obligation of the credit default swap. During the term of the swap, the Fund receives/(pays) fixed payments from/(to) the respective counterparty, calculated at the agreed upon rate applied to the notional amount. If the Fund is a buyer/(seller) of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap, the Fund will either (i) receive from the seller/(pay to the buyer) of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap (the “Maximum Payout Amount”) and deliver/(take delivery of) the referenced obligation or (ii) receive/(pay) a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation. In certain circumstances Maximum Payout Amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront premium received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swaps entered into by the Fund for the same referenced obligations with the same counterparty.

 

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Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if a Fund had invested in the referenced obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. If the Fund is a buyer of protection and no credit event occurs, it will lose the payments it made to its counterparty. If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, the value of the referenced obligation received by the Fund coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the Maximum Payout Amount it pays to the buyer, resulting in a net loss to the Fund.

Implied credit spreads over U.S. Treasuries of comparable maturity utilized in determining the market value of credit default swaps on issuers as of period end are disclosed in the portfolio of investments. The implied spreads serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and typically reflect the likelihood of default 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 year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held credit default swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Total Return Swaps:

The Fund may enter into total return swaps in order to take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset. The Fund is subject to market price volatility of the underlying referenced asset. A total return swap involves commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market linked return based on a notional amount. To the extent that the total return of the security, group of securities or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Fund will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held total return swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Variance Swaps:

The Fund may enter into variance swaps to hedge equity market risk or adjust exposure to the equity markets. Variance swaps are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

based on the difference between the stated level of variance and the actual variance realized on underlying asset(s) or index(es). Actual “variance” as used here is defined as the sum of the square of the returns on the reference asset(s) or index(es) (which in effect is a measure of its “volatility”) over the length of the contract term. So the parties to a variance swap can be said to exchange actual volatility for a contractually stated rate of volatility.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held variance swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

The Fund typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) with its OTC derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to OTC counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund typically may offset with the OTC counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default or termination. In the event of a default by an OTC counterparty, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Fund’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.

The Fund’s ISDA Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the Fund decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered, the Fund’s OTC counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Fund to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. If OTC derivatives were held at period end, please refer to netting arrangements by the OTC counterparty table below for additional details.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund 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 futures

 

$

409,249

 

Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures

 

$

322,390

Equity contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures     776,133   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures     3,207,573

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

    

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Credit contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps   $ 187,058   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps   $ 13,673

Interest rate contracts

      
Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps
   
    
90,107

      
Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps
   
    
102,068

Foreign currency contracts

      
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts
   
    
642,903

 
      
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts
   
    
1,045,796

 

Interest rate contracts

          
Swaptions written, at value
   
    
9,122

 

Interest rate contracts

      
Unrealized appreciation on inflation swaps
   
    
82,617

 
      
Unrealized depreciation on inflation swaps
   
    
206,049

 

Credit contracts

      Market value on credit default swaps     30,207  

Equity contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps     1,110,762     Unrealized depreciation on total return swaps     285,430  

Foreign currency contracts

      Unrealized depreciation on variance swaps     1,456  

Equity contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on variance swaps     247,940     Unrealized depreciation on variance swaps     434,708  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    $     3,546,769       $     5,658,472  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

*

Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

This amount reflects cumulative unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures and centrally cleared swaps 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   $ 2,601,186     $ (74,408

Equity contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures         (2,096,943)           (2,240,194)  

Foreign currency contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts     346,968       (800,896

Foreign exchange contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments     66,120       (30,498

Foreign exchange contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on options written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of options written     (29,814     (29,576

Interest rate contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on swaptions written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaptions written     14,178       2,830  

Interest rate contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps     (259,984     21,045  

Foreign exchange contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps     78,947       (1,456

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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)
 

Credit contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps   $ (63,823   $ (115,106

Equity contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps     (5,646,635     373,311  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    $     (4,989,800)     $     (2,894,948)  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Fund’s derivative transactions during the year ended August 31, 2020:

 

Futures:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $     58,354,851  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 39,335,047  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 60,735,298  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 88,506,067  

Purchased Options:

  

Average notional amount

   $     1,977,701 (a) 

Options Written:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 3,585,248 (b) 

Swaptions Written:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 1,367,845 (a) 

Inflation Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $     21,030,000  

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 21,423,449  

Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 835,538  

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 3,115,476  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 23,930,558  

Total Return Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $     10,995,585  

Variance Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 1,813,804  

 

(a)

Positions were open for five months during the year.

 

(b)

Positions were open for ten months during the year.

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Fund as of August 31, 2020. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

  Derivative
Assets
Subject
to a MA
    Derivatives
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Received*
    Security
Collateral
Received*
    Net Amount of
Derivative
Assets
 

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

  $ 24     $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ 24  

Bank of America, NA

    1,022,805       (10,323     (276,000     (626,614     109,868  

Barclays Bank PLC

    21,714       (21,714     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

BNP Paribas SA

    3,608       – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      3,608  

Citibank, NA

    105,390       (57,420     – 0  –      – 0  –      47,970  

Credit Suisse International

    19,683       (19,683     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Deutsche Bank AG

    8,105       (1,382     – 0  –      – 0  –      6,723  

Goldman Sachs & Co./Goldman Sachs Bank USA/Goldman Sachs International

    143,004       (143,004     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

HSBC Bank USA

    22,942       (22,942     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

    155,462       (155,462     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC/Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

    45,255       (45,255     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Natwest Markets PLC

    12,117       – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      12,117  

Standard Chartered Bank

    622       – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      622  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    371,206       (371,206     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

UBS AG

    152,285       (152,285     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $     2,084,222     $     (1,000,676   $     (276,000   $     (626,614   $     180,932 ^ 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty

  Derivative
Liabilities
Subject
to a MA
    Derivatives
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Pledged*
    Security
Collateral
Pledged*
    Net Amount of
Derivative
Liabilities
 

Bank of America, NA

  $ 10,323     $ (10,323   $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ – 0  – 

Barclays Bank PLC

    200,817       (21,714     (179,103     – 0  –      – 0  – 

Citibank, NA

    57,420       (57,420     0       – 0  –      – 0  – 

Credit Suisse International

    45,530       (19,683     (25,847     – 0  –      – 0  – 

Deutsche Bank AG

    1,382       (1,382     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Goldman Sachs & Co./Goldman Sachs Bank USA/Goldman Sachs International

    250,021       (143,004     – 0  –      – 0  –      107,017  

HSBC Bank USA

    166,977       (22,942     – 0  –      – 0  –      144,035  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

    420,418       (155,462     – 0  –      (52,001     212,955  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC/Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

    155,048       (45,255     (109,793     – 0  –      – 0  – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    528,387       (371,206     – 0  –      – 0  –      157,181  

UBS AG

    176,445       (152,285     (24,160     – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $     2,012,768     $     (1,000,676   $     (338,903   $     (52,001   $     621,188 ^ 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

The actual collateral received/pledged may be more than the amount reported due to over-collateralization.

 

^

Net amount represents the net receivable/payable that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty.

2. Currency Transactions

The Fund may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Fund may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Fund may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Fund may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

NOTE E

Securities Lending

The Fund may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Fund’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Fund cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Fund will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Fund in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Fund receives non-cash collateral, the Fund will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Fund will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Fund amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Fund will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Fund, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Fund earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Fund’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Fund lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. 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

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Fund in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Fund’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended August 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

Market
Value of
Securities

on Loan*

    Cash
Collateral*
    Market
Value of
Non-Cash
Collateral*
    Income
from
Borrowers
    Government
Money Market
Portfolio
 
  Income
Earned
    Advisory
Fee
Waived
 
$   2,147,687     $   1,820,691     $   405,368     $   29,579     $   8,752     $   581  

 

*

As of August 31, 2020.

NOTE F

Shares of Beneficial Interest

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:

 

            
     Shares           Amount        
     Year Ended
August 31,
2020
   

Year Ended
August 31,

2019

         

Year Ended
August 31,

2020

   

Year Ended
August 31,

2019

       
  

 

 

   
Class A             

Shares sold

     437,312       371,297       $ 5,211,647     $ 4,432,106    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     350,398       92,047         4,383,473       1,051,174    

 

   

Shares converted from Class B

     54,858       18,178         701,161       219,660    

 

   

Shares converted from Class C

     241,350       414,009         2,875,529       5,030,661    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (1,893,262     (2,592,566       (22,730,864     (31,086,593  

 

   

Net decrease

     (809,344     (1,697,035     $ (9,559,054   $ (20,352,992  

 

   
            
Class B             

Shares sold

     8       1,355       $ 100     $ 16,600    

 

   

Shares converted to Class A

     (53,971     (17,816       (701,161     (219,660  

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (403     (13,754       (5,454     (168,707  

 

   

Net decrease

     (54,366     (30,215     $ (706,515   $ (371,767  

 

   

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

            
     Shares           Amount        
     Year Ended
August 31,
2020
   

Year Ended
August 31,

2019

         

Year Ended
August 31,

2020

   

Year Ended
August 31,

2019

       
  

 

 

   
Class C             

Shares sold

     75,557       72,805       $ 910,240     $ 870,226    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     27,578       – 0  –        345,273       – 0  –   

 

   

Shares converted to Class A

     (241,958     (415,694       (2,875,529     (5,030,661  

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (193,709     (285,478       (2,293,928     (3,433,284  

 

   

Net decrease

     (332,532     (628,367     $ (3,913,944   $ (7,593,719  

 

   
            
Advisor Class             

Shares sold

     93,625       127,306       $ 1,136,658     $ 1,537,369    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     15,478       5,464         194,255       62,624    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (184,853     (340,465       (2,174,359     (4,092,985  

 

   

Net decrease

     (75,750     (207,695     $ (843,446   $ (2,492,992  

 

   
            
Class R             

Shares sold

     83,991       269,091       $ 1,004,375     $ 3,218,239    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     10,843       1,395         135,975       15,968    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (115,240     (225,449       (1,428,808     (2,702,888  

 

   

Net increase (decrease)

     (20,406     45,037       $ (288,458   $ 531,319    

 

   
            
Class K             

Shares sold

     18,598       30,856       $ 223,140     $ 373,932    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     15,386       3,888         192,175       44,322    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (299,774     (126,164       (3,487,386     (1,508,435  

 

   

Net decrease

     (265,790     (91,420     $ (3,072,071   $ (1,090,181  

 

   
            
Class I             

Shares sold

     443       1,768       $ 5,393     $ 21,823    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     67       0 (a)        850       0 (b)   

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (7     – 0  –        (92     – 0  –   

 

   

Net increase

     503       1,768       $ 6,151     $ 21,823    

 

   

 

(a)

Amount is less than one share.

 

(b)

Amount is less than $.50.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, a third party vendor reimbursed the Fund $2,403 for losses incurred due to a trade entry error. This amount is presented in the Fund’s consolidated statement of changes in net assets.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

NOTE G

Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund

Market Risk—The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock, bond or commodities market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as growth, may underperform the market generally.

Allocation Risk—The allocation of investments among different investment styles, such as equity or debt, growth or value, U.S. or non-U.S. securities, or diversification strategies, may have a more significant effect on the Fund’s net asset value, or NAV, when one of these investments is performing more poorly than another.

Credit Risk—An issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to a derivatives or other contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The issuer or guarantor may default, causing a loss of the full principal amount of a security and accrued interest. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. There is the possibility that the credit rating of a fixed-income security may be downgraded after purchase, which may adversely affect the value of the security. Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are subject to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations.

High Yield Debt 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.

Interest Rate Risk—Changes in interest rates will affect the value of investments in underlying Portfolios that invest in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of existing investments in fixed-income securities tends to fall and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from new investments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations.

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

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

fluctuate more widely in price and may be more difficult to trade due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.

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.

Alternative Investments Risk—Many alternative investments can be volatile and may be illiquid. Their performance may have little correlation with the performance of equity or fixed-income markets, and they may not perform in accordance with expectations.

Derivatives Risk—The Fund may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

Leverage Risk—When the Fund borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s investments. The Fund may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of other types of derivative instruments by the Fund, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Fund than if the Fund were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk—As with other investments, investments in other investment companies are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, shareholders of the Fund bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund (including management fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies (to the extent these expenses are not waived or reimbursed by the Adviser).

LIBOR Risk—The Fund may invest in certain debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

rate calculations. In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. Although financial regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, such as European Interbank Offer Rate (“EURIBOR”), Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA”) and Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), global consensus on alternative rates is lacking and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition away from LIBOR is underway but remains unclear. The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition away from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, adversely affecting the Fund’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Fund has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

Management Risk—The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively-managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results.

NOTE H

Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”)

 

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intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize the Facility during the year ended August 31, 2020.

NOTE I

Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

     2020      2019  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $     5,317,969      $  1,300,747  

Net long-term capital gains

     533,447        – 0  –  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $  5,851,416      $     1,300,747  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of August 31, 2020, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 4,929,970  

Accumulated capital and other losses

     (9,731,742 )(a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     12,182,147 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $     7,380,375 (c) 
  

 

 

 

 

(a)

As of August 31, 2020, the cumulative deferred loss on straddles was $55,036. As of August 31, 2020, the Fund had a net post-October capital loss deferral of $9,676,706.

 

(b)

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments, the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), the tax treatment of Treasury inflation-protected securities, the tax treatment of swaps, and the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

 

(c)

The difference between book-basis and tax-basis components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) is attributable primarily to the accrual of foreign capital gains tax.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2020, the Fund did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

During the current fiscal year, permanent differences primarily due to contributions from the Adviser resulted in a net increase in distributable earnings and a net decrease in additional paid-in capital. These reclassifications had no effect on net assets.

 

90    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

NOTE J

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. ASU 2017-08 does not require any accounting change for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. ASU 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Fund has adopted ASU 2017-08, which did not have a material impact on the Fund’s financial position or the results of its operations, and had no impact on the Fund’s net assets.

NOTE K

Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements through this date.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class A  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  12.58       $  12.14       $  12.79       $  12.38       $  12.18  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .14       .16       .17       .38       .27  

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    .10       .37       .10       .34       .19  

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (c)      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .24       .53       .27       .72       .46  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.40     (.09     (.56     (.31     (.26

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.04     – 0  –      (.17     – 0  –      – 0  – 

Return of capital

    – 0  –      – 0  –      (.19     – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.44     (.09     (.92     (.31     (.26
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  12.38       $  12.58       $  12.14       $  12.79       $  12.38  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

    1.77  %      4.47  %      2.14  %      5.93  %      3.86  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $132,657       $145,002       $160,517       $174,667       $180,380  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)‡

    1.14  %      1.05  %      1.04  %      1.01  %      .94  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)‡

    1.29  %      1.23  %      1.25  %      1.09  %      1.00  % 

Net investment income(b)

    1.13  %      1.32  %      1.36  %      3.08  %      2.20  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    96  %      100  %      90  %      86  %      5  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated  acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .17  %      .20  %      .25  %      .22  %      .24  % 

See footnote summary on page 98.

 

92    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class C  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  12.51       $  12.07       $  12.58       $  12.17       $  12.00  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .05       .07       .08       .29       .17  

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    .09       .37       .09       .32       .19  

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (c)      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .14       .44       .17       .61       .36  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.29     – 0  –      (.38     (.20     (.19

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.04     – 0  –      (.17     – 0  –      – 0  – 

Return of capital

    – 0  –      – 0  –      (.13     – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.33     – 0  –      (.68     (.20     (.19
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  12.32       $  12.51       $  12.07       $  12.58       $  12.17  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

    .97  %      3.73  %      1.37  %      5.12  %      3.09  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $10,667       $14,989       $22,039       $41,637       $73,686  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)‡

    1.89  %      1.80  %      1.77  %      1.75  %      1.69  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)‡

    2.04  %      1.98  %      1.98  %      1.82  %      1.75  % 

Net investment income(b)

    .44  %      .59  %      .64  %      2.41  %      1.45  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    96  %      100  %      90  %      86  %      5  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated  acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .17  %      .20  %      .25  %      .22  %      .24  % 

See footnote summary on page 98.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Advisor Class  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  12.64       $  12.20       $  12.86       $  12.45       $  12.24  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .17       .19       .20       .41       .32  

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    .10       .37       .10       .33       .17  

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (c)      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .27       .56       .30       .74       .49  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.43     (.12     (.59     (.33     (.28

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.04     – 0  –      (.17     – 0  –      – 0  – 

Return of capital

    – 0  –      – 0  –      (.20     – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.47     (.12     (.96     (.33     (.28
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  12.44       $  12.64       $  12.20       $  12.86       $  12.45  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

    2.02  %      4.81  %      2.39  %      6.15  %      4.12  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $5,419       $6,464       $8,772       $9,274       $12,277  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)‡

    .89  %      .80  %      .79  %      .75  %      .69  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)‡

    1.04  %      .97  %      1.00  %      .83  %      .75  % 

Net investment income(b)

    1.41  %      1.58  %      1.60  %      3.26  %      2.60  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    96  %      100  %      90  %      86  %      5  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated  acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .17  %      .20  %      .25  %      .22  %      .24  % 

See footnote summary on page 98.

 

94    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class R  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  12.57       $  12.13       $  12.76       $  12.36       $  12.15  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .09       .11       .12       .33       .25  

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    .10       .38       .09       .32       .17  

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (c)      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .19       .49       .21       .65       .42  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.35     (.05     (.50     (.25     (.21

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.04     – 0  –      (.17     – 0  –      – 0  – 

Return of capital

    – 0  –      – 0  –      (.17     – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.39     (.05     (.84     (.25     (.21
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  12.37       $  12.57       $  12.13       $  12.76       $  12.36  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

    1.36  %      4.06  %      1.73  %      5.42  %      3.56  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $4,278       $4,604       $3,896       $4,078       $4,532  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)‡

    1.53  %      1.46  %      1.45  %      1.42  %      1.34  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)‡

    1.68  %      1.63  %      1.66  %      1.50  %      1.40  % 

Net investment income(b)

    .74  %      .89  %      .94  %      2.63  %      2.03  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    96  %      100  %      90  %      86  %      5  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated  acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .17  %      .20  %      .25  %      .22  %      .24  % 

See footnote summary on page 98.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class K  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  12.55       $  12.11       $  12.75       $  12.35       $  12.15  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .14       .15       .15       .37       .25  

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    .08       .37       .11       .32       .20  

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (c)      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .22       .52       .26       .69       .45  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.38     (.08     (.55     (.29     (.25

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.04     – 0  –      (.17     – 0  –      – 0  – 

Return of capital

    – 0  –      – 0  –      (.18     – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.42     (.08     (.90     (.29     (.25
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  12.35       $  12.55       $  12.11       $  12.75       $  12.35  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

    1.58  %      4.45  %      2.07  %      5.72  %      3.82  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $2,456       $5,832       $6,734       $7,096       $7,277  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)‡

    1.23  %      1.15  %      1.15  %      1.11  %      1.03  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)‡

    1.38  %      1.32  %      1.36  %      1.19  %      1.09  % 

Net investment income(b)

    1.12  %      1.24  %      1.23  %      2.96  %      2.08  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    96  %      100  %      90  %      86  %      5  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated  acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .17  %      .20  %      .25  %      .22  %      .24  % 

See footnote summary on page 98.

 

96    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class I  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  12.78       $  12.34       $  12.82       $  12.42       $  12.21  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .16       .18       .25       .40       .29  

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    .11       .39       .05       .34       .20  

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (c)      .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Capital Contributions

    .00 (c)      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .27       .57       .30       .74       .49  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.43     (.13     (.46     (.34     (.28

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.04     – 0  –      (.17     – 0  –      – 0  – 

Return of capital

    – 0  –      – 0  –      (.15     – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.47     (.13     (.78     (.34     (.28
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  12.58       $  12.78       $  12.34       $  12.82       $  12.42  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

    2.02  %      4.72  %      2.34  %      6.09  %      4.11  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $39       $33       $10       $36       $453  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)‡

    .91  %      .86  %      .73  %      .78  %      .72  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)‡

    1.06  %      1.02  %      .94  %      .86  %      .77  % 

Net investment income(b)

    1.33  %      1.46  %      1.99  %      3.25  %      2.41  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    96  %      100  %      90  %      86  %      5  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated  acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .17  %      .20  %      .25  %      .22  %      .24  % 

See footnote summary on page 98.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)

Net of expenses waived/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. Initial sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges are not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(e)

In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years ended August 31, 2020, August 31, 2019, August 31, 2018 and August 31, 2017, such waiver amounted to .15%, .17%, .21% and .08%, respectively.

 

*

Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the years ended August 31, 2018 and August 31, 2017 by .03% and .28%, respectively.

See notes to financial statements.

 

98    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of

AB Conservative Wealth Strategy

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Conservative Wealth Strategy (the “Fund”) (one of the series constituting The AB Portfolios (the “Company”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 2020, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the series constituting The AB Portfolios) at August 31, 2020, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (continued)

 

disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2020, by correspondence with the custodian and others or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from others were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

October 29, 2020

 

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2020 FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

(unaudited)

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during the taxable year ended August 31, 2020. For individual shareholders, the Fund designates 44.24% of dividends paid as qualified dividend income. For corporate shareholders, 18.65% of dividends paid qualify for the dividends received deduction. For foreign shareholders, 15.09% of ordinary dividends paid may be considered to be qualifying to be taxed as interest-related dividends.

Shareholders should not use the above information to prepare their income tax returns. The information necessary to complete your income tax returns will be included with your Form 1099-DIV which will be sent to you separately in January 2021.

 

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TRUSTEES

 

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1), Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

  

Robert M. Keith, President and Chief Executive Officer

Jeanette Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Garry L. Moody(1)

Earl D. Weiner(1)

OFFICERS   

Alexander Barenboym(2),
Vice President

Daniel J. Loewy(2), Vice President

Emilie D. Wrapp, Clerk

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Analyst

  

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

Vincent S. Noto, Chief Compliance Officer

 

Custodian and Accounting Agent

State Street Bank and Trust Company
State Street Corporation CCB/5
1 Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210

 

Principal Underwriter

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105

 

Legal Counsel

Seward & Kissel LLP
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, NY 10004

 

Transfer Agent

AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 786003
San Antonio, TX 78278-6003
Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP
5 Times Square
New York, NY 10036

 

1

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

2

The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund’s portfolio are made by the Adviser’s Multi-Asset Solutions Team. Messrs. Barenboym and Loewy are the investment professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Board of Trustees Information

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Trustees is set forth below.

 

NAME,
ADDRESS*, AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE
INTERESTED TRUSTEE    
Robert M. Keith,#
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105
60
(2010)
  Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the head of AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”) since July 2008; Director of ABI and President of the AB Mutual Funds. Previously, he served as Executive Managing Director of ABI from December 2006 to June 2008. Prior to joining ABI in 2006, Executive Managing Director of Bernstein Global Wealth Management, and prior thereto, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Client Service and Sales of the Adviser’s institutional investment management business since 2004. Prior thereto, he was Managing Director and Head of North American Client Service and Sales in the Adviser’s institutional investment management business with which he had been associated since prior to 2004.     77     None
     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,
ADDRESS*, AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES      
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.,##
Chairman of the Board
79
(2005)
  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (components of semi-conductor manufacturing). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership, and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the boards of two education and science-related non-profit organizations. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has been Chairman of the AB Funds since January 2014, and the Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees of such AB Funds since February 2014.     77    

None

     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,
ADDRESS*, AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

     

Jorge A. Bermudez,##

69

(2020)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.     77     Moody’s Corporation since April 2011
     

Michael J. Downey,##
76

(2005)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2015 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.     77     None
     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,
ADDRESS*, AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

     

Nancy P. Jacklin,##
72

(2006)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008-2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002-May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992-2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985-1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982-1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973-1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.     77     None
     
Jeanette Loeb,##
68
(2020)
  Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund, Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.     77    

Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011

     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,
ADDRESS*, AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

     

Carol C. McMullen,##

65
(2016)

  Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010-2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016.     77     None
     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,
ADDRESS*, AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

     

Garry L. Moody,##
68

(2008)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Trustee Advisory Board of BoardIQ, a biweekly publication focused on issues and news affecting directors of mutual funds. He is also a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council. He has served as a director or trustee, and as Chairman of the Audit Committees, of the AB Funds since 2008.     77     None
     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,
ADDRESS*, AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

     
Earl D. Weiner,##
81
(2007)
  Senior Counsel since 2017, Of Counsel from 2007 to 2016, and Partner prior to then, of the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. He is a former member of the ABA Federal Regulation of Securities Committee Task Force to draft editions of the Fund Director’s Guidebook. He also serves as a director or trustee of various non-profit organizations and has served as Chairman or Vice Chairman of a number of them. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2007 and served as Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds from 2007 until August 2014.     77     None

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Trustees is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal and Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Trustees.

 

***

The information above includes each Trustee’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes and skills relevant to each Trustee’s qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the Fund.

 

#

Mr. Keith is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

##

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Fund’s Officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*
AND AGE
   POSITIONS
HELD WITH TRUST
   PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
Robert M. Keith
60
   President and Chief Executive Officer    See biography above.
     
Alexander Barenboym
49
   Vice President    Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Daniel J. Loewy
46
   Vice President    Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. He is also Chief Investment Officer of Multi-Asset Solutions and Chief Investment Officer for Dynamic Asset Allocation.
     
Emilie D. Wrapp
64
   Clerk    Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Clerk of ABI**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Michael B. Reyes
44
   Senior Analyst    Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Joseph J. Mantineo
61
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer    Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Phyllis J. Clarke
59
   Controller and Chief Accounting Officer    Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Vincent S. Noto
55
   Chief Compliance Officer    Senior Vice President since 2015 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser** since prior to 2015.

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

The Adviser, ABI and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund.

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (SAI) has additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or AB at (800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

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Operation and Effectiveness of the Fund’s Liquidity Risk Management Program:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Fund to designate an Administrator of the Fund’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Fund’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”). Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Fund’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2020, which covered the period December 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner. Pursuant to the LRMP, the Fund classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, taking into account any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Fund participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP. The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Fund is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Fund’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Fund’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Fund’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP, and there were no liquidity events that impacted the Fund or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

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Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement

The disinterested trustees (the “directors”) of The AB Portfolios (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Conservative Wealth Strategy (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on August 4-5, 2020 (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 additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund and the underlying funds advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the

 

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investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2018 and 2019 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s former Senior Officer/Independent Compliance 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 fund 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.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund and the underlying funds advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of certain classes of the Fund’s shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be

 

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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 performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, 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 May 31, 2020 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review and their discussion with the Adviser of the reasons for the Fund’s underperformance in the periods reviewed, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median.

The Adviser informed the directors that there were no institutional products managed by it that utilize investment strategies similar to those of the Fund.

The directors noted that the Fund invests in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as these may be varied as a result of exemptive orders issued by the SEC. The directors also noted that ETFs pay advisory fees pursuant to their advisory contracts, and that the Adviser had provided, and they had reviewed, information about the expense ratios of the relevant ETFs. The directors concluded, based on the Adviser’s explanation of how it uses ETFs when they are the most cost-effective way to obtain desired exposures, in some cases pending purchases of underlying securities, that the advisory fee for the Fund is for services that are in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contracts of the ETFs.

 

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In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedules 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 presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors previously discussed economies of scale with an independent fee consultant. 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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This page is not part of the Shareholder Report or the Financial Statements.

 

 

AB FAMILY OF FUNDS

 

US EQUITY

CORE

Core Opportunities Fund

FlexFee US Thematic Portfolio

Select US Equity Portfolio

GROWTH

Concentrated Growth Fund

Discovery Growth Fund

FlexFee Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Growth Fund

Large Cap Growth Fund

Small Cap Growth Portfolio

VALUE

Discovery Value Fund

Equity Income Fund

Relative Value Fund

Small Cap Value Portfolio

Value Fund

INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY

CORE

FlexFee International Strategic Core Portfolio

Global Core Equity Portfolio

International Portfolio

International Strategic Core Portfolio

Sustainable Global Thematic Fund

Tax-Managed International Portfolio

Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy

Wealth Appreciation Strategy

INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY (continued)

GROWTH

Concentrated International Growth Portfolio

FlexFee Emerging Markets Growth Portfolio

Sustainable International Thematic Fund

VALUE

All China Equity Portfolio

International Value Fund

FIXED INCOME

MUNICIPAL

High Income Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio

Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy

Tax-Aware Fixed Income Opportunities Portfolio1

National Portfolio

Arizona Portfolio

California Portfolio

Massachusetts Portfolio

Minnesota Portfolio

New Jersey Portfolio

New York Portfolio

Ohio Portfolio

Pennsylvania Portfolio

Virginia Portfolio

FIXED INCOME (continued)

TAXABLE

Bond Inflation Strategy

FlexFee High Yield Portfolio

FlexFee International Bond Portfolio

Global Bond Fund

High Income Fund

Income Fund

Intermediate Duration Portfolio

Limited Duration High Income Portfolio

Short Duration Income Portfolio

Short Duration Portfolio

Total Return Bond Portfolio

ALTERNATIVES

All Market Real Return Portfolio

Global Real Estate Investment Fund

Select US Long/Short Portfolio

MULTI-ASSET

All Market Income Portfolio

All Market Total Return Portfolio

Conservative Wealth Strategy

Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Portfolio

Global Risk Allocation Fund

Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio

CLOSED-END FUNDS

AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund

AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund

 

 

We also offer Government Money Market Portfolio, which serves as the money market fund exchange vehicle for the AB mutual funds. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. The Fund may impose a fee upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

 

1

Prior to February 5, 2020, Tax-Aware Fixed Income Opportunities Portfolio was named Tax-Aware Fixed Income Portfolio.

 

116    |    AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY   abfunds.com


LOGO

AB CONSERVATIVE WEALTH STRATEGY

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

800 221 5672

 

 

CW-0151-0820                 LOGO


AUG    08.31.20

LOGO

ANNUAL REPORT

AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO

 

LOGO

 

Beginning January 1, 2021, as permitted by new regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling the Fund at (800) 221 5672.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper form free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you can call the Fund at (800) 221 5672. Your election to receive reports in paper form will apply to all funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you invest directly, to all AB Mutual Funds you hold.


 

 

 
Investment Products Offered  

  Are Not FDIC Insured May Lose Value Are Not Bank Guaranteed

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

This shareholder report must be preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s prospectus for individuals who are not current shareholders of the Fund.

You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com, or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227 4618.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC 0330. AB publishes full portfolio holdings for the Fund monthly at www.abfunds.com.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.

The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.


 

FROM THE PRESIDENT    LOGO

Dear Shareholder,

We are pleased to provide this report for AB Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio (the “Fund”). Please review the discussion of Fund performance, the market conditions during the reporting period and the Fund’s investment strategy.

As always, AB strives to keep clients ahead of what’s next by:

 

+   

Transforming uncommon insights into uncommon knowledge with a global research scope

 

+   

Navigating markets with seasoned investment experience and sophisticated solutions

 

+   

Providing thoughtful investment insights and actionable ideas

Whether you’re an individual investor or a multi-billion-dollar institution, we put knowledge and experience to work for you.

AB’s global research organization connects and collaborates across platforms and teams to deliver impactful insights and innovative products. Better insights lead to better opportunities—anywhere in the world.

For additional information about AB’s range of products and shareholder resources, please log on to www.abfunds.com.

Thank you for your investment in the AB Mutual Funds.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Robert M. Keith

President and Chief Executive Officer, AB Mutual Funds

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    1


 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

October 8, 2020

This report provides management’s discussion of fund performance for AB Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio for the annual reporting period ended August 31, 2020.

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek current income with consideration of capital appreciation.

NAV RETURNS AS OF AUGUST 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

     6 Months      12 Months  
AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO      
Class A Shares      -2.81%        -2.72%  
Class C Shares      -3.14%        -3.37%  
Advisor Class Shares1      -2.67%        -2.47%  
Primary Benchmark:
Bloomberg Barclays 5-Year GO Municipal Bond Index
     1.67%        3.77%  
MSCI ACWI (net)      15.22%        16.52%  

 

1

Please note that this share class is for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table above shows the Fund’s performance compared to its primary benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays 5-Year General Obligation (“GO”) Municipal Bond Index, and the Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World Index (“MSCI ACWI”) (net) for the six- and 12-month periods ended August 31, 2020.

All share classes of the Fund underperformed the primary benchmark and the MSCI ACWI (net) for both periods, before sales charges. During both periods, overall allocation to equities and fixed-income assets detracted, while allocation to non-traditional income assets contributed to absolute performance. Overall security selection detracted during both periods, mainly due to selections in non-traditional income assets and equities. Active currency management was neutral over both periods.

The Fund utilized derivatives for hedging and investment purposes in the form of futures and credit default swaps, which contributed to absolute returns for both periods, while interest rate swaps, total return swaps, written options and inflation Consumer Price Index swaps detracted. Currency forwards, utilized for hedging and investment purpose, detracted for the six-month period, but contributed for the 12-month period.

 

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MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Global equity markets, led by a strong US rally, recorded positive returns for the 12-month period ended August 31, 2020. US, international and emerging-market equities erased losses from March when the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a decline from all-time highs as global economies were shuttered amid stay-at-home mandates. Investor optimism was supported by expanded monetary and fiscal stimulus, signs of encouraging economic data, and news that several potential vaccines had reached advanced trials. Despite the widespread rebound, headwinds from a resurgence of US-China tensions, persistently high rates of COVID-19 cases in many countries and an unprecedented contraction of economic growth threatened to temper the acceleration of economic activity. In the US, growth stocks consistently outperformed value stocks in all categories. Small-cap stocks continued to rally, outperforming large-caps at times; however, overall, large-cap stocks have performed significantly better.

Global fixed-income market returns were positive yet volatile over the 12-month period. Central banks and governments enacted an unprecedented amount of monetary and fiscal stimulus to combat market illiquidity and cushion the negative economic impact of COVID-19, which set the stage for a rebound in risk assets following the sell-off that started in March. Government bonds rallied as interest rates were slashed. Emerging- and developed-market investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds led gains as investors searched for higher yields in a period of falling interest rates. Securitized assets advanced, while emerging-market sovereign and local bonds also ended the period with positive returns. The US dollar fell against all major developed-market currencies and was mixed against emerging-market currencies.

The Fund’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) seeks current income with consideration of capital appreciation. The Team’s global multi-asset strategy focuses on generating high, stable income for taxable investors. The Team utilizes a rigorous quantitative research toolset with fundamental expertise across all regions and markets.

The municipal components may purchase municipal securities that are insured under policies issued by certain insurance companies. Historically, insured municipal securities typically received a higher credit rating, which meant that the issuer of the securities paid a lower interest rate. As a result of declines in the credit quality and associated downgrades of most bond insurers, insurance has less value than it did in the past. The market now values insured municipal securities primarily based on the credit quality of the issuer of the security with little value given to the insurance feature. In purchasing such insured securities, the Adviser evaluates the risk and return of municipal securities through its own research. If an insurance company’s rating is downgraded or the company becomes insolvent, the prices of municipal securities insured by the insurance company may

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    3


decline. As of August 31, 2020, the Fund’s percentages of total investments in insured bonds and in insured bonds that have been pre-refunded or escrowed to maturity were 4.07% and 0.00%, respectively.

INVESTMENT POLICIES

The Adviser allocates the Fund’s investments primarily among a broad range of income-producing securities, including common stock of companies that regularly pay dividends (including real estate investment trusts or “REITs”), preferred stocks, fixed-income securities (including those with lower credit ratings) and derivatives related to these types of securities. The Fund pursues a global strategy, typically investing in securities of issuers located in the United States and in other countries throughout the world, including emerging-market countries.

In selecting equity securities for the Fund, the Adviser focuses on securities that have high dividend yields and that it believes are undervalued by the market relative to their long-term earnings potential. In order to provide diversification and the opportunity for increased return, the Adviser also acquires equity securities for the Fund that are expected to exhibit relatively little correlation with the returns of the Fund’s holdings in high dividend yield equity securities.

The Fund intends to meet the tax requirement for passing municipal bond interest through to Fund shareholders as tax-exempt interest dividends, which currently requires that at least 50% of the Fund’s assets be invested in tax-exempt debt securities. In the event that the Internal Revenue Code or the related rules, regulations and interpretations of the Internal Revenue Service should in the future change so as to permit the Fund to pass through tax-exempt dividends when the Fund invests a lesser amount of its assets in tax-exempt debt securities, the Fund’s allocations to equity securities may increase. In selecting tax-exempt securities for the Fund’s debt investments, the Adviser may draw on the capabilities of separate investment teams that specialize in different areas that are generally defined by the maturity of the debt securities and/or their ratings. These fixed-income teams draw on the resources and expertise of the Adviser’s fixed-income research staff, which includes fixed-income research analysts and economists.

In addition, the Fund may engage in certain alternative income strategies that generally utilize derivatives to diversify sources of income and manage risk. For example, the Fund may take long positions in currency derivatives on higher yielding currencies and/or short positions in currency derivatives on lower yielding currencies.

 

(continued on next page)

 

4    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


The Adviser adjusts the Fund’s investment exposure utilizing the Adviser’s Dynamic Asset Allocation (“DAA”) approach. DAA comprises a series of analytical and forecasting tools employed by the Adviser to gauge fluctuations in the risk/return profile of various asset classes. DAA seeks to adjust the Fund’s investment exposure in changing market conditions and thereby reduce overall portfolio volatility by mitigating the effects of market fluctuations, while preserving consistent long-term return potential. For example, the Adviser may seek to reduce the Fund’s risk exposure to one or more assets classes when DAA suggests that market risks relevant to those asset classes are rising but return opportunities are declining. In addition to merely increasing or decreasing asset class exposure by buying or selling securities of that asset class, the Adviser may pursue DAA implementation for the Fund by investing in derivatives or exchange-traded funds.

The Adviser intends to utilize a variety of derivatives in its management of the Fund. The Adviser may use derivatives to gain exposure to an asset class, such as using interest rate derivatives to gain exposure to certain bonds. As noted above, the Adviser may separately pursue certain alternative investment strategies that utilize derivatives, and may enter into derivatives in making the adjustments called for by DAA. As a result of the use of derivatives, the Fund will frequently be leveraged in the sense that its gross investment exposure substantially exceeds its net assets.

Currency exchange rate fluctuation can have a dramatic impact on returns. The Fund’s foreign currency exposures will come from investment in securities priced or denominated in foreign currencies and from direct holdings in foreign currencies and currency-related derivatives. The Adviser may seek to hedge all or a portion of the currency exposure resulting from Fund investments or decide not to hedge this exposure.

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    5


 

DISCLOSURES AND RISKS

 

Benchmark Disclosure

All indices are unmanaged and do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The Bloomberg Barclays 5-Year GO Municipal Bond Index represents the performance of long-term, investment-grade tax-exempt bonds with maturities ranging from four to six years. The MSCI ACWI (net, free float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted) represents the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations, and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices, any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI. Net returns include the reinvestment of dividends after deduction of non-US withholding tax. An investor cannot invest directly in an index or average, and their results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Fund.

A Word About Risk

Market Risk: The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuate. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market.

Allocation Risk: The allocation of investments among different investment styles, such as equity or debt, growth or value, US or non-US securities, or diversification strategies, may have a more significant effect on the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) when one of these investments is performing more poorly than another.

Credit Risk: An issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to a derivatives or other contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The issuer or guarantor may default, causing a loss of the full principal amount of a security and accrued interest. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. There is the possibility that the credit rating of a fixed-income security may be downgraded after purchase, which may adversely affect the value of the security. Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are subject to a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations.

High-Yield Debt 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

 

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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)

 

such factors as specific corporate developments, interest-rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and less secondary market liquidity.

Interest-Rate Risk: Changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of existing investments in fixed-income securities tends to fall and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from new investments. Interest-rate risk is generally greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations.

Inflation Risk: This is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the value of the Fund’s assets can decline as can the value of the Fund’s distributions. This risk is significantly greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities.

Municipal Market Risk: This is the risk that special factors may adversely affect the value of municipal securities and have a significant effect on the yield or value of the Fund’s investments in municipal securities. These factors include economic conditions, political or legislative changes, uncertainties related to the tax status of municipal securities, or the rights of investors in these securities. To the extent that the Fund invests more of its assets in a particular state’s municipal securities, the Fund may be vulnerable to events adversely affecting that state, including economic, political and regulatory occurrences, court decisions, terrorism and catastrophic natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes. The Fund’s investments in certain municipal securities with principal and interest payments that are made from the revenues of a specific project or facility, and not general tax revenues, may have increased risks. Factors affecting the project or facility, such as local business or economic conditions, could have a significant effect on the project’s ability to make payments of principal and interest on these securities.

Real Estate Risk: The Fund’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 tax laws.

Foreign (Non-US) Risk: Investments in securities of non-US issuers may involve more risk than those of US issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be more difficult to trade due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

 

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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)

 

Currency Risk: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.

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.

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund. Derivatives, especially over-the-counter derivatives, are also subject to counterparty risk.

Leverage Risk: To the extent the Fund uses leveraging techniques, its NAV may be more volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of changes in interest rates and any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s investments.

Illiquid Investments Risk: Illiquid investments risk exists when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling such investments may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Fund. Causes of illiquid investments risk may include low trading volumes and large positions. Foreign fixed-income securities may have more illiquid investments risk because secondary trading markets for these securities may be smaller and less well-developed and the securities may trade less frequently. Illiquid investments risk may be higher in a rising interest-rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally go down.

Management Risk: The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results. The Fund’s tax-management strategies may result in it forgoing performance in favor of tax benefits that may not materialize, or may result in pre-tax performance that is lower than that of funds that do not use tax-management strategies.

These risks are fully discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate as the prices of the individual securities in which it invests fluctuate, so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in

 

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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)

 

this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. You may obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end by visiting www.abfunds.com. The performance shown for periods prior to April 17, 2017 is based on the Fund’s prior principal strategies and may not be representative of the Fund’s performance under its current principal strategies. Class B shares are no longer being offered. Effective November 7, 2019, all outstanding Class B shares were converted to Class A shares. Please see Note A for more information.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Fund have been deducted. NAV returns do not reflect sales charges; if sales charges were reflected, the Fund’s quoted performance would be lower. SEC returns reflect the applicable sales charges for each share class: a 4.25% maximum front-end sales charge for Class A shares and a 1% 1-year contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares. Returns for the different share classes will vary due to different expenses associated with each class. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    9


 

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE

 

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE FUND (unaudited)

8/31/2010 TO 8/31/2020

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in AB Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio Class A shares (from 8/31/2010 to 8/31/2020) as compared to the performance of the Fund’s benchmarks. The chart reflects the deduction of the maximum 4.25% sales charge from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF AUGUST 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

    NAV Returns     SEC Returns
(reflects applicable
sales charges)
 
CLASS A SHARES    
1 Year     -2.72%       -6.88%  
5 Years     3.70%       2.81%  
10 Years     4.64%       4.19%  
CLASS C SHARES    
1 Year     -3.37%       -4.30%  
5 Years     2.94%       2.94%  
10 Years     3.88%       3.88%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1    
1 Year     -2.47%       -2.47%  
5 Years     3.97%       3.97%  
10 Years     4.92%       4.92%  

The Fund’s current prospectus fee table shows the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratios as 1.37%, 2.12% and 1.12% for Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Contractual fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement agreements reduced the Fund’s annual operating expense ratios exclusive of acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs to 0.99%, 1.74% and 0.74% for Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares, respectively. These waivers/reimbursement agreements may not be terminated before December 31, 2020. Absent reimbursements or waivers, performance would have been lower. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

 

1

This share class is offered at NAV to eligible investors and the SEC returns are the same as the NAV returns. Please note that this share class is for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

 

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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

SEC AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS

AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 (unaudited)

 

     SEC Returns
(reflects applicable
sales charges)
 
CLASS A SHARES   
1 Year      -8.69%  
5 Years      2.84%  
10 Years      3.67%  
CLASS C SHARES   
1 Year      -6.23%  
5 Years      2.98%  
10 Years      3.36%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1   
1 Year      -4.39%  
5 Years      4.01%  
10 Years      4.41%  

 

1

Please note that this share class is for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

 

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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

RETURNS AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS

AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 (unaudited)

 

     Returns  
CLASS A SHARES   
1 Year      -9.98%  
5 Years      1.40%  
10 Years      2.79%  
CLASS C SHARES   
1 Year      -7.27%  
5 Years      1.78%  
10 Years      2.64%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1   
1 Year      -5.83%  
5 Years      2.50%  
10 Years      3.47%  

RETURNS AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES

AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 (unaudited)

 

     Returns  
CLASS A SHARES   
1 Year      -4.63%  
5 Years      2.15%  
10 Years      2.93%  
CLASS C SHARES   
1 Year      -3.19%  
5 Years      2.25%  
10 Years      2.66%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1   
1 Year      -2.05%  
5 Years      3.07%  
10 Years      3.53%  

 

1

Please note that this share class is for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    13


 

EXPENSE EXAMPLE

(unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions. Therefore, the hypothetical example is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

14    |    AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

EXPENSE EXAMPLE (continued)

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
March 1,
2020
    Ending
Account
Value
August 31,
2020
    Expenses
Paid
During
Period*
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio*
    Total
Expenses
Paid
During
Period+
    Total
Annualized
Expense
Ratio+
 
Class A            

Actual

  $   1,000     $ 971.90     $   4.86       0.98   $   4.91       0.99

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $   1,020.21     $ 4.98       0.98   $ 5.03       0.99
Class C            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 968.60     $ 8.56       1.73   $ 8.61       1.74

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,016.44     $ 8.77       1.73   $ 8.82       1.74
Advisor Class            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 973.30     $ 3.62       0.73   $ 3.67       0.74

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,021.47     $ 3.71       0.73   $ 3.76       0.74

 

*

Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**

Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

 

+

In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Fund’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Fund’s pro rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    15


 

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

August 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

PORTFOLIO STATISTICS

Net Assets ($mil): $90.1

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

LOGO

 

1

All data are as of August 31, 2020. The Fund’s security type and sector breakdowns are expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. The Fund also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details).

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Fund’s prospectus.

 

16    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY (continued)

August 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

 

 

LOGO

 

1

All data are as of August 31, 2020. The Fund’s quality rating breakdown is expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s total investments in municipal securities and may vary over time. The Fund also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). The quality ratings are determined by using the S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”), Moody’s Investors Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and Fitch Ratings, Ltd. (“Fitch”). The Fund considers the credit ratings issued by S&P, Moody’s and Fitch and uses the highest rating issued by the agencies. These ratings are a measure of the quality and safety of a bond or portfolio, based on the issuer’s financial condition. AAA is the highest (best) and D is the lowest (worst). If applicable, the pre-refunded category includes bonds which are secured by U.S. Government securities and therefore are deemed high-quality investment grade by the Adviser. If applicable, Not Applicable (N/A) includes non-creditworthy investments; such as, equities, currency contracts, futures and options. If applicable, the Not Rated category includes bonds that are not rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. The Adviser evaluates the creditworthiness of non-rated securities based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, cash flows, enterprise value and economic environment.

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    17


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

August 31, 2020

 

     Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS – 55.9%

 

Long-Term Municipal Bonds – 51.8%

 

Alabama – 0.6%

 

Black Belt Energy Gas District
(Morgan Stanley)
Series 2019A
4.00%, 12/01/2049

   $ 265     $ 303,319  

Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority
(Hunt Refining Co.)
Series 2019A
5.25%, 05/01/2044(a)

     250       277,508  
    

 

 

 
    580,827  
    

 

 

 

Arizona – 2.0%

 

Arizona Department of Transportation State Highway Fund Revenue
Series 2011A
5.00%, 07/01/2025 (Pre-refunded/ETM)

     1,185       1,232,376  

Arizona Industrial Development Authority
Series 20192 – Class A
3.625%, 05/20/2033

     143       149,058  

Arizona Industrial Development Authority
(Legacy Cares, Inc.)
Series 2020
7.75%, 07/01/2050(a)

     100       98,498  

Glendale Industrial Development Authority
(Beatitudes Campus Obligated Group (The))
Series 2017
5.00%, 11/15/2040

     235       244,640  

Tempe Industrial Development Authority
(Mirabella at ASU, Inc.)
Series 2017A
6.125%, 10/01/2047(a)

     110       113,137  
    

 

 

 
    1,837,709  
    

 

 

 

California – 0.8%

 

California School Finance Authority
(Bright Star Schools Obligated Group)
Series 2017
5.00%, 06/01/2054(a)

     250       263,732  

Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corp.
Series 2018A
5.00%, 06/01/2047

     200       205,576  

Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
(Los Angeles Department of Water & Power Power System Revenue)
Series 2020A
5.00%, 07/01/2029

     180       245,549  
    

 

 

 
    714,857  
    

 

 

 

 

18    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Colorado – 0.8%

 

City & County of Denver CO Airport System Revenue
(Denver Intl Airport)
Series 2018A
5.00%, 12/01/2028

   $ 545     $ 697,039  
    

 

 

 

Connecticut – 1.4%

 

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue
Series 2012
5.00%, 01/01/2027

     1,135       1,250,883  
    

 

 

 

Florida – 5.0%

 

Cape Coral Health Facilities Authority
(Gulf Care, Inc. Obligated Group)
Series 2015
6.00%, 07/01/2050(a)

     270       256,017  

Capital Trust Agency, Inc.
(Aviva Senior Life)
Series 2017
5.00%, 07/01/2046(a)

     240       231,550  

County of Broward FL Airport System Revenue
Series 2019A
5.00%, 10/01/2036

     500       618,485  

County of Miami-Dade FL
(County of Miami-Dade FL Spl Tax)
Series 2012A
5.00%, 10/01/2025

     560       610,210  

County of Miami-Dade FL Aviation Revenue
Series 2014B
5.00%, 10/01/2025

     665       774,545  

Florida Higher Educational Facilities Financial Authority
(Ringling College of Art & Design, Inc.)
5.00%, 03/01/2049

     315       336,555  

North Broward Hospital District
Series 2017B
5.00%, 01/01/2037-01/01/2048

     425       484,253  

Overoaks Community Development District
Series 2010A-1
6.125%, 05/01/2035

     15       15,166  

Series 2010A-2
6.125%, 05/01/2035

     35       35,428  

Tampa Bay Water
Series 2011A
5.00%, 10/01/2023

     1,105       1,162,581  
    

 

 

 
       4,524,790  
    

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    19


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Georgia – 1.9%

 

Augusta Development Authority
(AU Health System Obligated Group)
Series 2018
5.00%, 07/01/2030

   $ 200     $ 237,206  

City of Atlanta GA Department of Aviation
Series 2014A
5.00%, 01/01/2028

     625       710,119  

Main Street Natural Gas, Inc.
(Royal Bank of Canada)
Series 2018C
4.00%, 08/01/2048

     450       497,079  

Private Colleges & Universities Authority
(Savannah College of Art & Design, Inc.)
Series 2014
5.00%, 04/01/2044

     210       228,488  
    

 

 

 
       1,672,892  
    

 

 

 

Guam – 0.3%

 

Territory of Guam
(Territory of Guam Business Privilege Tax)
Series 2011A
5.125%, 01/01/2042

     300       307,737  
    

 

 

 

Illinois – 6.9%

 

Chicago Board of Education
Series 2012A
5.00%, 12/01/2042

     950       967,708  

Series 2016A
7.00%, 12/01/2044

     100       119,513  

Series 2017B
6.75%, 12/01/2030(a)

     135       169,685  

7.00%, 12/01/2042(a)

     100       126,305  

Chicago O’Hare International Airport
(TrIPs Obligated Group)
Series 2018
5.00%, 07/01/2033

     105       123,066  

City of Chicago IL
Series 2014A
5.00%, 01/01/2035

     100       105,805  

Illinois Finance Authority
(Park Place of Elmhurst Obligated Group)
Series 2016A
6.44%, 05/15/2055

     498       323,700  

Illinois Finance Authority
(Ascension Health Credit Group)
Series 2016C
5.00%, 02/15/2041

     415       491,858  

 

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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Illinois Finance Authority
(CHF-Chicago LLC)
Series 2017A
5.00%, 02/15/2047

   $ 210     $ 199,941  

Illinois Finance Authority
(Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science)
Series 2017C
5.00%, 08/01/2049

     425       455,766  

Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority
Series 2012
Zero Coupon, 12/15/2041-12/15/2050

     675       231,152  

Series 2017A
5.00%, 06/15/2057

     115       126,135  

Series 2017B
Zero Coupon, 12/15/2054

     150       33,357  

Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority
Series 2017
5.00%, 06/01/2023

     365       407,884  

State of Illinois
Series 2013
5.00%, 07/01/2022

     315       334,004  

Series 2016
5.00%, 02/01/2023-02/01/2028

     1,170       1,292,043  

Series 2017A
5.00%, 12/01/2025

     135       151,373  

Series 2017D
5.00%, 11/01/2024-11/01/2028

     480       531,443  
    

 

 

 
       6,190,738  
    

 

 

 

Indiana – 0.2%

 

Indiana Finance Authority
(RES Polyflow Indiana LLC)
7.00%, 03/01/2039(a)

     185       173,894  
    

 

 

 

Iowa – 1.1%

 

Iowa Finance Authority
(Iowa Fertilizer Co. LLC)
Series 2013B
5.25%, 12/01/2050

     110       115,463  

Iowa Finance Authority
(Iowa Finance Authority State Revolving Fund)
Series 2020A
5.00%, 08/01/2026

     385       487,287  

Xenia Rural Water District
Series 2016
5.00%, 12/01/2031

     340       403,141  
    

 

 

 
       1,005,891  
    

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    21


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Kansas – 0.3%

 

Wyandotte County-Kansas City Unified Government
(Wyandotte County-Kansas City Unified Government Sales Tax)
Series 2018
4.50%, 06/01/2040

   $ 285     $ 281,309  
    

 

 

 

Kentucky – 1.2%

 

Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority
(Baptist Healthcare System Obligated Group)
Series 2017B
5.00%, 08/15/2037

     410       483,751  

Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority
(Owensboro Health, Inc. Obligated Group)
Series 2017A
5.00%, 06/01/2037

     315       348,406  

Kentucky Public Energy Authority
(Morgan Stanley)
Series 2019C
4.00%, 02/01/2050

     220       258,405  
    

 

 

 
       1,090,562  
    

 

 

 

Louisiana – 0.5%

 

New Orleans Aviation Board
Series 2017B
5.00%, 01/01/2048

     400       455,612  
    

 

 

 

Maryland – 0.4%

 

City of Baltimore MD
(East Baltimore Research Park Project)
Series 2017A
5.00%, 09/01/2038

     100       104,683  

County of Frederick MD
(Mount St. Mary’s University, Inc.)
Series 2017A
5.00%, 09/01/2045(a)

     215       223,419  
    

 

 

 
       328,102  
    

 

 

 

Massachusetts – 1.8%

 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Series 2019C
5.00%, 05/01/2022

     355       383,539  

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency
(Merrimack College)
Series 2012A
5.25%, 07/01/2042

     635       649,631  

 

22    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency
(Lawrence General Hospital Obligated Group)
Series 2017
5.00%, 07/01/2047

   $ 320     $ 282,982  

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency
(Zero Waste Solutions LLC)
Series 2017
8.00%, 12/01/2022(b)

     235       188,002  

Series 2017A
7.75%, 12/01/2044(b)

     100       80,000  
    

 

 

 
       1,584,154  
    

 

 

 

Michigan – 2.0%

 

City of Detroit MI
5.00%, 04/01/2036-04/01/2037

     65       68,008  

Grand Rapids Economic Development Corp.
(Beacon Hill at Eastgate)
Series 2017A
5.00%, 11/01/2047

     325       326,336  

Michigan Finance Authority
(Great Lakes Water Authority Water Supply System)
AGM Series 2014D2
5.00%, 07/01/2028

     500       576,415  

Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority
(Trinity Health Corp.)
Series 2017C
5.00%, 12/01/2023

     445       506,917  

Michigan Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority
(Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp./MI)
Series 2007A
6.00%, 06/01/2048

     305       306,507  
    

 

 

 
       1,784,183  
    

 

 

 

Minnesota – 0.2%

 

City of Minneapolis MN/St. Paul Housing & Redevelopment Authority
(Allina Health Obligated Group)
NATL 0.12%, 08/01/2028(c)

     175       169,969  
    

 

 

 

Missouri – 0.8%

 

Cape Girardeau County Industrial Development Authority
(SoutheastHEALTH Obligated Group)
Series 2017A
5.00%, 03/01/2036

     470       509,080  

Lee’s Summit Industrial Development Authority
(John Knox Village Obligated Group)
Series 2016A
5.00%, 08/15/2046

     245       248,773  
    

 

 

 
       757,853  
    

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    23


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Nevada – 0.1%

 

State of Nevada Department of Business & Industry
(Fulcrum Sierra Biofuels LLC)
Series 2018
6.95%, 02/15/2038(a)

   $ 100     $ 101,702  
    

 

 

 

New Jersey – 4.3%

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority
(New Jersey Economic Development Authority State Lease)
Series 2013
5.00%, 03/01/2030

     685       734,642  

Series 2014P
5.00%, 06/15/2029

     500       553,055  

New Jersey Economic Development Authority
(North Star Academy Charter School of Newark, Inc.)
Series 2017
5.00%, 07/15/2047

     415       457,006  

New Jersey Economic Development Authority
(Port Newark Container Terminal LLC)
Series 2017
5.00%, 10/01/2047

     415       449,130  

New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority
(New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority State Lease)
5.00%, 06/15/2038

     250       290,782  

New Jersey Turnpike Authority
Series 2014A
5.00%, 01/01/2029

     675       774,583  

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp.
Series 2018B
5.00%, 06/01/2046

     515       583,047  
    

 

 

 
       3,842,245  
    

 

 

 

New York – 1.7%

 

County of Nassau NY
Series 2017C
5.00%, 10/01/2026

     225       276,451  

Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Series 2019D
5.00%, 09/01/2022

     310       323,628  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority Building Aid Revenue
(New York City Transitional Finance Authority Building Aid Revenue State Lease)
Series 2018S
5.00%, 07/15/2032

     195       245,985  

 

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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

New York Counties Tobacco Trust V
Zero Coupon, 06/01/2050

   $ 550     $ 65,202  

New York Transportation Development Corp.
(American Airlines, Inc.)
5.375%, 08/01/2036

     100       103,497  

New York Transportation Development Corp.
(Laguardia Gateway Partners LLC)
Series 2016A
5.00%, 07/01/2041

     460       495,811  
    

 

 

 
       1,510,574  
    

 

 

 

North Carolina – 0.3%

 

North Carolina Medical Care Commission
(United Church Homes & Services Obligated Group)
Series 2017
5.00%, 09/01/2041

     250       252,450  
    

 

 

 

Ohio – 3.6%

 

Buckeye Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority
Series 2020B
5.00%, 06/01/2055

     1,040       1,142,222  

Zero Coupon, 06/01/2057

     395       57,295  

Butler County Port Authority
(StoryPoint Obligated Group)
Series 2017A-1
6.375%, 01/15/2043(a)

     225       212,278  

County of Allen OH Hospital Facilities Revenue
(Bon Secours Mercy Health, Inc.)
Series 2017A
5.00%, 08/01/2028

     315       403,102  

County of Cuyahoga/OH
(MetroHealth System (The))
Series 2017
5.00%, 02/15/2042

     660       742,190  

County of Miami OH
(Kettering Health Network Obligated Group)
5.00%, 08/01/2033

     195       241,864  

Ohio Air Quality Development Authority
(Energy Harbor Generation LLC)
Series 2009D
4.25%, 08/01/2029

     250       251,875  

Ohio Air Quality Development Authority
(Pratt Paper OH, Inc.)
Series 2017
4.50%, 01/15/2048(a)

     175       185,341  

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    25


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Ohio Water Development Authority Water Pollution Control Loan Fund
(Energy Harbor Nuclear Generation LLC)
Series 2016A
4.375%, 06/01/2033

   $ 45     $ 45,338  
    

 

 

 
       3,281,505  
    

 

 

 

Pennsylvania – 1.6%

 

Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority
Series 2017
5.00%, 05/01/2042(a)

     220       229,346  

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Series 2016
5.00%, 09/15/2023

     600       683,988  

Crawford County Hospital Authority
(Meadville Medical Center Obligated Group)
Series 2016A
6.00%, 06/01/2051

     215       233,333  

Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority
(PA Bridges Finco LP)
Series 2015
5.00%, 12/31/2034

     220       251,339  
    

 

 

 
       1,398,006  
    

 

 

 

Puerto Rico – 3.1%

 

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Series 2006A
5.25%, 07/01/2023

     20       14,225  

Series 2011A
5.75%, 07/01/2024(d)(e)

     40       26,250  

Series 2012A
5.50%, 07/01/2039(d)(e)

     65       42,900  

Series 2014A
8.00%, 07/01/2035(d)(e)

     100       60,875  

GDB Debt Recovery Authority of Puerto Rico
Series 2018
7.50%, 08/20/2040

     90       61,289  

Puerto Rico Commonwealth Aqueduct & Sewer Authority
Series 2008A
6.00%, 07/01/2038

     45       45,619  

6.125%, 07/01/2024

     20       21,299  

Series 2012A
5.00%, 07/01/2022-07/01/2033

     90       92,799  

5.125%, 07/01/2037

     25       25,656  

5.25%, 07/01/2029-07/01/2042

     120       123,750  

 

26    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

5.50%, 07/01/2028

   $ 30     $ 31,312  

5.75%, 07/01/2037

     30       31,163  

6.00%, 07/01/2047

     30       31,237  

Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority
Series 2007T
5.00%, 07/01/2032-07/01/2037

     175       120,312  

AGM Series 2007V
5.25%, 07/01/2031

     245       267,141  

Series 2008W
5.50%, 07/01/2036(d)(e)

     100       69,125  

Series 2010A
5.25%, 07/01/2030

     55       37,881  

Series 2010C
5.00%, 07/01/2024(d)(e)

     25       17,188  

Series 2010D
5.00%, 07/01/2021(d)(e)

     15       10,313  

Series 2010Z
5.25%, 07/01/2024

     25       17,219  

Series 2012A
5.00%, 07/01/2029

     40       27,500  

Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority
NATL Series 2007N
5.25%, 07/01/2032

     330       338,692  

Puerto Rico Industrial Tourist Educational Medical & Environmental Control Facilities Financing Auth
(AES Puerto Rico LP)
Series 2000
6.625%, 06/01/2026

     225       232,312  

Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp. Sales Tax Revenue
Series 2018A
Zero Coupon, 07/01/2024-07/01/2046

     434       132,290  

Series 2019A
4.329%, 07/01/2040

     100       104,751  

5.00%, 07/01/2058

     772       822,334  
    

 

 

 
       2,805,432  
    

 

 

 

Tennessee – 0.6%

 

Bristol Industrial Development Board
(Bristol Industrial Development Board Sales Tax)
Series 2016A
5.125%, 12/01/2042(a)

     280       260,478  

Metropolitan Government Nashville & Davidson County Health & Educational Facilities Board
(Trousdale Foundation Obligated Group)
Series 2018A
6.25%, 04/01/2049(a)

     100       57,523  

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    27


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Tennessee Housing Development Agency
Series 2017
4.00%, 07/01/2048

   $ 240     $ 261,245  
    

 

 

 
       579,246  
    

 

 

 

Texas – 4.3%

 

City of Houston TX
Series 2017A
5.00%, 03/01/2026

     405       500,511  

Harris County-Houston Sports Authority
AGM Series 2014A
5.00%, 11/15/2025

     615       699,642  

Irving Hospital Authority
(Baylor Medical Center at Irving)
Series 2017A
5.00%, 10/15/2044

     500       576,085  

New Hope Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp.
(BSPV – Plano LLC)
7.25%, 12/01/2053

     80       75,057  

New Hope Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp.
(Longhorn Village)
Series 2017
5.00%, 01/01/2037

     325       350,912  

Red River Education Finance Corp.
(St. Edward’s University, Inc.)
Series 2016
5.00%, 06/01/2046

     90       97,241  

Tarrant County Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp.
(Stayton at Museum Way)
Series 2020A
5.75%, 12/01/2054

     180       175,513  

Tarrant County Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp.
(Trinity Terrace Project)
Series 2014A-1
5.00%, 10/01/2044

     300       312,213  

Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp.
(NTE Mobility Partners Segments 3 LLC)
5.00%, 06/30/2058

     230       269,325  

University of North Texas System
Series 2020A
5.00%, 04/15/2025

     400       482,632  

 

28    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Uptown Development Authority
Series 2017A
5.00%, 09/01/2040

   $ 325     $ 366,457  
    

 

 

 
    3,905,588  
    

 

 

 

Utah – 0.3%

 

Salt Lake City Corp. Airport Revenue
Series 2018A
5.00%, 07/01/2048

     255       301,698  
    

 

 

 

Vermont – 0.4%

 

Vermont Economic Development Authority
(Casella Waste Systems, Inc.)
Series 2013
4.625%, 04/01/2036(a)

     100       110,807  

Vermont Economic Development Authority
(Wake Robin Corp.)
Series 2017A
5.00%, 05/01/2047

     235       229,238  
    

 

 

 
    340,045  
    

 

 

 

Virginia – 0.9%

 

Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority
(American Tobacco Holdings LLC)
Series 2017
5.55%, 01/01/2037(a)

     220       225,641  

Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp./VA
Series 2007B1
5.00%, 06/01/2047

     410       412,026  

Virginia College Building Authority
(Virginia College Building Authority State Lease)
5.00%, 02/01/2027

     155       198,629  
    

 

 

 
    836,296  
    

 

 

 

Washington – 1.3%

 

Kalispel Tribe of Indians
Series 2018B
5.25%, 01/01/2038(a)(f)

     155       173,246  

King County Public Hospital District No. 1
Series 2018
5.00%, 12/01/2031

     265       318,260  

Washington State Housing Finance Commission
(Mirabella)
Series 2012A
6.75%, 10/01/2047(a)

     340       348,296  

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    29


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Washington State Housing Finance Commission
(Presbyterian Retirement Communities Northwest Obligated Group)
Series 2016A
5.00%, 01/01/2046(a)

   $ 315     $ 317,186  
    

 

 

 
    1,156,988  
    

 

 

 

Wisconsin – 1.1%

 

Wisconsin Public Finance Authority
(Bancroft Neurohealth Obligated Group)
Series 2016
5.125%, 06/01/2048(a)

     160       170,334  

Wisconsin Public Finance Authority
(Celanese US Holdings LLC)
Series 2016A
5.00%, 01/01/2024

     265       292,740  

Wisconsin Public Finance Authority
(Gannon University)
Series 2017
5.00%, 05/01/2042-05/01/2047

     410       432,391  

Wisconsin Public Finance Authority
(Roseman University of Health Sciences)
5.00%, 04/01/2030(a)

     100       109,524  
    

 

 

 
    1,004,989  
    

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Municipal Bonds
(cost $45,144,895)

       46,725,765  
    

 

 

 
    

Short-Term Municipal Notes – 4.1%

    

Colorado – 0.2%

    

Colorado Educational & Cultural Facilities Authority
(Michael Ann Russell Jewish Community Center, Inc.)
0.02%, 01/01/2039(g)

     145       145,000  
    

 

 

 

Illinois – 0.4%

 

Illinois Finance Authority
(University of Chicago Medical Center Obligated Group)
Series 2009
0.65%, 08/01/2043(g)

     360       360,000  
    

 

 

 

Indiana – 0.2%

 

Indiana Finance Authority
(Duke Energy Indiana LLC)
0.05%, 10/01/2040(g)

     200       200,000  
    

 

 

 

 

30    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

New Jersey – 1.3%

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority
0.01%, 07/01/2043(g)

   $ 1,200     $ 1,200,000  
    

 

 

 

New York – 0.2%

 

City of New York NY
Series 2012G
0.02%, 04/01/2042(g)

     150       150,000  
    

 

 

 

Texas – 1.5%

 

State of Texas
4.00%, 08/26/2021(f)

     1,280       1,327,757  
    

 

 

 

Vermont – 0.3%

 

Vermont Educational & Health Buildings Financing Agency
(Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Inc.)
0.05%, 10/01/2038(g)

     300       300,000  
    

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Municipal Notes
(cost $3,682,202)

       3,682,757  
    

 

 

 

Total Municipal Obligations
(cost $48,827,097)

       50,408,522  
    

 

 

 
     Shares        

COMMON STOCKS – 23.5%

    

Health Care – 4.6%

    

Biotechnology – 1.1%

    

AbbVie, Inc.

     4,280       409,896  

Amgen, Inc.

     1,429       361,994  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

     3,062       204,388  
    

 

 

 
       976,278  
    

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services – 0.3%

 

Cardinal Health, Inc.

     707       35,888  

CVS Health Corp.

     3,160       196,299  

Sonic Healthcare Ltd.

     1,093       25,778  
    

 

 

 
       257,965  
    

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals – 3.2%

 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

     5,470       340,234  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

     12,155       237,428  

Merck & Co., Inc.

     6,146       524,070  

Novartis AG

     5,391       464,634  

Pfizer, Inc.

     13,409       506,726  

Roche Holding AG

     1,703       595,741  

Sanofi

     2,734       276,923  
    

 

 

 
       2,945,756  
    

 

 

 
       4,179,999  
    

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    31


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company        
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Consumer Staples – 4.1%

 

Beverages – 1.1%

 

Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd.

     1,228     $ 8,226  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

     9,876       489,158  

Coca-Cola European Partners PLC

     497       20,457  

PepsiCo, Inc.

     3,367       471,582  

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd.

     1,744       11,879  
    

 

 

 
       1,001,302  
    

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing – 0.2%

 

ICA Gruppen AB

     243       11,926  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

     2,667       80,239  

METRO AG

     436       4,323  

Sysco Corp.

     1,170       70,364  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

     1,824       69,348  
    

 

 

 
       236,200  
    

 

 

 

Food Products – 0.4%

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

     1,351       60,471  

Campbell Soup Co.

     438       23,043  

General Mills, Inc.

     1,465       93,687  

Ingredion, Inc.

     162       13,031  

JM Smucker Co. (The)

     276       33,169  

Kellogg Co.

     621       44,035  

Mowi ASA

     1,065       20,834  

Orkla ASA

     1,819       18,502  

WH Group Ltd.(a)

     23,196       19,993  
    

 

 

 
       326,765  
    

 

 

 

Household Products – 1.1%

 

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

     828       130,625  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

     5,984       827,767  
    

 

 

 
       958,392  
    

 

 

 

Personal Products – 0.4%

 

Pola Orbis Holdings, Inc.

     222       4,024  

Unilever NV

     3,539       205,639  

Unilever PLC

     2,831       167,374  
    

 

 

 
       377,037  
    

 

 

 

Tobacco – 0.9%

 

Altria Group, Inc.

     4,503       196,961  

British American Tobacco PLC

     5,558       187,333  

Imperial Brands PLC

     2,293       38,258  

Japan Tobacco, Inc.

     2,907       54,352  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

     3,770       300,808  
    

 

 

 
       777,712  
    

 

 

 
       3,677,408  
    

 

 

 

 

32    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company        
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Financials – 2.9%

 

Banks – 0.7%

 

Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM

     3,553     $ 18,179  

BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

     8,966       25,433  

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

     1,079       85,668  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

     1,035       26,776  

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

     4,348       66,633  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

     352       12,947  

Fifth Third Bancorp

     1,717       35,473  

Hang Seng Bank Ltd.

     1,853       29,125  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc./OH

     2,469       23,233  

KeyCorp

     2,350       28,952  

M&T Bank Corp.

     316       32,630  

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd.

     8,011       50,989  

People’s United Financial, Inc.

     1,076       11,384  

Regions Financial Corp.

     2,319       26,808  

Seven Bank Ltd.

     1,428       3,585  

Truist Financial Corp.

     3,252       126,210  

Zions Bancorp NA

     399       12,832  
    

 

 

 
       616,857  
    

 

 

 

Capital Markets – 0.5%

 

3i Group PLC

     2,357       28,964  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

     299       46,883  

ASX Ltd.

     469       30,200  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

     1,941       71,778  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

     722       15,205  

IGM Financial, Inc.

     202       4,930  

Magellan Financial Group Ltd.

     309       13,483  

Northern Trust Corp.

     482       39,471  

Partners Group Holding AG

     46       46,861  

Schroders PLC

     301       11,654  

Singapore Exchange Ltd.

     1,947       12,312  

Standard Life Aberdeen PLC

     5,642       17,654  

State Street Corp.

     858       58,421  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

     572       79,628  

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

     655       25,139  
    

 

 

 
       502,583  
    

 

 

 

Consumer Finance – 0.1%

 

Discover Financial Services

     747       39,651  

Synchrony Financial

     1,337       33,171  
    

 

 

 
       72,822  
    

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services – 0.0%

 

M&G PLC

     6,299       14,557  
    

 

 

 

Insurance – 1.6%

 

Admiral Group PLC

     462       16,120  

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    33


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company        
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Aflac, Inc.

     1,663     $ 60,400  

Allianz SE

     1,011       219,375  

American Financial Group, Inc./OH

     186       12,434  

Assicurazioni Generali SpA

     2,662       41,351  

Baloise Holding AG

     113       17,604  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.

     2,613       39,592  

Fidelity National Financial, Inc.

     674       22,127  

Great-West Lifeco, Inc.

     674       13,750  

Hannover Rueck SE

     146       24,897  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

     868       35,111  

iA Financial Corp., Inc.

     259       9,323  

Insurance Australia Group Ltd.

     5,599       19,619  

Lincoln National Corp.

     473       17,052  

Manulife Financial Corp.

     4,713       69,520  

Mapfre SA

     2,611       4,950  

Medibank Pvt Ltd.

     6,673       13,428  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc.

     1,078       29,902  

NN Group NV

     707       26,578  

Power Corp. of Canada

     1,370       27,351  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

     665       28,003  

Progressive Corp. (The)

     1,418       134,767  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

     962       65,195  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. – Class A

     164       15,035  

Sompo Holdings, Inc.

     814       30,574  

Sun Life Financial, Inc.

     1,424       59,434  

Swiss Life Holding AG

     78       31,533  

T&D Holdings, Inc.

     1,303       13,638  

Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.

     1,548       71,445  

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

     618       71,713  

Tryg A/S

     292       8,960  

WR Berkley Corp.

     355       22,028  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

     363       134,218  
    

 

 

 
       1,407,027  
    

 

 

 
       2,613,846  
    

 

 

 

Industrials – 2.7%

 

Aerospace & Defense – 0.6%

 

General Dynamics Corp.

     597       89,162  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

     615       240,010  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

     3,672       223,992  
    

 

 

 
       553,164  
    

 

 

 

Air Freight & Logistics – 0.3%

 

United Parcel Service, Inc. – Class B

     1,701       278,318  
    

 

 

 

Airlines – 0.0%

 

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.

     274       5,433  

Qantas Airways Ltd.

     2,212       6,428  
    

 

 

 
       11,861  
    

 

 

 

 

34    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company        
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Building Products – 0.1%

 

AGC, Inc./Japan

     468     $ 13,242  

Johnson Controls International PLC

     1,850       75,350  
    

 

 

 
       88,592  
    

 

 

 

Construction & Engineering – 0.1%

 

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA

     657       16,077  

HOCHTIEF AG

     60       5,320  

Obayashi Corp.

     1,573       15,375  

Taisei Corp.

     462       15,946  
    

 

 

 
       52,718  
    

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment – 0.4%

 

Eaton Corp. PLC

     1,002       102,304  

Emerson Electric Co.

     1,482       102,954  

Schneider Electric SE

     1,340       165,720  
    

 

 

 
       370,978  
    

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates – 0.6%

 

3M Co.

     1,395       227,413  

CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.

     6,540       42,772  

Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd.

     532       22,341  

Siemens AG

     1,854       256,901  

Smiths Group PLC

     960       17,818  
    

 

 

 
       567,245  
    

 

 

 

Machinery – 0.4%

 

Amada Holdings Co., Ltd.

     802       7,127  

Cummins, Inc.

     364       75,439  

Komatsu Ltd.

     2,121       46,179  

Kone Oyj – Class B

     824       70,674  

NGK Insulators Ltd.

     634       9,009  

NSK Ltd.

     868       6,653  

PACCAR, Inc.

     839       72,020  

Snap-on, Inc.

     126       18,682  

Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.

     268       6,100  
    

 

 

 
       311,883  
    

 

 

 

Professional Services – 0.1%

 

Adecco Group AG

     376       19,687  

SGS SA

     15       38,871  
    

 

 

 
       58,558  
    

 

 

 

Road & Rail – 0.0%

 

Aurizon Holdings Ltd.

     4,732       15,133  

Nippon Express Co., Ltd.

     178       10,512  
    

 

 

 
       25,645  
    

 

 

 

Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.1%

 

ITOCHU Corp.

     3,264       83,762  
    

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    35


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company        
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Transportation Infrastructure – 0.0%

 

Sydney Airport

     3,173     $ 13,331  
    

 

 

 
       2,416,055  
    

 

 

 

Communication Services – 2.0%

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services – 1.6%

 

AT&T, Inc.

     17,380       518,098  

BCE, Inc.

     372       15,988  

BT Group PLC

     21,551       30,008  

Elisa Oyj

     344       20,246  

HKT Trust & HKT Ltd. – Class SS

     9,173       13,107  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

     3,119       70,975  

Proximus SADP

     368       7,268  

Shaw Communications, Inc. – Class B

     1,137       21,261  

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.

     19,783       33,393  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

     4,451       14,450  

Swisscom AG

     63       34,883  

TELUS Corp.

     1,017       18,728  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     10,021       593,945  

Washington H Soul Pattinson & Co., Ltd.

     261       4,023  
    

 

 

 
       1,396,373  
    

 

 

 

Media – 0.1%

 

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)

     939       16,677  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

     525       28,397  

Publicis Groupe SA(d)

     524       18,326  
    

 

 

 
       63,400  
    

 

 

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services – 0.3%

 

KDDI Corp.

     3,995       116,126  

NTT DOCOMO, Inc.

     2,828       78,859  

Rogers Communications, Inc. – Class B

     858       35,692  

Softbank Corp.

     4,639       60,958  
    

 

 

 
       291,635  
    

 

 

 
       1,751,408  
    

 

 

 

Utilities – 1.8%

 

Electric Utilities – 1.1%

 

Alliant Energy Corp.

     593       32,111  

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

     1,197       94,360  

CK Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.

     1,605       8,483  

CLP Holdings Ltd.

     3,979       39,066  

Duke Energy Corp.

     1,776       142,684  

Edison International

     878       46,077  

EDP – Energias de Portugal SA

     6,580       33,450  

Endesa SA

     769       21,347  

Eversource Energy

     799       68,482  

Fortis, Inc./Canada

     1,123       44,917  

Fortum Oyj

     1,076       22,775  

 

36    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company        
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Iberdrola SA

     14,605     $ 184,269  

Mercury NZ Ltd.

     1,650       5,757  

OGE Energy Corp.

     485       15,452  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

     272       19,951  

Power Assets Holdings Ltd.

     3,361       19,236  

PPL Corp.

     1,860       51,392  

Red Electrica Corp. SA

     1,048       20,057  

SSE PLC

     2,495       42,053  

Terna Rete Elettrica Nazionale SpA

     3,409       24,663  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

     1,271       88,303  
    

 

 

 
       1,024,885  
    

 

 

 

Gas Utilities – 0.1%

 

Enagas SA

     603       14,766  

Snam SpA

     4,935       25,273  
    

 

 

 
       40,039  
    

 

 

 

Multi-Utilities – 0.6%

 

Ameren Corp.

     596       47,150  

CMS Energy Corp.

     688       41,617  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

     809       57,714  

DTE Energy Co.

     466       55,300  

National Grid PLC

     8,500       95,201  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

     1,224       63,942  

Sempra Energy

     708       87,544  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

     764       71,877  
    

 

 

 
       520,345  
    

 

 

 
       1,585,269  
    

 

 

 

Information Technology – 1.6%

 

Communications Equipment – 0.5%

 

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     10,276       433,853  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

     800       20,000  
    

 

 

 
       453,853  
    

 

 

 

IT Services – 0.4%

 

Computershare Ltd.

     1,179       11,542  

International Business Machines Corp.

     2,153       265,486  

Paychex, Inc.

     781       59,723  

Western Union Co. (The) – Class W

     1,001       23,614  
    

 

 

 
       360,365  
    

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 0.5%

 

ASM Pacific Technology Ltd.

     743       7,993  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

     653       44,691  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

     2,263       321,685  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

     362       92,856  
    

 

 

 
       467,225  
    

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 0.2%

 

Brother Industries Ltd.

     540       8,934  

Canon, Inc.

     2,423       41,558  

HP, Inc.

     3,473       67,897  

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    37


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company        
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

NetApp, Inc.

     535     $ 25,354  

Seagate Technology PLC

     569       27,306  

Seiko Epson Corp.

     677       8,072  
    

 

 

 
       179,121  
    

 

 

 
       1,460,564  
    

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary – 1.3%

 

Auto Components – 0.2%

 

Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd.

     392       13,445  

Bridgestone Corp.

     1,297       41,060  

Denso Corp.

     1,050       44,173  

Faurecia SE(d)

     183       8,012  

JTEKT Corp.

     499       3,819  

Magna International, Inc. – Class A (Canada)

     704       34,284  

NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.

     379       6,478  

Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.

     1,827       21,450  

Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.

     414       3,980  

Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. (The)

     287       4,506  
    

 

 

 
       181,207  
    

 

 

 

Automobiles – 0.5%

 

Isuzu Motors Ltd.

     1,336       13,201  

Subaru Corp.

     1,491       30,984  

Toyota Motor Corp.

     5,139       339,402  

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

     678       10,645  
    

 

 

 
       394,232  
    

 

 

 

Distributors – 0.0%

 

Genuine Parts Co.

     352       33,243  
    

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.0%

 

Crown Resorts Ltd.

     902       5,981  

SJM Holdings Ltd.

     4,806       6,592  

Sodexo SA

     214       15,276  
    

 

 

 
       27,849  
    

 

 

 

Household Durables – 0.2%

 

Barratt Developments PLC

     2,467       17,227  

Iida Group Holdings Co., Ltd.

     356       6,949  

Nikon Corp.

     728       5,702  

Panasonic Corp.

     5,350       49,301  

Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

     880       14,079  

Sekisui House Ltd.

     1,506       29,751  

Taylor Wimpey PLC

     8,829       14,274  

Whirlpool Corp.

     152       27,013  
    

 

 

 
       164,296  
    

 

 

 

Leisure Products – 0.0%

 

Hasbro, Inc.

     315       24,866  
    

 

 

 

 

38    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company        
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Multiline Retail – 0.1%

 

Canadian Tire Corp., Ltd. – Class A

     140     $ 14,646  

Wesfarmers Ltd.

     2,747       95,984  
    

 

 

 
       110,630  
    

 

 

 

Specialty Retail – 0.1%

 

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

     2,643       74,314  

USS Co., Ltd.

     531       8,965  
    

 

 

 
       83,279  
    

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 0.2%

 

Burberry Group PLC

     980       18,711  

Cie Financiere Richemont SA

     1,265       84,223  

Pandora A/S

     242       17,665  

Ralph Lauren Corp.

     118       8,122  

VF Corp.

     813       53,455  
    

 

 

 
       182,176  
    

 

 

 
       1,201,778  
    

 

 

 

Energy – 1.1%

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 1.1%

 

Exxon Mobil Corp.

     10,255       409,585  

Galp Energia SGPS SA

     1,214       13,036  

Inpex Corp.

     2,480       15,727  

Inter Pipeline Ltd.

     1,022       10,789  

Keyera Corp.

     528       9,642  

Lundin Energy AB

     450       11,014  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

     1,572       55,743  

Pembina Pipeline Corp.

     1,327       32,861  

Phillips 66

     1,065       62,271  

TC Energy Corp.

     2,275       106,377  

TOTAL SE

     5,989       237,596  

Valero Energy Corp.

     992       52,169  
    

 

 

 
       1,016,810  
    

 

 

 

Materials – 1.1%

 

Chemicals – 0.4%

 

Asahi Kasei Corp.

     3,039       25,459  

Daicel Corp.

     603       4,369  

Dow, Inc.

     1,797       81,081  

Eastman Chemical Co.

     329       24,053  

EMS-Chemie Holding AG

     20       18,075  

Johnson Matthey PLC

     468       14,760  

JSR Corp.

     493       10,524  

Kuraray Co., Ltd.

     773       7,898  

LyondellBasell Industries NV – Class A

     646       42,300  

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

     3,102       18,115  

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc.

     382       6,821  

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

     446       10,461  

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    39


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company        
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Nitto Denko Corp.

     384     $ 23,316  

Nutrien Ltd.

     1,384       51,260  

Solvay SA

     180       15,509  

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

     3,610       11,709  

Tosoh Corp.

     630       9,320  
    

 

 

 
       375,030  
    

 

 

 

Construction Materials – 0.1%

 

CRH PLC

     1,902       70,936  
    

 

 

 

Containers & Packaging – 0.1%

 

AMCOR PLC(d)

     3,886       42,979  

International Paper Co.

     902       32,716  

Packaging Corp. of America

     229       23,184  
    

 

 

 
       98,879  
    

 

 

 

Metals & Mining – 0.5%

 

Anglo American PLC

     2,976       73,134  

Boliden AB

     662       19,779  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

     4,103       52,442  

Nucor Corp.

     731       33,231  

Rio Tinto Ltd.

     899       64,692  

Rio Tinto PLC

     2,718       169,034  
    

 

 

 
       412,312  
    

 

 

 

Paper & Forest Products – 0.0%

 

UPM-Kymmene Oyj

     1,293       39,244  
    

 

 

 
    996,401  
    

 

 

 

Real Estate – 0.3%

 

Real Estate Management & Development – 0.3%

 

Aroundtown SA(d)

     2,791       15,289  

CK Asset Holdings Ltd.

     6,264       33,999  

Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd.

     156       13,826  

Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd.

     1,372       36,686  

Hang Lung Properties Ltd.

     4,904       13,819  

Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd.

     3,519       13,833  

Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.

     2,827       10,817  

Kerry Properties Ltd.

     1,588       4,124  

New World Development Co., Ltd.

     3,717       19,275  

Sino Land Co., Ltd.

     7,588       8,832  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

     3,159       42,383  

Swire Properties Ltd.

     2,835       7,674  

Swiss Prime Site AG

     184       16,586  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd.

     4,046       16,816  
    

 

 

 
    253,959  
    

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $19,608,914)

       21,153,497  
    

 

 

 

 

40    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company        
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

PREFERRED STOCKS – 6.8%

 

Real Estate – 6.8%

 

Diversified REITs – 1.5%

 

Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc.
Series A
6.75%

     10,550     $ 255,521  

Colony Capital, Inc.
Series H
7.125%

     8,400       180,600  

Colony Capital, Inc.
Series I
7.15%

     3,025       65,159  

Gladstone Commercial Corp.
Series E
6.625%

     10,250       260,042  

Global Net Lease, Inc.
Series A
7.25%

     5,900       152,810  

Global Net Lease, Inc.
Series B
6.875%

     3,550       89,003  

Investors Real Estate Trust
Series C
6.625%

     1,675       43,048  

PS Business Parks, Inc.
Series Z
4.875%

     1,600       42,816  

Spirit Realty Capital, Inc.
Series A
6.00%

     6,800       176,324  

Vornado Realty Trust
Series K
5.70%

     1,600       40,512  
    

 

 

 
    1,305,835  
    

 

 

 

Hotel & Resort REITs – 1.1%

 

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.
Series F
7.375%

     8,650       39,185  

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.
Series G
7.375%

     619       2,773  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.
8.25%

     9,800       243,040  

Hersha Hospitality Trust
Series C
6.875%

     400       6,120  

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    41


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company        
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Hersha Hospitality Trust
Series E
6.50%

     4,562     $ 65,875  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust
Series C
6.50%

     2,600       56,238  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust
Series F
6.30%

     5,600       119,616  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.
Series E
6.25%

     10,500       225,540  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.
Series E
6.95%

     4,000       98,000  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.
Series F
6.45%

     6,300       152,775  
    

 

 

 
    1,009,162  
    

 

 

 

Industrial REITs – 0.7%

 

Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp.
Series C
6.125%

     9,500       237,310  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.
Series A
5.875%

     2,250       58,117  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.
Series B
5.875%

     6,850       182,210  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.
Series C
5.625%

     4,000       107,680  
    

 

 

 
    585,317  
    

 

 

 

Office REITs – 0.1%

 

City Office REIT, Inc.
Series A
6.625%

     1,625       40,982  

SL Green Realty Corp.
Series I
6.50%

     3,100       81,220  
    

 

 

 
    122,202  
    

 

 

 

Real Estate Operating Companies – 0.3%

 

Brookfield Property Partners LP
Series A2
6.375%

     12,000       265,200  
    

 

 

 

 

42    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company        
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Residential REITs – 0.7%

 

American Homes 4 Rent
Series D
6.50%

     4,764     $ 123,626  

American Homes 4 Rent
Series F
5.875%

     5,350       143,112  

American Homes 4 Rent
Series H
6.25%

     1,725       48,076  

Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc.
Series A
8.25%

     975       24,239  

UMH Properties, Inc.
Series C
6.75%

     11,200       282,016  

UMH Properties, Inc.
Series D
6.375%

     2,000       49,500  
    

 

 

 
    670,569  
    

 

 

 

Retail REITs – 1.5%

 

Brookfield Property REIT, Inc.
Series A
6.375%

     7,425       139,293  

Cedar Realty Trust, Inc.
Series C
6.50%

     9,475       176,235  

Saul Centers, Inc.
Series D
6.125%

     10,000       245,000  

SITE Centers Corp.
Series A
6.375%

     15,800       393,420  

Taubman Centers, Inc.
Series J
6.50%

     7,050       150,800  

Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc.
Series H
6.25%

     9,375       225,187  

Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc.
Series K
5.875%

     2,500       59,724  
    

 

 

 
    1,389,659  
    

 

 

 

Specialized REITs – 0.9%

 

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
Series L
5.20%

     12,150       334,125  

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    43


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company        
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

National Storage Affiliates Trust
Series A
6.00%

     4,938     $ 134,412  

Public Storage
Series E
4.90%

     40       1,032  

Public Storage
Series L
4.625%

     4,200       114,996  

Public Storage
Series M
4.125%

     2,650       70,278  

QTS Realty Trust, Inc.
Series A
7.125%

     3,900       107,718  
    

 

 

 
    762,561  
    

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks
(cost $6,461,404)

       6,110,505  
    

 

 

 
    

INVESTMENT COMPANIES – 2.1%

 

Funds and Investment Trusts – 2.1%(h)

 

Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF

     18,779       933,317  

Vanguard Real Estate ETF

     12,123       991,055  
    

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies
(cost $2,128,980)

       1,924,372  
    

 

 

 
     Principal
Amount
(000)
       

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS – 0.3%

    

Risk Share Floating Rate – 0.3%

 

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
Series 2014-HQ2, Class M3
3.925% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.75%), 09/25/2024(i)
(cost $255,350)

   $ 250       254,072  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments – 88.6%
(cost $77,281,745)

       79,850,968  

Other assets less liabilities – 11.4%

       10,220,642  
    

 

 

 

Net Assets – 100.0%

     $ 90,071,610  
    

 

 

 

 

44    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

Description   Number of
Contracts
    Expiration
Month
    Current
Notional
    Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Purchased Contracts

 

10 Yr Australian Bond Futures

    6       September 2020     $ 652,593     $ (3,690

10 Yr Japan Bond (OSE) Futures

    1       September 2020       1,431,242       (3,924

Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures

    49       September 2020       1,909,181       47,323  

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    12       September 2020       956,284       (16,992

Hang Seng Index Futures

    7       September 2020       1,132,390       (18,096

MSCI Emerging Markets Futures

    12       September 2020       660,240       23,391  

MSCI Singapore Index ETS Futures

    39       September 2020       834,578       (7,683

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    78       September 2020       13,645,710       1,677,977  

S&P/TSX 60 Index Futures

    3       September 2020       454,939       31,971  

SPI 200 Futures

    3       September 2020       333,557       9,343  

TOPIX Index Futures

    10       September 2020       1,525,752       42,046  

U.S. T-Note 10 Yr (CBT) Futures

    90       December 2020       12,532,500       (9,910

Sold Contracts

 

10 Yr Canadian Bond Futures

    9       December 2020       1,041,484       6,680  

10 Yr Mini Japan Government Bond Futures

    6       September 2020       858,349       1,449  

Euro STOXX 50 Futures

    12       September 2020       467,554       4,618  

Euro-Bund Futures

    9       September 2020       1,885,541       2,173  

Long Gilt Futures

    1       December 2020       180,475       1,589  

OMXS30 Index Futures

    48       September 2020       979,445       3,425  

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    1       September 2020       174,945       (8,999

SPI 200 Futures

    6       September 2020       667,114       (8,210

U.S. T-Note 10 Yr (CBT) Futures

    3       December 2020       417,750       160  
       

 

 

 
  $     1,774,641  
       

 

 

 

 

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

  RUB 17,896     USD 250       09/14/2020     $ 8,815  

Barclays Bank PLC

  IDR 1,447,310     USD 97       10/15/2020       (1,653

Barclays Bank PLC

  PHP 4,061     USD 83       11/10/2020       (762

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 595     EUR 501       09/16/2020       3,198  

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 455     CNY 3,179       11/18/2020       6,639  

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 56     RUB 4,158       09/14/2020       (192

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 365     THB 11,532       10/27/2020       5,181  

Citibank, NA

  COP 539,852     USD 143       09/17/2020       (1,188

Citibank, NA

  USD 97     COP 355,191       09/17/2020       (2,388

Deutsche Bank AG

  PEN 667     USD 187       09/17/2020       (1,551

Deutsche Bank AG

  PEN 873     USD 248       09/17/2020       1,882  

Deutsche Bank AG

  USD 515     CAD 680       09/16/2020       6,438  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  PHP 27,938     USD 568       11/10/2020       (6,847

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  CZK 15,518     USD 696       10/22/2020       (8,794

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  BRL 2,516     USD 485       09/02/2020       25,410  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  CHF 1,117     USD 1,232       09/16/2020       (3,857

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  AUD 942     USD 678       09/16/2020       (16,620

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    45


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty   Contracts to
Deliver
(000)
    In Exchange
For
(000)
    Settlement
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD 460     BRL 2,516       09/02/2020     $ (604

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD 857     RUB 61,343       09/14/2020           (30,925

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD 672     INR 51,034       10/15/2020       20,686  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

  USD 113     CLP 86,799       09/17/2020       (1,415

HSBC Bank USA

  BRL 2,516     USD 460       09/02/2020       604  

HSBC Bank USA

  BRL 2,516     USD 452       10/02/2020       (6,516

HSBC Bank USA

  USD 453     BRL 2,516       09/02/2020       6,488  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  IDR 1,416,878     USD 95       10/15/2020       (1,394

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  COP 355,191     USD 96       09/17/2020       1,646  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  INR 14,806     USD 197       10/15/2020       (4,433

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  NOK 4,644     USD 524       09/16/2020       (7,675

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD 792     CAD 1,047       09/16/2020       10,812  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD 668     SEK 5,804       09/16/2020       3,407  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

  USD 847     IDR 12,538,268       10/15/2020       9,597  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

  TWD 1,244     USD 43       11/18/2020       133  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

  PEN 1,009     USD 286       09/17/2020       1,183  

Natwest Markets PLC

  CLP 719,761     USD 927       09/17/2020       912  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  HUF 102,134     USD 347       10/22/2020       4,389  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  SEK 2,945     USD 335       09/16/2020       (5,272

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  NOK 1,780     USD 205       09/16/2020       879  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  SEK 998     USD 116       09/16/2020       307  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  PLN 1,001     USD 269       10/22/2020       (3,013

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  AUD 475     USD 341       09/16/2020       (9,612

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  AUD 394     USD 291       09/16/2020       582  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  GBP 438     USD 573       09/16/2020       (12,396

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  NZD 210     USD 138       10/27/2020       (3,007

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  EUR 100     USD 118       09/16/2020       (1,156

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  GBP 81     USD 108       09/16/2020       116  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 132     CHF 119       09/16/2020       (509

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 119     CAD 155       09/16/2020       (46

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 620     NZD 947       09/16/2020       18,475  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 184     NZD 273       09/16/2020       (488

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 217     ZAR 3,603       09/03/2020       (4,209

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 147     NOK 1,379       10/16/2020       11,311  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 350     ZAR 6,111       09/03/2020       9,976  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 460     MXN 10,426       10/08/2020       14,158  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 118     JPY 12,508       09/16/2020       335  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 434     HUF 127,404       10/22/2020       (6,493
       

 

 

 
  $     30,544  
       

 

 

 

 

46    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)

 

Description   Counterparty   Contracts     Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Month
    Notional
(000)
    Premiums
Received
    U.S. $
Value
 

Euro STOXX 50 Index(j)

  Citibank, NA     200     EUR 3,450.00       September 2020     EUR 690     $ 2,470     $ (1,407

FTSE 100 Index(j)

  Citibank, NA     40     GBP 6,100.00       September 2020     GBP 244       8,065       (2,315

Nikkei 225 Index(j)

  Goldman Sachs International     3,000     JPY 23,750.00       September 2020     JPY 71,250       2,578       (1,939

S&P 500 Index(j)

  Goldman Sachs International     1,400     USD 3,615.00       September 2020     USD   5,061       19,559       (19,559
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $     32,672     $     (25,220
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)

 

Description   Counterparty   Contracts     Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Month
    Notional
(000)
    Premiums
Received
    U.S. $
Value
 

Euro STOXX 50 Index(j)

  Citibank,
NA
    200     EUR   3,125.00       September 2020     EUR   625     $ 4,809     $ (6,355

FTSE 100 Index(j)

  Citibank,
NA
    40     GBP   6,100.00       September 2020     GBP   244       6,727       (9,836

Nikkei 225 Index(j)

  Goldman
Sachs
International
    3,000     JPY   21,375.00       September 2020     JPY   64,125       736       (852

S&P 500 Index(j)

  Goldman
Sachs
International
    1,400     USD   3,355.00       September 2020     USD   4,697       30,036       (30,036
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $   42,308     $   (47,079
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Description   Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
August 31,
2020
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Buy Contracts

 

 

CDX-NAHY Series 33, 5 Year Index, 12/20/2024*

    (5.00 )%      Quarterly       3.55   USD   900     $   (60,023   $   (71,298   $ 11,275  

Sale Contracts

 

 

CDX-NAHY Series 34, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    5.00       Quarterly       3.65     USD   1,897       128,294       16,307       111,987  

CDX-NAHY Series 34, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    5.00       Quarterly       3.65     USD   949       64,146       26,130       38,016  

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    47


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Description   Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
August 31,
2020
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

iTraxx Xover Series 33, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    5.00 %       Quarterly       3.22 %     EUR   600     $ 62,099     $ 36,239     $ 25,860  

iTraxx Xover Series 33, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    5.00       Quarterly       3.22     EUR   750       77,758       58,812       18,946  

iTraxx Xover Series 33, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

    5.00       Quarterly       3.22     EUR   210       21,778       12,902       8,876  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ 294,052     $ 79,092     $   214,960  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Termination date

CENTRALLY CLEARED INFLATION (CPI) SWAPS (see Note D)

 

                Rate Type        

Notional
Amount
(000)

    Termination
Date
    Payments
made
by the
Fund
    Payments
received
by the
Fund
    Payment
Frequency
Paid/
Received
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

USD

    1,092       01/15/2025       1.673     CPI     Maturity     $ (3,710   $     $ (3,710

USD

    1,170       01/15/2028       0.735     CPI     Maturity       105,959             105,959  

USD

    1,080       01/15/2028       1.230     CPI     Maturity       53,045             53,045  

USD

    310       01/15/2028       1.230     CPI     Maturity       15,226             15,226  

USD

    630       01/15/2030       1.585     CPI     Maturity       19,438             19,438  

USD

    75       01/15/2030       1.587     CPI     Maturity       2,297             2,297  

USD

    75       01/15/2030       1.572     CPI     Maturity       2,422             2,422  
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $   194,677     $   —     $   194,677  
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

#

Variable interest rate based on the rate of inflation as determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAPS (see Note D)

 

                Rate Type                        

Notional
Amount
(000)

    Termination
Date
    Payments
made
by the
Fund
  Payments
received
by the
Fund
    Payment
Frequency
Paid/
Received
  Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
USD     3,060       06/17/2021     3 Month
LIBOR
    1.907   Quarterly/ Semi-Annual   $ 50,405     $     $ 50,405  
USD     820       09/10/2024     3 Month
LIBOR
    1.341   Quarterly/Semi-Annual     39,886             39,886  
USD      3,280       11/29/2024     3 Month
LIBOR
    1.535   Quarterly/Semi-Annual     186,521             186,521  

 

48    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

                Rate Type                        

Notional
Amount
(000)

    Termination
Date
    Payments
made
by the
Fund
    Payments
received
by the
Fund
    Payment
Frequency
Paid/
Received
  Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
USD     194       02/05/2025      
3 Month
LIBOR
 
 
    1.361   Quarterly/Semi-Annual   $ 9,289     $     $ 9,289  
USD     436       02/06/2025      
3 Month
LIBOR
 
 
    1.419   Quarterly/Semi-Annual     22,005             22,005  
CHF     680       11/13/2028      
6 Month
LIBOR
 
 
    0.510   Semi-Annual/Annual     56,014             56,014  
USD     145       10/09/2029      
3 Month
LIBOR
 
 
    1.476   Quarterly/Semi-Annual     11,526             11,526  
USD     145       10/09/2029      
3 Month
LIBOR
 
 
    1.479   Quarterly/Semi-Annual     11,567             11,567  
USD     820       01/15/2030      
3 Month
LIBOR
 
 
    0.647   Quarterly/Semi-Annual     (1,660           (1,660
CHF     160       02/07/2030      
6 Month
LIBOR
 
 
    (0.332 )%    Semi-Annual/Annual     (1,303           (1,303
SEK     2,840       03/30/2030      
3 Month
STIBOR
 
 
    0.519   Quarterly/Annual     4,857             4,857  
SEK     10       04/16/2030      
3 Month
STIBOR
 
 
    0.476   Quarterly/Annual     11             11  
NOK     1,230       05/05/2030      
6 Month
NIBOR
 
 
    0.885   Semi-Annual/Annual     (2,301           (2,301
CHF     280       05/05/2030      
6 Month
LIBOR
 
 
    (0.335 )%    Semi-Annual/Annual     (2,751           (2,751
CHF     240       06/02/2030      
6 Month
LIBOR
 
 
    (0.337 )%    Semi-Annual/Annual     (2,505     (1     (2,504
NOK     1,130       06/23/2030      
6 Month
NIBOR
 
 
    0.916   Semi-Annual/Annual     (1,801           (1,801
SEK     500       06/23/2030      
3 Month
STIBOR
 
 
    0.354   Quarterly/Annual     (205           (205
SEK     5,700       07/02/2030      
3 Month
STIBOR
 
 
    0.287   Quarterly/Annual     (6,799           (6,799
NOK     960       07/02/2030      
6 Month
NIBOR
 
 
    0.890   Semi-Annual/Annual     (1,816           (1,816
NOK     540       07/10/2030      
6 Month
NIBOR
 
 
    0.900   Semi-Annual/Annual     (967           (967
NOK     8,040       08/11/2030      
6 Month
NIBOR
 
 
    0.825   Semi-Annual/Annual     (21,522           (21,522
NZD     890       08/27/2030       0.565%      
3 Month
BKBM
 
 
  Semi-Annual/Quarterly     2,433           —       2,433  
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $     350,884     $ (1   $     350,885  
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    49


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Swap
Counterparty &
Referenced
Obligation
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
August 31,
2020
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sale Contracts

 

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

             

CDX-CMBX.
NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    3.00     Monthly       23.08   USD 8     $ (2,536   $ (786   $ (1,750

CDX-CMBX.
NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    3.00       Monthly       23.08     USD 70       (22,190     (8,871     (13,319

Credit Suisse International

             

CDX-CMBX.
NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    3.00       Monthly       23.08     USD 81       (25,678     (7,834     (17,844

CDX-CMBX.
NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    3.00       Monthly       23.08     USD 3       (951     (297     (654

CDX-CMBX.
NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    3.00       Monthly       23.08     USD 54       (17,114     (5,360     (11,754

CDX-CMBX.
NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    3.00       Monthly       23.08     USD  138       (43,746     (16,849     (26,897

CDX-CMBX.
NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    3.00       Monthly       23.08     USD 4       (1,268     (492     (776

Goldman Sachs International

             

CDX-CMBX.
NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    3.00       Monthly       23.08     USD 149       (47,220     (21,244     (25,976

CDX-CMBX.
NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    3.00       Monthly       23.08     USD 69       (21,874     (6,477     (15,397

CDX-CMBX.
NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    3.00       Monthly       23.08     USD 7       (2,219     (883     (1,336

 

50    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Swap
Counterparty &
Referenced
Obligation
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
August 31,
2020
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

CDX-CMBX.
NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    3.00 %       Monthly       23.08 %     USD 26     $ (8,242   $ (3,281   $ (4,961
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $   (193,038   $   (72,374   $   (120,664
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Termination date

INFLATION (CPI) SWAPS (see Note D)

 

                Rate Type                          
Swap
Counterparty
  Notional
Amount
(000)
    Termination
Date
    Payments
made
by the
Fund
    Payments
received
by the
Fund
    Payment
Frequency
Paid
Received
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 2,083       09/20/2020       2.263     CPI     Maturity     $ (40,221   $     $ (40,221

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 2,079       10/15/2020       2.208     CPI     Maturity       (34,145           (34,145

Barclays Bank PLC

  USD 1,067       10/15/2020       2.210     CPI     Maturity       (17,579           (17,579

Citibank, NA

  USD   1,520       10/17/2020       2.220     CPI     Maturity       (25,269           (25,269
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $   (117,214   $   —     $   (117,214
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

#

Variable interest rate based on the rate of inflation as determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

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
    Payment
Frequency
Paid/
Received
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Citibank, NA

  USD   195       10/09/2029       1.120     SIFMA     Quarterly     $ (10,849   $     $ (10,849

Citibank, NA

  USD 195       10/09/2029       1.125     SIFMA     Quarterly       (10,948           (10,948
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $   (21,797   $   —     $   (21,797
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Variable interest rate based on the Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Municipal Swap Index.

TOTAL RETURN SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
  Rate
Paid/
Received
    Payment
Frequency
    Current
Notional
(000)
    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Receive Total Return on Reference Obligation

 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

         

Swiss Marketing Index Future

    0.14     Maturity     USD 750       09/30/2020     $ – 0  – 

Swiss Marketing Index Future

    0.14     Maturity     USD   30,357       09/30/2020       – 0  – 

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    51


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
  Rate
Paid/
Received
    Payment
Frequency
    Current
Notional
(000)
    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Pay Total Return on Reference Obligation

 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

         

Swiss Marketing Index Future

    0.00     Maturity     CHF 101       09/18/2020     $ 3,139  
         

 

 

 
          $     3,139  
         

 

 

 

 

(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 August 31, 2020, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $4,455,440 or 4.9% of net assets.

 

(b)

Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities, which represent 0.30% of net assets as of August 31, 2020, are considered illiquid and restricted. Additional information regarding such securities follows:

 

144A/Restricted & Illiquid
Securities
   Acquisition
Date
     Cost      Market
Value
     Percentage of
Net Assets
 

Massachusetts Development
Finance Agency
(Zero Waste Solutions LLC)
Series 2017
8.00%, 12/01/2022

     12/07/2017      $     213,776      $     188,002        0.21

Massachusetts Development
Finance Agency
(Zero Waste Solutions LLC)
Series 2017A
7.75%, 12/01/2044

     12/07/2017        100,000        80,000        0.09

 

(c)

An auction rate security whose interest rate resets at each auction date. Auctions are typically held every week or month. The rate shown is as of August 31, 2020 and the aggregate market value of this security amounted to $169,969 or 0.19% of net assets.

 

(d)

Non-income producing security.

 

(e)

Defaulted.

 

(f)

When-Issued or delayed delivery security.

 

(g)

Variable Rate Demand Notes are instruments whose interest rates change on a specific date (such as coupon date or interest payment date) or whose interest rates vary with changes in a designated base rate (such as the prime interest rate). This instrument is payable on demand and is secured by letters of credit or other credit support agreements from major banks.

 

(h)

To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

(i)

Floating Rate Security. Stated interest/floor/ceiling rate was in effect at August 31, 2020.

 

(j)

One contract relates to 1 share.

As of August 31, 2020, the Fund’s percentages of investments in municipal bonds that are insured and in insured municipal bonds that have been pre-refunded or escrowed to maturity are 4.1% and 0.0%, respectively.

 

52    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD – Australian Dollar

BRL – Brazilian Real

CAD – Canadian Dollar

CHF – Swiss Franc

CLP – Chilean Peso

CNY – Chinese Yuan Renminbi

COP – Colombian Peso

CZK – Czech Koruna

EUR – Euro

GBP – Great British Pound

HUF – Hungarian Forint

IDR – Indonesian Rupiah

INR – Indian Rupee

JPY – Japanese Yen

MXN – Mexican Peso

NOK – Norwegian Krone

NZD – New Zealand Dollar

PEN – Peruvian Sol

PHP – Philippine Peso

PLN – Polish Zloty

RUB – Russian Ruble

SEK – Swedish Krona

THB – Thailand Baht

TWD – New Taiwan Dollar

USD – United States Dollar

ZAR – South African Rand

Glossary:

AGM – Assured Guaranty Municipal

BKBM – Bank Bill Benchmark (New Zealand)

CBT – Chicago Board of Trade

CPI – Consumer Price Index

ETF – Exchange Traded Fund

ETM – Escrowed to Maturity

ETS – Emission Trading Scheme

FTSE – Financial Times Stock Exchange

LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate

MSCI – Morgan Stanley Capital International

NATL – National Interstate Corporation

NIBOR – Norwegian Interbank Offered Rate

OMXS – Stockholm Stock Exchange

OSE – Osaka Securities Exchange

REIT – Real Estate Investment Trust

SPI – Share Price Index

STIBOR – Stockholm Interbank Offered Rate

TOPIX – Tokyo Price Index

TSX – Toronto Stock Exchange

See notes to financial statements.

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    53


 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES

August 31, 2020

 

Assets

 

Investments in securities, at value (cost $77,281,745)

   $ 79,850,968  

Cash

     8,975,781  

Cash collateral due from broker

     2,992,899  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $588,819)

     603,048  

Unaffiliated interest and dividends receivable

     697,256  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     173,559  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     145,939  

Receivable for shares of beneficial interest sold

     51,790  

Receivable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

     45,328  

Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps

     3,139  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     719  

Other assets

     94  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     93,540,520  
  

 

 

 
Liabilities

 

Options written, at value (premiums received $74,980)

     72,299  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     2,466,665  

Market value on credit default swaps (net premiums received $72,374)

     193,038  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     143,015  

Payable for variation margin on futures

     118,448  

Unrealized depreciation on inflation swaps

     117,214  

Payable for shares of beneficial interest redeemed

     99,233  

Payable for terminated interest rate swaps

     42,526  

Unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps

     21,797  

Advisory fee payable

     18,140  

Distribution fee payable

     14,095  

Payable for terminated total return swaps

     11,159  

Trustees’ fees payable

     4,143  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     3,263  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     143,875  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     3,468,910  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 90,071,610  
  

 

 

 
Composition of Net Assets

 

Shares of beneficial interest, at par

   $ 76  

Additional paid-in capital

     92,233,856  

Accumulated loss

     (2,162,322
  

 

 

 
   $     90,071,610  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—unlimited shares authorized, $.00001 par value

 

Class   Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 

 

 
A   $   54,676,733          4,623,691        $   11.83

 

 
C   $ 4,131,166          342,474        $ 12.06  

 

 
Advisor   $ 31,263,711          2,639,806        $ 11.84  

 

 

 

*

The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $12.36 which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%.

See notes to financial statements.

 

54    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended August 31, 2020

 

Investment Income     

Interest

   $     1,970,600    

Dividends

    

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $46,296)

     1,498,929    

Affiliated issuers

     30,484     $ 3,500,013  
  

 

 

   
Expenses     

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     527,915    

Distribution fee—Class A

     149,842    

Distribution fee—Class B

     992    

Distribution fee—Class C

     48,780    

Transfer agency—Class A

     47,620    

Transfer agency—Class B

     113    

Transfer agency—Class C

     4,065    

Transfer agency—Advisor Class

     24,552    

Custody and accounting

     170,716    

Audit and tax

     94,068    

Registration fees

     53,397    

Printing

     38,120    

Legal

     31,755    

Trustees’ fees

     17,992    

Miscellaneous

     30,760    
  

 

 

   

Total expenses

     1,240,687    

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B)

     (336,122  
  

 

 

   

Net expenses

       904,565  
    

 

 

 

Net investment income

       2,595,448  
    

 

 

 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment and Foreign Currency Transactions     

Net realized gain (loss) on:

    

Investment transactions(a)

       (4,586,268

Forward currency exchange contracts

       141,566  

Futures

       1,302,087  

Options written

       (987,273

Swaps

       (1,779,466

Foreign currency transactions

       125,192  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

    

Investments(b)

       (2,224,063

Forward currency exchange contracts

       (50,730

Futures

       1,689,363  

Options written

       (169,399

Swaps

       292,491  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

       234,687  
    

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

       (6,011,813
    

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets from Operations

     $     (3,416,365
    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Net of foreign capital gains taxes of $5,617.

 

(b)

Net of increase in accrued foreign capital gains taxes of $1,181.

See notes to financial statements.

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    55


 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations     

Net investment income

   $ 2,595,448     $ 3,024,235  

Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (5,784,162     1,008,470  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (227,651     2,904,806  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (3,416,365     6,937,511  

Distributions to Shareholders

    

Class A

     (2,986,845     (4,034,999

Class B

     (1,897     (29,949

Class C

     (201,470     (347,801

Advisor Class

     (1,617,428     (2,148,472
Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest     

Net decrease

     (5,914,904     (8,588,886
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease

     (14,138,909     (8,212,596
Net Assets     

Beginning of period

         104,210,519       112,423,115  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $     90,071,610     $     104,210,519  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

56    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

August 31, 2020

 

NOTE A

Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Portfolios (the “Company”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open end management investment company. The Company, which is a Massachusetts Business Trust, operates as a series company currently comprised of six series. Each series is considered to be a separate entity for financial reporting and tax purposes. This report relates to the AB Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio (the “Fund”). The Fund offers Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares. Class B shares have been authorized but currently are not offered. Effective August 2, 2019, sales of Class B shares were suspended. On November 7, 2019, all remaining outstanding Class B shares of the Fund were converted to Class A shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A shares redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase, and 0% after the first year of purchase. Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares ten years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Advisor Class shares are sold without any initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All four classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Company’s Board of Trustees (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

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    57


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g., last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements

 

58    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

or other available documents. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Fund generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

   

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates, 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

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO    |    59


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

unobservable and significant to the fair value, these investments will be 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 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.

 

60    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of August 31, 2020:

 

Investments in

Securities:       

  Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets:

       

Long-Term Municipal Bonds

  $ – 0  –    $ 46,725,765     $ – 0  –    $ 46,725,765  

Short-Term Municipal Notes

      3,682,757         3,682,757  

Common Stocks:

       

Health Care

    2,579,495       1,600,504       – 0  –      4,179,999  

Consumer Staples

    2,844,506       832,902       – 0  –      3,677,408  

Financials

    1,500,433       1,113,413       – 0  –      2,613,846  

Industrials

    1,505,644       910,411       – 0  –      2,416,055  

Communication Services

    1,248,786       502,622       – 0  –      1,751,408  

Utilities

    1,028,873       556,396       – 0  –      1,585,269  

Information Technology

    1,289,609       170,955       – 0  –      1,460,564  

Consumer Discretionary

    195,629       1,006,149       – 0  –      1,201,778  

Energy

    739,437       277,373       – 0  –      1,016,810  

Materials

    330,804       665,597       – 0  –      996,401  

Real Estate

    – 0  –      253,959       – 0  –      253,959  

Preferred Stocks

    6,110,505       – 0  –      – 0  –      6,110,505  

Investment Companies

    1,924,372       – 0  –      – 0  –      1,924,372  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

    – 0  –      254,072       – 0  –      254,072  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

    21,298,093       58,552,875       – 0  –      79,850,968  

Other Financial Instruments(a):

       

Assets:

 

Futures

    1,745,390       106,755       – 0  –      1,852,145 (b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

    – 0  –      173,559       – 0  –      173,559  

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps

    – 0  –      354,075       – 0  –      354,075 (b) 

Centrally Cleared Inflation (CPI) Swaps

    – 0  –      198,387       – 0  –      198,387 (b) 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

    – 0  –      394,514       – 0  –      394,514 (b) 

Total Return Swaps

    – 0  –      3,139       – 0  –      3,139  

Liabilities:

 

Futures

    (26,523     (50,981     – 0  –      (77,504 )(b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

    – 0  –      (143,015     – 0  –      (143,015

Call Options Written

    – 0  –      (25,220     – 0  –      (25,220

Put Options Written

    – 0  –      (47,079     – 0  –      (47,079

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps

    – 0  –      (60,023     – 0  –      (60,023 )(b) 

Centrally Cleared Inflation (CPI) Swaps

    – 0  –      (3,710     – 0  –      (3,710 )(b) 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

    – 0  –      (43,630     – 0  –      (43,630 )(b) 

Credit Default Swaps

    – 0  –      (193,038     – 0  –      (193,038

Inflation (CPI) Swaps

    – 0  –      (117,214     – 0  –      (117,214

Interest Rate Swaps

    – 0  –      (21,797     – 0  –      (21,797
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $     23,016,960     $     59,077,597     $     – 0  –    $     82,094,557 (c) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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 swaps with upfront premiums, options written and swaptions written which are valued at market value.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(b)

Only variation margin receivable/(payable) at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures and centrally cleared swaps as reported in the portfolio of investments. Where applicable, centrally cleared swaps with upfront premiums are presented here at market value.

 

(c)

The amount of $8,407,002 for Long-Term Municipal Bonds was transferred out of Level 3 into Level 2 as improved transparency of price inputs received from pricing vendors has increased the observability during the reporting period.

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, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

It is the Fund’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.

 

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5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. The Fund accounts for distributions received from REIT investments or from regulated investment companies dividend income, realized gain, or return of capital based on information provided by the REIT or the investment company.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Company are charged proportionately to each series 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 “Advisory Agreement”), the Fund 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 Fund’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive advisory fees and/or to bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transactions costs), on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to .99%, 1.74% and .74% of the daily average net assets for the Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares, respectively. For the year ended August 31, 2020, such reimbursement amounted to $330,396. The Expense Caps will remain in effect through December 31, 2020.

 

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The Fund compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. ABIS may make payments to intermediaries that provide omnibus account services, sub-accounting services and/or networking services. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $39,410 for the year ended August 31, 2020.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor has advised the Fund that it has retained front-end sales charges of $728 from the sale of Class A shares and received $106 and $114 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A and Class C shares, respectively, for the year ended August 31, 2020.

The Fund may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2021. In connection with the investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended August 31, 2020, such waiver amounted to $5,726.

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended August 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

Fund

  Market Value
8/31/19
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Market Value
8/31/20
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $     2,371     $     66,084     $     68,455     $     – 0  –    $     30  

During the second quarter of 2018, AXA S.A. (“AXA”), a French holding company for the AXA Group, completed the sale of a minority stake in its subsidiary, AXA Equitable Holdings, Inc. (now named Equitable Holdings, Inc.)(“Equitable”), through an initial public offering. Equitable is the holding company for a diverse group of financial services companies, including an approximately 65.3% economic interest in the Adviser and a 100% interest

 

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in AllianceBernstein Corporation, the general partner of the Adviser. Since the initial sale, AXA has completed additional offerings, most recently during the fourth quarter of 2019. As a result, AXA currently owns less than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Equitable, and no longer owns a controlling interest in Equitable. AXA previously announced its intention to sell its entire interest in Equitable over time, subject to market conditions and other factors (the “Plan”). Most of AXA’s remaining Equitable shares are to be delivered on redemption of AXA bonds mandatorily exchangeable into Equitable shares and maturing in May 2021. AXA retains sole discretion to determine the timing of any future sales of its remaining shares of Equitable common stock.

Sales under the Plan that were completed on November 13, 2019 resulted in the indirect transfer of a “controlling block” of voting securities of the Adviser (a “Change of Control Event”) and may have been deemed to have been an “assignment” causing a termination of the Fund’s investment advisory and administration agreements. In order to ensure that investment advisory and administration services could continue uninterrupted in the event of a Change of Control Event, the Board previously approved new investment advisory and administration agreements with the Adviser, and shareholders of the Fund subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C

Distribution Plan

The Fund has adopted a Plan for each class of shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Plan”). Under the Plan, the Fund pays distribution and servicing fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares and 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to both Class B and Class C shares. There are no distribution and servicing fees on the Advisor Class shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. Payments under the Plan in respect of Class A shares are currently limited to an annual rate of .25% of Class A shares’ average daily net assets. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities. The Fund is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution services fee 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 Fund’s 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

 

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reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities Exchange Commission as being a “compensation” plan.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution services fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Fund to the Distributor with respect to the relevant class. The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.

NOTE D

Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $     30,063,194      $     42,199,634  

U.S. government securities

     255,625        – 0  – 

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Cost

   $     77,691,798  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 8,379,997  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (5,780,767
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 2,599,230  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Fund may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.

The principal types of derivatives utilized by the Fund, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:

 

   

Futures

The Fund may buy or sell futures for investment purposes or for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of potential movements in the market. The Fund bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and movements in the price of the assets, reference rates or indices which they are designed to track. Among other things, the Fund may purchase or sell futures for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in

 

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foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

At the time the Fund enters into futures, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. The credit/counterparty risk for exchange-traded futures is generally less than privately negotiated futures, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded future, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the time it was closed.

Use of long futures subjects the Fund 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 Fund 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 year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

The Fund may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on forward currency exchange contracts. Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange

 

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contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Fund. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Option Transactions

For hedging and investment purposes, the Fund may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities, including government securities, and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. Among other things, the Fund may use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions” and may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, for hedging and investment purposes.

The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. If a put or call option purchased by the Fund were permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the Fund. Put and call options purchased are accounted for in the same manner as portfolio securities. The cost of securities acquired through the exercise of call options is increased by premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid.

When the Fund writes an option, the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the option written. The Fund’s maximum payment for written put options equates to the number of shares multiplied by the strike price. 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. Premiums received from written options which expire unexercised are recorded by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains from options written. The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium received is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised,

 

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the premium received is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium received reduces the cost basis of the security or currency purchased by the Fund. In writing an option, the Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security or currency underlying the written option. Exercise of an option written by the Fund could result in the Fund selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held written options for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Swaps

The Fund may enter into swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rates. The Fund may also enter into swaps for non-hedging purposes as a means of gaining market exposures, 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 Fund in accordance with the terms of the respective swaps to provide value and recourse to the Fund or its counterparties in the event of default, bankruptcy or insolvency by one of the parties to the swap.

Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap to comply with the terms of the swap. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interim payment to be received by the Fund, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Fund considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap in evaluating potential counterparty risk. This risk is mitigated by having a netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Fund to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities. The Fund accrues for the interim payments on swaps on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of assets and liabilities, where applicable. Once the interim payments are settled in cash, the net

 

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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 for over the counter (“OTC”) swaps are recognized as cost or proceeds on the statement of assets and liabilities and are amortized on a straight line basis over the life of the contract. Amortized upfront premiums are included in net realized gain/(loss) from swaps on the statement of operations. Fluctuations in the value of swaps are recorded as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of operations.

Certain standardized swaps, including certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps, are (or soon will be) subject to mandatory central clearing. Cleared swaps are transacted through futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) that are members of central clearinghouses, with the clearinghouse serving as central counterparty, similar to transactions in futures contracts. Centralized clearing will be required for additional categories of swaps on a phased-in basis based on requirements published by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

At the time the Fund enters into a centrally cleared swap, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the clearinghouse on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. The credit/counterparty risk for centrally cleared swaps is generally less than non-centrally cleared swaps, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each centrally cleared swap, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the time it was closed.

Interest Rate Swaps:

The Fund is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Because the Fund holds fixed rate bonds, the value of these bonds may decrease if interest rates rise. To help hedge against this risk and to maintain its ability to generate income at prevailing market rates, the Fund may enter into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are agreements between two

 

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parties to exchange cash flows based on a notional amount. The Fund may elect to pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate, or, receive a fixed rate and pay a floating rate on a notional amount.

In addition, the Fund may also enter into interest rate swap transactions to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, or protecting against an increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments) computed based on a contractually-based principal (or “notional”) amount. Interest rate swaps are entered into on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments).

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held interest rate swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Inflation (CPI) Swaps:

Inflation swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index (the Consumer Price Index with respect to CPI swaps) over the term of the swap (with some lag on the inflation index), and the other pays a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swaps may be used to protect the net asset value, or NAV, of a Fund against an unexpected change in the rate of inflation measured by an inflation index since the value of these agreements is expected to increase if there are unexpected inflation increases.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held inflation (CPI) swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Credit Default Swaps:

The Fund may enter into credit default swaps, including to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its risk exposure to defaults by corporate and sovereign issuers held by the Fund, or to create exposure to corporate or sovereign issuers to which it is not otherwise exposed. The Fund may purchase credit protection (“Buy Contract”) or provide credit protection (“Sale Contract”) on the referenced obligation of the credit default swap. During the term of the swap, the Fund receives/(pays) fixed payments from/(to) the respective counterparty, calculated at the agreed upon rate applied to the notional amount. If the Fund is a buyer/(seller) of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap, the Fund will either (i) receive from the seller/(pay to the buyer) of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the

 

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swap (the “Maximum Payout Amount”) and deliver/(take delivery of) the referenced obligation or (ii) receive/(pay) a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation. In certain circumstances Maximum Payout Amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront premium received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swaps entered into by the Fund for the same referenced obligations with the same counterparty.

Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if a Fund had invested in the referenced obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. If the Fund is a buyer of protection and no credit event occurs, it will lose the payments it made to its counterparty. If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, the value of the referenced obligation received by the Fund coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the Maximum Payout Amount it pays to the buyer, resulting in a net loss to the Fund.

Implied credit spreads over U.S. Treasuries of comparable maturity utilized in determining the market value of credit default swaps on issuers as of period end are disclosed in the portfolio of investments. The implied spreads serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and typically reflect the likelihood of default 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 year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held credit default swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Total Return Swaps:

The Fund may enter into total return swaps in order to take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset. The Fund is subject to market price volatility of the underlying referenced asset. A total return swap involves commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market linked return based on a notional amount. To the extent that the total return of the security, group of securities or

 

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index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Fund will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held total return swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

The Fund typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) with its OTC derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to OTC counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund typically may offset with the OTC counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default or termination. In the event of a default by an OTC counterparty, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Fund’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.

The Fund’s ISDA Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the Fund decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered, the Fund’s OTC counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Fund to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. If OTC derivatives were held at period end, please refer to netting arrangements by the OTC counterparty table below for additional details.

During the year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund 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 futures

 

$

12,051

 

Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures

 

$

  17,524

Equity contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures       1,840,094   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures     59,980

Credit contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps     214,960    

 

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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 centrally cleared swaps

 

$

592,901

 

Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

 

$

47,339

Foreign currency contracts

 

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

 

 

173,559

 

 

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

 

 

143,015

 

Equity contracts

      Options written, at value     72,299  

Interest rate contracts

     

Unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps

 

 

21,797

 

Interest rate contracts

     

Unrealized depreciation on inflation swaps

 

 

117,214

 

Credit contracts

      Market value on credit default swaps     193,038  

Equity contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps     3,139      
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    $   2,836,704       $   672,206  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

*

Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures and centrally cleared swaps as reported in the portfolio of investments.

 

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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   $ 541,742     $ 13,193  

Equity contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures     760,345       1,676,170  

Foreign currency contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts     141,566       (50,730

Equity contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on options written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of options written     (987,273     (169,399

Interest rate contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps     1,841       210,863  

Credit contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps     20,296       78,489  

Equity contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps     (1,801,603     3,139  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    $   (1,323,086   $   1,761,725  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Fund’s derivative transactions during the year ended August 31, 2020:

 

Futures:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $     23,495,847  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 5,371,193  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 17,866,035  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 17,833,091  

Options Written:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 17,710,252  

Interest Rate Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 394,798 (a) 

Inflation Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 9,643,769  

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 12,717,680  

Centrally Cleared Inflation Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 5,063,385  

Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 609,000  

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 955,556 (b) 

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 3,314,632 (c) 

Total Return Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 29,121,958  

 

(a)

Positions were open for eleven months during the year.

 

(b)

Positions were open for nine months during the year.

 

(c)

Positions were open for three months during the year.

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Fund as of August 31, 2020. Exchange-traded derivatives

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

  Derivative
Assets
Subject
to a MA
    Derivatives
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Received*
    Security
Collateral
Received*
    Net
Amount of
Derivative
Assets
 

Bank of America, NA

  $ 8,815     $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ 8,815  

Barclays Bank PLC

    15,018       (15,018     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Deutsche Bank AG

    8,320       (1,551     – 0  –      – 0  –      6,769  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA/Goldman Sachs International

    46,096       (46,096     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

HSBC Bank USA

    7,092       (6,516     – 0  –      – 0  –      576  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

    25,462       (13,502     – 0  –      – 0  –      11,960  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc./Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

    4,455       – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      4,455  

Natwest Markets PLC

    912       – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      912  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    60,528       (46,201     – 0  –      – 0  –      14,327  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $   176,698     $   (128,884   $     – 0  –    $     – 0  –    $   47,814 ^ 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Counterparty

  Derivative
Liabilities
Subject
to a MA
    Derivatives
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Pledged*
    Security
Collateral
Pledged*
    Net
Amount of
Derivative
Liabilities
 

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 94,552     $ (15,018   $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ 79,534  

Citibank, NA

    70,555       – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      70,555  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

    24,726       – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      24,726  

Credit Suisse International

    88,757       – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      88,757  

Deutsche Bank AG

    1,551       (1,551     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Goldman Sachs Bank USA/Goldman Sachs International

    201,003       (46,096     (154,907     – 0  –      – 0  – 

HSBC Bank USA

    6,516       (6,516     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

    13,502       (13,502     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    46,201       (46,201     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $   547,363     $   (128,884   $   (154,907   $     – 0  –    $   263,572 ^ 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

The actual collateral received/pledged may be 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.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

2. Currency Transactions

The Fund may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Fund may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Fund may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Fund may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E

Shares of Beneficial Interest

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:

 

          
     Shares           Amount  
     Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
          Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
 
  

 

 

 
Class A

 

Shares sold

     215,245       98,859       $ 2,743,264     $ 1,184,752  

 

 

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     212,644       303,032         2,623,471       3,579,464  

 

 

Shares converted from Class B

     42,297       7,222         546,700       88,478  

 

 

Shares converted from Class C

     78,955       137,933         946,823       1,720,815  

 

 

Shares redeemed

     (1,024,381     (884,188       (11,875,720     (10,679,260

 

 

Net decrease

     (475,240     (337,142     $ (5,015,462   $ (4,105,751

 

 
          

Class B

 

Shares sold

     225       3,036       $ 2,968     $ 38,131  

 

 

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     133       2,326         1,757       27,985  

 

 

Shares converted to Class A

     (41,244     (7,049       (546,700     (88,478

 

 

Shares redeemed

     (314     (4,521       (4,141     (55,632

 

 

Net decrease

     (41,200     (6,208     $ (546,116   $ (77,994

 

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

          
     Shares           Amount  
     Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
          Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
 
  

 

 

 

Class C

 

Shares sold

     55,349       39,486       $ 617,544     $ 489,541  

 

 

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     14,105       26,440         178,494       316,063  

 

 

Shares converted to Class A

     (77,461     (135,523       (946,823     (1,720,815

 

 

Shares redeemed

     (75,986     (76,278       (879,064     (962,037

 

 

Net decrease

     (83,993     (145,875     $ (1,029,849   $ (1,877,248

 

 
          

Advisor Class

 

Shares sold

     1,001,535       395,600       $ 11,746,117     $ 4,802,530  

 

 

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     101,699       152,930         1,253,140       1,807,364  

 

 

Shares redeemed

     (1,059,496     (745,910       (12,322,734     (9,137,787

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     43,738       (197,380     $ 676,523     $ (2,527,893

 

 

NOTE F

Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund

Market Risk—The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market.

Allocation Risk—The allocation of investments among different investment styles, such as equity or debt, growth or value, U.S. or non-U.S. securities, or diversification strategies, may have a more significant effect on the Fund’s net asset value, or NAV, when one of these investments is performing more poorly than another.

Credit Risk—An issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to a derivatives or other contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The issuer or guarantor may default, causing a loss of the full principal amount of a security and accrued interest. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. There is the possibility that the credit rating of a fixed-income security may be downgraded after purchase, which may adversely affect the value of the security. Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

known as “junk bonds”) are subject to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations.

High Yield Debt 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.

Interest Rate Risk—Changes in interest rates will affect the value of investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of existing investments in fixed-income securities tends to fall and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from new investments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations.

Inflation Risk—This is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the value of the Fund’s assets can decline as can the value of the Fund’s distributions. This risk is significantly greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities.

Municipal Market Risk—This is the risk that special factors may adversely affect the value of municipal securities and have a significant effect on the yield or value of the Fund’s investments in municipal securities. These factors include economic conditions, political or legislative changes, uncertainties related to the tax status of municipal securities, or the rights of investors in these securities. To the extent that the Fund invests more of its assets in a particular state’s municipal securities, the Fund may be vulnerable to events adversely affecting that state, including economic, political and regulatory occurrences, court decisions, terrorism and catastrophic natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes. The Fund’s investments in certain municipal securities with principal and interest payments that are made from the revenues of a specific project or facility, and not general tax revenues, may have increased risks. Factors affecting the project or facility, such as local business or economic conditions, could have a significant effect on the project’s ability to make payments of principal and interest on these securities.

Real Estate Risk—The Fund’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 real estate investment trusts, or “REITs”, may have additional risks. REITs are

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

dependent on the capability of their managers, may have limited diversification, and could be significantly affected by changes in tax laws.

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 more difficult to trade due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.

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.

Derivatives Risk—The Fund may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

Leverage Risk—When the Fund borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s investments. The Fund may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of other types of derivative instruments by the Fund, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Fund than if the Fund were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.

Illiquid Investments Risk—Illiquid investments risk exists when certain investments are or become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling such investments may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Fund. Causes of illiquid investments risk may include low trading volumes and large positions. Foreign fixed-income securities may have more illiquid investments risk because secondary trading markets for these securities may be smaller and less well developed and the securities may trade less frequently. Illiquid investments risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally go down.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

LIBOR Risk—The Fund may invest in certain debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. Although financial regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, such as European Interbank Offer Rate (“EURIBOR”), Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA”) and Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), global consensus on alternative rates is lacking and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition away from LIBOR is underway but remains unclear. The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition away from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, adversely affecting the Fund’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Fund has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

Management Risk—The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively-managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results. The Fund’s tax-management strategies may result in it forgoing performance in favor of tax benefits that may not materialize, or may result in

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

pre-tax performance that is lower than that of funds that do not use tax-management strategies.

NOTE G

Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize the Facility during the year ended August 31, 2020.

NOTE H

Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

         2020         2019  

Distributions paid from:

    

Ordinary income

   $ 1,888,525     $ 5,393,455  

Net long-term capital gains

     – 0  –      829,397  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 1,888,525     $ 6,222,852  

Tax-exempt income

     2,919,115       338,369  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

   $   4,807,640     $   6,561,221  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of August 31, 2020, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 109,105  

Undistributed tax-exempt income

     72,276  

Accumulated capital and other losses

     (5,056,488 )(a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     2,712,786 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $     (2,162,321
  

 

 

 

 

(a)

As of August 31, 2020, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $4,968,348. As of August 31, 2020, the cumulative deferred loss on straddles was $88,140.

 

(b)

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments, the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), the tax treatment of swaps, and the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2020, the Fund had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $4,968,348, which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

During the current fiscal year, there were no permanent differences that resulted in adjustments to accumulated loss or additional paid-in capital.

NOTE I

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. ASU 2017-08 does not require any accounting change for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. ASU 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Fund has adopted ASU 2017-08, which did not have a material impact on the Fund’s financial position or the results of its operations, and had no impact on the Fund’s net assets.

NOTE J

Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements through this date.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

     Class A  
     Year Ended August 31,  
     2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $  12.75       $  12.68       $  13.93       $  13.20       $  13.32  
  

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

          

Net investment income(a)(b)

     .32       .35       .36        .34       .17  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (.64     .49       (.01     .65       .37  

Contributions from Affiliates

     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      .00 (c) 
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

     (.32     .84       .35       .99       .54  
  

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

          

Dividends from net investment income

     (.60     (.37     (.69     (.19     (.21

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

     – 0  –      (.40     (.91     (.07     (.45
  

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

     (.60     (.77     (1.60     (.26     (.66
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

     $  11.83       $  12.75       $  12.68       $  13.93       $  13.20  
  

 

 

 

Total Return

          

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

     (2.72 )%      7.22  %      2.54  %+       7.64  %+      4.19  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

     $54,677       $64,994       $68,946       $77,486       $73,526  

Ratio to average net assets of:

          

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

     .98  %      .99  %      .99  %      1.08  %      1.13  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

     1.33  %      1.35  %      1.31  %      1.25  %      1.19  % 

Net investment income(b)

     2.66  %      2.85  %      2.77  %       2.57  %      1.31  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

     35  %      22  %      50  %      85  %      25  % 
          
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

     .02  %      .02  %      .04  %      .11  %      .16  % 

See footnote summary on page 88.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

     Class C  
     Year Ended August 31,  
     2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $  12.98       $  12.90       $  13.93       $  13.19       $  13.30  
  

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

          

Net investment income(a)(b)

     .24       .26       .27       .23†       .07  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (.66     .49       (.02     .66       .37  

Contributions from Affiliates

     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      .00 (c) 
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

     (.42     .75       .25       .89       .44  
  

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

          

Dividends from net investment income

     (.50     (.27     (.37     (.08     (.10

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

     – 0  –      (.40     (.91     (.07     (.45
  

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

     (.50     (.67     (1.28     (.15     (.55
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

     $  12.06       $  12.98       $  12.90       $  13.93       $  13.19  
  

 

 

 

Total Return

          

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

     (3.37 )%      6.33  %      1.83  %+       6.82  %+      3.40  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

     $4,131       $5,537       $7,383       $11,986       $24,955  

Ratio to average net assets of:

          

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

     1.73  %      1.74  %      1.74  %      1.86  %      1.89  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

     2.09  %      2.10  %      2.05  %      1.99  %      1.94  % 

Net investment income(b)

     1.92  %      2.11  %      2.02  %       1.72  %      .56  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

     35  %      22  %      50  %      85  %      25  % 
          
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

     .02  %      .02  %      .04  %      .11  %      .16  % 

See footnote summary on page 88.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

     Advisor Class  
     Year Ended August 31,  
     2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $  12.77       $  12.70       $  13.96       $  13.24       $  13.36  
  

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

          

Net investment income(a)(b)

     .35       .38       .39        .37       .20  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (.65     .49       .00 (c)      .64       .38  

Contributions from Affiliates

     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      .00 (c) 
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

     (.30     .87       .39       1.01       .58  
  

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

          

Dividends from net investment income

     (.63     (.40     (.74     (.22     (.25

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

     – 0  –      (.40     (.91     (.07     (.45
  

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

     (.63     (.80     (1.65     (.29     (.70
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

     $  11.84       $  12.77       $  12.70       $  13.96       $  13.24  
  

 

 

 

Total Return

          

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

     (2.47 )%      7.48  %      2.95  %       7.84  %+      4.48  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

          

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

     $31,264       $33,141       $35,479       $39,646       $39,382  

Ratio to average net assets of:

          

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

     .73  %      .74  %      .74  %      .84  %      .89  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)

     1.08  %      1.10  %      1.06  %      1.00  %      .94  % 

Net investment income(b)

     2.91  %      3.10  %      3.02  %       2.81  %      1.55  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

     35  %      22  %      50  %      85  %      25  % 
          
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

     .02  %      .02  %      .04  %      .11  %      .16  % 

See footnote summary on page 88.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)

Net of expenses waived/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. Initial sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges are not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(e)

In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2017, such waiver amounted to .01% and .04%, respectively.

 

(f)

The expense ratios presented below exclude bank overdraft expense:

 

     Year Ended August 31,  
     2020      2019      2018     2017      2016  

Class A

 

Net of waivers/reimbursements

     N/A        N/A        .99     N/A        N/A  

Before waivers/reimbursements

     N/A        N/A        1.30     N/A        N/A  

Class C

 

Net of waivers/reimbursements

     N/A        N/A        1.74     N/A        N/A  

Before waivers/reimbursements

     N/A        N/A        2.04     N/A        N/A  

Advisor Class

 

Net of waivers/reimbursements

     N/A        N/A        .74     N/A        N/A  

Before waivers/reimbursements

     N/A        N/A        1.05     N/A        N/A  

 

For the year ended August 31, 2017, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows:

 

Net Investment
Income Per Share
   Net Investment
Income Ratio
   Total
Return
$.012    .09%    .09%

 

*

Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the years ended August 31, 2018, August 31, 2017 and August 31, 2016 by .01%, .01% and .02%, respectively.

 

+

The net asset value and total return include adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for financial reporting purposes. As such, the net asset value and total return for shareholder transactions may differ from financial statements.

See notes to financial statements.

 

88    |    AB  TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO   abfunds.com


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of

AB Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio (the “Fund”) (one of the series constituting The AB Portfolios (the “Company”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 2020, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the series constituting The AB Portfolios) at August 31, 2020, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (continued)

 

included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2020, by correspondence with the custodian and others or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from others were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

October 29, 2020

 

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2020 FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

(unaudited)

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during the taxable year ended August 31, 2020. For individual shareholders, the Fund designates 71.11% of dividends paid as qualified dividend income. For corporate shareholders, 31.11% of dividends paid qualify for the dividends received deduction. For foreign shareholders, 1.97% of ordinary dividends paid may be considered to be qualifying to be taxed as interest-related dividends.

Shareholders should not use the above information to prepare their income tax returns. The information necessary to complete your income tax returns will be included with your Form 1099-DIV which will be sent to you separately in January 2021.

 

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

TRUSTEES

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1),

Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

  

Robert M. Keith, President and Chief Executive Officer

Jeanette Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Garry L. Moody(1)

Earl D. Weiner(1)

OFFICERS

Morgan C. Harting(2),

Vice President

Daniel J. Loewy(2), Vice President

Emilie D. Wrapp, Clerk

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Analyst

  

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

Vincent S. Noto, Chief Compliance Officer

 

Custodian and Accounting Agent

State Street Bank and Trust Company

State Street Corporation CCB/5

1 Iron Street

Boston, MA 02210

 

Principal Underwriter

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

 

Legal Counsel

Seward & Kissel LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

  

Transfer Agent

AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 786003

San Antonio, TX 78278-6003

Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

 

Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP

5 Times Square

New York, NY 10036

 

1

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

2

The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund’s portfolio are made by the Adviser’s Multi-Asset Solutions Team. Messrs. Harting and Loewy are the investment professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Board of Trustees Information

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Trustees is set forth below.

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

TRUSTEE

   

OTHER PUBLIC

COMPANY

DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENTLY HELD

BY TRUSTEE

INTERESTED TRUSTEE      

Robert M. Keith,#

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

60

(2010)

  Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the head of AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”) since July 2008; Director of ABI and President of the AB Mutual Funds. Previously, he served as Executive Managing Director of ABI from December 2006 to June 2008. Prior to joining ABI in 2006, Executive Managing Director of Bernstein Global Wealth Management, and prior thereto, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Client Service and Sales of the Adviser’s institutional investment management business since 2004. Prior thereto, he was Managing Director and Head of North American Client Service and Sales in the Adviser’s institutional investment management business with which he had been associated since prior to 2004.     77     None
     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

TRUSTEE

   

OTHER PUBLIC

COMPANY

DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENTLY HELD

BY TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES      

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.,##

Chairman of the Board

79
(2005)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (components of semi-conductor manufacturing). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the boards of two education and science-related non-profit organizations. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has been Chairman of the AB Funds since January 2014, and the Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees of such AB Funds since February 2014.     77    

None

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

TRUSTEE

   

OTHER PUBLIC

COMPANY

DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENTLY HELD

BY TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

   

Jorge A. Bermudez,##

69

(2020)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.     77     Moody’s Corporation since April 2011
     

Michael J. Downey,##

76

(2005)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2015 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.     77     None

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

TRUSTEE

   

OTHER PUBLIC

COMPANY

DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENTLY HELD

BY TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

   

Nancy P. Jacklin,##

72

(2006)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008-2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002-May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992-2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985-1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982-1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973-1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.     77     None
     

Jeanette Loeb,##

68

(2020)

  Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund, Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.     77     Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

TRUSTEE

   

OTHER PUBLIC

COMPANY

DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENTLY HELD

BY TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

   

Carol C. McMullen,##

65

(2016)

  Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010-2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016.     77     None

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

TRUSTEE

   

OTHER PUBLIC

COMPANY

DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENTLY HELD

BY TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

   

Garry L. Moody,##

68

(2008)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Trustee Advisory Board of BoardIQ, a biweekly publication focused on issues and news affecting directors of mutual funds. He is also a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council. He has served as a director or trustee, and as Chairman of the Audit Committees, of the AB Funds since 2008.     77     None
     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

TRUSTEE

   

OTHER PUBLIC

COMPANY

DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENTLY HELD

BY TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

   

Earl D. Weiner,##

81

(2007)

  Senior Counsel since 2017, Of Counsel from 2007 to 2016, and Partner prior to then, of the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. He is a former member of the ABA Federal Regulation of Securities Committee Task Force to draft editions of the Fund Director’s Guidebook. He also serves as a director or trustee of various non-profit organizations and has served as Chairman or Vice Chairman of a number of them. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2007 and served as Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds from 2007 until August 2014.     77     None

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Trustees is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal and Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Trustees.

 

***

The information above includes each Trustee’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes and skills relevant to each Trustee’s qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the Fund.

 

#

Mr. Keith is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

##

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Fund’s Officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*
AND AGE
   POSITIONS
HELD WITH TRUST
   PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
Robert M. Keith
60
   President and
Chief Executive Officer
   See biography above.
     

Morgan C. Harting

49

   Vice President    Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Daniel J. Loewy
46
   Vice President    Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. He is also Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions and Chief Investment Officer of Dynamic Asset Allocation.
     
Emilie D. Wrapp
64
   Clerk    Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Clerk of ABI**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015.
     

Michael B. Reyes

44

   Senior Analyst    Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Joseph J. Mantineo
61
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer    Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Phyllis J. Clarke
59
   Controller and Chief Accounting Officer    Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Vincent S. Noto
55
   Chief Compliance Officer    Senior Vice President since 2015 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser** since prior to 2015.

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

The Adviser, ABI and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund.

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (SAI) has additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or AB at (800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

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Operation and Effectiveness of the Fund’s Liquidity Risk Management Program:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Fund to designate an Administrator of the Fund’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Fund’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”). Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Fund’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2020, which covered the period December 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner. Pursuant to the LRMP, the Fund classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, taking into account any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Fund participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP. The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Fund is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Fund’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Fund’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Fund’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP, and there were no liquidity events that impacted the Fund or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

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Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement

The disinterested trustees (the “directors”) of The AB Portfolios (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on August 4-5, 2020 (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 additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund and the money market fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business

 

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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. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2018 and 2019 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s former Senior Officer/Independent Compliance 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 fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors noted that the Fund was not profitable to the Adviser in the periods reviewed.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund and the money market fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests, 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

 

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Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of certain classes of the Fund’s shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Fund’s unprofitability to the Adviser would be exacerbated without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, 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 May 31, 2020 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule, 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 previously discussed these matters with an independent fee consultant.

 

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The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year and the directors considered the Adviser’s expense cap for the Fund. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedules 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 presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also previously discussed economies of scale with an independent fee consultant. 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

 

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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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This page is not part of the Shareholder Report or the Financial Statements.

 

 

AB FAMILY OF FUNDS

 

US EQUITY

CORE

Core Opportunities Fund

FlexFee US Thematic Portfolio

Select US Equity Portfolio

GROWTH

Concentrated Growth Fund

Discovery Growth Fund

FlexFee Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Growth Fund

Large Cap Growth Fund

Small Cap Growth Portfolio

VALUE

Discovery Value Fund

Equity Income Fund

Relative Value Fund

Small Cap Value Portfolio

Value Fund

INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY

CORE

FlexFee International Strategic Core Portfolio

Global Core Equity Portfolio

International Portfolio

International Strategic Core Portfolio

Sustainable Global Thematic Fund

Tax-Managed International Portfolio

Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy

Wealth Appreciation Strategy

INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY (continued)

GROWTH

Concentrated International Growth Portfolio

FlexFee Emerging Markets Growth Portfolio

Sustainable International Thematic Fund

VALUE

All China Equity Portfolio

International Value Fund

FIXED INCOME

MUNICIPAL

High Income Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio

Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy

Tax-Aware Fixed Income Opportunities Portfolio1

National Portfolio

Arizona Portfolio

California Portfolio

Massachusetts Portfolio

Minnesota Portfolio

New Jersey Portfolio

New York Portfolio

Ohio Portfolio

Pennsylvania Portfolio

Virginia Portfolio

FIXED INCOME (continued)

TAXABLE

Bond Inflation Strategy

FlexFee High Yield Portfolio

FlexFee International Bond Portfolio

Global Bond Fund

High Income Fund

Income Fund

Intermediate Duration Portfolio

Limited Duration High Income Portfolio

Short Duration Income Portfolio

Short Duration Portfolio

Total Return Bond Portfolio

ALTERNATIVES

All Market Real Return Portfolio

Global Real Estate Investment Fund

Select US Long/Short Portfolio

MULTI-ASSET

All Market Income Portfolio

All Market Total Return Portfolio

Conservative Wealth Strategy

Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Portfolio

Global Risk Allocation Fund

Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio

CLOSED-END FUNDS

AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund

AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund

 

 

We also offer Government Money Market Portfolio, which serves as the money market fund exchange vehicle for the AB mutual funds. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. The Fund may impose a fee upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

 

1

Prior to February 5, 2020, Tax-Aware Fixed Income Opportunities Portfolio was named Tax-Aware Fixed Income Portfolio.

 

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NOTES

 

 

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LOGO

AB TAX-MANAGED ALL MARKET INCOME PORTFOLIO

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

800 221 5672

 

TAMI-0151-0820                 LOGO


AUG    08.31.20

LOGO

ANNUAL REPORT

AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY

 

LOGO

 

Beginning January 1, 2021, as permitted by new regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling the Fund at (800) 221 5672.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper form free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you can call the Fund at (800) 221 5672. Your election to receive reports in paper form will apply to all funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you invest directly, to all AB Mutual Funds you hold.


 

 

 
Investment Products Offered  

  Are Not FDIC Insured May Lose Value Are Not Bank Guaranteed

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

This shareholder report must be preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s prospectus for individuals who are not current shareholders of the Fund.

You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com, or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227 4618.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC 0330. AB publishes full portfolio holdings for the Fund monthly at www.abfunds.com.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.

The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.


 

FROM THE PRESIDENT    LOGO

Dear Shareholder,

We are pleased to provide this report for AB Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy (the “Fund”). Please review the discussion of Fund performance, the market conditions during the reporting period and the Fund’s investment strategy.

As always, AB strives to keep clients ahead of what’s next by:

 

+   

Transforming uncommon insights into uncommon knowledge with a global research scope

 

+   

Navigating markets with seasoned investment experience and sophisticated solutions

 

+   

Providing thoughtful investment insights and actionable ideas

Whether you’re an individual investor or a multi-billion-dollar institution, we put knowledge and experience to work for you.

AB’s global research organization connects and collaborates across platforms and teams to deliver impactful insights and innovative products. Better insights lead to better opportunities—anywhere in the world.

For additional information about AB’s range of products and shareholder resources, please log on to www.abfunds.com.

Thank you for your investment in the AB Mutual Funds.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Robert M. Keith

President and Chief Executive Officer, AB Mutual Funds

 

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ANNUAL REPORT

 

October 6, 2020

This report provides management’s discussion of fund performance for AB Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy for the annual reporting period ended August 31, 2020.

The Fund’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital.

NAV RETURNS AS OF AUGUST 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

     6 Months      12 Months  
AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY      
Class A Shares      12.37%        12.44%  
Class C Shares      11.94%        11.63%  
Advisor Class Shares1      12.52%        12.78%  
MSCI ACWI (net)      15.22%        16.52%  

 

1

Please note that this share class is for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table above shows the Fund’s performance compared to its benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World Index (“MSCI ACWI”) (net), for the six- and 12-month periods ended August 31, 2020.

For both periods, all share classes underperformed the benchmark, before sales charges. During the 12-month period, stock selection was the largest detractor, relative to the benchmark, while sector selection, country selection and currency selection were modest contributors. The Fund’s underweight to mega-cap companies in consumer discretionary and technology detracted from performance, as did smaller cap value stocks in the US, and weak stock selection in international small-cap stocks.

Similarly, for the six-month period, stock selection was the major detractor from returns, while positive sector selection modestly contributed to offset the underperformance. US and international large-cap stocks detracted from performance. The concentration of returns within mega-cap growth stocks in the US and China, where the Fund is underweight, was a significant headwind to performance, as the Fund’s focus on long-term compounders did not rally as strongly in the recovery period. The Fund’s overweight to smaller cap stocks was also a detractor. Strong stock selection within growth companies in US small- and mid-cap as well as international large-cap stocks contributed and helped to offset some of the underperformance.

 

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The Fund did not use derivatives during either period.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Global equity markets, led by a strong US rally, recorded positive returns for the 12-month period ended August 31, 2020. US, international and emerging-market equities erased losses from March when the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a decline from all-time highs as global economies were shuttered amid stay-at-home mandates. Investor optimism was supported by expanded monetary and fiscal stimulus, signs of encouraging economic data, and news that several potential vaccines had reached advanced trials. Despite the widespread rebound, headwinds from a resurgence of US-China tensions, persistently high rates of COVID-19 cases in many countries and an unprecedented contraction of economic growth threatened to temper the acceleration of economic activity. For the period, growth stocks significantly outperformed value stocks, led by large-cap technology and health care companies. While small-cap stocks participated in the equity rally, large-cap stocks have performed much better.

Global fixed-income market returns were positive yet volatile over the 12-month period. Central banks and governments enacted an unprecedented amount of monetary and fiscal stimulus to combat market illiquidity and cushion the negative economic impact of COVID-19, which set the stage for a rebound in risk assets following the sell-off that started in March. Government bonds rallied as interest rates were slashed. Emerging- and developed-market investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds led gains as investors searched for higher yields in a period of falling interest rates. Securitized assets advanced, while emerging-market sovereign and local bonds also ended the period with positive returns. The US dollar fell against all major developed-market currencies and was mixed against emerging-market currencies.

The Fund’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) seeks improved equity risk control by utilizing the Adviser’s Strategic Equities services as the core equity allocation to US and international markets. This diversified exposure across equity markets and emphasis on a broad set of stocks, which includes companies with historical and projected stable earnings and higher profitability, eliminates the need for diversifiers to limit volatility. The Team believes this allocation offers the potential to achieve higher returns, with similar levels of volatility, increasing risk-adjusted returns in an all-equity service to meet the long-term growth goal—growth of capital.

 

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INVESTMENT POLICIES

The Fund invests primarily in equity securities, either directly or through underlying investment companies advised by the Adviser (“Underlying Portfolios”). A majority of the Fund’s assets are expected to be invested directly in US large-cap equity securities, primarily common stocks, in accordance with the Adviser’s US Strategic Equities investment strategy (“US Strategic Equities”), as described below. In addition, the Fund seeks to achieve exposure to international large-cap equity securities through investments in other registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, which may include International Strategic Equities Portfolio of Bernstein Fund, Inc. (“Bernstein International Strategic Equities Portfolio”) and Tax-Managed International Portfolio of Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc. (“SCB Tax-Managed International Portfolio”). The Fund also invests in other Underlying Portfolios to efficiently gain exposure to certain other types of equity securities, including small- and mid-cap and emerging-market equity securities. An Underlying Portfolio is selected based on the segment of the equity market to which the Underlying Portfolio provides exposure, its investment philosophy, and how it complements and diversifies the Fund’s overall portfolio.

Under US Strategic Equities, portfolio managers of the Adviser that specialize in various investment disciplines identify high-conviction large-cap equity securities based on their fundamental investment research for potential investment by the Fund. These securities are then assessed in terms of both this fundamental research and quantitative analysis in creating the Fund’s portfolio. In applying the quantitative analysis, the Adviser considers a number of metrics that historically have provided some indication of favorable future returns, including metrics related to valuation, quality, investor behavior and corporate behavior.

Bernstein International Strategic Equities Portfolio and SCB Tax-Managed International Portfolio focus on investing in non-US large-cap and mid-cap equity securities. Bernstein International Strategic Equities Portfolio follows a strategy similar to US Strategic Equities, but in the international context. In managing SCB Tax-Managed International Portfolio, the Adviser selects stocks by drawing on the capabilities of its separate investment teams specializing in different investment disciplines, including value, growth, stability and others.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates can have a dramatic impact on the returns of foreign equity securities. The Adviser may employ currency hedging strategies in the Fund or the Underlying Portfolios,

 

(continued on next page)

 

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including the use of currency-related derivatives, to seek to reduce currency risk in the Fund or the Underlying Portfolios, but it is not required to do so.

The Fund seeks to maximize after-tax returns to shareholders by taking into account the tax impact of buy and sell investment decisions on its shareholders. For example, the Adviser may sell certain securities in order to realize capital losses. Capital losses may be used to offset realized capital gains. To minimize capital gains distributions, the Adviser may sell securities in the Fund with the highest cost basis. The Adviser may monitor the length of time the Fund has held an investment to evaluate whether the investment should be sold at a short-term gain or held for a longer period so that the gain on the investment will be taxed at the lower long-term rate. In making this decision, the Adviser considers whether, in its judgment, the risk of continued exposure to the investment is worth the tax savings of a lower capital gains rate. There can be no assurance that any of these strategies will be effective or that their use will not adversely affect the gross returns of the Fund.

 

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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS

 

Benchmark Disclosure

The MSCI ACWI is unmanaged and does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The MSCI ACWI (net, free float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted) represents the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations, and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices, any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI. Net returns include the reinvestment of dividends after deduction of non-US withholding tax. An investor cannot invest directly in an index or average, and their results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Fund.

A Word About Risk

Market Risk: The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock, bond or commodities markets fluctuate. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as growth or value, may be underperforming the stock market generally.

Foreign (Non-US) Risk: The Fund’s investments in securities of non-US issuers may involve more risk than those of US issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be more difficult to trade due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

Currency Risk: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.

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.

Capitalization Risk: Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets, or financial resources.

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk: As with other investments, investments in other investment companies are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, shareholders of the Fund bear both

 

6    |    AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund (including management fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies (to the extent these expenses are not waived or reimbursed by the Adviser).

Management Risk: The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results. The Fund’s tax-management strategies may result in it forgoing performance in favor of tax benefits that may not materialize, or may result in pre-tax performance that is lower than that of funds that do not use tax-management strategies.

These risks are fully discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate as the prices of the individual securities in which it invests fluctuate, so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. You may obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end by visiting www.abfunds.com. The performance shown for periods prior to July 14, 2017, is based on the Fund’s prior principal strategies and may not be representative of the Fund’s performance under its current principal strategies. Class B shares are no longer being offered. Effective November 7, 2019, all outstanding Class B shares were converted to Class A shares. Please see Note A for more information.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Fund have been deducted. Net asset value (“NAV”) returns do not reflect sales charges; if sales charges were reflected, the Fund’s quoted performance would be lower. SEC returns reflect the applicable sales charges for each share class: a 4.25% maximum front-end sales charge for Class A shares and a 1% 1-year contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares. Returns for the different share classes will vary due to different expenses associated with each class. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    7


 

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE

 

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE FUND (unaudited)

8/31/2010 TO 8/31/2020

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in AB Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy Class A shares (from 8/31/2010 to 8/31/2020) as compared to the performance of the Fund’s benchmark. The chart reflects the deduction of the maximum 4.25% sales charge from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

8    |    AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF AUGUST 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

    NAV Returns     SEC Returns
(reflects applicable
sales charges)
 
CLASS A SHARES    
1 Year     12.44%       7.63%  
5 Years     8.45%       7.52%  
10 Years     9.37%       8.90%  
CLASS C SHARES    
1 Year     11.63%       10.63%  
5 Years     7.64%       7.64%  
10 Years     8.57%       8.57%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1    
1 Year     12.78%       12.78%  
5 Years     8.73%       8.73%  
10 Years     9.67%       9.67%  

The Fund’s current prospectus fee table shows the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratios as 1.38%, 2.13% and 1.13% for Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Contractual fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement agreements reduced the Fund’s annual operating expense ratios to 1.02%, 1.77% and 0.77% for Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares, respectively. These waivers/reimbursement agreements may not be terminated before December 31, 2020. Absent reimbursements or waivers, performance would have been lower. The net and gross expenses shown include the total operating expenses of the Fund and the indirect expenses of the Fund’s Underlying Portfolios, as based upon the allocation of the Fund’s assets among the Underlying Portfolios. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

 

1

This share class is offered at NAV to eligible investors and the SEC returns are the same as the NAV returns. Please note that this share class is for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    9


 

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

SEC AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS

AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 (unaudited)

 

     SEC Returns
(reflects applicable
sales charges)
 
CLASS A SHARES   
1 Year      2.92%  
5 Years      7.53%  
10 Years      7.63%  
CLASS C SHARES   
1 Year      5.67%  
5 Years      7.65%  
10 Years      7.30%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1   
1 Year      7.79%  
5 Years      8.74%  
10 Years      8.39%  

 

1

Please note that this share class is for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

 

10    |    AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

RETURNS AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS

AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 (unaudited)

 

     Returns  
CLASS A SHARES   
1 Year      1.69%  
5 Years      5.82%  
10 Years      6.57%  
CLASS C SHARES   
1 Year      4.64%  
5 Years      6.19%  
10 Years      6.46%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1   
1 Year      6.43%  
5 Years      6.94%  
10 Years      7.25%  

RETURNS AFTER TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND SALE OF FUND SHARES

AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 (unaudited)

 

     Returns  
CLASS A SHARES   
1 Year      2.40%  
5 Years      5.58%  
10 Years      5.96%  
CLASS C SHARES   
1 Year      3.97%  
5 Years      5.77%  
10 Years      5.76%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1   
1 Year      5.33%  
5 Years      6.52%  
10 Years      6.58%  

 

1

Please note that this share class is for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    11


 

EXPENSE EXAMPLE

(unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions. Therefore, the hypothetical example is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

12    |    AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

EXPENSE EXAMPLE (continued)

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
March 1,
2020
    Ending
Account
Value
August 31,
2020
    Expenses
Paid
During
Period*
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio*
    Total
Expenses
Paid
During
Period+
    Total
Annualized
Expense
Ratio+
 
Class A            

Actual

  $     1,000     $     1,123.70     $     3.36       0.63   $     5.45       1.02

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,021.97     $ 3.20       0.63   $ 5.18       1.02
Class C            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,119.40     $ 7.41       1.39   $ 9.48       1.78

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,018.15     $ 7.05       1.39   $ 9.02       1.78
Advisor Class            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,125.20     $ 2.03       0.38   $ 4.11       0.77

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,023.23     $ 1.93       0.38   $ 3.91       0.77

 

*

Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**

Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

 

+

In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Fund’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Fund’s pro rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    13


 

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

August 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

PORTFOLIO STATISTICS

Net Assets ($mil): $698.7

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

 

LOGO

 

1

All data are as of August 31, 2020. The Fund’s security type and sector breakdowns are expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. The Fund also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). Sectors shown include investments of Underlying Portfolios.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Fund’s prospectus.

 

14    |    AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

August 31, 2020

 

Company    Shares     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

COMMON STOCKS – 52.3%

    

Information Technology – 15.6%

    

Communications Equipment – 0.3%

    

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     28,998     $ 1,224,295  

F5 Networks, Inc.(a)

     3,748       495,973  
    

 

 

 
       1,720,268  
    

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 0.4%

    

CDW Corp./DE

     22,467       2,553,375  
    

 

 

 

IT Services – 2.9%

 

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

     13,050       1,815,125  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

     10,322       908,955  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

     1,953       294,610  

Genpact Ltd.

     46,545       1,963,268  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)

     21,834       4,457,193  

Visa, Inc. – Class A

     52,386       11,105,308  
    

 

 

 
       20,544,459  
    

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 3.4%

    

Intel Corp.

     32,215       1,641,354  

KLA Corp.

     10,099       2,071,709  

NVIDIA Corp.

     7,967       4,262,186  

NXP Semiconductors NV

     23,222       2,920,399  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     43,920       5,230,872  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

     35,161       4,998,136  

Xilinx, Inc.

     24,427       2,544,316  
    

 

 

 
       23,668,972  
    

 

 

 

Software – 5.6%

 

Adobe, Inc.(a)

     8,636       4,433,636  

Citrix Systems, Inc.

     11,423       1,658,620  

Microsoft Corp.

     124,297       28,032,702  

Oracle Corp.

     66,875       3,826,587  

VMware, Inc. – Class A(a)

     8,086       1,167,942  
    

 

 

 
       39,119,487  
    

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 3.0%

    

Apple, Inc.

     164,868       21,274,567  
    

 

 

 
       108,881,128  
    

 

 

 

Health Care – 8.0%

 

Biotechnology – 1.1%

 

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

     412       27,501  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

     5,818       3,606,753  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

     13,959       3,896,236  
    

 

 

 
       7,530,490  
    

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies – 1.6%

 

Align Technology, Inc.(a)

     5,210       1,547,266  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

     46,200       3,965,808  

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    15


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company    Shares     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)

     2,145     $ 1,567,652  

Medtronic PLC

     35,608       3,826,792  
    

 

 

 
       10,907,518  
    

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services – 2.1%

 

Anthem, Inc.

     15,523       4,370,035  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     33,377       10,431,981  
    

 

 

 
       14,802,016  
    

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals – 3.2%

 

Johnson & Johnson

     38,386       5,888,796  

Merck & Co., Inc.

     16,217       1,382,824  

Pfizer, Inc.

     99,189       3,748,352  

Roche Holding AG (Sponsored ADR)

     148,443       6,486,959  

Zoetis, Inc.

     31,748       5,082,855  
    

 

 

 
       22,589,786  
    

 

 

 
       55,829,810  
    

 

 

 

Communication Services – 7.4%

 

Diversified Telecommunication
Services – 1.8%

    

Comcast Corp. – Class A

     159,275       7,137,113  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     85,003       5,038,128  
    

 

 

 
       12,175,241  
    

 

 

 

Entertainment – 0.9%

 

Electronic Arts, Inc.(a)

     27,876       3,887,866  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)

     11,195       1,916,472  

Walt Disney Co. (The)

     3,242       427,522  
    

 

 

 
       6,231,860  
    

 

 

 

Interactive Media & Services – 4.5%

 

Alphabet, Inc. – Class A(a)

     1,325       2,159,127  

Alphabet, Inc. – Class C(a)

     8,869       14,493,542  

Facebook, Inc. – Class A(a)

     50,103       14,690,200  
    

 

 

 
       31,342,869  
    

 

 

 

Wireless Telecommunication
Services – 0.2%

    

T-Mobile US, Inc.(a)

     13,565       1,582,764  
    

 

 

 
       51,332,734  
    

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary – 6.1%

 

Auto Components – 0.4%

 

Magna International, Inc. – Class A (United States)

     66,993       3,256,530  
    

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.1%

 

Starbucks Corp.

     8,298       700,932  
    

 

 

 

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail – 2.0%

 

Amazon.com, Inc.(a)

     3,740       12,906,590  

Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)

     566       1,081,315  
    

 

 

 
       13,987,905  
    

 

 

 

 

16    |    AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company    Shares     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Multiline Retail – 0.1%

 

Dollar General Corp.

     2,198     $ 443,732  
    

 

 

 

Specialty Retail – 2.5%

 

AutoZone, Inc.(a)

     4,111       4,918,030  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

     30,110       8,582,554  

Ross Stores, Inc.(a)

     2,471       225,059  

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

     71,106       3,895,898  
    

 

 

 
       17,621,541  
    

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 1.0%

 

Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)

     5,772       1,176,738  

NIKE, Inc. – Class B

     50,290       5,626,948  
    

 

 

 
       6,803,686  
    

 

 

 
       42,814,326  
    

 

 

 

Financials – 4.5%

 

Banks – 2.3%

 

Bank of America Corp.

     228,924       5,892,504  

Citigroup, Inc.

     56,633       2,895,079  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     18,069       1,810,333  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

     18,390       2,044,968  

Wells Fargo & Co.

     139,792       3,375,977  
    

 

 

 
       16,018,861  
    

 

 

 

Capital Markets – 0.9%

 

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

     20,603       4,220,936  

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.

     27,099       2,226,454  

S&P Global, Inc.

     957       350,664  
    

 

 

 
       6,798,054  
    

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services – 0.2%

 

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. – Class B(a)

     5,704       1,243,700  
    

 

 

 

Insurance – 1.1%

 

Progressive Corp. (The)

     58,089       5,520,779  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. – Class A

     23,072       2,115,241  
    

 

 

 
       7,636,020  
    

 

 

 
       31,696,635  
    

 

 

 

Industrials – 3.2%

 

Aerospace & Defense – 0.8%

 

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

     19,895       3,595,823  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

     37,044       2,259,684  
    

 

 

 
       5,855,507  
    

 

 

 

Airlines – 0.0%

 

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

     5,165       159,340  
    

 

 

 

Building Products – 0.2%

 

Masco Corp.

     20,504       1,195,383  
    

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    17


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company    Shares     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Construction & Engineering – 0.4%

 

AECOM(a)

     68,420     $ 2,703,274  
    

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment – 0.4%

 

Eaton Corp. PLC

     29,503       3,012,256  
    

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates – 0.6%

 

Honeywell International, Inc.

     24,267       4,017,402  
    

 

 

 

Machinery – 0.2%

 

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.(a)

     40,670       1,425,890  
    

 

 

 

Road & Rail – 0.3%

 

Norfolk Southern Corp.

     11,213       2,383,099  
    

 

 

 

Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.3%

 

United Rentals, Inc.(a)

     9,765       1,728,893  
    

 

 

 
       22,481,044  
    

 

 

 

Consumer Staples – 3.2%

 

Beverages – 0.7%

 

PepsiCo, Inc.

     36,641       5,131,939  
    

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing – 1.4%

 

Costco Wholesale Corp.

     8,793       3,056,974  

Walmart, Inc.

     46,273       6,425,006  
    

 

 

 
       9,481,980  
    

 

 

 

Household Products – 1.1%

 

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

     55,496       7,676,762  
    

 

 

 
       22,290,681  
    

 

 

 

Real Estate – 1.8%

 

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) – 1.7%

    

American Campus Communities, Inc.

     48,062       1,629,302  

Americold Realty Trust

     36,638       1,405,067  

CubeSmart

     92,661       2,929,941  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

     41,685       4,882,147  

Prologis, Inc.

     8,304       845,845  
    

 

 

 
       11,692,302  
    

 

 

 

Real Estate Management &
Development – 0.1%

    

CBRE Group, Inc. – Class A(a)

     22,093       1,039,034  
    

 

 

 
       12,731,336  
    

 

 

 

Utilities – 1.4%

 

Electric Utilities – 1.4%

 

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

     59,115       4,660,035  

Edison International

     4,800       251,904  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

     12,793       3,571,422  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

     12,025       882,034  
    

 

 

 
       9,365,395  
    

 

 

 

 

18    |    AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company    Shares     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Energy – 0.8%

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.8%

 

Chevron Corp.

     14,319     $ 1,201,794  

ConocoPhillips

     38,025       1,440,767  

EOG Resources, Inc.

     27,061       1,226,946  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC (Sponsored ADR)

     32,770       920,837  

Valero Energy Corp.

     18,540       975,018  
    

 

 

 
       5,765,362  
    

 

 

 

Materials – 0.3%

 

Chemicals – 0.3%

 

Westlake Chemical Corp.

     36,202       2,147,503  
    

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $209,719,932)

       365,335,954  
    

 

 

 
    

INVESTMENT COMPANIES – 47.2%

 

Funds and Investment Trusts – 47.2%(b)(c)

 

AB Discovery Growth Fund, Inc. – Class Z

     1,391,417       19,994,664  

AB Trust – AB Discovery Value Fund – Class Z

     1,001,375       16,342,440  

Bernstein Fund, Inc. – International Small Cap Portfolio – Class Z

     3,923,751       41,474,049  

Bernstein Fund, Inc. – International Strategic Equities Portfolio – Class Z

     11,567,879       136,732,328  

Bernstein Fund, Inc. – Small Cap Core Portfolio – Class Z

     1,770,402       19,084,936  

Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc. – Emerging Markets Portfolio – Class Z

     672,260       18,561,089  

Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc. – Tax-Managed International Portfolio – Class Z

     4,523,622       77,625,353  
    

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies
(cost $341,641,188)

       329,814,859  
    

 

 

 
    

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 0.0%

 

Investment Companies – 0.0%

 

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 0.08%(b)(c)(d)
(cost $236,839)

     236,839       236,839  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments – 99.5%
(cost $551,597,959)

       695,387,652  

Other assets less liabilities – 0.5%

       3,302,162  
    

 

 

 

Net Assets – 100.0%

     $ 698,689,814  
    

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    19


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

 

(b)

To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.

 

(c)

Affiliated investments.

 

(d)

The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end.

Glossary:

ADR – American Depositary Receipt

REIT – Real Estate Investment Trust

See notes to financial statements.

 

20    |    AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES

August 31, 2020

 

Assets

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $209,719,932)

   $ 365,335,954  

Affiliated issuers (cost $341,878,027)

     330,051,698  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $99,573)

     103,790  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     4,042,491  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     552,318  

Receivable for shares of beneficial interest sold

     392,310  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     327  

Other assets

     10,586  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     700,489,474  
  

 

 

 
Liabilities   

Due to custodian

     139  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     1,228,645  

Payable for shares of beneficial interest redeemed

     246,214  

Advisory fee payable

     155,488  

Administrative fee payable

     30,802  

Distribution fee payable

     9,495  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     7,019  

Trustees’ fees payable

     6,387  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     115,471  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,799,660  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 698,689,814  
  

 

 

 
Composition of Net Assets

 

Shares of beneficial interest, at par

   $ 414  

Additional paid-in capital

     553,640,902  

Distributable earnings

     145,048,498  
  

 

 

 
   $     698,689,814  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—unlimited shares authorized, $.00001 par value

 

Class   Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 

 

 
A   $ 38,982,948          2,318,834        $ 16.81

 

 
C   $ 2,412,948          145,468        $ 16.59  

 

 
Advisor   $   657,293,918          38,896,918        $   16.90  

 

 

 

*

The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $17.56 which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%.

See notes to financial statements.

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    21


 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended August 31, 2020

 

Investment Income     

Dividends

    

Affiliated issuers

   $ 5,903,584    

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $47,144)

     6,293,887     $ 12,197,471  
  

 

 

   
Expenses     

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     4,440,742    

Distribution fee—Class A

     91,986    

Distribution fee—Class B

     405    

Distribution fee—Class C

     35,840    

Transfer agency—Class A

     7,635    

Transfer agency—Class B

     23    

Transfer agency—Class C

     856    

Transfer agency—Advisor Class

     133,481    

Custody and accounting

     137,894    

Administrative

     77,577    

Audit and tax

     68,949    

Registration fees

     58,381    

Printing

     46,219    

Legal

     46,175    

Trustees’ fees

     24,731    

Miscellaneous

     26,881    
  

 

 

   

Total expenses

         5,197,775    

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B)

     (2,484,046  
  

 

 

   

Net expenses

       2,713,729  
    

 

 

 

Net investment income

       9,483,742  
    

 

 

 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment and Foreign Currency Transactions     

Net realized gain (loss) on:

    

Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

       (1,812,281

Investment transactions

       6,581,293  

Foreign currency transactions

       3,771  

Net realized gain distributions from Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

       1,582,338  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

    

Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

       17,846,409  

Investments

       44,040,380  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

       10,693  
    

 

 

 

Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

       68,252,603  
    

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations

     $     77,736,345  
    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

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STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations     

Net investment income

   $ 9,483,742     $ 10,467,373  

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     4,772,783       8,581,950  

Net realized gain distributions from Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

     1,582,338       9,693,095  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     61,897,482       (40,040,456
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     77,736,345       (11,298,038

Distributions to Shareholders

    

Class A

     (1,818,152     (1,777,744

Class B

     0       (8,422

Class C

     (169,302     (213,875

Advisor Class

     (33,352,145     (31,485,458
Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest     

Net decrease

     (41,164,215     (6,400,248
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     1,232,531       (51,183,785
Net Assets     

Beginning of period

     697,457,283       748,641,068  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $     698,689,814     $     697,457,283  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    23


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

August 31, 2020

 

NOTE A

Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Portfolios (the “Company”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open end management investment company. The Company, which is a Massachusetts Business Trust, operates as a series company currently comprised of six series. Each series is considered to be a separate entity for financial reporting and tax purposes. This report relates to the AB Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy (the “Fund”). The Fund offers Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares. Class B shares have been authorized but currently are not offered. Effective August 2, 2019, sales of Class B shares were suspended. On November 7, 2019, all remaining outstanding Class B shares of the Fund were converted to Class A shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A shares redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase, and 0% after the first year of purchase. Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares ten years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Advisor Class shares are sold without any initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All four classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Company’s Board of Trustees (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

 

24    |    AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g., last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    25


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

or other available documents. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Fund generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

   

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates, yield curves, option adjusted spreads, default rates, credit spreads and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows

 

26    |    AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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.

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 Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of August 31, 2020:

 

Investments in
Securities:

   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets:

 

Common Stocks(a)

   $ 365,335,954     $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ 365,335,954  

Investment Companies

     329,814,859       – 0  –      – 0  –      329,814,859  

Short-Term Investments

     236,839       – 0  –      – 0  –      236,839  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     695,387,652       – 0  –      – 0  –      695,387,652  

Other Financial Instruments(b)

     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $   695,387,652     $   – 0  –    $   – 0  –    $   695,387,652  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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. Other financial instruments may also include swaps with upfront premiums, options written and swaptions written which are valued at market value.

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.

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    27


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

It is the Fund’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. The Fund accounts for distributions received from REIT investments or from regulated investment companies as dividend income, realized gain, or return of capital based on information provided by the REIT or the investment company.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective

 

28    |    AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

class. Expenses of the Company are charged proportionately to each series 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 “Advisory Agreement”), the Fund pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .65% of the first $2.5 billion, .55% of the next $2.5 billion and .50% in excess of $5 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Fund may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Fund by the Adviser. For the year ended August 31, 2020, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $77,577.

The Fund compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. ABIS may make payments to intermediaries that provide omnibus account services, sub-accounting services and/or networking services. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $88,126 for the year ended August 31, 2020.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor has advised the Fund that it has retained front-end sales charges of $778 from the sale of Class A shares and received $0 and $186 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A and Class C shares, respectively, for the year ended August 31, 2020.

The Fund may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    29


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2021. In connection with the investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended August 31, 2020, such waiver amounted to $3,650.

In connection with the Fund’s investments in other AB mutual funds, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse the expenses payable to the Adviser by the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fees of AB mutual funds, as paid by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. These fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will remain in effect until December 31, 2020. For the year ended August 31, 2020, such waivers and/or reimbursements amounted to $2,480,396.

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended August 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

      Distributions  
Fund   Market
Value
8/31/19
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Realized
Gain
(Loss)
(000)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appr./
(Depr.)
(000)
    Market
Value
8/31/20
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
    Realized
Gains
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $ 1,352     $ 95,764     $ 96,879     $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ 237     $ 33     $ – 0  – 

AB Discovery Growth Fund, Inc.

    16,962       1,532       2,490       297       3,694       19,995       – 0  –      1,032  

AB Trust – AB Discovery Value Fund

    15,797       2,138       – 0  –      – 0  –      (1,593     16,342       188       550  

Bernstein Fund, Inc.:

               

International Small Cap Portfolio

    40,950       3,376       4,686       (705     2,539       41,474       856       – 0  – 

International Strategic Equities Portfolio

    138,447       3,042       9,948       (741     5,933       136,733       3,042       – 0  – 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

      Distributions  
Fund   Market
Value
8/31/19
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Realized
Gain
(Loss)
(000)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appr./
(Depr.)
(000)
    Market
Value
8/31/20
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
    Realized
Gains
(000)
 

Small Cap Core Portfolio

  $ 18,641     $ 98     $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ 346     $ 19,085     $ 98     $ – 0  – 

Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc.:

               

Emerging Markets Portfolio

    18,767       373       2,094       (297     1,812       18,561       373       – 0  – 

Tax-Managed International Portfolio

    78,445       1,314       6,883       (366     5,115       77,625       1,314       – 0  – 
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        $ (1,812   $ 17,846     $ 330,052     $ 5,904     $ 1,582  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the year ended August 31, 2020 amounted to $55,885, of which $1,232 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

During the second quarter of 2018, AXA S.A. (“AXA”), a French holding company for the AXA Group, completed the sale of a minority stake in its subsidiary, AXA Equitable Holdings, Inc. (now named Equitable Holdings, Inc.) (“Equitable”), through an initial public offering. Equitable is the holding company for a diverse group of financial services companies, including an approximately 65.3% economic interest in the Adviser and a 100% interest in AllianceBernstein Corporation, the general partner of the Adviser. Since the initial sale, AXA has completed additional offerings, most recently during the fourth quarter of 2019. As a result, AXA currently owns less than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Equitable, and no longer owns a controlling interest in Equitable. AXA previously announced its intention to sell its entire interest in Equitable over time, subject to market conditions and other factors (the “Plan”). Most of AXA’s remaining Equitable shares are to be delivered on redemption of AXA bonds mandatorily exchangeable into Equitable shares and maturing in May 2021. AXA retains sole discretion to determine the timing of any future sales of its remaining shares of Equitable common stock.

Sales under the Plan that were completed on November 13, 2019 resulted in the indirect transfer of a “controlling block” of voting securities of the Adviser (a “Change of Control Event”) and may have been deemed to have been an “assignment” causing a termination of the Fund’s investment advisory and administration agreements. In order to ensure that investment

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

advisory and administration services could continue uninterrupted in the event of a Change of Control Event, the Board previously approved new investment advisory and administration agreements with the Adviser, and shareholders of the Fund subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C

Distribution Plan

The Fund has adopted a Plan for each class of shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Plan”). Under the Plan, the Fund pays distribution and servicing fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to both Class B and Class C shares. There are no distribution and servicing fees on the Advisor Class shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. Payments under the Plan in respect of Class A shares are currently limited to an annual rate of .25% of Class A shares’ average daily net assets. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities. The Fund is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution services fee 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 Fund’s 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” plan.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution services fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Fund to the Distributor with respect to the relevant class. The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.

NOTE D

Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

     Purchases     Sales  

Investment securities (excluding
U.S. government securities)

   $     143,029,916     $     207,264,246  

U.S. government securities

     – 0  –      – 0  – 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Cost

   $ 551,873,124  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 165,150,435  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (21,635,907
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $     143,514,528  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Fund may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.

The Fund did not engage in derivatives transactions for the year ended August 31, 2020.

2. Currency Transactions

The Fund may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Fund may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Fund may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Fund may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

NOTE E

Shares of Beneficial Interest

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:

 

            
     Shares           Amount        
     Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
          Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
       
  

 

 

   
Class A

 

         

Shares sold

     27,520       81,069       $ 435,509     $ 1,183,304    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     99,482       110,466         1,626,540       1,538,797    

 

   

Shares converted from Class B

     13,839       2,433         230,023       37,863    

 

   

Shares converted from Class C

     71,358       277,857         1,119,363       4,443,991    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (250,404     (472,362       (3,791,428     (7,169,115  

 

   

Net increase (decrease)

     (38,205     (537     $ (379,993   $ 34,840    

 

   
            
Class B

 

 

Shares sold

     6       1,049       $ 143     $ 16,050    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     – 0  –      604         – 0  –      8,407    

 

   

Shares converted to Class A

     (13,939     (2,447       (230,023     (37,863  

 

   

Shares redeemed

     – 0  –      (3,641       – 0  –      (58,210  

 

   

Net decrease

     (13,933     (4,435     $ (229,880   $ (71,616  

 

   
            

Class C

 

 

Shares sold

     5,268       109,190       $ 83,473     $ 1,741,768    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     9,401       13,741         152,481       189,763    

 

   

Shares converted to Class A

     (72,274     (282,655       (1,119,363     (4,443,991  

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (89,780     (68,221       (1,317,146     (999,055  

 

   

Net decrease

     (147,385     (227,945     $ (2,200,555   $ (3,511,515  

 

   

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

            
     Shares           Amount        
     Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
          Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
       
  

 

 

   

Advisor Class

 

 

Shares sold

     3,039,670       4,896,179       $ 47,527,142     $ 74,036,866    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     1,891,323       2,129,985         31,017,696       29,777,195    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (7,712,813     (6,917,866       (116,898,625     (106,666,018  

 

   

Net increase (decrease)

     (2,781,820     108,298       $ (38,353,787   $ (2,851,957  

 

   

NOTE F

Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund

Market Risk—The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock, bond or commodities market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as growth, may underperform the market generally.

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 more difficult to trade due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.

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.

Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk—As with other investments, investments in other investment companies are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, shareholders of the Fund bear both

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund (including management fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies (to the extent these expenses are not waived or reimbursed by the Adviser).

LIBOR Risk—The Fund may invest in certain debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. Although financial regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, such as European Interbank Offer Rate (“EURIBOR”), Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA”) and Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), global consensus on alternative rates is lacking and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition away from LIBOR is underway but remains unclear. The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition away from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, adversely affecting the Fund’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Fund has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

Management Risk—The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively-managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions, but

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results. The Fund’s tax-management strategies may result in it forgoing performance in favor of tax benefits that may not materialize, or may result in pre-tax performance that is lower than that of funds that do not use tax-management strategies.

NOTE G

Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize the Facility during the year ended August 31, 2020.

NOTE H

Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

     2020      2019  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 12,291,441      $ 8,819,847     

Net long-term capital gains

     23,048,158        24,665,652  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $     35,339,599      $     33,485,499  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of August 31, 2020, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed capital gains

   $ 1,526,204  

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     143,522,294 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $     145,048,498  
  

 

 

 

 

(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 realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2020, the Fund did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

During the current fiscal year, permanent differences primarily due to the utilization of earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemption

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

of shares resulted in a net decrease in distributable earnings and a net increase in additional paid-in capital. These reclassifications had no effect on net assets.

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 Fund’s financial statements through this date.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class A  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  15.66       $  16.76       $  16.85       $  15.08       $  15.41  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .18       .20       .18       .42       .17  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    1.75       (.57     1.78       1.78       .60  

Contributions from Affiliates

    – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      .00 (c) 
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    1.93       (.37     1.96       2.20       .77  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.33     (.16     (.39     (.29     (.16

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.45     (.57     (1.66     (.14     (.94
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.78     (.73     (2.05     (.43     (1.10
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  16.81       $  15.66       $  16.76       $  16.85       $  15.08  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

    12.44  %      (1.66 )%      12.13  %      14.98  %      5.23  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $38,983       $36,908       $39,519       $39,479       $32,398  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)

    .63  %      .63  %      .62  %      .88  %      .93  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)

    .99  %      .99  %      1.00  %      1.01  %      1.01  % 

Net investment income(b)

    1.15  %      1.30  %      1.05  %      2.70  %      1.16  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    21  %      19  %      25  %      112  %      47  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .39  %      .39  %      .40  %      .23  %      .23  % 

See footnote summary on page 42.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class C  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  15.44       $  16.47       $  16.55       $  14.82       $  15.15  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .09       .08       .05       .27       .06  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    1.69       (.54     1.75       1.78       .59  

Contributions from Affiliates

    – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      .00 (c) 
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    1.78       (.46     1.80       2.05       .65  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.18     – 0  –      (.22     (.18     (.04

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.45     (.57     (1.66     (.14     (.94
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.63     (.57     (1.88     (.32     (.98
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  16.59       $  15.44       $  16.47       $  16.55       $  14.82  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

    11.63  %      (2.42 )%      11.31  %      14.09  %      4.44  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $2,413       $4,522       $8,577       $9,373       $14,380  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)

    1.38  %      1.38  %      1.38  %      1.65  %      1.68  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)

    1.74  %      1.74  %      1.75  %      1.76  %      1.76  % 

Net investment income(b)

    .58  %      .53  %      .32  %      1.78  %      .42  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    21  %      19  %      25  %      112  %      47  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .39  %      .39  %      .40  %      .23  %      .23  % 

See footnote summary on page 42.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Advisor Class  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  15.73       $  16.84       $  16.92       $  15.14       $  15.47  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .22       .24       .21       .45       .21  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    1.77       (.58     1.80       1.80       .61  

Contributions from Affiliates

    – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      .00 (c) 
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    1.99       (.34     2.01       2.25       .82  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.37     (.20     (.43     (.33     (.21

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.45     (.57     (1.66     (.14     (.94
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.82     (.77     (2.09     (.47     (1.15
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  16.90       $  15.73       $  16.84       $  16.92       $  15.14  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

    12.78  %      (1.44 )%      12.41  %      15.27  %      5.50  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $657,294       $655,810       $700,240       $638,666       $639,602  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)

    .38  %      .38  %      .38  %      .64  %      .68  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)

    .74  %      .74  %      .75  %      .76  %      .76  % 

Net investment income(b)

    1.41  %      1.51  %      1.28  %      2.89  %      1.41  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    21  %      19  %      25  %      112  %      47  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .39  %      .39  %      .40  %      .23  %      .23  % 

See footnote summary on page 42.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)

Net of expenses waived/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. Initial sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges are not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(e)

In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years ended August 31, 2020, August 31, 2019, August 31, 2018 and August 31, 2017, such waiver amounted to .36%, .36%, .37% and .12%, respectively.

 

*

Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the years ended August 31, 2018, August 31, 2017 and August  31, 2016 by .02%, .02% and .01%, respectively.

See notes to financial statements.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of

AB Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy (the “Fund”) (one of the series constituting The AB Portfolios (the “Company”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 2020, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the series constituting The AB Portfolios) at August 31, 2020, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (continued)

 

included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2020, by correspondence with the custodian and others or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from others were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

October 29, 2020

 

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2020 FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

(unaudited)

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during the taxable year ended August 31, 2020. For individual shareholders, the Fund designates 100% of dividends paid as qualified dividend income. For corporate shareholders, 59.87% of dividends paid qualify for the dividends received deduction.

Shareholders should not use the above information to prepare their income tax returns. The information necessary to complete your income tax returns will be included with your Form 1099-DIV which will be sent to you separately in January 2021.

 

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TRUSTEES

 

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1), Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

  

Robert M. Keith, President and
Chief Executive Officer

Jeanette Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Garry L. Moody(1)

Earl D. Weiner(1)

OFFICERS

Ding Liu(2), Vice President

Nelson Yu(2), Vice President

Emilie D. Wrapp, Clerk

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Analyst

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

  

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

Vincent S. Noto, Chief Compliance Officer

 

Custodian and Accounting Agent

State Street Bank and Trust Company

State Street Corporation CCB/5

1 Iron Street

Boston, MA 02210

 

Principal Underwriter

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

 

Legal Counsel

Seward & Kissel LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

  

Transfer Agent

AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 786003

San Antonio, TX 78278-6003

Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

 

Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP

5 Times Square

New York, NY 10036

 

1

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

2

The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund’s portfolio are made by the Adviser’s Multi-Asset Solutions Team. Messrs. Liu and Yu are the investment professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Board of Trustees Information

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Trustees is set forth below.

 

NAME,
ADDRESS*, AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
TRUSTEE
INTERESTED TRUSTEE    
Robert M. Keith,#
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105
60
(2010)
  Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the head of AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”) since July 2008; Director of ABI and President of the AB Mutual Funds. Previously, he served as Executive Managing Director of ABI from December 2006 to June 2008. Prior to joining ABI in 2006, Executive Managing Director of Bernstein Global Wealth Management, and prior thereto, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Client Service and Sales of the Adviser’s institutional investment management business since 2004. Prior thereto, he was Managing Director and Head of North American Client Service and Sales in the Adviser’s institutional investment management business with which he had been associated since prior to 2004.     77     None

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,
ADDRESS*, AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
TRUSTEE
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES    
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.,##
Chairman of the Board
79
(2005)
  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (components of semi-conductor manufacturing). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership, and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the boards of two education and science-related non-profit organizations. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has been Chairman of the AB Funds since January 2014, and the Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees of such AB Funds since February 2014.     77     None
     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,
ADDRESS*, AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

   

Jorge A. Bermudez,##

69

(2020)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.     77     Moody’s Corporation since April 2011
     

Michael J. Downey,##
76

(2005)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2015 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.     77     None

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,
ADDRESS*, AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

   

Nancy P. Jacklin,##
72

(2006)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008-2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002-May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992-2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985-1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982-1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973-1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.     77     None
     
Jeanette Loeb,##
68
(2020)
  Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund, Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.     77     Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,
ADDRESS*, AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

   

Carol C. McMullen,##

(2016)

  Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010-2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016.     77     None
     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,
ADDRESS*, AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

   

Garry L. Moody,##

68

(2008)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Trustee Advisory Board of BoardIQ, a biweekly publication focused on issues and news affecting directors of mutual funds. He is also a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council. He has served as a director or trustee, and as Chairman of the Audit Committees, of the AB Funds since 2008.     78     None
     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,
ADDRESS*, AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
TRUSTEE

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

(continued)

   

Earl D. Weiner,##

81
(2007)

  Senior Counsel since 2017, Of Counsel from 2007 to 2016, and Partner prior to then, of the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. He is a former member of the ABA Federal Regulation of Securities Committee Task Force to draft editions of the Fund Director’s Guidebook. He also serves as a director or trustee of various non-profit organizations and has served as Chairman or Vice Chairman of a number of them. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2007 and served as Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds from 2007 until August 2014.     77     None

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Trustees is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal and Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Trustees.

 

***

The information above includes each Trustee’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes and skills relevant to each Trustee’s qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the Fund.

 

#

Mr. Keith is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

##

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Fund’s Officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*
AND AGE
  

POSITIONS

HELD WITH TRUST

   PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
Robert M. Keith
60
   President and
Chief Executive Officer
   See biography above.
     

Ding Liu

43

   Vice President    Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015.
     

Nelson Yu

49

   Vice President    Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. He is also Head of Blend Strategies since 2017 and Head of Quantitative Research – Equities since prior to 2015.
     
Emilie D. Wrapp
64
   Clerk    Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Clerk of ABI**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015.
     

Michael B. Reyes

44

   Senior Analyst    Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Joseph J. Mantineo
61
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer    Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Phyllis J. Clarke
59
   Controller and Chief Accounting Officer    Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Vincent S. Noto
55
   Chief Compliance Officer    Senior Vice President since 2015 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser** since prior to 2015.

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

The Adviser, ABI and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund.

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (SAI) has additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or AB at (800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

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Operation and Effectiveness of the Fund’s Liquidity Risk Management Program:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Fund to designate an Administrator of the Fund’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Fund’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”). Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Fund’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2020, which covered the period December 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner. Pursuant to the LRMP, the Fund classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, taking into account any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Fund participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP. The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Fund is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Fund’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Fund’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Fund’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP, and there were no liquidity events that impacted the Fund or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

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Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement

The disinterested trustees (the “directors”) of The AB Portfolios (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on May 5-7, 2020 (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 additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund, and the underlying funds advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment

 

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research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. 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 Fund’s former Senior Officer/Independent Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2018 and 2019 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s former Senior Officer/Independent Compliance 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 fund 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.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund and the underlying funds advised by

 

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the Adviser in which the Fund invests, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of certain classes of the Fund’s shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the 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 performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, 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, 2020 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median 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 other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule, on the other. The directors noted that

 

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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 previously discussed these matters with an independent fee consultant.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

The directors noted that the Fund may invest in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as these may be varied as a result of exemptive orders issued by the SEC. The directors also noted that ETFs pay advisory fees pursuant to their advisory contracts. The directors concluded, based on the Adviser’s explanation of how it uses ETFs when they are the most cost-effective way to obtain desired exposures, in some cases pending purchases of underlying securities, that the advisory fee for the Fund would be for services in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contracts of the ETFs.

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    59


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 schedules 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 presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also previously discussed economies of scale with an independent fee consultant. 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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This page is not part of the Shareholder Report or the Financial Statements.

 

 

AB FAMILY OF FUNDS

 

US EQUITY

CORE

Core Opportunities Fund

FlexFee US Thematic Portfolio

Select US Equity Portfolio

GROWTH

Concentrated Growth Fund

Discovery Growth Fund

FlexFee Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Growth Fund

Large Cap Growth Fund

Small Cap Growth Portfolio

VALUE

Discovery Value Fund

Equity Income Fund

Relative Value Fund

Small Cap Value Portfolio

Value Fund

INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY

CORE

FlexFee International Strategic Core Portfolio

Global Core Equity Portfolio

International Portfolio

International Strategic Core Portfolio

Sustainable Global Thematic Fund

Tax-Managed International Portfolio

Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy

Wealth Appreciation Strategy

INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY (continued)

GROWTH

Concentrated International Growth Portfolio

FlexFee Emerging Markets Growth Portfolio

Sustainable International Thematic Fund

VALUE

All China Equity Portfolio

International Value Fund

FIXED INCOME

MUNICIPAL

High Income Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio

Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy

Tax-Aware Fixed Income Opportunities Portfolio1

National Portfolio

Arizona Portfolio

California Portfolio

Massachusetts Portfolio

Minnesota Portfolio

New Jersey Portfolio

New York Portfolio

Ohio Portfolio

Pennsylvania Portfolio

Virginia Portfolio

FIXED INCOME (continued)

TAXABLE

Bond Inflation Strategy

FlexFee High Yield Portfolio

FlexFee International Bond Portfolio

Global Bond Fund

High Income Fund

Income Fund

Intermediate Duration Portfolio

Limited Duration High Income Portfolio

Short Duration Income Portfolio

Short Duration Portfolio

Total Return Bond Portfolio

ALTERNATIVES

All Market Real Return Portfolio

Global Real Estate Investment Fund

Select US Long/Short Portfolio

MULTI-ASSET

All Market Income Portfolio

All Market Total Return Portfolio

Conservative Wealth Strategy

Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Portfolio

Global Risk Allocation Fund

Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio

CLOSED-END FUNDS

AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund

AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund

 

 

We also offer Government Money Market Portfolio, which serves as the money market fund exchange vehicle for the AB mutual funds. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. The Fund may impose a fee upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

 

1

Prior to February 5, 2020, Tax-Aware Fixed Income Opportunities Portfolio was named Tax-Aware Fixed Income Portfolio.

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY     |    61


 

NOTES

 

 

62    |    AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

NOTES

 

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    63


 

NOTES

 

 

64    |    AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

NOTES

 

 

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NOTES

 

 

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NOTES

 

 

abfunds.com   AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    67


 

NOTES

 

 

68    |    AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


LOGO

AB TAX-MANAGED WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

800 221 5672

 

TWA-0151-0820                 LOGO


AUG    08.31.20

LOGO

ANNUAL REPORT

AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY

 

LOGO

 

Beginning January 1, 2021, as permitted by new regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling the Fund at (800) 221 5672.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper form free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you can call the Fund at (800) 221 5672. Your election to receive reports in paper form will apply to all funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you invest directly, to all AB Mutual Funds you hold.


 

 

 
Investment Products Offered  

  Are Not FDIC Insured May Lose Value Are Not Bank Guaranteed

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

This shareholder report must be preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s prospectus for individuals who are not current shareholders of the Fund.

You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com, or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227 4618.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC 0330. AB publishes full portfolio holdings for the Fund monthly at www.abfunds.com.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.

The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.


 

FROM THE PRESIDENT    LOGO

Dear Shareholder,

We are pleased to provide this report for AB Wealth Appreciation Strategy (the “Fund”). Please review the discussion of Fund performance, the market conditions during the reporting period and the Fund’s investment strategy.

As always, AB strives to keep clients ahead of what’s next by:

 

+   

Transforming uncommon insights into uncommon knowledge with a global research scope

 

+   

Navigating markets with seasoned investment experience and sophisticated solutions

 

+   

Providing thoughtful investment insights and actionable ideas

Whether you’re an individual investor or a multi-billion-dollar institution, we put knowledge and experience to work for you.

AB’s global research organization connects and collaborates across platforms and teams to deliver impactful insights and innovative products. Better insights lead to better opportunities—anywhere in the world.

For additional information about AB’s range of products and shareholder resources, please log on to www.abfunds.com.

Thank you for your investment in the AB Mutual Funds.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Robert M. Keith

President and Chief Executive Officer, AB Mutual Funds

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    1


 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

October 6, 2020

This report provides management’s discussion of fund performance for AB Wealth Appreciation Strategy for the annual reporting period ended August 31, 2020.

The Fund’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital.

NAV RETURNS AS OF AUGUST 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

     6 Months      12 Months  
AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY      
Class A Shares      12.69%        12.85%  
Class C Shares      12.23%        11.98%  
Advisor Class Shares1      12.79%        13.08%  
Class R Shares1      12.40%        12.31%  
Class K Shares1      12.57%        12.63%  
MSCI ACWI (net)      15.22%        16.52%  

 

1

Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table above shows the Fund’s performance compared to its benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World Index (“MSCI ACWI”) (net), for the six- and 12-month periods ended August 31, 2020.

For both periods, all share classes underperformed the benchmark, before sales charges. During the 12-month period, stock selection was the largest detractor, relative to the benchmark, while sector selection, country selection and currency selection were modest contributors. The Fund’s underweight to mega-cap companies in consumer discretionary and technology detracted from performance, as did smaller cap value stocks in the US, and weak stock selection in international small-cap stocks.

Similarly, for the six-month period, stock selection was the major detractor from returns, while positive sector selection modestly contributed to offset the underperformance. US and international large-cap stocks detracted from performance. The concentration of returns within mega-cap growth stocks in the US and China, where the Fund is underweight, was a significant headwind to performance, as the Fund’s focus on long-term compounders did not rally as strongly in the recovery period. The Fund’s

 

2    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


overweight to smaller cap stocks was also a detractor. Strong stock selection within growth companies in US small- and mid-cap as well as international large-cap stocks contributed and helped to offset some of the underperformance.

The Fund did not use derivatives during either period.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Global equity markets, led by a strong US rally, recorded positive returns for the 12-month period ended August 31, 2020. US, international and emerging-market equities erased losses from March when the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a decline from all-time highs as global economies were shuttered amid stay-at-home mandates. Investor optimism was supported by expanded monetary and fiscal stimulus, signs of encouraging economic data, and news that several potential vaccines had reached advanced trials. Despite the widespread rebound, headwinds from a resurgence of US-China tensions, persistently high rates of COVID-19 cases in many countries and an unprecedented contraction of economic growth threatened to temper the acceleration of economic activity. For the period, growth stocks significantly outperformed value stocks, led by large-cap technology and health care companies. While small-cap stocks participated in the equity rally, large-cap stocks have performed much better.

Global fixed-income market returns were positive yet volatile over the 12-month period. Central banks and governments enacted an unprecedented amount of monetary and fiscal stimulus to combat market illiquidity and cushion the negative economic impact of COVID-19, which set the stage for a rebound in risk assets following the sell-off that started in March. Government bonds rallied as interest rates were slashed. Emerging- and developed-market investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds led gains as investors searched for higher yields in a period of falling interest rates. Securitized assets advanced, while emerging-market sovereign and local bonds also ended the period with positive returns. The US dollar fell against all major developed-market currencies and was mixed against emerging-market currencies.

The Fund’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) seeks improved equity risk control by utilizing the Adviser’s Strategic Equities services as the core equity allocation to US and international markets. This diversified exposure across equity markets and emphasis on a broad set of stocks, which includes companies with historical and projected stable earnings and higher profitability, eliminates the need for diversifiers to limit volatility. The Team believes this allocation offers the potential to achieve higher returns, with similar levels of volatility, increasing risk-adjusted returns in an all-equity service to meet the long-term growth goal—growth of capital.

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    3


INVESTMENT POLICIES

The Fund invests primarily in equity securities, either directly or through underlying investment companies advised by the Adviser (“Underlying Portfolios”). A majority of the Fund’s assets are expected to be invested directly in US large-cap equity securities, primarily common stocks, in accordance with the Adviser’s US Strategic Equities investment strategy (“US Strategic Equities”), as described below. In addition, the Fund seeks to achieve exposure to international large-cap equity securities through investments in other registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, which may include International Strategic Equities Portfolio of Bernstein Fund, Inc. (“Bernstein International Strategic Equities Portfolio”) and Tax-Managed International Portfolio of Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc. (“SCB Tax-Managed International Portfolio”). The Fund also invests in other Underlying Portfolios to efficiently gain exposure to certain other types of equity securities, including small- and mid-cap and emerging-market equity securities. An Underlying Portfolio is selected based on the segment of the equity market to which the Underlying Portfolio provides exposure, its investment philosophy, and how it complements and diversifies the Fund’s overall portfolio.

Under US Strategic Equities, portfolio managers of the Adviser that specialize in various investment disciplines identify high-conviction large-cap equity securities based on their fundamental investment research for potential investment by the Fund. These securities are then assessed in terms of both this fundamental research and quantitative analysis in creating the Fund’s portfolio. In applying the quantitative analysis, the Adviser considers a number of metrics that historically have provided some indication of favorable future returns, including metrics related to valuation, quality, investor behavior and corporate behavior.

Bernstein International Strategic Equities Portfolio and SCB International Portfolio focus on investing in non-US large-cap and mid-cap equity securities. Bernstein International Strategic Equities Portfolio follows a strategy similar to US Strategic Equities, but in the international context. In managing SCB International Portfolio, the Adviser selects stocks by drawing on the capabilities of its separate investment teams specializing in different investment disciplines, including value, growth, stability and others.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates can have a dramatic impact on the returns of foreign equity securities. The Adviser may employ currency hedging strategies in the Fund or the Underlying Portfolios, including the use of currency-related derivatives, to seek to reduce currency risk in the Fund or the Underlying Portfolios, but it is not required to do so. The Fund is managed without regard to tax considerations.

 

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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS

 

Benchmark Disclosure

The MSCI ACWI is unmanaged and does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The MSCI ACWI (net, free float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted) represents the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations, and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices, any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI. Net returns include the reinvestment of dividends after deduction of non-US withholding tax. An investor cannot invest directly in an index or average, and their results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Fund.

A Word About Risk

Market Risk: The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock, bond or commodities markets fluctuate. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as growth or value, may be underperforming the stock market generally.

Foreign (Non-US) Risk: Investments in securities of non-US issuers may involve more risk than those of US issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be more difficult to trade due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

Currency Risk: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.

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.

Capitalization Risk: Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-and mid-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk: As with other investments, investments in other investment companies are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, shareholders of the Fund bear both

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    5


 

DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)

 

their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund (including management fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies (to the extent these expenses are not waived or reimbursed by the Adviser).

Management Risk: The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results.

These risks are fully discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate as the prices of the individual securities in which it invests fluctuate, so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. You may obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end by visiting www.abfunds.com. The performance shown for periods prior to July 14, 2017, is based on the Fund’s prior principal strategies and may not be representative of the Fund’s performance under its current principal strategies. Class B shares are no longer being offered. Effective November 7, 2019, all outstanding Class B shares were converted to Class A shares. Please see Note A for more information.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Fund have been deducted. Net asset value (“NAV”) returns do not reflect sales charges; if sales charges were reflected, the Fund’s quoted performance would be lower. SEC returns reflect the applicable sales charges for each share class: a 4.25% maximum front-end sales charge for Class A shares and a 1% 1-year contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares. Returns for the different share classes will vary due to different expenses associated with each class. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

 

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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE

 

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE FUND (unaudited)

8/31/2010 TO 8/31/2020

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in AB Wealth Appreciation Strategy Class A shares (from 8/31/2010 to 8/31/2020) as compared to the performance of the Fund’s benchmark. The chart reflects the deduction of the maximum 4.25% sales charge from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    7


 

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF AUGUST 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

    NAV Returns     SEC Returns
(reflects applicable
sales charges)
 
CLASS A SHARES    
1 Year     12.85%       8.02%  
5 Years     8.25%       7.31%  
10 Years     8.92%       8.45%  
CLASS C SHARES    
1 Year     11.98%       10.98%  
5 Years     7.44%       7.44%  
10 Years     8.12%       8.12%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1    
1 Year     13.08%       13.08%  
5 Years     8.53%       8.53%  
10 Years     9.22%       9.22%  
CLASS R SHARES1    
1 Year     12.31%       12.31%  
5 Years     7.76%       7.76%  
10 Years     8.48%       8.48%  
CLASS K SHARES1    
1 Year     12.63%       12.63%  
5 Years     8.11%       8.11%  
10 Years     8.81%       8.81%  

The Fund’s current prospectus fee table shows the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratios as 1.41%, 2.16%, 1.16%, 1.86% and 1.55% for Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R and Class K shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Contractual fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement agreements reduced the Fund’s annual operating expense ratios to 1.04%, 1.80%, 0.79%, 1.50% and 1.19% for Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R and Class K shares, respectively. These waivers/reimbursement agreements may not be terminated before December 31, 2020. Absent reimbursements or waivers, performance would have been lower. The net and gross expenses shown include the total operating expenses of the Fund and the indirect expenses of the Fund’s Underlying Portfolios, as based upon the allocation of the Fund’s assets among the Underlying Portfolios. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

 

1

These share classes are offered at NAV to eligible investors and their SEC returns are the same as their NAV returns. Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

 

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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

SEC AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS

AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 (unaudited)

 

     SEC Returns
(reflects applicable
sales charges)
 
CLASS A SHARES   
1 Year      3.22%  
5 Years      7.41%  
10 Years      7.12%  
CLASS C SHARES   
1 Year      5.98%  
5 Years      7.55%  
10 Years      6.80%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1   
1 Year      8.02%  
5 Years      8.62%  
10 Years      7.87%  
CLASS R SHARES1   
1 Year      7.26%  
5 Years      7.85%  
10 Years      7.14%  
CLASS K SHARES1   
1 Year      7.63%  
5 Years      8.19%  
10 Years      7.47%  

 

1

Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund.

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    9


 

EXPENSE EXAMPLE

(unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions. Therefore, the hypothetical example is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

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EXPENSE EXAMPLE (continued)

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
March 1,
2020
    Ending
Account
Value
August 31,
2020
    Expenses
Paid
During
Period*
    Annualized
Expense
Ratio*
    Total
Expenses
Paid
During
Period+
    Total
Annualized
Expense
Ratio+
 
Class A            

Actual

  $     1,000     $     1,126.90     $     3.42       0.64   $     5.56       1.04

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,021.92     $ 3.25       0.64   $ 5.28       1.04
Class C            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,122.30     $ 7.47       1.40   $ 9.60       1.80

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,018.10     $ 7.10       1.40   $ 9.12       1.80
Advisor Class            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,127.90     $ 2.09       0.39   $ 4.23       0.79

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,023.18     $ 1.98       0.39   $ 4.01       0.79
Class R            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,124.00     $ 5.87       1.10   $ 8.01       1.50

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,019.61     $ 5.58       1.10   $ 7.61       1.50
Class K            

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,125.70     $ 4.22       0.79   $ 6.36       1.19

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,021.17     $ 4.01       0.79   $ 6.04       1.19

 

*

Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**

Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

 

+

In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Fund’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Fund’s pro rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    11


 

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

August 31, 2020 (unaudited)

 

PORTFOLIO STATISTICS

Net Assets ($mil): $1,247.2

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

 

LOGO

 

1

All data are as of August 31, 2020. The Fund’s security type and sector breakdowns are expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. The Fund also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). Sectors shown include investments of Underlying Portfolios.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Fund’s prospectus.

 

12    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

August 31, 2020

 

Company    Shares     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

COMMON STOCKS – 52.4%

    

Information Technology – 15.3%

    

Communications Equipment – 0.1%

    

F5 Networks, Inc.(a)

     12,711     $ 1,682,047  
    

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 0.3%

    

CDW Corp./DE

     38,448       4,369,615  
    

 

 

 

IT Services – 3.1%

 

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

     37,174       5,170,531  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

     25,767       2,269,042  

Genpact Ltd.

     86,183       3,635,199  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)

     38,834       7,927,573  

Visa, Inc. – Class A

     92,711       19,653,805  
    

 

 

 
       38,656,150  
    

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 3.6%

    

Intel Corp.

     72,526       3,695,200  

KLA Corp.

     22,557       4,627,343  

NVIDIA Corp.

     12,410       6,639,102  

NXP Semiconductors NV

     46,806       5,886,322  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     86,636       10,318,348  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

     61,916       8,801,359  

Xilinx, Inc.

     42,332       4,409,301  
    

 

 

 
       44,376,975  
    

 

 

 

Software – 5.3%

    

Adobe, Inc.(a)

     9,643       4,950,620  

Citrix Systems, Inc.

     21,493       3,120,784  

Microsoft Corp.

     212,481       47,920,840  

Oracle Corp.

     112,703       6,448,866  

VMware, Inc. – Class A(a)(b)

     23,617       3,411,239  
    

 

 

 
       65,852,349  
    

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 2.9%

    

Apple, Inc.

     281,252       36,292,758  
    

 

 

 
       191,229,894  
    

 

 

 

Health Care – 7.8%

    

Biotechnology – 1.0%

    

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

     7,714       4,782,140  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

     26,381       7,363,465  
    

 

 

 
       12,145,605  
    

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies – 1.5%

    

Align Technology, Inc.(a)

     8,199       2,434,939  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

     83,918       7,203,521  

Medtronic PLC

     89,225       9,589,011  
    

 

 

 
       19,227,471  
    

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    13


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company    Shares     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services – 2.2%

    

Anthem, Inc.

     30,211     $ 8,505,001  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     59,668       18,649,233  
    

 

 

 
       27,154,234  
    

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals – 3.1%

    

Johnson & Johnson

     77,606       11,905,537  

Pfizer, Inc.

     177,175       6,695,443  

Roche Holding AG (Sponsored ADR)

     273,945       11,971,397  

Zoetis, Inc.

     53,674       8,593,207  
    

 

 

 
       39,165,584  
    

 

 

 
       97,692,894  
    

 

 

 

Communication Services – 7.6%

    

Diversified Telecommunication Services – 1.9%

    

Comcast Corp. – Class A

     293,123       13,134,842  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     178,374       10,572,227  
    

 

 

 
       23,707,069  
    

 

 

 

Entertainment – 0.9%

    

Electronic Arts, Inc.(a)

     53,962       7,526,080  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)

     22,182       3,797,337  
    

 

 

 
       11,323,417  
    

 

 

 

Interactive Media & Services – 4.8%

    

Alphabet, Inc. – Class C(a)

     19,882       32,490,766  

Facebook, Inc. – Class A(a)

     90,784       26,617,869  
    

 

 

 
       59,108,635  
    

 

 

 
       94,139,121  
    

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary – 5.9%

    

Auto Components – 0.4%

    

Magna International, Inc. – Class A (United States)

     117,143       5,694,321  
    

 

 

 

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail – 1.9%

    

Amazon.com, Inc.(a)

     6,886       23,763,311  
    

 

 

 

Specialty Retail – 2.5%

    

AutoZone, Inc.(a)

     7,286       8,716,315  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

     49,982       14,246,869  

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

     146,256       8,013,366  
    

 

 

 
       30,976,550  
    

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 1.1%

    

Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)

     15,931       3,247,853  

NIKE, Inc. – Class B

     90,608       10,138,129  
    

 

 

 
       13,385,982  
    

 

 

 
       73,820,164  
    

 

 

 

 

14    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company    Shares     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Financials – 4.6%

    

Banks – 2.3%

    

Bank of America Corp.

     436,108     $ 11,225,420  

Citigroup, Inc.

     127,562       6,520,969  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

     49,725       5,529,420  

Wells Fargo & Co.

     212,890       5,141,294  
    

 

 

 
       28,417,103  
    

 

 

 

Capital Markets – 0.9%

    

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

     36,593       7,496,808  

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.

     46,825       3,847,142  
    

 

 

 
       11,343,950  
    

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services – 0.3%

    

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. – Class B(a)

     20,144       4,392,198  
    

 

 

 

Insurance – 1.1%

    

Progressive Corp. (The)

     105,309       10,008,567  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. – Class A

     36,115       3,311,023  
    

 

 

 
       13,319,590  
    

 

 

 
       57,472,841  
    

 

 

 

Industrials – 3.5%

    

Aerospace & Defense – 1.0%

    

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

     39,248       7,093,684  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

     76,546       4,669,306  
    

 

 

 
       11,762,990  
    

 

 

 

Building Products – 0.2%

    

Masco Corp.

     37,460       2,183,918  
    

 

 

 

Construction & Engineering – 0.4%

    

AECOM(a)

     138,357       5,466,485  
    

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment – 0.6%

    

Eaton Corp. PLC

     70,871       7,235,929  
    

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates – 0.6%

    

Honeywell International, Inc.

     46,286       7,662,647  
    

 

 

 

Machinery – 0.2%

    

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.(a)

     72,389       2,537,958  
    

 

 

 

Road & Rail – 0.3%

    

Norfolk Southern Corp.

     17,479       3,714,812  
    

 

 

 

Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.2%

    

United Rentals, Inc.(a)

     15,119       2,676,819  
    

 

 

 
       43,241,558  
    

 

 

 

Consumer Staples – 3.2%

    

Beverages – 0.8%

    

PepsiCo, Inc.

     68,534       9,598,872  
    

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    15


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company    Shares     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing – 1.3%

    

Costco Wholesale Corp.

     9,953     $ 3,460,260  

Walmart, Inc.

     89,506       12,427,908  
    

 

 

 
       15,888,168  
    

 

 

 

Household Products – 1.1%

    

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

     99,854       13,812,804  
    

 

 

 
       39,299,844  
    

 

 

 

Real Estate – 2.0%

    

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) – 1.8%

    

American Campus Communities, Inc.

     87,095       2,952,520  

Americold Realty Trust

     79,334       3,042,459  

CubeSmart

     190,120       6,011,594  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

     67,731       7,932,655  

Prologis, Inc.

     21,817       2,222,280  
    

 

 

 
       22,161,508  
    

 

 

 

Real Estate Management & Development – 0.2%

    

CBRE Group, Inc. – Class A(a)

     68,273       3,210,879  
    

 

 

 
       25,372,387  
    

 

 

 

Utilities – 1.3%

    

Electric Utilities – 1.3%

    

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

     100,484       7,921,154  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

     21,788       6,082,556  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

     25,153       1,844,972  
    

 

 

 
       15,848,682  
    

 

 

 

Energy – 0.9%

    

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.9%

    

Chevron Corp.

     50,388       4,229,065  

EOG Resources, Inc.

     85,941       3,896,565  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC (Sponsored ADR)

     112,161       3,151,724  
    

 

 

 
       11,277,354  
    

 

 

 

Materials – 0.3%

    

Chemicals – 0.3%

    

Westlake Chemical Corp.

     65,812       3,903,968  
    

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $468,852,987)

       653,298,707  
    

 

 

 
    

INVESTMENT COMPANIES – 47.1%

    

Funds and Investment Trusts – 47.1%(c)(d)

    

AB Discovery Growth Fund, Inc. – Class Z

     2,498,670       35,905,889  

AB Trust – AB Discovery Value Fund – Class Z

     1,718,747       28,049,943  

Bernstein Fund, Inc. – International Small Cap Portfolio – Class Z

     6,987,365       73,856,446  

 

16    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

Company    Shares     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Bernstein Fund, Inc. – International Strategic Equities Portfolio – Class Z

     20,624,195     $ 243,777,982  

Bernstein Fund, Inc. – Small Cap Core Portfolio – Class Z

     3,205,211       34,552,173  

Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc. – Emerging Markets Portfolio – Class Z

     1,224,359       33,804,552  

Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc. – International Portfolio – Class Z

     8,318,916       137,262,111  
    

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies
(cost $610,834,816)

       587,209,096  
    

 

 

 
    

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 0.2%

    

Investment Companies – 0.2%

    

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 0.08%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $2,995,085)

     2,995,085       2,995,085  
    

 

 

 

Total Investments – 99.7%
(cost $1,082,682,888)

       1,243,502,888  

Other assets less liabilities – 0.3%

       3,682,794  
    

 

 

 

Net Assets – 100.0%

     $ 1,247,185,682  
    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Non-income producing security.

 

(b)

Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)

To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.

 

(d)

Affiliated investments.

 

(e)

The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end.

Glossary:

ADR – American Depositary Receipt

REIT – Real Estate Investment Trust

See notes to financial statements.

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    17


 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES

August 31, 2020

 

Assets

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $468,852,987)

   $ 653,298,707 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $613,829,901)

     590,204,181  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $234,640)

     254,074  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     4,881,548  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     1,035,719  

Receivable for shares of beneficial interest sold

     238,183  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     435  

Other assets

     18,691  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     1,249,931,538  
  

 

 

 
Liabilities

 

Payable for investment securities purchased

     1,238,402  

Payable for shares of beneficial interest redeemed

     922,244  

Advisory fee payable

     275,177  

Distribution fee payable

     85,035  

Administrative fee payable

     30,802  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     27,176  

Trustees’ fees payable

     8,405  

Accrued expenses

     158,615  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     2,745,856  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,247,185,682  
  

 

 

 
Composition of Net Assets

 

Shares of beneficial interest, at par

   $ 714  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,067,741,929  

Distributable earnings

     179,443,039  
  

 

 

 
   $     1,247,185,682  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—unlimited shares authorized, $.00001 par value

 

Class   Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 

 

 
A   $ 355,495,976          20,319,710        $   17.50

 

 
C   $ 16,621,168          948,931        $ 17.52  

 

 
Advisor   $   864,333,885          49,507,298        $ 17.46  

 

 
R   $ 1,865,761          107,249        $ 17.40  

 

 
K   $ 8,868,892          510,550        $ 17.37  

 

 

 

(a)

Includes securities on loan with a value of $2,969,253 (see Note E).

 

*

The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $18.28 which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%.

See notes to financial statements.

 

18    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended August 31, 2020

 

Investment Income     

Dividends

    

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $95,906)

   $     11,390,480    

Affiliated issuers

     10,942,276    

Securities lending income

     5,177     $ 22,337,933  
  

 

 

   
Expenses     

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     7,914,407    

Distribution fee—Class A

     859,440    

Distribution fee—Class B

     6,989    

Distribution fee—Class C

     196,557    

Distribution fee—Class R

     9,246    

Distribution fee—Class K

     24,146    

Transfer agency—Class A

     186,758    

Transfer agency—Class B

     602    

Transfer agency—Class C

     11,866    

Transfer agency—Advisor Class

     457,497    

Transfer agency—Class R

     4,809    

Transfer agency—Class K

     19,317    

Transfer agency—Class I

     306    

Custody and accounting

     177,064    

Registration fees

     95,981    

Printing

     83,038    

Administrative

     77,439    

Audit and tax

     67,250    

Legal

     45,073    

Trustees’ fees

     30,789    

Miscellaneous

     48,028    
  

 

 

   

Total expenses

     10,316,602    

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (4,468,477  
  

 

 

   

Net expenses

       5,848,125  
    

 

 

 

Net investment income

       16,489,808  
    

 

 

 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment and Foreign Currency Transactions     

Net realized gain (loss) on:

    

Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

       (5,491,326

Investment transactions

       21,275,726  

Foreign currency transactions

       1,120  

Net realized gain distributions from Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

       2,855,551  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

    

Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

       34,621,240  

Investments

       76,156,734  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

       26,273  
    

 

 

 

Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

       129,445,318  
    

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations

     $     145,935,126  
    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    19


 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations     

Net investment income

   $ 16,489,808     $ 19,028,918  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     15,785,520       22,556,882  

Net realized gain distributions from Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

     2,855,551       21,976,450  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     110,804,247       (88,441,669
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     145,935,126       (24,879,419

Distributions to Shareholders

    

Class A

     (14,132,922     (11,667,973

Class B

     – 0  –      (99,672

Class C

     (647,878     (702,562

Advisor Class

     (36,481,767     (30,308,404

Class R

     (59,482     (74,708

Class K

     (393,909     (339,830

Class I

     (17,215     (11,828
Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest     

Net decrease

     (107,267,390     (55,121,665
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease

     (13,065,437     (123,206,061
Net Assets     

Beginning of period

     1,260,251,119       1,383,457,180  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $     1,247,185,682     $     1,260,251,119  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

20    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

August 31, 2020

 

NOTE A

Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Portfolios (the “Company”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open end management investment company. The Company, which is a Massachusetts Business Trust, operates as a series company currently comprised of six series. Each series is considered to be a separate entity for financial reporting and tax purposes. This report relates only to the AB Wealth Appreciation Strategy (the “Fund”). The Fund offers Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R and Class K shares. Class B, Class I and Class T shares have been authorized but currently are not offered. Effective August 2, 2019, sales of Class B shares were suspended. On November 7, 2019, all remaining outstanding Class B shares of the Fund were converted to Class A shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A shares redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase, and 0% after the first year of purchase. Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares ten years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Class R and Class K shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge. Advisor Class and Class I shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All eight classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Company’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”).

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g., last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Fund generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

   

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of August 31, 2020:

 

Investments in
Securities:

   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets:

 

Common Stocks(a)

   $ 653,298,707     $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ 653,298,707  

Investment Companies

     587,209,096       – 0  –      – 0  –      587,209,096  

Short-Term Investments

     2,995,085       – 0  –      – 0  –      2,995,085  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     1,243,502,888       – 0  –      – 0  –      1,243,502,888  

Other Financial Instruments(b)

     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $   1,243,502,888     $   – 0  –    $   – 0  –    $   1,243,502,888  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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. Other financial instruments may also include swaps with upfront premiums, options written and swaptions written which are valued at market value.

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, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

4. Taxes

It is the Fund’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income. The Fund accounts for distributions received from REIT investments or from regulated investment companies as dividend income, realized gain, or return of capital based on information provided by the REIT or the investment company.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Company are charged proportionately to each series 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.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

NOTE B

Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”), the Fund pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .65% of the first $2.5 billion, .55% of the next $2.5 billion and .50% in excess of $5 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Fund may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Fund by the Adviser. For the year ended August 31, 2020, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $77,439.

The Fund compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. ABIS may make payments to intermediaries that provide omnibus account services, sub-accounting services and/or networking services. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $310,606 for the year ended August 31, 2020.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor has advised the Fund that it has retained front-end sales charges of $5,269 from the sale of Class A shares and received $1,790 and $1,136 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A and Class C shares, respectively, for the year ended August 31, 2020.

The Fund may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2021. In connection with the investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended August 31, 2020, such waiver amounted to $2,621.

In connection with the Fund’s investments in other AB mutual funds, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse the expenses payable to the Adviser by the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fees of AB mutual funds, as

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

paid by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. These fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will remain in effect until December 31, 2020. For the year ended August 31, 2020, such waivers and/or reimbursements amounted to $4,465,359.

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended August 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

      Distributions  
Fund   Market
Value
8/31/19
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Realized
Gain
(Loss)
(000)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appr./
(Depr.)
(000)
    Market
Value
8/31/20
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
    Realized
Gains
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $ – 0  –    $ 169,485     $ 166,490     $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ 2,995     $ 23     $ – 0  – 

AB Discovery Growth Fund, Inc.

    30,478       7,044       8,340       562       6,162       35,906       – 0  –      1,854  

AB Trust—AB Discovery Value Fund

    29,742       3,344       2,100       (411     (2,525     28,050       342       1,002  

Bernstein Fund, Inc.:

               

International Small Cap Portfolio

    75,378       4,884       10,002       (1,887     5,483       73,856       1,544       – 0  – 

International Strategic Equities Portfolio

    251,815       5,424       23,103       (1,902     11,544       243,778       5,424       – 0  – 

Small Cap Core Portfolio

    33,976       176       250       (12     662       34,552       176       – 0  – 

Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc.:

               

Emerging Markets Portfolio

    33,868       674       3,600       (393     3,256       33,805       674       – 0  – 

International Portfolio

    142,222       2,756       16,307       (1,448     10,039       137,262       2,756       – 0  – 

Government Money Market Portfolio*

    2,191       40,267       42,458       – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      3       – 0  – 
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        $ (5,491   $ 34,621     $ 590,204     $ 10,942     $ 2,856  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the year ended August 31, 2020 amounted to $78,089, of which $640 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

During the second quarter of 2018, AXA S.A. (“AXA”), a French holding company for the AXA Group, completed the sale of a minority stake in its

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

subsidiary, AXA Equitable Holdings, Inc. (now named Equitable Holdings, Inc.)(“Equitable”), through an initial public offering. Equitable is the holding company for a diverse group of financial services companies, including an approximately 65.3% economic interest in the Adviser and a 100% interest in AllianceBernstein Corporation, the general partner of the Adviser. Since the initial sale, AXA has completed additional offerings, most recently during the fourth quarter of 2019. As a result, AXA currently owns less than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Equitable, and no longer owns a controlling interest in Equitable. AXA previously announced its intention to sell its entire interest in Equitable over time, subject to market conditions and other factors (the “Plan”). Most of AXA’s remaining Equitable shares are to be delivered on redemption of AXA bonds mandatorily exchangeable into Equitable shares and maturing in May 2021. AXA retains sole discretion to determine the timing of any future sales of its remaining shares of Equitable common stock.

Sales under the Plan that were completed on November 13, 2019 resulted in the indirect transfer of a “controlling block” of voting securities of the Adviser (a “Change of Control Event”) and may have been deemed to have been an “assignment” causing a termination of the Fund’s investment advisory and administration agreements. In order to ensure that investment advisory and administration services could continue uninterrupted in the event of a Change of Control Event, the Board previously approved new investment advisory and administration agreements with the Adviser, and shareholders of the Fund subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C

Distribution Plan

The Fund has adopted a Plan for each class of shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Plan”). Under the Plan, the Fund pays distribution and servicing fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to both Class B and Class C shares, .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares and .25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class K shares. There are no distribution and servicing fees on the Advisor Class and Class I shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. Payments under the Plan in respect of Class A shares are currently limited to an annual rate of .25% of Class A shares’ average daily net assets. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities. The Fund is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution services fee in excess of the amounts set forth

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 Fund’s 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” plan.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution services fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Fund to the Distributor with respect to the relevant class. The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.

NOTE D

Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

     Purchases     Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $     219,427,187     $     351,499,465  

U.S. government securities

     – 0  –      – 0  – 

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Cost

   $     1,085,501,941  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 219,194,537  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (61,193,590
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 158,000,947  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Fund may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.

The Fund did not engage in derivatives transactions for the year ended August 31, 2020.

2. Currency Transactions

The Fund may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Fund may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Fund may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Fund may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E

Securities Lending

The Fund may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Fund’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Fund cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Fund will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Fund in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Fund receives non-cash collateral, the Fund will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Fund will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Fund amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Fund will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Fund, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Fund earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Fund’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Fund lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. 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. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Fund in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Fund’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended August 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

Market
Value of
Securities

on Loan*
  Cash
Collateral*
    Market Value
of Non-Cash
Collateral*
    Income from
Borrowers
    Government
Money Market
Portfolio
 
 

Income

Earned

  Advisory Fee
Waived
 
$  2,969,253   $   – 0  –    $   3,073,027     $   5,177     $  3,037   $   497  

 

*

As of August 31, 2020.

NOTE F

Shares of Beneficial Interest

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:

 

            
     Shares           Amount        
     Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
          Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
       
  

 

 

   
Class A             

Shares sold

     532,296       532,543       $ 8,669,759     $ 8,476,989    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     783,909       767,105         13,310,783       11,007,955    

 

   

Shares converted from Class B

     232,717       69,576         3,978,652       1,110,141    

 

   

Shares converted from Class C

     305,044       599,554         4,860,832       9,702,319    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (3,273,492     (3,371,103       (51,978,107     (53,567,072  

 

   

Net decrease

     (1,419,526     (1,402,325     $   (21,158,081   $   (23,269,668  

 

   

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

            
     Shares           Amount        
     Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
          Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
       
  

 

 

   
Class B             

Shares sold

     809       12,737       $ 13,784     $ 205,404    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     – 0  –      6,133         – 0  –      88,171    

 

   

Shares converted to Class A

     (230,288     (68,722       (3,978,652     (1,110,141  

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (4,629     (31,078       (77,453     (496,675  

 

   

Net decrease

     (234,108     (80,930     $ (4,042,321   $ (1,313,241  

 

   
            
Class C             

Shares sold

     55,363       57,782       $ 869,409     $ 906,520    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     34,958       44,969         597,439       648,458    

 

   

Shares converted to Class A

     (304,314     (599,954       (4,860,832     (9,702,319  

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (299,721     (294,639       (4,744,056     (4,660,139  

 

   

Net decrease

     (513,714     (791,842     $ (8,138,040   $ (12,807,480  

 

   
            
Advisor Class             

Shares sold

     4,522,411       5,991,622       $ 71,519,773     $ 94,284,750    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     2,062,329       2,035,657         34,873,984       29,109,901    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (11,150,478     (8,895,602         (177,034,483       (140,167,384  

 

   

Net decrease

     (4,565,738     (868,323     $ (70,640,726   $ (16,772,733  

 

   
            
Class R             

Shares sold

     13,003       26,844       $ 197,780     $ 423,243    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     3,512       5,228         59,482       74,707    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (49,896     (63,542       (836,228     (1,019,763  

 

   

Net decrease

     (33,381     (31,470     $ (578,966   $ (521,813  

 

   
            
Class K             

Shares sold

     59,458       63,820       $ 957,846     $ 999,372    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     23,350       23,814         393,907       339,829    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (239,301     (115,924       (3,728,898     (1,808,509  

 

   

Net decrease

     (156,493     (28,290     $ (2,377,145   $ (469,308  

 

   
            

 

32    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

            
     Shares           Amount        
     Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
          Year Ended
August 31,
2020
    Year Ended
August 31,
2019
       
  

 

 

   
Class I             

Shares sold

     1,463       1,524       $ 23,635     $ 23,491    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     1,017       826         17,215       11,827    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (26,306     (170       (372,961     (2,740  

 

   

Net increase (decrease)

     (23,826     2,180       $ (332,111   $ 32,578    

 

   

NOTE G

Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund

Market Risk—The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock, bond or commodities market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as growth, may underperform the market generally.

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 more difficult to trade due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.

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.

Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk—As with other investments, investments in other investment companies are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, shareholders of the Fund bear both

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund (including management fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies (to the extent these expenses are not waived or reimbursed by the Adviser).

LIBOR Risk—The Fund may invest in certain debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. Although financial regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, such as European Interbank Offer Rate (“EURIBOR”), Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA”) and Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), global consensus on alternative rates is lacking and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition away from LIBOR is underway but remains unclear. The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition away from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, adversely affecting the Fund’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Fund has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

Management Risk—The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively-managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results.

NOTE H

Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize the Facility during the year ended August 31, 2020.

NOTE I

Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

     2020      2019  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 16,856,078      $ 15,021,652  

Net long-term capital gains

     34,877,095        28,183,325  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions

   $     51,733,173      $     43,204,977  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of August 31, 2020, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 3,705,861  

Undistributed capital gains

     17,710,014  

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     158,027,164 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $     179,443,039  
  

 

 

 

 

(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 realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2020, the Fund did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

During the current fiscal year, permanent differences primarily due to the utilization of earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemption of shares resulted in a net decrease in distributable earnings and a net increase in additional paid-in capital. These reclassifications had no effect on net assets.

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    35


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

NOTE J

Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements through this date.

 

36    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class A  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  16.11       $  16.99       $  16.27       $  15.06       $  14.64  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .19       .21       .17       .48       .26  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    1.86       (.58     1.77       1.58       .39  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    2.05       (.37     1.94       2.06       .65  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.20     (.16     (.43     (.48     (.23

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.46     (.35     (.79     (.37     – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.66     (.51     (1.22     (.85     (.23
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  17.50       $  16.11       $  16.99       $  16.27       $  15.06  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(c)*

    12.85  %      (1.78 )%      12.21  %      14.35  %      4.53  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $355,496       $350,232       $393,100       $386,168       $354,972  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)

    .64  %      .64  %      .64  %      .85  %      .89  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)

    1.01  %      1.01  %      1.01  %      1.01  %      1.01  % 

Net investment income(b)

    1.20  %      1.34  %      1.02  %      3.14  %      1.78  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    18  %      20  %      22  %      111  %      9  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .40  %      .40  %      .40  %      .34  %      .41  % 

See footnote summary on page 42.

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    37


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class C  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  16.10       $  16.91       $  16.15       $  14.95       $  14.51  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .08       .10       .06       .36       .15  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    1.84       (.56     1.73       1.57       .40  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    1.92       (.46     1.79       1.93       .55  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.04     (.00 )(e)      (.24     (.36     (.11

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.46     (.35     (.79     (.37     – 0  – 
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.50     (.35     (1.03     (.73     (.11
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  17.52       $  16.10       $  16.91       $  16.15       $  14.95  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(c)*

    11.98  %      (2.46 )%      11.31  %      13.45  %      3.81  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $16,621       $23,546       $38,133       $55,532       $97,091  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)

    1.39  %      1.40  %      1.39  %      1.62  %      1.64  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)

    1.76  %      1.76  %      1.77  %      1.76  %      1.76  % 

Net investment income(b)

    .50  %      .64  %      .34  %      2.38  %      1.06  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    18  %      20  %      22  %      111  %      9  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .40  %      .40  %      .40  %      .34  %      .41  % 

See footnote summary on page 42.

 

38    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Advisor Class  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  16.08       $  16.96       $  16.25       $  15.04       $  14.62  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .23       .25       .21       .52       .29  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    1.85       (.57     1.76       1.58       .40  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    2.08       (.32     1.97       2.10       .69  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.24     (.21     (.47     (.52     (.27

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.46     (.35     (.79     (.37     – 0 –  
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.70     (.56     (1.26     (.89     (.27
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  17.46       $  16.08       $  16.96       $  16.25       $  15.04  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(c)*

    13.08  %      (1.49 )%      12.44  %      14.66  %      4.82  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $864,334       $869,353       $931,834       $857,397       $861,450  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)

    .39  %      .39  %      .39  %      .60  %      .64  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)

    .76  %      .76  %      .76  %      .76  %      .76  % 

Net investment income(b)

    1.44  %      1.58  %      1.26  %      3.39  %      2.00  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    18  %      20  %      22  %      111  %      9  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .40  %      .40  %      .40  %      .34  %      .41  % 

See footnote summary on page 42.

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    39


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class R  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  15.99       $  16.84       $  16.14       $  14.94       $  14.51  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .11       .15       .10       .41       .21  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    1.84       (.57     1.73       1.57       .37  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    1.95       (.42     1.83       1.98       .58  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.08     (.08     (.34     (.41     (.15

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.46     (.35     (.79     (.37     – 0 –  
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.54     (.43     (1.13     (.78     (.15
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  17.40       $  15.99       $  16.84       $  16.14       $  14.94  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(c)*

    12.31  %      (2.17 )%      11.62  %      13.88  %      4.06  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $1,866       $2,248       $2,898       $3,308       $3,360  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)

    1.09  %      1.10  %      1.09  %      1.30  %      1.33  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)

    1.46  %      1.46  %      1.47  %      1.46  %      1.45  % 

Net investment income(b)

    .69  %      .93  %      .59  %      2.67  %      1.46  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    18  %      20  %      22  %      111  %      9  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .40  %      .40  %      .40  %      .34  %      .41  % 

See footnote summary on page 42.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class K  
    Year Ended August 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  16.00       $  16.87       $  16.17       $  14.97       $  14.54  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .17       .19       .15       .48       .22  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    1.83       (.57     1.75       1.55       .42  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    2.00       (.38     1.90       2.03       .64  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.17     (.14     (.41     (.46     (.21

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.46     (.35     (.79     (.37     – 0 –  
 

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.63     (.49     (1.20     (.83     (.21
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  17.37       $  16.00       $  16.87       $  16.17       $  14.97  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(c)*

    12.63  %      (1.90 )%      12.01  %      14.22  %      4.48  % 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $8,869       $10,672       $11,729       $12,527       $16,346  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)

    .78  %      .79  %      .78  %      .99  %      1.01  % 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)

    1.15  %      1.15  %      1.16  %      1.14  %      1.12  % 

Net investment income(b)

    1.08  %      1.19  %      .92  %      3.18  %      1.57  % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    18  %      20  %      22  %      111  %      9  % 
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .40  %      .40  %      .40  %      .34  %      .41  % 

See footnote summary on page 42.

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    41


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)

Net of expenses waived/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. Initial sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges are not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(d)

In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years ended August 31, 2020, August 31, 2019, August 31, 2018 and August 31, 2017, such waiver amounted to .37%, .36%, .37% and .16%, respectively.

 

(e)

Amount is less than $.005.

 

*

Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the years ended August 31, 2018 and August 31, 2017 by .05% and .05%, respectively.

See notes to financial statements.

 

42    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of

AB Wealth Appreciation Strategy

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Wealth Appreciation Strategy (the “Fund”) (one of the series constituting The AB Portfolios (the “Company”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 2020, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the series constituting The AB Portfolios) at August 31, 2020, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    43


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (continued)

 

disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2020, by correspondence with the custodian and others or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from others were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

October 29, 2020

 

44    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

2020 FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

(unaudited)

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during the taxable year ended August 31, 2020. For individual shareholders, the Fund designates 100% of dividends paid as qualified dividend income. For corporate shareholders, 57.94% of dividends paid qualify for the dividends received deduction.

Shareholders should not use the above information to prepare their income tax returns. The information necessary to complete your income tax returns will be included with your Form 1099-DIV which will be sent to you separately in January 2021.

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    45


 

TRUSTEES

 

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1), Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

 

Robert M. Keith, President and Chief Executive Officer

Jeanette Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Garry L. Moody(1)

Earl D. Weiner(1)

OFFICERS  

Ding Liu(2), Vice President

Nelson Yu(2), Vice President

Emilie D. Wrapp, Clerk

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Analyst

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

Vincent S. Noto, Chief Compliance Officer

 

Custodian and Accounting Agent

State Street Bank and Trust Company
State Street Corporation CCB/5
1 Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210

 

Principal Underwriter

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105

 

Legal Counsel

Seward & Kissel LLP
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, NY 10004

 

Transfer Agent

AllianceBernstein Investor
Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 786003
San Antonio, TX 78278-6003
Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP
5 Times Square
New York, NY 10036

 

1

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

2

The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund’s portfolio are made by the Adviser’s Multi-Asset Solutions Team. Messrs. Liu and Yu are the investment professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

46    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Board of Trustees Information

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Trustees is set forth below.

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE
INTERESTED TRUSTEE    

Robert M. Keith,#
1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105
60

(2010)

  Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the head of AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”) since July 2008; Director of ABI and President of the AB Mutual Funds. Previously, he served as Executive Managing Director of ABI from December 2006 to June 2008. Prior to joining ABI in 2006, Executive Managing Director of Bernstein Global Wealth Management, and prior thereto, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Client Service and Sales of the Adviser’s institutional investment management business since 2004. Prior thereto, he was Managing Director and Head of North American Client Service and Sales in the Adviser’s institutional investment management business with which he had been associated since prior to 2004.     77     None

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
  OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.,##
Chairman of the Board
79
(2005)
  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (components of semi-conductor manufacturing). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the boards of two education and science-related non-profit organizations. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has been Chairman of the AB Funds since January 2014, and the Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees of such AB Funds since February 2014.   77   None

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
  OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
(continued)

Jorge A. Bermudez,##

69

(2020)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.   77   Moody’s Corporation since April 2011
     

Michael J. Downey,##
76

(2005)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2015 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.   77   None

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    49


 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
  OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
(continued)

Nancy P. Jacklin,##
72

(2006)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008-2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002-May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992-2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985-1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982-1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973-1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.   77   None
     

Jeanette Loeb,##
68
(2020)

  Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund, Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.   77   Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
  OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
(continued)

Carol C. McMullen,##

65

(2016)

  Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010-2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016.   77   None

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
  OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
(continued)

Garry L. Moody,##
68

(2008)

  Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Trustee Advisory Board of BoardIQ, a biweekly publication focused on issues and news affecting directors of mutual funds. He is also a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council. He has served as a director or trustee, and as Chairman of the Audit Committees, of the AB Funds since 2008.   77   None
     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE
  OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY HELD
BY TRUSTEE
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
(continued)
Earl D. Weiner,##
81
(2007)
  Senior Counsel since 2017, Of Counsel from 2007 to 2016, and Partner prior to then, of the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. He is a former member of the ABA Federal Regulation of Securities Committee Task Force to draft editions of the Fund Director’s Guidebook. He also serves as a director or trustee of various non-profit organizations and has served as Chairman or Vice Chairman of a number of them. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2007 and served as Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds from 2007 until August 2014.   77   None

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Trustees is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Legal and Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Trustees.

 

***

The information above includes each Trustee’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes and skills relevant to each Trustee’s qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the Fund.

 

#

Mr. Keith is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

##

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    53


 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Fund’s Officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*
AND AGE
   POSITIONS
HELD WITH TRUST
   PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
Robert M. Keith
60
   President and Chief Executive Officer    See biography above.
     

Ding Liu

43

   Vice President    Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015.
     

Nelson Yu

49

   Vice President    Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. He is also Head of Blended Strategies since 2017 and Head of Quantitative Research — Equities since prior to 2015.
     
Emilie D. Wrapp
64
   Clerk    Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Clerk of ABI**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015.
     

Michael B. Reyes

44

   Senior Analyst    Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Joseph J. Mantineo
61
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer    Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Phyllis J. Clarke
59
   Controller and Chief Accounting Officer    Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015.
     
Vincent S. Noto
55
   Chief Compliance Officer    Senior Vice President since 2015 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser** since prior to 2015.

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

The Adviser, ABI and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund.

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (SAI) has additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or AB at (800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

54    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


Operation and Effectiveness of the Fund’s Liquidity Risk Management Program:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Fund to designate an Administrator of the Fund’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Fund’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”). Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Fund’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2020, which covered the period December 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner. Pursuant to the LRMP, the Fund classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, taking into account any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Fund participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP. The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Fund is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Fund’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Fund’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Fund’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP, and there were no liquidity events that impacted the Fund or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    55


Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement

The disinterested trustees (the “directors”) of The AB Portfolios (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Wealth Appreciation Strategy (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on May 5-7, 2020 (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 additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund and the underlying funds advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the

 

56    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. 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 Fund’s former Senior Officer/Independent Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2018 and 2019 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s former Senior Officer/Independent Compliance 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 fund 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.

 

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Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund and the underlying funds advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of certain classes of the Fund’s shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the 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 performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, 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, 2020 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median 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 other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s

 

58    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule, 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 previously discussed these matters with an independent fee consultant.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional clients as compared to the Fund and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

The directors noted that the Fund may invest in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as these may be varied as a result of exemptive orders issued by the SEC. The directors also noted that ETFs pay advisory fees pursuant to their advisory contracts. The directors concluded, based on the Adviser’s explanation of how it uses ETFs when they are the most cost-effective way to obtain desired exposures, in some cases pending purchases of underlying securities, that the advisory fee for the Fund would be for services in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contracts of the ETFs.

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment

 

abfunds.com   AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY    |    59


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 schedules 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 presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also previously discussed economies of scale with an independent fee consultant. 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.

 

60    |    AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY   abfunds.com


This page is not part of the Shareholder Report or the Financial Statements.

 

 

AB FAMILY OF FUNDS

 

US EQUITY

CORE

Core Opportunities Fund

FlexFee US Thematic Portfolio

Select US Equity Portfolio

GROWTH

Concentrated Growth Fund

Discovery Growth Fund

FlexFee Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Growth Fund

Large Cap Growth Fund

Small Cap Growth Portfolio

VALUE

Discovery Value Fund

Equity Income Fund

Relative Value Fund

Small Cap Value Portfolio

Value Fund

INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY

CORE

FlexFee International Strategic Core Portfolio

Global Core Equity Portfolio

International Portfolio

International Strategic Core Portfolio

Sustainable Global Thematic Fund

Tax-Managed International Portfolio

Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy

Wealth Appreciation Strategy

INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY (continued)

GROWTH

Concentrated International Growth Portfolio

FlexFee Emerging Markets Growth Portfolio

Sustainable International Thematic Fund

VALUE

All China Equity Portfolio

International Value Fund

FIXED INCOME

MUNICIPAL

High Income Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio

Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy

Tax-Aware Fixed Income Opportunities Portfolio1

National Portfolio

Arizona Portfolio

California Portfolio

Massachusetts Portfolio

Minnesota Portfolio

New Jersey Portfolio

New York Portfolio

Ohio Portfolio

Pennsylvania Portfolio

Virginia Portfolio

FIXED INCOME (continued)

TAXABLE

Bond Inflation Strategy

FlexFee High Yield Portfolio

FlexFee International Bond Portfolio

Global Bond Fund

High Income Fund

Income Fund

Intermediate Duration Portfolio

Limited Duration High Income Portfolio

Short Duration Income Portfolio

Short Duration Portfolio

Total Return Bond Portfolio

ALTERNATIVES

All Market Real Return Portfolio

Global Real Estate Investment Fund

Select US Long/Short Portfolio

MULTI-ASSET

All Market Income Portfolio

All Market Total Return Portfolio

Conservative Wealth Strategy

Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Portfolio

Global Risk Allocation Fund

Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio

CLOSED-END FUNDS

AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund

AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund

 

 

We also offer Government Money Market Portfolio, which serves as the money market fund exchange vehicle for the AB mutual funds. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. The Fund may impose a fee upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

 

1

Prior to February 5, 2020, Tax-Aware Fixed Income Opportunities Portfolio was named Tax-Aware Fixed Income Portfolio.

 

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NOTES

 

 

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NOTES

 

 

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NOTES

 

 

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NOTES

 

 

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NOTES

 

 

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NOTES

 

 

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NOTES

 

 

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  abfunds.com


LOGO

AB WEALTH APPRECIATION STRATEGY

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

800 221 5672

 

 

WA-0151-0820                 LOGO


ITEM 2.

CODE OF ETHICS.

(a) The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. A copy of the registrant’s code of ethics is filed herewith as Exhibit 12(a)(1).

(b) During the period covered by this report, no material amendments were made to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above.

(c) During the period covered by this report, no implicit or explicit waivers to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above were granted.

 

ITEM 3.

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

The registrant’s Board of Directors has determined that independent directors Garry L. Moody, Marshall C. Turner, Jr. and Jorge A. Bermudez qualify as audit committee financial experts.

 

ITEM 4.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

(a) - (c) The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by the independent registered public accounting firm Ernst & Young LLP for the Fund’s last two fiscal years for professional services rendered for: (i) the audit of the Fund’s annual financial statements included in the Fund’s annual report to stockholders; (ii) assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Fund’s financial statements and are not reported under (i), which include advice and education related to accounting and auditing issues, quarterly press release review (for those Funds that issue quarterly press releases), and preferred stock maintenance testing (for those Funds that issue preferred stock); and (iii) tax compliance, tax advice and tax return preparation.

 

            Audit Fees      Audit-Related Fees      Tax Fees  

AB All Market Total Return

     2019      $ 101,410      $ -      $ 28,822  
     2020      $ 101,410      $ -      $ 32,265  

AB Wealth Appreciation Strategy

     2019      $ 42,593      $ -      $ 24,430  
     2020      $ 42,593      $ -      $ 22,700  

AB Conservative Wealth Strategy

     2019      $ 65,372      $ -      $ 27,022  
     2020      $ 65,372      $ -      $ 28,738  

AB TM All Market Income Portfolio

     2019      $ 49,146      $ -      $ 41,947  
     2020      $ 49,146      $ -      $ 43,847  

AB TM Wealth Appreciation Strategy

     2019      $ 42,593      $ -      $ 23,797  
     2020      $ 42,593      $ -      $ 23,308  

(d) Not applicable.

(e) (1) Beginning with audit and non-audit service contracts entered into on or after May 6, 2003, the Fund’s Audit Committee policies and procedures require the pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services provided to the Fund by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Fund’s Audit Committee policies and procedures also require pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services provided to the Adviser and Service Affiliates to the extent that these services are directly related to the operations or financial reporting of the Fund.

(e) (2) All of the amounts for Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees and Tax Fees in the table under Item 4 (a) – (c) are for services pre-approved by the Fund’s Audit Committee.

(f) Not applicable.


(g) The following table sets forth the aggregate non-audit services provided to the Fund, the Fund’s Adviser and entities that control, are controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provide ongoing services to the Fund:

 

          All Fees for Non-Audit Services
Provided to the Portfolio, the  Adviser
and Service Affiliates
     Total Amount of Foregoing Column
Pre-approved by the Audit  Committee
(Portion Comprised of Audit Related Fees)
(Portion Comprised of Tax Fees)
 

AB All Market Total Return

   2019    $ 831,207      $ 28,822  
         $ -  
         $ (28,822
        
   2020    $ 1,100,972      $ 32,265  
         $ -  
         $ (32,265
        

AB Wealth Appreciation Strategy

   2019    $ 826,815      $ 24,430  
         $ -  
         $ (24,430
        
   2020    $ 1,091,407      $ 22,700  
         $ -  
         $ (22,700
        

AB Conservative Wealth Strategy

   2019    $ 829,407      $ 27,022  
         $ -  
         $ (27,022
        
   2020    $ 1,097,445      $ 28,738  
         $ -  
         $ (28,738
        

AB TM All Market Income Portfolio

   2019    $ 844,332      $ 41,947  
         $ -  
         $ (41,947
        
   2020    $ 1,112,554      $ 43,847  
         $ -  
         $ (43,847
        

AB TM Wealth Appreciation Strategy

   2019    $ 826,182      $ 23,797  
         $ -  
         $ (23,797
        
   2020    $ 1,092,015      $ 23,308  
         $ -  
         $ (23,308

(h) The Audit Committee of the Fund has considered whether the provision of any non-audit services not pre-approved by the Audit Committee provided by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to the Adviser and Service Affiliates is compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence.

 

ITEM 5.

AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable to the registrant.

 

ITEM 6.

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 significant changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting during the second fiscal quarter of the period that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.


ITEM 12.

DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the registrant.

 

ITEM 13.

EXHIBITS.

The following exhibits are attached to this Form N-CSR:

 

EXHIBIT
NO.
 

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT

12 (a) (1)   Code of Ethics that is subject to the disclosure of Item 2 hereof
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): The AB Portfolios

 

By:   /s/ Robert M. Keith
  Robert M. Keith
  President

Date: October 30, 2020

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: October 30, 2020

 

By:   /s/ Joseph J. Mantineo
  Joseph J. Mantineo
  Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Date: October 30, 2020

Exhibit 12(a) (1)

CODE OF ETHICS FOR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS

 

I.

Covered Officers/Purpose of the Code

The AllianceBernstein Mutual Fund Complex’s code of ethics (this “Code”) for the investment companies within the complex (collectively, the “Funds” and each, a “Company”) applies to each Company’s Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and Controller (the “Covered Officers,” each of whom is set forth in Exhibit A) for the purpose of promoting:

 

 

honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;

 

 

full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and in other public communications made by the Company;

 

 

compliance with applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations;

 

 

the prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and

 

 

accountability for adherence to the Code.

Each Covered Officer should adhere to a high standard of business ethics and should be sensitive to situations that may give rise to actual as well as apparent conflicts of interest.

 

II.

Covered Officers Should Handle Ethically Actual and Apparent Conflicts of Interest

Overview. A “conflict of interest” occurs when a Covered Officer’s private interest interferes with the interests of, or his service to, the Company. For example, a conflict of interest would arise if a Covered Officer, or a member of his family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his position with the Company. For the purposes of this Code, members of the Covered Officer’s family include his or her spouse, children, stepchildren, financial dependents, parents and stepparents.

Certain conflicts of interest arise out of the relationships between Covered Officers and the Company and already are subject to conflict of interest provisions in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Investment Company Act”) and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Investment Advisers Act”). For example, Covered Officers may not individually engage in certain transactions (such as the purchase or sale of securities or other property) with the Company because of their status as “affiliated persons” of the Company. The Company’s and the investment adviser’s compliance programs and procedures are designed to prevent, or identify and correct, violations of these provisions. This Code does not, and is not intended to, repeat or replace these programs and procedures, and such conflicts fall outside of the parameters of this Code.


Although typically not presenting an opportunity for improper personal benefit, conflicts arise from, or as a result of, the contractual relationship between the Company and the investment adviser of which the Covered Officers are also officers or employees. As a result, this Code recognizes that the Covered Officers will, in the normal course of their duties (whether formally for the Company or for the adviser, or for both), be involved in establishing policies and implementing decisions that will have different effects on the adviser and the Company. The participation of the Covered Officers in such activities is inherent in the contractual relationship between the Company and the adviser and is consistent with the performance by the Covered Officers of their duties as officers of the Company. Thus, if performed in conformity with the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act, such activities will be deemed to have been handled ethically. In addition, it is recognized by the Company’s Board of Directors or Trustees (the “Directors”) that the Covered Officers may also be officers or employees of one or more of the other Funds or of other investment companies covered by this or other codes.

Other conflicts of interest are covered by the Code, even if such conflicts of interest are not subject to provisions in the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act. The following list provides examples of conflicts of interest under the Code, but Covered Officers should keep in mind that these examples are not exhaustive. The overarching principle is that the personal interest of a Covered Officer should not be placed improperly before the interest of the Company.

Each Covered Officer must:

 

 

not use his personal influence or personal relationships improperly to influence investment decisions or financial reporting by the Company whereby the Covered Officer would benefit personally to the detriment of the Company;

 

 

not cause the Company to take action, or fail to take action, for the individual personal benefit of the Covered Officer rather than the benefit of the Company;

 

 

not use material non-public knowledge of portfolio transactions made or contemplated for the Company to trade personally or cause others to trade personally in contemplation of the market effect of such transactions;

 

2


There are some conflict of interest situations, whether involving a Covered Officer directly or a member of his family, that should always be discussed with the General Counsel of Alliance Capital Management L.P. (the “General Counsel”), if material. Examples of these include:

 

 

service as a director on the board of directors or trustees of any public or private company (other than a not-for-profit organization);

 

 

the receipt of any non-nominal gifts;

 

 

the receipt of any entertainment from any company with which the Company has current or prospective business dealings unless such entertainment is business-related, reasonable in cost, appropriate as to time and place, and not so frequent as to raise any question of impropriety;

 

 

any ownership interest in, or any consulting or employment relationship with, any of the Company’s service providers, other than its investment adviser, principal underwriter, administrator or any affiliated person thereof;

 

 

a direct or indirect financial interest in commissions, transaction charges or spreads paid by the Company for effecting portfolio transactions or for selling or redeeming shares other than an interest arising from the Covered Officer’s employment, such as compensation or equity ownership.

 

III.

Disclosure and Compliance

 

 

Each Covered Officer should familiarize himself with the disclosure requirements and disclosure controls and procedures generally applicable to the Company;

 

 

each Covered Officer should not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others to misrepresent, facts about the Company to others, whether within or outside the Company, including to the Company’s directors and auditors, and to governmental regulators and self-regulatory organizations;

 

 

each Covered Officer should, to the extent appropriate within his area of responsibility, consult with other officers and employees of the Funds and the adviser with the goal of promoting full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the reports and documents the Funds file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Funds; and

 

3


 

it is the responsibility of each Covered Officer to promote compliance with the standards and restrictions imposed by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

 

IV.

Reporting and Accountability

Each Covered Officer must:

 

 

upon adoption of the Code (or thereafter as applicable, upon becoming a Covered Officer), affirm in writing to the General Counsel that he has received, read, and understands the Code;

 

 

annually thereafter affirm to the General Counsel that he has complied with the requirements of the Code;

 

 

complete at least annually a questionnaire relating to affiliations or other relationships that may give rise to conflicts of interest;

 

 

not retaliate against any other Covered Officer or any employee of the Company or their affiliated persons for reports of potential violations that are made in good faith; and

 

 

notify the General Counsel promptly if he knows of any violation of this Code. Failure to do so is itself a violation of this Code.

The General Counsel is responsible for applying this Code to specific situations in which questions are presented under it and has the authority to interpret this Code in any particular situation. However, waivers sought by a Covered Officer will be considered by the Company’s Audit Committee (the “Committee”).

The Company will follow these procedures in investigating and enforcing this Code:

 

 

the General Counsel will take all appropriate action to investigate any potential violations reported to him;

 

 

if, after such investigation, the General Counsel believes that no material violation has occurred, the General Counsel is not required to take any further action;

 

 

any matter that the General Counsel believes is a material violation will be reported to the Committee;

 

 

if the Committee concurs that a material violation has occurred, it will inform and make a recommendation to the Directors, who will consider appropriate action, which may include review of, and appropriate modifications to, applicable policies and procedures; notification to appropriate personnel of the investment adviser or its board; or a recommendation to dismiss the Covered Officer;

 

 

the Committee will be responsible for granting waivers, as appropriate; and

 

 

any changes to or waivers of this Code will, to the extent required, be disclosed as provided by SEC rules.

 

4


V.

Other Policies and Procedures

This Code shall be the sole code of ethics adopted by the Company for purposes of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and forms applicable to registered investment companies thereunder. Insofar as other policies or procedures of the Company, the Company’s adviser, principal underwriter, or other service providers govern or purport to govern the behavior or activities of the Covered Officers who are subject to this Code, it is understood that this Code is in all respects separate and apart from, and operates independently of, any such policies and procedures. In particular, the Company’s and its investment adviser’s and principal underwriter's codes of ethics under Rule 17j-l under the Investment Company Act are separate requirements applying to the Covered Officers and others, and are not part of this Code.

 

VI.

Amendments

Any amendments to this Code, other than amendments to Exhibit A, must be approved or ratified by a majority vote of the Directors, including a majority of independent directors.

 

VII.

Confidentiality

All reports and records prepared or maintained pursuant to this Code will be considered confidential and shall be maintained and protected accordingly. Except as otherwise required by law or this Code, such matters shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the Directors, the investment adviser, their counsel, counsel to the Company and, if deemed appropriate by the Directors of the Company, to the Directors of the other Funds.

 

VIII. 

Internal  Use

The Code is intended solely for internal use by the Funds and does not constitute an admission, by or on behalf of any Company, as to any fact, circumstance, or legal conclusion.

Date: July 22, 2003, as amended March 17, 2004

 

5


Exhibit A

Persons Covered by this Code of Ethics

Principal Executive Officer

Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

Controller

 

6

Exhibit 12(b)(1)

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Robert M. Keith, President of The AB Pooling Portfolios, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of The AB Pooling Portfolios;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

 

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b)

designed such internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d)

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: October 30, 2020

 

/s/ Robert M. Keith

Robert M. Keith

President


Exhibit 12(b)(2)

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of The AB Pooling Portfolios, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of The AB Pooling Portfolios;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

 

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b)

designed such internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d)

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information ; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: October 30, 2020

 

/s/ Joseph J. Mantineo

Joseph J. Mantineo

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT 12(c)

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, each of the undersigned, being the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of The AB Portfolios, (the “Registrant”), hereby certifies that the Registrant’s report on Form N-CSR for the period ended August 31, 2020 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

Date: October 30, 2020

 

By:

 

/s/ Robert M. Keith

  Robert M. Keith
  President

 

By:

 

/s/ Joseph J. Mantineo

 

Joseph J. Mantineo

  Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

This certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Registrant and will be retained by the Registrant and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.