Commitments and Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2024

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

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.

On December 14, 2022, four individual participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of AllianceBernstein L.P., (the "Plan") filed a class action complaint (the “Complaint”) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against AB, current and former members of the Compensation Committee, and the Investment and Administrative Committees under the Plan. On February 24, 2023, AB filed a motion to dismiss all claims and on March 25, 2024, the Court granted AB’s motion to dismiss the complaint in its entirety. Plaintiff’s time to amend their complaint or appeal the Court’s decision has now expired and we consider this matter concluded.

AB may be involved in various matters, including regulatory inquiries, administrative proceedings and litigation, some of which may allege significant damages. It is reasonably possible that we could incur losses pertaining to these other matters, but we cannot currently estimate any such losses, or a range of reasonably possible losses. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, currently believes that the outcome of any other 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 other 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.

Guarantees

Effective April 1, 2024 AB and SocGen completed their previously announced transaction to form the JVs. At the time of closing, Bernstein Institutional Services LLC (“BIS”), the U.S. broker-dealer subsidiary of the NA JV, entered into a credit facility agreement with SocGen, as lender, providing for up to $60.0 million of working capital. As a condition of the credit facility and until SocGen’s ownership exceeds 50% of NA JV, AB will provide a limited guarantee under which AB will guarantee up to its percentage ownership, currently 66.7%, of any unpaid obligations of BIS .

In addition, in connection with the close of the transaction, AB will indemnify SG Canada for certain obligations and liabilities in relation to SCB Canada until such time as SocGen exceeds 50% ownership of NA JV (the “Canadian Regulatory Guarantee”). Under the terms of the Canadian Regulatory Guarantee, SG Canada must guarantee the customer liabilities of SCB Canada to the full extent of its regulatory capital which fluctuates based upon business activity. AB has agreed to indemnify SG Canada for 66.7% of any amounts paid by SG Canada under the Canadian Regulatory Guarantee.