EX-99.1 6 ex99_1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Part I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.   Financial Statements

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(in thousands, except unit amounts)

 
 
June 30, 2013
   
December 31,
2012
 
 
 
(unaudited)
   
 
ASSETS
 
   
 
         
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
571,274
   
$
627,182
 
Cash and securities segregated, at fair value (cost: $834,440 and $1,551,177)
   
834,505
     
1,551,326
 
Receivables, net:
               
Brokers and dealers
   
324,114
     
408,037
 
Brokerage clients
   
1,079,608
     
942,034
 
Fees
   
245,929
     
265,685
 
Investments:
               
Long-term incentive compensation-related
   
108,432
     
122,977
 
Other
   
577,786
     
609,357
 
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
   
183,577
     
196,125
 
Goodwill
   
2,954,327
     
2,954,327
 
Intangible assets, net
   
158,358
     
169,208
 
Deferred sales commissions, net
   
76,319
     
95,430
 
Other assets
   
187,588
     
173,362
 
Total assets
 
$
7,301,817
   
$
8,115,050
 
 
               
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
               
Liabilities:
               
Payables:
               
Brokers and dealers
 
$
283,388
   
$
220,736
 
Securities sold not yet purchased
   
52,834
     
63,838
 
Brokerage clients
   
1,545,006
     
2,563,061
 
AllianceBernstein mutual funds
   
100,323
     
156,679
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
522,903
     
499,076
 
Accrued compensation and benefits
   
518,051
     
485,229
 
Debt
   
346,265
     
323,163
 
Total liabilities
   
3,368,770
     
4,311,782
 
 
               
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 12)
               
 
               
Capital:
               
General Partner
   
41,597
     
41,213
 
Limited partners: 278,374,893 and 277,600,901 units issued and outstanding
   
4,202,038
     
4,165,461
 
Receivables from affiliates
   
(16,537
)    
(8,441
)
Holding Units held for long-term incentive compensation plans
   
(274,683
)    
(389,941
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(66,631
)    
(48,526
)
Partners’ capital attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders
   
3,885,784
     
3,759,766
 
Non-controlling interests in consolidated entities
   
47,263
     
43,502
 
Total capital
   
3,933,047
     
3,803,268
 
Total liabilities and capital
 
$
7,301,817
   
$
8,115,050
 
 
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

1

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
 (in thousands, except per unit amounts)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
   
2013
 
2012
 
Revenues:
 
 
   
 
 
Investment advisory and services fees
 
$
459,065
 
$
423,863
   
$
902,902
 
$
849,423
 
Bernstein research services
   
114,771
   
103,008
     
224,456
   
209,351
 
Distribution revenues
   
120,775
   
97,137
     
239,520
   
188,097
 
Dividend and interest income
   
4,534
   
4,981
     
8,980
   
9,387
 
Investment gains (losses)
   
8,350
   
(10,852
)    
15,301
   
20,106
 
Other revenues
   
27,455
   
24,844
     
53,755
   
49,129
 
Total revenues
   
734,950
   
642,981
     
1,444,914
   
1,325,493
 
Less: Interest expense
   
675
   
818
     
1,517
   
1,521
 
Net revenues
   
734,275
   
642,163
     
1,443,397
   
1,323,972
 
 
                           
Expenses:
                           
Employee compensation and benefits
   
306,487
   
272,821
     
607,722
   
575,364
 
Promotion and servicing:
                           
Distribution-related payments
   
111,386
   
86,120
     
220,666
   
165,989
 
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
   
10,325
   
10,171
     
21,399
   
18,438
 
Other
   
56,332
   
51,775
     
107,324
   
101,509
 
General and administrative:
                           
General and administrative
   
104,461
   
129,310
     
209,750
   
254,220
 
Real estate charges
   
1,935
   
6,787
     
2,573
   
16,056
 
Interest on borrowings
   
793
   
892
     
1,776
   
1,725
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
5,902
   
5,540
     
11,335
   
10,679
 
Total expenses
   
597,621
   
563,416
     
1,182,545
   
1,143,980
 
 
                           
Operating income
   
136,654
   
78,747
     
260,852
   
179,992
 
 
                           
Income taxes
   
9,564
   
5,838
     
20,731
   
12,541
 
 
                           
Net income
   
127,090
   
72,909
     
240,121
   
167,451
 
 
                           
Net income (loss) of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests
   
6,376
   
(1,276
)  
4,891
 
5,988
 
 
Net income attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders
 
$
120,714
  $
74,185
   
$
235,230
 
$
161,463
 
 
                           
Net income per AllianceBernstein Unit:
 
 
                 
 
   
Basic
 
$
0.43
 
$
0.26
   
$
0.84
 
$
0.58
 
Diluted
 
$
0.43
 
$
0.26
   
$
0.83
 
$
0.58
 
 
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

2

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Net income
 
$
127,090
   
$
72,909
   
$
240,121
   
$
167,451
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
(8,357
)
   
(3,886
)
   
(18,677
)
   
(2,011
)
Income tax benefit
   
     
796
     
     
796
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
   
(8,357
)
   
(3,090
)
   
(18,677
)
   
(1,215
)
Unrealized (losses) gains on investments:
                               
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during period
   
(439
)
   
65
     
303
     
770
 
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
   
6
     
18
     
6
     
18
 
Change in unrealized (losses) gains on investments
   
(445
)
   
47
     
297
     
752
 
Income tax benefit (expense)
   
62
     
(26
)
   
(321
)
   
(462
)
Unrealized (losses) gains on investments, net of tax
   
(383
)
   
21
     
(24
)
   
290
 
Changes in employee benefit related items:
                               
Amortization of transition asset
   
(11
)
   
(36
)
   
(47
)
   
(72
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
27
     
27
     
54
     
54
 
Recognized actuarial loss
   
295
     
227
     
590
     
154
 
Changes in employee benefit related items
   
311
     
218
     
597
     
136
 
Income tax (expense)
   
(3
)
   
(3
)
   
(99
)
   
(3
)
Employee benefit related items, net of tax
   
308
     
215
     
498
     
133
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income
   
(8,432
)
   
(2,854
)
   
(18,203
)
   
(792
)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) in consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests
   
6,268
     
(1,389
)
   
4,793
     
5,927
 
Comprehensive income attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders
 
$
112,390
   
$
71,444
   
$
217,125
   
$
160,732
 
 
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
   
 
Net income
 
$
240,121
   
$
167,451
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
   
21,399
     
18,438
 
Amortization of non-cash long-term incentive compensation
   
8,538
     
7,782
 
Depreciation and other amortization
   
31,085
     
41,209
 
Unrealized (gains) on long-term incentive compensation-related investments
   
(5,577
)
   
(8,819
)
Unrealized (gains) on consolidated venture capital fund
   
(18,162
)
   
(1,029
)
Unrealized (gains) on other investments
   
(1,830
)
   
(18,713
)
Real estate asset write-off charge
   
129
     
1,675
 
Other, net
   
(11,179
)
   
2,215
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease in segregated cash and securities
   
716,821
     
125,135
 
(Increase) in receivables
   
(122,385
)
   
(93,109
)
Decrease in investments
   
70,563
     
55,373
 
(Increase) in deferred sales commissions
   
(2,288
)
   
(54,023
)
(Increase) in other assets
   
(30,577
)
   
(19,918
)
(Decrease) in payables
   
(925,748
)
   
(90,281
)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
(26,147
)
   
4,649
 
Increase in accrued compensation and benefits
   
165,979
     
102,500
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
110,742
     
240,535
 
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of investments
   
     
(96
)
Proceeds from sales of investments
   
43
     
118
 
Purchases of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements
   
(8,667
)
   
(11,139
)
Proceeds from sales of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements
   
87
     
3,221
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(8,537
)
   
(7,896
)
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Issuance (repayment) of commercial paper, net
   
22,339
     
(169,719
)
Increase in overdrafts payable
   
53,724
     
16,750
 
Distributions to General Partner and unitholders
   
(220,647
)
   
(134,095
)
Distributions to non-controlling interests in consolidated entities
   
(1,032
)
   
(8,453
)
Capital contributions from General Partner
   
1,382
     
1,684
 
Additional investments by Holding from distributions paid to AllianceBernstein consolidated rabbi trust
   
11,871
     
3,457
 
Additional investments by Holding with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy Holding Units
   
13,281
     
 
Purchases of Holding Units to fund long-term incentive compensation plan awards, net
   
(26,967
)
   
(95,143
)
Purchases of AllianceBernstein Units
   
(117
)
   
(3,000
)
Debt issuance costs
   
     
(1,750
)
Other
   
(10
)
   
(21
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(146,176
)
   
(390,290
)
 
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
(11,937
)
   
1,392
 
 
               
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(55,908
)
   
(156,259
)
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of the period
   
627,182
     
638,681
 
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of the period
 
$
571,274
   
$
482,422
 
 
               
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2013
(unaudited)

The words “we” and “our” refer collectively to AllianceBernstein L.P. and its subsidiaries (“AllianceBernstein”), or to their officers and employees. Similarly, the word “company” refers to AllianceBernstein. These statements should be read in conjunction with AllianceBernstein’s audited consolidated financial statements included in AllianceBernstein’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

1. Business Description, Organization and Basis of Presentation

Business Description

We provide research, diversified investment management and related services globally to a broad range of clients. Our principal services include:
 
Institutional Services – servicing our institutional clients, including unaffiliated corporate and public employee pension funds, endowment funds, domestic and foreign institutions and governments, and affiliates such as AXA and certain of its insurance company subsidiaries, by means of separately-managed accounts, sub-advisory relationships, structured products, collective investment trusts, mutual funds, hedge funds and other investment vehicles.

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

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

Bernstein Research Services – servicing institutional investors seeking high-quality research, portfolio strategy advice and brokerage-related services.
 
We also provide distribution, shareholder servicing and administrative services to the mutual funds we sponsor.
 
Our high-quality, in-depth research is the foundation of our business.  Our research disciplines include fundamental, quantitative and economic research and currency forecasting.  In addition, we have created several specialized research initiatives, including research examining global strategic developments that can affect multiple industries and geographies.

       We provide a broad range of investment services with expertise in:
 
Equity securities, including value, growth and core equities;

Fixed income securities, including taxable and tax-exempt securities;

Passive management, including index and enhanced index strategies;

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

Multi-asset services and solutions, including dynamic asset allocation, customized target date funds, target risk funds and other strategies tailored to help clients meet their investment goals.

In providing these services, we focus on various portfolio characteristics, including market capitalization (e.g., large-, mid- and small-cap equities), term (e.g., long-, intermediate- and short-duration debt securities), and geography (e.g., U.S., international, global, emerging markets, regional and local), in major markets around the world.

Organization

As of June 30, 2013, AXA, a société anonyme organized under the laws of France and the holding company for an international group of insurance and related financial services companies, through certain of its subsidiaries (“AXA and its subsidiaries”) owned approximately 1.4% of the issued and outstanding units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests in AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“Holding Units”).
5

As of June 30, 2013, the ownership structure of AllianceBernstein, expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests, was as follows:

AXA and its subsidiaries
   
60.9
%
Holding
   
37.7
 
Unaffiliated holders
   
1.4
 
 
   
100.0
%
 
AllianceBernstein Corporation (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA, “General Partner”) is the general partner of both AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“Holding”) and AllianceBernstein. AllianceBernstein Corporation owns 100,000 general partnership units in Holding and a 1% general partnership interest in AllianceBernstein. Including both the general partnership and limited partnership interests in Holding and AllianceBernstein, AXA and its subsidiaries had an approximate 64.3% economic interest in AllianceBernstein as of June 30, 2013.

Basis of Presentation

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the interim results, have been made. The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the interim reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The December 31, 2012 condensed consolidated statement of financial condition was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include AllianceBernstein and its majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries. All significant inter-company transactions and balances among the consolidated entities have been eliminated.

Reclassification and Revision

During 2013, we reclassified prior-period amounts relating to the servicing portion of the investment advisory base fees earned by AllianceBernstein Japan Ltd. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AllianceBernstein) for the distribution of local-market funds from investment advisory base fees to distribution revenues in the condensed consolidated statement of income to conform to the current year’s presentation. This reclassification is consistent with the methodology used by AllianceBernstein Luxembourg S.A. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AllianceBernstein, “AllianceBernstein Luxembourg”) related to the distribution of Non-U.S Funds. 

2.
Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The amended standard requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. We adopted this standard effective as of January 1, 2013 (see Note 10) and there was no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The standard requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. We adopted this standard effective as of January 1, 2013. However, no additional disclosures are required because amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income are not material.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. The amendment is effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013 and is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

6

3.
Long-term Incentive Compensation Plans

We maintain several unfunded, non-qualified long-term incentive compensation plans under which annual awards to employees are made generally in the fourth quarter.

Awards granted in the fourth quarter of 2012 allowed participants to allocate their awards between restricted Holding Units and deferred cash. Participants (except certain members of senior management) generally could allocate up to 50% of their awards to deferred cash, not to exceed a total of $250,000 per award, and had until mid-January 2013 to make their elections. The number of restricted Holding Units issued equaled the remaining dollar value of the award divided by the average of the closing prices of a Holding Unit for a five business day period in January after participants made their elections.

· We engaged in open-market purchases of Holding Units that were awarded to participants and held them in a consolidated rabbi trust.

· Quarterly distributions on vested and unvested Holding Units are paid currently to participants, regardless of whether or not a long-term deferral election has been made.

· Interest on deferred cash is accrued monthly based on our monthly weighted average cost of funds.

We recognize compensation expense related to equity compensation grants in the financial statements using the fair value method. Fair value of restricted Holding Unit awards is the closing price of a Holding Unit on the grant date; fair value of options is determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Under the fair value method, compensatory expense is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and is recognized over the required service period. Prior to a change made to the employee long-term incentive compensation award program in the fourth quarter of 2011, an employee’s service requirement was typically the same as the delivery dates. This change eliminated employee service requirements, but did not modify delivery dates contained in the original award agreements.

In January 2013, 6.5 million restricted Holding Units held in the consolidated rabbi trust were awarded for the 2012 awards and we reclassified $129.2 million of the liability to partners’ capital as equity-based awards.

Grants of restricted Holding Units and options to buy Holding Units are typically awarded to eligible members of the Board of Directors (“Eligible Directors”) of the General Partner during the second quarter. Restricted Holding Units are distributed on the third anniversary of the grant date and the options become exercisable ratably over three years. These restricted Holding Units and options are not forfeitable (except if the Eligible Director is terminated for “Cause”, as that term is defined in the applicable award agreement). Due to there being no service requirement, we fully expense these awards on each grant date.

We fund our restricted Holding Unit awards either by purchasing Holding Units on the open market or purchasing newly-issued Holding Units from Holding, all of which are held in a consolidated rabbi trust until they are distributed to employees upon vesting. In accordance with the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AllianceBernstein (“AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement”), when AllianceBernstein purchases newly-issued Holding Units from Holding, Holding is required to use the proceeds it receives from AllianceBernstein to purchase the equivalent number of newly-issued AllianceBernstein Units, thus increasing its percentage ownership interest in AllianceBernstein. Holding Units held in the consolidated rabbi trust are corporate assets in the name of the trust and are available to the general creditors of AllianceBernstein.

During the second quarter and first six months of 2013, we purchased 0.3 million and 1.3 million Holding Units for $7.4 million and $27.0 million, respectively (on a trade date basis). These amounts reflect open-market purchases of 0.3 million and 1.1 million Holding Units for $7.2 million and $23.2 million, respectively, with the remainder relating to purchases of Holding Units from employees to allow them to fulfill statutory tax withholding requirements at the time of distribution of long-term incentive compensation awards, offset by Holding Units purchased by employees as part of a distribution reinvestment election.

Since the third quarter of 2011, we have implemented plans each quarter to repurchase Holding Units pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). A Rule 10b5-1 plan allows a company to repurchase its shares at times when it otherwise might be prevented from doing so because of self-imposed trading blackout periods and because it possesses material non-public information. Each broker we select has the authority under the terms and limitations specified in the plan to repurchase Holding Units on our behalf in accordance with the terms of the plan. Repurchases are subject to SEC regulations as well as certain price, market volume and timing constraints specified in the plan. The plan adopted during the second quarter of 2013 expired at the close of business on July 30, 2013. We may adopt additional Rule 10b5-1 plans in the future to engage in open-market purchases of Holding Units to help fund anticipated obligations under our incentive compensation award program and for other corporate purposes
7

We granted to employees and Eligible Directors 6.8 million restricted Holding Unit awards (including 6.5 million granted in January 2013 for 2012 year-end awards) during the first six months of 2013. To fund these awards, we allocated previously repurchased Holding Units that had been held in AllianceBernstein’s consolidated rabbi trust. There were approximately 13.1 million unallocated Holding Units remaining in the consolidated rabbi trust as of June 30, 2013.

Effective July 1, 2013, management of AllianceBernstein and Holding retired all unallocated Holding Units in AllianceBernstein’s consolidated rabbi trust. To retire such units, AllianceBernstein delivered the unallocated Holding Units held in its consolidated rabbi trust to Holding in exchange for the same amount of AllianceBernstein units. Each entity then retired their respective units. As a result, on July 1, 2013, each of AllianceBernstein’s and Holding’s units outstanding decreased by approximately 13.1 million units. AllianceBernstein and Holding intend to retire additional units as AllianceBernstein purchases Holding Units on the open market. Holding will then newly issue Holding Units to fund AllianceBernstein’s restricted Holding Unit awards in exchange for newly-issued AllianceBernstein units.

Generally, when a corporate entity repurchases its shares, they no longer are deemed outstanding. Because of our two-tier partnership structure, Holding Units purchased by AllianceBernstein and held in its consolidated rabbi trust are considered outstanding (unlike repurchased shares of a single corporate entity). Accordingly, management’s decision to retire repurchased Holding Units rather than allowing them to remain outstanding in the rabbi trust more closely aligns the effect of our Holding Unit purchases with that of corporate entities that repurchase their shares.

During the first six months of 2013, Holding issued 778,739 Holding Units upon exercise of options to buy Holding Units. Holding used the proceeds of $13.3 million to purchase the equivalent number of newly-issued AllianceBernstein Units.

4.
Cash Distributions

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

net cash provided by operating activities of AllianceBernstein,

proceeds from borrowings and from sales or other dispositions of assets in the ordinary course of business, and

income from investments in marketable securities, liquid investments and other financial instruments that are acquired for investment purposes and that have a value that may be readily established,

and then subtracting from this amount the sum of:

payments in respect of the principal of borrowings, and

amounts expended for the purchase of assets in the ordinary course of business.

On July 31, 2013, the General Partner declared a distribution of $0.44 per AllianceBernstein Unit, representing a distribution of Available Cash Flow for the three months ended June 30, 2013. The General Partner, as a result of its 1% general partnership interest, is entitled to receive 1% of each distribution. The distribution is payable on August 29, 2013 to holders of record on August 12, 2013.

5.
Real Estate Charges

During 2010, we performed a comprehensive review of our real estate requirements in New York in connection with our workforce reductions commencing in 2008. As a result, during 2010 we decided to sub-lease over 380,000 square feet in New York (in excess of 80% of this space has been sublet) and largely consolidate our New York-based employees into two office locations from three.

During the third quarter of 2012, in an effort to further reduce our global real estate footprint, we completed a comprehensive review of our worldwide office locations and began implementing a global space consolidation plan. As a result, our intention is to sub-lease approximately 510,000 square feet of office space (nearly 50% of this space has been sublet), over 70% of which is New York office space (in addition to the 380,000 square foot space reduction in 2010), with the remainder composed of office space in England, Australia and various U.S. locations. We expect that the actions we are taking to vacate and market space for sublease will result over time in non-cash real estate charges of $225 million to $250 million, with $202.6 million of the charges having been recorded during 2012. These charges are in addition to the earlier non-cash real estate charges for New York City office space we recorded (related to the 380,000 square foot space reduction in 2010).

8

During the first six months of 2013, we recorded real estate charges of $2.6 million, composed of $2.5 million resulting from a change in estimates relating to previously recorded real estate charges ($2.2 million related to the 2010 and 2012 charges and $0.3 million related to other real estate charges) and $0.1 million relating to the write-off of leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment.

The following table summarizes the activity in the liability account relating to our 2010 and 2012 office space consolidation initiatives for the following periods:

 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
   
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
   
 
Balance as of beginning of period
 
$
238,784
   
$
71,164
 
Expense incurred
   
2,150
     
181,589
 
Deferred rent
   
122
     
27,000
 
Payments made
   
(36,719
)
   
(42,833
)
Interest accretion
   
2,274
     
1,864
 
Balance as of end of period
 
$
206,611
   
$
238,784
 
 
6.
Net Income Per Unit

Basic net income per unit is derived by reducing net income for the 1% general partnership interest and dividing the remaining 99% by the basic weighted average number of units outstanding for each period. Diluted net income per unit is derived by reducing net income for the 1% general partnership interest and dividing the remaining 99% by the total of the basic weighted average number of units outstanding and the dilutive unit equivalents resulting from outstanding compensatory options to buy Holding Units as follows:

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Net income attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders
 
$
120,714
   
$
74,185
   
$
235,230
   
$
161,463
 
 
                               
Weighted average units outstanding - basic
   
278,209
     
277,820
     
277,999
     
277,833
 
Dilutive effect of compensatory options to buy Holding Units
   
1,251
     
     
1,111
     
 
Weighted average units outstanding – diluted
   
279,460
     
277,820
     
279,110
     
277,833
 
                                 
Basic net income per AllianceBernstein Unit
 
$
0.43
   
$
0.26
   
$
0.84
   
$
0.58
 
Diluted net income per AllianceBernstein Unit
 
$
0.43
   
$
0.26
   
$
0.83
   
$
0.58
 

 
For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2013, we excluded 2,979,935 options from the diluted net income per unit computation due to their anti-dilutive effect. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2012, we excluded 9,036,845 options from the diluted net income per unit computation due to their anti-dilutive effect.

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

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $0.8 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively, of United States Treasury Bills were segregated in a special reserve bank custody account for the exclusive benefit of brokerage customers of Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC (a wholly-owned subsidiary of AllianceBernstein, “SCB LLC”) under Rule 15c3-3 of the Exchange Act.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“AllianceBernstein Investments”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AllianceBernstein and the distributor of company-sponsored mutual funds, maintains several special bank accounts for the exclusive benefit of customers. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $39.9 million and $42.2 million, respectively, of cash was segregated in these bank accounts.

9

8.
Investments
 
Investments consist of:
 
 
 
June 30, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
   
 
Available-for-sale (primarily seed capital)
 
$
12,423
   
$
13,361
 
Trading:
               
Long-term incentive compensation-related
   
77,802
     
90,825
 
United States Treasury Bills
   
27,996
     
27,982
 
Seed capital
   
276,365
     
307,795
 
Equities and exchange-traded options
   
61,640
     
48,937
 
Investments in limited partnership hedge funds:
               
Long-term incentive compensation-related
   
30,630
     
32,152
 
Seed capital
   
94,991
     
109,328
 
Consolidated private equity fund (10% seed capital)
   
49,725
     
47,045
 
Private equity (seed capital)
   
46,401
     
47,853
 
Other
   
8,245
     
7,056
 
Total investments
 
$
686,218
   
$
732,334
 
 
Total investments related to long-term incentive compensation obligations of $108.4 million and $123.0 million as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, consist of company-sponsored mutual funds and hedge funds. We typically made investments in our services that were notionally elected by long-term incentive compensation plan participants and maintained them (and continue to maintain them) in a consolidated rabbi trust or separate custodial account. The rabbi trust and custodial account enable us to hold such investments separate from our other assets for the purpose of settling our obligations to participants. The investments held in the rabbi trust and custodial account remain available to the general creditors of AllianceBernstein.

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

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

We provide seed capital to our investment teams to develop new products and services for our clients.

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

9.
Derivative Instruments
 
We enter into various futures, forwards and swaps to economically hedge certain of our seed money investments.  In addition, we have currency forwards that economically hedge certain cash accounts. We do not hold any derivatives designated in a formal hedge relationship under ASC 815-10, Derivatives and Hedging.

The following tables present the notional value and fair value as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 for derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments:

10

    Fair Value   
 
Notional
Value
 
Asset
Derivatives
 
Liability
Derivatives
 
 
(in thousands)
 
June 30, 2013:
 
 
 
Exchange-traded futures
 
$
90,115
   
$
1,619
   
$
70
 
Currency forwards
   
104,553
     
716
     
477
 
Interest rate swaps
   
56,755
     
705
     
534
 
Credit default swaps
   
19,625
     
374
     
7
 
Option swaps
   
118
     
94
     
44
 
Total return swaps
   
106,123
     
4,118
     
146
 
Total derivatives
 
$
377,289
   
$
7,626
   
$
1,278
 
       
    Fair Value  
 
Notional
Value
 
Asset
Derivatives
 
Liability
Derivatives
 
 
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2012:
 
 
 
Exchange-traded futures
 
$
89,901
   
$
64
   
$
1,598
 
Currency forwards
   
80,445
     
473
     
429
 
Interest rate swaps
   
55,435
     
73
     
888
 
Credit default swaps
   
53,775
     
457
     
272
 
Option swaps
   
103
     
83
     
92
 
Total return swaps
   
90,673
     
1,475
     
3,791
 
Total derivatives
 
$
370,332
   
$
2,625
   
$
7,070
 
 
As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the derivative assets and liabilities are included in both receivables and payables to brokers and dealers on our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
 
The following table presents the gains and losses recognized in investment gains (losses) in the condensed consolidated statements of income:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Exchange-traded futures
 
$
1,686
   
$
8,049
   
$
(2,245
)
 
$
(8,548
)
Currency forwards
   
206
     
1,365
     
382
     
1,184
 
Interest rate swaps
   
223
     
(1,460
)
   
506
     
(723
)
Credit default swaps
   
111
     
(752
)
   
(1
)
   
(3,351
)
Options swaps
   
(62
)
   
(89
)
   
(186
)
   
(89
)
Total return swaps
   
2,774
     
(133
)
   
(601
)
   
(2,555
)
Balance as of end of period
 
$
4,938
   
$
6,980
   
$
(2,145
)
 
$
(14,082
)
We may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to derivative financial instruments. We take steps to minimize our counterparty exposure through a credit review and approval process. In addition, we executed various collateral arrangements with counterparties to the over-the-counter derivative transactions that require both pledging and accepting collateral in the form of cash. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we held $3.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of cash collateral payable to trade counterparties. This obligation to return cash is reported in payables to brokers and dealers in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

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

11

Certain of our standardized contracts for over-the-counter derivative transactions (“ISDA Master Agreements”) contain credit risk related contingent provisions regarding each counterparty’s credit rating. In some ISDA Master Agreements, if a counterparty’s credit rating (or in some agreements, our AUM) falls below a specified threshold, either a default or a termination event permitting the counterparty to terminate the ISDA Master Agreement would be triggered. In all agreements that provide for collateralization, various levels of collateralization of net liability positions are applicable, depending on the credit rating of the counterparty. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we delivered $4.7 million and $8.4 million, respectively, of cash collateral into brokerage accounts, which is reported in cash and cash equivalents in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

10.
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

Effective January 1, 2013, we adopted ASU 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The amended   standard requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. Derivative instruments (see Note 9), which are subject to master netting arrangements, are not considered material and are excluded from the below disclosures.
 
The following table presents offsetting of securities borrowed as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
 
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
   
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
   
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position
   
Financial Instruments
   
Cash Collateral Pledged
   
Net Amount
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
June 30, 2013
$
109,406
   
$
   
$
109,406
   
$
   
$
109,406
   
$
 
December 31, 2012
$
106,350
   
$
   
$
106,350
   
$
   
$
106,350
   
$
 
 
The following table presents offsetting of securities loaned as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
 
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
   
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
   
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position
   
Financial Instruments
   
Cash Collateral Received
   
Net Amount
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
June 30, 2013
$
44,532
   
$
   
$
44,532
   
$
   
$
44,532
   
$
 
December 31, 2012
$
12,517
   
$
   
$
12,517
   
$
   
$
12,517
   
$
 
 
11.
Fair Value

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

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

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

 
Level 3 – Prices or valuation techniques that are both significant to the fair value measurement and  unobservable as of the reported date. These financial instruments do not have two-way markets and are  measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.
12

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following tables summarize the valuation of our financial instruments by pricing observability levels as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 
 
June 30, 2013
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Money markets
 
$
275,458
   
$
   
$
   
$
275,458
 
U.S. Treasury Bills
   
     
824,061
     
     
824,061
 
U.K. Treasury Bills
   
     
117
     
     
117
 
Equity securities
                               
Growth
   
116,486
     
     
     
116,486
 
Value
   
36,356
     
     
     
36,356
 
Multi-asset and asset allocation
   
50,195
     
     
     
50,195
 
Other(1)
   
56,399
     
     
     
56,399
 
Fixed Income securities
                               
Taxable(2)
   
146,730
     
2,968
     
     
149,698
 
Tax-exempt(3)
   
5,227
     
795
     
     
6,022
 
Derivatives
   
1,619
     
6,007
     
     
7,626
 
Long exchange-traded options
   
13,074
     
     
     
13,074
 
Private equity
   
5,229
     
19,221
     
61,426
     
85,876
 
Total assets measured at fair value
 
$
706,773
   
$
853,169
   
$
61,426
   
$
1,621,368
 
 
                               
Securities sold not yet purchased
                               
Short equities – corporate
 
$
37,769
   
$
   
$
   
$
37,769
 
Short exchange-traded options
   
15,065
     
     
     
15,065
 
Derivatives
   
70
     
1,208
     
     
1,278
 
Total liabilities measured at fair value
 
$
52,904
   
$
1,208
   
$
   
$
54,112
 
 
13

 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Money markets
 
$
170,120
   
$
   
$
   
$
170,120
 
U.S. Treasury Bills
   
     
1,537,150
     
     
1,537,150
 
U.K. Treasury Bills
   
     
125
     
     
125
 
Equity securities
                               
Growth
   
125,242
     
     
     
125,242
 
Value
   
36,126
     
     
     
36,126
 
Multi-asset and asset allocation
   
59,449
     
     
     
59,449
 
Other(1)
   
39,702
     
     
     
39,702
 
Fixed Income securities
                               
Taxable(2)
   
177,635
     
1,219
     
     
178,854
 
Tax-exempt(3)
   
5,661
     
797
     
     
6,458
 
Derivatives
   
64
     
2,561
     
     
2,625
 
Long exchange-traded options
   
15,087
     
     
     
15,087
 
Private equity
   
7,695
     
     
76,953
     
84,648
 
Total assets measured at fair value
 
$
636,781
   
$
1,541,852
   
$
76,953
   
$
2,255,586
 
 
                               
Securities sold not yet purchased
                               
Short equities – corporate
 
$
54,370
   
$
   
$
   
$
54,370
 
Short exchange-traded options
   
9,197
     
     
     
9,197
 
Other
   
271
     
     
     
271
 
Derivatives
   
1,598
     
5,472
     
     
7,070
 
Total liabilities measured at fair value
 
$
65,436
   
$
5,472
   
$
   
$
70,908
 

(1)    Primarily long positions in corporate equities traded through our options desk.
(2)    Primarily corporate and government securities.
(3)    Primarily municipal bonds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

14

Private equity: Generally, the valuation of private equity investments owned by our consolidated venture capital fund requires significant management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of such investments. Private equity investments are valued initially at cost. The carrying values of private equity investments are adjusted either up or down from cost to reflect expected exit values as evidenced by financing and sale transactions with third parties, or when determination of a valuation adjustment is confirmed through ongoing review in accordance with our valuation policies and procedures. A variety of factors are reviewed and monitored to assess positive and negative changes in valuation including, but not limited to, current operating performance and future expectations of investee companies, industry valuations of comparable public companies, changes in market outlooks and the third party financing environment over time. In determining valuation adjustments resulting from the investment review process, particular emphasis is placed on current company performance and market conditions. For these reasons, which make the fair value of private equity investments unobservable, equity investments are included in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. However, if private equity investments owned by our consolidated venture capital fund become publicly-traded, they are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Also, if they contain trading restrictions, publicly-traded equity investments are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. During the first quarter of 2012, one of our private securities went public and, due to a trading restriction period, $13.5 million was transferred from a Level 3 classification to a Level 2 classification. During the second quarter of 2013, one of our private securities went public and, due to a trading restriction period, $19.2 million was transferred from a Level 3 classification to a Level 2 classification.
 
Securities sold not yet purchased: Securities sold not yet purchased, primarily reflecting short positions in equities and exchange-traded options, are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

The following table summarizes the change in carrying value associated with Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value:

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Balance as of beginning of period
 
$
74,853
   
$
58,235
   
$
76,953
   
$
64,466
 
 
                               
Transfers out
   
(19,220
)
   
     
(19,220
)
   
(13,548
)
Purchases
   
87
     
1,988
     
97
     
3,833
 
Sales
   
(34
)
   
(1,823
)
   
(34
)
   
(1,823
)
Realized gains (losses), net
   
(6,581
)
   
855
     
(6,581
)
   
855
 
Unrealized gains (losses), net
   
12,321
     
(1,347
)
   
10,211
     
4,125
 
Balance as of end of period
 
$
61,426
   
$
57,908
   
$
61,426
   
$
57,908
 

 
Transfers into and out of all levels of the fair value hierarchy are reflected at end-of-period fair values. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on Level 3 financial instruments are recorded in investment gains and losses in the condensed consolidated statements of income. A majority of the Level 3 investments are private equity investments owned by our consolidated venture capital fund, of which we own 10% and non-controlling interests own 90%.

The following table provides quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements:

 
Fair Value as of June 30, 2013
 
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Range
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Private Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technology, Media and    Telecommunications
$
23,256
 
Market comparable companies
Revenue multiple
 
2.5 – 6.0
 
 
     
       
Discount rate
 
18
%
 
     
       
Discount years
 
1.5
 
 
     
 
 
     
Healthcare and Cleantech
$
1,849
 
Market comparable companies
Revenue multiple(1)
 
0.7 – 62.5
 
 
     
       
R&D multiple(1)
 
1.0 – 32.4
 
 
     
       
Discount for lack of marketability and risk factors
 
50-60
%
                             
(1) The median for the Healthcare and Cleantech revenue multiple is 8.4; the median R&D multiple is 5.2.
 
15

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the reporting entities’ venture capital securities in the technology, media and telecommunications areas are enterprise value to revenue multiples and a discount rate to account for the time until the securities are likely monetized and various risk factors. Significant increases (decreases) in the enterprise value to revenue multiple inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Significant increases (decreases) in the discount rate would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the reporting entities’ venture capital securities in the healthcare and cleantech areas are enterprise value to revenue multiples, enterprise value to R&D investment multiples, and a discount for lack of marketability and various risk factors. Significant increases (decreases) in the enterprise value to revenue multiple and enterprise value to R&D investment multiple inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Significant increases (decreases) in the discount for lack of marketability and various risk factors in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the level of enterprise value to revenue multiple is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the enterprise value to R&D multiple. In addition, a change in the assumption used for the discount for lack of marketability and various risk factors is not correlated to changes in the assumptions used for the enterprise value to revenue multiple or the enterprise value to R&D investment multiple.

One of our private equity investments is a venture capital fund (fair value of $28.5 million and unfunded commitment of $12.2 million as of June 30, 2013) that invests in communications, consumer, digital media, healthcare and information technology markets. Another is an investment in a private equity fund focused exclusively on the energy sector (fair value of $7.7 million and unfunded commitment of $0.1 million as of June 30, 2013). In addition, one of the investments included in our consolidated private equity fund (fair value of $0.2 million and unfunded commitment of $0.2 million as of June 30, 2013) is a venture capital fund investing in clean energy, resource and energy efficiency and other sustainable industries. The fair value of each of these investments has been estimated using the capital account balances provided by the partnerships. The interests in these partnerships cannot be redeemed.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

We did not have any material assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value for impairment on a nonrecurring basis during the three months ended June 30, 2013 or during the year ended December 31, 2012.

12.
Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

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

During the first quarter of 2012, we received a legal letter of claim (the “Letter of Claim”) sent on behalf of a former European pension fund client, alleging that AllianceBernstein Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours organized in the U.K.) was negligent and failed to meet certain applicable standards of care with respect to the initial investment in and management of a £500 million portfolio of U.S. mortgage-backed securities. The alleged damages range between $177 million and $234 million, plus compound interest on an alleged $125 million of realized losses in the portfolio. We believe that any losses to this client resulted from adverse developments in the U.S. housing and mortgage market that precipitated the financial crisis in 2008 and not any negligence or failure on our part. We believe that we have strong defenses to these claims, which are set forth in our October 12, 2012 response to the Letter of Claim, and will defend this matter vigorously. Currently, we are unable to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss because the matter remains in its early stages.

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

In management’s opinion, an adequate accrual has been made as of June 30, 2013 to provide for any probable losses regarding any litigation matters for which we can reasonably estimate an amount of loss. It is reasonably possible that we could incur additional losses pertaining to these matters, but currently we are unable to estimate any such additional losses.

16

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

13.
Units Outstanding

Changes in units outstanding during the six-month period ended June 30, 2013 were as follows:

Outstanding as of December 31, 2012
   
277,600,901
 
Options exercised
   
778,739
 
Units issued
   
 
Units retired
   
(4,747
)
Units forfeited    
 
Outstanding as of  June 30, 2013
   
278,374,893
 
 
During the first six months of 2013, we purchased 4,747 AllianceBernstein Units in private transactions and retired them.
 
As we discussed in Note 3, on July 1, 2013, management of AllianceBernstein and Holding retired all unallocated Holding Units in AllianceBernstein's consolidated rabbi trust, which decreased each of their respective outstanding units by approximately 13.1 million units as of July 1, 2013.
 
14.
Debt

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, AllianceBernstein had $346.3 million and $323.2 million, respectively, in commercial paper outstanding with weighted average interest rates of approximately 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively. The commercial paper is short term in nature, and as such, recorded value is estimated to approximate fair value. Average daily borrowings of commercial paper during the first six months of 2013 and the full year 2012 were $405.3 million and $404.9 million, respectively, with weighted average interest rates of approximately 0.4% for both periods.

15.
Changes in Capital

Changes in capital as of June 30, 2013 consisted of:

 
 
Partners’ Capital Attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders
   
Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities
   
Total Capital
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
   
   
 
Balance as of  December 31, 2012
 
$
3,759,766
   
$
43,502
   
$
3,803,268
 
Comprehensive income:
                       
Net income
   
235,230
     
4,891
     
240,121
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                       
Unrealized gains on investments
   
(24
)
   
     
(24
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
(18,579
)
   
(98
)
   
(18,677
)
Changes in employee benefit related items
   
498
     
     
498
 
Comprehensive income
   
217,125
     
4,793
     
221,918
 
 
                       
Cash distributions to General Partner and unitholders
   
(220,647
)
   
     
(220,647
)
Receivables from affiliates
   
(7,844
)
   
     
(7,844
)
Compensation-related transactions
   
137,501
     
     
137,501
 
Other
   
(117
)
   
(1,032
)
   
(1,149
)
Balance as of June 30, 2013
 
$
3,885,784
   
$
47,263
   
$
3,933,047
 

As of June 30, 2013, AllianceBernstein has a due from Holding balance of $9.2 million. During the second quarter of 2013, management determined that the liability should be settled only upon liquidation of Holding. As a result of this determination, and due to the affiliated nature of Holding and AllianceBernstein, this receivable has been included in AllianceBernstein’s partners’ capital (as receivables from affiliates) in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition as of June 30, 2013.

17

Changes in capital as of June 30, 2012 consisted of:
 
 
 
Partners’ Capital Attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders
   
Non-Controlling Interests In Consolidated Entities
   
Total Capital
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
   
   
 
Balance as of  December 31, 2011
 
$
3,975,462
   
$
54,025
   
$
4,029,487
 
Comprehensive income:
                       
Net income
   
161,463
     
5,988
     
167,451
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                       
Unrealized gains on investments
   
290
     
     
290
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
(1,154
)
   
(61
)
   
(1,215
)
Changes in employee benefit related items
   
133
     
     
133
 
Comprehensive income
   
160,732
     
5,927
     
166,659
 
 
                       
 
                       
Cash distributions to General Partner and unitholders
   
(134,095
)
   
     
(134,095
)
Capital contributions (distributions)
   
1,684
     
(8,453
)
   
(6,769
)
Purchase of AllianceBernstein Units
   
(3,000
)
   
     
(3,000
)
Compensation-related transactions
   
46,484
     
     
46,484
 
Balance as of June 30, 2012
 
$
4,047,267
   
$
51,499
   
$
4,098,766
 
 
Deferred taxes are not recognized on foreign currency translation adjustments for foreign subsidiaries whose earnings are considered permanently invested outside the United States.

18

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

Executive Overview

The second quarter of 2013 finished very differently than it began. The robust equity markets and strong demand for fixed income we experienced early in the second quarter gave way to equity market volatility and high investor anxiety over the outlook for interest rates, particularly following the late-May release of U.S. Federal Reserve meeting minutes suggesting a potential easing of bond buybacks. As a result, mortgage rates rose quickly, bond flows turned negative and equity flows declined, as investors took to the sidelines. Despite a difficult June, we maintained momentum in our Institutions channel, where gross sales rose for a third consecutive quarter, to a 12-quarter high.  However, flows to our Retail channel were dramatically affected, principally Fixed Income flows in the Asia ex-Japan region, and we experienced net outflows for the first time in six quarters.

Even with these near-term challenges, our second quarter financial results were strong, and we continued to make progress on our long-term strategy to deliver for clients with our investment performance, diversify and globalize our business, innovate with our offerings, and strengthen our financials. The vast majority of our Fixed Income assets have outperformed for the three- and five-year time periods, and we’re building better track records in equities. Our Global and U.S. Strategic Value strategies outperformed their respective benchmarks by more than 500 basis points for the one-year period through June. International Discovery and Emerging Markets Growth have outperformed their respective benchmarks for the year-to-date, one- and three-year periods. In addition, Small and SMID Cap Value and Select U.S. Equity are top performers across various time periods. Improved investment performance is fueling strong client interest globally.

Our total assets under management (“AUM’) as of June 30, 2013 were $434.6 billion, down $8.6 billion, or 1.9%, compared to March 31, 2013, and up $27.3 billion, or 6.7%, compared to June 30, 2012. During the second quarter of 2013, AUM decreased as a result of market depreciation of $8.8 billion, partially offset by net inflows of $0.2 billion (Institutional inflows of $4.7 billion, offset by Retail outflows of $3.2 billion and Private Client outflows of $1.3 billion).
   
Institutional AUM decreased $1.2 billion, or 0.5%, to $223.9 billion during the second quarter of 2013, due to market depreciation of $5.9 billion, only partially offset by net inflows of $4.7 billion. Gross sales increased 5.8% sequentially from $7.3 billion during the first quarter of 2013 to $7.7 billion during the second quarter of 2013. Additionally, redemptions and terminations decreased 10.8% sequentially from $3.6 billion to $3.2 billion. Institutional gross sales during the quarter were most significant in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and Japan, and we secured new mandates in such diverse areas as Real Estate, Global Credit, U.S. Investment Grade, Emerging Market Multi-Asset and Select U.S. Equity. The pipeline of awarded but unfunded Institutional mandates decreased sequentially from $7.8 billion to $4.8 billion at June 30, 2013, as new fixed income and equity additions were more than offset by fundings and revisions during the quarter.

Retail AUM decreased $6.0 billion, or 4.0% to $144.4 billion during the second quarter of 2013, due to net outflows of $3.2 billion and market depreciation of $2.8 billion. Redemptions and terminations increased 26.9% sequentially from $12.5 billion to $15.9 billion. Additionally, gross sales decreased 1.4% sequentially from $14.6 billion during the first quarter of 2013 to $14.4 billion during the second quarter of 2013. However, we had our best first half for gross sales since 2000, despite reduced sales during June 2013, principally in the Asia ex-Japan region. Milestones for the quarter include a record-breaking local market launch of our Emerging Markets Corporate Debt Fund in Taiwan and our Fixed Income SMA U.S. platform passing the $1 billion AUM mark.

Private Client AUM decreased $1.4 billion, or 2.1%, to $66.3 billion during the second quarter of 2013, due to net outflows of $1.3 billion and market depreciation of $0.1 billion. Gross sales decreased 30.5% sequentially from $1.8 billion during the first quarter of 2013 to $1.2 billion during the second quarter of 2013. However, redemptions and terminations decreased 19.7% sequentially from $2.5 billion to $2.0 billion. In addition, our equity portfolios have performed well for conservative, moderate and growth-oriented clients through the first half of 2013, with particular strength in our Strategic Equities and fund-of-hedge-funds Registered Investment Company offerings.

Bernstein Research Services revenue for the second quarter of 2013 was $114.8 million, up $11.8 million, or 11.4%, compared to the second quarter of 2012, as a result of strong growth in Europe and Asia.

Net revenues for the second quarter increased $92.2 million, or 14.3%, to $734.3 million from $642.1 million in the second quarter of 2012. The most significant contributors to the increase were higher base advisory fees of $33.5 million, higher distribution revenues of $23.7 million, higher investment gains of $19.3 million and higher Bernstein Research Services revenues of $11.8 million. Operating expenses for the second quarter of 2013 increased $34.2 million, or 6.1%, to $597.6 million from $563.4 million in the second quarter of 2012 due to higher employee compensation and benefits of $33.7 million and higher promotion and servicing expenses of $29.9 million, partially offset by lower general and administrative expenses of $24.8 million and lower real estate charges of $4.9 million. Operating income for the second quarter of 2013 increased $58.0 million, or 73.5%, from the second quarter of 2012, and our operating margin increased from 12.5% (16.1% on an adjusted basis) in the second quarter of 2012 to 17.7% (22.2% on an adjusted basis) in the second quarter of 2013.
19

Assets Under Management

During the first quarter of 2013, we altered our AUM disclosure in order to provide greater transparency regarding the impact of prevailing industry trends on our asset mix and fee realization rate. The new disclosure addresses the long-term industry-wide trend of increasing asset flows into passive products by providing a breakout of both equity and fixed income AUM into actively managed assets and passively managed assets, which include index, enhanced index and factor-based strategies. In addition, in acknowledgement of our significant growth in fixed income assets over the past several years and the current size of the business, we now break out our active fixed income AUM into taxable and tax-exempt assets.

Assets under management by distribution channel were as follows:

 
As of June 30,
 
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
  (in billions)
 
 
 
 
 
Institutions
 
$
223.9
   
$
214.9
   
$
9.0
     
4.2
%
Retail
   
144.4
     
124.8
     
19.6
     
15.7
 
Private Client
   
66.3
     
67.6
     
(1.3
)
   
(1.9
)
Total
 
$
434.6
   
$
407.3
   
$
27.3
     
6.7
 

Assets under management by investment service were as follows:

 
 
As of June 30,
   
   
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
  (in billions)
Equity
 
   
   
   
 
Actively Managed
 
$
96.2
   
$
107.4
   
$
(11.2
)
   
(10.4
)%
Passively Managed(1)
   
44.4
     
35.1
     
9.3
     
26.6
 
Total Equity
   
140.6
     
142.5
     
(1.9
)
   
(1.3
)
 
                               
Fixed Income
                               
Actively Managed
                               
Taxable
   
219.4
     
197.1
     
22.3
     
11.3
 
Tax–exempt
   
29.9
     
31.0
     
(1.1
)
   
(3.6
)
 
   
249.3
     
228.1
     
21.2
     
9.3
 
Passively Managed(1)
   
8.2
     
5.3
     
2.9
     
54.3
 
Total Fixed Income
   
257.5
     
233.4
     
24.1
     
10.3
 
 
                               
Other(2)
   
36.5
     
31.4
     
5.1
     
16.1
 
Total
 
$
434.6
   
$
407.3
   
$
27.3
     
6.7
 
 

(1) Includes index, enhanced index and factor-based strategies.
(2) Includes asset allocation services and certain other alternative investments.
20

Changes in assets under management for the three-month, six-month and twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2013 were as follows:

 
 
Distribution Channel
 
 
 
Institutions
   
Retail
   
Private Client
   
Total
 
 
 
(in billions)
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Balance as of March 31, 2013
 
$
225.1
   
$
150.4
   
$
67.7
   
$
443.2
 
Long-term flows:
                               
Sales/new accounts
   
7.7
     
14.4
     
1.2
     
23.3
 
Redemptions/terminations
   
(3.2
)
   
(15.9
)
   
(2.0
)
   
(21.1
)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
   
0.2
     
(1.7
)
   
(0.5
)
   
(2.0
)
Net long-term inflows (outflows)
   
4.7
     
(3.2
)
   
(1.3
)
   
0.2
 
Market (depreciation)
   
(5.9
)
   
(2.8
)
   
(0.1
)
   
(8.8
)
Net change
   
(1.2
)
   
(6.0
)
   
(1.4
)
   
(8.6
)
Balance as of June 30, 2013
 
$
223.9
   
$
144.4
   
$
66.3
   
$
434.6
 
 
                               
Balance as of December 31, 2012
 
$
219.8
   
$
144.4
   
$
65.8
   
$
430.0
 
Long-term flows:
                               
Sales/new accounts
   
14.9
     
29.0
     
3.1
     
47.0
 
Redemptions/terminations
   
(6.7
)
   
(28.4
)
   
(4.6
)
   
(39.7
)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
   
(0.2
)
   
(3.6
)
   
(0.7
)
   
(4.5
)
Net long-term inflows (outflows)
   
8.0
     
(3.0
)
   
(2.2
)
   
2.8
 
Market (depreciation) appreciation
   
(3.9
)
   
3.0
     
2.7
     
1.8
 
Net change
   
4.1
     
     
0.5
     
4.6
 
Balance as of June 30, 2013
 
$
223.9
   
$
144.4
   
$
66.3
   
$
434.6
 
 
                               
Balance as of June 30, 2012
 
$
214.9
   
$
124.8
   
$
67.6
   
$
407.3
 
Long-term flows:
                               
Sales/new accounts
   
26.8
     
60.6
     
5.1
     
92.5
 
Redemptions/terminations
   
(24.0
)
   
(46.0
)
   
(10.1
)
   
(80.1
)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
   
0.4
     
(7.2
)
   
(2.1
)
   
(8.9
)
Net long-term inflows (outflows)
   
3.2
     
7.4
     
(7.1
)
   
3.5
 
Market appreciation
   
5.8
     
12.2
     
5.8
     
23.8
 
Net change
   
9.0
     
19.6
     
(1.3
)
   
27.3
 
Balance as of June 30, 2013
 
$
223.9
   
$
144.4
   
$
66.3
   
$
434.6
 

21

 
 
Investment Service
 
 
 
Equity Actively Managed
   
Equity Passively Managed(1)
   
Fixed Income Actively Managed - Taxable
   
Fixed Income Actively
Managed - Tax- Exempt
   
Fixed Income Passively Managed(1)
   
Other(2)
   
Total
 
  (in billions)
 
Balance as of March 31, 2013
 
$
98.8
   
$
43.8
   
$
226.0
   
$
30.9
   
$
8.3
   
$
35.4
   
$
443.2
 
Long-term flows:
                                                       
Sales/new accounts
   
4.0
     
0.1
     
17.2
     
1.4
     
0.2
     
0.4
     
23.3
 
Redemptions/terminations
   
(5.7
)
   
(0.4
)
   
(13.4
)
   
(1.2
)
   
(0.2
)
   
(0.2
)
   
(21.1
)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
   
(1.6
)
   
0.3
     
(1.4
)
   
(0.4
)
   
0.1
     
1.0
     
(2.0
)
Net long-term (outflows) inflows
   
(3.3
)
   
     
2.4
     
(0.2
)
   
0.1
     
1.2
     
0.2
 
Market appreciation (depreciation)
   
0.7
     
0.6
     
(9.0
)
   
(0.8
)
   
(0.2
)
   
(0.1
)
   
(8.8
)
Net change
   
(2.6
)
   
0.6
     
(6.6
)
   
(1.0
)
   
(0.1
)
   
1.1
     
(8.6
)
Balance as of June 30, 2013
 
$
96.2
   
$
44.4
   
$
219.4
   
$
29.9
   
$
8.2
   
$
36.5
   
$
434.6
 
 
                                                       
Balance as of December 31, 2012
 
$
95.4
   
$
40.3
   
$
224.0
   
$
30.8
   
$
7.9
   
$
31.6
   
$
430.0
 
Long-term flows:
                                                       
Sales/new accounts
   
8.3
     
1.0
     
31.3
     
3.0
     
0.5
     
2.9
     
47.0
 
Redemptions/terminations
   
(12.8
)
   
(0.6
)
   
(22.6
)
   
(2.5
)
   
(0.4
)
   
(0.8
)
   
(39.7
)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
   
(2.3
)
   
(0.2
)
   
(3.0
)
   
(0.7
)
   
0.4
     
1.3
     
(4.5
)
Net long-term (outflows) inflows
   
(6.8
)
   
0.2
     
5.7
     
(0.2
)
   
0.5
     
3.4
     
2.8
 
Market appreciation (depreciation)
   
7.6
     
3.9
     
(10.3
)
   
(0.7
)
   
(0.2
)
   
1.5
     
1.8
 
Net change
   
0.8
     
4.1
     
(4.6
)
   
(0.9
)
   
0.3
     
4.9
     
4.6
 
Balance as of June 30, 2013
 
$
96.2
   
$
44.4
   
$
219.4
   
$
29.9
   
$
8.2
   
$
36.5
   
$
434.6
 
 
                                                       
Balance as of June 30, 2012
 
$
107.4
   
$
35.1
   
$
197.1
   
$
31.0
   
$
5.3
   
$
31.4
   
$
407.3
 
Long-term flows:
                                                       
Sales/new accounts
   
12.3
     
4.1
     
64.1
     
5.4
     
2.3
     
4.3
     
92.5
 
Redemptions/terminations
   
(34.3
)
   
(1.6
)
   
(37.5
)
   
(4.8
)
   
(0.4
)
   
(1.5
)
   
(80.1
)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
   
(5.4
)
   
0.3
     
(2.1
)
   
(1.7
)
   
1.3
     
(1.3
)
   
(8.9
)
Net long-term (outflows) inflows
   
(27.4
)
   
2.8
     
24.5
     
(1.1
)
   
3.2
     
1.5
     
3.5
 
Market appreciation (depreciation)
   
16.2
     
6.5
     
(2.2
)
   
     
(0.3
)
   
3.6
     
23.8
 
Net change
   
(11.2
)
   
9.3
     
22.3
     
(1.1
)
   
2.9
     
5.1
     
27.3
 
Balance as of June 30, 2013
 
$
96.2
   
$
44.4
   
$
219.4
   
$
29.9
   
$
8.2
   
$
36.5
   
$
434.6
 


(1) Includes index, enhanced index and factor-based strategies.
(2) Includes asset allocation services and certain other alternative investments.
22

Average assets under management by distribution channel and investment service were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
   
   
Six Months Ended
   
   
 
 
 
6/30/13
   
6/30/12
   
$ Change
   
% Change
   
6/30/13
   
6/30/12
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
 
 
(in billions)
 
Distribution Channel:
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Institutions
 
$
227.8
   
$
217.7
   
$
10.1
     
4.6
%
 
$
225.2
   
$
222.2
   
$
3.0
     
1.4
%
Retail    
150.5
     
123.8
     
26.7
     
21.6
     
148.6
     
121.1
     
27.5
     
22.7
 
Private Client
   
67.6
     
69.6
     
(2.0
)
   
(2.9
)
   
67.2
     
70.3
     
(3.1
)
   
(4.4
)
Total
 
$
445.9
   
$
411.1
   
$
34.8
     
8.5
   
$
441.0
   
$
413.6
   
$
27.4
     
6.6
 
 
                                                               
Investment Service:
                                                               
Equity Actively Managed
 
$
98.9
   
$
114.4
   
$
(15.5
)
   
(13.6
)%
 
$
98.0
   
$
120.2
   
$
(22.2
)
   
(18.5
)%
Equity Passively Managed (1)
   
44.6
     
35.2
     
9.4
     
26.9
     
43.3
     
35.0
     
8.3
     
23.8
 
Fixed Income Actively Managed - Taxable
   
227.2
     
193.5
     
33.7
     
17.4
     
225.8
     
191.7
     
34.1
     
17.8
 
Fixed Income Actively Managed – Tax-exempt
   
30.7
     
30.9
     
(0.2
)
   
(0.7
)
   
30.8
     
30.8
     
     
 
Fixed Income Passively Managed(1)
   
8.3
     
5.3
     
3.0
     
55.8
     
8.2
     
5.1
     
3.1
     
59.2
 
Other (2)
   
36.2
     
31.8
     
4.4
     
13.9
     
34.9
     
30.8
     
4.1
     
13.4
 
Total
 
$
445.9
   
$
411.1
   
$
34.8
     
8.5
   
$
441.0
   
$
413.6
   
$
27.4
     
6.6
 
                                        

(1) Includes index, enhance index and factor-based strategies.
(2) Includes asset allocation services and certain other alternative investments.
 
Our Institutions channel second quarter average AUM of $227.8 billion increased by $10.1 billion, or 4.6%, compared to the second quarter of 2012, primarily due to our Institutional AUM increasing $9.0 billion, or 4.2%, over the last twelve months to $223.9 billion at June 30, 2013. The $9.0 billion increase in AUM was primarily due to $3.2 billion of net inflows (consisting of inflows of $18.2 billion in Fixed Income and $1.2 billion in Other, partially offset by outflows of $16.2 billion in Equity services) and market appreciation of $5.8 billion.

Our Retail channel second quarter average AUM of $150.5 billion increased by $26.7 billion, or 21.6%, compared to the second quarter of 2012, primarily due to our Retail AUM increasing $19.6 billion, or 15.7%, over the last twelve months to $144.4 billion at June 30, 2013. The $19.6 billion increase in AUM was primarily due to $7.4 billion of net inflows (consisting of inflows of $11.7 billion in Fixed Income and $0.2 billion in Other, partially offset by outflows of $4.5 billion in Equity services) and market appreciation of $12.2 billion. The increase in average AUM was $7.1 billion greater than the increase in period-end AUM over the past twelve months primarily because positive net flows through the first eleven months were offset by net outflows in June.

Our Private Client channel second quarter average AUM of $67.6 billion declined by $2.0 billion, or 2.9%, compared to the second quarter of 2012, primarily due to our Private Client AUM declining $1.3 billion, or 1.9%, over the last twelve months to $66.3 billion at June 30, 2013. The $1.3 billion decrease in AUM was primarily due to $7.1 billion of net outflows (consisting of outflows of $3.9 billion in Equity services and $3.3 billion in Fixed Income, partially offset by inflows of $0.1 billion in Other), partially offset by market appreciation of $5.8 billion.

On October 1, 2013, AXA is expected to complete the sale of one of its subsidiaries, MONY Life Insurance Company (“MONY”), to an unaffiliated third party. As of June 30, 2013, we manage approximately $8.2 billion of MONY assets. We expect to lose most of the assets as of the date of the closing of the sale. The loss of these assets will have an immaterial effect on our revenues as these are low-fee assets.
23

Absolute investment composite returns, net of fees, and relative performance compared to benchmarks for certain representative Institutional (except as otherwise indicated) Equity and Fixed Income services were as follows:
 
 
 
 
For the three
months ended 
June 30, 2013
 
 
For the six
months
ended June
30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global High Income (fixed income)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
(2.0)
%
 
 
0.9
%
Relative return (vs. 33% Barclays High Yield, 33% JPM EMBI Global and 33% JPM GBI-EM)
 
 
2.7
 
 
 
5.3
 
Global Fixed Income (fixed income)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
(3.8)
 
 
 
(6.3)
 
Relative return (vs. CITI WLD GV BD-USD/JPM GLBL BD)
 
 
(0.8)
 
 
 
(0.6)
 
Intermediate Municipal Bonds (fixed income) (Private Client composite)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
(2.2)
 
 
 
(1.9)
 
Relative return (vs. Lipper Short/Int. Blended Muni Fund Avg)
 
 
(0.1)
 
 
 
(0.1)
 
U.S. Strategic Core Plus (fixed income)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
(2.7)
 
 
 
(2.7)
 
Relative return (vs. Barclays U.S. Aggregate)
 
 
(0.4)
 
 
 
(0.2)
 
Emerging Market Debt (fixed income)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
(6.4)
 
 
 
(8.3)
 
Relative return (vs. JPM EMBI Global/JPM EMBI)
 
 
(0.3)
 
 
 
(0.1)
 
Global Plus (fixed income)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
(3.3)
 
 
 
(5.2)
 
Relative return (vs. Barclays Global Aggregate)
 
 
(0.5)
 
 
 
(0.3)
 
Emerging Markets Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
(11.7)
 
 
 
(15.3)
 
Relative return (vs. MSCI EM Index)
 
 
(3.6)
 
 
 
(5.7)
 
Global Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
2.6
 
 
 
11.3
 
Relative return (vs. MSCI World Index)
 
 
2.0
 
 
 
2.9
 
International Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
0.4
 
 
 
4.4
 
Relative return (vs. MSCI EAFE Index)
 
 
1.4
 
 
 
0.3
 
U.S. Small & Mid Cap Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
2.7
 
 
 
17.4
 
Relative return (vs. Russell 2500 Value Index)
 
 
1.2
 
 
 
2.3
 
U.S. Strategic Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
5.8
 
 
 
19.9
 
Relative return (vs. Russell 1000 Value Index)
 
 
2.6
 
 
 
4.0
 
U.S. Small Cap Growth
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
5.3
 
 
 
16.7
 
Relative return (vs. Russell 2000 Growth Index)
 
 
1.5
 
 
 
(0.7)
 
U.S. Large Cap Growth
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
1.4
 
 
 
10.7
 
Relative return (vs. Russell 1000 Growth Index)
 
 
(0.7)
 
 
 
(1.1)
 
U.S. Strategic Growth (Private Client composite)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
1.5
 
 
 
10.5
 
Relative return (vs. S&P 500 Index)
 
 
(1.4)
 
 
 
(3.3)
 
Select U.S. Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
3.6
 
 
 
14.7
 
Relative return (vs. S&P 500 Index)
 
 
0.7
 
 
 
0.9
 
International Style Blend – Developed
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Absolute return
 
 
0.2
 
 
 
4.9
Relative return (vs. MSCI EAFE Index)
 
 
1.2
 
 
 
0.8
 
 
24

Our Fixed Income services generally underperformed their benchmarks in the second quarter of 2013 as both rate and credit strategies experienced losses in a volatile market. These services are now modestly lagging their benchmarks for the year to date. Yields on U.S. Treasuries rose and the U.S. yield curve steepened in response to signals by the Federal Reserve that it would soon temper its aggressive bond-buying program. The Fed-induced sell-off prompted outflows from fixed income mutual funds, both in the U.S. and around the world. Corporate bond spreads widened as rates rose, leading to losses across most corporate subsectors. Overweights in intermediate U.S. bonds detracted from returns within our global and U.S. multisector portfolios, as did overweights to non-government sectors. Our Global High Income strategy benefited from an underweight in emerging market debt, a sector which lagged significantly as slowing growth in China and in other emerging economies hurt, and substantial fund redemptions began to unwind, several years of positive inflows to the sector. Within our dedicated emerging-market debt portfolios, security selection in Mexico and Turkey detracted from returns. An overweight to liquid medium-grade issuers detracted from relative returns within our U.S. municipal portfolios, offset somewhat by a positive contribution from maturity selection.

Performance of our major Equity services was still mixed, but improved, for the three-month and six-month periods ending June 30, 2013. Over this period, our U.S., International and Global value services outperformed their benchmarks, but Emerging Market Value services lagged. Our U.S. Large and Small Cap growth services also underperformed their benchmarks in the six-month period. We attribute this performance pattern to our services’ adherence to their core investment disciplines. Long-term value characteristics, such as inexpensive cash flows, have returned to favor in most of the world, but underperformed in emerging markets, while long-term growth characteristics mostly underperformed in the U.S. Our core research approach has not wavered; we continue to believe that staying true to our investment disciplines is in our clients’ best interests over the long term.

Consolidated Results of Operations
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
   
   
Six Months Ended
   
   
 
 
 
6/30/13
   
6/30/12
   
$ Change
   
% Change
   
6/30/13
   
6/30/12
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
 
 
(in millions, except per unit amounts)
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Net revenues
 
$
734.3
   
$
642.1
   
$
92.2
     
14.3
%  
$
1,443.4
   
$
1,324.0
   
$
119.4
     
9.0
%
Expenses    
597.6
     
563.4
     
34.2
     
6.1
     
1,182.6
     
1,144.0
     
38.6
     
3.4
 
Operating income    
136.7
     
78.7
     
58.0
     
73.5
     
260.8
     
180.0
     
80.8
     
44.9
 
Income taxes    
9.6
     
5.8
     
3.8
     
63.8
     
20.7
     
12.5
     
8.2
     
65.3
 
Net income
   
127.1
     
72.9
     
54.2
     
74.3
     
240.1
     
167.5
     
72.6
     
43.4
 
Net (loss) income of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests
   
6.4
     
(1.3
)
   
7.7
     
n/m
 
 
   
4.9
     
6.0
     
(1.1
)
   
(18.3
)
Net income attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders
 
$
120.7
   
$
74.2
   
$
46.5
     
62.7
   
$
235.2
   
$
161.5
   
$
73.7
     
45.7
 
 
                                                               
Diluted net  income per AllianceBernstein Unit
 
$
0.43
   
$
0.26
   
$
0.17
     
65.4
   
$
0.83
   
$
0.58
   
$
0.25
     
43.1
 
 
                                                               
Distributions per AllianceBernstein Unit
 
$
0.44
   
$
0.26
   
$
0.18
     
69.2
   
$
0.85
   
$
0.57
   
$
0.28
     
49.1
 
Operating margin (1)    
17.7
%
   
12.5
%
           
17.7
%    
13.1
%                
 

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

Net income attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders for the three months ended June 30, 2013 increased $46.5 million, or 62.7%, from the three months ended June 30, 2012. The increase was primarily due to (in millions):

Higher base advisory fees
 
$
33.5
 
Lower office and related expenses (excluding real estate)
   
14.3
 
Higher Bernstein research services revenues
   
11.8
 
Higher long-term incentive compensation investment gains
   
8.5
 
Lower professional fees
   
6.7
 
Lower real estate charges
   
4.9
 
Higher employee compensation and benefits
   
(33.7
)
Other
   
0.5
 
 
 
$
46.5
 
25

Net income attributable to AllianceBernstein Unitholders for the six months ended June 30, 2013 increased $73.7 million, or 45.7%, from the six months ended June 30, 2012. The increase was primarily due to (in millions):

Higher base advisory fees
 
$
52.7
 
Lower office and related expenses (excluding real estate)
   
31.1
 
Higher Bernstein research services revenues
   
15.1
 
Lower real estate charges
   
13.5
 
Higher employee compensation and benefits
   
(32.3
)
Higher other promotion and servicing
   
(5.8
)
Other
   
(0.6
)
 
 
$
73.7
 
 
Real Estate Charges

As we discuss in Note 5, during the first six months of 2013, we recorded real estate charges of $2.6 million, composed of $2.5 million resulting from a change in estimates relating to previously recorded real estate charges ($2.2 million related to the 2010 and 2012 charges and $0.3 million related to other real estate charges) and $0.1 million relating to the write-off of leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment.

We may record charges for additional changes in estimates during the second half of this year as we approach the end of assumed marketing periods on floors written-off during 2012 and we compare current sublease market conditions to those assumed in our initial write-offs and adjust accordingly. At this juncture, we still anticipate cumulative write-offs in our previously announced range of $225 million to $250 million related to our global real estate consolidation program launched in the third quarter of 2012, which targets the sublease of approximately 510,000 square feet of office space

Also, we may incur a few additional real estate write-offs as we continue to search for opportunities to further consolidate our office footprint and vacate floors in addition to the approximately 510,000 square feet under our previously announced global real estate consolidation program.
 
Units Outstanding

During the second quarter and first six months of 2013, we purchased 0.3 million and 1.3 million Holding Units for $7.4 million and $27.0 million, respectively (on a trade date basis). These amounts reflect open-market purchases of 0.3 million and 1.1 million Holding Units for $7.2 million and $23.2 million, respectively, with the remainder relating to purchases of Holding Units from employees to allow them to fulfill statutory tax withholding requirements at the time of distribution of long-term incentive compensation awards, offset by Holding Units purchased by employees as part of a distribution reinvestment election.

Since the third quarter of 2011, we have implemented plans each quarter to repurchase Holding Units pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). A Rule 10b5-1 plan allows a company to repurchase its shares at times when it otherwise might be prevented from doing so because of self-imposed trading blackout periods and because it possesses material non-public information. Each broker we select has the authority under the terms and limitations specified in the plan to repurchase Holding Units on our behalf in accordance with the terms of the plan. Repurchases are subject to SEC regulations as well as certain price, market volume and timing constraints specified in the plan. The plan adopted during the second quarter of 2013 expired at the close of business on July 30, 2013. We may adopt additional Rule 10b5-1 plans in the future to engage in open-market purchases of Holding Units to help fund anticipated obligations under our incentive compensation award program and for other corporate purposes.

We granted to employees and Eligible Directors 6.8 million restricted Holding Unit awards (including 6.5 million granted in January 2013 for 2012 year-end awards) during the first six months of 2013. To fund these awards, we allocated previously repurchased Holding Units that had been held in AllianceBernstein’s consolidated rabbi trust. There were approximately 13.1 million unallocated Holding Units remaining in the consolidated rabbi trust as of June 30, 2013.

Effective July 1, 2013, management of AllianceBernstein and Holding retired all unallocated Holding Units in AllianceBernstein’s consolidated rabbi trust. To retire such units, AllianceBernstein delivered the unallocated Holding Units held in its consolidated rabbi trust to Holding in exchange for the same amount of AllianceBernstein units. Each entity then retired their respective units. As a result, on July 1, 2013, each of AllianceBernstein’s and Holding’s units outstanding decreased by approximately 13.1 million units. AllianceBernstein and Holding intend to retire additional units as AllianceBernstein purchases Holding Units on the open market. Holding will then newly issue Holding Units to fund AllianceBernstein’s restricted Holding Unit awards in exchange for newly-issued AllianceBernstein units.

Generally, when a corporate entity repurchases its shares, they no longer are deemed outstanding. Because of our two-tier partnership structure, Holding Units purchased by AllianceBernstein and held in its consolidated rabbi trust are considered outstanding (unlike repurchased shares of a single corporate entity). Accordingly, management’s decision to retire repurchased Holding Units rather than allowing them to remain outstanding in the rabbi trust more closely aligns the effect of our Holding Unit purchases with that of corporate entities that repurchase their shares.

Assuming constant net income, retirement of units outstanding will have a favorable impact on earnings per unit, and the issuance of new units will have a negative impact on earnings per unit. This July 2013 event had no impact on our second quarter 2013 earnings per unit.

During the first six months of 2013, Holding issued 778,739 Holding Units upon exercise of options to buy Holding Units. Holding used the proceeds of $13.3 million to purchase the equivalent number of newly-issued AllianceBernstein Units.

Cash Distributions

AllianceBernstein is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the AllianceBernstein Partnership Agreement, to its unitholders (including the General Partner). Typically, in the past, Available Cash Flow was the diluted earnings per unit for the quarter multiplied by the number of general and limited partnership interests at the end of the quarter, except when, as was the case with the compensation-related charge in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the real estate charge in the third quarter of 2012, the effects of the non-cash charges were eliminated. Starting in the third quarter of 2012, Available Cash Flow has been the adjusted diluted net income per unit for the quarter multiplied by the number of general and limited partnership interests at the end of the quarter. In future periods, management anticipates that Available Cash Flow typically will be based on adjusted diluted net income per unit, unless management determines that one or more non-GAAP adjustments should not be made with respect to the Available Cash Flow calculation. See Note 4 to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 for a description of Available Cash Flow.
26

Management Operating Metrics

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

These non-GAAP measures are provided in addition to, and not as substitutes for, net revenues, operating income and operating margin, and they may not be comparable to non-GAAP measures presented by other companies. Management uses both the GAAP and non-GAAP measures in evaluating our financial performance. The non-GAAP measures alone may pose limitations because they do not include all of our revenues and expenses.
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
    (in thousands)  
                 
Net revenues, GAAP basis
 
$
734,275
   
$
642,163
   
$
1,443,397
   
$
1,323,972
 
Exclude:                                
Long-term incentive compensation-related investment (gains) losses
   
(818
)
   
7,619
     
(6,847
)
   
(7,951
)
Long-term incentive compensation-related dividends and interest
   
(196
)
   
(344
)
   
(465
)
   
(724
)
90% of consolidated venture capital fund investment (gains) losses
   
(6,602
)
   
907
     
(5,382
)
   
(6,779
)
Distribution-related payments
   
(111,386
)
   
(86,120
)
   
(220,666
)
   
(165,989
)
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
   
(10,325
)
   
(10,171
)
   
(21,399
)
   
(18,438
)
Pass-through fees and expenses
   
(7,022
)
   
(7,917
)
   
(13,890
)
   
(15,655
)
Adjusted net revenues
 
$
597,926
   
$
546,137
   
$
1,174,748
   
$
1,108,436
 
                                 
Operating income, GAAP basis  
$
136,654
   
$
78,747
   
$
260,852
   
$
179,992
 
Exclude:                                
Long-term incentive compensation-related investment (gains) losses
   
(818
)
   
7,619
     
(6,847
)
   
(7,951
)
Long-term incentive compensation-related dividends and interest
   
(196
)
   
(344
)
   
(465
)
   
(724
)
Long-term incentive compensation-related mark-to-market vesting expense (credit)
   
408
     
(7,030
)
   
6,013
     
6,979
 
Long-term incentive compensation-related dividends and interest expense
   
928
     
711
     
1,650
     
863
 
Net impact of long-term incentive compensation-related items
   
322
     
956
     
351
     
(833
)
Real estate charges
   
1,935
     
6,787
     
2,573
     
16,056
 
Sub-total of non-GAAP adjustments
   
2,257
     
7,743
     
2,924
     
15,223
 
Less: Net income (loss) of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests
   
6,376
     
(1,276
)
   
4,891
     
5,988
 
Adjusted operating income
 
$
132,535
   
$
87,766
   
$
258,885
   
$
189,227
 
Adjusted operating margin
   
22.2
%
   
16.1
%
   
22.0
%
   
17.1
%
 
Adjusted operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2013 increased $44.8 million, or 51.0%, from the three months ended June 30, 2012, primarily as a result of higher investment advisory base fees of $34.9 million, higher Bernstein research services revenues of $11.8 million and lower general and administrative expenses (excluding real estate charges) of $23.5 million, offset by higher employee compensation expense (excluding the impact of long-term incentive compensation-related items) of $26.0 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2013 adjusted operating income increased $69.7 million, or 36.8%, from the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily as a result of higher investment advisory base fees of $55.5 million, higher Bernstein research services revenues of $15.1 million and lower general and administrative expenses (excluding real estate charges) of $41.7 million, offset by higher employee compensation expense (excluding the impact of long-term incentive compensation-related items) of $32.5 million, lower net distribution revenues of $6.2 million and higher other promotion and servicing expenses of $4.8 million.
27

Adjusted Net Revenues

Adjusted net revenues exclude investment gains and losses and dividends and interest on long-term incentive compensation-related investments, and 90% of the investment gains and losses of our consolidated venture capital fund attributable to non-controlling interests. In addition, adjusted net revenues offset distribution-related payments to third parties as well as amortization of deferred sales commissions against distribution revenues. We believe the offset of distribution-related payments from net revenues is useful for our investors and other users of our financial statements because such presentation appropriately reflects the nature of these costs as pass-through payments to third parties who perform functions on behalf of our sponsored mutual funds and/or shareholders of these funds. We offset amortization of deferred sales commissions against net revenues because such costs, over time, essentially offset our distribution revenues. We also exclude additional pass-through expenses we incur (primarily through our transfer agency) that are reimbursed and recorded as fees in revenues. These fees have no impact on operating income, but they do have an impact on our operating margin. As such, we exclude these fees from adjusted net revenues.

Adjusted Operating Income

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

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

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

Most of the net income or loss of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests relates to the 90% limited partner interests held by third parties in our consolidated venture capital fund. We own a 10% limited partner interest in the fund. Because we are the general partner of the venture capital fund and are deemed to have a controlling interest, U.S. GAAP requires us to consolidate the financial results of the fund. However, recognizing 100% of the gains or losses in operating income while only retaining 10% is not reflective of our underlying financial results at the operating income level. As a result, we are excluding the 90% limited partner interests we do not own from our adjusted operating income. Similarly, net income of joint ventures attributable to non-controlling interests, although not significant, is excluded because it does not reflect the economic interest attributable to AllianceBernstein.

Adjusted Operating Margin

Adjusted operating margin allows us to monitor our financial performance and efficiency from period to period and to compare our performance to industry peers without the volatility noted above in our discussion of adjusted operating income. Adjusted operating margin is derived by dividing adjusted operating income by adjusted net revenues.
28

Net Revenues

The following table summarizes the components of net revenues:
 
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
 
6/30/13
6/30/12
$ Change
% Change
6/30/13
 6/30/12
$ Change
% Change
 
(in millions)
Investment advisory and services fees:  
                             
Institutions:
                               
   Base fees  
$
100.4
    $
106.5
    $
(6.1
)    
(5.7
)%   $
201.8
    $
223.7
  $
(21.9
)    
(9.8
)%
Performance-based fees
   
3.6
     
3.7
     
(0.1
)
   
(3.8
)    
6.2
     
8.1
     
(1.9
)
   
(23.6
)
 
   
104.0
     
110.2
     
(6.2
)
   
(5.6
)    
208.0
     
231.8
     
(23.8
)
   
(10.2
)
Retail:                                                                
Base fees
   
208.6
     
166.0
     
42.6
     
25.7
     
408.9
     
323.0
     
85.9
     
26.6
 
Performance-based fees
   
1.7
     
     
1.7
     
n/m
 
   
2.5
     
     
2.5
     
n/m
 
 
   
210.3
     
166.0
     
44.3
     
26.7
     
411.4
     
323.0
     
88.4
     
27.3
 
Private Client:
                                                               
Base fees
   
144.6
     
147.6
     
(3.0
)    
(2.1
)    
283.2
     
294.5
     
(11.3
)    
(3.8
)
Performance-based fees
   
0.2
     
0.1
     
0.1
     
177.7
     
0.3
     
0.1
     
0.2
     
284.2
 
 
   
144.8
     
147.7
     
(2.9
)
   
(2.0
)    
283.5
     
294.6
     
(11.1
)
   
(3.7
)
Total:
                                                               
Base fees
   
453.6
     
420.1
     
33.5
     
8.0
     
893.9
     
841.2
     
52.7
     
6.3
 
Performance-based fees
   
5.5
     
3.8
     
1.7
     
43.0
     
9.0
     
8.2
     
0.8
     
9.0
 
 
   
459.1
     
423.9
     
35.2
     
8.3
     
902.9
     
849.4
     
53.5
     
6.3
 
                                                                 
Bernstein research services
   
114.8
     
103.0
     
11.8
     
11.4
     
224.5
     
209.4
     
15.1
     
7.2
 
Distribution revenues
   
120.8
     
97.1
     
23.7
     
24.3
     
239.5
     
188.1
     
51.4
     
27.3
 
Dividend and interest income
   
4.5
     
5.0
     
(0.5
)
   
(9.0
)    
9.0
     
9.4
     
(0.4
)
   
(4.3
)
Investment gains (losses)
   
8.4
     
(10.9
)    
19.3
     
n/m
     
15.3
     
20.1
     
(4.8
)
   
(23.9
)
Other revenues
   
27.4
     
24.8
     
2.6
     
10.5
     
53.7
     
49.1
     
4.6
     
9.4
 
Total revenues
   
735.0
     
642.9
     
92.1
     
14.3
     
1,444.9
     
1,325.5
     
119.4
     
9.0
 
Less: interest expense
   
0.7
     
0.8
     
(0.1
)
   
(17.5
)    
1.5
     
1.5
     
     
 
Net revenues
 
$
734.3
   
$
642.1
   
$
92.2
   
 
14.3
   
$
1,443.4
   
$
1,324.0
   
$
119.4
     
9.0
 

Investment Advisory and Services Fees

Investment advisory and services fees are the largest component of our revenues. These fees generally are calculated as a percentage of the value of AUM as of a specified date, or as a percentage of the value of average AUM for the applicable billing period, and vary with the type of investment service, the size of account and the total amount of assets we manage for a particular client. Accordingly, fee income generally increases or decreases as AUM increase or decrease and is therefore affected by market appreciation or depreciation, the addition of new client accounts or client contributions of additional assets to existing accounts, withdrawals of assets from and termination of client accounts, purchases and redemptions of mutual fund shares, shifts of assets between accounts or products with different fee structures, and acquisitions. Our average basis points realized (investment advisory fees divided by average AUM) generally approximate 50 to 70 basis points for actively managed equity services, 25 to 45 basis points for actively managed fixed income services and 5 to 20 basis points for passively managed services. As such, a shift of client assets from active equity services toward fixed income services and/or other services results in a decline in revenues just as a shift of assets toward active equity services would increase revenues.

We calculate AUM using established fair valuation methodologies, including market-based valuation methods and fair valuation methods. Market-based valuation methods include:  last sale/settle prices from an exchange for actively-traded listed equities, options and futures; evaluated bid prices from recognized pricing vendors for fixed income, asset-backed or mortgage-backed issues; mid prices from recognized pricing vendors and brokers for credit default swaps; and quoted bids or spreads from pricing vendors and brokers for other derivative products.  Fair valuation methods include discounted cash flow models, evaluation of assets versus liabilities or any other methodology that is validated and approved by our Valuation Committee. Fair valuation methods are used only where AUM cannot be valued using market-based valuation methods, such as in the case of private equity or illiquid securities. Investments utilizing fair valuation methods typically make up an insignificant amount of our total AUM.  Market volatility has not had a significant effect on our ability to acquire market data and, accordingly, our ability to use market-based valuation methods.
29

The Valuation Committee, which is composed of senior officers and employees, is responsible for overseeing the pricing and valuation of all investments held in client and AllianceBernstein portfolios. The Valuation Committee has adopted a Statement of Pricing Policies describing principles and policies that apply to pricing and valuing investments held in these portfolios. We also have a Pricing Group, which reports to the Valuation Committee, and is responsible for overseeing the pricing process for all investments.
We sometimes charge our clients performance-based fees. In these situations, we charge a base advisory fee and are eligible to earn an additional performance-based fee or incentive allocation that is calculated as either a percentage of absolute investment results or a percentage of investment results in excess of a stated benchmark over a specified period of time. Some performance-based fees include a high-watermark provision, which generally provides that if a client account underperforms relative to its performance target (whether absolute or relative to a specified benchmark), it must gain back such underperformance before we can collect future performance-based fees. Therefore, if we fail to achieve our performance target for a particular period, we will not earn a performance-based fee for that period and, for accounts with a high-watermark provision, our ability to earn future performance-based fees will be impaired. We are eligible to earn performance-based fees on approximately 9% of the assets we manage for institutional clients and approximately 3% of the assets we manage for private clients (in total, approximately 5% of our company-wide AUM). A majority of our hedge fund AUM is subject to high watermarks and a significant majority of this AUM is below the high watermarks. Accordingly, it is very unlikely we will earn performance-based fees on these hedge funds in 2013. If the percentage of our AUM subject to performance-based fees grows, seasonality and volatility of revenues and earnings are likely to become more significant.

For the three months ended June 30, 2013, our investment advisory and services fees increased by $35.2 million, or 8.3%, from the second quarter of 2012, due to a $33.5 million, or 8.0%, increase in base fees, which primarily resulted from an 8.5% increase in average AUM. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, our investment advisory and services fees increased by $53.5 million, or 6.3%, from six months ended June 30, 2012, due to a $52.7 million, or 6.3%, increase in base fees, which primarily resulted from a 6.6% increase in average AUM. In the case of both periods, the increase in base fees was less than the increase in average AUM primarily due to the continued shift in product mix from actively managed equity services to actively managed fixed income services, which generally have lower fees as compared to actively managed equity services.

Institutional investment advisory and services fees for the three months ended June 30, 2013 decreased by $6.2 million, or 5.6%, from the three months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to a continued significant shift in product mix from actively managed equity services to actively managed fixed income services. Average AUM for actively managed equity services for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 decreased 34.1% while average AUM for actively managed fixed income services increased 13.4%. Institutional investment advisory and services fees for the six months ended June 30, 2013 decreased by $23.8 million, or 10.2%, from the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to a continued significant shift in product mix from actively managed equity services to actively managed fixed income services. Average AUM for actively managed equity services for the six months ended June 30, 2013 decreased 39.4% while average AUM for actively managed fixed income services increased 12.0%.

Retail investment advisory and services fees for the three months ended June 30, 2013 increased by $44.3 million, or 26.7%, from the three months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to a 21.6% increase in average AUM. The increase in fees reflects higher fees from non-U.S. fixed income mutual funds of $31.9 million and higher fees from U.S. mutual funds of $5.1 million. Retail investment advisory and services fees for the six months ended June 30, 2013 increased by $88.4 million, or 27.3%, from the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to a 22.7% increase in average AUM. The increase in fees reflects higher fees from non-U.S. fixed income mutual funds of $69.7 million and higher fees from U.S. mutual funds of $8.9 million.

Private client investment advisory and services fees for the three months ended June 30, 2013 decreased by $2.9 million, or 2.0%, from the three months ended June 30, 2012, primarily as a result of a decline in average billable AUM of 4.8%. Private client investment advisory and services fees for the six months ended June 30, 2013 decreased by $11.1 million, or 3.7%, from the six months ended June 30, 2012, primarily as a result of a decline in average billable AUM of 5.2%. In the case of both periods, the decrease in fees was less than the decrease in billable AUM reflecting the impact of an asset mix shift from fixed income services to actively managed equities services and other (principally alternatives) services.

Bernstein Research Services

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

Revenues from Bernstein Research Services for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 increased $11.8 million, or 11.4%, and $15.1 million, or 7.2%, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2012. The increases were the result of strong growth in Europe and Asia.
30

Distribution Revenues

AllianceBernstein Investments and AllianceBernstein Luxembourg act as distributor and/or placing agent of company-sponsored mutual funds and receive distribution services fees from certain of those funds as partial reimbursement of the distribution expenses they incur. Period-over-period fluctuations of distribution revenues are typically in-line with fluctuations of the corresponding average AUM of these mutual funds.

Distribution revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 increased $23.7 million, or 24.3%, and $51.4 million, or 27.3%, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2012, while the corresponding average AUM of these mutual funds grew 24.2% and 27.3%, respectively.

Dividend and Interest Income and Interest Expense

Dividend and interest income consists primarily of investment income and interest earned on customer margin balances and U.S. Treasury Bills. Interest expense principally reflects interest accrued on cash balances in customers’ brokerage accounts. Dividend and interest income, net of interest expense, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 were essentially flat compared to the corresponding periods in 2012.

Investment Gains (Losses)

Investment gains (losses) consist primarily of realized and unrealized investment gains or losses on: (i) employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments, (ii) investments owned by our consolidated venture capital fund, (iii) U.S. Treasury Bills, (iv) market-making in cash equities and exchange-traded options and equities, (v) seed capital investments and (vi) derivatives. Investments gains (losses) also include realized gains or losses on the sale of seed capital investments classified as available-for-sale securities and equity in earnings of proprietary investments in limited partnership hedge funds that we sponsor and manage.

Investment gains (losses) are as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(in millions)
 
Long-term incentive compensation-related investments
               
Realized gains (losses)
 
$
0.8
   
$
0.6
   
$
1.3
   
$
(0.8
)
Unrealized gains (losses)
   
0.1
     
(8.2
)
   
5.6
     
8.8
 
Consolidated private equity fund investments
                               
Realized gains (losses)
   
(10.7
)
   
5.0
     
(12.2
)
   
6.5
 
Unrealized gains (losses)
   
18.1
     
(6.0
)
   
18.1
     
1.0
 
Seed capital investments
                               
Realized gains (losses)
   
1.2
     
12.6
     
(7.8
)
   
(6.9
)
Unrealized gains (losses)
   
0.6
     
(13.2
)
   
13.6
     
15.9
 
Brokerage-related investments
                               
Realized gains (losses)
   
(3.0
)
   
(1.8
)
   
(6.3
)
   
(4.3
)
Unrealized gains (losses)
   
1.3
     
0.1
     
3.0
     
(0.1
)
   
$
8.4
   
$
(10.9
)
 
$
15.3
   
$
20.1
 

Realized gains or losses on long-term incentive compensation-related investments typically occur in December of each year, as well as during the first quarter, as award tranches become distributable and related investments are sold to provide cash for payments to employees. The unrealized gains for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 reflect the favorable financial markets during the first quarter in each year.

Our consolidated private equity fund incurred realized losses of $10.7 million and $12.2 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, as a result of sales of both publicly-traded securities and non-public investments. The fund had realized gains of $5.0 million and $6.5 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, primarily due to sales of publicly-traded securities. Our consolidated private equity fund had unrealized gains of $18.1 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 as a result of higher prices of publicly-traded securities and fair values of non-public investments, while the fund incurred unrealized losses of $6.0 million during the three months ended June 30, 2012, primarily due to lower prices of public securities.

Our seed capital investments incurred realized losses of $7.8 million and $6.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, due to the losses incurred on the derivatives we use to economically hedge our seed capital investments exceeding the gains realized on the sales of the seed capital investments.  The unrealized gain of $13.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013 primarily reflects derivative mark-to-market gains, while the unrealized gain of $15.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013 primarily reflects seed capital investment mark-to-market gains, slightly offset by derivative mark-to-market losses.
31

Other Revenues

Other revenues consist of fees earned for transfer agency services provided to company-sponsored mutual funds, fees earned for administration and recordkeeping services provided to company-sponsored mutual funds and the general accounts of AXA and its subsidiaries, and other miscellaneous revenues. Other revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 increased $2.6 million, or 10.5%, and $4.6 million, or 9.4%, respectively, from the corresponding periods in 2012, primarily due to higher shareholder servicing fees.

Expenses

The following table summarizes the components of expenses :
 
   
Three Months Ended  
           
Six Months Ended  
         
   
6/30/13
   
6/30/12
   
$ Change
   
% Change
   
6/30/13
   
6/30/12
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
   
(in millions)
 
                                 
Employee compensation and benefits
 
$
306.5
   
$
272.8
   
$
33.7
     
12.3
%  
$
607.7
   
$
575.4
   
$
32.3
     
5.6
%
Promotion and servicing:
                                                               
Distribution-related payments
   
111.4
     
86.1
     
25.3
     
29.3
     
220.7
     
166.0
     
54.7
     
32.9
 
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
   
10.3
     
10.2
     
0.1
     
1.5
     
21.4
     
18.4
     
3.0
     
16.1
 
Other
   
56.3
     
51.8
     
4.5
     
8.8
     
107.3
     
101.5
     
5.8
     
5.7
 
 
   
178.0
     
148.1
     
29.9
     
20.2
     
349.4
     
285.9
     
63.5
     
22.2
 
General and administrative:
                                                               
General and administrative
   
104.5
     
129.3
     
(24.8
)
   
(19.2
)
   
209.8
     
254.2
     
(44.4
)
   
(17.5
)
Real estate charges
   
1.9
     
6.8
     
(4.9
)
   
(71.5
)
   
2.6
     
16.1
     
(13.5
)
   
(84.0
)
 
   
106.4
     
136.1
     
(29.7
)
   
(21.8
)
   
212.4
     
270.3
     
(57.9
)
   
(21.4
)
Interest
   
0.8
     
0.9
     
(0.1
)
   
(11.1
)
   
1.8
     
1.7
     
0.1
     
3.0
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
5.9
     
5.5
     
0.4
     
6.5
     
11.3
     
10.7
     
0.6
     
6.1
 
Total
 
$
597.6
   
$
563.4
   
$
34.2
     
6.1
   
$
1,182.6
   
$
1,144.0
   
$
38.6
     
3.4
 

Employee Compensation and Benefits

We had 3,269 full-time employees at June 30, 2013 compared to 3,385 at June 30, 2012. Employee compensation and benefits consist of salaries (including severance), annual short-term incentive compensation awards (cash bonuses), annual long-term incentive compensation awards, commissions, fringe benefits and other employment costs (including recruitment, training, temporary help and meals).

Compensation expense as a percentage of net revenues was 41.7% and 42.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, compensation expense as a percentage of net revenues was 42.1% and 43.5%, respectively. Compensation expense generally is determined on a discretionary basis and is primarily a function of our firm’s financial performance. Amounts are awarded to help us achieve our key compensation goals of attracting, motivating and retaining top talent, by providing awards for the past year’s performance and providing incentives for future performance, while also helping ensure that our firm’s unitholders receive an appropriate return on their investment. Senior management, with the approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of AllianceBernstein Corporation (“Compensation Committee”), confirmed that the appropriate metric to consider in determining the amount of incentive compensation is the ratio of adjusted employee compensation and benefits expense to adjusted net revenues. Adjusted net revenues used in the adjusted compensation ratio are the same as the adjusted net revenues presented as a non-GAAP measure (discussed earlier in this MD&A). Adjusted employee compensation and benefits expense is total employee compensation and benefits expense minus other employment costs such as recruitment, training, temporary help and meals, and excludes the impact of mark-to-market vesting expense, as well as dividends and interest expense, associated with employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments. Senior management, with the approval of the Compensation Committee, also established as an objective that adjusted employee compensation and benefits expense generally should not exceed 50% of our adjusted net revenues except in unexpected or unusual circumstances. Our ratios of adjusted compensation expense to adjusted revenues were 50.0% for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.
For the three months ended June 30, 2013, employee compensation and benefits expense increased $33.7 million, or 12.3%, primarily due to the net impact of higher adjusted revenues of $25.9 million and higher deferred compensation mark-to-market expense of $7.4 million, which is the result of mark-to-market gains in 2013 compared to mark-to-market losses during 2012. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, employee compensation and benefits expense increased $32.3 million, or 5.6%, primarily due to the net impact of higher adjusted revenues of $33.1 million, partially offset by lower deferred compensation mark-to-market expense of $1.0 million.
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Promotion and Servicing

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

Promotion and servicing expenses increased $29.9 million, or 20.2%, during the three months ended June 30, 2013. The increase was the result of higher distribution-related payments of $25.3 million, higher trade execution and clearing costs of $1.9 million, higher transfer fees of $1.2 million and higher travel and entertainment costs of $0.8 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, promotion and servicing expenses increased $63.5 million, or 22.2%. The increase was the result of higher distribution-related payments of $54.7 million, higher trade execution and clearing costs of $3.2 million, higher amortization of deferred sales commissions of $3.0 million, higher transfer fees of $1.8 million and higher marketing costs of $1.2 million.

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses include technology, professional fees, occupancy, communications and similar expenses. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 14.5% (14.2% excluding real estate charges) and 21.2% (20.1% excluding real estate charges) for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. General and administrative expenses decreased $29.7 million, or 21.8%, during the second quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, primarily due to lower office and related expenses of $14.3 million (excluding real estate charges), lower professional fees of $6.7 million, lower real estate charges of $4.9 million and lower portfolio services expenses of $2.7 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 14.7% (14.5% excluding real estate charges) and 20.4% (19.2% excluding real estate charges), respectively. General and administrative expenses decreased $57.9 million, or 21.4%, during the first six months of 2013 compared to the corresponding period in 2012, primarily due to lower office and related expenses of $31.1 million (excluding real estate charges), lower real estate charges of $13.5 million, lower professional fees of $8.5 million, and lower portfolio services expenses of $5.7 million .

Income Taxes

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

Income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2013 increased $3.8 million from the three months ended June 30, 2012. The increase primarily is due to higher pre-tax earnings, offset by a lower effective tax rate in the current year quarter of 7.0% compared to 7.4% in the comparable prior year quarter. Income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2013 increased $8.2 million from the six months ended June 30, 2012. The increase is primarily due to higher pre-tax earnings and a higher effective tax rate in the current year of 7.9% compared to 7.0% in the prior year. The increase in the effective tax rate primarily is due to higher foreign earnings (which have higher effective tax rates) and payments relating to foreign lease assignments which are not deductible for foreign taxes.

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

Net income (loss) of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests consists of limited partner interests owned by other investors representing 90% of the total limited partner interests in our consolidated venture capital fund. During the second quarter of 2013, we had $6.4 million of net income of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests, due primarily to a $7.4 million net investment gain attributable to our consolidated venture capital fund (of which 90% belongs to non-controlling interests) and management fees of $0.2 million. During the first six months of 2013, we had $4.9 million of net income of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests, primarily due to a $5.9 million net investment gain attributable to our consolidated venture capital fund and management fees of $0.5 million.
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CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
During the first six months of 2013, net cash provided by operating activities was $110.7 million, compared to $240.5 million during the corresponding 2012 period. The change was primarily due to a higher decrease in broker-dealer related payables (net of receivables and segregated U.S. Treasury Bills activity) of $266.3 million, partially offset by higher cash provided by net income of $54.3 million, lower net deferred sales commissions paid of $51.7 million and lower net purchases of investments of $15.2 million, reflecting a reduction in seed capital investments, partially offset by higher purchases of broker-dealer related investments and lower proceeds from deferred compensation-related redemptions.

During the first six months of 2013, net cash used in investing activities was $8.5 million, compared to $7.9 million during the corresponding 2012 period, reflecting higher net purchases of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements in the current period.

During the first six months of 2013, net cash used in financing activities was $146.2 million, compared to $390.3 million during the corresponding 2012 period. The change reflects the net issuance of commercial paper of $22.3 million during 2013 versus the net repayment of commercial paper of $169.7 million during 2012, lower purchases of Holding Units of $68.2 million and an increase in overdrafts payable of $37.0 million, partially offset by higher distributions to the General Partner and unitholders of $86.6 million as a result of higher earnings (distributions on earnings are paid one quarter in arrears).

As of June 30, 2013, AllianceBernstein had $571.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, all of which is available for liquidity, but is comprised primarily of cash on deposit for our broker dealers to comply with various customer clearing activities and cash held by foreign entities for which a permanent investment election for U.S. tax purposes is taken. If the cash held at our foreign subsidiaries of $378.0 million, which includes cash on deposit for our foreign broker dealers, was to be repatriated to the U.S., we would be required to accrue and pay U.S. income taxes on these funds, based on the unremitted amount. Our current intent is to permanently reinvest these earnings outside the U.S.

Debt and Credit Facilities

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, AllianceBernstein had $346.3 million and $323.2 million, respectively, in commercial paper outstanding with weighted average interest rates of approximately 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively. The commercial paper is short term in nature, and as such, recorded value is estimated to approximate fair value. Average daily borrowings of commercial paper during the first six months of 2013 and the full year 2012 were $405.3 million and $404.9 million, respectively, with weighted average interest rates of approximately 0.4% for both periods.

AllianceBernstein has a $1.0 billion committed, unsecured senior revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a group of commercial banks and other lenders, which matures on January 17, 2017. The Credit Facility provides for possible increases in the principal amount by up to an aggregate incremental amount of $250 million, any such increase being subject to the consent of the affected lenders. The Credit Facility is available for AllianceBernstein’s and SCB LLC’s business purposes, including the support of AllianceBernstein’s $1.0 billion commercial paper program. Both AllianceBernstein and SCB LLC can draw directly under the Credit Facility and management expects to draw on the Credit Facility from time to time. AllianceBernstein has agreed to guarantee the obligations of SCB LLC under the Credit Facility.

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

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

As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had no amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility. During the first six months of 2013 and the full year 2012, we did not draw upon the Credit Facility.
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In addition, SCB LLC has five uncommitted lines of credit with four financial institutions. Two of these lines of credit permit us to borrow up to an aggregate of approximately $200.0 million, with AllianceBernstein named as an additional borrower, while three lines have no stated limit. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had no bank loans outstanding. Average daily borrowings of bank loans during the first six months of 2013 and full year 2012 were $8.4 million and $18.1 million, respectively, with weighted average interest rates of approximately 1.0% and 1.3%, respectively.

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

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

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

During 2009, we entered into a subscription agreement under which we committed to invest up to $35 million, as amended in 2011, in a venture capital fund over a six-year period. As of June 30, 2013, we had funded $22.8 million of this commitment.

During 2010, as general partner of AllianceBernstein U.S. Real Estate L.P. (the “Real Estate Fund”), we committed to invest $25 million in the Real Estate Fund. As of June 30, 2013, we had funded $8.7 million of this commitment.

During 2012, we entered into an investment agreement under which we committed to invest up to $8 million in an oil and gas fund over a three-year period. As of June 30, 2013, we had funded $7.9 million of this commitment.

See Note 12 for discussion of contingencies.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

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

There have been no updates to our critical accounting estimates from those disclosed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

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

CAUTIONS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements provided by management in this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The most significant of these factors include, but are not limited to, the following: the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of sponsored investment products and separately-managed accounts, general economic conditions, industry trends, future acquisitions, competitive conditions and government regulations, including changes in tax regulations and rates and the manner in which the earnings of publicly-traded partnerships are taxed. We caution readers to carefully consider such factors. Further, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made; we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements. For further information regarding these forward-looking statements and the factors that could cause actual results to differ, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and Part II, Item 1A in this Form 10-Q. Any or all of the forward-looking statements that we make in our Form 10-K, this Form 10-Q, other documents we file with or furnish to the SEC, and any other public statements we issue, may turn out to be wrong. It is important to remember that other factors besides those listed in “Risk Factors” and those listed below could also adversely affect our revenues, financial condition, results of operations and business prospects.

The forward-looking statements referred to in the preceding paragraph, most of which directly affect AllianceBernstein but also affect Holding because Holding’s principal source of income and cash flow is attributable to its investment in AllianceBernstein, include statements regarding:
 
Our belief that the cash flow Holding realizes from its investment in AllianceBernstein will provide Holding with the resources necessary to meet its financial obligations: Holding’s cash flow is dependent on the quarterly cash distributions it receives from AllianceBernstein. Accordingly, Holding’s ability to meet its financial obligations is dependent on AllianceBernstein’s cash flow from its operations, which is subject to the performance of the capital markets and other factors beyond our control.
 
Our financial condition and ability to issue public and private debt providing adequate liquidity for our general business needs: Our financial condition is dependent on our cash flow from operations, which is subject to the performance of the capital markets, our ability to maintain and grow client assets under management and other factors beyond our control. Our ability to issue public and private debt on reasonable terms, as well as the market for such debt or equity, may be limited by adverse market conditions, our firm’s long-term credit ratings, our profitability and changes in government regulations, including tax rates and interest rates.
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The outcome of litigation: Litigation is inherently unpredictable, and excessive damage awards do occur. Though we have stated that we do not expect certain legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity, any settlement or judgment with respect to a legal proceeding could be significant, and could have such an effect.
 
The possibility that we will engage in open market purchases of Holding Units to help fund anticipated obligations under our incentive compensation award program:  The number of Holding Units AllianceBernstein may decide to buy in future periods, if any, to help fund incentive compensation awards is dependent upon various factors, some of which are beyond our control, including the fluctuation in the price of a Holding Unit (NYSE: AB) and the availability of cash to make these purchases.
 
Our determination that adjusted employee compensation expense should not exceed 50% of our adjusted revenues:  Aggregate employee compensation reflects employee performance and competitive compensation levels.  Fluctuations in our revenues and/or changes in competitive compensation levels could result in adjusted employee compensation expense being higher than 50% of our adjusted revenues.
 
Our anticipation that cumulative write-offs relating to our global real estate consolidation program targeting approximately 510,000 square feet of office space will remain in our previously announced range of $225 million to $250 million: Any charges we record are based on our current assumptions regarding sublease marketing periods, costs to prepare the properties to market, market rental rates, broker commissions and subtenant allowances/incentives, all of which are factors largely beyond our control.  If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, we may be forced to record additional charges beyond our previously announced range of $225 million to $250 million.
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes to AllianceBernstein’s market risk for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

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

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the second quarter of 2013 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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