ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P. - FORM 10-Q - April 28, 2016

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EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.a33116exhibit312.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.a33116exhibit311.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.a33116exhibit321.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.a33116exhibit322.htm

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC  20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                         to
Commission File No.  000-29961
ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
13-4064930
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY  10105
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(212) 969-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
x
 
No
o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes
x

 
No
o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer o
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer x (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
o
 
No
x
 
The number of units of limited partnership interest outstanding as of March 31, 2016 was 270,638,334.



ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
Index to Form 10-Q

 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
Part I
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
Part II
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 



Part I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(in thousands, except unit amounts)
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
(unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
796,378

 
$
541,483

Cash and securities segregated, at fair value (cost: $723,470 and $565,264)
723,776

 
565,274

Receivables, net:
 

 
 

Brokers and dealers
266,507

 
411,174

Brokerage clients
1,373,692

 
1,328,406

Fees
234,443

 
257,091

Investments:
 

 
 

Long-term incentive compensation-related
65,511

 
78,154

Other
463,293

 
591,646

Assets of consolidated variable interest entities:
 
 
 
   Cash and cash equivalents
32,855

 
—

   Investments
243,248

 
—

   Other assets
76,239

 
—

Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
159,029

 
160,360

Goodwill
3,044,807

 
3,044,807

Intangible assets, net
139,327

 
145,710

Deferred sales commissions, net
85,821

 
99,070

Other assets
210,594

 
210,546

Total assets
$
7,915,520

 
$
7,433,721

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST AND CAPITAL
 

 
 

Liabilities:
 

 
 

Payables:
 

 
 

Brokers and dealers
$
283,776

 
$
191,990

Securities sold not yet purchased
13,472

 
16,097

Brokerage clients
1,849,768

 
1,715,096

AB mutual funds
195,988

 
137,886

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
441,753

 
469,753

Liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities
76,356

 
—

Accrued compensation and benefits
313,798

 
253,079

Debt
485,621

 
581,700

Total liabilities
3,660,532

 
3,365,601

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 12)


 


 
 
 
 
Redeemable non-controlling interest
217,700

 
13,203


1

 
 
 
 
Capital:
 

 
 

General Partner
40,669

 
40,875

Limited partners: 270,638,334 and 272,301,827 units issued and outstanding
4,108,796

 
4,128,752

Receivables from affiliates
(7,765
)
 
(14,498
)
AB Holding Units held for long-term incentive compensation plans
(31,417
)
 
(29,332
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(90,617
)
 
(95,353
)
Partners’ capital attributable to AB Unitholders
4,019,666

 
4,030,444

Non-redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated entities
17,622

 
24,473

Total capital
4,037,288

 
4,054,917

Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and capital
$
7,915,520

 
$
7,433,721

 
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

2

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues:
 
 
 
Investment advisory and services fees
$
451,413

 
$
493,988

Bernstein research services
126,465

 
126,046

Distribution revenues
92,692

 
109,184

Dividend and interest income
7,370

 
5,094

Investment gains (losses)
65,650

 
3,888

Other revenues
27,611

 
24,990

Total revenues
771,201

 
763,190

Less: Interest expense
2,075

 
619

Net revenues
769,126

 
762,571

 
 
 
 
Expenses:
 

 
 

Employee compensation and benefits
302,011

 
326,327

Promotion and servicing:
 

 
 

Distribution-related payments
87,127

 
100,386

Amortization of deferred sales commissions
11,242

 
12,399

Other
54,201

 
55,537

General and administrative:
 

 
 

General and administrative
105,923

 
107,333

Real estate charges (credits)
27,586

 
(383
)
Contingent payment arrangements
353

 
443

Interest on borrowings
1,232

 
854

Amortization of intangible assets
6,409

 
6,461

Total expenses
596,084

 
609,357

 
 
 
 
Operating income
173,042

 
153,214

 
 
 
 
Income taxes
9,864

 
10,470

 
 
 
 
Net income
163,178

 
142,744

 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests
(5,748
)
 
1,275

 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders
$
168,926

 
$
141,469

 
 
 
 
Net income per AB Unit:
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.62

 
$
0.51

Diluted
$
0.61

 
$
0.51


See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
163,178

 
$
142,744

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
5,225

 
(12,275
)
Income tax expense
—

 
—

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
5,225

 
(12,275
)
Unrealized (losses) gains on investments:
 
 
 
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during period
(8
)
 
189

Less: reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income
(3
)
 
—

Change in unrealized (losses) gains on investments
(5
)
 
189

Income tax (expense) benefit
(1
)
 
119

Unrealized (losses) gains on investments, net of tax
(6
)
 
308

Changes in employee benefit related items:
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service cost
71

 
—

Recognized actuarial (loss) gain
(433
)
 
237

Changes in employee benefit related items
(362
)
 
237

Income tax expense
(71
)
 
(62
)
Employee benefit related items, net of tax
(433
)
 
175

Other comprehensive income (loss)
4,786

 
(11,792
)
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income in consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests
(5,697
)
 
1,208

Comprehensive income attributable to AB Unitholders
$
173,661

 
$
129,744

 
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


4

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
163,178

 
$
142,744

 
 
 
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions
11,242

 
12,399

Non-cash long-term incentive compensation expense
739

 
3,387

Depreciation and other amortization
14,784

 
14,294

Unrealized gains on investments
(10,587
)
 
(7,541
)
Unrealized losses on investments of consolidated variable interest entities
8,032

 
—

Other, net
11,936

 
578

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

(Increase) in segregated cash and securities
(158,502
)
 
(43,862
)
Decrease (increase) in receivables
117,443

 
(125,720
)
Decrease in investments
127,820

 
42,310

(Increase) in investments of consolidated variable interest entities
(12,208
)
 
—

Decrease (increase) in deferred sales commissions
2,007

 
(15,991
)
(Increase) in other assets
(1,402
)
 
(18,756
)
Decrease in other assets and liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities
1,735

 
—

Increase in payables
277,154

 
181,581

Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses
62,805

 
988

Increase in accrued compensation and benefits
59,741

 
73,370

Net cash provided by operating activities
675,917

 
259,781

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Purchases of investments
—

 
(85
)
Proceeds from sales of investments
91

 
—

Purchases of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements
(11,241
)
 
(5,050
)
Proceeds from sales of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements
—

 
33

Net cash used in investing activities
(11,150
)
 
(5,102
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

(Repayment) issuance of commercial paper, net
(96,989
)
 
11,295

(Decrease) increase in overdrafts payable
(91,313
)
 
38,772

Distributions to General Partner and Unitholders
(153,433
)
 
(173,075
)
Capital contributions from non-controlling interests in consolidated entities
—

 
202

Distributions to non-controlling interests of consolidated VIEs
(47,508
)
 
—

Capital contributions from General Partner
233

 
335

Capital contributions from AB Holding
6,115

 
6,019

Payments of contingent payment arrangements
(280
)
 
(213
)
Additional investments by AB Holding with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units
1,457

 
3,901

Purchases of AB Holding Units to fund long-term incentive compensation plan awards, net
(39,550
)
 
(16,929
)
Purchases of AB Units
(4
)
 
(11
)
Other
(2
)
 
(7
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(421,274
)
 
(129,711
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

5

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
8,440

 
(9,183
)
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
251,933

 
115,785

Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of the period
577,300

 
555,503

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of the period
$
829,233

 
$
671,288

 
 
 
 
Supplemental information - consolidation of variable interest entities:
 
 
 
Consolidation of cash and cash equivalents of consolidated variable interest entities
$
35,817

 
$
—

Consolidation of investments of consolidated variable interest entities
215,175

 
—

Consolidation of other assets of consolidated variable interest entities
13,871

 
—

Consolidation of other liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities
14,012

 
—

Consolidation of redeemable non-controlling interest of consolidated variable interest entities
250,851

 
—

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2016
(unaudited)

The words “we” and “our” refer collectively to AllianceBernstein L.P. and its subsidiaries (“AB”), or to their officers and employees. Similarly, the word “company” refers to AB. These statements should be read in conjunction with AB’s audited consolidated financial statements included in AB’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

1. Business Description Organization and Basis of Presentation

Business Description

We provide research, diversified investment management and related services globally to a broad range of clients. Our principal services include:

•
Institutional Services – servicing our institutional clients, including private and public pension plans, foundations and endowments, insurance companies, central banks and governments worldwide, and affiliates such as AXA and its subsidiaries, by means of separately-managed accounts, sub-advisory relationships, structured products, collective investment trusts, mutual funds, hedge funds and other investment vehicles.

•
Retail Services – servicing our retail clients, primarily by means of retail mutual funds sponsored by AB or an affiliated company, sub-advisory relationships with mutual funds sponsored by third parties, separately-managed account programs sponsored by financial intermediaries worldwide and other investment vehicles.

•
Private Wealth Management Services – servicing our private clients, including high-net-worth individuals and families, trusts and estates, charitable foundations, partnerships, private and family corporations, and other entities, by means of separately-managed accounts, hedge funds, mutual funds and other investment vehicles.

•
Bernstein Research Services – servicing institutional investors, such as pension fund, hedge fund and mutual fund managers, seeking high-quality fundamental research, quantitative services and brokerage-related services in equities and listed options.

We also provide distribution, shareholder servicing, transfer agency services and administrative services to the mutual funds we sponsor.
 
Our high-quality, in-depth research is the foundation of our business.  Our research disciplines include economic, fundamental equity, fixed income and quantitative research.  In addition, we have experts focused on multi-asset strategies, wealth management and alternative investments.

We provide a broad range of investment services with expertise in:

•
Actively-managed equity strategies, with global and regional portfolios across capitalization ranges and investment strategies, including value, growth and core equities;

•Actively-managed traditional and unconstrained fixed income strategies, including taxable and tax-exempt strategies;

•Passive management, including index and enhanced index strategies;

•Alternative investments, including hedge funds, fund of funds and private equity (e.g., direct real estate investing); and

•Multi-asset solutions and services, including dynamic asset allocation, customized target-date funds and target-risk funds.

Our services span various investment disciplines, including market capitalization (e.g., large-, mid- and small-cap equities), term (e.g., long-, intermediate- and short-duration debt securities), and geographic location (e.g., U.S., international, global, emerging markets, regional and local), in major markets around the world.

7



Organization

As of March 31, 2016, AXA, a société anonyme organized under the laws of France and the holding company for the AXA Group, a worldwide leader in financial protection, through certain of its subsidiaries (“AXA and its subsidiaries”), owns approximately 1.5% of the issued and outstanding units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests in AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“AB Holding Units”).

As of March 31, 2016, the ownership structure of AB, expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests, is as follows:

AXA and its subsidiaries
62.7
%
AB Holding
36.0

Unaffiliated holders
1.3

 
100.0
%

AllianceBernstein Corporation (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA, “General Partner”) is the general partner of both AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“AB Holding”) and AB. AllianceBernstein Corporation owns 100,000 general partnership units in AB Holding and a 1% general partnership interest in AB. Including both the general partnership and limited partnership interests in AB Holding and AB, AXA and its subsidiaries had an approximate 63.2% economic interest in AB as of March 31, 2016.

Basis of Presentation

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the interim results, have been made. The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the interim reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The condensed consolidated statement of financial condition as of December 31, 2015 was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include AB and its majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries, and the consolidated entities that are considered to be variable interest entities ("VIEs") and for which AB is considered the primary beneficiary. Non-controlling interests on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition includes the portion of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds in which we do not have direct equity ownership. All significant inter-company transactions and balances among the consolidated entities have been eliminated.


2.
Significant Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-02, Consolidation – Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ("ASU 2015-02"), which provides a new consolidation standard for evaluating: (i) limited partnerships and similar entities for consolidation, (ii) how decision maker or service provider fees affect the consolidation analysis, (iii) how interest held by related parties affect the consolidation analysis, and (iv) the consolidation analysis required for certain investment funds. We adopted ASU 2015-02 using the modified retrospective method with an effective adoption date of January 1, 2016, which did not require the restatement of prior-year periods. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 resulted in the consolidation of certain investment funds that were not previously consolidated. These funds became consolidated VIEs as we are considered the party with both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. See Consolidation of VIEs below.


8

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This standard requires debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2016 on a retrospective basis, which required the restatement of prior periods. The adoption of this standard had no material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement : Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent). This standard removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value ("NAV") per share practical expedient. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2016 on a retrospective basis, which required the restatement of prior-period disclosures. The adoption of this standard had no material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The amendment is effective retrospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017. Management currently is evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The amendment addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendment is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017 and will result in a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, except for one provision relating to equity securities without readily determinable fair values, which provision will be applied prospectively. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. The amendment requires recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the statement of financial condition and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. Specifically, this guidance requires a lessee of operating leases to recognize on the statement of financial condition a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of twelve months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. The amendment is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2018 and requires lessees to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements using a modified retrospective approach. Management currently is evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting. The amendment eliminates the current requirement for a retroactive adjustment and instead requires that the investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor's previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Additionally, the amendment requires that an entity that has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. The amendment is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2016 and should be applied prospectively as of the effective date of increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. The amendment is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendment includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements, including: income tax effects of share-based payments, minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and forfeitures. The amendment is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2016. The provisions may be applied using various transition approaches (prospective, retrospective and modified retrospective). Management currently is evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

9



Consolidation of VIEs
As discussed above, we adopted ASU 2015-02 effective January 1, 2016.
For legal entities evaluated for consolidation, we first determined whether the fees we receive and the interests we hold qualify as a variable interest in the entity. This included an evaluation of fees paid to us as a decision maker or service provider to the entity being evaluated. Fees received by us are not variable interests if (i) the fees are compensation for services provided and are commensurate with the level of effort required to provide those services, (ii) the service arrangement includes only terms, conditions or amounts that are customarily present in arrangements for similar services negotiated at arm’s length, and (iii) our other economic interests in the entity held directly and indirectly through our related parties, as well as economic interests held by related parties under common control, would not absorb more than an insignificant amount of the entity’s losses or receive more than an insignificant amount of the entity’s benefits.
For those entities in which we have a variable interest, we performed an analysis to determine whether the entity is a VIE by considering whether the entity’s equity investment at risk is insufficient, whether the investors lack decision making rights proportional to their ownership percentage of the entity, and whether the investors lack the obligation to absorb an entity’s expected losses or the right to receive an entity’s expected income.
A VIE must be consolidated by its primary beneficiary, which generally is defined as the party who has a controlling financial interest in the VIE. We are deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VIE if we have (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE's economic performance, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive income from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. For purposes of evaluating (ii) above, fees paid to us as a decision maker or service provider are excluded if the fees are compensation for services provided commensurate with the level of effort required to be performed and the arrangement includes only customary terms, conditions or amounts present in arrangements for similar services negotiated at arm’s length. The primary beneficiary evaluation generally is performed qualitatively based on all facts and circumstances, as well as quantitatively, as appropriate.
If we have a variable interest in an entity that is determined not to be a VIE, the entity is then evaluated for consolidation under the voting interest entity (“VOE”) model. For limited partnerships and similar entities, we are deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VOE, and would be required to consolidate the entity, if we own a majority of the entity’s kick-out rights through voting limited partnership interests and limited partners do not hold substantive participating rights (or other rights that would indicate that we do not control the entity). For entities other than limited partnerships, we are deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a VOE if we own a majority voting interest in the entity.
The analysis performed regarding the determination of variable interests held, whether entities are VIEs or VOEs, and whether we have a controlling financial interest in such entities requires the exercise of judgment. The analysis is updated continuously as circumstances change or new entities are formed.
As a result of the adoption of ASU 2015-02, effective January 1, 2016, we have consolidated three investment funds that are classified as VIEs in which we have a controlling financial interest. Ownership interests not held by us relating to these consolidated VIEs are included in redeemable non-controlling interest on the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. In addition, effective January 1, 2016, we reclassified our consolidated private equity fund as a consolidated VIE (which was consolidated as of December 31, 2015 under previous accounting guidance due to our controlling financial interest of a VOE). Ownership interests not held by us relating to this consolidated VIE, which is a closed-end fund, are included in non-controlling interest on the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. The supplemental information included on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows relates to balance sheet amounts of the three investment funds consolidated as of January 1, 2016.
As of March 31, 2016, the net assets of company-sponsored investment products that are non-consolidated VIEs are approximately $36.6 billion, and our maximum risk of loss is our investment of $6.4 million in these VIEs and advisory fee receivables from these VIEs, which are not material.
3.
Long-term Incentive Compensation Plans

We maintain an unfunded, non-qualified long-term incentive compensation plan, under which we grant annual awards to employees, generally in the fourth quarter, and to members of the Board of Directors, who are not employed by us or any of our affiliates ("Eligible Directors").

We fund our restricted AB Holding Unit awards either by purchasing AB Holding Units on the open market or purchasing newly-issued AB Holding Units from AB Holding, and then keeping all of these AB Holding Units in a consolidated rabbi trust until delivering them to employees or retiring them. In accordance with the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited

10

Partnership of AB (“AB Partnership Agreement”), when AB purchases newly-issued AB Holding Units from AB Holding, AB Holding is required to use the proceeds it receives from AB to purchase the equivalent number of newly-issued AB Units, thus increasing its percentage ownership interest in AB. AB Holding Units held in the consolidated rabbi trust are corporate assets in the name of the trust and are available to the general creditors of AB.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we purchased 1.9 million and 0.7 million AB Holding Units for $39.7 million and $17.0 million, respectively (on a trade date basis). These amounts reflect open-market purchases of 1.8 million and 0.6 million AB Holding Units for $38.1 million and $15.1 million, respectively, with the remainder relating to purchases of AB Holding Units from employees to allow them to fulfill statutory tax withholding requirements at the time of delivery of long-term incentive compensation awards. Purchases of AB Holding Units reflected on the consolidated statements of cash flows are net of AB Holding Unit purchases by employees as part of a distribution reinvestment election.

Each quarter, we implement plans to repurchase AB Holding Units pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). A Rule 10b5-1 plan allows a company to repurchase its shares at times when it otherwise might be prevented from doing so because of self-imposed trading blackout periods or because it possesses material non-public information. Each broker we select has the authority under the terms and limitations specified in the plan to repurchase AB Holding Units on our behalf in accordance with the terms of the plan. Repurchases are subject to regulations promulgated by the SEC as well as certain price, market volume and timing constraints specified in the plan. The plan adopted during the first quarter of 2016 expired at the close of business on April 27, 2016. We may adopt additional Rule 10b5-1 plans in the future to engage in open-market purchases of AB Holding Units to help fund anticipated obligations under our incentive compensation award program and for other corporate purposes.

During the first three months of 2016 and 2015, we granted to employees and Eligible Directors 0.3 million and 0.1 million restricted AB Holding Unit awards, respectively. We used AB Holding Units repurchased during the period and newly-issued AB Holding Units to fund these awards.

During the first three months of 2016 and 2015, AB Holding issued 0.1 million and 0.2 million AB Holding Units, respectively, upon exercise of options to buy AB Holding Units. AB Holding used the proceeds of $1.5 million and $3.9 million, respectively, received from employees as payment in cash for the exercise price to purchase the equivalent number of newly-issued AB Units.

4.
Cash Distributions

AB is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the AB Partnership Agreement, to its Unitholders and to the General Partner. Available Cash Flow can be summarized as the cash flow received by AB from operations minus such amounts as the General Partner determines, in its sole discretion, should be retained by AB for use in its business, or plus such amounts as the General Partner determines, in its sole discretion, should be released from previously retained cash flow.

Typically, Available Cash Flow has been the adjusted diluted net income per unit for the quarter multiplied by the number of general and limited partnership interests at the end of the quarter. In future periods, management anticipates that Available Cash Flow will be based on adjusted diluted net income per unit, unless management determines that one or more non-GAAP adjustments that are made for adjusted net income should not be made with respect to the Available Cash Flow calculation.

On April 28, 2016, the General Partner declared a distribution of $0.45 per AB Unit, representing a distribution of Available Cash Flow for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The General Partner, as a result of its 1% general partnership interest, is entitled to receive 1% of each distribution. The distribution is payable on May 19, 2016 to holders of record on May 9, 2016.


11


5.
Real Estate Charges

During 2010, we performed a comprehensive review of our real estate requirements in New York in connection with our workforce reductions, which commenced in 2008. As a result, during 2010 we decided to sub-lease over 380,000 square feet in New York (all of this space has been sublet) and consolidate our New York-based employees into two office locations from three. During the third quarter of 2012, in an effort to further reduce our global real estate footprint, we completed a comprehensive review of our worldwide office locations and began implementing a global space consolidation plan. As a result, we decided to sub-lease approximately 510,000 square feet of office space (all of this space has been sublet), more than 70% of which is New York office space (in addition to the 380,000 square foot space reduction in 2010), with the remainder consisting of office space in England, Australia and various U.S. locations.

During the first three months of 2016, we recorded pre-tax real estate charges of $27.6 million, resulting from new charges of $28.5 million relating to the further consolidation of office space at our New York offices, offset by changes in estimates related to previously recorded real estate charges.

The activity in the liability account relating to our 2010 and 2012 office space consolidation initiatives for the following periods is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2016
 
Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2015
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Balance as of beginning of period
$
116,064

 
$
148,429

Expense (credit) incurred
(391
)
 
2,258

Payments made
(5,289
)
 
(38,920
)
Interest accretion
1,075

 
4,297

Balance as of end of period
$
111,459

 
$
116,064


6.
Net Income per Unit

Basic net income per unit is derived by reducing net income for the 1% general partnership interest and dividing the remaining 99% by the basic weighted average number of units outstanding for each period. Diluted net income per unit is derived by reducing net income for the 1% general partnership interest and dividing the remaining 99% by the total of the diluted weighted average number of units outstanding for each period.
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders
$
168,926

 
$
141,469

 
 
 
 
Weighted average units outstanding – basic
271,853

 
272,831

Dilutive effect of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units
400

 
1,098

Weighted average units outstanding – diluted
272,253

 
273,929

Basic net income per AB Unit
$
0.62

 
$
0.51

Diluted net income per AB Unit
$
0.61

 
$
0.51


For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we excluded 2,888,476 and 2,774,117 options, respectively, from the diluted net income per unit computation due to their anti-dilutive effect.
 

12

7.
Cash and Securities Segregated Under Federal Regulations and Other Requirements

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $0.6 billion and $0.5 billion, respectively, of U.S. Treasury Bills were segregated in a special reserve bank custody account for the exclusive benefit of our brokerage customers under Rule 15c3-3 of the Exchange Act.

One of our subsidiaries, which serves as the distributor of our U.S. mutual funds, maintains several special bank accounts for the exclusive benefit of customers. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $89.2 million and $55.4 million, respectively, of cash was segregated in these bank accounts.

8.
Investments

Investments consist of:
 
 
 
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale
$
293

 
$
364

Trading:
 

 
 

Long-term incentive compensation-related
49,120

 
59,150

U.S. Treasury Bills
29,961

 
24,942

Seed capital
282,176

 
406,322

Equities
70,315

 
43,584

Exchange-traded options
4,709

 
5,910

Investments in limited partnership hedge funds:
 

 
 

Long-term incentive compensation-related
16,391

 
19,004

Seed capital
19,695

 
20,082

Consolidated private equity fund
—

 
23,897

Private equity
38,248

 
48,761

Investments in consolidated VIEs
243,248

 
—

Other
17,896

 
17,784

Total investments
$
772,052

 
$
669,800


Total investments related to long-term incentive compensation obligations of $65.5 million and $78.2 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, consist of company-sponsored mutual funds and hedge funds. For long-term incentive compensation awards granted before 2009, we typically made investments in our services that were notionally elected by plan participants and maintained them (and continue to maintain them) in a consolidated rabbi trust or separate custodial account. The rabbi trust and custodial account enable us to hold such investments separate from our other assets for the purpose of settling our obligations to participants. The investments held in the rabbi trust and custodial account remain available to the general creditors of AB.

The underlying investments of the hedge funds in which we invest include long and short positions in equity securities, fixed income securities (including various agency and non-agency asset-based securities), currencies, commodities and derivatives (including various swaps and forward contracts). These investments are valued at quoted market prices or, where quoted market prices are not available, are fair valued based on the pricing policies and procedures of the underlying funds.

U.S. Treasury Bills, the majority of which are pledged as collateral with clearing organizations, are held in our investment account. These clearing organizations have the ability by contract or custom to sell or re-pledge this collateral.

We allocate seed capital to our investment teams to help develop new products and services for our clients. The seed capital trading investments are equity and fixed income products, primarily in the form of separately-managed account portfolios, U.S. mutual funds, Luxembourg funds, Japanese investment trust management funds or Delaware business trusts. We also may allocate seed capital to investments in private equity funds, such as our consolidated venture capital fund, which holds technology, media, telecommunications, healthcare and clean-tech investments, and a third-party venture capital fund that

13

invests in communications, consumer, digital media, healthcare and information technology markets. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, our seed capital investments were $395.4 million and $478.0 million, respectively.

Our consolidated venture capital fund, previously consolidated under the voting interest entity model, is considered a consolidated VIE effective January 1, 2016 upon the adoption of ASU 2015-02.

Trading securities also include long positions in corporate equities, an exchange-traded fund and long exchange-traded options traded through our options desk.

The portion of trading gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 related to trading securities held as of March 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Net gains recognized during the period
$
1,232

 
$
6,784

Less: net (losses) gains recognized during the period on trading securities sold during the period
(10,361
)
 
6,047

Unrealized gains recognized during the period on trading securities held
$
11,593

 
$
737


9.
Derivative Instruments

We enter into various futures, forwards and swaps to economically hedge certain seed capital investments.  Also, we have currency forwards that economically hedge certain cash accounts and exchange-traded futures to economically hedge a foreign investment. In addition, our options desk trades long and short exchange-traded equity options. We do not hold any derivatives designated in a formal hedge relationship under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815-10, Derivatives and Hedging.

The notional value and fair value as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 for derivative instruments (excluding our options desk trading activities discussed below) not designated as hedging instruments were as follows:

 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Notional Value
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
(in thousands)
March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
Exchange-traded futures
$
76,382

 
$
373

 
$
2,957

Currency forwards
198,361

 
4,658

 
5,972

Interest rate swaps
43,300

 
2,144

 
3,270

Credit default swaps
23,004

 
1,476

 
345

Option swaps
43

 
46

 
53

Total return swaps
109,641

 
457

 
2,788

Total derivatives
$
450,731

 
$
9,154

 
$
15,385

 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
Exchange-traded futures
$
160,755

 
$
1,539

 
$
2,651

Currency forwards
262,873

 
4,604

 
4,077

Interest rate swaps
65,484

 
2,945

 
3,745

Credit default swaps
29,421

 
2,089

 
774

Option swaps
24

 
9

 
2

Total return swaps
146,001

 
1,402

 
972

Total derivatives
$
664,558

 
$
12,588

 
$
12,221



14

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the derivative assets and liabilities are included in both receivables and payables to brokers and dealers on our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

The gains and losses for derivative instruments (excluding our options desk trading activities) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 recognized in investment gains (losses) in the condensed consolidated statements of income were as follows:

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Exchange-traded futures
$
3,346

 
$
(4,987
)
Currency forwards
(1,135
)
 
3,452

Interest rate swaps
(1,372
)
 
(745
)
Credit default swaps
(408
)
 
(57
)
Options swaps
48

 
(17
)
Total return swaps
(4,036
)
 
(3,701
)
Net (losses) on derivative instruments
$
(3,557
)
 
$
(6,055
)

We may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to derivative financial instruments. We minimize our counterparty exposure through a credit review and approval process. In addition, we executed various collateral arrangements with counterparties to the over-the-counter derivative transactions that require both pledging and accepting collateral in the form of cash. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we held $1.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of cash collateral payable to trade counterparties. This obligation to return cash is reported in payables to brokers and dealers in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

Although notional amount is the most commonly used measure of volume in the derivative market, it is not used as a measure of credit risk. Generally, the current credit exposure of our derivative contracts is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivative contracts at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements and any collateral received. A derivative with positive value (a derivative asset) indicates existence of credit risk because the counterparty would owe us if the contract were closed. Alternatively, a derivative contract with negative value (a derivative liability) indicates we would owe money to the counterparty if the contract were closed. Generally, if there is more than one derivative transaction with a single counterparty, a master netting arrangement exists with respect to derivative transactions with that counterparty to provide for aggregate net settlement.

Certain of our standardized contracts for over-the-counter derivative transactions (“ISDA Master Agreements”) contain credit risk related contingent provisions pertaining to each counterparty’s credit rating. In some ISDA Master Agreements, if the counterparty’s credit rating, or in some agreements, our assets under management (“AUM”), falls below a specified threshold, either a default or a termination event permitting the counterparty to terminate the ISDA Master Agreement would be triggered. In all agreements that provide for collateralization, various levels of collateralization of net liability positions are applicable, depending on the credit rating of the counterparty. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we delivered $11.2 million and $12.8 million, respectively, of cash collateral into brokerage accounts. We report this cash collateral in cash and cash equivalents in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we held $4.7 million and $5.9 million, respectively, of long exchange-traded equity options, which are classified as trading investments and included in other investments on our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. In addition, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we held $3.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of short exchange-traded equity options, which are included in securities sold not yet purchased on our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Our options desk provides our clients with equity derivative strategies and execution for exchange-traded options on single stocks, exchange-traded funds and indices. While predominately agency-based, the options desk may commit capital to facilitate a client’s transaction. Our options desk hedges the risks associated with this activity by taking offsetting positions in equities. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we recognized $8.6 million and $32.8 million, respectively, of losses on equity options activity. These losses are recognized in investment gains (losses) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

15


As of March 31, 2016, our consolidated VIEs held $0.4 million, net of futures, forwards and swaps within their portfolios. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recognized $3.0 million of gains on these derivative positions. These gains are recognized in investment gains (losses) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. As of March 31, 2016, the consolidated VIEs held $1.5 million of cash collateral payable to trade counterparties. This obligation to return cash is reported in the liabilities of consolidated VIEs in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. As of March 31, 2016 , the consolidated VIEs delivered $9.4 million of cash collateral into brokerage accounts. The consolidated VIEs report this cash collateral in the consolidated VIEs cash and cash equivalents in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

10.
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

Offsetting of assets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was as follows:
 
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
Received
 
Net
Amount
 
(in thousands)
March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities borrowed
$
25,855

 
$
—

 
$
25,855

 
$
—

 
$
(25,855
)
 
$
—

Derivatives
$
9,155

 
$
—

 
$
9,155

 
$
—

 
$
(1,788
)
 
$
7,367

Derivatives held by consolidated VIEs
$
66,227

 
$
—

 
$
66,227

 
$
—

 
$
(1,460
)
 
$
64,767

Long exchange-traded options
$
4,709

 
$
—

 
$
4,709

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
4,709

December 31, 2015:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Securities borrowed
$
75,274

 
$
—

 
$
75,274

 
$
—

 
$
(75,274
)
 
$
—

Derivatives
$
12,588

 
$
—

 
$
12,588

 
$
—

 
$
(1,518
)
 
$
11,070

Long exchange-traded options
$
5,910

 
$
—

 
$
5,910

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
5,910



16

Offsetting of liabilities as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was as follows:
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
Pledged
 
Net Amount
 
(in thousands)
March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities loaned
$
17,386

 
$
—

 
$
17,386

 
$
—

 
$
(17,386
)
 
$
—

Derivatives
$
15,385

 
$
—

 
$
15,385

 
$
—

 
$
(11,171
)
 
$
4,214

Derivatives held by consolidated VIEs
$
66,812

 
$
—

 
$
66,812

 
$
—

 
$
(9,391
)
 
$
57,421

Short exchange-traded options
$
3,328

 
$
—

 
$
3,328

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
3,328

December 31, 2015:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Securities loaned
$
9,518

 
$
—

 
$
9,518

 
$
—

 
$
(9,518
)
 
$
—

Derivatives
$
12,221

 
$
—

 
$
12,221

 
$
—

 
$
(12,221
)
 
$
—

Short exchange-traded options
$
843

 
$
—

 
$
843

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
843


Cash collateral, whether pledged or received on derivative instruments, is not considered material and, accordingly, is not disclosed by counterparty.
11.
Fair Value

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The three broad levels of fair value hierarchy are as follows:

•    Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets are available for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date.

•
Level 2 – Quoted prices in markets that are not active or other pricing inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date.

•
Level 3 –  Prices or valuation techniques that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable as of the reported date. These financial instruments do not have two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Valuation of our financial instruments by pricing observability levels as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was as follows (in thousands):

17

 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money markets
$
249,818

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
249,818

U.S. Treasury Bills
—

 
664,857

 
—

 
664,857

Available-for-sale
 

 
 

 
 

 


Equity securities
186

 
—

 
—

 
186

Fixed income securities
107

 
—

 
—

 
107

Trading
 

 
 

 
 

 


Equity securities
259,595

 
3,044

 
105

 
262,744

Fixed income securities
138,279

 
588

 
—

 
138,867

Long exchange-traded options
4,709

 
—

 
—

 
4,709

Derivatives
373

 
8,782

 
—

 
9,155

Private equity
—

 
—

 
6,500

 
6,500

Consolidated VIEs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Investments
76,678

 
151,061

 
15,426

 
243,165

  Derivatives
177

 
66,050

 
—

 
66,227

Total assets measured at fair value
$
729,922


$
894,382


$
22,031


$
1,646,335

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities sold not yet purchased
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Short equities – corporate
$
10,143

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
10,143

Short exchange-traded options
3,328

 
—

 
—

 
3,328

Derivatives
2,957

 
12,428

 
—

 
15,385

Consolidated VIEs - derivatives
448

 
66,364

 
—

 
66,812

Contingent payment arrangements
—

 
—

 
31,119

 
31,119

Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
16,876


$
78,792


$
31,119


$
126,787

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money markets
$
116,445

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
116,445

U.S. Treasury Bills
—

 
485,121

 
—

 
485,121

Available-for-sale
 

 
 

 
 

 


Equity securities
181

 
—

 
—

 
181

Fixed income securities
183

 
—

 
—

 
183

Trading
 

 
 

 
 

 


Equity securities
304,083

 
22,070

 
116

 
326,269

Fixed income securities
180,194

 
2,594

 
—

 
182,788

Long exchange-traded options
5,910

 
—

 
—

 
5,910

Derivatives
1,539

 
11,049

 
—

 
12,588

Private equity
14,305

 
—

 
16,035

 
30,340

Total assets measured at fair value
$
622,840


$
520,834


$
16,151


$
1,159,825

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities sold not yet purchased
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Short equities – corporate
$
15,254

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
15,254

Short exchange-traded options
843

 
—

 
—

 
843

Derivatives
2,651

 
9,570

 
—

 
12,221

Contingent payment arrangements
—

 
—

 
31,399

 
31,399

Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
18,748


$
9,570


$
31,399


$
59,717



18

Included in Note 8, Investments, but excluded in the above fair value table, are the following investments:
•    Limited partnership hedge funds, which are recorded using the equity method of accounting;
•
One private equity investment ($10.2 million as of December 31, 2015; sold in the first quarter of 2016), which is recorded using the cost method of accounting;
•
Other investments, which primarily include miscellaneous investments recorded using the cost or equity method of accounting and long-term deposits; and
•
One private equity investment ($31.7 million and $32.1 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)which is measured at fair value using NAV (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient.

We provide below a description of the fair value methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy:

•
Money markets: We invest excess cash in various money market funds that are valued based on quoted prices in active markets; these are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

•
Treasury Bills: We hold U.S. Treasury Bills, which are primarily segregated in a special reserve bank custody account as required by Rule 15c3-3 of the Exchange Act. These securities are valued based on quoted yields in secondary markets and are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

•
Equity and fixed income securities: Our equity and fixed income securities consist principally of company-sponsored mutual funds with net asset values and various separately-managed portfolios consisting primarily of equity and fixed income securities with quoted prices in active markets, which are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. In addition, some securities are valued based on observable inputs from recognized pricing vendors, which are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

•
Derivatives: We hold exchange-traded futures with counterparties that are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. In addition, we also hold currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, option swaps and total return swaps with counterparties that are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

•    Options: We hold long exchange-traded options that are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

•
Private equity: As of December 31, 2015, private equity investments include the investments of our consolidated venture capital fund and our investment in a private equity energy fund. As of March 31, 2016, the consolidated venture capital fund is classified as a consolidated VIE (see Note 2) and is discussed separately below; our investment in a private equity energy fund remains. Generally, the valuation of private equity investments requires significant management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of such investments. Private equity investments are valued initially at cost. The carrying values of private equity investments are adjusted either up or down from cost to reflect expected exit values as evidenced by financing and sale transactions with third parties, or when determination of a valuation adjustment is confirmed through ongoing review in accordance with our valuation policies and procedures. A variety of factors are reviewed and monitored to assess positive and negative changes in valuation, including current operating performance and future expectations of investee companies, industry valuations of comparable public companies, changes in market outlooks, and the third party financing environment over time. In determining valuation adjustments resulting from the investment review process, particular emphasis is placed on current company performance and market conditions. For these reasons, which make the fair value of private equity investments unobservable, equity investments are included in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. If private equity investments become publicly traded, they are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Also, if they contain trading restrictions, publicly-traded equity investments are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy until the trading restrictions expire.

•
Securities sold not yet purchased: Securities sold not yet purchased, primarily reflecting short positions in equities and exchange-traded options, are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

•
Contingent payment arrangements: Contingent payment arrangements relate to contingent payment liabilities associated with acquisitions in 2010, 2013 and 2014. At each reporting date, we estimate the fair values of the contingent consideration expected to be paid based upon probability-weighted AUM and revenue projections, using unobservable market data inputs, which are included in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

19

•
Consolidated VIEs: Three of our consolidated VIEs are open-end Luxembourg funds investing in (i) high yield debt issued by U.S. corporations and related derivatives, (ii) fixed income securities issued by Asia-Pacific issuers and related derivatives, and (iii) equity securities, including common and preferred stocks, convertible securities, depositary receipts and securities of real estate investment trusts. In addition, our venture capital fund, which is classified as a consolidated VIE effective January 1, 2016, holds both private equity investments as well as private equity investments that became publicly-traded. The investments and derivatives held by the consolidated VIEs are included in Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the valuation hierarchy.
 
The change in carrying value associated with Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value, classified as private equity investments, trading equity securities and investments in consolidated VIEs, is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Balance as of beginning of period
$
16,151

 
$
27,813

Transfer out
—

 
(26
)
Activity related to consolidate VIEs
5,891

 
—

Purchases
—

 
122

Sales
—

 
—

Realized gains (losses), net
—

 
(5,194
)
Unrealized (losses) gains, net
(11
)
 
5,024

Balance as of end of period
$
22,031

 
$
27,739


Transfers into and out of all levels of the fair value hierarchy are reflected at end-of-period fair values. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on Level 3 financial instruments are recorded in investment gains and losses in the condensed consolidated statements of income.
Also, as of March 31, 2016, our three consolidated VIEs that are open-end Luxembourg funds hold $5.1 million of investments that are classified as Level 3. They primarily consist of corporate bonds that are vendor priced with no ratings available, bank loans, non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities. The remainder of the activity related to consolidated VIEs pertains to our consolidated venture capital fund.
Quantitative information about private equity Level 3 fair value measurements as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is as follows:

 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
(in thousands)
Private Equity as of March 31, 2016 (included in consolidated VIEs' investments):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
$
10,316

 
Market comparable companies
 
Revenue multiple
 
2.7 - 4.4

 
 

 
 
 
Marketability discount
 
30
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private Equity as of December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technology, Media and Telecommunications
$
9,527

 
Market comparable companies
 
Revenue multiple
 
2.5 - 4.8

 
 
 
 
 
Marketability discount
 
30
%

20

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the reporting entities’ venture capital securities in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications areas are enterprise value to revenue multiples and a discount to account for liquidity and various risk factors. Significant increases (decreases) in the enterprise value to revenue multiple inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Significant increases (decreases) in the discount would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
In addition, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we have an investment in a private equity fund focused exclusively on the energy sector (fair value of $6.5 million) that is classified as Level 3. This investment’s valuation is based on a market approach, considering recent transactions of the fund and the industry.
The change in carrying value associated with Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value, classified as contingent payment arrangements, is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Balance as of beginning of period
$
31,399

 
$
42,436

Accretion
353

 
443

Payments
(633
)
 
(656
)
Balance as of end of period
$
31,119

 
$
42,223


Our three acquisition-related contingent consideration liabilities (with a combined fair value of $31.1 million as of March 31, 2016 and $31.4 million as of December 31, 2015) currently are valued using a projected AUM weighted average growth rate of 46%, a revenue growth rate of 43%, and a discount rate of 3% (using a cost of debt assumption).

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

We did not have any material assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value for impairment on a nonrecurring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2016 or during the year ended December 31, 2015.

12.
Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

With respect to all significant litigation matters, we consider the likelihood of a negative outcome.  If we determine the likelihood of a negative outcome is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record an estimated loss for the expected outcome of the litigation. If the likelihood of a negative outcome is reasonably possible and we are able to determine an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss in excess of amounts already accrued, if any, we disclose that fact together with the estimate of the possible loss or range of loss. However, it is often difficult to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss because litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, particularly when plaintiffs allege substantial or indeterminate damages. Such is also the case when the litigation is in its early stages or when the litigation is highly complex or broad in scope. In these cases, we disclose that we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss.

During the first quarter of 2012, we received a legal letter of claim (“Letter of Claim”) sent on behalf of Philips Pension Trustees Limited and Philips Electronics U.K. Limited (“Philips”), a former pension fund client, alleging that AllianceBernstein Limited (one of our subsidiaries organized in the U.K.) was negligent and failed to meet certain applicable standards of care with respect to the initial investment in, and management of, a £500 million portfolio of U.S. mortgage-backed securities. Philips has alleged damages ranging between $177 million and $234 million, plus compound interest on an alleged $125 million of realized losses in the portfolio. On January 2, 2014, Philips filed a claim form (“Claim”) in the High Court of Justice in London, England, which formally commenced litigation with respect to the allegations in the Letter of Claim.

We believe that any losses to Philips resulted from adverse developments in the U.S. housing and mortgage market that precipitated the financial crisis in 2008 and not from any negligence or other failure or malfeasance on our part. We believe that we have strong defenses to these claims, which are set forth in our October 12, 2012 response to the Letter of Claim and our June 27, 2014 Statement of Defence in response to the Claim, and intend to defend this matter vigorously.


21

In addition to the Claim discussed immediately above, we are involved in various other matters, including regulatory inquiries, administrative proceedings and litigation, some of which allege significant damages.

In management’s opinion, an adequate accrual has been made as of March 31, 2016 to provide for any probable losses regarding any litigation matters for which we can reasonably estimate an amount of loss. It is reasonably possible that we could incur additional losses pertaining to these matters, but currently we cannot estimate any such additional losses.

Management, after consultation with legal counsel, currently believes that the outcome of any individual matter that is pending or threatened, or all of them combined, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. However, any inquiry, proceeding or litigation has an element of uncertainty; management cannot determine whether further developments relating to any individual matter that is pending or threatened, or all of them combined, will have a material adverse effect on our results of operation, financial condition or liquidity in any future reporting period.

13.
Units Outstanding

Changes in AB Units outstanding during the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 were as follows:
 
 
 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2015
272,301,827

Options exercised
85,471

Units issued
251,350

Units retired
(2,000,314
)
Balance as of March 31, 2016
270,638,334


22


During the first three months of 2016, we purchased 200 AB Units in private transactions and retired them.

14.
Debt

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, AB had $485.6 million and $581.7 million, respectively, in commercial paper outstanding with weighted average interest rates of approximately 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively. The commercial paper is short term in nature, and as such, recorded value is estimated to approximate fair value (and considered a Level 2 security in the fair value hierarchy). Average daily borrowings of commercial paper during the first three months of 2016 and the full year 2015 were $553.1 million and $387.9 million, respectively, with weighted average interest rates of approximately 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively.

23



15.
Changes in Capital

Changes in capital during the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 were as follows: 

 
Partners’ Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders
 
Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities
 
Total Capital
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2015
$
4,030,444

 
$
24,473

 
$
4,054,917

Comprehensive income:
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
168,926

 
(6,902
)
 
162,024

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized (losses) on investments
(6
)
 
—

 
(6
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
5,174

 
51

 
5,225

Changes in employee benefit related items
(433
)
 
—

 
(433
)
Comprehensive income
173,661

 
(6,851
)
 
166,810

 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders
(153,433
)
 
—

 
(153,433
)
Compensation-related transactions
(37,353
)
 
—

 
(37,353
)
Capital contributions from affiliates
6,348

 
—

 
6,348

Other
(1
)
 
—

 
(1
)
Balance as of March 31, 2016
$
4,019,666

 
$
17,622

 
$
4,037,288


Changes in capital during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:

 
Partners’ Capital Attributable to AB Unitholders
 
Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities
 
Total Capital
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2014
$
4,085,465

 
$
30,396

 
$
4,115,861

Comprehensive income:
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
141,469

 
1,275

 
142,744

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 

 
 

 
 

Unrealized gains on investments
308

 
—

 
308

Foreign currency translation adjustments
(12,208
)
 
(67
)
 
(12,275
)
Changes in employee benefit related items
175

 
—

 
175

Comprehensive income
129,744

 
1,208

 
130,952

 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders
(173,075
)
 
—

 
(173,075
)
Compensation-related transactions
(9,642
)
 
—

 
(9,642
)
Capital contributions from affiliates
6,354

 
—

 
6,354

Other
(11
)
 
203

 
192

Balance as of March 31, 2015
$
4,038,835

 
$
31,807

 
$
4,070,642


24


Deferred taxes are not recognized on foreign currency translation adjustments for foreign subsidiaries, which have earnings that are considered permanently invested outside the United States.

16.
Non-controlling Interests

As discussed in Note 2, we adopted ASU 2015-02 effective January 1, 2016. As a result, we are disclosing below the components of non-controlling interest.
Non-controlling interest in net income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Consolidated VIEs
$
(5,848
)
 
$
—

Consolidated private equity fund
—

 
1,137

Other
100

 
138

Total non-controlling interest in net income
$
(5,748
)
 
$
1,275

 
Non-redeemable non-controlling interest as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized as follows:
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Consolidated VIEs
$
16,169

 
$
—

Consolidated private equity fund
—

 
23,171

Other
1,453

 
1,302

Total non-redeemable non-controlling interest
$
17,622

 
$
24,473


Redeemable non-controlling interest as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized as follows:
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Consolidated VIEs
$
204,497

 
$
—

CPH Capital Fondsmaeglerselskab A/S acquisition
13,203

 
13,203

Total redeemable non-controlling interest
$
217,700

 
$
13,203



25


Item 2.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Executive Overview
Our total assets under management (“AUM”) as of March 31, 2016 were $479.0 billion, up $11.6 billion, or 2.5%, compared to December 31, 2015, and down $6.9 billion, or 1.4%, compared to March 31, 2015. During the first quarter of 2016, AUM increased as a result of market appreciation of $9.4 billion and net inflows of $2.2 billion. During the twelve months ended March 31, 2016, AUM decreased as a result of market depreciation of $6.3 billion and net outflows of $0.6 billion (Retail net outflows offset by Institutional and Private Wealth Management net inflows).
Institutional AUM increased $8.6 billion, or 3.7%, to $244.8 billion during the first quarter of 2016, due to market appreciation of $6.8 billion and net inflows of $1.8 billion. Gross sales increased 2.7% sequentially from $4.3 billion during the fourth quarter of 2015 to $4.5 billion during the first quarter of 2016. Redemptions and terminations decreased 59.6% sequentially from $3.3 billion to $1.3 billion.
Retail AUM increased $1.5 billion, or 1.0%, to $155.9 billion during the first quarter of 2016, due to market appreciation of $2.1 billion offset by net outflows of $0.6 billion. Gross sales decreased 4.6% sequentially from $8.1 billion during the fourth quarter of 2015 to $7.7 billion during the first quarter of 2016. Redemptions and terminations decreased 16.5% sequentially from $8.5 billion to $7.1 billion.
Private Wealth Management AUM increased $1.5 billion, or 1.8%, to $78.3 billion during the first quarter of 2016, due to net inflows of $1.0 billion and market appreciation of $0.5 billion. Gross sales increased 48.8% sequentially from $2.1 billion during the fourth quarter of 2015 to $3.2 billion during the first quarter of 2016. Redemptions and terminations decreased 7.5% sequentially from $2.3 billion to $2.1 billion.
Bernstein Research Services revenue for the first quarter of 2016 was $126.5 million, up $0.4 million, or 0.3%, compared to the first quarter of 2015, as a result of growth in the U.S and Asia, partially offset by weakness in European markets.
Net revenues for the first quarter of 2016 increased $6.5 million, or 0.9%, to $769.1 million from $762.6 million in the first quarter of 2015. The most significant contributors to the increase were higher investment gains of $61.8 million, offset by lower base advisory fees of $39.0 million and lower distribution revenues of $16.5 million. Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2016 decreased $13.3 million, or 2.2%, to $596.1 million from $609.4 million in the first quarter of 2015. The decrease primarily was due to lower employee compensation and benefits of $24.3 million and lower promotion and servicing of $15.8 million, offset by higher real estate charges of $28.0 million. Our operating income increased $19.8 million, or 12.9%, to $173.0 million from $153.2 million and our operating margin increased to 23.2% in the first quarter of 2016 from 19.9% in the first quarter of 2015.
Market Environment
In the early part of 2016, many of the concerns that had dampened investor risk appetite in the second half of 2015, including slowing growth in China and other international economies, uncertainty about oil and other commodity prices, and fixed income market liquidity, persisted. In addition, investors grappled with the U.S. Federal Reserve’s stance on the timing and consistency of interest rate increases and new terrorist attacks in Europe. These destabilizing factors contributed to ongoing global equity market volatility and declines, which impeded our ability to grow assets and revenues. Also, the trend of investors reallocating assets from actively-managed services to passive services that are perceived as safer investments during volatile market periods, while slightly reduced in the first quarter of 2016, remains intact. For these reasons, our AUM and revenue growth have been muted.








26

Assets Under Management

Assets under management by distribution channel are as follows:

 
As of March 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
(in billions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Institutions
$
244.8

 
$
243.7

 
$
1.1

 
0.5
%
Retail
155.9

 
164.3

 
(8.4
)
 
(5.1
)
Private Wealth Management
78.3

 
77.9

 
0.4

 
0.5

Total
$
479.0

 
$
485.9

 
$
(6.9
)
 
(1.4
)

Assets under management by investment service are as follows:

 
As of March 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
(in billions)
 
 
Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actively Managed
$
110.1

 
$
115.4

 
$
(5.3
)
 
(4.6
)%
Passively Managed(1)
45.5

 
50.9

 
(5.4
)
 
(10.5
)
Total Equity
155.6

 
166.3

 
(10.7
)
 
(6.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Actively Managed
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Taxable
219.1

 
225.5

 
(6.4
)
 
(2.9
)
Tax–exempt
35.0

 
32.6

 
2.4

 
7.4

 
254.1

 
258.1

 
(4.0
)
 
(1.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Passively Managed(1)
10.3

 
9.8

 
0.5

 
4.7

Total Fixed Income
264.4

 
267.9

 
(3.5
)
 
(1.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other(2)
59.0

 
51.7

 
7.3

 
14.2

Total
$
479.0

 
$
485.9

 
$
(6.9
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(1)Includes index and enhanced index services.
(2)Includes multi-asset solutions and services and certain alternative investments.

















27

Changes in assets under management for the three-month and twelve-month periods ended March 31, 2016 are as follows:

 
Distribution Channel
 
Institutions
 
Retail
 
Private
Wealth Management
 
Total
 
(in billions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2015
$
236.2

 
$
154.4

 
$
76.8

 
$
467.4

Long-term flows:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales/new accounts
4.5

 
7.7

 
3.2

 
15.4

Redemptions/terminations
(1.3
)
 
(7.1
)
 
(2.1
)
 
(10.5
)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
(1.4
)
 
(1.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(2.7
)
Net long-term inflows (outflows)
1.8

 
(0.6
)
 
1.0

 
2.2

Market appreciation
6.8

 
2.1

 
0.5

 
9.4

Net change
8.6

 
1.5

 
1.5

 
11.6

Balance as of March 31, 2016
$
244.8

 
$
155.9

 
$
78.3

 
$
479.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of March 31, 2015
$
243.7

 
$
164.3

 
$
77.9

 
$
485.9

Long-term flows:
 

 
 

 
 

 


Sales/new accounts
27.9

 
32.8

 
9.7

 
70.4

Redemptions/terminations
(15.4
)
 
(34.1
)
 
(8.9
)
 
(58.4
)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
(9.2
)
 
(3.3
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(12.6
)
Net long-term inflows (outflows)
3.3

 
(4.6
)
 
0.7

 
(0.6
)
AUM adjustments(1)
0.1

 
(0.3
)
 
0.2

 
—

Transfers
(0.1
)
 
—

 
0.1

 
—

Market depreciation
(2.2
)
 
(3.5
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(6.3
)
Net change
1.1

 
(8.4
)
 
0.4

 
(6.9
)
Balance as of March 31, 2016
$
244.8

 
$
155.9

 
$
78.3

 
$
479.0

 
(1)Represents adjustments to reported AUM for reporting methodology changes that do not represent inflows or outflows.

28


 
Investment Service
 
Equity
Actively
Managed
 
Equity
Passively
Managed(1)
 
Fixed
Income
Actively
Managed -
Taxable
 
Fixed
Income
Actively
Managed -
Tax-
Exempt
 
Fixed
Income
Passively
Managed(1)
 
Other(2)
 
Total
 
(in billions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2015
$
110.6

 
$
46.4

 
$
207.4

 
$
33.5

 
$
10.0

 
$
59.5

 
$
467.4

Long-term flows:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales/new accounts
3.7

 
0.1

 
8.6

 
2.0

 
0.1

 
0.9

 
15.4

Redemptions/terminations
(3.8
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(4.4
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(10.5
)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
—

 
(0.5
)
 
(1.4
)
 
—

 
(0.2
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(2.7
)
Net long-term (outflows) inflows
(0.1
)
 
(0.8
)
 
2.8

 
0.9

 
(0.2
)
 
(0.4
)
 
2.2

Market (depreciation) appreciation
(0.4
)
 
(0.1
)
 
8.9

 
0.6

 
0.5

 
(0.1
)
 
9.4

Net change
(0.5
)
 
(0.9
)
 
11.7

 
1.5

 
0.3

 
(0.5
)
 
11.6

Balance as of March 31, 2016
$
110.1

 
$
45.5

 
$
219.1

 
$
35.0

 
$
10.3

 
$
59.0

 
$
479.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of March 31, 2015
$
115.4

 
$
50.9

 
$
225.5

 
$
32.6

 
$
9.8

 
$
51.7

 
$
485.9

Long-term flows:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales/new accounts
17.8

 
0.8

 
31.9

 
6.0

 
0.6

 
13.3

 
70.4

Redemptions/terminations
(16.2
)
 
(1.6
)
 
(32.4
)
 
(4.4
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(3.2
)
 
(58.4
)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
(2.8
)
 
(2.8
)
 
(6.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
0.1

 
(0.7
)
 
(12.6
)
Net long-term (outflows) inflows
(1.2
)
 
(3.6
)
 
(6.7
)
 
1.4

 
0.1

 
9.4

 
(0.6
)
AUM adjustments(3)
0.1

 
—

 
—

 
(0.1
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Market (depreciation) appreciation
(4.2
)
 
(1.8
)
 
0.3

 
1.1

 
0.4

 
(2.1
)
 
(6.3
)
Net change
(5.3
)
 
(5.4
)
 
(6.4
)
 
2.4

 
0.5

 
7.3

 
(6.9
)
Balance as of March 31, 2016
$
110.1

 
$
45.5

 
$
219.1

 
$
35.0

 
$
10.3

 
$
59.0

 
$
479.0

 
(1)Includes index and enhanced index services.
(2)Includes multi-asset solutions and services and certain alternative investments.
(3)
Represents adjustments to reported AUM for reporting methodology changes that do not represent inflows or outflows.

29

Average assets under management by distribution channel and investment service were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
(in billions)
 
 
Distribution Channel:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Institutions
$
237.5

 
$
241.5

 
$
(4.0
)
 
(1.6
)%
Retail
151.5

 
162.8

 
(11.3
)
 
(7.0
)
Private Wealth Management
76.4

 
76.7

 
(0.3
)
 
(0.4
)
Total
$
465.4

 
$
481.0

 
$
(15.6
)
 
(3.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Service:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Actively Managed
$
106.9

 
$
113.8

 
$
(6.9
)
 
(6.1
)%
Equity Passively Managed(1)
44.3

 
50.5

 
(6.2
)
 
(12.3
)
Fixed Income Actively Managed – Taxable
211.5

 
223.7

 
(12.2
)
 
(5.5
)
Fixed Income Actively Managed – Tax-exempt
34.2

 
32.3

 
1.9

 
6.2

Fixed Income Passively Managed(1)
10.2

 
10.1

 
0.1

 
1.5

Other (2)
58.3

 
50.6

 
7.7

 
15.1

Total
$
465.4

 
$
481.0

 
$
(15.6
)
 
(3.2
)
 
(1)Includes index and enhanced index services.
(2)Includes multi-asset solutions and services and certain alternative investments.

Our Institutional channel first quarter average AUM of $237.5 billion decreased $4.0 billion, or 1.6%, compared to the first quarter of 2015; however, our Institutional AUM increased $1.1 billion, or 0.5%, to $244.8 billion over the last twelve months. The $1.1 billion increase in AUM primarily resulted from net inflows of $3.3 billion, offset by market depreciation of $2.2 billion ($7.8 billion of market depreciation occurred in the third quarter of 2015, resulting in a decrease in average AUM as compared to an increase in AUM over the last twelve months).
Our Retail channel first quarter average AUM of $151.5 billion decreased $11.3 billion, or 7.0%, compared to the first quarter of 2015, primarily due to our Retail AUM decreasing $8.4 billion, or 5.1%, to $155.9 billion over the last twelve months. The $8.4 billion decrease in AUM primarily resulted from net outflows of $4.6 billion and market depreciation of $3.5 billion ($8.6 million of market depreciation occurred in the third quarter of 2015, resulting in the decrease in average AUM outpacing the decrease in AUM over the last twelve months).
Our Private Wealth Management channel first quarter average AUM of $76.4 billion decreased $0.3 billion, or 0.4%, compared to the first quarter of 2015; however, our Private Wealth Management AUM increased $0.4 billion, or 0.5%, to $78.3 billion over the last twelve months. The $0.4 billion increase in AUM primarily resulted from net inflows of $0.7 billion and an AUM adjustment of $0.2 billion, offset by market depreciation of $0.6 billion ($3.2 billion of market depreciation occurred in the third quarter of 2015, resulting in a decrease in average AUM as compared to an increase in AUM over the last twelve months).











30


Absolute investment composite returns, gross of fees, and relative performance as of March 31, 2016 compared to benchmarks for certain representative Institutional equity and fixed income services are as follows:

 
1-Year
 
3-Year
 
5-Year
Global High Income - Hedged (fixed income)
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
(1.6
)%
 
2.6
%
 
5.5
%
Relative return (vs. Barclays Global High Yield Index - Hedged)
(1.5
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(0.5
)
Global Fixed Income (fixed income)
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
5.8

 
0.2

 
2.5

Relative return (vs. CITI WLD GV BD-USD/JPM GLBL BD)
(0.1
)
 
(0.3
)
 
1.3

Intermediate Municipal Bonds (fixed income)
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
3.2

 
2.5

 
3.7

Relative return (vs. Lipper Short/Int. Blended Muni Fund Avg)
1.2

 
0.9

 
0.8

U.S. Strategic Core Plus (fixed income)
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
2.2

 
3.1

 
4.3

Relative return (vs. Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index)
0.2

 
0.6

 
0.5

Emerging Market Debt (fixed income)
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
1.1

 
1.3

 
5.4

Relative return (vs. JPM EMBI Global/JPM EMBI)
(3.2
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(0.6
)
Global Plus (fixed income)
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
4.4

 
0.7

 
2.1

Relative return (vs. Barclays Global Aggregate Index)
(0.1
)
 
(0.2
)
 
0.3

Emerging Markets Value
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
(11.8
)
 
(4.0
)
 
(5.7
)
Relative return (vs. MSCI EM Index)
0.2

 
0.5

 
(1.6
)
Global Strategic Value
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
(7.2
)
 
9.0

 
5.2

Relative return (vs. MSCI ACWI Index)
(2.8
)
 
3.5

 
—

U.S. Small & Mid Cap Value
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
(3.9
)
 
9.9

 
9.5

Relative return (vs. Russell 2500 Value Index)
1.3

 
2.8

 
1.1

U.S. Strategic Value
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
(7.3
)
 
9.6

 
8.3

Relative return (vs. Russell 1000 Value Index)
(5.7
)
 
0.2

 
(1.9
)
U.S. Small Cap Growth
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
(12.9
)
 
6.7

 
7.7

Relative return (vs. Russell 2000 Growth Index)
(1.1
)
 
(1.2
)
 
—

U.S. Large Cap Growth
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
4.2

 
17.3

 
13.7

Relative return (vs. Russell 1000 Growth Index)
1.7

 
3.7

 
1.3

U.S. Small & Mid Cap Growth
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
(10.1
)
 
7.5

 
8.0

Relative return (vs. Russell 2500 Growth  Index)
(0.5
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(0.8
)
Concentrated U.S. Growth
 
 
 
 
 
   Absolute return
(2.5
)
 
12.2

 
13.9

   Relative return (vs. S&P 500 Index)
(4.3
)
 
0.4

 
2.3

Select U.S. Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
(0.3
)
 
11.4

 
12.7

Relative return (vs. S&P 500 Index)
(2.0
)
 
(0.4
)
 
1.1

Strategic Equities (inception June 30, 2012)
 
 
 
 
 
   Absolute return
0.8

 
12.5

 
N/A

   Relative return (vs. All Cap Index)
(0.3
)
 
0.9

 
N/A

Global Core Equity (inception June 30, 2011)
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
(2.2
)
 
6.6

 
N/A

Relative return (vs. MSCI ACWI Index)
2.2

 
1.1

 
N/A




31

Consolidated Results of Operations

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
$
769,126

 
$
762,571

 
$
6,555

 
0.9
 %
Expenses
596,084

 
609,357

 
(13,273
)
 
(2.2
)
Operating income
173,042

 
153,214

 
19,828

 
12.9

Income taxes
9,864

 
10,470

 
(606
)
 
(5.8
)
Net income
163,178

 
142,744

 
20,434

 
14.3

Net (loss) income of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests
(5,748
)
 
1,275

 
(7,023
)
 
n/m

Net income attributable to AB Unitholders
$
168,926

 
$
141,469

 
$
27,457

 
19.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted net income per AB Unit
$
0.61

 
$
0.51

 
$
0.10

 
19.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions per AB Unit
$
0.45

 
$
0.51

 
$
(0.06
)
 
(11.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating margin (1)
23.2
%
 
19.9
%
 
 

 
 
 
(1)Operating income excluding net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests as a percentage of net revenues.

Net income attributable to AB Unitholders for the three months ended March 31, 2016 increased $27.5 million, or 19.4%, from the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase resulted from (in millions):

Higher investments gains
$
61.8

Lower employee compensation and benefits
24.3

Lower promotion and servicing
15.8

Lower net income of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests
7.0

Lower base advisory fees
(39.0
)
Higher real estate charges
(28.0
)
Lower distribution revenues
(16.5
)
Other
2.1

 
$
27.5


Real Estate Charges

During 2010, we performed a comprehensive review of our real estate requirements in New York in connection with our workforce reductions, which commenced in 2008. As a result, during 2010 we decided to sub-lease over 380,000 square feet in New York (all of this space has been sublet) and consolidate our New York-based employees into two office locations from three. During the third quarter of 2012, in an effort to further reduce our global real estate footprint, we completed a comprehensive review of our worldwide office locations and began implementing a global space consolidation plan. As a result, we decided to sub-lease approximately 510,000 square feet of office space (all of this space has been sublet), more than 70% of which is New York office space (in addition to the 380,000 square foot space reduction in 2010), with the remainder consisting of office space in England, Australia and various U.S. locations.

During the first three months of 2016, we recorded pre-tax real estate charges of $27.6 million, resulting from new charges of $28.5 million relating to the further consolidation of office space at our New York offices, offset by changes in estimates related to previously recorded real estate charges. We expect that, as a result of vacating and marketing for sublease two additional floors in New York during the first quarter of 2016, and recording the charge, approximately $3.7 million of annualized savings will be generated, provided we can successfully sublease the office space based upon our current assumptions.

32


Units Outstanding

Each quarter, we implement plans to repurchase AB Holding Units pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). A Rule 10b5-1 plan allows a company to repurchase its shares at times when it otherwise might be prevented from doing so because of self-imposed trading blackout periods or because it possesses material non-public information. Each broker we select has the authority under the terms and limitations specified in the plan to repurchase AB Holding Units on our behalf in accordance with the terms of the plan. Repurchases are subject to regulations promulgated by the SEC as well as certain price, market volume and timing constraints specified in the plan. The plan adopted during the first quarter of 2016 expired at the close of business on April 27, 2016. We may adopt additional Rule 10b5-1 plans in the future to engage in open-market purchases of AB Holding Units to help fund anticipated obligations under our incentive compensation award program and for other corporate purposes.
 
Cash Distributions

AB is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the AB Partnership Agreement, to its Unitholders and to the General Partner. Available Cash Flow typically is the adjusted diluted net income per unit for the quarter multiplied by the number of general and limited partnership interests at the end of the quarter. In future periods, management anticipates that Available Cash Flow will continue to be based on adjusted diluted net income per unit, unless management determines that one or more non-GAAP adjustments that are made for adjusted net income should not be made with respect to the Available Cash Flow calculation. See Note 4 to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 for a description of Available Cash Flow.

33

Management Operating Metrics

We are providing the non-GAAP measures “adjusted net revenues”, “adjusted operating income” and “adjusted operating margin” because they are the principal operating metrics management uses in evaluating and comparing period-to-period operating performance. Management principally uses these metrics in evaluating performance because they present a clearer picture of our operating performance and allow management to see long-term trends without the distortion primarily caused by long-term incentive compensation-related mark-to-market adjustments, real estate consolidation charges and other adjustment items. Similarly, we believe that these management operating metrics help investors better understand the underlying trends in our results and, accordingly, provide a valuable perspective for investors.

These non-GAAP measures are provided in addition to, and not as substitutes for, net revenues, operating income and operating margin, and they may not be comparable to non-GAAP measures presented by other companies. Management uses both accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and non-GAAP measures in evaluating our financial performance. The non-GAAP measures alone may pose limitations because they do not include all of our revenues and expenses.

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Net revenues, US GAAP basis
$
769,126

 
$
762,571

Adjustments:
 

 
 

Long-term incentive compensation-related investment (gains)
1,326

 
(2,426
)
Long-term incentive compensation-related dividends and interest
(151
)
 
(151
)
90% of consolidated venture capital fund investment (gains)
—

 
(1,373
)
Distribution-related payments
(87,127
)
 
(100,386
)
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
(11,242
)
 
(12,399
)
Pass-through fees and expenses
(11,651
)
 
(11,841
)
   Gain on sale of investment
(75,273
)
 
—

   Impact of consolidated VIEs
5,058

 
—

Adjusted net revenues
$
590,066

 
$
633,995

 
 
 
 
Operating income, US GAAP basis
$
173,042

 
$
153,214

Adjustments:
 

 
 

Long-term incentive compensation-related items
963

 
57

Gain on sale of investment
(75,273
)
 
—

Real estate charges (credits)
27,586

 
(383
)
Sub-total of non-GAAP adjustments
(46,724
)
 
(326
)
Less: Net (loss) income of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests
(5,748
)
 
1,275

Adjusted operating income
$
132,066

 
$
151,613

 
 
 
 
Adjusted operating margin
22.4
%
 
23.9
%

Adjusted operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 decreased $19.5 million, or 12.9%, from the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily due to lower investment advisory base fees of $39.0 million and lower performance-based fees of $3.5 million, offset by lower employee compensation expense (excluding the impact of long-term incentive compensation-related items) of $21.5 million.

Adjusted Net Revenues

Adjusted net revenues exclude investment gains and losses and dividends and interest on employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments. In addition, adjusted net revenues offset distribution-related payments to third parties as well

34

as amortization of deferred sales commissions against distribution revenues. We believe offsetting net revenues by distribution-related payments is useful for our investors and other users of our financial statements because such presentation appropriately reflects the nature of these costs as pass-through payments to third parties who perform functions on behalf of our sponsored mutual funds and/or shareholders of these funds. We offset amortization of deferred sales commissions against net revenues because such costs, over time, essentially offset our distribution revenues. We also exclude additional pass-through expenses we incur (primarily through our transfer agency) that are reimbursed and recorded as fees in revenues. These fees have no impact on operating income, but they do have an impact on our operating margin. As such, we exclude these fees from adjusted net revenues.

Lastly, in 2015 we excluded 90% of the investment gains and losses of our consolidated venture capital fund attributable to non-controlling interests. Effective January 1, 2016, as a result of adopting a new accounting standard (see Note 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements), our consolidated venture capital fund is included with other consolidated VIEs and we adjust for the revenue impact of consolidating VIEs by eliminating the consolidated VIEs' revenues and including AB's fees from such VIEs and AB's investment gains and losses on its investments in such VIEs that were eliminated in consolidation. In addition, in 2016 we excluded a realized gain of $75.3 million resulting from the liquidation of an investment in Jasper Wireless Technologies, Inc. ("Jasper"), which was acquired by Cisco Systems, Inc., because it was not part of our core operating results.

Adjusted Operating Income

Adjusted operating income represents operating income on a US GAAP basis excluding (1) the impact on net revenues and compensation expense of the investment gains and losses (as well as the dividends and interest) associated with employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments, (2) real estate charges (credits), (3) the net income or loss of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests in 2015, and (4) the impact of consolidated VIEs in 2016.

Prior to 2009, a significant portion of employee compensation was in the form of employee long-term incentive compensation awards that were notionally invested in AB investment services and generally vested over a period of four years. AB economically hedged the exposure to market movements by purchasing and holding these investments on its balance sheet. All such investments had vested as of year-end 2012 and the investments have been distributed to the participants, except for those investments with respect to which the participant elected a long-term deferral. Fluctuation in the value of these investments is recorded within investment gains and losses on the income statement and also impacts compensation expense. Management believes it is useful to reflect the offset achieved from economically hedging the market exposure of these investments in the calculation of adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margin. The non-GAAP measures exclude gains and losses and dividends and interest on employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments included in revenues and compensation expense.

Real estate charges (credits) have been excluded because they are not considered part of our core operating results when comparing financial results from period to period and to industry peers.

In regard to 2015 adjusted operating income, most of the net income or loss of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests relates to the 90% limited partner interests held by third parties in our consolidated venture capital fund. We own a 10% limited partner interest in the fund. Because we are the general partner of the venture capital fund and are deemed to have a controlling interest, US GAAP requires us to consolidate the financial results of the fund. However, recognizing 100% of the gains or losses in operating income while only retaining 10% is not reflective of our underlying financial results at the operating income level. As a result, we exclude the 90% limited partner interests we do not own from our adjusted operating income. Effective January 1, 2016, our consolidated venture capital fund is included with other consolidated VIEs. Similarly, net income of joint ventures attributable to non-controlling interests, although not significant, is excluded because it does not reflect the economic interest attributable to AB.

In regard to 2016 adjusted operating income, we adjusted for the operating income impact of consolidating certain VIEs (as a result of the adoption of a new accounting standard; see Note 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements) by eliminating the consolidated VIEs' revenues and expenses and including AB's revenues and expenses that were eliminated in consolidation. We also excluded the limited partner interests we do not own.

Adjusted Operating Margin

Adjusted operating margin allows us to monitor our financial performance and efficiency from period to period without the volatility noted above in our discussion of adjusted operating income and to compare our performance to industry peers on a basis that better reflects our performance in our core business. Adjusted operating margin is derived by dividing adjusted operating income by adjusted net revenues.


35

Net Revenues

The components of net revenues are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Investment advisory and services fees:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Institutions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Base fees
$
96,980

 
$
106,797

 
$
(9,817
)
 
(9.2
)%
Performance-based fees
514

 
2,692

 
(2,178
)
 
(80.9
)
 
97,494

 
109,489

 
(11,995
)
 
(11.0
)
Retail:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Base fees
189,968

 
213,894

 
(23,926
)
 
(11.2
)
Performance-based fees
—

 
1,354

 
(1,354
)
 
(100.0
)
 
189,968

 
215,248

 
(25,280
)
 
(11.7
)
Private Wealth Management:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Base fees
163,843

 
169,145

 
(5,302
)
 
(3.1
)
Performance-based fees
108

 
106

 
2

 
1.9

 
163,951

 
169,251

 
(5,300
)
 
(3.1
)
Total:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Base fees
450,791

 
489,836

 
(39,045
)
 
(8.0
)
Performance-based fees
622

 
4,152

 
(3,530
)
 
(85.0
)
 
451,413

 
493,988

 
(42,575
)
 
(8.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bernstein Research Services
126,465

 
126,046

 
419

 
0.3

Distribution revenues
92,692

 
109,184

 
(16,492
)
 
(15.1
)
Dividend and interest income
7,370

 
5,094

 
2,276

 
44.7

Investment gains (losses)
65,650

 
3,888

 
61,762

 
1,588.5

Other revenues
27,611

 
24,990

 
2,621

 
10.5

Total revenues
771,201

 
763,190

 
8,011

 
1.0

Less: Interest expense
2,075

 
619

 
1,456

 
235.2

Net revenues
$
769,126

 
$
762,571

 
$
6,555

 
0.9


Investment Advisory and Services Fees

Investment advisory and services fees are the largest component of our revenues. These fees generally are calculated as a percentage of the value of AUM as of a specified date, or as a percentage of the value of average AUM for the applicable billing period, and vary with the type of investment service, the size of account and the total amount of assets we manage for a particular client. Accordingly, fee income generally increases or decreases as AUM increase or decrease and is affected by market appreciation or depreciation, the addition of new client accounts or client contributions of additional assets to existing accounts, withdrawals of assets from and termination of client accounts, purchases and redemptions of mutual fund shares, shifts of assets between accounts or products with different fee structures, and acquisitions. Our average basis points realized (investment advisory and services fees divided by average AUM) generally approximate 50 to 70 basis points for actively-managed equity services, 15 to 50 basis points for actively-managed fixed income services and 5 to 20 basis points for passively-managed services. Average basis points realized for other services could range from 5 basis points for certain Institutional asset allocation services to over 100 basis points for certain Retail and Private Wealth Management alternative services.

We calculate AUM using established market-based valuation methods and fair valuation (non-observable market) methods. Market-based valuation methods include: last sale/settle prices from an exchange for actively-traded listed equities, options and futures; evaluated bid prices from recognized pricing vendors for fixed income, asset-backed or mortgage-backed issues; mid prices from recognized pricing vendors and brokers for credit default swaps; and quoted bids or spreads from pricing vendors and brokers for

36

other derivative products. Fair valuation methods include: discounted cash flow models, evaluation of assets versus liabilities or any other methodology that is validated and approved by our Valuation Committee (see paragraph immediately below for more information regarding our Valuation Committee). Fair valuation methods are used only where AUM cannot be valued using market-based valuation methods, such as in the case of private equity or illiquid securities. Investments utilizing fair valuation methods comprise an insignificant amount of our total AUM.

The Valuation Committee, which consists of senior officers and employees, is responsible for overseeing the pricing and valuation of all investments held in client and AB portfolios. The Valuation Committee has adopted a Statement of Pricing Policies describing principles and policies that apply to pricing and valuing investments held in these portfolios. We also have a Pricing Group, which reports to the Valuation Committee, and is responsible for overseeing the pricing process for all investments.
 
We sometimes charge our clients performance-based fees. In these situations, we charge a base advisory fee and are eligible to earn an additional performance-based fee or incentive allocation that is calculated as either a percentage of absolute investment results or a percentage of investment results in excess of a stated benchmark over a specified period of time. Some performance-based fees include a high-watermark provision, which generally provides that if a client account underperforms relative to its performance target (whether absolute or relative to a specified benchmark), it must gain back such underperformance before we can collect future performance-based fees. Therefore, if we fail to achieve our performance target for a particular period, we will not earn a performance-based fee for that period and, for accounts with a high-watermark provision, our ability to earn future performance-based fees will be impaired. We are eligible to earn performance-based fees on 9.7%, 4.2% and 1.4% of the assets we manage for institutional clients, private wealth clients and retail clients, respectively (in total, 6.1% of our AUM).

During the first quarter of 2016, as General Partner of AllianceBernstein U.S. Real Estate L.P. (“Real Estate Fund”), we received a carried interest distribution of $33.1 million. In accordance with our revenue recognition policies, we did not recognize this carried interest distribution as performance fee revenues, instead recording a deferred revenue liability, because the distribution is subject to claw-back provisions. We will recognize the distribution as revenues when the potential claw-back obligation is mathematically remote, which may not occur until at or near termination of the Real Estate Fund. In addition, we have revenue-sharing arrangements whereby certain employees are entitled to a share of carried interest proceeds distributed by certain funds, including the Real Estate Fund. As such, we distributed $16.4 million of these carried interest proceeds to certain Real Estate Fund employees. We have recorded this payment, which, like our carried interest distribution, is subject to claw-back provisions, as an advance to employees and will recognize it as compensation expense in the period in which the applicable revenue is recognized.

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, our investment advisory and services fees decreased by $42.6 million, or 8.6%, from the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily due to a $39.0 million, or 8.0%, decrease in base fees, which primarily resulted from a 3.2% decrease in average AUM and an the impact of a shift in product mix from global fixed income and active equity products into other products which generally have lower fees.

Institutional investment advisory and services fees for the three months ended March 31, 2016 decreased by $12.0 million, or 11.0%, from the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily due to a $9.8 million, or 9.2%, decrease in base fees. The decrease in base fees was due to a decrease in average AUM of 1.6% and the impact of a shift in product mix from active equities into other products which generally have lower fees. Additionally, performance-based fees decreased $2.2 million from the prior year.

Retail investment advisory and services fees for the three months ended March 31, 2016 decreased by $25.3 million, or 11.7%, from the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily due to a $23.9 million, or 11.2%, decrease in base fees. The decrease in base fees was due to a decrease in average AUM of 7.0% and the impact of a shift in product mix from long-term non-U.S. global fixed income mutual funds to long-term U.S. mutual funds and other Retail products and services, which generally have lower fees compared to long-term non-U.S. global fixed income mutual funds.

Private Wealth Management investment advisory and services fees for the three months ended March 31, 2016 decreased by $5.3 million, or 3.1%, from the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily as a result of a $5.3 million, or 3.1%, decrease in base fees. However, average billable AUM increased by 0.9%. Base fees decreased primarily due to a shift in product mix from active equity to active fixed income and other products with lower fees.

Bernstein Research Services

Bernstein Research Services revenue consists principally of equity commissions received for providing equity research and brokerage-related services to institutional investors.


37

Revenues from Bernstein Research Services for the three months ended March 31, 2016 increased $0.4 million, or 0.3%, from the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase was the result of growth in the U.S. and Asia, partially offset by weakness in European markets. 

Distribution Revenues

Two of our subsidiaries act as distributors and/or placing agents of company-sponsored mutual funds and receive distribution services fees from certain of those funds as partial reimbursement of the distribution expenses they incur. Period-over-period fluctuations of distribution revenues typically are in line with fluctuations of the corresponding average AUM of these mutual funds.
Distribution revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2016 decreased $16.5 million, or 15.1%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily due to the corresponding average AUM of these mutual funds decreasing 13.5%.

Dividend and Interest Income and Interest Expense

Dividend and interest income consists primarily of investment income and interest earned on customer margin balances and U.S. Treasury Bills. Interest expense principally reflects interest accrued on cash balances in customers’ brokerage accounts. Dividend and interest income, net of interest expense, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 increased $0.8 million, or 18.3%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily due to higher broker-dealer related activity.

Investment Gains (Losses)

Investment gains (losses) consist primarily of realized and unrealized investment gains or losses on: (i) employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments, (ii) investments owned by our consolidated venture capital fund, (iii) U.S. Treasury Bills, (iv) market-making in exchange-traded options and equities, (v) seed capital investments, (vi) derivatives and (vii) investments in our consolidated VIEs. Effective January 1, 2016, upon adoption of a new accounting standard (see Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements), our consolidated private equity fund investments are included with investments in consolidated VIEs. Investments gains (losses) also include realized gains or losses on the sale of seed capital investments classified as available-for-sale securities and equity in earnings of proprietary investments in limited partnership hedge funds that we sponsor and manage.





























38

Investment gains (losses) are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in thousands)
Long-term incentive compensation-related investments
 
 
 
Realized gains (losses)
$
937

 
$
3,400

Unrealized gains (losses)
(2,264
)
 
(974
)
 
 
 
 
Consolidated private equity fund investments
 

 
 

Realized gains (losses)
 

 
 

Non-public investments
—

 
(5,194
)
Public investments
—

 
—

Unrealized gains (losses)
 

 
 

Non-public investments
—

 
5,023

Public investments
—

 
1,697

 
 
 
 
Investments in consolidated VIEs
 
 
 
  Realized gains (losses)
462

 
—

  Unrealized gains (losses)
(8,032
)
 
—

 
 
 
 
Seed capital investments
 

 
 

Realized gains (losses)
 

 
 

Seed capital
66,082

 
5,414

Derivatives
2,838

 
(5,714
)
Unrealized gains (losses)
 

 
 

Seed capital
13,258

 
2,190

Derivatives
(6,395
)
 
(340
)
 
 
 
 
Brokerage-related investments
 

 
 

Realized gains (losses)
(1,356
)
 
(1,524
)
Unrealized gains (losses)
120

 
(90
)
 
$
65,650

 
$
3,888


During the first quarter of 2016, we sold our investment in Jasper, a company in which we owned a 7.6% equity interest. We expect to receive $85.5 million in cash, subject to final transaction costs and working capital adjustments. During March 2016, the transaction closed and we received $74.8 million in cash, recorded a $10.7 million receivable for the balance retained in escrow for 18 months and recorded an investment gain of $75.3 million.
Other Revenues

Other revenues consist of fees earned for transfer agency services provided to company-sponsored mutual funds, fees earned for administration and recordkeeping services provided to company-sponsored mutual funds and the general accounts of AXA and its subsidiaries, and other miscellaneous revenues. Other revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2016 increased $2.6 million, or 10.5%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily due to the recording of other revenues related to our consolidated VIEs.

39


Expenses

The components of expenses are as follows:

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits
$
302,011

 
$
326,327

 
$
(24,316
)
 
(7.5
)%
Promotion and servicing:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Distribution-related payments
87,127

 
100,386

 
(13,259
)
 
(13.2
)
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
11,242

 
12,399

 
(1,157
)
 
(9.3
)
Other
54,201

 
55,537

 
(1,336
)
 
(2.4
)
 
152,570

 
168,322

 
(15,752
)
 
(9.4
)
General and administrative:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
General and administrative
105,923

 
107,333

 
(1,410
)
 
(1.3
)
Real estate charges (credits)
27,586

 
(383
)
 
27,969

 
n/m

 
133,509

 
106,950

 
26,559

 
24.8

Contingent payment arrangements
353

 
443

 
(90
)
 
(20.3
)
Interest
1,232

 
854

 
378

 
44.3

Amortization of intangible assets
6,409

 
6,461

 
(52
)
 
(0.8
)
Total
$
596,084

 
$
609,357

 
$
(13,273
)
 
(2.2
)

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits consist of base compensation (including salaries and severance), annual short-term incentive compensation awards (cash bonuses), annual long-term incentive compensation awards, commissions, fringe benefits and other employment costs (including recruitment, training, temporary help and meals).

Compensation expense as a percentage of net revenues was 39.3% and 42.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Compensation expense generally is determined on a discretionary basis and is primarily a function of our firm’s current-year financial performance. The amounts of incentive compensation we award are designed to motivate, reward and retain top talent while aligning our executives' interests with the interests of our Unitholders. Senior management, with the approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of AllianceBernstein Corporation (“Compensation Committee”), periodically confirms that the appropriate metric to consider in determining the amount of incentive compensation is the ratio of adjusted employee compensation and benefits expense to adjusted net revenues. Adjusted net revenues used in the adjusted compensation ratio are the same as the adjusted net revenues presented as a non-GAAP measure (discussed earlier in this MD&A). Adjusted employee compensation and benefits expense is total employee compensation and benefits expense minus other employment costs such as recruitment, training, temporary help and meals (which were 1.2% and 1.1%, respectively, of adjusted net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015), and excludes the impact of mark-to-market vesting expense, as well as dividends and interest expense, associated with employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments. Senior management, with the approval of the Compensation Committee, has established as an objective that adjusted employee compensation and benefits expense generally should not exceed 50% of our adjusted net revenues, except in unexpected or unusual circumstances. Our ratio of adjusted compensation expense as a percentage of adjusted revenues was 50.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, employee compensation and benefits expense decreased $24.3 million, or 7.5%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily due to lower incentive compensation of $35.1 million, partially offset by higher base compensation of $12.9 million, reflecting higher severance costs.

40


Promotion and Servicing

Promotion and servicing expenses include distribution-related payments to financial intermediaries for distribution of AB mutual funds and amortization of deferred sales commissions paid to financial intermediaries for the sale of back-end load shares of AB mutual funds. Also included in this expense category are costs related to travel and entertainment, advertising and promotional materials.

Promotion and servicing expenses decreased $15.8 million, or 9.4%, during the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease was primarily due to lower distribution-related payments of $13.3 million and lower amortization of deferred sales commissions of $1.2 million.

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses include portfolio services expenses, technology expenses, professional fees and office-related expenses (occupancy, communications and similar expenses). General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 17.4% (13.8% excluding real estate charges) and 14.0% (14.1% excluding real estate credits) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. General and administrative expenses increased $26.6 million, or 24.8%, during the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, primarily due to higher real estate charges of $28.0 million.

Contingent Payment Arrangements

Contingent payment arrangements reflect changes in estimates of contingent payment liabilities associated with acquisitions in previous periods, as well as accretion expense of these liabilities. There were no changes in estimates during the first three months of 2016 and 2015.

Income Taxes

AB, a private limited partnership, is not subject to federal or state corporate income taxes, but is subject to a 4.0% New York City unincorporated business tax (“UBT”). Our domestic corporate subsidiaries are subject to federal, state and local income taxes and generally are included in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return. Separate state and local income tax returns also are filed. Foreign corporate subsidiaries generally are subject to taxes in the jurisdictions where they are located.

Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 decreased $0.6 million, or 5.8%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. The decrease is due to a lower effective tax rate in the current quarter of 5.7%, compared to 6.8% in the first quarter of 2015, partially offset by higher pre-tax income. The lower effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2016 primarily resulted from our earning a greater portion of our income in jurisdictions with lower tax rates. There were no material changes to FIN 48 reserves or valuation allowances during the quarter.

Net Income (Loss) of Consolidated Entities Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests

Net income (loss) of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests primarily consists of limited partner interests owned by other investors in our consolidated VIEs. During the first three months of 2016, we had $5.7 million of net loss of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests, which primarily resulted from $7.6 million of net investment losses attributable to our consolidated VIEs.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

During the first three months of 2016, net cash provided by operating activities was $675.9 million, compared to $259.8 million during the corresponding 2015 period. The change primarily is due to a larger increase in broker-dealer related payables (net of receivables and segregated U.S. Treasury bills activity) of $217.8 million, higher seed capital net redemptions, offset by higher broker-dealer purchases (net of redemptions), of $85.5 million, an increase in accounts payable of $61.8 million and higher cash provided by net income of $33.5 million.

During the first three months of 2016, net cash used in investing activities was $11.2 million, compared to $5.1 million during the corresponding 2015 period. The change reflects higher purchases of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements.

During the first three months of 2016, net cash used in financing activities was $421.3 million, compared to $129.7 million during the corresponding 2015 period. The change reflects a decrease in overdrafts payable of $130.1 million, the repayment of commercial

41

paper in 2016 as compared to issuances in 2015 (difference of $108.3 million) and higher repurchases of AB Holding Units of $22.6 million.

As of March 31, 2016, AB had $796.4 million of cash and cash equivalents (excluding cash and cash equivalents of consolidated VIEs), all of which is available for liquidity, but consists primarily of cash on deposit for our broker-dealers to comply with various customer clearing activities and cash held by foreign subsidiaries for which a permanent investment election for U.S. tax purposes is taken. If the cash held at our foreign subsidiaries of $515.6 million, which includes cash on deposit for our foreign broker-dealers, is repatriated to the U.S., we would be required to accrue and pay U.S. income taxes on these funds, based on the unremitted amount. We currently intend to permanently reinvest these earnings outside the U.S.

Debt and Credit Facilities

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, AB had $485.6 million and $581.7 million, respectively, in commercial paper outstanding with weighted average interest rates of approximately 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively. The commercial paper is short term in nature, and as such, recorded value is estimated to approximate fair value (and considered a Level 2 security in the fair value hierarchy). Average daily borrowings of commercial paper during the first three months of 2016 and the full year 2015 were $553.1 million and $387.9 million, respectively, with weighted average interest rates of approximately 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively.

AB has a $1.0 billion committed, unsecured senior revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”) with a group of commercial banks and other lenders, which matures on October 22, 2019. The Credit Facility provides for possible increases in the principal amount by up to an aggregate incremental amount of $250 million; any such increase is subject to the consent of the affected lenders. The Credit Facility is available for AB and Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC ("SCB LLC") business purposes, including the support of AB’s $1.0 billion commercial paper program. Both AB and SCB LLC can draw directly under the Credit Facility and management may draw on the Credit Facility from time to time. AB has agreed to guarantee the obligations of SCB LLC under the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants, which are customary for facilities of this type, including restrictions on dispositions of assets, restrictions on liens, a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2016, we were in compliance with these covenants. The Credit Facility also includes customary events of default (with customary grace periods, as applicable), including provisions under which, upon the occurrence of an event of default, all outstanding loans may be accelerated and/or lender’s commitments may be terminated. Also, under such provisions, upon the occurrence of certain insolvency- or bankruptcy-related events of default, all amounts payable under the Credit Facility would automatically become immediately due and payable, and the lender’s commitments would automatically terminate.

Amounts under the Credit Facility may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed by us from time to time until the maturity of the facility. Voluntary prepayments and commitment reductions requested by us are permitted at any time without fee (other than customary breakage costs relating to the prepayment of any drawn loans) upon proper notice and subject to a minimum dollar requirement. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum, which will be, at our option, a rate equal to an applicable margin, which is subject to adjustment based on the credit ratings of AB, plus one of the following indexes: London Interbank Offered Rate; a floating base rate; or the Federal Funds rate.

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had no amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility. During the first three months of 2016 and the full year 2015, we did not draw upon the Credit Facility.

In addition, SCB LLC has three uncommitted lines of credit with four financial institutions. Two of these lines of credit permit us to borrow up to an aggregate of approximately $200 million, with AB named as an additional borrower, while one line has no stated limit. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, SCB LLC had no bank loans outstanding. Average daily borrowings of bank loans during the first three months of 2016 and full year 2015 were $6.8 million and $3.9 million, respectively, with weighted average interest rates of approximately 1.1% and 1.2%, respectively.

Our financial condition and access to public and private debt markets should provide adequate liquidity for our general business needs. Management believes that cash flow from operations and the issuance of debt and AB Units or AB Holding Units will provide us with the resources we need to meet our financial obligations. See “Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

AB’s capital commitments, which consist primarily of operating leases for office space, generally are funded from future operating cash flows.

We entered into a subscription agreement, under which we committed to invest up to $35.0 million in a venture capital fund. As of March 31, 2016, we had funded $32.1 million of this commitment.

As general partner of AllianceBernstein U.S. Real Estate L.P. (“Real Estate Fund”), we committed to invest $25.0 million in the Real Estate Fund. As of March 31, 2016, we had funded $19.6 million of this commitment. As general partner of AllianceBernstein U.S. Real Estate II L.P. (“Real Estate Fund II”), we committed to invest $28.0 million in Real Estate Fund II. As of March 31, 2016, we had funded $1.4 million of this commitment.

We entered into an investment agreement under which we committed to invest up to $8.0 million in an oil and gas fund. As of March 31, 2016, we had funded $6.1 million of this commitment.

See Note 12 for discussion of contingencies.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes to condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.

There have been no updates to our critical accounting estimates from those disclosed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition” in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note 2 to AB’s condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1.

CAUTIONS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements provided by management in this report and in the portion of AB’s Form 10-Q attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The most significant of these factors include, but are not limited to, the following: the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of sponsored investment products and separately-managed accounts, general economic conditions, industry trends, future acquisitions, integration of acquired companies, competitive conditions and government regulations, including changes in tax regulations and rates and the manner in which the earnings of publicly-traded partnerships are taxed. We caution readers to carefully consider such factors. Further, these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made; we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements. For further information regarding these forward-looking statements and the factors that could cause actual results to differ, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and Part II, Item 1A in this Form 10-Q. Any or all of the forward-looking statements that we make in our Form 10-K, this Form 10-Q, other documents we file with or furnish to the SEC, and any other public statements we issue, may turn out to be wrong. It is important to remember that other factors besides those listed in “Risk Factors” and those listed below also could affect adversely our revenues, financial condition, results of operations and business prospects.

The forward-looking statements referred to in the preceding paragraph, most of which directly affect AB but also affect AB Holding because AB Holding’s principal source of income and cash flow is attributable to its investment in AB, include statements regarding:

•
Our belief that the cash flow AB Holding realizes from its investment in AB will provide AB Holding with the resources it needs to meet its financial obligations: AB Holding’s cash flow is dependent on the quarterly cash distributions it receives from AB.

42

Accordingly, AB Holding’s ability to meet its financial obligations is dependent on AB’s cash flow from its operations, which is subject to the performance of the capital markets and other factors beyond our control.

•
Our financial condition and ability to access the public and private capital markets providing adequate liquidity for our general business needs: Our financial condition is dependent on our cash flow from operations, which is subject to the performance of the capital markets, our ability to maintain and grow client assets under management and other factors beyond our control. Our ability to access public and private capital markets on reasonable terms may be limited by adverse market conditions, our firm’s credit ratings, our profitability and changes in government regulations, including tax rates and interest rates.

•
The outcome of litigation: Litigation is inherently unpredictable, and excessive damage awards do occur. Though we have stated that we do not expect certain pending legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity, any settlement or judgment with respect to a pending or future legal proceeding could be significant, and could have such an effect.

•
The possibility that we will engage in open market purchases of AB Holding Units to help fund anticipated obligations under our incentive compensation award program: The number of AB Holding Units AB may decide to buy in future periods, if any, to help fund incentive compensation awards depends on various factors, some of which are beyond our control, including the fluctuation in the price of an AB Holding Unit (NYSE: AB) and the availability of cash to make these purchases.

•
Our determination that adjusted employee compensation expense should not exceed 50% of our adjusted net revenues:  Aggregate employee compensation reflects employee performance and competitive compensation levels. Fluctuations in our revenues and/or changes in competitive compensation levels could result in adjusted employee compensation expense exceeding 50% of our adjusted net revenues.
•
Our expectation that, as a result of vacating and marketing for sublease two floors in New York during the first quarter of 2016, and recording real estate charges totaling $28.5 million, approximately $3.7 million of annualized savings will be generated: Any charges we record are based on our current assumptions regarding sublease marketing periods, costs to prepare the properties to market, market rental rates, broker commissions and subtenant allowance/incentives, all of which are factors largely beyond our control. If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, we may be forced to record additional charges, which may result in annual savings different from our current expectation.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes in AB’s market risk from the information provided under “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in Part II, Item 7A of AB's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Each of AB Holding and AB maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and the Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), to permit timely decisions regarding our disclosure.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the CEO and the CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and the CFO concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the first quarter of 2016 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

43


Part II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

See Note 12 to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in AB's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

There were no AB Units sold by AB in the period covered by this report that were not registered under the Securities Act.
 
The following table provides information relating to any AB Units bought by AB in the quarter covered by this report:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
Period
 
Total Number
of AB Units
Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid Per
AB Unit, net of
Commissions
 
Total Number of
AB Units Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
AB Units that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
1/1/16 - 1/31/16
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
—

2/1/16 - 2/29/16
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

3/1/16 - 3/31/16(1)
 
200

 
20.44

 
—

 
—

Total
 
200

 
$
20.44

 
—

 
—


(1)During March 2016, we purchased 200 AB Units in private transactions.

Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5.
Other Information

Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act

AB, AB Holding and their global subsidiaries had no transactions or activities requiring disclosure under the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act (“Iran Act”), nor were they involved in the AXA Group matters described immediately below.

The non-U.S. based subsidiaries of AXA operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations of the various jurisdictions in which they operate, including applicable international (United Nations and European Union) laws and regulations. While AXA Group companies based and operating outside the United States generally are not subject to U.S. law, as an international group, AXA has in place policies and standards (including the AXA Group International

44

Sanctions Policy) that apply to all AXA Group companies worldwide and often impose requirements that go well beyond local law. For additional information regarding AXA, see Note 1 to the condensed financial statements in Part 1, Item 1.

AXA has informed us that AXA Konzern AG, an AXA insurance subsidiary organized under the laws of Germany, provides car insurance to two diplomats based at the Iranian embassy in Berlin, Germany.  The total annual premium of these policies is approximately $13,000 and the annual net profit arising from these policies, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $1,950.  These policies were underwritten by a broker who specializes in providing insurance coverage for diplomats. Provision of motor vehicle insurance is mandatory in Germany and cannot be cancelled until the policies expire.
 
In addition, AXA has informed us that AXA Insurance Ireland, an AXA insurance subsidiary, provides statutorily required car insurance under three separate policies to the Iranian embassy in Dublin, Ireland. AXA has informed us that compliance with the Declined Cases Agreement of the Irish Government prohibits the cancellation of these policies unless another insurer is willing to assume the coverage. The total annual premium for these policies is approximately $3,750 and the annual net profit arising from these policies, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $563.

Also, AXA has informed us that AXA Sigorta, a subsidiary of AXA organized under the laws of Turkey, provides car insurance coverage for vehicle pools of the Iranian General Consulate and the Iranian embassy in Istanbul, Turkey. Motor liability insurance coverage is mandatory in Turkey and cannot be cancelled unilaterally. The total annual premium in respect of these policies is approximately $3,150 and the annual net profit, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $473.

Lastly, AXA has informed us that AXA Ukraine, an AXA insurance subsidiary, provides car insurance for the Attaché of the Embassy of Iran in Ukraine. Motor liability insurance coverage cannot be cancelled under Ukrainian law. The total annual premium in respect of this policy is approximately $1,000 and the annual net profit, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $150.
 
The aggregate annual premiums for the above-referenced insurance policies and pension contracts are approximately $20,900, representing approximately 0.00002% of AXA’s 2015 consolidated revenues, which exceed $100 billion. The related net profit, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $3,136, representing approximately 0.00005% of AXA’s 2015 aggregate net profit.

W.P. Stewart

On December 12, 2013, we acquired W.P. Stewart & Co., Ltd. (“WPS”), an equity investment manager that managed, as of December 12, 2013, approximately $2.1 billion in U.S., Global, and Europe, Australasia (Australia and New Zealand) and Far East (“EAFE”) concentrated growth equity strategies for its clients, primarily in the U.S. and Europe. On the date of the WPS acquisition, each of approximately 4.9 million outstanding shares of WPS common stock (other than certain specified shares, as previously disclosed in Amendment No. 2 to Form S-4 filed by AB on November 8, 2013) was converted into the right to receive $12.0 per share and one transferable contingent value right (“CVR”) entitling the holders to an additional $4.0 per share cash payment if the Assets Under Management (as such term is defined in the Contingent Value Rights Agreement (“CVR Agreement”) dated as of December 12, 2013, a copy of which we filed as Exhibit 4.01 (“Exhibit 4.01”) to our December 31, 2013 Form 10-K) in the acquired WPS investment services business exceed $5 billion on or before December 12, 2016, subject to measurement procedures and limitations set forth in the CVR Agreement. See the definition of AUM Milestone in the CVR Agreement filed as Exhibit 4.01 for additional information regarding the circumstances that trigger payment pursuant to the CVRs. The foregoing description of the CVR Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the CVR Agreement.

As of March 31, 2016, the Assets Under Management are approximately $4.1 billion. Accordingly, management has determined that the AUM Milestone did not occur during the first quarter of 2016.


45

Item 6.
Exhibits


31.1

Certification of Mr. Kraus furnished pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2

Certification of Mr. Weisenseel furnished pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1

Certification of Mr. Kraus furnished for the purpose of complying with Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2

Certification of Mr. Weisenseel furnished for the purpose of complying with Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.

46

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: April 28, 2016
ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ John C. Weisenseel
 
 
 
John C. Weisenseel
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Edward J. Farrell
 
 
 
Edward J. Farrell
 
 
 
Chief Accounting Officer




47

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