N-CSR 1 d497476dncsr.htm AB BOND FUND, INC. - AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO AB Bond Fund, Inc. - AB Short Duration High Yield Portfolio

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-02383

 

 

AB BOND FUND, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

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

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

Stephen M. Woetzel

AllianceBernstein L.P.

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10105

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

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

Date of fiscal year end: September 30, 2023

Date of reporting period: September 30, 2023

 

 

 


ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


SEP 09.30.23

LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

 

LOGO

 


 

 

 
Investment Products Offered  

  Are Not FDIC Insured May Lose Value Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. AB publishes full portfolio holdings for the Fund monthly at www.abfunds.com.

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

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


 

FROM THE PRESIDENT    LOGO

Dear Shareholder,

We’re pleased to provide this report for the AB Short Duration High Yield Portfolio (the “Fund”). Please review the discussion of Fund performance, the market conditions during the reporting period and the Fund’s investment strategy.

At AB, we’re striving to help our clients achieve better outcomes by:

 

+   

Fostering diverse perspectives that give us a distinctive approach to navigating global capital markets

 

+   

Applying differentiated investment insights through a connected global research network

 

+   

Embracing innovation to design better ways to invest and leading-edge mutual-fund solutions

Whether you’re an individual investor or a multibillion-dollar institution, we’re putting our knowledge and experience to work for you every day.

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

Thank you for your investment in AB mutual funds—and for placing your trust in our firm.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Onur Erzan

President and Chief Executive Officer, AB Mutual Funds

 

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AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    1


 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

November 6, 2023

This report provides management’s discussion of fund performance for the AB Short Duration High Yield Portfolio for the annual reporting period ended September 30, 2023. Prior to July 5, 2023, the Fund was named AB Limited Duration High Income Portfolio.

At meetings held on October 31 – November 2, 2023, the Board of Directors of AB Bond Fund, Inc. (the “Board”) approved the reorganization of the Fund into a newly-created exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) (the “Conversion”), which will be managed by AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”). Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Acquisition and Termination (the “Plan”), the Fund will be converted into an ETF (the “Acquiring Portfolio”), a newly-created series of AB Active ETFs, Inc., with an identical investment objective, and identical fundamental investment policies and investment strategies as the Fund. The closing date of the Conversion is expected to occur on or about June 7, 2024.

In connection with the Conversion, the assets and liabilities of the Fund will be transferred to the Acquiring Portfolio, and stockholders of the Fund will receive shares of the Acquiring Portfolio, equal in aggregate net asset value (“NAV”) to the NAV of their shares of the Fund (less cash corresponding to any fractional share amount). In connection with the Conversion, Class A and Class C shares of the Portfolio will be automatically converted into Advisor Class shares. This share class consolidation will occur in March 2024 or another date selected by the Adviser prior to the closing date, without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. For additional information, please see the prospectus supplement dated November 3, 2023. In addition, stockholders of the Fund will receive a combined information statement/prospectus describing the Conversion and the Acquiring Portfolio, and summarizing the Board’s considerations in approving the Conversion.

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek the highest level of income that is available without assuming what the Adviser considers to be undue risk to principal.

NAV RETURNS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 (unaudited)

 

     6 Months      12 Months  
AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO      
Class A Shares      2.46%        9.63%  
Class C Shares      2.07%        8.81%  
Advisor Class Shares1      2.59%        10.04%  
Primary Benchmark:2
Bloomberg US High Yield 1-5 Year Cash Pay 2% Total Return Index
     3.07%        10.13%  
Bloomberg Global High Yield 1-5 Year Index (USD hedged)      3.30%        11.14%  

 

 

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1

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

 

2

Effective July 5, 2023, the broad-based index used for comparison with the Fund’s performance has changed from the Bloomberg Global High Yield 1-5 Year Index (USD hedged) to the Bloomberg US High Yield 1-5 Year Cash Pay 2% Total Return Index because the Adviser believes the new index better reflects the Fund’s revised investment strategies.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table above shows the Fund’s performance compared with its benchmark, the Bloomberg US High Yield 1-5 Year Cash Pay 2% Total Return Index, for the six- and 12-month periods ended September 30, 2023. The table also includes the previous benchmark, the Bloomberg Global High Yield 1-5 Year Index (USD hedged).

During both periods, all share classes underperformed the benchmark, before sales charges. Over the 12-month period, industry allocation detracted most from performance, relative to the benchmark, primarily from exposure to US Treasuries. Underweights to sovereign bonds and energy, an overweight to technology and off-benchmark exposure to conventional mortgage-backed securities also detracted from performance. At the country allocation level, underweights to the eurozone and UK detracted, while an overweight to the US contributed. Security selection was the largest contributor, mainly from selections in automotive, retailers, telecommunications, consumer noncyclical, banking, technology and services that were offset by losses from selections in entertainment and energy. Yield-curve positioning in the US added to performance, from overweights to the five- and 10-year parts of the curve, which were greater than a loss from an underweight to the two-year part of the curve. At the currency level, short positions in euro and the British pound contributed.

During the six-month period, country allocation was the primary detractor, as underweights to the eurozone and UK detracted more than an overweight the US contributed. Industry allocation also detracted, mostly from underweights to sovereign bonds and energy, which were partially offset by gains from an underweight to real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), an overweight to media and off-benchmark exposure to collateralized loan obligations. Security selection contributed to performance, primarily from selections in REITs, technology and telecommunications that were offset by losses from selections in entertainment, retailers, media and basic. Yield-curve positioning was a minor contributor, and currency decisions did not impact performance during the period.

During both periods, the Fund used futures to manage and hedge duration risk and/or to take active yield-curve positioning. Currency forwards were used to hedge foreign currency exposure. Credit default swaps were used to effectively obtain high-yield credit/sector exposure. Written options were used to hedge against tail risk.

 

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MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

During the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023, fixed-income government bond market yields were extremely volatile in all major developed markets, falling in the first half of the period, then rising, particularly when the Fed adjusted its quarterly expectations of interest rates to be higher for longer. Other developed-market treasury yields rose in tandem. Government bond returns in aggregate were positive, as returns rose in Japan, Australia and the eurozone, and fell in the UK, Canada and the US. Most central banks raised interest rates significantly to combat inflation until the last reporting quarter. Overall, developed-market investment-grade corporate bonds significantly outperformed government bonds, including in the US and eurozone. High-yield corporate bonds advanced and materially outperformed government bonds—especially in the US and eurozone. Emerging-market local-currency sovereign bonds led risk asset returns, as the US dollar fell against most developed-market currencies and was mixed against emerging-market currencies. Emerging-market hard-currency sovereign and corporate bonds had strong relative positive returns, particularly among high-yield sovereigns and corporates.

The Fund’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) continues to utilize its high-quality strategy, which seeks attractive returns with less volatility than traditional high-yield approaches. The Team seeks to manage interest-rate risk by maintaining an average duration of less than four years. The Fund’s primary investments are high-yield corporate fixed-income securities from developed and emerging markets, particularly lower-rated, investment-grade and unrated-debt securities.

INVESTMENT POLICIES

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, including any borrowings for investment purposes, in debt securities that are rated below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”), unrated securities considered by the Adviser to be of comparable quality, and related derivatives. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will maintain a dollar-weighted average duration of less than four years, although it may invest in individual fixed-income securities with durations in excess of four years.

The Fund may also invest in investment-grade fixed-income securities, high-yield securities of governments and government-related issuers, loan participations and assignments and, to a lesser extent, equity securities and derivatives related to these instruments. The Fund will not invest more than 10% of its net assets in securities rated at or below Caa1 by Moody’s Investors Service, CCC+ by S&P Global Ratings or CCC by Fitch Ratings or the equivalent by any nationally

 

(continued on next page)

 

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recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”), at the time of purchase. (For the purpose of this 10% limit, the Fund will rely on the highest rating from any NRSRO, and the notional amount of derivatives related to these instruments will be counted.)

The Fund invests on a global basis, including securities of issuers in both developed- and emerging-market countries. The Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, although it expects to use hedging instruments frequently to attempt to limit the currency exposure resulting from such investments.

The Fund expects to use derivatives, such as options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps, to a significant extent, subject to the limits of applicable law. Derivatives may provide more efficient and economical exposure to market segments than direct investments, and may also be a quicker and more efficient way to alter the Fund’s exposure. For example, the Fund may use credit default and interest rate swaps to gain exposure to the fixed-income markets. In determining when and to what extent to enter into derivative transactions, the Adviser considers factors such as the risks and returns of these investments relative to direct investments and the costs of such transactions. Derivatives such as options and forwards may also be used for hedging purposes, including to hedge against interest-rate, credit market and currency fluctuations.

 

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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS

 

Benchmark Disclosure

All benchmarks are unmanaged and do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The Bloomberg US High Yield 1-5 Year Cash Pay 2% Total Return Index measures the performance of US dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bonds with maturities of one to five years. The Bloomberg Global High Yield 1-5 Year Index represents the performance of non-investment grade fixed-income securities in the US, developed and emerging markets with more than one year and less than five years remaining until maturity, hedged to the US dollar. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Fund.

A Word About Risk

Market Risk: The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock, bond, currency and commodity markets fluctuate. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market.

Interest-Rate Risk: Changes in interest rates will affect the value of investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of existing investments in fixed-income securities tends to fall and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from new investments. Interest-rate risk is generally greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the recent end of a period of historically low rates and the effects of potential central bank monetary policy, and government fiscal policy, initiatives and resulting market reactions to those initiatives.

Credit Risk: An issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to a derivatives or other contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The issuer, guarantor or counterparty may default, causing a loss of the full principal amount of a security and accrued interest. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. There is the possibility that the credit rating of a fixed-income security may be downgraded after purchase, which may adversely affect the value of the security.

Below Investment-Grade Securities Risk: Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are subject to a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to

 

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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)

 

such factors as specific corporate developments and negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and may be more difficult to trade than other types of securities.

Duration Risk: Duration is a measure that relates the expected price volatility of a fixed-income security to changes in interest rates. The duration of a fixed-income security may be shorter than or equal to full maturity of a fixed-income security. Fixed-income securities with longer durations have more risk and will decrease in price as interest rates rise.

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

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund. A short position in a derivative instrument involves the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the value of the underlying asset, which could cause the Fund to suffer a potentially unlimited loss. Derivatives, especially over-the-counter derivatives, are also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable or unwilling to honor its contractual obligations to the Fund.

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

Emerging-Market Risk: Investments in emerging-market countries may have more risk because the markets are less developed and less liquid and are subject to increased economic, political, regulatory and other uncertainties.

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

Loan Participations and Assignments Risk: When the Fund purchases loan participations and assignments, it is subject to the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower. In addition, the lack of a liquid secondary market for loan participations and assignments may have an adverse impact on the value of such investments and the Fund’s ability to dispose of particular assignments or participations when necessary to meet the Fund’s liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower.

 

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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)

 

Illiquid Investments Risk: Illiquid investments risk exists when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling such investments may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Fund. Causes of illiquid investments risk may include low trading volumes, large positions and heavy redemptions of Fund shares. Illiquid investments risk may be higher in a rising interest-rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally decline.

Management Risk: The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results. Some of these techniques may incorporate, or rely upon, quantitative models, but there is no guarantee that these models will generate accurate forecasts, reduce risk or otherwise perform as expected.

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

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. You may obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end by visiting www.abfunds.com.

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

 

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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE

 

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

9/30/2013 TO 9/30/2023

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in AB Short Duration High Yield Portfolio Class A shares (from 9/30/2013 to 9/30/2023) as compared with the performance of the Fund’s current and previous benchmarks. The chart reflects the deduction of the maximum 4.25% sales charge from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    9


 

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 (unaudited)

 

    NAV Returns     SEC Returns
(reflects applicable
sales charges)
    SEC
Yields1
 
CLASS A SHARES         6.45%  
1 Year     9.63%       4.95%    
5 Years     2.08%       1.20%    
10 Years     2.71%       2.26%    
CLASS C SHARES         5.96%  
1 Year     8.81%       7.81%    
5 Years     1.31%       1.31%    
10 Years2     1.95%       1.95%    
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES3         6.98%  
1 Year     10.04%       10.04%    
5 Years     2.35%       2.35%    
10 Years     2.98%       2.98%    

The Fund’s current prospectus fee table shows the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratios as 1.00%, 1.75% and 0.75% for Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Contractual fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements limited the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratios (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses other than the advisory fees of any AB mutual funds in which the Fund may invest, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs) to 0.95%, 1.70% and 0.70% for Class A, Class C and Advisor Class shares, respectively. These waivers/reimbursements may not be terminated before January 31, 2024. Absent reimbursements or waivers, performance would have been lower. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

 

1

SEC yields are calculated based on SEC guidelines for the 30-day period ended September 30, 2023.

 

2

Assumes conversion of Class C shares into Class A shares after eight years.

 

3

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

 

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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

 

SEC AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS

AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END

SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 (unaudited)

 

     SEC Returns
(reflects applicable
sales charges)
 
CLASS A SHARES   
1 Year      4.95%  
5 Years      1.20%  
10 Years      2.26%  
CLASS C SHARES   
1 Year      7.81%  
5 Years      1.31%  
10 Years1      1.95%  
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES2   
1 Year      10.04%  
5 Years      2.35%  
10 Years      2.98%  

 

1

Assumes conversion of Class C shares into Class A shares after eight years.

 

2

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

 

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EXPENSE EXAMPLE

(unaudited)

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

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EXPENSE EXAMPLE (continued)

 

    Beginning
Account Value
April 1, 2023
    Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2023
    Expenses Paid
During Period*
    Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 
Class A        

Actual

  $     1,000     $     1,024.60     $     4.82       0.95

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,020.31     $ 4.81       0.95
Class C        

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,020.70     $ 8.61       1.70

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,016.55     $ 8.59       1.70
Advisor Class        

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,025.90     $ 3.56       0.70

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,021.56     $ 3.55       0.70
Class R        

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,025.50     $ 4.01       0.79

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,021.11     $ 4.00       0.79
Class K        

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,025.50     $ 3.86       0.76

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,021.26     $ 3.85       0.76
Class I        

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,025.90     $ 3.56       0.70

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,021.56     $ 3.55       0.70

 

*

Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**

Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

 

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PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

September 30, 2023 (unaudited)

 

PORTFOLIO STATISTICS

Net Assets ($mil): $519.2

 

 

 

LOGO

 

1

The Fund’s security type breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. The Fund also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details).

 

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PORTFOLIO SUMMARY (continued)

September 30, 2023 (unaudited)

 

 

 

LOGO

 

1

The Fund’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. The Fund also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). “Other” country weightings represent 0.4% or less in the following: Angola, Australia, Bahrain, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Macau, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Peru, Romania, Senegal, Slovenia, South Africa, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine and United Republic of Tanzania.

 

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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2023

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

CORPORATES -  NON-INVESTMENT GRADE – 74.2%

      

Industrial – 67.4%

      

Basic – 5.0%

      

Arsenal AIC Parent LLC
8.00%, 10/01/2030(a)

    U.S.$       416      $ 413,833  

ASP Unifrax Holdings, Inc.
5.25%, 09/30/2028(a)

      1,977        1,407,861  

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

      294        293,383  

Constellium SE
3.125%, 07/15/2029(a)

    EUR       617        552,100  

3.75%, 04/15/2029(a)

    U.S.$       1,370        1,147,471  

CVR Partners LP/CVR Nitrogen Finance Corp.
6.125%, 06/15/2028(a)

      2,718        2,446,417  

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

      2,651        2,287,203  

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

      2,215        2,005,527  

5.875%, 04/15/2030(a)

      251        229,565  

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

      298        288,354  

INEOS Quattro Finance 2 PLC
2.50%, 01/15/2026(a)

    EUR       257        247,474  

3.375%, 01/15/2026(a)

    U.S.$       1,273        1,166,221  

INEOS Styrolution Group GmbH
2.25%, 01/16/2027(a)

    EUR       589        540,976  

Ingevity Corp.
3.875%, 11/01/2028(a)

    U.S.$       2,682        2,210,773  

Olympus Water US Holding Corp.
3.875%, 10/01/2028(a)

    EUR       100        88,367  

7.125%, 10/01/2027(a)

    U.S.$       453        420,810  

Roller Bearing Co. of America, Inc.
4.375%, 10/15/2029(a)

      521        450,858  

SCIL IV LLC/SCIL USA Holdings LLC
4.375%, 11/01/2026(a)

    EUR       187        183,544  

5.375%, 11/01/2026(a)

    U.S.$       2,889        2,639,130  

8.10% (EURIBOR 3 Month + 4.38%), 11/01/2026(a)(b)

    EUR       318        335,183  

Sealed Air Corp./Sealed Air Corp. US
6.125%, 02/01/2028(a)

    U.S.$       2,219        2,148,192  

SNF Group SACA
3.125%, 03/15/2027(a)

      862        760,249  

Synthomer PLC
3.875%, 07/01/2025(a)

    EUR       200        201,677  

 

16    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

thyssenkrupp AG
Series E
2.875%, 02/22/2024(a)

    EUR       343      $ 359,630  

WR Grace Holdings LLC
4.875%, 06/15/2027(a)

    U.S.$       3,353        3,071,717  
      

 

 

 
         25,896,515  
      

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 7.2%

      

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

    EUR       251        196,689  

Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance USA LLC/Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance PLC
3.25%, 09/01/2028(a)

    U.S.$       1,449        1,207,785  

4.00%, 09/01/2029(a)

      750        586,748  

6.00%, 06/15/2027(a)

      324        311,166  

Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC/Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc.
2.125%, 08/15/2026(a)

    EUR       200        187,624  

4.125%, 08/15/2026(a)

    U.S.$       3,288        3,004,180  

5.25%, 08/15/2027(a)

      521        434,451  

Ball Corp.
2.875%, 08/15/2030

      1,153        913,453  

5.25%, 07/01/2025

      500        489,875  

6.00%, 06/15/2029

      1,032        1,003,620  

Bombardier, Inc.
6.00%, 02/15/2028(a)

      599        542,748  

7.50%, 02/01/2029(a)

      196        186,037  

7.875%, 04/15/2027(a)

      788        768,757  

Chart Industries, Inc.
7.50%, 01/01/2030(a)

      1,050        1,055,387  

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

      1,896        1,783,207  

Covanta Holding Corp.
4.875%, 12/01/2029(a)

      542        444,781  

Crown Americas LLC
5.25%, 04/01/2030

      1,286        1,188,573  

Eco Material Technologies, Inc.
7.875%, 01/31/2027(a)

      1,265        1,208,214  

Emerald Debt Merger Sub LLC
6.625%, 12/15/2030(a)

      264        254,797  

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

      1,143        1,115,294  

GFL Environmental, Inc.
3.50%, 09/01/2028(a)

      269        231,415  

3.75%, 08/01/2025(a)

      1,591        1,510,607  

4.00%, 08/01/2028(a)

      489        427,274  

5.125%, 12/15/2026(a)

      64        60,959  

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    17


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Griffon Corp.
5.75%, 03/01/2028

    U.S.$       1,551      $ 1,407,067  

LSB Industries, Inc.
6.25%, 10/15/2028(a)(d)

      1,717        1,557,044  

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

      1,500        1,354,245  

Paprec Holding SA
3.50%, 07/01/2028(a)

    EUR       260        245,681  

Renk AG/Frankfurt am Main
5.75%, 07/15/2025(a)

      931        976,150  

Rolls-Royce PLC
3.625%, 10/14/2025(a)

    U.S.$       1,725        1,629,004  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.
2.25%, 06/01/2028

    EUR       412        370,114  

4.125%, 02/01/2028

    U.S.$       1,510        1,351,994  

Stericycle, Inc.
3.875%, 01/15/2029(a)

      1,763        1,520,006  

TK Elevator Midco GmbH
4.375%, 07/15/2027(a)

    EUR       180        172,329  

TK Elevator US Newco, Inc.
5.25%, 07/15/2027(a)

    U.S.$       2,410        2,215,826  

TransDigm, Inc.
5.50%, 11/15/2027

      1,544        1,449,075  

6.75%, 08/15/2028(a)

      508        500,670  

6.875%, 12/15/2030(a)

      485        475,261  

Trinity Industries, Inc.
7.75%, 07/15/2028(a)

      791        795,572  

Triumph Group, Inc.
9.00%, 03/15/2028(a)

      896        885,812  

Trivium Packaging Finance BV
3.75%, 08/15/2026(a)

    EUR       440        429,491  

5.50%, 08/15/2026(a)

    U.S.$       232        216,681  

WESCO Distribution, Inc.
7.125%, 06/15/2025(a)

      262        262,749  

7.25%, 06/15/2028(a)

      500        503,435  
      

 

 

 
         37,431,847  
      

 

 

 

Communications - Media – 7.7%

      

Altice Financing SA
2.25%, 01/15/2025(a)

    EUR       106        110,171  

5.00%, 01/15/2028(a)

    U.S.$       1,789        1,525,158  

AMC Networks, Inc.
4.25%, 02/15/2029

      1,228        765,228  

4.75%, 08/01/2025

      791        729,413  

5.00%, 04/01/2024

      284        279,357  

Banijay Entertainment SASU
7.00%, 05/01/2029(a)

    EUR       442        463,379  

8.125%, 05/01/2029(a)

    U.S.$       734        728,796  

 

18    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

        Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.
4.50%, 08/15/2030(a)

  U.S.$     274      $ 224,746  

4.75%, 03/01/2030(a)

      545        458,345  

5.125%, 05/01/2027(a)

      2,095        1,951,241  

6.375%, 09/01/2029(a)

      1,456        1,355,390  

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.
5.125%, 08/15/2027(a)

      1,987        1,766,224  

CSC Holdings LLC
5.375%, 02/01/2028(a)

      2,755        2,247,942  

5.50%, 04/15/2027(a)

      501        429,382  

DISH DBS Corp.
5.25%, 12/01/2026(a)

      2,364        2,008,951  

5.75%, 12/01/2028(a)

      754        579,449  

Gray Television, Inc.
7.00%, 05/15/2027(a)

      969        831,286  

iHeartCommunications, Inc.
5.25%, 08/15/2027(a)

      1,673        1,326,723  

6.375%, 05/01/2026

      1,048        903,942  

LCPR Senior Secured Financing DAC
5.125%, 07/15/2029(a)

      1,424        1,151,689  

6.75%, 10/15/2027(a)

      2,012        1,847,056  

McGraw-Hill Education, Inc.
5.75%, 08/01/2028(a)

      2,726        2,365,895  

Outfront Media Capital LLC/Outfront Media Capital Corp.
4.25%, 01/15/2029(a)

      2,027        1,605,810  

Radiate Holdco LLC/Radiate Finance, Inc.
4.50%, 09/15/2026(a)

      787        596,428  

Scripps Escrow II, Inc.
3.875%, 01/15/2029(a)

      1,348        1,014,451  

Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
5.50%, 03/01/2030(a)

      210        112,671  

Sirius XM Radio, Inc.
3.125%, 09/01/2026(a)

      1,184        1,057,715  

4.00%, 07/15/2028(a)

      2,038        1,739,637  

5.00%, 08/01/2027(a)

      230        210,068  

Summer BC Bidco B LLC
5.50%, 10/31/2026(a)

      350        315,872  

TEGNA, Inc.
4.625%, 03/15/2028

      263        227,527  

5.00%, 09/15/2029

      523        439,184  

Univision Communications, Inc.
4.50%, 05/01/2029(a)

      1,471        1,197,129  

5.125%, 02/15/2025(a)

      251        244,823  

6.625%, 06/01/2027(a)

      1,209        1,124,817  

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    19


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Urban One, Inc.
7.375%, 02/01/2028(a)

    U.S.$       608      $ 521,530  

Virgin Media Finance PLC
3.75%, 07/15/2030(a)

    EUR       210        176,532  

Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC
5.00%, 04/15/2027(a)

    GBP       200        226,394  

5.50%, 05/15/2029(a)

    U.S.$       1,000        891,950  

Virgin Media Vendor Financing Notes IV DAC
5.00%, 07/15/2028(a)

      2,217        1,912,761  

Ziggo BV
4.875%, 01/15/2030(a)

      2,755        2,246,537  
      

 

 

 
         39,911,599  
      

 

 

 

Communications - Telecommunications – 1.7%

      

Altice France SA/France
5.125%, 07/15/2029(a)

      967        687,469  

5.50%, 01/15/2028(a)

      489        373,845  

5.50%, 10/15/2029(a)

      702        505,286  

8.125%, 02/01/2027(a)

      588        518,545  

Connect Finco SARL/Connect US Finco LLC
6.75%, 10/01/2026(a)

      2,291        2,140,619  

Level 3 Financing, Inc.
3.625%, 01/15/2029(a)

      543        304,080  

4.25%, 07/01/2028(a)

      22        13,747  

4.625%, 09/15/2027(a)

      132        95,040  

Lorca Telecom Bondco SA
4.00%, 09/18/2027(a)

    EUR       1,164        1,143,338  

Nexstar Media, Inc.
5.625%, 07/15/2027(a)

    U.S.$       1,318        1,173,257  

Telecom Italia SpA/Milano
5.303%, 05/30/2024(a)

      997        979,463  

United Group BV
3.625%, 02/15/2028(a)

    EUR       147        129,292  

4.625%, 08/15/2028(a)

      154        138,410  

8.60% (EURIBOR 3 Month + 4.88%), 02/01/2029(a)(b)

      317        330,882  
      

 

 

 
         8,533,273  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Automotive – 2.8%

      

Allison Transmission, Inc.
3.75%, 01/30/2031(a)

    U.S.$       585        472,932  

4.75%, 10/01/2027(a)

      197        181,709  

5.875%, 06/01/2029(a)

      1,728        1,628,484  

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
6.50%, 04/01/2027

      49        46,520  

Clarios Global LP/Clarios US Finance Co.
4.375%, 05/15/2026(a)

    EUR       430        436,592  

 

20    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Dana, Inc.
4.25%, 09/01/2030

    U.S.$       578      $ 463,689  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)
5.00%, 07/15/2029

      1,669        1,440,664  

IHO Verwaltungs GmbH
4.75% (4.75% Cash or 5.50% PIK), 09/15/2026(a)(c)

      750        692,505  

6.00% (6.00% Cash or 6.75% PIK), 05/15/2027(a)(c)

      1,324        1,240,596  

6.375% (6.375% Cash or 7.125% PIK), 05/15/2029(a)(c)

      662        600,811  

8.75% (8.75% Cash or 9.50% PIK), 05/15/2028(a)(c)

    EUR       377        411,894  

Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC
4.50%, 10/01/2027(a)

    U.S.$       1,667        1,444,672  

5.50%, 07/15/2029(a)

      1,075        918,760  

6.875%, 11/15/2026(a)

    EUR       478        508,600  

7.75%, 10/15/2025(a)

    U.S.$       293        294,014  

PM General Purchaser LLC
9.50%, 10/01/2028(a)

      148        137,476  

Tenneco, Inc.
8.00%, 11/17/2028(a)

      1,422        1,156,470  

ZF Europe Finance BV
2.00%, 02/23/2026(a)(d)

    EUR       300        290,250  

ZF Finance GmbH
Series E
3.00%, 09/21/2025(a)

      200        201,740  

ZF North America Capital, Inc.
4.75%, 04/29/2025(a)

    U.S.$       1,568        1,508,886  

6.875%, 04/14/2028(a)

      234        229,098  

7.125%, 04/14/2030(a)

      234        229,460  
      

 

 

 
         14,535,822  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Entertainment – 4.0%

      

Boyne USA, Inc.
4.75%, 05/15/2029(a)

      1,605        1,401,919  

Carnival Corp.
4.00%, 08/01/2028(a)

      2,283        1,976,051  

5.75%, 03/01/2027(a)

      246        222,517  

7.00%, 08/15/2029(a)

      1,196        1,180,081  

7.625%, 03/01/2026(a)

    EUR       182        189,458  

Cedar Fair LP/Canada’s Wonderland Co./Magnum Management Corp./Millennium Op
5.375%, 04/15/2027

    U.S.$       2,065        1,935,421  

5.50%, 05/01/2025(a)

      1,294        1,267,952  

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    21


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

CPUK Finance Ltd.
4.50%, 08/28/2027(a)

    GBP       400      $ 421,618  

Lindblad Expeditions LLC
6.75%, 02/15/2027(a)

    U.S.$       396        370,711  

Motion Bondco DAC
4.50%, 11/15/2027(a)

    EUR       239        218,864  

NCL Corp., Ltd.
3.625%, 12/15/2024(a)

    U.S.$       891        852,705  

5.875%, 02/15/2027(a)

      956        907,980  

8.375%, 02/01/2028(a)

      540        547,852  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
5.375%, 07/15/2027(a)

      299        276,288  

5.50%, 08/31/2026(a)

      244        230,260  

5.50%, 04/01/2028(a)

      526        482,431  

7.25%, 01/15/2030(a)

      143        141,737  

8.25%, 01/15/2029(a)

      442        457,775  

9.25%, 01/15/2029(a)

      378        398,575  

11.50%, 06/01/2025(a)

      131        138,276  

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.
5.25%, 08/15/2029(a)

      2,062        1,810,436  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.
5.50%, 04/15/2027(a)

      776        718,498  

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

      1,353        1,346,790  

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

      132        120,375  

Viking Ocean Cruises Ship VII Ltd.
5.625%, 02/15/2029(a)

      227        207,376  

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

      3,075        2,799,019  
      

 

 

 
         20,620,965  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Other – 5.1%

      

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

      354        351,472  

Brookfield Residential Properties, Inc./Brookfield Residential US LLC
6.25%, 09/15/2027(a)

      545        490,516  

Builders FirstSource, Inc.
5.00%, 03/01/2030(a)

      1,258        1,120,589  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
7.00%, 02/15/2030(a)

      501        487,238  

Castle UK Finco PLC
7.00%, 05/15/2029(a)

    GBP       276        260,626  

9.031% (EURIBOR 3 Month + 5.25%), 05/15/2028(a)(b)

    EUR       194        177,101  

Churchill Downs, Inc.
4.75%, 01/15/2028(a)

    U.S.$       1,654        1,492,288  

 

22    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

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

    U.S.$       1,125      $ 1,061,212  

Forestar Group, Inc.
3.85%, 05/15/2026(a)

      464        422,806  

Hilton Domestic Operating Co., Inc.
3.75%, 05/01/2029(a)

      2,077        1,794,632  

4.875%, 01/15/2030

      526        478,518  

5.375%, 05/01/2025(a)

      105        103,134  

Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower Escrow LLC/Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower Esc
4.875%, 07/01/2031(a)

      35        28,518  

5.00%, 06/01/2029(a)

      3,122        2,711,707  

Marriott Ownership Resorts, Inc.
4.50%, 06/15/2029(a)

      139        116,489  

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

      1,348        1,146,353  

5.25%, 12/15/2027(a)

      1,900        1,736,068  

MGM Resorts International
4.75%, 10/15/2028

      1,795        1,580,623  

5.50%, 04/15/2027

      267        249,028  

Playtech PLC
4.25%, 03/07/2026(a)

    EUR       130        132,819  

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

    U.S.$       949        850,228  

Standard Industries, Inc./NJ
4.75%, 01/15/2028(a)

      522        470,828  

5.00%, 02/15/2027(a)

      263        244,251  

Taylor Morrison Communities, Inc.
5.875%, 06/15/2027(a)

      2,066        1,969,993  

Travel + Leisure Co.
4.50%, 12/01/2029(a)

      1,396        1,173,855  

6.625%, 07/31/2026(a)

      1,548        1,504,579  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
4.375%, 08/15/2028(a)

      2,024        1,817,147  

Wynn Las Vegas LLC/Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp.
5.25%, 05/15/2027(a)

      1,774        1,649,394  

Wynn Resorts Finance LLC/Wynn Resorts Capital Corp.
5.125%, 10/01/2029(a)

      1,000        874,180  
      

 

 

 
         26,496,192  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Restaurants – 0.8%

      

1011778 BC ULC/New Red Finance, Inc.
3.50%, 02/15/2029(a)

      1,208        1,035,123  

3.875%, 01/15/2028(a)

      1,011        907,787  

4.375%, 01/15/2028(a)

      539        485,720  

5.75%, 04/15/2025(a)

      452        448,597  

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    23


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Papa John’s International, Inc.
3.875%, 09/15/2029(a)

    U.S.$       279      $ 230,119  

Stonegate Pub Co. Financing 2019 PLC
8.00%, 07/13/2025(a)

    GBP       112        127,620  

Yum! Brands, Inc.
4.75%, 01/15/2030(a)

    U.S.$       1,064        955,195  
      

 

 

 
         4,190,161  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Retailers – 4.1%

      

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.
4.625%, 11/15/2029(a)

      1,947        1,671,207  

Bath & Body Works, Inc.
6.625%, 10/01/2030(a)

      2,490        2,331,985  

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.
6.50%, 08/01/2030(a)

      1,163        1,128,191  

eG Global Finance PLC
4.375%, 02/07/2025(a)

    EUR       564        577,014  

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

    U.S.$       542        480,331  

5.625%, 01/01/2030(a)

      2,000        1,796,260  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
4.00%, 08/15/2028(a)

      1,809        1,568,493  

LCM Investments Holdings II LLC
8.25%, 08/01/2031(a)

      684        665,621  

Levi Strauss & Co.
3.50%, 03/01/2031(a)

      1,186        943,783  

Michaels Cos., Inc. (The)
5.25%, 05/01/2028(a)

      1,531        1,222,565  

Murphy Oil USA, Inc.
4.75%, 09/15/2029

      519        467,910  

Penske Automotive Group, Inc.
3.75%, 06/15/2029

      1,041        875,387  

PetSmart, Inc./PetSmart Finance Corp.
4.75%, 02/15/2028(a)

      806        706,378  

7.75%, 02/15/2029(a)

      646        602,227  

Sonic Automotive, Inc.
4.625%, 11/15/2029(a)

      2,565        2,120,973  

4.875%, 11/15/2031(a)

      126        100,207  

Specialty Building Products Holdings LLC/SBP Finance Corp.
6.375%, 09/30/2026(a)

      1,729        1,621,560  

SRS Distribution, Inc.
4.625%, 07/01/2028(a)

      1,259        1,088,783  

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

      739        607,879  

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

      177        177,004  

 

24    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

William Carter Co. (The)
5.625%, 03/15/2027(a)

    U.S.$       712      $ 684,937  
      

 

 

 
         21,438,695  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 9.5%

      

AdaptHealth LLC
4.625%, 08/01/2029(a)

      991        763,070  

5.125%, 03/01/2030(a)

      1,750        1,360,205  

Albertsons Cos., Inc./Safeway, Inc./New Albertsons LP/Albertsons LLC
3.50%, 03/15/2029(a)

      274        233,451  

4.625%, 01/15/2027(a)

      1,494        1,411,457  

6.50%, 02/15/2028(a)

      1,145        1,131,168  

7.50%, 03/15/2026(a)

      185        187,584  

Bausch & Lomb Escrow Corp.
8.375%, 10/01/2028(a)

      1,249        1,251,848  

CAB SELAS
3.375%, 02/01/2028(a)

    EUR       659        581,614  

Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc.
3.125%, 02/15/2029(a)

    U.S.$       284        233,050  

3.50%, 04/01/2030(a)

      750        617,655  

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

      321        309,133  

Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH
3.50%, 02/11/2027(a)

    EUR       106        102,008  

CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.
5.625%, 03/15/2027(a)

    U.S.$       1,413        1,210,376  

Coty, Inc./HFC Prestige Products, Inc./HFC Prestige International US LLC
6.625%, 07/15/2030(a)

      857        837,255  

DaVita, Inc.
4.625%, 06/01/2030(a)

      2,850        2,338,767  

Elanco Animal Health, Inc.
6.65%, 08/28/2028(d)

      2,868        2,783,165  

Embecta Corp.
5.00%, 02/15/2030(a)

      2,669        2,099,862  

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

      1,030        432,312  

Fortrea Holdings, Inc.
7.50%, 07/01/2030(a)

      176        171,829  

Grifols SA
3.875%, 10/15/2028(a)

    EUR       481        431,285  

4.75%, 10/15/2028(a)

    U.S.$       1,929        1,648,986  

Gruenenthal GmbH
4.125%, 05/15/2028(a)

    EUR       907        883,295  

Iceland Bondco PLC
9.254% (EURIBOR 3 Month + 5.50%), 12/15/2027(a)(b)

      199        209,248  

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    25


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

        Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

10.875%, 12/15/2027(a)

  GBP     118      $ 147,085  

IQVIA, Inc.
1.75%, 03/15/2026(a)

  EUR     798        784,965  

6.50%, 05/15/2030(a)

  U.S.$     212        208,142  

Jazz Securities DAC
4.375%, 01/15/2029(a)

      1,558        1,362,596  

Kronos Acquisition Holdings, Inc./KIK Custom Products, Inc.
7.00%, 12/31/2027(a)

      469        404,503  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.
4.875%, 05/15/2028(a)

      2,552        2,352,178  

Legacy LifePoint Health LLC
4.375%, 02/15/2027(a)

      2,062        1,773,361  

Medline Borrower LP
3.875%, 04/01/2029(a)

      1,460        1,233,612  

5.25%, 10/01/2029(a)

      1,700        1,469,616  

ModivCare Escrow Issuer, Inc.
5.00%, 10/01/2029(a)

      500        358,770  

ModivCare, Inc.
5.875%, 11/15/2025(a)

      860        817,946  

Newell Brands, Inc.
5.20%, 04/01/2026(d)

      1,226        1,155,272  

6.375%, 09/15/2027

      42        40,055  

Option Care Health, Inc.
4.375%, 10/31/2029(a)

      809        696,776  

Organon & Co./Organon Foreign Debt Co-Issuer BV
4.125%, 04/30/2028(a)

      2,722        2,368,276  

Performance Food Group, Inc.
4.25%, 08/01/2029(a)

      273        235,782  

5.50%, 10/15/2027(a)

      1,011        956,174  

Perrigo Finance Unlimited Co.
4.375%, 03/15/2026

      1,887        1,764,855  

4.65%, 06/15/2030(d)

      524        447,119  

Post Holdings, Inc.
4.625%, 04/15/2030(a)

      1,310        1,122,054  

5.50%, 12/15/2029(a)

      900        815,616  

5.75%, 03/01/2027(a)

      183        175,702  

Premier Foods Finance PLC
3.50%, 10/15/2026(a)

  GBP     200        221,914  

Primo Water Holdings, Inc.
4.375%, 04/30/2029(a)

  U.S.$     2,583        2,207,845  

Spectrum Brands, Inc.
3.875%, 03/15/2031(a)

      582        471,705  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.
4.25%, 06/01/2029

      537        462,497  

5.125%, 11/01/2027

      1,910        1,776,854  

 

26    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

US Acute Care Solutions LLC
6.375%, 03/01/2026(a)

    U.S.$       1,981      $ 1,703,819  

US Foods, Inc.
4.75%, 02/15/2029(a)

      778        695,446  
      

 

 

 
         49,459,158  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 5.5%

      

Blue Racer Midstream LLC/Blue Racer Finance Corp.
7.625%, 12/15/2025(a)

      653        655,175  

Buckeye Partners LP
4.125%, 03/01/2025(a)

      1,250        1,188,888  

4.50%, 03/01/2028(a)

      802        707,412  

Callon Petroleum Co.
7.50%, 06/15/2030(a)

      1,733        1,680,299  

CITGO Petroleum Corp.
6.375%, 06/15/2026(a)

      356        351,116  

7.00%, 06/15/2025(a)

      376        370,446  

8.375%, 01/15/2029(a)

      1,075        1,073,656  

Civitas Resources, Inc.
5.00%, 10/15/2026(a)

      908        851,550  

8.375%, 07/01/2028(a)

      1,414        1,438,589  

CNX Resources Corp.
6.00%, 01/15/2029(a)

      767        715,534  

CQP Holdco LP/BIP-V Chinook Holdco LLC
5.50%, 06/15/2031(a)

      540        478,478  

Crescent Energy Finance LLC
7.25%, 05/01/2026(a)

      942        923,226  

9.25%, 02/15/2028(a)

      1,059        1,081,175  

Cullinan Holdco Scsp
4.625%, 10/15/2026(a)

    EUR       190        146,645  

EQM Midstream Partners LP
4.125%, 12/01/2026

    U.S.$       1,828        1,691,266  

5.50%, 07/15/2028

      769        721,299  

Genesis Energy LP/Genesis Energy Finance Corp.
7.75%, 02/01/2028

      1,152        1,090,748  

8.00%, 01/15/2027

      938        904,316  

Gulfport Energy Corp.
6.00%, 10/15/2024(e)(f)

      400        252  

8.00%, 05/17/2026(a)

      64        64,152  

Harbour Energy PLC
5.50%, 10/15/2026(a)

      768        720,338  

Hess Midstream Operations LP
4.25%, 02/15/2030(a)

      271        229,589  

5.125%, 06/15/2028(a)

      1,026        944,802  

5.625%, 02/15/2026(a)

      195        188,388  

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    27


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co.
6.25%, 11/01/2028(a)

    U.S.$       1,502      $ 1,407,194  

Howard Midstream Energy Partners LLC
8.875%, 07/15/2028(a)

      701        707,596  

ITT Holdings LLC
6.50%, 08/01/2029(a)

      1,094        935,370  

Nabors Industries Ltd.
7.25%, 01/15/2026(a)

      271        261,016  

Nabors Industries, Inc.
7.375%, 05/15/2027(a)

      1,831        1,776,070  

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

      1,420        1,356,128  

NGL Energy Operating LLC/NGL Energy Finance Corp.
7.50%, 02/01/2026(a)

      806        796,755  

Summit Midstream Holdings LLC/Summit Midstream Finance Corp.
9.00%, 10/15/2026(a)(d)

      745        715,930  

Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LLC
4.125%, 08/15/2031(a)

      556        456,343  

Venture Global LNG, Inc.
8.125%, 06/01/2028(a)

      2,029        2,009,258  
      

 

 

 
         28,638,999  
      

 

 

 

Other Industrial – 1.1%

      

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

      2,676        2,371,819  

Belden, Inc.
3.375%, 07/15/2031(a)

    EUR       693        614,098  

Ritchie Bros Holdings, Inc.
6.75%, 03/15/2028(a)

    U.S.$       1,577        1,573,105  

SIG PLC
5.25%, 11/30/2026(a)

    EUR       958        845,169  
      

 

 

 
         5,404,191  
      

 

 

 

Services – 5.6%

      

ADT Security Corp. (The)
4.125%, 08/01/2029(a)

    U.S.$       1,758        1,488,745  

4.875%, 07/15/2032(a)

      276        229,985  

Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance Corp.
6.625%, 07/15/2026(a)

      1,847        1,751,732  

Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance Corp./Atlas Luxco 4 SARL
3.625%, 06/01/2028(a)

    EUR       160        139,146  

4.625%, 06/01/2028(a)

    U.S.$       1,980        1,645,559  

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

      969        758,378  

 

28    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

APCOA Parking Holdings GmbH
4.625%, 01/15/2027(a)

    EUR       210      $ 201,696  

APX Group, Inc.
5.75%, 07/15/2029(a)

    U.S.$       500        421,845  

6.75%, 02/15/2027(a)

      2,075        1,998,578  

Aramark Services, Inc.
5.00%, 04/01/2025(a)

      506        497,778  

5.00%, 02/01/2028(a)

      1,840        1,699,902  

Block, Inc.
2.75%, 06/01/2026

      1,827        1,641,231  

Cars.com, Inc.
6.375%, 11/01/2028(a)

      1,545        1,404,791  

Engineering - Ingegneria Informatica - SpA
5.875%, 09/30/2026(a)

    EUR       1,450        1,374,039  

Garda World Security Corp.
4.625%, 02/15/2027(a)

    U.S.$       1,593        1,455,938  

7.75%, 02/15/2028(a)

      493        483,944  

ION Trading Technologies SARL
5.75%, 05/15/2028(a)

      556        483,809  

Millennium Escrow Corp.
6.625%, 08/01/2026(a)

      748        593,605  

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC
5.50%, 09/01/2028(a)

      4,328        3,681,137  

Neptune Bidco US, Inc.
9.29%, 04/15/2029(a)

      1,156        1,047,694  

Prime Security Services Borrower LLC/Prime Finance, Inc.
3.375%, 08/31/2027(a)

      178        155,832  

5.25%, 04/15/2024(a)

      466        463,362  

5.75%, 04/15/2026(a)

      921        894,328  

6.25%, 01/15/2028(a)

      2,467        2,284,467  

Q-Park Holding I BV
2.00%, 03/01/2027(a)

    EUR       221        201,301  

Techem Verwaltungsgesellschaft 675 mbH
2.00%, 07/15/2025(a)

      200        204,445  

ZipRecruiter, Inc.
5.00%, 01/15/2030(a)

    U.S.$       2,567        2,029,137  
      

 

 

 
         29,232,404  
      

 

 

 

Technology – 2.9%

      

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

      500        497,810  

Clarivate Science Holdings Corp.
3.875%, 07/01/2028(a)

      2,656        2,303,018  

CommScope, Inc.
4.75%, 09/01/2029(a)

      572        421,066  

Gen Digital, Inc.
6.75%, 09/30/2027(a)

      2,616        2,563,078  

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    29


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

GoTo Group, Inc.
5.50%, 09/01/2027(a)

    U.S.$       789      $ 432,333  

Imola Merger Corp.
4.75%, 05/15/2029(a)

      750        656,483  

NCR Corp.
5.00%, 10/01/2028(a)

      538        481,671  

5.125%, 04/15/2029(a)

      882        777,818  

5.75%, 09/01/2027(a)

      319        321,453  

Playtika Holding Corp.
4.25%, 03/15/2029(a)

      1,250        1,046,575  

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

      2,171        2,006,568  

Rackspace Technology Global, Inc.
3.50%, 02/15/2028(a)

      1,378        644,932  

Seagate HDD Cayman
4.091%, 06/01/2029

      851        733,834  

8.25%, 12/15/2029(a)

      1,470        1,507,632  

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

      646        540,444  

Virtusa Corp.
7.125%, 12/15/2028(a)

      269        217,263  
      

 

 

 
         15,151,978  
      

 

 

 

Transportation - Airlines – 2.0%

      

Air Canada
3.875%, 08/15/2026(a)

      1,260        1,143,954  

Allegiant Travel Co.
7.25%, 08/15/2027(a)

      1,337        1,257,328  

American Airlines, Inc./AAdvantage Loyalty IP Ltd.
5.50%, 04/20/2026(a)

      2,368        2,315,780  

Hawaiian Brand Intellectual Property Ltd./HawaiianMiles Loyalty Ltd.
5.75%, 01/20/2026(a)

      2,634        2,370,921  

Spirit Loyalty Cayman Ltd./Spirit IP Cayman Ltd.
8.00%, 09/20/2025(a)

      1,904        1,902,511  

United Airlines, Inc.
4.375%, 04/15/2026(a)

      1,404        1,299,191  
      

 

 

 
         10,289,685  
      

 

 

 

Transportation - Services – 2.4%

      

Albion Financing 1 SARL/Aggreko Holdings, Inc.
5.25%, 10/15/2026(a)

    EUR       253        252,930  

6.125%, 10/15/2026(a)

    U.S.$       2,560        2,418,714  

Avis Budget Car Rental LLC/Avis Budget Finance, Inc.
4.75%, 04/01/2028(a)

      1,808        1,584,043  

 

30    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

5.375%, 03/01/2029(a)

    U.S.$       963      $ 856,675  

5.75%, 07/15/2027(a)

      69        65,298  

BCP V Modular Services Finance II PLC
4.75%, 11/30/2028(a)

    EUR       1,295        1,144,367  

Hertz Corp. (The)
4.625%, 12/01/2026(a)

    U.S.$       2,268        2,010,469  

5.00%, 12/01/2029(a)

      304        238,330  

Loxam SAS
4.50%, 02/15/2027(a)

    EUR       404        403,791  

Mundys SpA
1.875%, 02/12/2028(a)

      573        522,833  

NAC Aviation 29 DAC
4.75%, 06/30/2026

    U.S.$       342        312,579  

PROG Holdings, Inc.
6.00%, 11/15/2029(a)

      1,084        946,278  

United Rentals North America, Inc.
4.875%, 01/15/2028

      1,899        1,777,502  
      

 

 

 
         12,533,809  
      

 

 

 
         349,765,293  
      

 

 

 

Financial Institutions – 5.6%

      

Banking – 0.1%

      

Bread Financial Holdings, Inc.
7.00%, 01/15/2026(a)

      570        536,513  
      

 

 

 

Brokerage – 0.7%

      

AG Issuer LLC
6.25%, 03/01/2028(a)

      895        836,198  

AG TTMT Escrow Issuer LLC
8.625%, 09/30/2027(a)

      1,358        1,367,805  

NFP Corp.
4.875%, 08/15/2028(a)

      1,969        1,733,803  
      

 

 

 
         3,937,806  
      

 

 

 

Finance – 2.7%

      

Castlelake Aviation Finance DAC
5.00%, 04/15/2027(a)

      2,119        1,933,757  

Curo Group Holdings Corp.
7.50%, 08/01/2028(a)

      1,013        404,805  

7.50%, 08/01/2028(g)

      693        665,465  

Enova International, Inc.
8.50%, 09/15/2025(a)

      1,290        1,260,923  

GGAM Finance Ltd.
7.75%, 05/15/2026(a)

      788        781,554  

8.00%, 06/15/2028(a)

      1,594        1,594,223  

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

      637        627,324  

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    31


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Jefferies Finance LLC/JFIN Co-Issuer Corp.
5.00%, 08/15/2028(a)

    U.S.$       2,753      $ 2,317,420  

Navient Corp.
4.875%, 03/15/2028

      1,673        1,422,050  

5.00%, 03/15/2027

      554        497,980  

6.75%, 06/25/2025

      607        597,822  

6.75%, 06/15/2026

      70        67,670  

SLM Corp.
3.125%, 11/02/2026

      1,396        1,213,752  

4.20%, 10/29/2025

      614        574,373  
      

 

 

 
         13,959,118  
      

 

 

 

Insurance – 0.5%

      

Acrisure LLC/Acrisure Finance, Inc.
4.25%, 02/15/2029(a)

      1,646        1,379,447  

AssuredPartners, Inc.
5.625%, 01/15/2029(a)

      569        491,440  

HUB International Ltd.
7.25%, 06/15/2030(a)

      788        784,233  
      

 

 

 
         2,655,120  
      

 

 

 

Other Finance – 0.1%

      

Coinbase Global, Inc.
3.375%, 10/01/2028(a)

      616        443,692  
      

 

 

 

REITs – 1.5%

      

Aedas Homes Opco SLU
4.00%, 08/15/2026(a)

    EUR       826        810,281  

Brookfield Property REIT, Inc./BPR Cumulus LLC/BPR Nimbus LLC/GGSI Sellco LL
4.50%, 04/01/2027(a)

    U.S.$       1,042        868,736  

5.75%, 05/15/2026(a)

      1,011        927,370  

Iron Mountain, Inc.
4.50%, 02/15/2031(a)

      553        454,649  

4.875%, 09/15/2027(a)

      1,077        993,371  

5.25%, 03/15/2028(a)

      253        232,796  

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

      1,600        1,239,072  

Office Properties Income Trust
3.45%, 10/15/2031

      238        120,523  

Via Celere Desarrollos Inmobiliarios SA
5.25%, 04/01/2026(a)

    EUR       1,119        1,112,221  

Vivion Investments SARL
3.00%, 08/08/2024(a)

      900        866,563  

Series E
7.90%, 02/28/2029(a)(c)(d)

      100        78,236  
      

 

 

 
         7,703,818  
      

 

 

 
         29,236,067  
      

 

 

 

 

32    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Utility – 1.2%

      

Electric – 1.1%

      

Calpine Corp.
4.50%, 02/15/2028(a)

    U.S.$       2,129      $ 1,919,975  

5.125%, 03/15/2028(a)

      137        122,002  

ContourGlobal Power Holdings SA
3.125%, 01/01/2028(a)

    EUR       120        104,042  

NRG Energy, Inc.
3.375%, 02/15/2029(a)

    U.S.$       2,534        2,045,191  

Vistra Operations Co., LLC
4.375%, 05/01/2029(a)

      1,279        1,099,531  

5.50%, 09/01/2026(a)

      928        883,883  
      

 

 

 
         6,174,624  
      

 

 

 

Natural Gas – 0.1%

      

UGI International LLC
2.50%, 12/01/2029(a)

    EUR       433        378,079  
      

 

 

 
         6,552,703  
      

 

 

 

Total Corporates - Non-Investment Grade
(cost $403,068,260)

         385,554,063  
  

 

 

 
      

CORPORATES - INVESTMENT GRADE – 9.5%

      

Industrial – 5.3%

      

Basic – 0.4%

      

Braskem Netherlands Finance BV
4.50%, 01/10/2028(a)

    U.S.$       341        300,066  

INEOS Finance PLC
2.125%, 11/15/2025(a)

    EUR       200        199,334  

2.875%, 05/01/2026(a)

      472        461,980  

3.375%, 03/31/2026(a)

      185        183,936  

Nexa Resources SA
5.375%, 05/04/2027(a)

    U.S.$       346        318,753  

Westlake Corp.
3.60%, 08/15/2026

      843        795,227  
      

 

 

 
         2,259,296  
      

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 0.1%

      

Regal Rexnord Corp.
6.30%, 02/15/2030(a)

      590        571,745  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.
4.15%, 03/15/2024(d)

      50        49,513  
      

 

 

 
         621,258  
      

 

 

 

Communications - Media – 0.4%

      

DirecTV Financing LLC/DirecTV Financing Co-Obligor, Inc.
5.875%, 08/15/2027(a)

      1,417        1,253,379  

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    33


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Pinewood Finance Co., Ltd.
3.25%, 09/30/2025(a)

    GBP       420      $ 480,102  

3.625%, 11/15/2027(a)

      200        212,756  

Telecomunicaciones Digitales SA
4.50%, 01/30/2030(a)

    U.S.$       205        166,050  
      

 

 

 
         2,112,287  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Automotive – 1.5%

      

Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC
2.30%, 02/10/2025

      1,141        1,070,224  

2.70%, 08/10/2026

      254        226,141  

4.95%, 05/28/2027

      931        873,911  

6.80%, 05/12/2028

      633        632,088  

7.35%, 11/04/2027

      1,637        1,669,969  

Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc.
3.05%, 02/14/2027(a)

      796        709,921  

6.50%, 03/10/2028(a)

      1,135        1,121,834  

Nissan Motor Acceptance Co., LLC
1.85%, 09/16/2026(a)

      23        20,007  

2.75%, 03/09/2028(a)

      335        280,452  

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
4.345%, 09/17/2027(a)

      1,110        1,012,387  
      

 

 

 
         7,616,934  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Entertainment – 0.6%

      

Hasbro, Inc.
3.90%, 11/19/2029

      382        338,028  

Mattel, Inc.
3.375%, 04/01/2026(a)

      1,100        1,018,127  

5.875%, 12/15/2027(a)

      1,750        1,698,445  
      

 

 

 
         3,054,600  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Other – 0.6%

      

Genting New York LLC/GENNY Capital, Inc.
3.30%, 02/15/2026(a)

      588        524,120  

International Game Technology PLC
3.50%, 06/15/2026(a)

    EUR       300        302,607  

5.25%, 01/15/2029(a)

    U.S.$       805        742,170  

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

      112        111,752  

Resorts World Las Vegas LLC/RWLV Capital, Inc.
4.625%, 04/16/2029(a)

      1,600        1,279,712  
      

 

 

 
         2,960,361  
      

 

 

 

 

34    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Retailers – 0.4%

      

Macy’s Retail Holdings LLC
5.875%, 03/15/2030(a)

    U.S.$       806      $ 683,125  

5.875%, 04/01/2029(a)

      964        843,182  

PVH Corp.
4.625%, 07/10/2025

      246        237,449  

Ross Stores, Inc.
4.70%, 04/15/2027

      142        136,427  
      

 

 

 
         1,900,183  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 0.1%

      

Avantor Funding, Inc.
2.625%, 11/01/2025(a)

    EUR       346        349,515  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.6%

      

Ecopetrol SA
4.125%, 01/16/2025

    U.S.$       353        340,017  

5.375%, 06/26/2026

      329        315,141  

8.875%, 01/13/2033

      123        119,830  

EnLink Midstream LLC
5.625%, 01/15/2028(a)

      216        204,357  

EnLink Midstream Partners LP
4.15%, 06/01/2025

      306        292,104  

4.85%, 07/15/2026

      582        548,622  

Oleoducto Central SA
4.00%, 07/14/2027(a)

      560        498,960  

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC
5.75%, 05/15/2024

      100        99,794  

Tengizchevroil Finance Co. International Ltd.
3.25%, 08/15/2030(a)

      242        183,267  

Var Energi ASA
7.50%, 01/15/2028(a)

      703        721,721  
      

 

 

 
         3,323,813  
      

 

 

 

Services – 0.1%

      

GTCR W-2 Merger Sub LLC
7.50%, 01/15/2031(a)

      739        739,931  
      

 

 

 

Technology – 0.4%

      

Broadcom, Inc.
4.926%, 05/15/2037(a)

      200        172,286  

CDW LLC/CDW Finance Corp.
3.276%, 12/01/2028

      406        350,284  

4.125%, 05/01/2025

      999        964,035  

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

      363        345,460  
      

 

 

 
         1,832,065  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    35


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Transportation - Railroads – 0.0%

      

Lima Metro Line 2 Finance Ltd.
4.35%, 04/05/2036(a)

    U.S.$       183      $ 158,232  

5.875%, 07/05/2034(a)

      90        86,032  
      

 

 

 
         244,264  
      

 

 

 

Transportation - Services – 0.1%

      

AerCap Global Aviation Trust
6.50%, 06/15/2045(a)

      291        284,895  
      

 

 

 
         27,299,402  
      

 

 

 

Financial Institutions – 4.1%

      

Banking – 3.0%

      

AIB Group PLC
6.608%, 09/13/2029(a)

      319        317,772  

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

      785        763,844  

Banco Santander SA
4.175%, 03/24/2028

      400        369,184  

5.179%, 11/19/2025

      400        389,292  

Bank of America Corp.
Series U
8.806% (SOFR + 3.40%), 10/30/2023(b)(h)

      476        475,886  

CaixaBank SA
5.875%, 10/09/2027(a)(h)

    EUR       200        190,144  

6.684%, 09/13/2027(a)

    U.S.$       718        718,057  

Citigroup, Inc.
3.875%, 02/18/2026(h)

      154        131,930  

7.625%, 11/15/2028(h)

      360        351,515  

9.699% (SOFR + 4.33%), 10/30/2023(b)(h)

      122        122,115  

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

      147        133,278  

Series W
4.00%, 12/10/2025(h)

      207        181,270  

Danske Bank A/S
3.244%, 12/20/2025(a)

      358        342,921  

Deutsche Bank AG/New York NY
1.447%, 04/01/2025

      150        145,810  

7.146%, 07/13/2027

      574        577,369  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)
Series P
8.501% (SOFR + 3.14%),
10/30/2023(b)(h)

      356        354,758  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA
5.017%, 06/26/2024(a)

      1,344        1,311,247  

5.71%, 01/15/2026(a)

      1,097        1,046,659  

7.00%, 11/21/2025(a)

      200        202,176  

 

36    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Series Q
8.884% (SOFR + 3.51%),
11/01/2023(b)(h)

    U.S.$       733      $ 734,099  

Series R
8.934% (SOFR + 3.56%),
11/01/2023(b)(h)

      54        54,189  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC
7.953%, 11/15/2033

      647        669,813  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)
Series R
8.711% (SOFR + 3.30%),
12/01/2023(b)(h)

      517        515,573  

Santander Holdings USA, Inc.
6.499%, 03/09/2029

      1,121        1,093,782  

Truist Financial Corp.
Series L
8.773% (SOFR + 3.36%),
12/15/2024(b)(h)

      842        829,429  

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

      618        529,410  

UBS Group AG
4.375%, 02/10/2031(a)(h)

      507        361,278  

7.00%, 02/19/2025(a)(h)

      401        389,247  

UniCredit SpA
1.982%, 06/03/2027(a)

      222        196,097  

2.569%, 09/22/2026(a)

      482        441,517  

5.861%, 06/19/2032(a)

      426        387,724  

Wells Fargo & Co.
7.625%, 09/15/2028(h)

      474        479,825  

Series BB
3.90%, 03/15/2026(h)

      878        765,546  
      

 

 

 
         15,572,756  
      

 

 

 

Brokerage – 0.1%

      

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

      380        366,009  
      

 

 

 

Finance – 0.5%

      

Aircastle Ltd.
2.85%, 01/26/2028(a)

      39        33,095  

4.25%, 06/15/2026

      5        4,731  

5.25%, 08/11/2025(a)

      1,078        1,049,789  

Aviation Capital Group LLC
1.95%, 01/30/2026(a)

      119        106,807  

1.95%, 09/20/2026(a)

      988        861,467  

3.50%, 11/01/2027(a)

      96        84,609  

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    37


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

4.125%, 08/01/2025(a)

    U.S.$       3      $ 2,854  

4.375%, 01/30/2024(a)

      308        305,176  

4.875%, 10/01/2025(a)

      31        29,753  

5.50%, 12/15/2024(a)

      105        103,261  

GTCR W-2 Merger Sub LLC/GTCR W Dutch Finance Sub BV
8.50%, 01/15/2031(a)

    GBP       132        164,637  
      

 

 

 
         2,746,179  
      

 

 

 

Insurance – 0.2%

      

Centene Corp.
4.625%, 12/15/2029

    U.S.$       20        18,041  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)
Series ICON
7.751% (SOFR + 2.39%),
02/12/2047(a)(b)

      859        735,055  
      

 

 

 
         753,096  
      

 

 

 

REITs – 0.3%

      

GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc.
3.35%, 09/01/2024

      13        12,635  

5.25%, 06/01/2025

      191        187,126  

5.375%, 04/15/2026

      79        76,638  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.
3.375%, 02/01/2031

      440        343,165  

Sabra Health Care LP
3.90%, 10/15/2029

      334        277,781  

Trust Fibra Uno
4.869%, 01/15/2030(a)

      211        178,470  

Vornado Realty LP
2.15%, 06/01/2026

      839        712,588  
      

 

 

 
         1,788,403  
      

 

 

 
         21,226,443  
      

 

 

 

Utility – 0.1%

      

Electric – 0.1%

      

Alexander Funding Trust II
7.467%, 07/31/2028(a)

      120        119,900  

Empresa Electrica Cochrane SpA
5.50%, 05/14/2027(a)

      260        241,058  

Empresas Publicas de Medellin ESP
4.25%, 07/18/2029(a)

      427        341,942  

NRG Energy, Inc.
4.45%, 06/15/2029(a)

      59        51,321  
      

 

 

 
         754,221  
      

 

 

 

Total Corporates - Investment Grade
(cost $51,441,271)

         49,280,066  
      

 

 

 
      

 

38    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

BANK LOANS – 4.1%

     

Industrial – 3.7%

     

Capital Goods – 0.4%

     

ACProducts Holdings, Inc.
9.902% (SOFR 3 Month + 4.25%), 05/17/2028(i)

    U.S.$       660     $ 542,511  

Apex Tool Group, LLC
10.674% (SOFR 1 Month + 5.25%), 02/08/2029(i)

      351       319,078  

Chariot Buyer LLC
8.666% (SOFR 1 Month + 3.25%), 11/03/2028(i)

      98       96,638  

Gates Global LLC
7.916% (SOFR 1 Month + 2.50%), 03/31/2027(i)

      281       280,016  

GFL Environmental, Inc.
7.824% (SOFR 1 Month + 2.50%), 05/31/2027(i)

      109       108,941  

Transdigm Inc.
8.492% (SOFR 3 Month + 3.25%), 08/24/2028(i)

      560       559,430  
     

 

 

 
        1,906,614  
     

 

 

 

Communications - Media – 0.1%

     

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.
8.931% (SOFR 1 Month + 3.50%), 08/21/2026(i)

      0 **      204  

9.131% (SOFR 3 Month + 3.50%), 08/21/2026(i)

      81       78,187  

Coral-US Co-Borrower LLC
8.447% (SOFR 1 Month + 3.00%), 10/15/2029(i)

      320       317,849  
     

 

 

 
    396,240  
     

 

 

 

Communications - Telecommunications – 0.5%

     

Crown Subsea Communications Holding, Inc.
10.444% (SOFR 1 Month + 5.00%), 04/27/2027(i)

      505       505,706  

DIRECTV Financing, LLC
10.431% (SOFR 1 Month + 5.00%), 08/02/2027(i)

      279       272,140  

Proofpoint, Inc.
11.681% (SOFR 1 Month + 6.25%), 08/31/2029(i)

      850       850,799  

Zacapa SARL
9.242% (SOFR 3 Month + 4.00%), 03/22/2029(i)

      895       886,813  
     

 

 

 
    2,515,458  
     

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    39


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Automotive – 0.1%

      

Garrett Motion SARL
9.869% (SOFR 3 Month + 4.50%), 04/30/2028(g)(i)

    U.S.$       171      $ 171,428  

10.131% (SOFR 3 Month + 4.50%), 04/30/2028(g)(i)

      257        257,143  
      

 

 

 
     428,571  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Entertainment – 0.2%

      

Seaworld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.
8.431% (SOFR 1 Month + 3.00%), 08/25/2028(i)

      1,345        1,339,883  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Other – 0.1%

      

Flutter Entertainment PLC
7.754% (SOFR 3 Month + 2.25%), 07/21/2026(i)

      79        78,557  

Marriott Ownership Resorts, Inc.
7.166% (SOFR 1 Month + 1.75%), 08/29/2025(i)

      311        310,381  
      

 

 

 
     388,938  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Restaurants – 0.0%

      

IRB Holding Corp.
8.431% (SOFR 1 Month + 3.00%), 12/15/2027(i)

      79        79,029  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Retailers – 0.2%

 

Great Outdoors Group, LLC
9.181% (SOFR 1 Month + 3.75%), 03/06/2028(i)

      922        919,180  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 0.9%

 

Allied Universal Holdco LLC (fka USAGM
Holdco, LLC)
9.166% (SOFR 1 Month + 3.75%), 05/12/2028(i)

      561        540,830  

Bausch + Lomb Corporation
8.755% (SOFR 3 Month + 3.25%), 05/10/2027(i)

      995        965,671  

Gainwell Acquisition Corp.
9.490% (SOFR 3 Month + 4.00%), 10/01/2027(i)

      389        378,909  

LifePoint Health, Inc. (fka Regionalcare Hospital Partners Holdings, Inc.)
9.377% (SOFR 3 Month + 3.75%), 11/16/2025(i)

      651        648,593  

 

40    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Pediatric Associates Holding Company, LLC
8.696% (SOFR 1 Month + 3.25%), 12/29/2028(i)

    U.S.$       995      $ 967,948  

PetSmart LLC
9.166% (SOFR 1 Month + 3.75%), 02/11/2028(i)

      706        702,700  

US Radiology Specialists, Inc. (US Outpatient Imaging Services, Inc.)
10.740% (SOFR 3 Month + 5.25%), 12/15/2027(i)

      527        509,721  
      

 

 

 
         4,714,372  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.2%

      

GIP II Blue Holding, L.P.
9.946% (SOFR 1 Month + 4.50%), 09/29/2028(i)

      737        738,049  

Parkway Generation, LLC
10.180% (SOFR 1 Month + 4.75%), 02/18/2029(i)

      563        561,568  
      

 

 

 
         1,299,617  
      

 

 

 

Other Industrial – 0.2%

      

American Tire Distributors, Inc.
11.813% (SOFR 3 Month + 6.25%), 10/20/2028(i)

      1,121        976,718  

Dealer Tire Financial, LLC
9.816% (SOFR 1 Month + 4.50%), 12/14/2027(i)

      125        125,556  

Rockwood Service Corporation
9.431% (SOFR 1 Month + 4.00%), 01/23/2027(i)

      35        34,949  
      

 

 

 
         1,137,223  
      

 

 

 

Services – 0.1%

      

Garda World Security Corporation
9.746% (SOFR 3 Month + 4.25%), 10/30/2026(i)

      457        455,742  
      

 

 

 

Technology – 0.5%

      

Amentum Government Services Holdings LLC
9.431% (SOFR 1 Month + 4.00%), 01/29/2027(i)

      58        57,494  

Ascend Learning, LLC
11.166% (SOFR 1 Month + 5.75%), 12/10/2029(i)

      300        254,874  

Banff Guarantor, Inc.
10.931% (SOFR 1 Month + 5.50%), 02/27/2026(i)

      120        119,293  

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    41


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Boxer Parent Company, Inc.
9.181% (SOFR 1 Month + 3.75%), 10/02/2025(i)

    U.S.$       981      $ 979,057  

FINThrive Software Intermediate Holdings, Inc.
12.196% (SOFR 1 Month + 6.75%), 12/17/2029(i)

      240        148,800  

Loyalty Ventures, Inc.
14.00% (PRIME 3 Month + 5.50%), 11/03/2027(e)(f)(g)(i)

      550        2,749  

Playtika Holding Corp.
8.181% (SOFR 1 Month + 2.75%), 03/13/2028(i)

      789        787,367  

Presidio Holdings, Inc.
8.916% (SOFR 1 Month + 3.50%), 01/22/2027(g)(i)

      4        3,496  

8.969% (SOFR 3 Month + 3.50%), 01/22/2027(g)(i)

      104        103,870  

Veritas US, Inc.
10.446% (SOFR 1 Month + 5.00%), 09/01/2025(i)

      48        41,125  
      

 

 

 
         2,498,125  
      

 

 

 

Transportation - Services – 0.2%

      

PODS, LLC
8.431% (SOFR 1 Month + 3.00%), 03/31/2028(i)

      995        962,430  
      

 

 

 
         19,041,422  
      

 

 

 

Financial Institutions – 0.3%

      

Finance – 0.0%

      

Orbit Private Holdings I Ltd.
10.087% (SOFR 6 Month + 4.50%), 12/11/2028(i)

      108        108,391  
      

 

 

 

Insurance – 0.3%

      

Asurion, LLC
9.666% (SOFR 1 Month + 4.25%), 08/19/2028(i)

      985        955,498  

Cross Financial Corp.
9.431% (SOFR 1 Month + 4.00%), 09/15/2027(i)

      410        409,524  

Hub International Limited
9.584% (SOFR 3 Month + 4.25%), 06/20/2030(i)

      417        417,937  
      

 

 

 
         1,782,959  
      

 

 

 
         1,891,350  
      

 

 

 

 

42    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Utility – 0.1%

      

Electric – 0.1%

      

Granite Generation, LLC
9.181% (SOFR 1 Month + 3.75%), 11/09/2026(i)

    U.S.$       518      $ 506,584  
      

 

 

 

Total Bank Loans
(cost $22,381,560)

         21,439,356  
  

 

 

 
      

EMERGING MARKETS - CORPORATE BONDS – 3.6%

      

Industrial – 3.4%

      

Basic – 0.7%

      

Braskem Idesa SAPI
6.99%, 02/20/2032(a)

      486        291,643  

Cia de Minas Buenaventura SAA
5.50%, 07/23/2026(a)

      719        626,666  

Consolidated Energy Finance SA
5.00%, 10/15/2028(a)

    EUR       320        269,019  

CSN Resources SA
7.625%, 04/17/2026(a)

    U.S.$       274        272,833  

Eldorado Gold Corp.
6.25%, 09/01/2029(a)

      544        469,135  

Indika Energy Capital IV Pte Ltd.
8.25%, 10/22/2025(a)

      337        332,814  

JSW Steel Ltd.
5.95%, 04/18/2024(a)

      338        334,789  

Sasol Financing USA LLC
5.875%, 03/27/2024

      684        674,260  

Volcan Cia Minera SAA
4.375%, 02/11/2026(a)

      127        72,298  
      

 

 

 
         3,343,457  
      

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 0.3%

      

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

      588        571,824  

7.00%, 07/28/2030(a)

      370        365,958  

IHS Holding Ltd.
5.625%, 11/29/2026(a)

      263        215,986  

Usiminas International SARL
5.875%, 07/18/2026(a)

      545        522,328  
      

 

 

 
         1,676,096  
      

 

 

 

Communications - Media – 0.0%

      

RCS & RDS SA
3.25%, 02/05/2028(a)

    EUR       200        174,220  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    43


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Communications - Telecommunications – 0.1%

      

C&W Senior Financing DAC
6.875%, 09/15/2027(a)

    U.S.$       208      $ 182,181  

HTA Group Ltd./Mauritius
7.00%, 12/18/2025(a)

      424        407,901  
      

 

 

 
         590,082  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical - Other – 1.1%

      

Allwyn Entertainment Financing UK PLC
7.906% (EURIBOR 3 Month + 4.12%),
02/15/2028(a)(b)

    EUR       466        495,142  

Allwyn International AS
3.875%, 02/15/2027(a)

      325        319,983  

Melco Resorts Finance Ltd.
5.375%, 12/04/2029(a)

    U.S.$       428        351,692  

5.625%, 07/17/2027(a)

      356        317,424  

5.75%, 07/21/2028(a)

      1,178        1,021,562  

MGM China Holdings Ltd.
5.25%, 06/18/2025(a)

      1,482        1,416,407  

5.375%, 05/15/2024(a)

      214        210,301  

5.875%, 05/15/2026(a)

      216        204,677  

Studio City Finance Ltd.
6.00%, 07/15/2025(a)

      705        665,661  

Wynn Macau Ltd.
5.50%, 01/15/2026(a)

      475        440,534  

5.625%, 08/26/2028(a)

      345        297,562  
      

 

 

 
         5,740,945  
      

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 0.5%

      

BRF SA
4.875%, 01/24/2030(a)

      784        632,100  

Central American Bottling Corp./CBC Bottling Holdco SL/Beliv Holdco SL
5.25%, 04/27/2029(a)

      113        101,488  

Rede D’or Finance SARL
4.95%, 01/17/2028(a)

      200        182,406  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands II BV
3.75%, 05/09/2027

    EUR       482        461,402  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV
3.15%, 10/01/2026

    U.S.$       490        435,701  

4.75%, 05/09/2027

      372        340,570  

5.125%, 05/09/2029

      372        336,348  

Tonon Luxembourg SA
6.50%, 10/31/2024(e)(f)(j)(k)

      102        10  

 

44    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Virgolino de Oliveira Finance SA
10.50%, 01/28/2018(e)(g)(j)(k)(l)

    U.S.$       425      $ 42  
      

 

 

 
         2,490,067  
      

 

 

 

Energy – 0.5%

      

Gran Tierra Energy, Inc.
7.75%, 05/23/2027(a)

      212        183,242  

Greenko Wind Projects Mauritius Ltd.
5.50%, 04/06/2025(a)

      200        191,588  

Kosmos Energy Ltd.
7.125%, 04/04/2026(a)

      379        355,964  

7.50%, 03/01/2028(a)

      200        177,978  

Leviathan Bond Ltd.
6.125%, 06/30/2025(a)

      754        732,682  

Medco Bell Pte Ltd.
6.375%, 01/30/2027(a)

      357        335,341  

ReNew Pvt Ltd.
5.875%, 03/05/2027(a)

      200        184,036  

SierraCol Energy Andina LLC
6.00%, 06/15/2028(a)

      578        458,285  
      

 

 

 
         2,619,116  
      

 

 

 

Services – 0.1%

      

Bidvest Group UK PLC (The)
3.625%, 09/23/2026(a)

      377        334,339  
      

 

 

 

Technology – 0.1%

      

CA Magnum Holdings
5.375%, 10/31/2026(a)

      741        653,814  
      

 

 

 
         17,622,136  
      

 

 

 

Financial Institutions – 0.1%

      

Banking – 0.1%

      

Bank Tabungan Negara Persero TBK PT
4.20%, 01/23/2025(a)

      452        425,793  
      

 

 

 

Brokerage – 0.0%

      

Banco BTG Pactual SA/Cayman Islands
4.50%, 01/10/2025(a)

      355        344,386  
      

 

 

 

REITs – 0.0%

      

China Aoyuan Group Ltd.
5.88%, 03/01/2027(a)(e)(f)

      200        3,000  
      

 

 

 
         773,179  
      

 

 

 

Utility – 0.1%

      

Electric – 0.1%

      

India Clean Energy Holdings
4.50%, 04/18/2027(a)

      200        165,562  

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    45


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Investment Energy Resources Ltd.
6.25%, 04/26/2029(a)

    U.S.$       247      $ 224,770  

Terraform Global Operating LP
6.125%, 03/01/2026(a)

      108        105,951  
      

 

 

 
         496,283  
      

 

 

 

Total Emerging Markets - Corporate Bonds
(cost $21,266,525)

         18,891,598  
      

 

 

 
      

COLLATERALIZED LOAN OBLIGATIONS – 1.4%

      

CLO - Floating Rate – 1.4%

      

Ares XXXIV CLO Ltd.
Series 2015-2A, Class CR
7.57% (SOFR + 2.26%), 04/17/2033(a)(b)

      644        628,442  

Balboa Bay Loan Funding Ltd.
Series 2020-1A, Class DR
8.745% (SOFR + 3.41%), 01/20/2032(a)(b)

      250        238,647  

Crown Point CLO 11 Ltd.
Series 2021-11A, Class D
9.17% (SOFR + 3.86%), 01/17/2034(a)(b)

      250        237,918  

Dryden 78 CLO Ltd.
Series 2020-78A, Class C
7.52% (SOFR + 2.21%), 04/17/2033(a)(b)

      250        247,106  

Series 2020-78A, Class D
8.57% (SOFR + 3.26%), 04/17/2033(a)(b)

      443        417,594  

Dryden 98 CLO Ltd.
Series 2022-98A, Class E
11.726% (SOFR + 6.40%),
04/20/2035(a)(b)

      250        218,916  

Elevation CLO Ltd.
Series 2020-11A, Class C
7.77% (SOFR + 2.46%), 04/15/2033(a)(b)

      250        242,510  

Series 2020-11A, Class D1
9.42% (SOFR + 4.11%), 04/15/2033(a)(b)

      282        270,048  

Elmwood CLO VII Ltd.
Series 2020-4A, Class D
9.17% (SOFR + 3.86%), 01/17/2034(a)(b)

      300        299,843  

Flatiron CLO 21 Ltd.
Series 2021-1A, Class D
8.482% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.90%), 07/19/2034(a)(b)

      375        371,244  

GoldenTree Loan Opportunities IX Ltd.
Series 2014-9A, Class DR2
8.631% (SOFR + 3.26%), 10/29/2029(a)(b)

      520        520,324  

Greywolf CLO VI Ltd.
Series 2018-1A, Class A1
6.641% (SOFR + 1.29%), 04/26/2031(a)(b)

      550        548,345  

 

46    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Magnetite XXV Ltd.
Series 2020-25A, Class D
8.913% (SOFR + 3.56%), 01/25/2032(a)(b)

    U.S.$       250      $ 249,374  

Octagon Investment Partners 29 Ltd.
Series 2016-1A, Class DR
8.707% (SOFR + 3.36%),
01/24/2033(a)(b)

      521        500,411  

Palmer Square CLO Ltd.
Series 2021-3A, Class D
8.52% (SOFR + 3.21%), 01/15/2035(a)(b)

      500        487,124  

Rad CLO 7 Ltd.
Series 2020-7A, Class C
7.57% (SOFR + 2.26%), 04/17/2033(a)(b)

      250        247,605  

Regatta XIX Funding Ltd.
Series 2022-1A, Class D
8.626% (SOFR + 3.30%), 04/20/2035(a)(b)

      377        369,316  

Regatta XX Funding Ltd.
Series 2021-2A, Class D
8.67% (SOFR + 3.36%), 10/15/2034(a)(b)

      250        247,015  

Rockford Tower CLO Ltd.
Series 2021-2A, Class D
8.838% (SOFR + 3.51%), 07/20/2034(a)(b)

      250        238,108  

Sound Point CLO XIX Ltd.
Series 2018-1A, Class A
6.57% (SOFR + 1.26%), 04/15/2031(a)(b)

      550        547,303  
      

 

 

 

Total Collateralized Loan Obligations
(cost $7,312,224)

         7,127,193  
      

 

 

 
      

EMERGING MARKETS - SOVEREIGNS – 1.1%

      

Angola – 0.3%

      

Angolan Government International Bond
9.125%, 11/26/2049(a)

      850        607,384  

9.50%, 11/12/2025(a)

      710        693,017  
      

 

 

 
         1,300,401  
      

 

 

 

Bahrain – 0.2%

      

Bahrain Government International Bond
7.00%, 10/12/2028(a)

      570        576,971  

CBB International Sukuk Programme Co. WLL
6.25%, 11/14/2024(a)

      305        303,951  
      

 

 

 
         880,922  
      

 

 

 

Brazil – 0.1%

      

Brazilian Government International Bond
2.875%, 06/06/2025

      547        518,365  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    47


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Egypt – 0.0%

      

Egypt Government International Bond
7.50%, 01/31/2027(a)

    U.S.$       200      $ 143,934  
      

 

 

 

Ivory Coast – 0.1%

      

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

      760        709,384  
      

 

 

 

Lebanon – 0.0%

      

Lebanon Government International Bond
6.85%, 03/23/2027(a)(e)(f)

      11        869  

Series E
6.10%, 10/04/2022(a)(e)(l)

      210        16,800  

Series G
6.60%, 11/27/2026(a)(e)(f)

      51        4,092  
      

 

 

 
         21,761  
      

 

 

 

Nigeria – 0.1%

      

Nigeria Government International Bond
7.625%, 11/28/2047(a)

      639        423,139  
      

 

 

 

Oman – 0.1%

      

Oman Government International Bond
4.875%, 02/01/2025(a)

      326        319,738  
      

 

 

 

Senegal – 0.1%

      

Senegal Government International Bond
4.75%, 03/13/2028(a)

    EUR       499        449,250  

6.75%, 03/13/2048(a)

    U.S.$       483        323,002  
      

 

 

 
         772,252  
      

 

 

 

South Africa – 0.1%

      

Republic of South Africa Government International Bond
4.30%, 10/12/2028

      208        179,673  

4.85%, 09/27/2027

      540        497,885  
      

 

 

 
         677,558  
      

 

 

 

Ukraine – 0.0%

      

Ukraine Government International Bond
7.75%, 09/01/2025(a)(d)

      338        110,695  

7.75%, 09/01/2026(a)(d)

      384        113,280  
      

 

 

 
         223,975  
      

 

 

 

Total Emerging Markets - Sovereigns
(cost $7,733,331)

         5,991,429  
      

 

 

 
      

 

48    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

  abfunds.com


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  

 

 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS – 0.5%

     

Risk Share Floating Rate – 0.5%

     

Bellemeade Re Ltd.
Series 2019-1A, Class M2
8.134% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.70%),
03/25/2029(a)(b)

    U.S.$       136     $ 136,977  

Series 2019-3A, Class M1C
7.384% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.95%), 07/25/2029(a)(b)

      509       510,465  

Series 2019-4A, Class M1C
7.934% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.50%), 10/25/2029(a)(b)

      223       223,556  

Series 2019-4A, Class M2
8.284% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.85%), 10/25/2029(a)(b)

      884       891,763  

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust
Series 2018-R07, Class 1M2
7.829% (SOFR + 2.51%),
04/25/2031(a)(b)

      18       18,340  

Series 2019-R01, Class 2M2
7.879% (SOFR + 2.56%),
07/25/2031(a)(b)

      30       29,677  

Series 2019-R03, Class 1M2
7.579% (SOFR + 2.26%),
09/25/2031(a)(b)

      0 **      135  

Series 2019-R07, Class 1M2
7.529% (SOFR + 2.21%),
10/25/2039(a)(b)

      17       16,671  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes
Series 2020-HQA2, Class M2
8.529% (SOFR + 3.21%),
03/25/2050(a)(b)

      29       29,871  

Federal National Mortgage Association Connecticut Avenue Securities
Series 2015-C04, Class 1M2
11.129% (SOFR + 5.81%), 04/25/2028(b)

      47       50,368  

Series 2016-C01, Class 2M2
12.379% (SOFR + 7.06%), 08/25/2028(b)

      35       36,577  

Series 2017-C07, Class 2M2
7.929% (SOFR + 2.61%), 05/25/2030(b)

      7       6,656  

Home Re Ltd.
Series 2020-1, Class M2
10.684% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.25%), 10/25/2030(a)(b)

      227       228,783  

 

abfunds.com  

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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

PMT Credit Risk Transfer Trust
Series 2019-2R, Class A
9.182% (SOFR + 3.86%),
05/30/2025(a)(b)

    U.S.$       96      $ 96,209  

Series 2020-1R, Class A
8.779% (SOFR + 3.46%),
02/27/2023(b)(k)

      105        104,134  
      

 

 

 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(cost $2,357,689)

         2,380,182  
      

 

 

 
      

QUASI-SOVEREIGNS – 0.4%

      

Quasi-Sovereign Bonds – 0.4%

      

Mexico – 0.2%

      

Petroleos Mexicanos
6.49%, 01/23/2027

      1,127        994,578  

6.75%, 09/21/2047

      191        111,854  

6.95%, 01/28/2060

      58        34,169  
      

 

 

 
         1,140,601  
      

 

 

 

Oman – 0.1%

      

Lamar Funding Ltd.
3.958%, 05/07/2025(a)

      631        600,548  
      

 

 

 

South Africa – 0.1%

      

Transnet SOC Ltd.
8.25%, 02/06/2028(a)

      370        353,561  
      

 

 

 

Ukraine – 0.0%

      

State Agency of Roads of Ukraine
6.25%, 06/24/2030(d)(k)

      653        172,065  
      

 

 

 

Total Quasi-Sovereigns
(cost $3,014,024)

         2,266,775  
      

 

 

 
      

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – 0.3%

      

Non-Agency Floating Rate CMBS – 0.2%

      

BFLD Trust
Series 2019-DPLO, Class E
7.687% (SOFR + 2.35%),
10/15/2034(a)(b)

      160        156,760  

Series 2021-FPM, Class A
7.048% (SOFR + 1.71%),
06/15/2038(a)(b)

      690        659,516  
      

 

 

 
         816,276  
      

 

 

 

 

50    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Non-Agency Fixed Rate CMBS – 0.1%

      

CD Mortgage Trust
Series 2016-CD1, Class XA
1.497%, 08/10/2049(m)

    U.S.$       3,743      $ 101,929  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2017-C4, Class XA
1.172%, 10/12/2050(m)

      2,681        78,624  

Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2012-CR3, Class D
4.438%, 10/15/2045(a)

      100        59,899  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2011-GC5, Class C
5.299%, 08/10/2044(a)

      210        147,004  

Series 2011-GC5, Class D
5.299%, 08/10/2044(a)

      236        69,614  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2014-C24, Class C
4.527%, 11/15/2047

      225        168,741  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2016-LC24, Class XA
1.749%, 10/15/2049(m)

      2,149        77,080  

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2011-C4, Class E
4.993%, 06/15/2044(a)

      25        17,446  
      

 

 

 
         720,337  
      

 

 

 

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
(cost $1,916,965)

         1,536,613  
      

 

 

 
      

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES – 0.1%

      

Other ABS - Fixed Rate – 0.1%

      

Pagaya AI Debt Trust
Series 2022-6, Class A1
6.159%, 05/15/2030(a)(g)

      104        103,826  

Series 2022-6, Class A2
6.811%, 05/15/2030(a)(g)

      52        51,867  

Series 2022-6, Class A3
7.656%, 05/15/2030(a)(g)

      64        64,055  
      

 

 

 
         219,748  
      

 

 

 

Autos - Fixed Rate – 0.0%

      

ACM Auto Trust
Series 2023-1A, Class A
6.61%, 01/22/2030(a)

      163        162,807  
      

 

 

 

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    51


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

          Principal
Amount
(000)
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

Other ABS - Floating Rate – 0.0%

      

Pagaya AI Debt Trust
Series 2022-6, Class A4
55.042%, 05/15/2030(a)(g)

    U.S.$       23      $ 29,049  
      

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities
(cost $406,131)

         411,604  
      

 

 

 
          Shares         

COMMON STOCKS – 0.1%

      

Energy – 0.1%

      

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 0.1%

      

Civitas Resources, Inc.

      3,453        279,244  
      

 

 

 

Financials – 0.0%

      

Banks – 0.0%

      

Nordic Aviation Capital DAC(e)(g)(j)

      6,250        103,125  
      

 

 

 
         103,125  
      

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $278,532)

         382,369  
      

 

 

 
          Principal
Amount
(000)
        

GOVERNMENTS - SOVEREIGN BONDS – 0.1%

      

Colombia – 0.1%

      

Colombia Government International Bond
8.125%, 05/21/2024
(cost $380,814)

    U.S.$       370        374,965  
      

 

 

 
          Notional
Amount
        

PURCHASED OPTIONS - PUTS – 0.1%

      

Options on Indices – 0.1%

      

S&P 500 Index
Expiration: Nov 2023; Contracts: 43;
Exercise Price: USD 4,220.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.(e)
(premiums paid $179,440)

    USD       18,146,000        268,750  
      

 

 

 

 

52    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

              
    
Shares
     U.S. $ Value  

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 2.7%

      

Investment Companies – 2.7%

      

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB,
5.25%(n)(o)(p)
(cost $13,940,990)

                   13,940,990      $ 13,940,990  
      

 

 

 

Total Investments – 98.2%
(cost $535,677,756)

         509,845,953  

Other assets less liabilities – 1.8%

         9,379,052  
      

 

 

 

Net Assets – 100.0%

       $ 519,225,005  
  

 

 

 

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

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

Sold Contracts

 

Euro-BOBL Futures

    20       December 2023     $ 2,447,534     $ 24,295  

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

    187       December 2023           19,702,203       183,120  

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

    245       December 2023       26,475,313       368,681  
       

 

 

 
        $     576,096  
       

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Citibank, NA

  GBP 2,292     USD 2,857       11/17/2023     $ 60,745  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

  EUR     28,893     USD     31,862       10/12/2023       1,303,758  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  USD 2,416     EUR 2,225       10/12/2023       (62,204
       

 

 

 
        $     1,302,299  
       

 

 

 

PUT WRITTEN OPTIONS (see Note D)

 

Description   Counterparty   Contracts     Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Month
  Notional
(000)
    Premiums
Received
    U.S. $
Value
 

S&P 500 Index(q)

  Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.     43       USD  3,980     November
2023
    USD  17,114     $   104,016     $   (92,235

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    53


 

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
September 30,
2023
   

Notional
Amount
(000)

    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Sale Contracts

 

Deutsche Bank AG

 

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    3.00     Monthly       7.50   USD   154     $ (22,154   $ (9,323   $ (12,831

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    3.00       Monthly       7.50     USD 514       (73,988     (31,965     (42,023

Goldman Sachs International

 

Avis Budget Group, Inc., 5.250%, 03/15/2025, 12/20/2023*

    5.00       Quarterly       0.29     USD   200       2,102       883       1,219  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    3.00       Monthly       7.50     USD   22       (3,235     (1,360     (1,875

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

    3.00       Monthly       7.50     USD   289       (41,636     (18,503     (23,133
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $   (138,911   $   (60,268   $   (78,643
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Termination date

 

**

Principal amount less than 500.

 

(a)

Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration. At September 30, 2023, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $402,407,705 or 77.5% of net assets.

 

(b)

Floating Rate Security. Stated interest/floor/ceiling rate was in effect at September 30, 2023.

 

(c)

Pay-In-Kind Payments (PIK). The issuer may pay cash interest and/or interest in additional debt securities. Rates shown are the rates in effect at September 30, 2023.

 

(d)

Coupon rate adjusts periodically based upon a predetermined schedule. Stated interest rate in effect at September 30, 2023.

 

(e)

Non-income producing security.

 

(f)

Defaulted.

 

(g)

Security in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value.

 

(h)

Securities are perpetual and, thus, do not have a predetermined maturity date. The date shown, if applicable, reflects the next call date.

 

(i)

The stated coupon rate represents the greater of the SOFR or an alternate base rate such as the PRIME or the SOFR/PRIME floor plus a spread at September 30, 2023.

 

(j)

Fair valued by the Adviser.

 

54    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

 

(k)

Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities, which represent 0.05% of net assets as of September 30, 2023, are considered illiquid and restricted. Additional information regarding such securities follows:

 

144A/Restricted &
Illiquid Securities
   Acquisition
Date
     Cost      Market
Value
     Percentage of
Net Assets
 

PMT Credit Risk Transfer Trust
Series 2020-1R, Class A
8.779%, 02/27/2023

     02/11/2020      $     105,200      $     104,134        0.02

State Agency of Roads of Ukraine
6.25%, 06/24/2030

     06/17/2021        653,000        172,065        0.03

Tonon Luxembourg SA
6.50%, 10/31/2024

     07/24/2015        210,164        10        0.00

Virgolino de Oliveira Finance SA
10.50%, 01/28/2018

     03/15/2013        425,000        42        0.00

 

(l)

Defaulted matured security.

 

(m)

IO – Interest Only.

 

(n)

Affiliated investments.

 

(o)

To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.

 

(p)

The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end.

 

(q)

One contract relates to 100 shares.

Currency Abbreviations:

EUR – Euro

GBP – Great British Pound

USD – United States Dollar

Glossary:

ABS – Asset-Backed Securities

BOBL – Bundesobligationen

CBT – Chicago Board of Trade

CDX-CMBX.NA – North American Commercial Mortgage-Backed Index

CLO – Collateralized Loan Obligations

CMBS – Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

EURIBOR – Euro Interbank Offered Rate

LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate

REIT – Real Estate Investment Trust

SOFR – Secured Overnight Financing Rate

See notes to financial statements.

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    55


 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES

September 30, 2023

 

Assets   

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $521,736,766)

   $ 495,904,963  

Affiliated issuers (cost $13,940,990)

     13,940,990  

Cash

     56,574  

Cash collateral due from broker

     1,175,937  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $1,738,045)

     1,724,827  

Unaffiliated interest and dividends receivable

     7,537,644  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     1,364,503  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     1,196,659  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     404,624  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     56,042  

Market value on credit default swaps (net premiums paid $883)

     2,102  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     523,364,865  
  

 

 

 
Liabilities   

Payable for investment securities purchased

     1,751,826  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     1,059,747  

Dividends payable

     289,814  

Payable for variation margin on futures

     192,388  

Market value on credit default swaps (net premiums received $61,151)

     141,013  

Options written, at value (premiums received $104,016)

     92,235  

Advisory fee payable

     77,685  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     62,204  

Foreign capital gains tax payable

     27,518  

Administrative fee payable

     22,381  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     8,654  

Distribution fee payable

     3,630  

Accrued expenses

     410,765  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     4,139,860  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 519,225,005  
  

 

 

 
Composition of Net Assets   

Capital stock, at par

   $ 58,489  

Additional paid-in capital

     579,614,696  

Accumulated loss

     (60,448,180
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $     519,225,005  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—30 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class   Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 

 

 
A   $ 24,670,084          2,774,692        $   8.89

 

 
C   $ 9,652,704          1,086,411        $ 8.88  

 

 
Advisor   $   484,875,984          54,625,180        $ 8.88  

 

 
R   $ 8,923          1,004        $ 8.89  

 

 
K   $ 8,925          1,004        $ 8.89  

 

 
I   $ 8,385          943        $ 8.89  

 

 

 

*

The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $9.28 which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%.

See notes to financial statements.

 

56    |    AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

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STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Investment Income     

Interest

   $     25,824,276    

Dividends

    

Affiliated issuers

     658,742    

Unaffiliated issuers

     28,811    

Other income

     41,150     $ 26,552,979  
  

 

 

   
Expenses     

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     2,282,325    

Distribution fee—Class A

     56,661    

Distribution fee—Class C

     94,452    

Distribution fee—Class R

     45    

Distribution fee—Class K

     22    

Transfer agency—Class A

     15,551    

Transfer agency—Class C

     5,710    

Transfer agency—Advisor Class

     240,795    

Transfer agency—Class R

     5    

Transfer agency—Class K

     4    

Transfer agency—Class I

     2    

Custody and accounting

     151,433    

Audit and tax

     149,583    

Legal

     102,486    

Administrative

     92,915    

Registration fees

     81,674    

Printing

     51,995    

Directors’ fees

     22,029    

Miscellaneous

     27,938    
  

 

 

   

Total expenses

     3,375,625    

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B)

     (323,464  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Distributor (see Note C)

     (67  
  

 

 

   

Net expenses

       3,052,094  
    

 

 

 

Net investment income

       23,500,885  
    

 

 

 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment and Foreign Currency Transactions     

Net realized gain (loss) on:

    

Investment transactions

       (11,816,767

Forward currency exchange contracts

       (201,880

Futures

       2,175,015  

Swaps

       (451,059

Foreign currency transactions

       (6,041,435

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

    

Investments

       25,398,540  

Forward currency exchange contracts

       1,905,359  

Futures

       (81,882

Options written

       11,781  

Swaps

       624,286  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

       33,769  
    

 

 

 

Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

       11,555,727  
    

 

 

 

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

       278  
    

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations

     $     35,056,890  
    

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

abfunds.com  

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    57


 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

     Year Ended
September 30,
2023
    Year Ended
September 30,
2022
 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations     

Net investment income

   $ 23,500,885     $ 13,540,836  

Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (16,336,126     3,733,566  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     27,891,853       (60,226,131

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

     278       – 0  – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     35,056,890       (42,951,729
Distributions to Shareholders     

Class A

     (2,082,249     (1,232,008

Class C

     (631,218     (285,616

Advisor Class

     (28,535,987     (13,279,989

Class R

     (700     (415

Class K

     (701     (416

Class I

     (664     (396
Capital Stock Transactions     

Net increase (decrease)

     197,503,249       (289,283
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     201,308,620       (58,039,852
Net Assets     

Beginning of period

     317,916,385       375,956,237  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $     519,225,005     $     317,916,385  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2023

 

NOTE A

Significant Accounting Policies

AB Bond Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end management investment company. The Company, which is a Maryland corporation, operates as a series company comprised of 9 portfolios currently in operation. Each portfolio is considered to be a separate entity for financial reporting and tax purposes. This report relates only to the AB Short Duration High Yield Portfolio (the “Fund”) (formerly known as AB Limited Duration High Income Portfolio), a diversified portfolio. The Fund has authorized the issuance of Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K, Class I, Class T, Class 1 and Class 2 shares. Class B, Class T, Class 1 and Class 2 shares have not been issued. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A shares redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase, and 0% after the first year of purchase. Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares eight years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Advisor Class, Class R, Class K, Class I, Class 1 and Class 2 shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge. Advisor Class, Class I and Class 2 shares are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All ten classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the oversight of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Pursuant to these procedures, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) serves as the Fund’s valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act. In this capacity, the Adviser is responsible, among other

 

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things, for making all fair value determinations relating to the Fund’s portfolio investments, subject to the Board’s oversight.

In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, the Adviser will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g., last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.

 

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Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Fund generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

   

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized

 

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modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates, yield curves, option adjusted spreads, default rates, credit spreads and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows which are then discounted to calculate fair values. If these inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value, these investments will be classified as Level 3.

Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.

Options are valued using market-based inputs to models, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency, where such inputs and models are available. Alternatively, the values may be obtained through unobservable management determined inputs and/or management’s proprietary models. Where models are used, the selection of a particular model to value an option depends upon the contractual terms of, and specific risks inherent in, the option as well as the availability of pricing information in the market. Valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, measures of volatility and correlations of such inputs. Exchange traded options generally will be classified as Level 2. For options that do not trade on an exchange but trade in liquid markets, inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment. Options are classified within Level 2 on the fair value hierarchy when all of the significant inputs can be corroborated to market evidence. Otherwise such instruments are classified as Level 3.

Valuations of mortgage-backed or other asset-backed securities, by pricing vendors, are based on both proprietary and industry recognized models and discounted cash flow techniques. Significant inputs to the valuation of these instruments are value of the collateral, the rates and timing of delinquencies, the rates and timing of prepayments, and default and loss

 

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expectations, which are driven in part by housing prices for residential mortgages. Significant inputs are determined based on relative value analyses, which incorporate comparisons to instruments with similar collateral and risk profiles, including relevant indices. Mortgage and asset-backed securities for which management has collected current observable data through pricing services are generally categorized within Level 2. Those investments for which current observable data has not been provided are classified as Level 3.

Bank loan prices are provided by third party pricing services and consist of a composite of the quotes received by the vendor into a consensus price. Certain bank loans are classified as Level 3, as a significant input used in the fair value measurement of these instruments is the market quotes that are received by the vendor and these inputs are not observable.

Other fixed income investments, including non-U.S. government and corporate debt, are generally valued using quoted market prices, if available, which are typically impacted by current interest rates, maturity dates and any perceived credit risk of the issuer. Additionally, in the absence of quoted market prices, these inputs are used by pricing vendors to derive a valuation based upon industry or proprietary models which incorporate issuer specific data with relevant yield/spread comparisons with more widely quoted bonds with similar key characteristics. Those investments for which there are observable inputs are classified as Level 2. Where the inputs are not observable, the investments are classified as Level 3.

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of September 30, 2023:

 

Investments in
Securities:

  Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets:

       

Corporates - Non-Investment Grade

  $ – 0  –    $   384,888,598     $ 665,465     $ 385,554,063  

Corporates - Investment Grade

    – 0  –      49,280,066       – 0  –      49,280,066  

Bank Loans

    – 0  –      20,900,670       538,686       21,439,356  

Emerging Markets - Corporate Bonds

    – 0  –      18,891,556       42       18,891,598  

Collateralized Loan Obligations

    – 0  –      7,127,193       – 0  –      7,127,193  

Emerging Markets - Sovereigns

    – 0  –      5,991,429       – 0  –      5,991,429  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

    – 0  –      2,380,182       – 0  –      2,380,182  

Quasi-Sovereigns

    – 0  –      2,266,775       – 0  –      2,266,775  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

    – 0  –      1,536,613       – 0  –      1,536,613  

 

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Investments in
Securities:

  Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Asset-Backed Securities

  $ – 0  –    $ 162,807     $ 248,797     $ 411,604  

Common Stocks

    279,244       – 0  –      103,125       382,369  

Governments - Sovereign Bonds

    – 0  –      374,965       – 0  –      374,965  

Purchased Options - Puts

    – 0  –      268,750       – 0  –      268,750  

Short-Term Investments

    13,940,990       – 0  –      – 0  –      13,940,990  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

    14,220,234       494,069,604       1,556,115       509,845,953  

Other Financial Instruments(a):

       

Assets:

       

Futures

    576,096       – 0  –      – 0  –      576,096 (b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

    – 0  –      1,364,503       – 0  –      1,364,503  

Credit Default Swaps

    – 0  –      2,102       – 0  –      2,102  

Liabilities:

       

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

    – 0  –      (62,204     – 0  –      (62,204

Put Options Written

    – 0  –      (92,235     – 0  –      (92,235

Credit Default Swaps

    – 0  –      (141,013     – 0  –      (141,013
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $   14,796,330     $   495,140,757     $   1,556,115     $   511,493,202  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument. Other financial instruments may also include swaps with upfront premiums, written options and written swaptions which are valued at market value.

 

(b)

Only variation margin receivable (payable) at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures and centrally cleared swaps as reported in the portfolio of investments. Where applicable, centrally cleared swaps with upfront premiums are presented here at market value.

3. Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign

 

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investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

It is the Fund’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date at the fair value of the securities received. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income. The Fund accounts for distributions received from REIT investments or from regulated investment companies as dividend income, realized gain, or return of capital based on information provided by the REIT or the investment company.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Company are charged proportionately to each fund

 

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or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

NOTE B

Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, .50% of the next $2.5 billion and .45% in excess of $5 billion, of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses other than the advisory fees of any AB mutual funds in which the Fund may invest, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs), on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to .95%, 1.70%, .70%, 1.20%, .95% and .70% of the daily average net assets for the Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares, respectively. The Expense Caps may not be terminated before January 31, 2024. For the year ended September 30, 2023, such reimbursements/waivers amounted to $308,606.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Fund may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Fund by the Adviser. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $92,915.

The Fund compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. ABIS may make payments to intermediaries that provide omnibus account services, sub-accounting services and/or networking services. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $69,771 for the year ended September 30, 2023.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares.

 

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The Distributor has advised the Fund that it has retained front-end sales charges of $4,091 from the sale of Class A shares and received $37,023 and $130 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A and Class C shares, respectively, for the year ended September 30, 2023.

The Fund may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser had contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until January 31, 2024. Effective September 1, 2023, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .05% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .15%) until August 31, 2024. In connection with the investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended September 30, 2023, such waiver amounted to $14,858.

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended September 30, 2023 is as follows:

 

Fund

  Market Value
9/30/22
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Market Value
9/30/23
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $     9,965     $     326,780     $     322,804     $     13,941     $     659  

During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $278 for trading losses incurred due to a trade entry error.

NOTE C

Distribution Services Agreement

The Fund has adopted a Distribution Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Agreement, the Fund pays distribution and servicing fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .30% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares, .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares and .25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class K shares. There are

 

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no distribution and servicing fees on the Advisor Class and Class I shares. Payments under the Plan in respect of Class A shares are currently limited to an annual rate of .25% of Class A shares’ average daily net assets. As of September 1, 2021, with respect to Class R and Class K shares, payments to the Distributor are voluntarily being limited to 0% and 0% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class R and Class K shares. For the year ended September 30, 2023, such waivers amounted to $45 and $22, respectively. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Agreement provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities. Since the commencement of the Fund’s operations, the Distributor has incurred expenses in excess of the distribution costs reimbursed by the Fund in the amounts of $324,629, $– 0 – and $– 0 – for Class C, Class R and Class K shares, respectively. While such costs may be recovered from the Fund in future periods so long as the Agreement is in effect, the rate of the distribution and servicing fees payable under the Agreement may not be increased without a shareholder vote. In accordance with the Agreement, there is no provision for recovery of unreimbursed distribution costs incurred by the Distributor beyond the current fiscal year for Class A shares. The Agreement also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.

NOTE D

Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended September 30, 2023 were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding
U.S. government securities)

   $     362,264,349      $     142,081,225  

U.S. government securities

     82,300,175        120,576,978  

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Cost

   $     536,062,264  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 3,508,530  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (29,513,282
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized depreciation

   $ (26,004,752
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Fund may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.

 

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The principal types of derivatives utilized by the Fund, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:

 

   

Futures

The Fund may buy or sell futures for investment purposes or for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of potential movements in the market. The Fund bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and movements in the price of the assets, reference rates or indices which they are designed to track. Among other things, the Fund may purchase or sell futures for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

At the time the Fund enters into futures, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. The credit/counterparty risk for exchange-traded futures is generally less than privately negotiated futures, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded future, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the time it was closed.

Use of long futures subjects the Fund to risk of loss in excess of the amounts shown on the statement of assets and liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures. Use of short futures subjects the Fund to unlimited risk of loss. Under some circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of futures can vary from the previous day’s settlement price, which could effectively prevent liquidation of unfavorable positions.

During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund held futures for hedging purposes.

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

The Fund may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on

 

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its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on forward currency exchange contracts. Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Fund. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.

During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes.

 

   

Option Transactions

For hedging and investment purposes, the Fund may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign securities, including government securities, and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. Among other things, the Fund may use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions” and may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, for hedging and investment purposes.

The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. If a put or call purchased option by the Fund were permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the Fund. Put and call purchased options are accounted for in the same manner as portfolio securities. The cost of securities acquired through the exercise of call options is increased by premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid.

When the Fund writes an option, the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the written option. The Fund’s maximum payment for written put options equates to the number of shares multiplied by the strike price. In

 

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certain circumstances maximum payout amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced assets and upfront premium received upon entering into the contract. Premiums received from written options which expire unexercised are recorded by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains from written options. The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium received is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium received is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium received reduces the cost basis of the security or currency purchased by the Fund. In writing an option, the Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security or currency underlying the written option. Exercise of the written option by the Fund could result in the Fund selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.

During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund held purchased options for hedging purposes.

During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund held written options for hedging purposes.

 

   

Swaps

The Fund may enter into swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rates, credit risk, equity markets or currencies. The Fund may also enter into swaps for non-hedging purposes as a means of gaining market exposures, making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions” or in order to take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset described below under “Total Return Swaps”. A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. The payment flows are usually netted against each other, with the difference being paid by one party to the other. In addition, collateral may be pledged or received by the Fund in accordance with the terms of the respective swaps to provide value and recourse to the Fund or its counterparties in the event of default, bankruptcy or insolvency by one of the parties to the swap.

Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap to comply with the terms of the swap. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interim payment to be

 

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received by the Fund, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Fund considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap in evaluating potential counterparty risk. This risk is mitigated by having a netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Fund to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities. The Fund accrues for the interim payments on swaps on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of assets and liabilities, where applicable. Once the interim payments are settled in cash, the net amount is recorded as realized gain/(loss) on swaps on the statement of operations, in addition to any realized gain/(loss) recorded upon the termination of swaps. Upfront premiums paid or received for swaps are recognized as cost or proceeds on the statement of assets and liabilities and are amortized on a straight line basis over the life of the contract. Amortized upfront premiums are included in net realized gain/(loss) from swaps on the statement of operations. Fluctuations in the value of swaps are recorded as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of operations.

Certain standardized swaps, including certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps, are (or soon will be) subject to mandatory central clearing. Cleared swaps are transacted through futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) that are members of central clearinghouses, with the clearinghouse serving as central counterparty, similar to transactions in futures contracts. Centralized clearing will be required for additional categories of swaps on a phased-in basis based on requirements published by the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

At the time the Fund enters into a centrally cleared swap, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the clearinghouse on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. The credit/counterparty risk for centrally cleared swaps is generally less than non-centrally cleared swaps, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each centrally cleared swap, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial

 

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and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the time it was closed.

Credit Default Swaps:

The Fund may enter into credit default swaps, including to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its risk exposure to defaults by corporate and sovereign issuers held by the Fund, or to create exposure to corporate or sovereign issuers to which it is not otherwise exposed. The Fund may purchase credit protection (“Buy Contract”) or provide credit protection (“Sale Contract”) on the referenced obligation of the credit default swap. During the term of the swap, the Fund receives/(pays) fixed payments from/(to) the respective counterparty, calculated at the agreed upon rate applied to the notional amount. If the Fund is a buyer/(seller) of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap, the Fund will either (i) receive from the seller/(pay to the buyer) of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap (the “Maximum Payout Amount”) and deliver/(take delivery of) the referenced obligation or (ii) receive/(pay) a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation. In certain circumstances Maximum Payout Amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront premium received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swaps entered into by the Fund for the same referenced obligations with the same counterparty.

Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the referenced obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. If the Fund is a buyer of protection and no credit event occurs, it will lose the payments it made to its counterparty. If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, the value of the referenced obligation received by the Fund coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the Maximum Payout Amount it pays to the buyer, resulting in a net loss to the Fund.

Implied credit spreads over U.S. Treasuries of comparable maturity utilized in determining the market value of credit default swaps on issuers as of period end are disclosed in the portfolio of investments. The implied spreads serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and typically reflect the likelihood of default by the issuer of the referenced obligation. The implied credit spread of a particular reference obligation also reflects the cost of buying/selling

 

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protection and may reflect upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Widening credit spreads typically represent a deterioration of the referenced obligation’s credit soundness and greater likelihood of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement. A credit spread identified as “Defaulted” indicates a credit event has occurred for the referenced obligation.

During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Fund held credit default swaps for non-hedging purposes.

The Fund typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) with its OTC derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to OTC counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund typically may offset with the OTC counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default or termination. In the event of a default by an OTC counterparty, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Fund’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.

The Fund’s ISDA Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the Fund decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered, the Fund’s OTC counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Fund to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. If OTC derivatives were held at period end, please refer to netting arrangements by the OTC counterparty table below for additional details.

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Interest rate contracts

      
Receivable for variation margin on futures
      
$

576,096

   

Foreign currency contracts

      
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts
   
    
1,364,503

 
      
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts
      
$

62,204

 

 

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Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Equity contracts

  Investments in securities, at value   $ 268,750      

Equity contracts

      Options written, at value   $ 92,235  

Credit contracts

  Market value on credit default swaps     2,102     Market value on credit default swaps     141,013  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    $   2,211,451       $   295,452  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

*

Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities. This amount reflects cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures and centrally cleared swaps as reported in the portfolio of investments.

 

Derivative Type

 

Location of Gain
or (Loss) on
Derivatives Within
Statement of
Operations

  Realized Gain
or (Loss) on
Derivatives
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation or
(Depreciation)
 

Interest rate contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures   $ 2,175,015     $ (81,882

Foreign currency contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of forward currency exchange contracts     (201,880     1,905,359  

Equity contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments     – 0  –      89,310  

Equity contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on options written; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of options written     – 0  –      11,781  

Credit contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps     (451,059     624,286  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    $   1,522,076     $   2,548,854  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Fund’s derivative transactions during the year ended September 30, 2023:

 

Futures:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 1,223,655 (a) 

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 29,554,773  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 4,316,264 (b) 

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 43,009,635  

Purchased Options:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 18,146,000 (c) 

Options Written:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 17,114,000 (c) 

Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 2,574,933 (d) 

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 2,591,294  

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 6,690,000 (e) 

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 9,956,000 (f) 

 

(a)

Positions were open for less than one month during the year.

 

(b)

Positions were open for eleven months during the year.

 

(c)

Positions were open for two months during the year.

 

(d)

Positions were open for five months during the year.

 

(e)

Positions were open for three months during the year.

 

(f)

Positions were open for four months during the year.

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Fund as of September 30, 2023. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

   Derivative
Assets
Subject to a
MA
    Derivatives
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Received*
    Security
Collateral
Received*
    Net Amount
of Derivative
Assets
 

Citibank, NA

   $ 60,745     $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ – 0  –    $ 60,745  

Goldman Sachs International

     2,102       (2,102     – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  – 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     1,303,758       – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      1,303,758  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $   1,366,605     $   (2,102   $   – 0  –    $   – 0  –    $   1,364,503
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Counterparty

   Derivative
Liabilities
Subject to a
MA
    Derivatives
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Pledged*
    Security
Collateral
Pledged*
    Net Amount
of Derivative
Liabilities
 

Deutsche Bank AG

   $ 96,142     $ – 0  –    $ (96,142   $ – 0  –    $ – 0  – 

Goldman Sachs International

     44,871       (2,102     (42,769     – 0  –      – 0  – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     62,204       – 0  –      – 0  –      – 0  –      62,204  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $   203,217     $   (2,102   $   (138,911   $   – 0  –    $   62,204
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

The actual collateral received/pledged may be more than the amount reported due to over-collateralization.

 

^

Net amount represents the net receivable/payable that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty.

2. Currency Transactions

The Fund may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Fund may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Fund may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Fund may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

 

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NOTE E

Capital Stock

Each class consists of 3,000,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

            
     Shares           Amount        
     Year Ended
September 30,
2023
    Year Ended
September 30,
2022
          Year Ended
September 30,
2023
    Year Ended
September 30,
2022
       
  

 

 

   
Class A             

Shares sold

     1,745,790       1,505,730       $ 15,622,103     $ 14,461,974    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     112,400       68,950         1,002,920       660,087    

 

   

Shares converted from Class C

     87,198       136,847         779,196       1,333,170    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (2,280,772     (1,602,317       (20,348,516     (15,264,485  

 

   

Net increase (decrease)

     (335,384     109,210       $ (2,944,297   $ 1,190,746    

 

   
            
Class C             

Shares sold

     530,938       311,783       $ 4,749,628     $ 3,002,479    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     42,764       17,002         381,531       162,712    

 

   

Shares converted to Class A

     (87,272     (136,928       (779,196     (1,333,170  

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (239,223     (322,216       (2,138,135     (3,091,319  

 

   

Net increase (decrease)

     247,207       (130,359     $ 2,213,828     $ (1,259,298  

 

   
            
Advisor Class             

Shares sold

     40,879,465       15,420,420       $ 365,010,677     $ 148,828,268    

 

   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     2,184,955       951,360         19,486,930       9,090,428    

 

   

Shares redeemed

     (20,890,255     (16,289,709         (186,263,889       (158,139,427  

 

   

Net increase (decrease)

     22,174,165       82,071       $ 198,233,718     $ (220,731  

 

   

There were no transactions in capital shares for Class R, Class K and Class I for the year ended September 30, 2023.

NOTE F

Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund

Market RiskThe value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock, bond, currency and commodity markets fluctuate. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises

 

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(including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market.

Interest-Rate Risk—Changes in interest rates will affect the value of investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of existing investments in fixed-income securities tends to fall and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from new investments. Interest-rate risk is generally greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the recent end of a period of historically low rates and the effects of potential central bank monetary policy, and government fiscal policy, initiatives and resulting market reactions to those initiatives.

Credit Risk—An issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to a derivatives or other contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The issuer, guarantor or counterparty may default, causing a loss of the full principal amount of a security and accrued interest. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. There is the possibility that the credit rating of a fixed-income security may be downgraded after purchase, which may adversely affect the value of the security.

Below Investment-Grade Securities Risk—Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are subject to a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments and negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and may be more difficult to trade than other types of securities.

Duration Risk—Duration is a measure that relates the expected price volatility of a fixed-income security to changes in interest rates. The duration of a fixed-income security may be shorter than or equal to full maturity of a fixed-income security. Fixed-income securities with longer durations have more risk and will decrease in price as interest rates rise.

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

Derivatives Risk—Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for

 

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the Fund. A short position in a derivative instrument involves the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the value of the underlying asset, which could cause the Fund to suffer a potentially unlimited loss. Derivatives, especially over-the-counter derivatives, are also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable or unwilling to honor its contractual obligations to the Fund.

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

Emerging-Market Risk—Investments in emerging market countries may have more risk because the markets are less developed and less liquid and are subject to increased economic, political, regulatory and other uncertainties.

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

Loan Participations and Assignments Risk—When the Fund purchases loan participations and assignments, it is subject to the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower. In addition, the lack of a liquid secondary market for loan participations and assignments may have an adverse impact on the value of such investments and the Fund’s ability to dispose of particular assignments or participations when necessary to meet the Fund’s liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower.

Illiquid Investments Risk—Illiquid investments risk exists when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling such investments may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Fund. Causes of illiquid investments risk may include low trading volumes, large positions and heavy redemptions of Fund shares. Illiquid investments risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally decline.

LIBOR Replacement Risk—The Fund may be exposed to debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that recently transitioned from the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. LIBOR’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration, ceased publishing most LIBOR settings (including some U.S. LIBOR settings) by the end of 2021 and the

 

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remaining (and most widely used) U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings after June 30, 2023. The United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, will permit the use of synthetic U.S. Dollar LIBOR rates for non-U.S. contracts through September 30, 2024, but any such rates would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. Since 2018 the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has published the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (referred to as SOFR), which is intended to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities in the repurchase agreement (repo) market. There is no assurance that the composition or characteristics of SOFR or any such alternative reference rate will be similar to or produce the same value or economic equivalence as LIBOR or that the market for SOFR-linked financial instruments will have the same volume or liquidity as did the market for LIBOR-linked financial instruments prior to LIBOR’s discontinuance or unavailability. Neither the long-term effects of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Fund has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

Management Risk—The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively-managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results. Some of these techniques may incorporate, or rely upon, quantitative models, but there is no guarantee that these models will generate accurate forecasts, reduce risk or otherwise perform as expected.

NOTE G

Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize the Facility during the year ended September 30, 2023.

 

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NOTE H

Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 were as follows:

 

             2023              2022  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 31,251,519      $ 14,798,840  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $     31,251,519      $     14,798,840  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 289,814  

Accumulated capital losses

     (30,544,355 )(a) 

Other losses

     (3,549,798 )(b) 

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (26,032,504 )(c) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings (deficit)

   $     (59,836,843 )(d) 
  

 

 

 

 

(a)

As of September 30, 2023, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $30,544,355.

 

(b)

As of September 30, 2023, the Fund had a qualified late-year ordinary loss deferral of $3,549,798.

 

(c)

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments, the tax treatment of callable bonds, the tax treatment of swaps, and the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

 

(d)

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis components of accumulated earnings (deficit) are attributable primarily to the accrual of foreign capital gains tax, the tax treatment of defaulted securities, and dividends payable.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of September 30, 2023, the Fund had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $10,556,532, and a net long-term capital loss carryforward of $19,987,823 which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.

During the current fiscal year, permanent differences primarily due to contributions from the Adviser resulted in a net decrease in accumulated loss and a net decrease in additional paid-in capital. These reclassifications had no effect on net assets.

NOTE I

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848”. ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

NOTE J

Subsequent Events

At meetings held on October 31 – November 2, 2023, the Board of Directors of AB Bond Fund, Inc. (the “Board”) approved the reorganization of the Fund into a newly-created exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) (the “Conversion”), which will be managed by AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”). Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Acquisition and Termination (the “Plan”), the Fund will be converted into an ETF (the “Acquiring Portfolio”), a newly-created series of AB Active ETFs, Inc., with an identical investment objective, and identical fundamental investment policies and investment strategies as the Fund. The closing date of the Conversion is expected to occur on or about June 7, 2024.

In connection with the Conversion, the assets and liabilities of the Fund will be transferred to the Acquiring Portfolio, and stockholders of the Fund will receive shares of the Acquiring Portfolio, equal in aggregate net asset value (“NAV”) to the NAV of their shares of the Fund (less cash corresponding to any fractional share amount). In connection with the Conversion, Class A and Class C shares of the Portfolio will be automatically converted into Advisor Class shares. This share class consolidation will occur in March 2024 or another date selected by the Adviser prior to the closing date, without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. For additional information, please see the prospectus supplement dated November 3, 2023. In addition, stockholders of the Fund will receive a combined information statement/prospectus describing the Conversion and the Acquiring Portfolio, and summarizing the Board’s considerations in approving the Conversion.

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no other material events that would require disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements through this date.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class A  
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2023     2022     2021     2020     2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  8.75       $  10.36       $  9.95       $  10.36       $  10.24  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .48       .36       .36       .37       .39  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    .34       (1.57     .45       (.33     .16  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .82       (1.21     .81       .04       .55  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.68     (.40     (.40     (.45     (.43
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  8.89       $  8.75       $  10.36       $  9.95       $  10.36  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(c)

    9.63     (11.98 )%      8.23     .54     5.54

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $24,670       $27,201       $31,087       $24,393       $19,487  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)

    .95     .95     .95     .95     .95

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)

    .98     1.00     1.02     1.04     1.05

Net investment income(b)

    5.36     3.71     3.52     3.71     3.85

Portfolio turnover rate

    67     62     57     60     37
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .00     .00     .00     .00     .01

See footnote summary on page 90.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class C  
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2023     2022     2021     2020     2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  8.74       $  10.35       $  9.94       $  10.35       $  10.23  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .42       .29       .29       .29       .32  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    .33       (1.58     .44       (.32     .16  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .75       (1.29     .73       (.03     .48  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.61     (.32     (.32     (.38     (.36
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  8.88       $  8.74       $  10.35       $  9.94       $  10.35  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(c)

    8.81     (12.66 )%      7.43     (.21 )%      4.76

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $9,653       $7,335       $10,038       $11,105       $17,617  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)

    1.70     1.70     1.70     1.70     1.70

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)

    1.77     1.75     1.77     1.79     1.80

Net investment income(b)

    4.66     2.95     2.78     2.96     3.11

Portfolio turnover rate

    67     62     57     60     37
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .00     .00     .00     .00     .01

See footnote summary on page 90.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Advisor Class  
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2023     2022     2021     2020     2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  8.73       $  10.34       $  9.93       $  10.35       $  10.22  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .51       .38       .39       .39       .42  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    .34       (1.57     .45       (.33     .17  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .85       (1.19     .84       .06       .59  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.70     (.42     (.43     (.48     (.46
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  8.88       $  8.73       $  10.34       $  9.93       $  10.35  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(c)

    10.04     (11.78 )%      8.52     .70     5.91

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $484,876       $283,354       $334,801       $256,070       $238,350  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)

    .70     .70     .70     .70     .70

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)

    .78     .75     .77     .79     .80

Net investment income(b)

    5.71     3.97     3.77     3.97     4.10

Portfolio turnover rate

    67     62     57     60     37
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .00     .00     .00     .00     .01

See footnote summary on page 90.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class R  
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2023     2022     2021     2020     2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  8.74       $  10.36       $  9.94       $  10.36       $  10.23  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .50       .39       .35       .35       .37  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    .35       (1.60     .44       (.34     .17  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .85       (1.21     .79       .01       .54  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.70     (.41     (.37     (.43     (.41
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  8.89       $  8.74       $  10.36       $  9.94       $  10.36  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(c)

    9.94     (11.92 )%      8.05     .21     5.39

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $9       $9       $10       $10       $10  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)

    .77     .77     1.20     1.20     1.20

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)

    1.27     1.28     1.24     1.30     1.31

Net investment income(b)

    5.59     3.98     3.37     3.49     3.63

Portfolio turnover rate

    67     62     57     60     37
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .00     .00     .00     .00     .01

See footnote summary on page 90.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class K  
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2023     2022     2021     2020     2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  8.74       $  10.36       $  9.95       $  10.36       $  10.23  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .50       .39       .37       .37       .40  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    .35       (1.59     .44       (.32     .16  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .85       (1.20     .81       .05       .56  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.70     (.42     (.40     (.46     (.43
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  8.89       $  8.74       $  10.36       $  9.95       $  10.36  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(c)

    9.95     (11.91 )%      8.22     .56     5.65

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $9       $9       $10       $10       $10  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)

    .76     .76     .95     .95     .95

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)

    1.00     1.01     1.00     1.04     1.04

Net investment income(b)

    5.59     4.00     3.62     3.74     3.87

Portfolio turnover rate

    67     62     57     60     37
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .00     .00     .00     .00     .01

See footnote summary on page 90.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class I  
    Year Ended September 30,  
    2023     2022     2021     2020     2019  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $  8.75       $  10.36       $  9.95       $  10.36       $  10.24  
 

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .50       .39       .40       .39       .42  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions

    .34       (1.58     .43       (.32     .16  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .84       (1.19     .83       .07       .58  
 

 

 

 

Less: Dividends

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.70     (.42     (.42     (.48     (.46
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  8.89       $  8.75       $  10.36       $  9.95       $  10.36  
 

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(c)

    9.90     (11.76 )%      8.47     .80     5.80

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $8       $8       $10       $9       $10  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)

    .70     .70     .70     .70     .70

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)

    .72     .72     .72     .75     .76

Net investment income(b)

    5.66     4.05     3.85     3.96     4.10

Portfolio turnover rate

    67     62     57     60     37
         
 

  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

   

portfolios

    .00     .00     .00     .00     .01

See footnote summary on page 90.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

(a)

Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)

Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)

Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Initial sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges are not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(d)

In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the year ended September 30, 2019, such waiver amounted to .01%.

See notes to financial statements.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of

AB Short Duration High Yield Portfolio

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Short Duration High Yield Portfolio (formerly known as AB Limited Duration High Income Portfolio) (the “Fund”) (one of the series constituting AB Bond Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of September 30, 2023, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the series constituting AB Bond Fund, Inc.) at September 30, 2023, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (continued)

 

included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2023 by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

November 22, 2023

 

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2023 FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

(unaudited)

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during the taxable year ended September 30, 2023. For foreign shareholders, 58.42% of ordinary dividends paid may be considered to be qualifying to be taxed as interest-related dividends.

Shareholders should not use the above information to prepare their income tax returns. The information necessary to complete your income tax returns will be included with your Form 1099-DIV which will be sent to you separately in January 2024.

 

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Garry L. Moody(1),

Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Onur Erzan, President and Chief Executive Officer

  

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

Jeanette W. Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1)

OFFICERS

Gershon M. Distenfeld(2), Vice President

William Smith(2), Vice President

Robert Schwartz(2), Vice President

Nancy E. Hay, Secretary

  

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Vice President

Stephen M. Woetzel, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller

Jennifer Friedland, Chief Compliance Officer

 

Custodian and Accounting Agent

State Street Bank and
Trust Company

One Congress Street, Suite 1
Boston, MA 02114

 

Principal Underwriter

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.

501 Commerce Street

Nashville, TN 37203

 

Transfer Agent

AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 786003

San Antonio, TX 78278

Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

  

Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP

One Manhattan West

New York, NY 10001

 

Legal Counsel

Seward & Kissel LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

 

1

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

2

The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund’s portfolio are made by its Short Duration High Yield Investment Team.
Messrs. Distenfeld and Smith and Schwartz are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Board of Directors Information

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Directors is set forth below.

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE,

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S)

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

DIRECTOR

   

OTHER

PUBLIC
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY

HELD BY

DIRECTOR

INTERESTED DIRECTOR    

Onur Erzan,#

1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105

47

(2021)

  Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”), Head of Global Client Group and Head of Private Wealth. He oversees AB’s entire private wealth management business and third-party institutional and retail franchise, where he is responsible for all client services, sales and marketing, as well as product strategy, management and development worldwide. Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the AB Mutual Funds as of April 1, 2021. He is also a member of the Equitable Holdings Management Committee. Prior to joining the firm in January 2021, he spent over 19 years with McKinsey (management consulting firm), most recently as a senior partner and co-leader of its Wealth & Asset Management practice. In addition, he co-led McKinsey’s Banking & Securities Solutions (a portfolio of data, analytics and digital assets and capabilities) globally.     77     None

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE,

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S)

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

DIRECTOR

   

OTHER
PUBLIC
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY

DIRECTOR

DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS    

Garry L. Moody,##

Chairman of the Board

71

(2011)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He served as a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council from October 2019 through September 2023, where he also served as Chairman of the Governance Committee from October 2021 through September 2023. He is Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees since January 2023; he has served as a director or trustee since 2008, and served as Chairman of the Audit Committee of such funds from 2008 to February 2023.     77     None
     

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE,

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S)

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

DIRECTOR

   

OTHER
PUBLIC
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY

DIRECTOR

DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS
(continued)
   

Jorge A. Bermudez,##

72

(2020)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008; Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007; and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016; and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Moody’s Corporation since December 2022. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.     77     Moody’s Corporation since April 2011
     

Michael J. Downey,##

79

(2011)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2018 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.     77     None

 

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AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO    |    97


 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE,

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S)

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

DIRECTOR

   

OTHER
PUBLIC
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY

DIRECTOR

DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS
(continued)
   

Nancy P. Jacklin,##

75

(2011)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008-2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002-May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992-2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985-1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982-1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973-1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and served as Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds from 2014 to August 2023.     77     None
     
Jeanette W. Loeb,##
71
(2020)
  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Director of New York City Center since 2005. Formerly, Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to April 2023. She was a director of Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) from August 2011 to July 2023 and a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020 and serves as Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2023.     77     None

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE,

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S)

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

DIRECTOR

   

OTHER
PUBLIC
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY

DIRECTOR

DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS
(continued)
   

Carol C. McMullen,##

68

(2016)

  Private Investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018) and serves as Advisory Board Chair as of June 2023. Formerly, Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) from 2014 until July 2023; member, Mass General Brigham (formerly, Partners Healthcare) Investment Committee (2010-2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016 and serves as Chair of the Audit Committees of such funds since February 2023.     77     None

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

NAME,

ADDRESS*, AGE,

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

 

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S)

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

DIRECTOR

   

OTHER
PUBLIC
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY

DIRECTOR

DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS
(continued)
   

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.,##

82
(2011)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (semi-conductor manufacturing equipment) from 2003 through 2006. He has extensive operating leadership and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the board of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all the AB Funds since 2005. He has served as both Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees from 2014 through December 2022.     77     None

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Directors is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal and Compliance Department - Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Funds’ Directors.

 

***

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes and skills relevant to each Director’s qualification to serve as a Director, which led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Fund.

 

#

Mr. Erzan is an “interested person”, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, of the Funds due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

##

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (continued)

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Fund’s officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS,*

AND AGE

  

POSITIONS

HELD WITH FUND

  

PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION

DURING PAST 5 YEARS

Onur Ezan,

47

   President and Chief Executive Officer    See biography above.
     

Gershon M. Distenfeld,

47

   Vice President    Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is also co-Head of Fixed-Income.
     

William Smith,

36

   Vice President    Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is also a Director of US High Yield Credit.
     

Robert Schwartz,

51

   Vice President    Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
     

Nancy E. Hay

51

   Secretary    Senior Vice President and Counsel of the Adviser**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018 and Assistant Secretary of ABI**.
     
Michael B. Reyes,
47
   Senior Vice President    Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
     

Stephen M. Woetzel

52

   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer    Senior Vice President of ABIS,** with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
     

Phyllis J. Clarke,

62

   Controller    Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018.
     

Jennifer Friedland

49

   Chief Compliance Officer    Vice President of the Adviser** since 2020 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer (of all Funds since January 2023 and of the ETF Funds since 2022). Before joining the Adviser** in 2020, she was Chief Compliance Officer at WestEnd Advisors, LLC from prior to 2018 until 2019.

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

The Adviser, ABI and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund.

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) has additional information about the Fund’s Directors and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or AB at (800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

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Operation and Effectiveness of the Fund’s Liquidity Risk Management Program:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Fund to designate an Administrator of the Fund’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Fund’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”).

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Fund’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2023, which covered the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Fund’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner.

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Fund classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Fund participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Fund is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Fund’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Fund’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Fund’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the

 

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Program Reporting Period, liquidity in all markets was challenged due to rising rates and economic uncertainty. However, markets also remained orderly during the Program Reporting Period. There were no liquidity events that impacted the Fund or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

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Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Bond Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Short Duration High Yield Portfolio (formerly AB Limited Duration High Income Portfolio) (the “Fund”) at a meeting held in-person on August 1-2, 2023 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Vice President of the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund and the money market fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests a portion of its assets.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business

 

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judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2021 and 2022 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency and distribution services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution

 

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expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund and the money market fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of certain classes of the Fund’s shares; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Advisor Class shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Advisor Class shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended May 31, 2023 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees payable by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and discussed with the Adviser the reasons it was above the median. The directors also noted the Adviser’s total rate of compensation, taking into account the impact of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

 

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The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Vice President and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and for services to any sub-advised funds utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Advisor Class shares of the Fund in comparison to the medians for a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Advisor Class expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year and reflected the impact of the Adviser’s expense cap for the Fund. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians. After reviewing and

 

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discussing the Adviser’s explanation for this, the directors the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

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This page is not part of the Shareholder Report or the Financial Statements.

 

 

AB FAMILY OF FUNDS

 

US EQUITY

CORE

Core Opportunities Fund

Select US Equity Portfolio

Sustainable US Thematic Portfolio

GROWTH

Concentrated Growth Fund

Discovery Growth Fund

Growth Fund

Large Cap Growth Fund

Small Cap Growth Portfolio

VALUE

Discovery Value Fund

Equity Income Fund

Relative Value Fund

Small Cap Value Portfolio

Value Fund

INTERNATIONAL/GLOBAL EQUITY

CORE

Global Core Equity Portfolio

International Low Volatility Equity Portfolio1

Sustainable Global Thematic Fund

Sustainable International Thematic Fund

Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy

Wealth Appreciation Strategy

GROWTH

Concentrated International Growth Portfolio

VALUE

All China Equity Portfolio

International Value Fund

FIXED INCOME

MUNICIPAL

High Income Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio

Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy

Tax-Aware Fixed Income Opportunities Portfolio

National Portfolio

Arizona Portfolio

California Portfolio

Massachusetts Portfolio

Minnesota Portfolio

New Jersey Portfolio

New York Portfolio

Ohio Portfolio

Pennsylvania Portfolio

Virginia Portfolio

TAXABLE

Bond Inflation Strategy

Global Bond Fund

High Income Fund

Income Fund

Intermediate Duration Portfolio

Short Duration High Yield Portfolio1

Short Duration Income Portfolio

Short Duration Portfolio

Sustainable Thematic Credit Portfolio

Total Return Bond Portfolio

ALTERNATIVES

All Market Real Return Portfolio

Global Real Estate Investment Fund

Select US Long/Short Portfolio

MULTI-ASSET

All Market Total Return Portfolio

Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Portfolio

Global Risk Allocation Fund

Sustainable Thematic Balanced Portfolio

CLOSED-END FUNDS

AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund

AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS

Disruptors ETF

High Yield ETF

Tax-Aware Short Duration Municipal ETF

Ultra Short Income ETF

US High Dividend ETF

US Large Cap Strategic Equities ETF

US Low Volatility Equity ETF

 

We also offer Government Money Market Portfolio, which serves as the money market fund exchange vehicle for the AB mutual funds. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. The Fund may impose a fee upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time.

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

 

1

Prior to July 5, 2023, International Low Volatility Equity Portfolio was named International Strategic Core Portfolio and Short Duration High Yield Portfolio was named Limited Duration High Income Portfolio.

 

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NOTES

 

 

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NOTES

 

 

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NOTES

 

 

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LOGO

AB SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

800 221 5672

 

 

SDHY-0151-0923     LOGO


ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

(a) The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. A copy of the registrant’s code of ethics is filed herewith as Exhibit 12(a)(1).

(b) During the period covered by this report, no material amendments were made to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above.

(c) During the period covered by this report, no implicit or explicit waivers to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above were granted.

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

The registrant’s Board of Directors has determined that independent directors Garry L. Moody, Marshall C. Turner, Jr., Jorge A. Bermudez and Carol C. McMullen qualify as audit committee financial experts.

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

(a) - (c) The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by the independent registered public accounting firm Ernst & Young LLP, for the Fund’s last two fiscal years for professional services rendered for: (i) the audit of the Fund’s annual financial statements included in the Fund’s annual report to stockholders; (ii) assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Fund’s financial statements and are not reported under (i), which include advice and education related to accounting and auditing issues and quarterly press release review (for those Funds which issue press releases), and preferred stock maintenance testing (for those Funds that issue preferred stock); and (iii) tax compliance, tax advice and tax return preparation.

 

           

Audit Fees

    

Audit-Related

Fees

     Tax Fees  

AB Short Duration High Yield Portfolio

     2022      $ 117,058      $      $ 23,787  
     2023      $ 117,058      $      $ 21,418  

(d) Not applicable.

(e) (1) Beginning with audit and non-audit service contracts entered into on or after May 6, 2003, the Fund’s Audit Committee policies and procedures require the pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services provided to the Fund by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Fund’s Audit Committee policies and procedures also require pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services provided to the Adviser and Service Affiliates to the extent that these services are directly related to the operations or financial reporting of the Fund.


(e) (2) 100% of the amounts for Audit-Related Fees and Tax Fees in the table under Item 4 (b) and (c) are for services pre-approved by the Fund’s Audit Committee. No amounts are reported for Item 4 (d).

(f) Not applicable.

(g) The following table sets forth the aggregate non-audit services provided to the Fund, the Fund’s Adviser and entities that control, are controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provide ongoing services to the Fund:

 

           

All Fees for

Non-Audit Services

Provided to the

Portfolio, the Adviser

and Service Affiliates

    

Total Amount of

Foregoing Column Pre-

approved by the Audit

Committee

(Portion Comprised of

Audit Related Fees)

(Portion Comprised of

Tax Fees)

 

AB Short Duration High Yield Portfolio

     2022      $ 1,956,245      $ 23,787  
         $  
         $ (23,787
     2023      $ 1,702,448      $ 21,418  
         $  
         $ (21,418

(h) The Audit Committee of the Fund has considered whether the provision of any non-audit services not pre-approved by the Audit Committee provided by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to the Adviser and Service Affiliates is compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence.

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS.

Please see Schedule of Investments contained in the Report to Shareholders included under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the registrant.


ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Fund’s Board of Directors since the Fund last provided disclosure in response to this item.

ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3 (c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective at the reasonable assurance level based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this document.

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 12. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the registrant.


ITEM 13. EXHIBITS.

The following exhibits are attached to this Form N-CSR:

 

EXHIBIT NO.

 

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT

12(a)(1)   Code of Ethics that is subject to the disclosure of Item 2 hereof
12(b)(1)   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
12(b)(2)   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
12(c)   Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

(Registrant): AB Bond Fund, Inc.

 

By:  

/s/ Onur Erzan

  Onur Erzan
  President
Date:   November 29, 2023

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:  

/s/ Onur Erzan

  Onur Erzan
  President
Date:   November 29, 2023
By:  

/s/ Stephen M. Woetzel

  Stephen M. Woetzel
  Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Date:   November 29, 2023