N-CSRS 1 d390495dncsrs.htm AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC. AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.

 

 

UNITED STATES  

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-05398

 

 

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

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

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

Joseph J. Mantineo

Alliance Bernstein L.P.

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10105

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

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

Date of fiscal year end: December 31, 2018

Date of reporting period: June 30, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 


ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.

 


JUN    06.30.18

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2018
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2018
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,001.70      $ 3.57        0.72

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,021.22      $   3.61        0.72
           

Class B

           

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,000.00      $ 4.81        0.97

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,019.98      $ 4.86        0.97

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

SECURITY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  NET ASSETS  

Bernstein Fund, Inc.—International Strategic Equities Portfolio—Class Z

   $ 31,248,000          11.1

Federal National Mortgage Association

     19,490,609          6.9  

Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc.—International Portfolio—Class Z

     17,498,880          6.2  

U.S. Treasury Bonds & Notes

     11,571,587          4.1  

Bernstein Fund, Inc.—International Small Cap Portfolio—Class Z

     9,374,400          3.3  

Inflation-Linked Securities

     4,983,092          1.8  

Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc.—Emerging Markets Portfolio—Class Z

     4,374,720          1.6  

Alphabet, Inc.—Class C

     4,272,940          1.5  

AB Discovery Growth Fund, Inc.—Class Z

     3,749,760          1.3  

AB Discovery Value Fund—Class Z

     3,749,760          1.3  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   110,313,748          39.1

SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

 

 

SECURITY TYPE    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL
INVESTMENTS
 

Common Stocks

   $ 99,440,175          34.9

Investment Companies

     73,745,280          25.9  

Corporates—Investment Grade

     26,550,310          9.3  

Mortgage Pass-Throughs

     20,942,859          7.4  

Governments—Treasuries

     12,083,084          4.2  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

     8,693,754          3.1  

Asset-Backed Securities

     7,000,323          2.5  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

     5,720,042          2.0  

Inflation-Linked Securities

     4,983,092          1.7  

Corporates—Non-Investment Grade

     3,920,897          1.4  

Emerging Markets—Corporate Bonds

     1,025,671          0.4  

Governments—Sovereign Bonds

     693,054          0.2  

Emerging Markets—Treasuries

     610,813          0.2  

Local Governments—US Municipal Bonds

     508,820          0.2  

Quasi-Sovereigns

     224,076          0.1  

Other3

     10,419          0.0  

Short-Term Investments

     18,486,611          6.5  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   284,639,280          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

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

 

3   “Other” represents less than 0.0% weightings in the following security types: Options Purchased—Puts and Rights.

 

2


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO  
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COUNTRY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL
INVESTMENTS
 

United States

   $ 239,596,617          84.1

United Kingdom

     5,413,602          1.9  

Japan

     2,795,313          1.0  

France

     2,490,829          0.9  

Brazil

     2,228,482          0.8  

Canada

     2,079,347          0.7  

Australia

     1,492,893          0.5  

Spain

     946,085          0.3  

Switzerland

     809,482          0.3  

Germany

     784,832          0.3  

Mexico

     746,187          0.3  

Hong Kong

     682,927          0.2  

Israel

     682,700          0.2  

Other

     5,403,373          1.9  

Short-Term Investments

     18,486,611          6.6  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   284,639,280          100.0

 

 

 

 

1   All data are as of June 30, 2018. The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represent 0.2% or less in the following countries: Argentina, Austria, Bermuda, Chile, China, Finland, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sweden, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

 

3


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
        Shares     U.S. $ Value  
     

COMMON STOCKS–35.3%

     
     

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–8.5%

     

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.6%

     

Cisco Systems, Inc.

      23,592     $ 1,015,164  

Nokia Oyj (Sponsored ADR)–Class A

      92,644       532,703  
     

 

 

 
        1,547,867  
     

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–0.1%

     

CDW Corp./DE

      4,828       390,054  
     

 

 

 

INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–2.8%

     

Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a)

      3,830       4,272,940  

eBay, Inc.(a)

      13,374       484,941  

Facebook, Inc.–Class A(a)

      15,520       3,015,846  
     

 

 

 
        7,773,727  
     

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–1.2%

     

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.–Class A

      10,059       794,560  

Total System Services, Inc.

      7,342       620,546  

Visa, Inc.–Class A

      15,550       2,059,598  
     

 

 

 
        3,474,704  
     

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–1.1%

     

Intel Corp.

      26,635       1,324,026  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

      8,081       890,930  

Xilinx, Inc.

      13,000       848,380  
     

 

 

 
        3,063,336  
     

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–1.5%

     

Adobe Systems, Inc.(a)

      3,300       804,573  

Microsoft Corp.

      23,403       2,307,770  

Oracle Corp.

      25,450       1,121,327  
     

 

 

 
        4,233,670  
     

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–1.2%

     

Apple, Inc.

      14,006       2,592,651  

HP, Inc.

      24,179       548,621  

Xerox Corp.

      15,067       361,608  
     

 

 

 
        3,502,880  
     

 

 

 
        23,986,238  
     

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–4.9%

     

BANKS–2.7%

     

Bank Hapoalim BM

      33,800       229,138  

Bank of America Corp.

      80,975       2,282,685  

Citigroup, Inc.

      17,397       1,164,207  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

      22,109       2,303,758  

Wells Fargo & Co.

      29,200       1,618,848  
     

 

 

 
        7,598,636  
     

 

 

 
     
     

CAPITAL MARKETS–0.9%

     

CME Group, Inc.–Class A

      4,793     $ 785,669  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

      4,418       974,478  

S&P Global, Inc.

      4,220       860,416  
     

 

 

 
        2,620,563  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–0.3%

     

Synchrony Financial

      20,730       691,967  
     

 

 

 

INSURANCE–1.0%

     

Everest Re Group Ltd.

      4,294       989,681  

FNF Group

      16,512       621,181  

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

      34,000       36,568  

Progressive Corp. (The)

      18,350       1,085,403  
     

 

 

 
        2,732,833  
     

 

 

 
        13,643,999  
     

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–4.2%

     

DIVERSIFIED REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES–0.2%

     

Kerry Properties Ltd.

      25,000       119,473  

Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.

      5,100       89,030  

Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.

      8,300       199,933  

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd.

      3,000       110,475  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

      3,000       45,198  

UOL Group Ltd.

      14,800       82,649  
     

 

 

 
        646,758  
     

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED REITS–0.3%

     

Activia Properties, Inc.

      12       54,988  

Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc.

      4,360       64,964  

Covivio

      680       70,654  

Dream Global Real Estate Investment Trust

      3,800       41,508  

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.–Class A

      4,050       69,255  

GPT Group (The)

      21,000       78,572  

H&R Real Estate Investment Trust

      3,500       53,566  

Hulic Reit, Inc.

      26       40,282  

ICADE

      885       82,897  

Kenedix Office Investment Corp.–Class A

      8       49,659  

Land Securities Group PLC

      5,890       74,204  

Merlin Properties Socimi SA

      5,704       82,811  

Mirvac Group

      51,790       83,123  
     

 

 

 
        846,483  
     

 

 

 

EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)–1.3%

     

Crown Castle International Corp.

      9,178       989,572  

CubeSmart

      9,400       302,868  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

      12,580       1,266,429  

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
        Shares     U.S. $ Value  
     

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

      2,910     $ 89,133  

Sun Communities, Inc.

      8,818       863,106  
     

 

 

 
        3,511,108  
     

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE REITS–0.1%

     

HCP, Inc.

      4,210       108,702  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

      2,150       62,522  

LTC Properties, Inc.

      960       41,030  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

      7,360       103,335  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

      4,300       93,439  
     

 

 

 
        409,028  
     

 

 

 

HOTEL & RESORT REITS–0.1%

     

MGM Growth Properties LLC–Class A

      1,980       60,311  

RLJ Lodging Trust

      4,590       101,210  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.

      3,040       43,502  
     

 

 

 
        205,023  
     

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL REITS–0.3%

     

Duke Realty Corp.

      4,540       131,796  

Goodman Group

      9,360       66,726  

PLA Administradora Industrial S de RL de CV(a)

      18,650       25,449  

Prologis, Inc.

      3,610       237,141  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

      2,350       73,766  

Segro PLC

      8,190       72,128  

STAG Industrial, Inc.

      3,460       94,216  

Tritax Big Box REIT PLC

      24,260       49,836  
     

 

 

 
        751,058  
     

 

 

 

OFFICE REITS–0.3%

     

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

      980       123,647  

alstria office REIT-AG

      2,750       41,317  

Brandywine Realty Trust

      3,450       58,236  

CapitaLand Commercial Trust

      44,600       54,310  

Champion REIT

      61,000       40,458  

Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

      3,364       76,396  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

      2,840       82,332  

Hibernia REIT PLC

      13,800       24,173  

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

      1,310       66,456  

Investa Office Fund

      13,440       51,997  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

      15       79,350  

JBG SMITH Properties

      1,210       44,129  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

      1,070       80,935  

Nippon Building Fund, Inc.

      7       40,378  

Workspace Group PLC

      5,076       72,152  
     

 

 

 
        936,266  
     

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT–0.1%

     

CK Asset Holdings Ltd.

      27,000       213,740  

Metrovacesa SA(a)(b)

      1,440       25,225  

Times China Holdings Ltd.

      30,000       44,512  
     

 

 

 
        283,477  
     

 

 

 
     

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–0.3%

     

Aroundtown SA

      10,290     $ 84,586  

CBRE Group, Inc.–Class A(a)

      16,954       809,384  
     

 

 

 
        893,970  
     

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE OPERATING COMPANIES–0.3%

     

Azrieli Group Ltd.

      2,510       124,762  

CA Immobilien Anlagen AG

      2,120       70,657  

Deutsche Wohnen SE

      4,020       194,142  

Entra ASA(b)

      2,988       40,724  

Fabege AB

      5,260       62,562  

Kungsleden AB

      4,850       33,383  

Swire Properties Ltd.

      21,800       80,398  

Vonovia SE

      4,992       237,267  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd.

      15,000       106,511  
     

 

 

 
        950,406  
     

 

 

 

RESIDENTIAL REITS–0.3%

     

American Campus Communities, Inc.

      1,330       57,030  

American Homes 4 Rent–Class A

      4,870       108,016  

Camden Property Trust

      1,490       135,784  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

      710       169,740  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

      8,010       82,583  

Japan Rental Housing Investments, Inc.

      70       56,285  

Killam Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust

      7,660       87,283  

UNITE Group PLC (The)

      6,360       72,169  
     

 

 

 
        768,890  
     

 

 

 

RETAIL REITS–0.4%

     

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

      3,240       56,473  

Charter Hall Retail REIT

      13,190       40,890  

Fukuoka REIT Corp.

      30       47,562  

Japan Retail Fund Investment Corp.

      35       63,135  

Kenedix Retail REIT Corp.

      18       39,770  

Link REIT

      5,268       48,041  

National Retail Properties, Inc.

      2,610       114,736  

Regency Centers Corp.

      1,830       113,606  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

      3,710       71,084  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

      2,156       366,930  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

      450       99,085  

Urban Edge Properties

      2,860       65,408  
     

 

 

 
        1,126,720  
     

 

 

 

SPECIALIZED REITS–0.2%

     

American Tower Corp.

      290       41,809  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

      1,480       165,138  

EPR Properties

      1,010       65,438  

Equinix, Inc.

      140       60,185  

 

5


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
        Shares     U.S. $ Value  
     

National Storage Affiliates Trust

      2,160     $ 66,571  

Safestore Holdings PLC

      2,860       20,680  
     

 

 

 
        419,821  
     

 

 

 
        11,749,008  
     

 

 

 

ENERGY–3.8%

     

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.3%

     

C&J Energy Services, Inc.(a)

      5,230       123,428  

Petrofac Ltd.

      3,430       26,350  

Petroleum Geo-Services ASA(a)

      8,960       41,859  

Schlumberger Ltd.

      8,343       559,231  
     

 

 

 
        750,868  
     

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–3.5%

     

Aker BP ASA

      2,260       83,130  

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

      2,870       210,227  

BP PLC

      66,460       505,662  

Chevron Corp.

      14,892       1,882,796  

CNOOC Ltd.

      61,000       104,526  

Concho Resources, Inc.(a)

      620       85,777  

Continental Resources, Inc./OK(a)

      1,890       122,396  

Cosan SA Industria e Comercio

      4,600       41,754  

EOG Resources, Inc.

      10,280       1,279,140  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

      16,890       1,397,309  

Gran Tierra Energy, Inc.(a)

      12,450       43,089  

Inpex Corp.

      6,100       63,354  

JXTG Holdings, Inc.

      19,000       131,818  

LUKOIL PJSC (Sponsored ADR)

      2,160       148,889  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

      14,822       1,039,912  

Motor Oil Hellas Corinth Refineries SA

      4,260       85,567  

Origin Energy Ltd.(a)

      14,220       105,472  

PetroChina Co., Ltd.–Class H

      264,000       201,119  

Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Preference Shares)

      14,700       65,198  

Repsol SA

      11,000       214,710  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC–Class B

      33,110       1,185,769  

SM Energy Co.

      3,960       101,732  

TOTAL SA

      8,390       509,489  

Tupras Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AS

      3,580       84,165  

Whiting Petroleum Corp.(a)

      1,190       62,737  

YPF SA (Sponsored ADR)

      5,353       72,694  
     

 

 

 
        9,828,431  
     

 

 

 
        10,579,299  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–3.6%

     

AUTO COMPONENTS–0.3%

     

Magna International, Inc. (New York)–Class A

      13,220       768,479  
     

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.4%

     

Carnival Corp.

      8,679       497,393  
     

McDonald’s Corp.

      4,639     $ 726,885  
     

 

 

 
        1,224,278  
     

 

 

 

MEDIA–0.8%

     

Comcast Corp.–Class A

      43,777       1,436,324  

Walt Disney Co. (The)

      7,614       798,023  
     

 

 

 
        2,234,347  
     

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.7%

     

AutoZone, Inc.(a)

      952       638,725  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

      9,140       1,783,214  

Ross Stores, Inc.

      11,332       960,387  

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

      13,208       1,257,138  
     

 

 

 
        4,639,464  
     

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.4%

     

NIKE, Inc.–Class B

      15,450       1,231,056  
     

 

 

 
        10,097,624  
     

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–3.5%

     

BIOTECHNOLOGY–0.6%

     

Biogen, Inc.(a)

      2,660       772,038  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

      13,486       955,348  
     

 

 

 
        1,727,386  
     

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–0.6%

     

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

      5,290       770,065  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)

      850       406,708  

Medtronic PLC

      6,927       593,021  
     

 

 

 
        1,769,794  
     

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.4%

     

Aetna, Inc.

      5,112       938,052  

Anthem, Inc.

      4,631       1,102,317  

Cigna Corp.

      1,485       252,376  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

      6,330       1,553,002  
     

 

 

 
        3,845,747  
     

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–0.9%

     

Merck & Co., Inc.

      7,773       471,821  

Pfizer, Inc.

      33,820       1,226,990  

Zoetis, Inc.

      9,460       805,897  
     

 

 

 
        2,504,708  
     

 

 

 
        9,847,635  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–2.4%

     

BEVERAGES–0.7%

     

Constellation Brands, Inc.–Class A

      3,590       785,744  

PepsiCo, Inc.

      9,976       1,086,087  
     

 

 

 
        1,871,831  
     

 

 

 

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.9%

     

Costco Wholesale Corp.

      5,680       1,187,006  

Walmart, Inc.

      17,080       1,462,902  
     

 

 

 
        2,649,908  
     

 

 

 

 

6


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
        Shares     U.S. $ Value  
     

FOOD PRODUCTS–0.3%

     

Tyson Foods, Inc.–Class A

      12,627     $ 869,369  
     

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–0.3%

     

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

      10,038       783,566  
     

 

 

 

TOBACCO–0.2%

     

Altria Group, Inc.

      7,722       438,532  
     

 

 

 
        6,613,206  
     

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–2.0%

     

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.1%

     

Boeing Co. (The)

      3,454       1,158,852  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

      3,199       984,332  

Raytheon Co.

      5,676       1,096,490  
     

 

 

 
        3,239,674  
     

 

 

 

AIRLINES–0.2%

     

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

      10,767       533,397  
     

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–0.4%

     

Honeywell International, Inc.

      7,418       1,068,563  
     

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–0.3%

     

Norfolk Southern Corp.

      5,777       871,576  
     

 

 

 
        5,713,210  
     

 

 

 

MATERIALS–1.1%

     

CHEMICALS–0.4%

     

DowDuPont, Inc.

      11,036       727,493  

Johnson Matthey PLC

      1,330       63,330  

Mosaic Co. (The)

      6,050       169,703  
     

 

 

 
        960,526  
     

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS–0.0%

     

Fletcher Building Ltd.

      8,657       40,625  

Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua SAB de CV(a)

      8,340       53,982  
     

 

 

 
        94,607  
     

 

 

 

METALS & MINING–0.7%

     

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

      4,270       195,758  

Alcoa Corp.(a)

      4,600       215,648  

Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd.–Class H(a)

      200,000       87,656  

Antofagasta PLC

      6,400       83,150  

APERAM SA

      1,000       42,863  

Boliden AB

      4,460       143,940  

Detour Gold Corp.(a)

      4,710       42,347  

First Quantum Minerals Ltd.

      7,620       112,273  

Glencore PLC(a)

      62,940       298,826  

Industrias Penoles SAB de CV

      2,490       44,708  

Lundin Mining Corp.

      7,810       43,427  

MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC (ADR)

      5,960       107,459  

Northern Star Resources Ltd.

      12,000       64,964  

Orocobre Ltd.(a)

      5,420       20,729  

OZ Minerals Ltd.

      6,050       42,187  
     

Polyus PJSC (GDR)(b)

      1,280     $ 42,930  

Rio Tinto PLC

      1,850       101,969  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.

      1,700       64,883  

Syrah Resources Ltd.(a)

      20,610       44,068  

Vale SA (Sponsored ADR)–Class B

      10,020       128,456  

Vedanta Resources PLC

      4,900       41,581  

Yamato Kogyo Co., Ltd.

      2,800       84,466  
     

 

 

 
        2,054,288  
     

 

 

 
        3,109,421  
     

 

 

 

UTILITIES–0.8%

     

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–0.6%

     

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

      20,615       1,427,589  

Edison International

      6,560       415,051  
     

 

 

 
        1,842,640  
     

 

 

 

MULTI-UTILITIES–0.2%

     

NiSource, Inc.

      19,471       511,698  
     

 

 

 
        2,354,338  
     

 

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.5%

     

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.3%

     

Verizon Communications, Inc.

      18,281       919,717  
     

 

 

 

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.2%

     

T-Mobile US, Inc.(a)

      8,800       525,800  
     

 

 

 
        1,445,517  
     

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION–0.0%

     

AIRPORT SERVICES–0.0%

     

Sydney Airport

      14,460       76,550  
     

 

 

 

HIGHWAYS & RAILTRACKS–0.0%

     

Transurban Group

      2,283       20,217  
     

 

 

 
        96,767  
     

 

 

 

CAPITAL GOODS–0.0%

     

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.0%

     

Shimizu Corp.

      4,400       45,540  
     

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–0.0%

     

Hopewell Holdings Ltd.

      8,500       29,108  
     

 

 

 
        74,648  
     

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.0%

     

HEALTH CARE FACILITIES–0.0%

     

Chartwell Retirement Residences

      4,990       58,188  
     

 

 

 

 

7


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
        Shares     U.S. $ Value  
     

CONSUMER DURABLES & APPAREL–0.0%

     

HOMEBUILDING–0.0%

     

Construtora Tenda SA(a)

      3,400     $ 20,870  

MRV Engenharia e Participacoes SA

      6,700       20,813  
     

 

 

 
        41,683  
     

 

 

 

BANKS–0.0%

     

THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–0.0%

     

Aareal Bank AG

      670       29,394  
     

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $77,975,890)

        99,440,175  
     

 

 

 

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–26.2%

     

FUNDS AND INVESTMENT TRUSTS–26.2%(c)(d)

     

AB Discovery Growth Fund, Inc.–Class Z(a)

      284,720       3,749,760  

AB Discovery Value Fund–Class Z

      161,977       3,749,760  

Bernstein Fund, Inc.–International Small Cap Portfolio–Class Z

      738,142       9,374,400  

Bernstein Fund, Inc.–International Strategic Equities Portfolio–Class Z

      2,493,855       31,248,000  

Bernstein Fund, Inc.–Small Cap Core Portfolio–Class Z

      297,364       3,749,760  

Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc.–Emerging Markets Portfolio–Class Z

      145,388       4,374,720  

Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc.–International Portfolio–Class Z

      997,087       17,498,880  
     

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies
(cost $73,745,280)

        73,745,280  
     

 

 

 
    Principal
Amount
(000)
       

CORPORATES–INVESTMENT GRADE–9.5%

     

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–5.1%

     

BANKING–4.6%

     

Banco Santander SA
3.25%, 4/04/26(b)

    EUR       200       241,891  

3.50%, 4/11/22

  U.S.$         200       195,072  
   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Bank of America Corp.
2.881%, 4/24/23

  U.S.$         265     $ 257,702  

4.45%, 3/03/26

      49       49,064  

Series DD
6.30%, 3/10/26(e)

      50       52,872  

Series L
3.95%, 4/21/25

      718       703,116  

Series Z
6.50%, 10/23/24(e)

      77       81,727  

Bank of Nova Scotia (The)
2.50%, 1/08/21

      51       50,073  

Banque Federative du Credit Mutuel SA
2.75%, 10/15/20(b)

      200       197,490  

Barclays PLC
3.65%, 3/16/25

      270       253,236  

BB&T Corp.
2.625%, 6/29/20

      86       85,101  

BNP Paribas SA
2.375%, 5/21/20

      200       197,034  

3.80%, 1/10/24(b)

      215       210,206  

Capital One Financial Corp.
3.30%, 10/30/24

      265       252,781  

Citigroup, Inc.
3.875%, 3/26/25

      235       227,919  

4.044%, 6/01/24

      293       294,784  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia
2.25%, 3/10/20(b)

      205       201,923  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia/New York NY
Series G
2.30%, 3/12/20

      250       246,458  

Compass Bank
2.875%, 6/29/22

      265       256,003  

5.50%, 4/01/20

      314       323,342  

Cooperatieve Rabobank UA
4.375%, 8/04/25

      320       313,827  

Cooperatieve Rabobank UA/NY
2.25%, 1/14/20

      250       246,838  

Credit Agricole SA/London
2.75%, 6/10/20(b)

      250       247,210  

3.375%, 1/10/22(b)

      260       255,177  

Credit Suisse Group Funding Guernsey Ltd.
3.80%, 6/09/23

      385       380,711  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)
2.35%, 11/15/21

      208       200,242  

3.75%, 5/22/25

      186       181,504  

5.75%, 1/24/22

      335       358,473  

Series D
6.00%, 6/15/20

      217       228,173  

HSBC Bank USA NA
4.875%, 8/24/20

      250       257,640  

HSBC Holdings PLC
3.262%, 3/13/23

      591       579,676  

4.25%, 8/18/25

      341       334,957  

 

8


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
3.22%, 3/01/25

  U.S.$         265     $ 255,632  

3.54%, 5/01/28

      485       464,101  

KeyBank NA/Cleveland OH
2.25%, 3/16/20

      250       246,513  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC
4.582%, 12/10/25

      200       196,124  

Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co.
2.625%, 1/25/21

      250       246,015  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.
3.85%, 3/01/26

      272       270,784  

Morgan Stanley
5.00%, 11/24/25

      175       181,193  

Series G
4.35%, 9/08/26

      520       513,079  

MUFG Bank Ltd.
2.30%, 3/05/20(b)

      200       196,980  

National Australia Bank Ltd./New York
Series G
2.625%, 7/23/20

      250       247,048  

Nationwide Building Society
4.00%, 9/14/26(b)

      290       271,469  

PNC Bank NA
2.60%, 7/21/20

      250       246,993  

3.80%, 7/25/23

      685       688,980  

Santander Holdings USA, Inc.
4.40%, 7/13/27

      265       253,568  

Santander UK PLC
5.00%, 11/07/23(b)

      200       203,300  

UBS Group Funding Switzerland AG
4.125%, 9/24/25(b)

      305       303,075  

US Bancorp
Series J
5.30%, 4/15/27(e)

      116       115,571  

Wells Fargo & Co.
3.069%, 1/24/23

      212       206,019  
     

 

 

 
        13,068,666  
     

 

 

 

FINANCE–0.1%

     

Synchrony Financial
3.95%, 12/01/27

      265       244,693  
     

 

 

 

INSURANCE–0.3%

     

American International Group, Inc.
Series A-9
5.75%, 4/01/48

      115       112,818  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)
5.50%, 3/30/20

      38       39,477  

MetLife, Inc.
10.75%, 8/01/39

      70       108,325  
   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

New York Life Global Funding
1.95%, 2/11/20(b)

  U.S.$         256     $ 251,669  

XLIT Ltd.
6.375%, 11/15/24

      157       176,743  
     

 

 

 
        689,032  
     

 

 

 

REITS–0.1%

     

American Tower Corp.
3.40%, 2/15/19

      70       70,206  

Host Hotels & Resorts LP
Series D
3.75%, 10/15/23

      10       9,798  

Welltower, Inc.
4.00%, 6/01/25

      238       233,640  
     

 

 

 
        313,644  
     

 

 

 
        14,316,035  
     

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL–4.1%

     

BASIC–0.4%

     

Dow Chemical Co. (The)
4.125%, 11/15/21

      165       168,162  

Eastman Chemical Co.
3.80%, 3/15/25

      84       83,155  

Glencore Funding LLC
4.125%, 5/30/23(b)

      126       125,696  

Minsur SA
6.25%, 2/07/24(b)

      168       175,770  

Mosaic Co. (The)
5.625%, 11/15/43

      75       75,458  

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA
3.625%, 4/03/23(b)

      237       229,001  

Vale Overseas Ltd.
6.25%, 8/10/26

      265       287,534  

Yamana Gold, Inc.
4.95%, 7/15/24

      142       141,864  
     

 

 

 
        1,286,640  
     

 

 

 

CAPITAL GOODS–0.1%

     

Embraer Netherlands Finance BV
5.40%, 2/01/27

      160       165,600  

General Electric Co.
Series D
5.00%, 1/21/21(e)

      68       67,140  
     

 

 

 
        232,740  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–MEDIA–0.4%

     

Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital
4.908%, 7/23/25

      165       166,615  

Comcast Corp.
5.15%, 3/01/20

      451       465,229  

Cox Communications, Inc.
2.95%, 6/30/23(b)

      91       86,377  

Time Warner Cable LLC
4.125%, 2/15/21

      165       166,081  

4.50%, 9/15/42

      85       70,316  

 

9


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Warner Media LLC
4.875%, 3/15/20

  U.S.$         105     $ 107,725  
     

 

 

 
        1,062,343  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.5%

     

AT&T, Inc.
3.40%, 5/15/25

      575       539,896  

4.125%, 2/17/26

      345       336,868  

Rogers Communications, Inc.
4.00%, 6/06/22

    CAD       46       36,300  

Sprint Spectrum Co. LLC/Sprint Spectrum Co. II LLC/Sprint Spectrum Co. III LLC
4.738%, 3/20/25(b)

  U.S.$         200       198,608  

Vodafone Group PLC
3.75%, 1/16/24

      78       77,298  

4.125%, 5/30/25

      171       170,397  
     

 

 

 
        1,359,367  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–AUTOMOTIVE–0.4%

     

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC
5.875%, 8/02/21

      915       969,845  

General Motors Co.
3.50%, 10/02/18

      130       130,244  

General Motors Financial Co., Inc.
4.00%, 1/15/25

      41       39,916  

4.30%, 7/13/25

      50       49,180  
     

 

 

 
        1,189,185  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–0.6%

     

Bayer US Finance LLC
2.375%, 10/08/19(b)

      200       198,126  

Becton Dickinson and Co.
3.734%, 12/15/24

      66       64,452  

Biogen, Inc.
4.05%, 9/15/25

      251       252,127  

Bunge Ltd. Finance Corp.
8.50%, 6/15/19

      155       162,765  

CVS Health Corp.
4.10%, 3/25/25

      120       119,398  

4.30%, 3/25/28

      120       118,351  

Danone SA
1.691%, 10/30/19(b)

      200       196,576  

Reynolds American, Inc.
6.875%, 5/01/20

      95       100,838  

Tyson Foods, Inc.
2.65%, 8/15/19

      64       63,747  

3.95%, 8/15/24

      206       205,604  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.
2.70%, 4/01/20

      102       101,042  

Zoetis, Inc.
3.45%, 11/13/20

      90       90,264  
     

 

 

 
        1,673,290  
     

 

 

 
   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

ENERGY–0.9%

     

Cenovus Energy, Inc.
3.00%, 8/15/22

  U.S.$         17     $ 16,273  

5.70%, 10/15/19

      59       60,521  

Encana Corp.
3.90%, 11/15/21

      140       140,980  

Enterprise Products Operating LLC
3.70%, 2/15/26

      278       272,660  

5.20%, 9/01/20

      185       192,583  

Hess Corp.
4.30%, 4/01/27

      199       191,985  

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP
2.65%, 2/01/19

      302       301,493  

Kinder Morgan, Inc./DE
5.00%, 2/15/21(b)

      250       258,405  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.
5.125%, 3/01/21

      163       169,841  

Noble Energy, Inc.
3.90%, 11/15/24

      170       167,611  

4.15%, 12/15/21

      78       79,249  

Plains All American Pipeline LP/PAA Finance Corp.
3.60%, 11/01/24

      232       220,006  

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC
5.00%, 3/15/27

      146       148,997  

TransCanada PipeLines Ltd.
9.875%, 1/01/21

      215       247,732  

Williams Partners LP
4.125%, 11/15/20

      155       157,027  
     

 

 

 
        2,625,363  
     

 

 

 

OTHER INDUSTRIAL–0.1%

     

Alfa SAB de CV
5.25%, 3/25/24(b)

      200       200,750  
     

 

 

 

SERVICES–0.2%

     

Expedia Group, Inc.
3.80%, 2/15/28

      185       169,867  

S&P Global, Inc.
4.40%, 2/15/26

      226       231,989  

Total System Services, Inc.
3.75%, 6/01/23

      45       44,578  

4.00%, 6/01/23

      83       83,315  
     

 

 

 
        529,749  
     

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY–0.4%

     

Agilent Technologies, Inc.
5.00%, 7/15/20

      71       73,357  

Broadcom Corp./Broadcom Cayman Finance Ltd.
3.625%, 1/15/24

      53       51,302  

3.875%, 1/15/27

      117       110,825  

Dell International LLC/EMC Corp.
6.02%, 6/15/26(b)

      96       100,879  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.
2.10%, 10/04/19(b)

      183       180,663  

KLA-Tencor Corp.
4.65%, 11/01/24

      225       232,699  

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Lam Research Corp.
2.80%, 6/15/21

  U.S.$         71     $ 69,762  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.
7.50%, 5/15/25

      6       7,054  

Seagate HDD Cayman
4.75%, 1/01/25

      127       121,831  

VMware, Inc.
2.95%, 8/21/22

      85       81,526  
     

 

 

 
        1,029,898  
     

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION–SERVICES–0.1%

     

Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd.
3.95%, 1/19/22(b)

      200       196,250  
     

 

 

 
        11,385,575  
     

 

 

 

UTILITY–0.3%

     

ELECTRIC–0.3%

     

Abu Dhabi National Energy Co. PJSC
4.375%, 4/23/25(b)

      250       247,547  

Enel Chile SA
4.875%, 6/12/28

      133       133,737  

Exelon Generation Co. LLC
2.95%, 1/15/20

      153       152,429  

Israel Electric Corp., Ltd. Series 6
5.00%, 11/12/24(b)

      320       328,800  

Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
6.05%, 3/01/34

      38       41,000  
     

 

 

 
        903,513  
     

 

 

 

Total Corporates–Investment Grade
(cost $26,816,065)

        26,605,123  
     

 

 

 

MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGHS–7.4%

     

AGENCY FIXED RATE 30-YEAR–6.7%

     

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Gold

     

Series 2005
5.50%, 1/01/35

      159       172,170  

Series 2007
5.50%, 7/01/35

      17       17,921  

Series 2016
4.00%, 2/01/46

      451       464,440  

Series 2017
4.00%, 7/01/44

      351       360,843  

Federal National Mortgage Association

     

Series 2004
5.50%, 2/01/34-11/01/34

      59       64,024  

Series 2007
5.50%, 1/01/37-8/01/37

      224       243,722  

Series 2008
5.50%, 8/01/37

      103       111,909  

Series 2009
5.00%, 12/01/39

      87       93,238  
   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Series 2010
4.00%, 12/01/40

  U.S.$         209     $ 215,620  

Series 2013

     

4.00%, 10/01/43

      911       935,325  

Series 2015
3.00%, 5/01/45

      1,142       1,111,134  

Series 2017
3.50%, 3/01/47-1/01/48

      6,753       6,728,016  

Series 2018
3.50%, 2/01/48-3/01/48

      1,393       1,387,022  

4.00%, 7/01/48, TBA

      1,478       1,506,867  

4.50%, 7/25/48, TBA

      4,799       4,996,959  

Government National Mortgage Association
Series 2016
3.00%, 12/20/46

      446       436,876  
     

 

 

 
        18,846,086  
     

 

 

 

AGENCY FIXED RATE 15-YEAR–0.7%

     

Federal National Mortgage Association

     

Series 2016
2.50%, 11/01/31-12/01/31

      730       710,758  

Series 2017
2.50%, 1/01/32

      1,424       1,386,015  
     

 

 

 
        2,096,773  
     

 

 

 

Total Mortgage Pass-Throughs
(cost $21,106,940)

        20,942,859  
     

 

 

 

GOVERNMENTS–TREASURIES–4.3%

     

SINGAPORE–0.2%

     

Singapore Government Bond
2.75%, 3/01/46

    SGD       717       511,497  
     

 

 

 

UNITED STATES–4.1%

     

U.S. Treasury Bonds
2.75%, 8/15/42-11/15/47

  U.S.$         332       318,781  

3.00%, 5/15/45

      424       425,325  

3.125%, 2/15/43-8/15/44

      575       589,794  

3.375%, 5/15/44

      234       250,419  

4.375%, 2/15/38

      822       1,002,043  

5.375%, 2/15/31

      320       404,350  

U.S. Treasury Notes
1.125%, 2/28/19

      195       193,568  

1.25%, 5/31/19

      1,070       1,059,467  

1.50%, 5/31/20

      3,475       3,407,672  

1.75%, 11/30/21

      1,335       1,295,576  

1.875%, 7/31/22

      1,342       1,299,224  

2.125%, 12/31/22

      675       658,019  

2.25%, 2/15/27

      130       124,164  

2.375%, 8/15/24

      556       543,185  
     

 

 

 
        11,571,587  
     

 

 

 

Total Governments–Treasuries
(cost $12,273,446)

        12,083,084  
     

 

 

 

 

11


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES–3.1%

     

NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE CMBS–2.5%

     

BHMS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2014-ATLS, Class AFX
3.601%, 7/05/33(b)

    U.S.$       335     $ 335,064  

CCUBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2017-C1, Class A4
3.544%, 11/15/50

      310       303,116  

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2016-C4, Class A4
3.283%, 5/10/58

      115       111,312  

CGRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2013-VN05, Class A
3.369%, 3/13/35(b)

      495       494,114  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2015-GC27, Class A5
3.137%, 2/10/48

      396       385,941  

Series 2015-GC27, Class XA
1.39%, 2/10/48(f)

      2,407       168,651  

Series 2015-GC35, Class A4
3.818%, 11/10/48

      100       101,181  

Series 2016-GC36, Class A5
3.616%, 2/10/49

      125       124,776  

Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2013-SFS, Class A1
1.873%, 4/12/35(b)

      131       127,155  

Series 2014-UBS4, Class A5
3.694%, 8/10/47

      200       201,489  

Series 2015-CR24, Class A5
3.696%, 8/10/48

      135       135,288  

Series 2015-DC1, Class A5
3.35%, 2/10/48

      250       247,129  

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2015-C2, Class A4
3.504%, 6/15/57

      155       153,585  

Series 2015-C3, Class A4
3.718%, 8/15/48

      315       314,810  

Series 2015-C4, Class A4
3.808%, 11/15/48

      370       372,974  

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II
Series 2013-KING, Class A
2.706%, 12/10/27(b)

      422       420,319  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2013-G1, Class A2
3.557%, 4/10/31(b)

      276       274,601  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2004-LN2, Class A1A
4.838%, 7/15/41(b)

      36       35,653  
   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Series 2006-LDP9, Class AM
5.372%, 5/15/47(g)

    U.S.$       45     $ 44,796  

Series 2012-C6, Class E
5.14%, 5/15/45(b)(g)

      119       104,538  

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2015-C30, Class A5
3.822%, 7/15/48

      125       126,552  

Series 2015-C31, Class A3
3.801%, 8/15/48

      355       358,673  

Series 2015-C32, Class C
4.667%, 11/15/48(g)

      195       193,098  

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2006-C6, Class AJ
5.452%, 9/15/39(g)

      68       51,388  

LSTAR Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2014-2, Class A2
2.767%, 1/20/41(b)

      13       12,814  

Series 2015-3, Class A2
2.729%, 4/20/48(b)

      190       187,575  

Series 2016-4, Class A2
2.579%, 3/10/49(b)

      161       155,180  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust
Series 2005-IQ9, Class D
5.00%, 7/15/56(g)

      112       110,085  

Series 2016-UB12, Class A4
3.596%, 12/15/49

      195       192,915  

UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2018-C8, Class A4
3.983%, 2/15/51

      195       197,587  

Series 2018-C9, Class A4
4.117%, 3/15/51

      300       306,982  

UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2012-C4, Class A5
2.85%, 12/10/45

      168       164,384  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2015-SG1, Class C
4.469%, 9/15/48(g)

      197       192,038  

Series 2016-NXS6, Class C
4.311%, 11/15/49(g)

      180       177,060  

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2014-C20, Class A2
3.036%, 5/15/47

      175       174,804  
     

 

 

 
        7,057,627  
     

 

 

 

NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE CMBS–0.6%

     

BAMLL Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2017-SCH, Class AF
3.073% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.00%), 11/15/33(b)(g)(h)

      375       378,463  

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

BX Trust
Series 2017-IMC, Class A
3.123% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.05%), 10/15/32(b)(h)

    U.S.$       165     $ 165,135  

Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust
Series 2016-MFF, Class D
6.673% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.60%), 11/15/33(b)(g)(h)

      110       111,099  

Great Wolf Trust
Series 2017-WOLF, Class A
3.073% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.85%), 9/15/34(b)(h)

      189       189,005  

H/2 Asset Funding NRE
Series 2015-1A, Class AFL
3.741% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.65%), 6/24/49(g)(h)(i)

      59       58,636  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2015-SGP, Class A
3.773% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.70%), 7/15/36(b)(h)

      180       181,144  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust
Series 2015-XLF2, Class SNMA
4.028% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.95%), 11/15/26(b)(h)

      96       96,026  

RETL
Series 2018-RVP, Class A
3.173% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.10%), 3/15/33(b)(h)

      108       108,758  

Starwood Retail Property Trust
Series 2014-STAR, Class A
3.293% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.22%), 11/15/27(b)(h)

      348       347,861  
     

 

 

 
        1,636,127  
     

 

 

 

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
(cost $8,875,128)

        8,693,754  
     

 

 

 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES–2.5%

     

AUTOS–FIXED RATE–1.3%

     

Americredit Automobile Receivables Trust
Series 2016-4, Class A2A
1.34%, 4/08/20

      21       21,072  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust
Series 2017-3, Class A2A
1.69%, 12/18/20

      87       86,230  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC
Series 2018-1A, Class A
3.70%, 9/20/24(b)

      245       246,090  

California Republic Auto Receivables Trust
Series 2014-2, Class A4
1.57%, 12/16/19

      10       10,274  
   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

CPS Auto Receivables Trust
Series 2017-D, Class A
1.94%, 3/15/21(b)

    U.S.$       192     $ 190,668  

CPS Auto Trust
Series 2017-A, Class A
1.68%, 8/17/20(b)

      37       37,386  

DT Auto Owner Trust
Series 2017-3A, Class A
1.73%, 8/17/20(b)

      42       41,533  

Series 2018-1A, Class A
2.59%, 5/17/21(b)

      198       197,766  

Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust
Series 2016-1A, Class D
8.20%, 2/15/23(b)

      140       148,927  

Series 2016-3A, Class A
1.84%, 11/16/20(b)

      18       18,094  

Series 2017-2A, Class A
2.11%, 6/15/21(b)

      60       60,132  

Series 2018-1A, Class A
2.21%, 5/17/21(b)

      203       202,779  

Series 2018-2A, Class A
2.79%, 7/15/21(b)

      262       262,213  

First Investors Auto Owner Trust
Series 2016-2A, Class A1
1.53%, 11/16/20(b)

      28       27,582  

Flagship Credit Auto Trust
Series 2016-4, Class A2
1.96%, 2/16/21(b)

      110       109,724  

Series 2016-4, Class D
3.89%, 11/15/22(b)

      100       99,976  

Series 2017-2, Class A
1.85%, 7/15/21(b)

      111       109,875  

Series 2017-3, Class A
1.88%, 10/15/21(b)

      111       110,352  

Series 2017-4, Class A
2.07%, 4/15/22(b)

      92       91,644  

Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust
Series 2015-2, Class A1
1.98%, 1/15/22

      322       317,625  

GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust
Series 2016-1, Class A1
1.96%, 5/17/21(b)

      280       278,111  

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Trust
Series 2015-1, Class A3
1.41%, 6/15/20

      19       19,269  

Hertz Vehicle Financing II LP
Series 2015-1A, Class A
2.73%, 3/25/21(b)

      215       212,658  

Series 2015-2A, Class A
2.02%, 9/25/19(b)

      180       179,706  

Series 2015-3A, Class A
2.67%, 9/25/21(b)

      265       260,487  

Series 2017-1A, Class A
2.96%, 10/25/21(b)

      250       246,904  

 

13


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC
Series 2013-1A, Class B2
2.48%, 8/25/19(b)

    U.S.$       64     $ 63,966  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust
Series 2017-3, Class A2
1.67%, 6/15/20

      62       61,650  

Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust
Series 2018-1A, Class A1
1.75%, 2/15/19(b)

      12       11,573  
     

 

 

 
        3,724,266  
     

 

 

 

OTHER ABS–FIXED RATE–0.7%

     

CLUB Credit Trust
Series 2017-P1, Class A
2.42%, 9/15/23(b)(g)

      156       155,216  

CNH Equipment Trust
Series 2014-B, Class A4
1.61%, 5/17/21

      75       74,890  

Series 2015-A, Class A4
1.85%, 4/15/21

      227       225,696  

Consumer Loan Underlying Bond Credit Trust
Series 2018-P1, Class A
3.39%, 7/15/25(b)(g)

      125       124,905  

Marlette Funding Trust
Series 2016-1A, Class A
3.06%, 1/17/23(b)(g)

      4       4,424  

Series 2017-1A, Class A
2.827%, 3/15/24(b)(g)

      40       39,500  

Series 2017-2A, Class A
2.39%, 7/15/24(b)(g)

      56       56,156  

Series 2017-3A, Class A
2.36%, 12/15/24(b)(g)

      99       98,434  

Series 2017-3A, Class B
3.01%, 12/15/24(b)(g)

      100       99,333  

Prosper Marketplace Issuance Trust
Series 2017-2A, Class B
3.48%, 9/15/23(b)(g)

      100       99,884  

SBA Tower Trust
Series 2015-1A,Class C
3.156%, 10/08/20(b)(g)

      251       248,978  

SoFi Consumer Loan Program LLC
Series 2016-2, Class A
3.09%, 10/27/25(b)(g)

      49       49,113  

Series 2016-3, Class A
10.59%, 12/26/25(b)(g)

      73       72,431  

Series 2017-2, Class A
3.28%, 2/25/26(b)(g)

      88       88,329  

Series 2017-3, Class A
2.77%, 5/25/26(b)(g)

      95       93,881  

Series 2017-5, Class A2
2.78%, 9/25/26(b)(g)

      180       177,128  

Series 2017-6, Class A2
2.82%, 11/25/26(b)(g)

      105       104,145  
     

SoFi Consumer Loan Program Trust
Series 2018-1, Class A1
2.55%, 2/25/27(b)(g)

    U.S.$       207     $ 205,977  
     

 

 

 
        2,018,420  
     

 

 

 

CREDIT CARDS–FIXED RATE–0.3%

     

Barclays Dryrock Issuance Trust
Series 2014-3, Class A
2.41%, 7/15/22

      326       324,250  

World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust
Series 2017-B, Class A
1.98%, 6/15/23

      205       203,007  

Series 2018-A, Class A
3.07%, 12/16/24

      305       303,664  
     

 

 

 
        830,921  
     

 

 

 

AUTOS–FLOATING RATE–0.2%

     

BMW Floorplan Master Owner Trust
Series 2015-1A, Class A
2.573% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.50%), 7/15/20(b)(h)

      378       378,019  
     

 

 

 

HOME EQUITY LOANS–FIXED RATE–0.0%

     

Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securitization LLC
Series 2003-CB1, Class AF
3.95%, 1/25/33(g)

      48       48,697  
     

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities
(cost $7,013,977)

        7,000,323  
     

 

 

 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS–2.0%

     

RISK SHARE FLOATING RATE–1.3%

     

Bellemeade Re II Ltd.
Series 2016-1A, Class M2B
8.591% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.50%), 4/25/26(h)(i)

      54       54,899  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes
Series 2014-DN3, Class M3
6.091% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 8/25/24(h)

      285       311,592  

Series 2014-DN4, Class M3
6.641% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.55%), 10/25/24(h)

      201       223,283  

Series 2014-HQ3, Class M3
6.841% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.75%), 10/25/24(h)

      229       254,706  

Series 2016-DNA1, Class M3
7.641% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.55%), 7/25/28(h)

      250       304,985  

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Federal National Mortgage Association Connecticut Avenue Securities
Series 2014-C03, Class 1M2
5.091% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.00%), 7/25/24(h)

  U.S.$         88     $ 94,646  

Series 2014-C04, Class 2M2
7.091% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 11/25/24(h)

      54       60,501  

Series 2015-C01, Class 1M2
6.391% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.30%), 2/25/25(h)

      108       118,932  

Series 2015-C01, Class 2M2
6.641% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.55%), 2/25/25(h)

      95       102,875  

Series 2015-C02, Class 1M2
6.091% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 5/25/25(h)

      144       157,262  

Series 2015-C02, Class 2M2
6.091% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 5/25/25(h)

      129       139,333  

Series 2015-C03, Class 1M2
7.091% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 7/25/25(h)

      70       80,016  

Series 2015-C03, Class 2M2
7.091% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 7/25/25(h)

      191       211,894  

Series 2015-C04, Class 1M2
7.791% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.70%), 4/25/28(h)

      64       74,434  

Series 2015-C04, Class 2M2
7.641% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.55%), 4/25/28(h)

      97       109,980  

Series 2016-C01, Class 1M2
8.841% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.75%), 8/25/28(h)

      204       248,059  

Series 2016-C01, Class 2M2
9.041% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.95%), 8/25/28(h)

      159       190,565  

Series 2016-C03, Class 2M2
7.991% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.90%), 10/25/28(h)

      300       349,823  

Series 2016-C05, Class 2M2
6.541% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.45%), 1/25/29(h)

      200       222,600  

JP Morgan Madison Avenue Securities Trust
Series 2014-CH1, Class M2
6.341% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.25%), 11/25/24(h)(i)

      30       32,269  

Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust
Series 2015-WF1, Class 1M2
7.341% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.25%), 11/25/25(h)(i)

      139       156,724  

Series 2015-WF1, Class 2M2
7.591% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.50%), 11/25/25(h)(i)

      40       47,130  
     

 

 

 
        3,546,508  
     

 

 

 
     

AGENCY FLOATING RATE–0.4%

     

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. REMICs
Series 4416, Class BS
4.027% (6.10%–LIBOR 1Month), 12/15/44(h)(j)

  U.S.$         701     $ 109,804  

Series 4693, Class SL
4.077% (6.15%–LIBOR 1Month), 6/15/47(h)(j)

      632       106,575  

Series 4719, Class JS
4.077% (6.15%–LIBOR 1Month), 9/15/47(h)(j)

      549       86,345  

Series 4727, Class SA
4.127% (6.20%–LIBOR 1Month), 11/15/47(h)(j)

      711       123,560  

Federal National Mortgage Association REMICs
Series 2011-131, Class ST
4.449% (6.54%–LIBOR 1Month), 12/25/41(h)(j)

      328       58,315  

Series 2012-70, Class SA
4.459% (6.55%–LIBOR 1Month), 7/25/42(h)(j)

      601       107,958  

Series 2016-106, Class ES
3.909% (6.00%–LIBOR 1Month), 1/25/47(h)(j)

      655       107,224  

Series 2017-16, Class SG
3.959% (6.05%–LIBOR 1Month), 3/25/47(h)(j)

      644       106,163  

Series 2017-81, Class SA
4.109% (6.20%–LIBOR 1Month), 10/25/47(h)(j)

      647       108,419  

Series 2017-97, Class LS
4.109% (6.20%–LIBOR 1Month), 12/25/47(h)(j)

      507       92,728  

Government National Mortgage Association
Series 2017-134, Class SE
4.116% (6.20%–LIBOR 1Month), 9/20/47(h)(j)

      474       77,118  

Series 2017-65, Class ST
4.066% (6.15%–LIBOR 1Month), 4/20/47(h)(j)

      634       112,675  
     

 

 

 
        1,196,884  
     

 

 

 

NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE–0.2%

     

Alternative Loan Trust
Series 2005-20CB, Class 3A6
5.50%, 7/25/35

      29       27,394  

Series 2005-57CB, Class 4A3
5.50%, 12/25/35

      62       53,873  

Series 2006-24CB, Class A16
5.75%, 6/25/36

      123       104,272  

Series 2006-28CB, Class A14
6.25%, 10/25/36

      87       71,880  

 

15


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Series 2006-J1, Class 1A13
5.50%, 2/25/36

    U.S.$       68     $ 61,685  

Chase Mortgage Finance Trust
Series 2007-S5, Class 1A17
6.00%, 7/25/37

      41       34,696  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.
Series 2005-2, Class 1A4
3.853%, 5/25/35

      12       12,113  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust
Series 2006-10, Class 1A8
6.00%, 5/25/36

      62       51,755  

Series 2006-13, Class 1A19
6.25%, 9/25/36

      34       28,589  

Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust
Series 2010-6R, Class 3A2
5.875%, 1/26/38(b)

      127       103,655  

First Horizon Alternative Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2006-FA3, Class A9
6.00%, 7/25/36

      118       98,018  

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust
Series 2007-S3, Class 1A8
6.00%, 8/25/37

      55       45,051  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust
Series 2007-8, Class 2A5
5.75%, 7/25/37

      30       29,596  
     

 

 

 
        722,577  
     

 

 

 

NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE–0.1%

     

Deutsche Alt-A Securities Mortgage Loan Trust
Series 2006-AR4, Class A2
2.281% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.19%), 12/25/36(h)

      280       167,678  

HomeBanc Mortgage Trust
Series 2005-1, Class A1
2.341% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.25%), 3/25/35(h)

      98       86,395  
     

 

 

 
        254,073  
     

 

 

 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(cost $5,455,043)

        5,720,042  
     

 

 

 

INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–1.8%

     

JAPAN–0.4%

     

Japanese Government CPI Linked Bond
Series 22
0.10%, 3/10/27

    JPY       111,618       1,066,641  
     

 

 

 
     

UNITED STATES–1.4%

     

U.S. Treasury Inflation Index
0.125%, 4/15/19-4/15/20 (TIPS)

    U.S.$       2,303     $ 2,287,002  

0.375%, 7/15/25 (TIPS)

      1,659       1,629,449  
     

 

 

 
        3,916,451  
     

 

 

 

Total Inflation-Linked Securities
(cost $5,036,071)

        4,983,092  
     

 

 

 

CORPORATES–NON-INVESTMENT GRADE–1.4%

     

INDUSTRIAL–0.8%

     

BASIC–0.1%

     

NOVA Chemicals Corp.
5.25%, 8/01/23(b)

      125       124,977  

SPCM SA
4.875%, 9/15/25(b)

      200       191,028  
     

 

 

 
        316,005  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–MEDIA–0.1%

     

Altice France SA/France
5.375%, 5/15/22(b)

    EUR       195       233,983  

CSC Holdings LLC
6.75%, 11/15/21

    U.S.$       45       47,144  
     

 

 

 
        281,127  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.2%

     

Crown Castle Towers LLC
4.883%, 8/15/20(b)

      78       79,785  

Sprint Capital Corp.
6.90%, 5/01/19

      370       377,252  
     

 

 

 
        457,037  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–OTHER–0.1%

     

International Game Technology PLC
6.25%, 2/15/22(b)

      200       204,902  

KB Home
4.75%, 5/15/19

      107       107,534  
     

 

 

 
        312,436  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–0.0%

     

Spectrum Brands, Inc.
5.75%, 7/15/25

      135       133,338  
     

 

 

 

ENERGY–0.2%

     

Antero Resources Corp.
5.125%, 12/01/22

      29       29,048  

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
4.875%, 11/01/43

      111       78,782  

Nabors Industries, Inc.
5.50%, 1/15/23

      212       204,733  

PDC Energy, Inc.
5.75%, 5/15/26(b)

      137       136,211  

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

SM Energy Co.
6.50%, 1/01/23

  U.S.$         14     $ 14,198  

Sunoco LP/Sunoco Finance Corp.
4.875%, 1/15/23(b)

      132       126,703  
     

 

 

 
        589,675  
     

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY–0.1%

     

Western Digital Corp.
4.75%, 2/15/26

      167       162,235  
     

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION–SERVICES–0.0%

     

Avis Budget Car Rental LLC/Avis Budget Finance, Inc.
5.25%, 3/15/25(b)

      94       86,064  
     

 

 

 
        2,337,917  
     

 

 

 

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–0.5%

     

BANKING–0.4%

     

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA
6.125%, 11/16/27(e)

      200       177,662  

Barclays Bank PLC
6.86%, 6/15/32(b)(e)

      44       49,414  

CIT Group, Inc.
5.25%, 3/07/25

      106       107,365  

Citigroup, Inc.
5.95%, 1/30/23(e)

      90       91,474  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)
Series P
5.00%, 11/10/22(e)

      142       133,590  

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC
2.006% (EURIBOR 3 Month + 2.33%), 9/30/18(b)(e)(h)

  EUR       100       115,028  

8.625%, 8/15/21(e)

  U.S.$         200       212,630  

Series U
4.654% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.32%), 9/30/27(e)(h)

      200       192,084  

Standard Chartered PLC
3.869% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.51%), 1/30/27(b)(e)(h)

      200       174,464  
     

 

 

 
        1,253,711  
     

 

 

 

FINANCE–0.1%

     

Navient Corp.
6.625%, 7/26/21

      170       175,821  
     

 

 

 
        1,429,532  
     

 

 

 

UTILITY–0.1%

     

ELECTRIC–0.1%

     

AES Corp./VA
4.00%, 3/15/21

      99       98,635  
     

 

 

 

Total Corporates–Non-
Investment Grade
(cost $4,009,725)

        3,866,084  
     

 

 

 
     

EMERGING MARKETS–CORPORATE BONDS–0.4%

 

   

INDUSTRIAL–0.3%

     

CAPITAL GOODS–0.1%

     

Cemex SAB de CV
5.70%, 1/11/25(b)

  U.S.$         209     $ 206,466  

Odebrecht Finance Ltd.
5.25%, 6/27/29(b)

      217       74,136  
     

 

 

 
        280,602  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–0.0%

     

Minerva Luxembourg SA
6.50%, 9/20/26(b)

      200       182,810  
     

 

 

 

ENERGY–0.1%

     

Petrobras Global Finance BV
5.75%, 2/01/29

      158       138,710  

6.125%, 1/17/22

      2       2,037  

6.25%, 3/17/24

      124       122,791  
     

 

 

 
        263,538  
     

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION–SERVICES–0.1%

     

Rumo Luxembourg SARL
5.875%, 1/18/25(b)

      200       183,464  
     

 

 

 
        910,414  
     

 

 

 

UTILITY–0.1%

     

ELECTRIC–0.1%

     

Genneia SA
8.75%, 1/20/22(b)

      76       73,625  

Terraform Global Operating LLC
6.125%, 3/01/26(b)

      42       41,632  
     

 

 

 
        115,257  
     

 

 

 

Total Emerging Markets–
Corporate Bonds
(cost $1,234,240)

        1,025,671  
     

 

 

 

GOVERNMENTS–SOVEREIGN BONDS–0.2%

     

MEXICO–0.0%

     

Mexico Government International Bond
3.60%, 1/30/25

      200       193,250  
     

 

 

 

QATAR–0.1%

     

Qatar Government International Bond
3.875%, 4/23/23(b)

      250       249,818  
     

 

 

 

SAUDI ARABIA–0.1%

     

Saudi Government International Bond
4.00%, 4/17/25(b)

      251       249,986  
     

 

 

 

Total Governments–Sovereign Bonds
(cost $693,462)

        693,054  
     

 

 

 

 

17


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

EMERGING MARKETS–TREASURIES–0.2%

     

BRAZIL–0.2%

     

Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional
Series F
10.00%, 1/01/27
(cost $655,900)

    BRL       2,590     $ 610,813  
     

 

 

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS–US MUNICIPAL BONDS–0.2%

     

CALIFORNIA–0.2%

     

State of California
Series 2010
7.625%, 3/01/40 (cost $350,257)

  U.S.$         345       508,820  
     

 

 

 

QUASI-SOVEREIGNS–0.1%

     

QUASI-SOVEREIGN BONDS–0.1%

     

INDONESIA–0.1%

     

Perusahaan Listrik Negara PT
5.45%, 5/21/28(b)

      200       202,494  
     

 

 

 

MEXICO–0.0%

     

Petroleos Mexicanos
4.625%, 9/21/23

      22       21,582  
     

 

 

 

Total Quasi-Sovereigns (cost $220,567)

        224,076  
     

 

 

 

Company

        Shares        

RIGHTS–0.0%

     

ENERGY–0.0%

     

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–0.0%

     

Repsol SA, expiring 7/06/18(a)

      15,350       8,714  
     

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–0.0%

     

BANKS–0.0%

     

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, expiring 7/17/18(a)(g)

      46,990       0  
     

 

 

 

Total Rights (cost $8,644)

        8,714  
     

 

 

 
     

OPTIONS PURCHASED– PUTS–0.0%

     

SWAPTIONS–0.0%

     

IRS Swaption Expiration: Jul 2018; Contracts: 5,215,000; Exercise Rate: 2.96%; Counterparty: Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC(a)
(premiums paid $17,160)

    USD       5,215,000     $ 1,705  
     

 

 

 
    Principal
Amount
(000)
       

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–6.6%

     

GOVERNMENTS–TREASURIES–4.5%

     

JAPAN–4.5%

     

Japan Treasury Discount Bill
Series 743
Zero Coupon, 9/10/18

    JPY       311,650       2,815,721  

Series 748
Zero Coupon, 7/02/18

      539,950       4,876,936  

Series 760
Zero Coupon, 8/27/18

      536,500       4,846,866  
     

 

 

 

Total Governments–Treasuries (cost $12,819,178)

        12,539,523  
     

 

 

 
          Shares        

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–1.8%

     

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(c)(d)(k) (cost $5,169,816)

      5,169,816       5,169,816  
     

 

 

 

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal

Amount

(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTE–0.3%

     

Federal Home Loan Bank Discount Notes
Zero Coupon, 9/05/18 (cost $777,272)

    U.S.$       780     $ 777,272  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $18,766,266)

        18,486,611  
     

 

 

 
     
     

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–101.2%
(cost $264,254,061)

      $ 284,639,280  

Other assets less liabilities–(1.2)%

        (3,249,914
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

      $ 281,389,366  
     

 

 

 

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

Description   Number of
Contracts
    Expiration Month    

Notional

(000)

    Original
Value
    Value at
June 30, 2018
   

Unrealized
Appreciation/

(Depreciation)

 

Purchased Contracts

 

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

    12       September 2018     USD   2,400     $   2,541,077     $   2,541,938     $ 861  

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

    43       September 2018     USD   4,300       4,876,218       4,885,539       9,321  

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

    3       September 2018     USD   300       360,567       360,563       (4

U.S. Ultra Bond (CBT) Futures

    42       September 2018     USD   4,200       6,443,717       6,701,625       257,908  

Sold Contracts

 

10 Yr Mini Japan Government Bond Futures

    38       September 2018     JPY   380,000       5,168,107       5,177,185       (9,078

Euro-BOBL Futures

    7       September 2018     EUR   700       1,074,719       1,080,437       (5,718
           

 

 

 
            $   253,290  
           

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Bank of America, NA

     BRL       1,876        USD       510        7/03/18      $ 25,533  

Bank of America, NA

     USD       489        BRL       1,876        7/03/18        (4,582

Bank of America, NA

     PHP       13,968        USD       263        9/11/18        2,633  

Barclays Bank PLC

     BRL       2,662        USD       713        7/03/18        25,916  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD       690        BRL       2,662        7/03/18        (3,553

Barclays Bank PLC

     CNY       1,589        USD       246        7/19/18        6,615  

Barclays Bank PLC

     INR       4,338        USD       63        8/09/18        338  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD       349        INR       24,108        8/09/18        1,863  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD       34        PHP       1,834        9/11/18        21  

Barclays Bank PLC

     TWD       10,114        USD       342        9/13/18        8,218  

Citibank, NA

     EUR       782        USD       915        7/18/18        776  

Citibank, NA

     CNY       924        USD       144        7/19/18        4,574  

 

19


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

Citibank, NA

     KRW       383,477        USD       361        7/26/18      $ 16,134  

Citibank, NA

     USD       23        KRW       25,390        7/26/18        (646

Citibank, NA

     INR       147,842        USD       2,176        8/09/18        27,233  

Citibank, NA

     INR       7,457        USD       108        8/09/18        (615

Citibank, NA

     EUR       490        USD       577        8/16/18        3,223  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     SGD       691        USD       516        8/16/18        7,889  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     USD       1,800        AUD       2,391        8/16/18        (30,360

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     USD       2,859        GBP       2,104        8/16/18        (77,290

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     TWD       2,753        USD       93        9/13/18        2,435  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     BRL       1,448        USD       376        7/03/18        1,933  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     USD       384        BRL       1,448        7/03/18        (10,297

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     PEN       1,399        USD       426        7/25/18        (45

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     BRL       1,356        USD       358        8/02/18        9,568  

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

     CNY       2,372        USD       370        7/19/18        12,031  

Standard Chartered Bank

     BRL       2,662        USD       690        7/03/18        3,553  

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD       693        BRL       2,662        7/03/18        (6,213

Standard Chartered Bank

     CNY       13,636        USD       2,156        7/19/18        99,086  

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD       750        CNY       4,775        7/19/18        (29,951

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD       39        KRW       41,646        7/26/18        (1,179

Standard Chartered Bank

     BRL       2,590        USD       672        8/02/18        6,263  

Standard Chartered Bank

     INR       4,953        USD       72        8/09/18        58  

Standard Chartered Bank

     JPY       95,818        USD       881        8/16/18        13,412  

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD       2,769        JPY       301,049        8/16/18        (42,138

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD       22        TWD       678        9/13/18        3  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     EUR       60        USD       71        7/18/18        383  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     JPY       976,352        USD       8,857        7/18/18        29,189  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       232        EUR       199        7/18/18        30  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       125        EUR       107        7/18/18        (168

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       38        CNY       249        7/19/18        (732

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       58        RUB       3,685        7/31/18        710  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     GBP       42        USD       56        8/03/18        914  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       98        GBP       74        8/03/18        (452

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     AUD       86        USD       65        8/09/18        1,737  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     INR       3,553        USD       52        8/09/18        224  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       65        AUD       86        8/09/18        (1,161

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     AUD       269        USD       204        8/16/18        5,224  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     CAD       802        USD       629        8/16/18        18,440  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     CHF       49        USD       50        8/16/18        360  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     CHF       56        USD       57        8/16/18        (61

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     EUR       644        USD       758        8/16/18        3,512  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     EUR       271        USD       316        8/16/18        (1,370

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     GBP       265        USD       355        8/16/18        4,335  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     HKD       5,395        USD       689        8/16/18        504  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     ILS       992        USD       279        8/16/18        6,900  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     JPY       131,919        USD       1,215        8/16/18        20,357  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     NOK       2,408        USD       302        8/16/18        5,665  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     NOK       1,050        USD       129        8/16/18        (294

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     SEK       2,737        USD       317        8/16/18        10,851  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     SGD       280        USD       208        8/16/18        2,497  

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     TRY       298        USD       68        8/16/18      $ 4,319  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     TRY       111        USD       22        8/16/18        (1,529

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       450        AUD       594        8/16/18        (10,698

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       25        CAD       33        8/16/18        (375

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       1,166        CHF       1,157        8/16/18        6,958  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       123        CHF       119        8/16/18        (2,263

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       239        EUR       205        8/16/18        1,543  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       2,203        EUR       1,824        8/16/18        (66,217

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       1,015        GBP       747        8/16/18        (27,011

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       285        HKD       2,230        8/16/18        (203

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       1,172        JPY       127,723        8/16/18        (14,800

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       77        NOK       615        8/16/18        (1,447

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       43        NZD       61        8/16/18        (1,121

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       322        SEK       2,764        8/16/18        (12,518

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       329        SGD       442        8/16/18        (4,476

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       23        TRY       112        8/16/18        816  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       41        CAD       53        8/30/18        (517

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     AUD       331        USD       253        9/14/18        8,114  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     EUR       290        USD       342        9/14/18        1,939  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     EUR       163        USD       191        9/14/18        (362

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     JPY       22,757        USD       210        9/14/18        3,520  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     MXN       1,698        USD       85        9/14/18        231  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     MXN       3,514        USD       168        9/14/18        (6,563

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     NOK       496        USD       61        9/14/18        208  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     NZD       200        USD       140        9/14/18        4,950  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     SEK       717        USD       80        9/14/18        (25

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     SGD       356        USD       261        9/14/18        (258

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       65        AUD       88        9/14/18        79  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       154        AUD       204        9/14/18        (3,371

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       289        CHF       284        9/14/18        (682

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       322        EUR       274        9/14/18        53  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       209        JPY       22,757        9/14/18        (2,266

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       44        NOK       362        9/14/18        77  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       100        NZD       148        9/14/18        27  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       107        SEK       918        9/14/18        (4,227

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       322        SGD       431        9/14/18        (5,761

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       30        JPY       3,329        10/04/18        (96
               

 

 

 
                $   46,081  
               

 

 

 

INTEREST RATE SWAPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)

 

Description   Index  

Counter-

Party

 

Strike

Rate

   

Expiration

Date

   

Notional

Amount
(000)

    Premiums    

Market

Value

 

Put

 

OTC-1 Year Interest Rate Swap

  3 Month LIBOR   Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC     2.82     7/06/18     $   12,525     $   13,455     $   (4,481)  

 

21


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Description  

Fixed

Rate

(Pay)

Receive

   

Payment

Frequency

 

Implied

Credit

Spread at

June 30,

2018

    

Notional

Amount

(000)

   

Market

Value

    Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
   

Unrealized

Appreciation/

(Depreciation)

 

Buy Contracts

 

CDX-NAIG Series 30, 5 Year Index, 6/20/23*

    (1.00 )%    Quarterly     0.67    USD  1,500     $   (23,086)     $   (25,468)     $   2,382  

 

*   Termination date

CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAPS (see Note D)

 

                Rate Type        

Notional
Amount (000)

   

Termination

Date

   

Payments

made

by the

Fund

   

Payments

received

by the

Fund

   

Payment Frequency Paid/

Received

   

Market

Value

   

Upfront

Premiums

Paid

(Received)

   

Unrealized

Appreciation/

(Depreciation)

 
EUR     5,510       4/10/20       (0.147)%       6 Month EURIBOR       Annual/Semi-Annual     $ (7,547   $ (110   $ (7,437
EUR     2,040       4/11/20       (0.148)%       6 Month EURIBOR       Annual/Semi-Annual       (2,772     (50     (2,722
EUR     6,660       6/11/20       (0.115)%       6 Month EURIBOR       Annual/Semi-Annual       (9,719     5       (9,724
AUD     7,620       6/21/20       2.118%       3 Month BBSW       Quarterly/Quarterly       (5,297     0       (5,297
NOK     86,880       6/22/20       6 Month NIBOR       1.378%       Semi-Annual/Annual       (11,160     0       (11,160
SEK     9,070       3/31/22       3 Month STIBOR       0.341%       Quarterly/Annual       7,792       4       7,788  
NZD     1,865       3/31/22       3 Month BKBM       2.936%       Quarterly/Semi-Annual       29,278       0       29,278  
USD     295       11/08/26       1.657%       3 Month LIBOR       Semi-Annual/Quarterly     $ 27,942     $ 0     $ 27,942  
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $   28,517     $   (151   $   28,668  
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Swap Counterparty &

Referenced Obligation

  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
   

Payment

Frequency

   

Implied

Credit

Spread at

June 30,

2018

   

Notional

Amount

(000)

   

Market

Value

   

Upfront

Premiums

Paid

(Received)

   

Unrealized

Appreciation/

(Depreciation)

 

Buy Contracts

               

Citibank, NA

               

Sprint Communications, Inc., 7.000%, 8/15/20, 6/20/19*

    (5.00 )%      Quarterly       0.64     USD       172     $ (7,538   $ (2,044   $ (5,494

Sprint Communications, Inc., 7.000%, 8/15/20, 6/20/19*

    (5.00     Quarterly       0.64       USD       198           (8,678         (2,440         (6,238

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       17       5       215       (210

Credit Suisse International

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       5       2       46       (44

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       620       188       7,781       (7,593

Deutsche Bank AG

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       233       70       2,452       (2,382

 

22


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Swap Counterparty &

Referenced Obligation

  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
   

Payment

Frequency

   

Implied

Credit

Spread at

June 30,

2018

   

Notional

Amount

(000)

   

Market

Value

   

Upfront

Premiums

Paid

(Received)

   

Unrealized

Appreciation/

(Depreciation)

 

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50 )%      Monthly       0.51     USD       207     $ 63     $ 2,801       $    (2,738

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       775       234       8,227       (7,993

Goldman Sachs International

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       51       15       485       (470

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       226       69       3,033       (2,964

Sale Contracts

 

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       210           (21,654         (26,874     5,220  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       69       (7,126     (10,953     3,827  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       70       (7,224     (10,788     3,564  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       55       (5,672     (7,722     2,050  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       60       (6,187     (8,229     2,042  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       11       (1,136     (1,832     696  

Credit Suisse International

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       75       (7,740     (11,506     3,766  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       35       (3,609     (4,411     802  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       48       (4,950     (3,432     (1,518

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       165       (17,015     (11,038     (5,977

Deutsche Bank AG

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       48       (4,950     (6,255     1,305  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       53       (5,465     (6,269     804  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       52       (5,362     (6,148     786  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       79       (8,147     (8,801     654  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       8       (825     (970     145  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       9       (928     (534     (394

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       156       (16,087     (13,269     (2,818

 

23


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Swap Counterparty &

Referenced Obligation

  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
   

Payment

Frequency

   

Implied

Credit

Spread at

June 30,

2018

   

Notional

Amount

(000)

   

Market

Value

   

Upfront

Premiums

Paid

(Received)

   

Unrealized

Appreciation/

(Depreciation)

 

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00     Monthly       5.94     USD       232     $   (23,923   $   (16,814   $   (7,109

Goldman Sachs International

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       172       (17,736     (23,581     5,845  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       82       (8,469     (14,058     5,589  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       75       (7,746     (11,922     4,176  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       58       (5,991     (9,803     3,812  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       78       (8,043     (10,977     2,934  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       53       (5,465     (5,839     374  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       5       (516     (785     269  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       15       (1,547     (1,675     128  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       8       (825     (817     (8

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       4       (413     (371     (42

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       8       (825     (755     (70

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       47       (4,847     (4,200     (647

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       64       (6,600     (4,388     (2,212

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       170       (17,530     (13,439     (4,091

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       230       (23,717     (18,934     (4,783

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       272       (28,047     (13,755     (14,292
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $  (301,887     $  (270,588     $  (31,299
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   Termination date

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2018, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $17,531,865 or 6.2% of net assets.

 

(c)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

 

(f)   IO—Interest Only.

 

24


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

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

 

(h)   Floating Rate Security. Stated interest/floor/ceiling rate was in effect at June 30, 2018.

 

(i)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities, which represent 0.1% of net assets as of June 30, 2018, are considered illiquid and restricted. Additional information regarding such securities follows:

 

144A/Restricted & Illiquid Securities   

Acquisition

Date

     Cost     

Market

Value

    

Percentage

of Net Assets

 

Bellemeade Re II Ltd. Series 2016-1A, Class M2B
8.591%, 4/25/26

     4/29/16      $ 54,197      $ 54,899        0.02

H/2 Asset Funding NRE Series 2015-1A, Class AFL
3.741%, 6/24/49

     6/19/15        58,636        58,636        0.02

JP Morgan Madison Avenue Securities Trust Series 2014-CH1, Class M2
6.341%, 11/25/24

     11/06/15        29,334        32,269        0.01

Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust Series 2015-WF1, Class 1M2
7.341%, 11/25/25

     9/28/15        139,271        156,724        0.06

Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust Series 2015-WF1, Class 2M2
7.591%, 11/25/25

     9/28/15        40,174        47,130        0.02

 

(j)   Inverse interest only security.
(k)   The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end.

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

BRL—Brazilian Real

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

CNY—Chinese Yuan Renminbi

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

HKD—Hong Kong Dollar

ILS—Israeli Shekel

INR—Indian Rupee

JPY—Japanese Yen

KRW—South Korean Won

MXN—Mexican Peso

NOK—Norwegian Krone

NZD—New Zealand Dollar

PEN—Peruvian Sol

PHP—Philippine Peso

RUB—Russian Ruble

SEK—Swedish Krona

SGD—Singapore Dollar

TRY—Turkish Lira

TWD—New Taiwan Dollar

USD—United States Dollar

Glossary:

ABS—Asset-Backed Securities

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

BBSW—Bank Bill Swap Reference Rate (Australia)

BKBM—Bank Bill Benchmark (New Zealand)

BOBL—Bundesobligationen

CBT—Chicago Board of Trade

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

 

25


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

CDX-NAIG—North American Investment Grade Credit Default Swap Index

CMBS—Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

CPI—Consumer Price Index

EURIBOR—Euro Interbank Offered Rate

GDR—Global Depositary Receipt

IRS—Interest Rate Swaption

LIBOR—London Interbank Offered Rates

NIBOR—Norwegian Interbank Offered Rate

PJSC—Public Joint Stock Company

REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust

REMICs—Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits

STIBOR—Stockholm Interbank Offered Rate

TBA—To Be Announced

TIPS—Treasury Inflation Protected Security

See notes to financial statements.

 

26


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $185,338,965)

   $ 205,724,184  

Affiliated issuers (cost $78,915,096)

     78,915,096  

Cash

     2,268  

Cash collateral due from broker

     464,101  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $231,274)

     236,702  

Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions

     119,535,228  

Unaffiliated interest and dividends receivable

     968,520  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     423,974  

Unrealized appreciation on credit default swaps

     48,788  

Upfront premiums paid on credit default swaps

     25,040  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     2,294  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     406,346,195  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Swaptions written, at value (premiums received $13,455)

     4,481  

Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency transactions

     123,690,686  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     377,893  

Upfront premiums received on credit default swaps

     295,628  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     144,291  

Advisory fee payable

     133,061  

Unrealized depreciation on credit default swaps

     80,087  

Distribution fee payable

     54,605  

Payable for variation margin on futures

     11,719  

Administrative fee payable

     8,848  

Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

     5,714  

Directors’ fees payable

     437  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     87  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     149,292  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     124,956,829  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 281,389,366  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 23,955  

Additional paid-in capital

     209,800,320  

Undistributed net investment income

     6,130,521  

Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     44,737,359  

Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     20,697,211  
  

 

 

 
   $ 281,389,366  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

Class    Net Assets      Shares
Outstanding
     Net Asset
Value
 
A    $ 27,808,691        2,340,965      $ 11.88  
B    $   253,580,675        21,614,519      $   11.73  

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

27


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $132,635)

   $ 2,188,168  

Affiliated issuers

     4,766  

Interest

     1,478,085  

Securities lending income

     901  
  

 

 

 
     3,671,920  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     802,415  

Distribution fee—Class B

     329,035  

Transfer agency—Class A

     272  

Transfer agency—Class B

     2,501  

Custodian

     111,473  

Audit and tax

     44,109  

Administrative

     27,017  

Printing

     22,741  

Legal

     18,964  

Directors’ fees

     12,793  

Miscellaneous

     8,722  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,380,042  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (544
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     1,379,498  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     2,292,422  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions

     25,270,369  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (319,343

Futures

     (854,235

Swaps

     231,891  

Foreign currency transactions

     540,362  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

  

Investments(a)

     (27,535,433

Forward currency exchange contracts

     206,162  

Futures

     187,398  

Swaps

     85,579  

Swaptions written

     8,974  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (42,627
  

 

 

 
  

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (2,220,903
  

 

 

 
  

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 71,519  
  

 

 

 
  

 

 

 

(a)   Net of increase in accrued foreign capital gains taxes of $11,429.

 

     See notes to financial statements.

 

28


 
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income

   $ 2,292,422     $ 3,892,691  

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     24,869,044       21,723,157  

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

     (27,089,947     18,549,980  

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

     –0 –      521  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     71,519       44,166,349  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM

 

Net investment income

 

Class A

     –0 –      (646,765

Class B

     –0 –      (4,907,858

Net realized gain on investment transactions

 

Class A

     –0 –      (256,844

Class B

     –0 –      (2,233,659

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net decrease

     (22,080,165     (35,588,392
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (22,008,646     532,831  

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     303,398,012       302,865,181  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $6,130,521 and $3,838,099, respectively)

   $ 281,389,366     $ 303,398,012  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

29


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to maximize total return consistent with the determination of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) of reasonable risk. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers fourteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S.

 

30


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates, yield curves, option adjusted spreads, default rates, credit spreads and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows which are then discounted to calculate fair values. If these inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value, these investments will be classified as Level 3. In addition, non-agency rated investments are classified as Level 3.

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

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

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

 

31


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2018:

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities:

        

Assets:

        

Common Stocks:

 

Information Technology

   $ 23,986,238     $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 23,986,238  

Financials

     13,378,293       265,706       –0 –      13,643,999  

Real Estate

     8,305,289       3,443,719       –0 –      11,749,008  

Energy

     7,321,876       3,257,423       –0 –      10,579,299  

Consumer Discretionary

     10,097,624       –0 –      –0 –      10,097,624  

Health Care

     9,847,635       –0 –      –0 –      9,847,635  

Consumer Staples

     6,613,206       –0 –      –0 –      6,613,206  

Industrials

     5,713,210       –0 –      –0 –      5,713,210  

Materials

     1,884,184       1,225,237       –0 –      3,109,421  

Utilities

     2,354,338       –0 –      –0 –      2,354,338  

Telecommunication Services

     1,445,517       –0 –      –0 –      1,445,517  

Transportation

     –0 –      96,767       –0 –      96,767  

Capital Goods

     –0 –      74,648       –0 –      74,648  

Health Care Equipment & Services

     58,188       –0 –      –0 –      58,188  

Consumer Durables & Apparel

     41,683       –0 –      –0 –      41,683  

Banks

     –0 –      29,394       –0 –      29,394  

Investment Companies

     73,745,280       –0 –      –0 –      73,745,280  

Corporates—Investment Grade

     –0 –      26,605,123       –0 –      26,605,123  

Mortgage Pass-Throughs

     –0 –      20,942,859       –0 –      20,942,859  

Governments—Treasuries

     –0 –      12,083,084       –0 –      12,083,084  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

     –0 –      7,272,553       1,421,201       8,693,754  

Asset-Backed Securities

     –0 –      5,233,792       1,766,531       7,000,323  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

     –0 –      5,720,042       –0 –      5,720,042  

Inflation-Linked Securities

     –0 –      4,983,092       –0 –      4,983,092  

Corporates—Non-Investment Grade

     –0 –      3,866,084       –0 –      3,866,084  

Emerging Markets—Corporate Bonds

     –0 –      1,025,671       –0 –      1,025,671  

Governments—Sovereign Bonds

     –0 –      693,054       –0 –      693,054  

Emerging Markets—Treasuries

     –0 –      610,813       –0 –      610,813  

Local Governments—US Municipal Bonds

     –0 –      508,820       –0 –      508,820  

Quasi-Sovereigns

     –0 –      224,076       –0 –      224,076  

Rights

     8,714       –0 –      0 (a)      8,714  

Options Purchased—Puts

     –0 –      1,705       –0 –      1,705  

 

32


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Short-Term Investments:

        

Governments—Treasuries

   $ –0 –    $ 12,539,523     $ –0 –    $ 12,539,523  

Investment Companies

     5,169,816       –0 –      –0 –      5,169,816  

Agency Discount Notes

     –0 –      777,272       –0 –      777,272  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     169,971,091       111,480,457       3,187,732       284,639,280  

Other Financial Instruments(b):

        

Assets:

        

Futures

     268,090       –0 –      –0 –      268,090 (c) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     –0 –      423,974       –0 –      423,974  

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

     –0 –      65,012       –0 –      65,012 (c) 

Credit Default Swaps

     –0 –      646       –0 –      646  

Liabilities:

        

Futures

     (14,800     –0 –      –0 –      (14,800 )(c) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     –0 –      (377,893     –0 –      (377,893

Interest Rate Swaptions

     –0 –      (4,481     –0 –      (4,481

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps

     –0 –      (23,086       (23,086 )(c) 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

     –0 –      (36,495     –0 –      (36,495 )(c) 

Credit Default Swaps

     –0 –      (302,533     –0 –      (302,533
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total(d)(e)

   $ 170,224,381     $ 111,225,601     $ 3,187,732     $ 284,637,714  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)   The Portfolio held securities with zero market value at period end.

 

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

 

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

 

(d)   There were deminimis transfers under 1% of net assets from Level 1 to Level 2 during the reporting period.

 

(e)   There were no transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 during the reporting period.

The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.

The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value.

 

     Commercial
Mortgage
Backed
Securities
    Asset-
Backed
Securities
    Rights(a)  

Balance as of 12/31/17

   $ 1,545,137     $ 1,812,622     $ –0 – 

Accrued discounts/(premiums)

     342       224       –0 – 

Realized gain (loss)

     (1,901     137       –0 – 

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     (7,659     (10,971     –0 – 

Purchases/Payups

     –0 –      399,971       –0 – 

Sales/Paydowns

     (114,718     (435,452     –0 – 

Transfers in to Level 3

     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Transfers out of Level 3

     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of 6/30/18

   $ 1,421,201     $ 1,766,531     $ –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments held as of 6/30/18(b)

   $ (8,882   $ (10,971   $ –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

33


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Total               

Balance as of 12/31/17

   $ 3,357,759       

Accrued discounts/(premiums)

     566       

Realized gain (loss)

     (1,764     

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     (18,630     

Purchases/Payups

     399,971       

Sales/Paydowns

     (550,170     

Transfers in to Level 3

     –0 –      

Transfers out of Level 3

     –0 –      
  

 

 

      

Balance as of 6/30/18

   $ 3,187,732       
  

 

 

      

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments held as of 6/30/18(b)

   $ (19,853     
  

 

 

      

 

(a)   The Portfolio held securities with zero market value at period end.

 

(b)   The unrealized appreciation/depreciation is included in net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and other financial instruments in the accompanying statement of operations.

As of June 30, 2018, all Level 3 securities were priced (i) by third party vendors or (ii) by brokers.

The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.

In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).

3. Currency Translation

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

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

 

34


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to .75% and 1.00% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Adviser reimbursed the Portfolio $521 for trading losses incurred due to a trade entry error.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $27,017.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $600 for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $270.

 

35


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in other AB mutual funds, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse the expenses payable to the Adviser by the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of AB mutual funds, as paid by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. These fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will remain in effect until May 1, 2019. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, there were no such waivers and/or reimbursements.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

                                               Distributions  

Fund

   Market Value
12/31/17
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Realized
Gain (Loss)
(000)
     Change in
Unrealized
Appr./(Depr.)
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/18
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
     Realized
Gains
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 0      $ 6,207      $ 1,038      $ 0      $ 0      $ 5,169      $ 3      $ 0  

AB Discovery Growth Fund, Inc.

     0        3,750        0        0        0        3,750        0        0  

AB Discovery Value Fund, Inc.

     0        3,750        0        0        0        3,750        0        0  

Bernstein Fund, Inc. - International Small Cap Portfolio

     0        9,374        0        0        0        9,374        0        0  

International Strategic Equities Portfolio

     0        31,248        0        0        0        31,248        0        0  

Small Cap Core Portfolio

     0        3,750        0        0        0        3,750        0        0  

Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc. - Emerging Markets Portfolio

     0        4,375        0        0        0        4,375        0        0  

International Portfolio

     0        17,499        0        0        0        17,499        0        0  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

     1,220        5,436        6,656        0        0        0        2        0  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

            $ 0      $ 0      $ 78,915      $ 5      $ 0  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*   Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 amounted to $63,977, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

 

36


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 171,280,739      $ 180,168,546  

U.S. government securities

     81,908,009        84,942,651  

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 23,533,637  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (2,840,322
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 20,693,315  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Futures

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

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

The Portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

 

37


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Option Transactions

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

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

When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the option written. Premiums received from written options which expire unexercised are recorded by the Portfolio on the expiration date as realized gains from options written. The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium received is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium received is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Portfolio has realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium received reduces the cost basis of the security or currency purchased by the Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security or currency underlying the written option. Exercise of an option written by the Portfolio could result in the Portfolio selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.

The Portfolio may also invest in options on swap agreements, also called “swaptions”. A swaption is an option that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a swap on a future date in exchange for paying a market-based “premium”. A receiver swaption gives the owner the right to receive the total return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. A payer swaption gives the owner the right to pay the total return on a specified asset, reference rate, or index. Swaptions also include options that allow an existing swap to be terminated or extended by one of the counterparties.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held purchased swaptions for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held written swaptions for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Swaps

The Portfolio may enter into swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rates, credit risk or currencies. The Portfolio may also enter into swaps for non-hedging purposes as a means of gaining market exposures, making direct

 

38


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions.” A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. The payment flows are usually netted against each other, with the difference being paid by one party to the other. In addition, collateral may be pledged or received by the Portfolio in accordance with the terms of the respective swaps to provide value and recourse to the Portfolio or its counterparties in the event of default, bankruptcy or insolvency by one of the parties to the swap.

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

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

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

Interest Rate Swaps:

The Portfolio is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Because the Portfolio holds fixed rate bonds, the value of these bonds may decrease if interest rates rise. To help hedge against this risk and to maintain its ability to generate income at prevailing market rates, the Portfolio may enter into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange cash flows based on a notional amount. The Portfolio may elect to pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate, or, receive a fixed rate and pay a floating rate on a notional amount.

In addition, the Portfolio may also enter into interest rate swap transactions to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, or protecting against an increase in the price of securities the Portfolio anticipates purchasing at a later date. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Portfolio with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed

 

39


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

rate payments) computed based on a contractually-based principal (or “notional”) amount. Interest rate swaps are entered into on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Portfolio receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments).

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held interest rate swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Credit Default Swaps:

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

In certain circumstances Maximum Payout Amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront premium received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swaps entered into by the Portfolio for the same referenced obligations with the same counterparty. As of June 30, 2018, the Portfolio did not have Buy Contracts outstanding with respect to the same referenced obligations and same counterparty for its Sale Contracts outstanding.

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

Implied credit spreads over U.S. Treasuries of comparable maturity utilized in determining the market value of credit default swaps on issuers as of period end are disclosed in the portfolio of investments. The implied spreads serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and typically reflect the likelihood of default by the issuer of the referenced obligation. The implied credit spread of a particular reference obligation also reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may reflect upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Widening credit spreads typically represent a deterioration of the referenced obligation’s credit soundness and greater likelihood of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement. A credit spread identified as “Defaulted” indicates a credit event has occurred for the referenced obligation.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held credit default swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

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

The Portfolio’s ISDA Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the Portfolio decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered,

 

40


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

the Portfolio’s OTC counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Portfolio to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. If OTC derivatives were held at period end, please refer to netting arrangements by the OTC counterparty tables below for additional details.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

   Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

   Fair Value  

Interest rate contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures    $ 268,090   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures    $ 14,800

Credit contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps      2,382     

Interest rate contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps      65,008   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps      36,340

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts      423,974     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts      377,893  

Interest rate contracts

  Investments in securities, at value      1,705       

Interest rate contracts

       Swaptions written, at value      4,481  

Credit contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on credit default swaps      48,788     Unrealized depreciation on credit default swaps      80,087  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     $ 809,947        $ 513,601  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

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

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures    $ (853,155   $ 187,398  

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures      (1,080     –0 – 

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts      (319,343     206,162  

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments      –0 –      (15,455

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaptions written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaptions written      –0 –      8,974  

 

41


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps    $ 203,453     $ (42,559

Credit contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps      28,438       128,138  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ (941,687   $ 472,658  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2018:

 

Futures:

  

Average original value of buy contracts

   $ 18,971,972  

Average original value of sale contracts

   $ 10,133,959  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 22,812,256  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 34,112,203  

Purchased Swaptions:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 5,215,000 (a) 

Swaptions Written:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 12,525,000 (a) 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 21,992,734  

Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 2,504,000  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 2,776,000  

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 960,000 (b) 

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 360,000 (a) 

 

(a)   Positions were open for one month during the period.

 

(b)   Positions were open for four months during the period.

For financial reporting purposes, the Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2018. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Assets
Subject to a MA
     Derivative
Available for
Offset
    Cash Collateral
Received*
    Security Collateral
Received*
    Net Amount of
Derivatives Assets
 

Bank of America, NA

   $ 28,166      $ (4,582   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 23,584  

Barclays Bank PLC

     42,971        (3,553     –0 –      –0 –      39,418  

Citibank, NA

     51,940        (17,477     –0 –      –0 –      34,463  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     5        (5     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Credit Suisse International

     190        (190     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Deutsche Bank AG

     367        (367     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Goldman Sachs International

     84        (84     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

 

42


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Assets
Subject to a MA
     Derivative
Available for
Offset
    Cash Collateral
Received*
    Security Collateral
Received*
    Net Amount of
Derivatives Assets
 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

   $ 10,324      $ (10,324   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ –0 – 

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc./Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

     13,206        (13,206     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

     12,031        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      12,031  

Standard Chartered Bank

     122,375        (79,481     –0 –      –0 –      42,894  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     144,666        (144,666     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 426,325      $ (273,935   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 152,390
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Liabilities
Subject to a MA
     Derivative
Available for
Offset
    Cash Collateral
Pledged*
    Security Collateral
Pledged*
    Net Amount of
Derivatives Liabilities
 

Bank of America, NA

   $ 4,582      $ (4,582   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ –0 – 

Barclays Bank PLC

     3,553        (3,553     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Citibank, NA

     17,477        (17,477     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     48,999        (5     –0 –      –0 –      48,994  

Credit Suisse International

     33,314        (190     –0 –      –0 –      33,124  

Deutsche Bank AG

     65,687        (367     –0 –      –0 –      65,320  

Goldman Sachs International

     138,317        (84     –0 –      –0 –      138,233  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     107,650        (10,324     –0 –      –0 –      97,326  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc./Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

     14,823        (13,206     –0 –      –0 –      1,617  

Standard Chartered Bank

     79,481        (79,481     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     171,024        (144,666     –0 –      –0 –      26,358  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 684,907      $ (273,935   $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 410,972
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   The actual collateral received/pledged may be more than the amount reported due to over-collateralization.

 

^   Net amount represents the net receivable/payable that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

 

43


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

3. TBA and Dollar Rolls

The Portfolio may invest in TBA mortgage-backed securities. A TBA, or “To Be Announced”, trade represents a contract for the purchase or sale of mortgage-backed securities to be delivered at a future agree-upon date; however, the specific mortgage pool numbers or the number of pools that will be delivered to fulfill the trade obligation or terms of the contract are unknown at the time of the trade. Mortgage pools (including fixed-rate or variable-rate mortgages) guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association, or GNMA, the Federal National Mortgage Association, or FNMA, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or FHLMC, are subsequently allocated to the TBA transactions.

The Portfolio may enter into dollar rolls. Dollar rolls involve sales by the Portfolio of securities for delivery in the current month and the Portfolio’s simultaneously contracting to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Portfolio forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities. The Portfolio is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Portfolio is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. Dollar rolls are speculative techniques. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio earned drop income of $97,751 which is included in interest income in the accompanying statement of operations.

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had no securities on loan. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $901 and $2,472 from the borrowers and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of AB Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $274. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    61,784       177,869       $ 731,661     $ 2,060,513  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      80,751         –0 –      903,608  

Shares redeemed

    (192,719     (645,720       (2,295,219     (7,353,598
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (130,935     (387,100     $ (1,563,558   $ (4,389,477
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

44


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    516,773       1,027,911       $ 6,091,540     $ 11,533,980  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    –0 –      645,124         –0 –      7,141,518  

Shares redeemed

    (2,262,816     (4,477,191       (26,608,147     (49,874,413
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (1,746,043     (2,804,156     $ (20,516,607   $ (31,198,915
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2018, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 62% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Allocation Risk—The allocation of investments among the different investment styles, such as growth or value, equity or debt securities, or U.S. or non-U.S. securities may have a more significant effect on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV, when one of these investment strategies is performing more poorly than others.

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors. These risks may be heightened with respect to investments in emerging market countries, where there may be an increased amount of economic, political and social instability.

Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies or reduce the Portfolio’s returns.

Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk—Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments in fixed-income debt securities such as bonds or notes. Increases in interest rates may cause the value of the Portfolio’s investments to decline. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to a derivative contract, will be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. Credit risk is greater for medium quality and lower-rated securities. Lower-rated debt securities and similar unrated securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) have speculative elements or are predominantly speculative risks.

Below Investment Grade Security Risk—Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (“junk bonds”) tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and less secondary market liquidity.

Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk—As with other investments, investments in other investment companies are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, shareholders of The Portfolio bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Portfolio (including management fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies.

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

Real Asset Risk—The Portfolio’s investments in securities linked to real assets involve significant risks, including financial, operating, and competitive risks. Investments in securities linked to real assets expose the Portfolio to adverse macroeconomic conditions, such as a rise in interest rates or a downturn in the economy in which the asset is located. Changes in inflation rates or in the market’s inflation expectations may adversely affect the market value of inflation-sensitive equities.

 

45


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Portfolio’s investments in real estate securities have many of the same risks as direct ownership of real estate, including the risk that the value of real estate could decline due to a variety of factors that affect the real estate market generally. Investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) may have additional risks. REITs are dependent on the capability of their managers, may have limited diversification, and could be significantly affected by changes in tax laws.

Active Trading Risk—The Portfolio expects to engage in active and frequent trading of its portfolio securities and its portfolio turnover rate is expected to exceed 100%. A higher rate of portfolio turnover increases transaction costs, which may negatively affect the Portfolio’s return. In addition, a high rate of portfolio turnover may result in substantial short-term gains, which may have adverse tax consequences for Contractholders.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Effective July 3, 2018, the Facility will be increased to $325 million.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

     2017      2016  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 5,554,623      $ 5,774,554  

Net long-term capital gains

     2,490,503        21,050,216  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions

   $ 8,045,126      $ 26,824,770  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 6,199,025  

Undistributed capital gains

     19,537,691  

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     45,756,856 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 71,493,572  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the tax treatment of swaps, the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), and the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments.

For tax purposes, net capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (the “ASU”) which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require any accounting change for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.

 

46


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

47


 
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $11.86       $10.54       $10.99       $12.16       $13.77       $12.12  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .11 (b)      .17 (b)      .19 (b)†      .20       .26       .23  

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

    (.09     1.48       .34       .02 ‡      .71       1.74  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      .00 (c)      .00 (c)      .00       .00 (c)      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .02       1.65       .53       .22       .97       1.97  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.24     (.24     (.27     (.39     (.32

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (.09     (.74     (1.12     (2.19     –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.33     (.98     (1.39     (2.58     (.32
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $11.88       $11.86       $10.54       $10.99       $12.16       $13.77  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)

    .17     15.84 %*      4.69 %†      1.65 %*      7.37 %*      16.49
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $27,809       $29,328       $30,132       $33,409       $36,882       $41,222  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    .72 %^      .73     .73     .70     .71     .65

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    .72 %^      .73     .73     .70     .71     .65

Net investment income

    1.81 %(b)^      1.51 %(b)      1.74 %(b)†      1.71     1.96     1.76

Portfolio turnover rate**

    90     108     106     132     114     117

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 50.

 

48


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $11.73       $10.42       $10.87       $12.05       $13.65       $12.01  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .09 (b)      .14 (b)      .16 (b)†      .17       .22       .19  

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

    (.09     1.47       .33       .01 ‡      .71       1.74  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      .00 (c)      .00 (c)      .00       .00 (c)      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    –0 –      1.61       .49       .18       .93       1.93  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.21     (.20     (.24     (.34     (.29

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (.09     (.74     (1.12     (2.19     –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.30     (.94     (1.36     (2.53     (.29
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $11.73       $11.73       $10.42       $10.87       $12.05       $13.65  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)

    0     15.62 %*      4.44 %†      1.29 %*      7.11 %*      16.27
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $253,580       $274,070       $272,733       $298,233       $328,363       $351,355  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    .97 %^      .98     .98     .95     .96     .90

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    .97 %^      .98     .98     .95     .96     .90

Net investment income

    1.55 %(b)^      1.26 %(b)      1.49 %(b)†      1.46     1.71     1.49

Portfolio turnover rate**

    90     108     106     132     114     117

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 50.

 

49


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

(d)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows:

 

Net Investment
Income Per Share
  Net Investment
Income Ratio
  Total Return
$.001   .01%   .01%

 

  Due to timing of sales and repurchase of capital shares, the net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share is not in accordance with the Portfolio’s change in net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions for the period.

 

^   Annualized.

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014 by .02%, .03% and .01%, respectively.

 

**   The Portfolio accounts for dollar roll transactions as purchases and sales.

See notes to financial statements.

 

50


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on August 1-2, 2017 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer), who acted as their independent fee consultant, of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2015 and 2016 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous

 

51


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended May 31, 2017 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The Adviser informed the directors that there were no institutional products managed by it that have a substantially similar investment style.

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors considered the effects of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements as a result of the Adviser’s expense cap (although the directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was currently below the Adviser’s expense cap). The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the

 

52


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

53


 

 

 

 

VPS-BW-0152-0618


JUN    06.30.18

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO

 


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2018
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2018
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
    Total
Expenses Paid
During Period+
     Total
Annualized
Expense Ratio+
 

Class A

                

Actual

   $   1,000      $ 984.70      $   3.84        0.78   $ 3.99        0.81

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,020.93      $ 3.91        0.78   $ 4.06        0.81
                

Class B

                

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 983.10      $ 5.06        1.03   $ 5.21        1.06

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $   1,019.69      $ 5.16        1.03   $   5.31        1.06

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

+   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Portfolio’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

SECURITY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  NET ASSETS  

U.S. Treasury Bonds & Notes

   $ 171,569,896          29.3

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

     24,413,212          4.2  

iShares JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF

     17,582,777          3.0  

Vanguard Real Estate ETF

     10,891,901          1.9  

Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF

     7,859,966          1.3  

iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF

     7,773,727          1.3  

Apple, Inc.

     6,701,167          1.2  

Microsoft Corp.

     5,514,271          0.9  

Amazon.com, Inc.

     4,949,818          0.9  

Alphabet, Inc.—Class C

     4,919,533          0.8  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   262,176,268          44.8

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

 

 

ASSET CLASSES      CURRENT  ALLOCATION  

Equities

      

U.S. Large Cap

       15.6

International Large Cap

       27.0  

U.S. Mid-Cap

       2.3  

U.S. Small-Cap

       2.4  

Emerging Market Equities

       5.1  

Real Estate Equities

       7.6  
      

 

 

 

Sub-total

       60.0  
      

 

 

 

Fixed Income

      

U.S. Bonds

       36.3  

International Bonds

       0.7  
      

 

 

 

Sub-total

       37.0  
      

 

 

 

Opportunistic Assets

      

Emerging Market Debt

       3.0  
      

 

 

 

Sub-total

       3.0  
      

 

 

 

Total

       100.0
      

 

 

 

SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN3

June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

 

 

SECURITY TYPE    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Common Stocks

   $ 324,597,572          56.1

Governments—Treasuries

     171,569,896          29.7  

Investment Companies

     68,521,583          11.8  

Rights

     11,168          0.0  

Short-Term Investments

     13,632,405          2.4  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   578,332,624          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   All data are as of June 30, 2018. The Portfolio breakdown is expressed as an approximate percentage of the Portfolio’s total investments inclusive of derivative exposure, based on the Adviser’s internal classification guidelines.

 

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

 

2


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

COMMON STOCKS–55.5%

 

 

FINANCIALS–9.3%

 

BANKS–4.8%

 

AIB Group PLC

    5,844     $ 31,648  

Aozora Bank Ltd.

    2,000       75,903  

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

    31,095       650,805  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

    73,153       515,916  

Banco de Sabadell SA

    50,635       84,551  

Banco Santander SA

    177,334       947,755  

Bank Hapoalim BM

    14,749       99,987  

Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM

    12,645       74,822  

Bank of America Corp.

    70,245       1,980,207  

Bank of East Asia Ltd. (The)

    41,231       164,332  

Bank of Ireland Group PLC

    11,605       90,057  

Bank of Kyoto Ltd. (The)

    400       18,469  

Bank of Queensland Ltd.

    7,933       59,730  

Bankia SA

    10,832       40,393  

Bankinter SA

    7,353       71,346  

Barclays PLC

    188,978       467,103  

BB&T Corp.

    5,650       284,986  

Bendigo & Adelaide Bank Ltd.

    4,177       33,463  

BNP Paribas SA

    13,908       860,306  

BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

    39,500       185,647  

CaixaBank SA

    42,465       182,781  

Chiba Bank Ltd. (The)

    11,000       77,582  

Citigroup, Inc.

    19,179       1,283,459  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    3,519       136,889  

Comerica, Inc.

    1,200       109,104  

Commerzbank AG(a)

    15,814       150,855  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

    19,262       1,038,849  

Concordia Financial Group Ltd.

    11,221       57,023  

Credit Agricole SA

    14,327       190,155  

Danske Bank A/S

    7,940       247,362  

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

    21,665       421,320  

DNB ASA

    9,303       181,158  

Erste Group Bank AG(a)

    3,207       133,700  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    5,040       144,648  

Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc.

    9,000       45,165  

Hang Seng Bank Ltd.

    8,100       202,260  

HSBC Holdings PLC

    219,920       2,055,009  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc./OH

    7,765       114,611  

ING Groep NV

    36,740       527,385  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA

    120,775       349,435  

Japan Post Bank Co., Ltd.

    3,855       44,820  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    25,115       2,616,983  

KBC Group NV

    3,064       235,315  

KeyCorp

    7,725       150,947  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

    769,079       638,118  

M&T Bank Corp.

    1,115       189,717  

Mebuki Financial Group, Inc.

    16,800       56,353  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario SpA

    12,965     $ 119,927  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

    135,900       769,857  

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd.

    1,057       19,446  

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

    253,500       427,017  

National Australia Bank Ltd.

    28,193       572,448  

Nordea Bank AB

    28,914       277,360  

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd.

    29,000       247,015  

People’s United Financial, Inc.

    2,465       44,592  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    3,430       463,393  

Raiffeisen Bank International AG

    1,307       40,046  

Regions Financial Corp.

    8,325       148,019  

Resona Holdings, Inc.

    21,000       111,925  

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC(a)

    42,208       142,095  

Seven Bank Ltd.

    16,218       49,523  

Shinsei Bank Ltd.

    3,700       56,770  

Shizuoka Bank Ltd. (The)

    4,000       35,965  

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB–Class A

    16,190       153,228  

Societe Generale SA

    9,446       397,014  

Standard Chartered PLC

    34,982       317,756  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

    14,300       557,786  

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc.

    3,200       126,252  

SunTrust Banks, Inc.

    3,390       223,808  

Suruga Bank Ltd.

    1,000       8,907  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    386       111,461  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB–Class A

    14,254       157,869  

Swedbank AB–Class A

    8,621       183,681  

UniCredit SpA

    17,422       288,759  

United Overseas Bank Ltd.

    12,000       235,185  

US Bancorp

    11,415       570,978  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    32,075       1,778,238  

Westpac Banking Corp.

    35,553       772,103  

Zions Bancorporation

    1,430       75,347  
   

 

 

 
      27,802,199  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–1.5%

   

3i Group PLC

    9,721       115,088  

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

    407       60,509  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    1,045       146,175  

Amundi SA(b)

    1,517       104,862  

ASX Ltd.

    1,453       69,261  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    7,415       399,891  

BlackRock, Inc.–Class A

    977       487,562  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    846       88,043  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    8,590       438,949  

CME Group, Inc.–Class A

    2,450       401,604  

Credit Suisse Group AG (REG)(a)

    28,090       420,032  

 

3


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(contiued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Daiwa Securities Group, Inc.

    16,000     $ 92,734  

Deutsche Bank AG (REG)

    19,693       210,685  

Deutsche Boerse AG

    2,077       276,146  

E*TRADE Financial Corp.(a)

    1,870       114,369  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    2,320       74,356  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

    2,538       559,807  

Hargreaves Lansdown PLC

    2,483       64,364  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.

    10,900       326,210  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    4,230       311,116  

Invesco Ltd.

    2,930       77,821  

Investec PLC

    5,877       41,555  

Japan Exchange Group, Inc.

    4,965       92,091  

Julius Baer Group Ltd.(a)

    2,130       124,757  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    3,987       234,713  

Macquarie Group Ltd.

    3,705       337,660  

Moody’s Corp.

    1,245       212,347  

Morgan Stanley

    10,070       477,318  

MSCI, Inc.–Class A

    657       108,688  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    860       78,492  

Natixis SA

    21,759       153,957  

Nomura Holdings, Inc.

    38,855       188,022  

Northern Trust Corp.

    1,560       160,508  

Partners Group Holding AG

    158       115,505  

Quilter PLC(a)(b)

    20,384       38,987  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    909       81,219  

S&P Global, Inc.

    1,860       379,235  

SBI Holdings, Inc./Japan

    2,468       63,280  

Schroders PLC

    1,291       53,572  

Singapore Exchange Ltd.

    21,000       110,353  

St. James’s Place PLC

    4,994       75,350  

State Street Corp.

    2,635       245,292  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    1,725       200,255  

UBS Group AG(a)

    42,353       649,286  
   

 

 

 
      9,062,026  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–0.2%

   

Acom Co., Ltd.

    13,014       49,961  

American Express Co.

    5,210       510,580  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    3,513       322,845  

Credit Saison Co., Ltd.

    3,500       54,988  

Discover Financial Services

    2,610       183,770  

Synchrony Financial

    5,318       177,515  
   

 

 

 
      1,299,659  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–0.7%

   

AMP Ltd.

    28,155       74,053  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.–Class B(a)

    13,994       2,611,980  

Challenger Ltd./Australia

    12,809       112,095  

EXOR NV

    3,679       246,188  

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA

    768       80,794  

IHS Markit Ltd.(a)

    2,561       132,122  

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Industrivarden AB–Class C

    4,979     $ 96,045  

Investor AB–Class B

    4,336       175,637  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.

    2,255       51,279  

Kinnevik AB

    4,676       159,345  

ORIX Corp.

    14,110       222,403  

Pargesa Holding SA

    346       29,286  

Standard Life Aberdeen PLC

    28,554       122,273  

Wendel SA

    844       116,127  
   

 

 

 
      4,229,627  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–2.1%

 

Admiral Group PLC

    2,010       50,516  

Aegon NV

    38,312       228,746  

Aflac, Inc.

    5,710       245,644  

Ageas

    1,646       82,865  

AIA Group Ltd.

    128,423       1,118,746  

Allianz SE (REG)

    4,871       1,003,692  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    2,600       237,302  

American International Group, Inc.

    6,493       344,259  

Aon PLC

    1,865       255,822  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    1,302       84,994  

Assicurazioni Generali SpA

    11,115       185,820  

Assurant, Inc.

    410       42,431  

Aviva PLC

    43,251       286,974  

Baloise Holding AG (REG)

    926       134,323  

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.(a)

    697       27,929  

Chubb Ltd.

    3,332       423,231  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    1,060       70,872  

CNP Assurances

    4,544       103,237  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.

    11,850       210,902  

Direct Line Insurance Group PLC

    13,089       59,066  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    294       67,761  

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA

    3,690       60,411  

Hannover Rueck SE (REG)

    795       98,836  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    2,575       131,660  

Insurance Australia Group Ltd.

    23,145       146,015  

Japan Post Holdings Co., Ltd.

    16,700       182,761  

Legal & General Group PLC

    63,405       221,780  

Lincoln National Corp.

    1,590       98,977  

Loews Corp.

    1,990       96,077  

Mapfre SA

    17,737       53,313  

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

    3,690       302,469  

Medibank Pvt Ltd.

    39,307       84,873  

MetLife, Inc.

    7,570       330,052  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc.

    4,800       149,081  

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen (REG)

    1,588       333,866  

NN Group NV

    7,137       289,451  

Old Mutual Ltd.(a)

    61,153       120,897  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    1,940       102,723  

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Progressive Corp. (The)

    4,145     $ 245,177  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    3,065       286,608  

Prudential PLC

    28,434       648,191  

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

    13,053       93,972  

RSA Insurance Group PLC

    10,859       97,115  

Sampo Oyj–Class A

    4,765       232,059  

SCOR SE

    3,333       123,258  

Sompo Holdings, Inc.

    4,000       161,400  

Sony Financial Holdings, Inc.

    4,130       78,689  

Suncorp Group Ltd.

    12,247       132,078  

Swiss Life Holding AG(a)

    342       118,589  

Swiss Re AG

    3,176       277,293  

T&D Holdings, Inc.

    5,500       82,489  

Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.

    7,300       341,518  

Torchmark Corp.

    752       61,220  

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

    2,030       248,350  

Tryg A/S

    1,821       42,645  

Unum Group

    1,620       59,924  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    987       149,629  

XL Group Ltd.

    1,810       101,269  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

    1,604       474,351  
   

 

 

 
      12,124,198  
   

 

 

 
      54,517,709  
   

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–9.3%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.4%

   

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    35,790       1,540,044  

F5 Networks, Inc.(a)

    480       82,776  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    2,640       72,389  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    1,145       133,244  

Nokia Oyj

    62,192       356,725  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson–Class B

    28,969       223,183  
   

 

 

 
      2,408,361  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS &
COMPONENTS–0.6%

   

Alps Electric Co., Ltd.

    2,053       52,726  

Amphenol Corp.–Class A

    2,150       187,372  

Corning, Inc.

    6,205       170,699  

FLIR Systems, Inc.

    910       47,293  

Hamamatsu Photonics KK

    1,600       68,684  

Hexagon AB–Class B

    4,263       236,883  

Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.

    315       38,957  

Hitachi High-Technologies Corp.

    1,881       76,519  

Hitachi Ltd.

    52,000       366,339  

Ingenico Group SA

    930       83,388  

IPG Photonics Corp.(a)

    273       60,232  

Keyence Corp.

    1,054       594,471  

Kyocera Corp.

    3,100       174,337  

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    2,000       335,753  

Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.

    929       25,752  

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Omron Corp.

    1,800     $ 83,851  

Shimadzu Corp.

    2,000       60,342  

TDK Corp.

    1,200       122,187  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    2,560       230,554  

Venture Corp. Ltd.

    4,005       52,325  

Yaskawa Electric Corp.

    2,723       95,891  

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

    4,500       79,907  
   

 

 

 
      3,244,462  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–1.6%

   

Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a)

    1,205       88,242  

Alphabet, Inc.–Class A(a)

    2,189       2,471,797  

Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a)

    2,194       2,447,736  

Delivery Hero AG(a)(b)

    1,586       84,066  

DeNA Co., Ltd.

    1,663       31,141  

eBay, Inc.(a)

    7,035       255,089  

Facebook, Inc.–Class A(a)

    17,287       3,359,210  

Kakaku.com, Inc.

    3,799       85,546  

REA Group Ltd.

    1,002       67,245  

Twitter, Inc.(a)

    4,736       206,821  

United Internet AG

    2,321       132,510  

VeriSign, Inc.(a)

    625       85,888  

Yahoo Japan Corp.

    13,553       44,899  
   

 

 

 
      9,360,190  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–1.5%

   

Accenture PLC–Class A

    4,485       733,701  

Alliance Data Systems Corp.

    380       88,616  

Amadeus IT Group SA–
Class A

    4,677       367,764  

Atos SE

    677       92,056  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    3,220       431,931  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

    869       100,022  

Capgemini SE

    1,557       208,653  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.–Class A

    4,280       338,077  

Computershare Ltd.

    3,663       49,899  

DXC Technology Co.

    2,068       166,701  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    2,420       256,593  

Fiserv, Inc.(a)

    3,000       222,270  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.(a)

    661       139,240  

Fujitsu Ltd.

    18,000       108,927  

Gartner, Inc.(a)

    640       85,056  

Global Payments, Inc.

    1,159       129,217  

International Business Machines Corp.

    6,226       869,772  

Mastercard, Inc.–Class A

    6,760       1,328,475  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

    1,300       62,896  

NTT Data Corp.

    6,010       69,133  

Obic Co., Ltd.

    730       60,310  

Otsuka Corp.

    1,200       46,977  

Paychex, Inc.

    2,295       156,863  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)

    8,185       681,565  

 

5


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Total System Services, Inc.

    1,210     $ 102,269  

Visa, Inc.–Class A

    13,150       1,741,718  

Western Union Co. (The)–Class W

    3,280       66,682  

Wirecard AG

    1,262       201,946  
   

 

 

 
      8,907,329  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–1.6%

   

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)

    5,883       88,186  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    2,610       250,351  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    7,635       352,661  

ASM Pacific Technology Ltd.

    900       11,343  

ASML Holding NV

    3,784       748,796  

Broadcom, Inc.

    2,975       721,854  

Disco Corp.

    309       52,605  

Infineon Technologies AG

    10,766       273,470  

Intel Corp.

    33,840       1,682,186  

KLA-Tencor Corp.

    1,160       118,935  

Lam Research Corp.

    1,229       212,433  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    1,695       154,160  

Micron Technology, Inc.(a)

    8,320       436,301  

NVIDIA Corp.

    4,435       1,050,651  

NXP Semiconductors NV(a)

    3,725       407,031  

Qorvo, Inc.(a)

    868       69,588  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    10,670       598,800  

Renesas Electronics Corp.(a)

    9,161       89,556  

Rohm Co., Ltd.

    1,300       108,634  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    1,324       127,965  

STMicroelectronics NV

    12,251       272,013  

SUMCO Corp.

    2,522       50,653  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    7,175       791,044  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    1,689       289,922  

Xilinx, Inc.

    1,835       119,752  
   

 

 

 
      9,078,890  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–2.2%

 

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    5,455       416,326  

Adobe Systems, Inc.(a)

    3,560       867,964  

ANSYS, Inc.(a)

    612       106,598  

Autodesk, Inc.(a)

    1,575       206,467  

CA, Inc.

    2,235       79,678  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(a)

    2,014       87,226  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.(a)

    1,437       140,366  

Citrix Systems, Inc.(a)

    1,030       107,985  

Dassault Systemes SE

    1,424       199,280  

Electronic Arts, Inc.(a)

    2,235       315,180  

Intuit, Inc.

    1,750       357,534  

Konami Holdings Corp.

    1,300       66,055  

LINE Corp.(a)

    33       1,362  

Micro Focus International PLC

    4,754       82,488  

Microsoft Corp.

    55,920       5,514,271  

Nexon Co., Ltd.(a)

    5,190       75,303  

Nice Ltd.(a)

    596       61,684  

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

    1,200     $ 391,715  

Oracle Corp.

    22,050       971,523  

Oracle Corp. Japan

    500       40,752  

Red Hat, Inc.(a)

    1,290       173,337  

Sage Group PLC (The)

    12,240       101,092  

salesforce.com, Inc.(a)

    4,984       679,818  

SAP SE

    10,475       1,209,000  

Symantec Corp.

    4,455       91,996  

Synopsys, Inc.(a)

    1,072       91,731  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)

    835       98,831  

Temenos AG(a)

    662       99,556  

Trend Micro, Inc./Japan

    1,600       91,083  

Ubisoft Entertainment SA(a)

    804       87,884  
   

 

 

 
      12,814,085  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE &
PERIPHERALS–1.4%

   

Apple, Inc.

    36,201       6,701,167  

Brother Industries Ltd.

    2,200       43,342  

Canon, Inc.

    11,400       373,823  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    4,200       163,811  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    11,460       167,431  

HP, Inc.

    12,010       272,507  

Konica Minolta, Inc.

    6,000       55,646  

NEC Corp.

    2,500       68,510  

NetApp, Inc.

    1,940       152,348  

Ricoh Co., Ltd.

    6,000       54,946  

Seagate Technology PLC

    2,050       115,764  

Seiko Epson Corp.

    2,700       46,876  

Western Digital Corp.

    2,163       167,438  

Xerox Corp.

    1,486       35,664  
   

 

 

 
      8,419,273  
   

 

 

 
      54,232,590  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–7.1%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–0.4%

   

Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd.

    1,800       81,959  

Aptiv PLC

    1,891       173,272  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    1,380       59,561  

Bridgestone Corp.

    6,900       269,534  

Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA–Class B

    1,732       209,534  

Continental AG

    1,047       238,274  

Denso Corp.

    5,200       253,730  

Faurecia SA

    1,635       116,226  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)

    1,710       39,826  

Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    1,000       66,053  

NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.

    3,000       85,286  

NOK Corp.

    2,800       54,081  

Nokian Renkaat Oyj

    1,090       42,922  

Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.

    1,600       54,480  

Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.

    7,200       107,083  

 

6


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.

    4,100     $ 64,989  

Toyota Industries Corp.

    1,600       89,561  

Valeo SA

    2,277       124,150  

Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. (The)

    1,000       20,742  
   

 

 

 
      2,151,263  
   

 

 

 

AUTOMOBILES–1.0%

 

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

    3,152       284,917  

Daimler AG (REG)

    10,262       657,354  

Ferrari NV

    1,527       206,403  

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV(a)

    14,140       266,740  

Ford Motor Co.

    28,220       312,395  

General Motors Co.

    9,216       363,110  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    1,150       48,392  

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

    18,521       543,054  

Isuzu Motors Ltd.

    5,500       72,914  

Mazda Motor Corp.

    5,200       63,786  

Mitsubishi Motors Corp.

    11,400       90,873  

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

    26,300       255,904  

Peugeot SA

    7,475       170,320  

Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Preference Shares)

    1,458       92,577  

Renault SA

    1,830       155,040  

Subaru Corp.

    6,000       174,510  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    3,500       192,878  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    25,102       1,623,321  

Volkswagen AG

    630       103,568  

Volkswagen AG (Preference Shares)

    1,767       291,927  

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

    2,700       67,780  
   

 

 

 
      6,037,763  
   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTORS–0.0%

 

Genuine Parts Co.

    1,060       97,297  

Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd.

    2,000       46,726  

LKQ Corp.(a)

    2,214       70,627  
   

 

 

 
      214,650  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–0.0%

   

Benesse Holdings, Inc.

    300       10,639  

H&R Block, Inc.

    1,420       32,347  
   

 

 

 
      42,986  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.9%

   

Accor SA

    2,705       132,480  

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd.

    4,876       111,355  

Carnival Corp.

    2,885       165,339  

Carnival PLC

    2,273       129,913  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.–Class A(a)

    244       105,254  

Compass Group PLC

    16,836       358,870  

Crown Resorts Ltd.

    9,430       94,091  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    870       93,142  

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd.

    823     $ 31,785  

Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.

    20,155       155,364  

Genting Singapore Ltd.

    92,000       82,378  

GVC Holdings PLC

    5,872       81,198  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    1,466       116,049  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC

    2,053       127,625  

Marriott International, Inc./MD–Class A

    2,231       282,445  

McDonald’s Corp.

    5,780       905,668  

McDonald’s Holdings Co. Japan Ltd.

    2,200       112,186  

Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd. (ADR)

    2,651       74,228  

Merlin Entertainments PLC(b)

    11,141       56,805  

MGM Resorts International

    3,660       106,250  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.(a)

    1,281       60,527  

Oriental Land Co., Ltd./Japan

    2,100       220,178  

Paddy Power Betfair PLC

    1,060       117,598  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    1,277       132,297  

Sands China Ltd.

    39,744       211,891  

Sodexo SA

    1,005       100,323  

Starbucks Corp.

    10,220       499,247  

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd.

    26,623       87,765  

TUI AG

    4,841       105,882  

Whitbread PLC

    1,737       90,545  

Wynn Macau Ltd.

    77,455       248,216  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    560       93,710  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    2,445       191,248  
   

 

 

 
      5,481,852  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.5%

   

Auto Trader Group PLC(b)

    9,529       53,404  

Barratt Developments PLC

    9,541       64,678  

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

    1,236       61,569  

Casio Computer Co., Ltd.

    181       2,940  

DR Horton, Inc.

    2,455       100,655  

Electrolux AB–Class B

    2,430       55,145  

Garmin Ltd.

    770       46,970  

Husqvarna AB–Class B

    8,194       77,516  

Iida Group Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,346       25,913  

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

    925       41,292  

Lennar Corp.–Class A

    1,300       68,250  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.(a)

    450       96,421  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    3,455       89,104  

Nikon Corp.

    3,200       50,856  

Panasonic Corp.

    23,500       316,884  

Persimmon PLC

    3,527       117,483  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    1,935       55,631  

Rinnai Corp.

    700       61,692  

SEB SA

    568       99,097  

 

7


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

    4,000     $ 68,042  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    6,000       106,046  

Sharp Corp./Japan

    1,500       36,484  

Sony Corp.

    13,500       691,394  

Taylor Wimpey PLC

    31,025       73,034  

Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.

    13,454       74,722  

Whirlpool Corp.

    550       80,427  
   

 

 

 
      2,615,649  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–1.3%

   

Amazon.com, Inc.(a)

    2,912       4,949,818  

Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)

    397       804,755  

Expedia Group, Inc.

    882       106,007  

Netflix, Inc.(a)

    3,132       1,225,959  

Rakuten, Inc.

    8,852       59,748  

Start Today Co., Ltd.

    2,592       93,780  

TripAdvisor, Inc.(a)

    762       42,451  

Zalando SE(a)(b)

    2,021       112,634  
   

 

 

 
      7,395,152  
   

 

 

 

LEISURE PRODUCTS–0.1%

 

Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc.

    1,900       78,264  

Hasbro, Inc.

    800       73,848  

Mattel, Inc.(c)

    2,435       39,983  

Sankyo Co., Ltd.

    300       11,731  

Shimano, Inc.

    700       102,721  

Yamaha Corp.

    1,600       83,036  
   

 

 

 
      389,583  
   

 

 

 

MEDIA–1.0%

 

Axel Springer SE

    2,191       158,333  

CBS Corp.–Class B

    2,540       142,799  

Charter Communications, Inc.–Class A(a)

    1,423       417,238  

Comcast Corp.–Class A

    33,702       1,105,763  

CyberAgent, Inc.

    1,112       66,690  

Dentsu, Inc.

    2,100       99,410  

Discovery, Inc.–Class A(a)(c)

    1,045       28,737  

Discovery, Inc.–Class C(a)

    2,154       54,927  

DISH Network Corp.–Class A(a)

    1,575       52,936  

Eutelsat Communications SA

    3,140       64,983  

Hakuhodo DY Holdings, Inc.

    2,490       39,924  

Informa PLC

    13,755       151,196  

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)

    2,795       65,515  

ITV PLC

    34,542       78,971  

JCDecaux SA

    189       6,311  

News Corp.–Class A

    2,758       42,749  

News Corp.–Class B

    817       12,949  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    1,660       126,608  

Pearson PLC

    7,821       91,081  

Publicis Groupe SA

    1,801       123,589  

RTL Group SA (London)

    1,166       79,095  

Schibsted ASA–Class B

    2,252       63,531  

SES SA

    4,651       85,019  

Sky PLC

    13,314       256,412  

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Telenet Group Holding NV(a)

    454     $ 21,137  

Toho Co., Ltd./Tokyo

    1,000       33,494  

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.–Class A

    7,621       378,687  

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.–Class B

    3,167       156,038  

Viacom, Inc.–Class B

    2,510       75,702  

Vivendi SA

    11,072       270,853  

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    10,894       1,141,800  

WPP PLC

    13,761       216,207  
   

 

 

 
      5,708,684  
   

 

 

 

MULTILINE RETAIL–0.2%

 

Dollar General Corp.

    1,870       184,382  

Dollar Tree, Inc.(a)

    1,738       147,730  

Don Quijote Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,000       47,999  

Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd.

    2,200       27,447  

J Front Retailing Co., Ltd.

    3,500       53,168  

Kohl’s Corp.

    1,180       86,022  

Macy’s, Inc.

    2,205       82,533  

Marks & Spencer Group PLC

    15,442       59,984  

Marui Group Co., Ltd.

    3,300       69,416  

Next PLC

    1,643       130,781  

Nordstrom, Inc.

    820       42,459  

Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.

    257       90,290  

Target Corp.

    3,925       298,771  
   

 

 

 
      1,320,982  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–0.9%

 

ABC-Mart, Inc.

    500       27,329  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    531       72,057  

AutoZone, Inc.(a)

    225       150,959  

Best Buy Co., Inc.

    1,850       137,973  

CarMax, Inc.(a)

    1,320       96,188  

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

    641       293,793  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    892       46,964  

Gap, Inc. (The)

    1,555       50,366  

Hennes & Mauritz AB–Class B

    9,038       134,531  

Hikari Tsushin, Inc.

    500       87,750  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

    8,480       1,654,448  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

    11,626       395,913  

Kingfisher PLC

    29,522       115,449  

L Brands, Inc.

    1,785       65,831  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    6,040       577,243  

Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd.

    750       116,684  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(a)

    640       175,085  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    2,800       237,300  

Shimamura Co., Ltd.

    200       17,583  

Tiffany & Co.

    755       99,358  

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

    4,620       439,732  

Tractor Supply Co.

    915       69,988  

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.(a)

    452       105,524  

USS Co., Ltd.

    4,120       78,332  

Yamada Denki Co., Ltd.

    10,990       54,592  
   

 

 

 
      5,300,972  
   

 

 

 

 

8


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.8%

   

adidas AG

    2,040     $ 444,144  

Burberry Group PLC

    4,236       120,390  

Cie Financiere Richemont SA (REG)

    5,585       472,125  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    2,627       57,847  

Hermes International

    281       171,650  

HUGO BOSS AG

    1,317       119,437  

Kering SA

    721       406,139  

Li & Fung Ltd.

    48,000       17,582  

Luxottica Group SpA

    1,559       100,377  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    2,973       987,092  

Michael Kors Holdings Ltd.(a)

    1,059       70,529  

Moncler SpA

    2,123       96,331  

NIKE, Inc.–Class B

    9,520       758,554  

Pandora A/S

    1,106       77,085  

Puma SE

    60       35,104  

PVH Corp.

    545       81,597  

Ralph Lauren Corp.

    390       49,031  

Swatch Group AG (The)

    294       139,174  

Swatch Group AG (The) (REG)

    1,834       158,360  

Tapestry, Inc.

    2,030       94,821  

Under Armour, Inc.–Class A(a)

    1,247       28,033  

Under Armour, Inc.–Class C(a)(c)

    1,254       26,434  

VF Corp.

    2,310       188,311  
   

 

 

 
      4,700,147  
   

 

 

 
      41,359,683  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–6.9%

 

BIOTECHNOLOGY–0.9%

 

AbbVie, Inc.

    11,162       1,034,159  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    1,580       196,157  

Amgen, Inc.

    4,878       900,430  

Biogen, Inc.(a)

    1,565       454,226  

Celgene Corp.(a)

    5,730       455,077  

CSL Ltd.

    4,876       694,064  

Genmab A/S(a)

    540       83,089  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    9,415       666,958  

Grifols SA

    3,644       109,221  

Incyte Corp.(a)

    1,240       83,080  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    640       220,794  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    1,807       307,118  
   

 

 

 
      5,204,373  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.3%

   

Abbott Laboratories

    12,576       767,010  

ABIOMED, Inc.(a)

    308       125,987  

Align Technology, Inc.(a)

    540       184,756  

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Baxter International, Inc.

    3,580     $ 264,347  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    1,948       466,663  

Boston Scientific Corp.(a)

    9,860       322,422  

Cochlear Ltd.

    405       59,961  

Coloplast A/S–Class B

    1,154       115,218  

ConvaTec Group PLC(b)

    12,601       35,179  

Cooper Cos., Inc. (The)

    361       84,997  

CYBERDYNE, Inc.(a)

    3,189       37,284  

Danaher Corp.

    4,440       438,139  

DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.

    1,596       69,857  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    1,490       216,899  

Essilor International Cie Generale d’Optique SA

    2,369       334,020  

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp., Ltd.

    6,133       61,803  

Hologic, Inc.(a)

    1,920       76,320  

Hoya Corp.

    3,900       221,243  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(a)

    633       137,956  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)

    815       389,961  

Koninklijke Philips NV

    7,299       309,244  

Medtronic PLC

    9,759       835,468  

Olympus Corp.

    2,800       104,741  

ResMed, Inc.

    1,016       105,237  

Sartorius AG (Preference Shares)

    812       120,883  

Siemens Healthineers
AG(a)(b)

    1,618       66,676  

Smith & Nephew PLC

    9,779       180,132  

Sonova Holding AG (REG)

    666       119,136  

Straumann Holding AG

    67       50,812  

Stryker Corp.

    2,375       401,043  

Sysmex Corp.

    1,836       171,069  

Terumo Corp.

    3,300       188,918  

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.(a)

    645       73,349  

William Demant Holding A/S(a)

    2,050       82,271  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    1,485       165,488  
   

 

 

 
      7,384,489  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.1%

   

Aetna, Inc.

    2,367       434,345  

Alfresa Holdings Corp.

    2,700       63,402  

AmerisourceBergen Corp.–Class A

    1,135       96,781  

Anthem, Inc.

    1,850       440,356  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    2,295       112,065  

Centene Corp.(a)

    1,287       158,571  

Cigna Corp.

    1,815       308,459  

CVS Health Corp.

    7,330       471,686  

DaVita, Inc.(a)

    1,050       72,912  

Envision Healthcare Corp.(a)

    823       36,220  

Express Scripts Holding Co.(a)

    4,089       315,712  

 

9


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

    2,085     $ 209,942  

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

    4,696       375,984  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    2,050       210,330  

Healthscope Ltd.

    34,249       55,884  

Henry Schein, Inc.(a)

    1,140       82,810  

Humana, Inc.

    1,065       316,976  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

    725       130,159  

McKesson Corp.

    1,565       208,771  

Mediclinic International PLC

    5,385       37,306  

Medipal Holdings Corp.

    3,900       78,340  

NMC Health PLC

    1,143       53,798  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    950       104,443  

Ramsay Health Care Ltd.

    1,156       46,163  

Ryman Healthcare Ltd.

    5,937       48,090  

Sonic Healthcare Ltd.

    5,598       101,548  

Suzuken Co., Ltd./Aichi Japan

    1,200       50,747  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    7,035       1,725,967  

Universal Health Services, Inc.–Class B

    650       72,436  
   

 

 

 
      6,420,203  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY–0.0%

   

Cerner Corp.(a)

    2,280       136,321  

M3, Inc.

    2,070       82,320  
   

 

 

 
      218,641  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–0.3%

   

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    2,345       145,015  

Illumina, Inc.(a)

    1,111       310,291  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.(a)

    1,096       109,403  

Lonza Group AG (REG)(a)

    779       205,848  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(a)

    220       127,299  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    755       55,289  

QIAGEN NV(a)

    2,703       97,981  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    2,885       597,599  

Waters Corp.(a)

    645       124,865  
   

 

 

 
      1,773,590  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–3.3%

   

Allergan PLC

    2,400       400,128  

Astellas Pharma, Inc.

    22,500       342,418  

AstraZeneca PLC

    13,918       962,669  

Bayer AG (REG)

    9,580       1,052,109  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    11,865       656,609  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    2,100       109,957  

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.

    5,700       217,760  

Eisai Co., Ltd.

    2,933       206,454  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    6,965       594,324  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

    54,490       1,098,569  

Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc.

    1,000       84,260  

Ipsen SA

    880       137,640  

Johnson & Johnson

    19,505       2,366,737  

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd.

    2,152     $ 43,316  

Merck & Co., Inc.

    19,805       1,202,164  

Merck KGaA

    1,230       119,737  

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corp.

    3,000       51,795  

Mylan NV(a)

    3,855       139,320  

Nektar Therapeutics(a)

    1,174       57,326  

Novartis AG (REG)

    24,445       1,851,731  

Novo Nordisk A/S–Class B

    20,377       941,225  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    3,900       91,302  

Orion Oyj–Class B

    974       26,196  

Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd.

    3,717       179,801  

Perrigo Co. PLC

    922       67,223  

Pfizer, Inc.

    43,136       1,564,974  

Recordati SpA(d)(e)

    2,055       81,430  

Roche Holding AG

    7,721       1,712,966  

Sanofi

    12,344       990,723  

Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    2,500       43,491  

Shionogi & Co., Ltd.

    2,800       143,679  

Shire PLC

    9,881       556,684  

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd.

    2,900       61,294  

Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd.

    567       66,330  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    7,600       319,717  

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sponsored ADR)

    10,616       258,181  

UCB SA

    1,519       119,075  

Vifor Pharma AG

    802       127,930  

Zoetis, Inc.

    3,546       302,084  
   

 

 

 
      19,349,328  
   

 

 

 
      40,350,624  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–6.6%

 

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.2%

   

Airbus SE

    6,243       728,526  

Arconic, Inc.

    3,056       51,983  

BAE Systems PLC

    33,818       287,700  

Boeing Co. (The)

    4,060       1,362,171  

Dassault Aviation SA

    41       77,960  

Elbit Systems Ltd.

    250       29,435  

General Dynamics Corp.

    2,010       374,684  

Harris Corp.

    845       122,136  

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    329       71,324  

L3 Technologies, Inc.

    625       120,200  

Leonardo SpA

    5,271       51,879  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    1,800       531,774  

Meggitt PLC

    10,854       70,434  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    1,340       412,318  

Raytheon Co.

    2,150       415,337  

Rockwell Collins, Inc.

    1,200       161,616  

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC(a)

    19,591       255,174  

Safran SA

    3,586       434,282  

Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd.

    43,000       103,648  

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Textron, Inc.

    1,855     $ 122,263  

Thales SA

    694       89,286  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    363       125,286  

United Technologies Corp.

    5,425       678,288  
   

 

 

 
      6,677,704  
   

 

 

 

AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS–0.3%

   

Bollore SA

    25,929       120,413  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    965       80,732  

Deutsche Post AG (REG)

    10,803       350,993  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    1,220       89,182  

FedEx Corp.

    1,815       412,114  

Kuehne & Nagel International AG (REG)

    477       71,608  

Royal Mail PLC

    8,567       56,995  

United Parcel Service, Inc.–Class B

    4,955       526,370  

Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd.

    3,400       100,071  
   

 

 

 
      1,808,478  
   

 

 

 

AIRLINES–0.2%

 

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

    843       50,909  

American Airlines Group, Inc.

    3,082       116,993  

ANA Holdings, Inc.

    1,007       36,949  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    4,702       232,937  

Deutsche Lufthansa AG (REG)

    3,330       79,779  

easyJet PLC

    2,320       51,040  

International Consolidated Airlines Group SA

    10,420       91,186  

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.

    900       31,888  

Singapore Airlines Ltd.

    14,000       109,640  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    3,905       198,686  

United Continental Holdings, Inc.(a)

    1,822       127,048  
   

 

 

 
      1,127,055  
   

 

 

 

BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.3%

   

Allegion PLC

    635       49,124  

AO Smith Corp.

    1,055       62,403  

Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.

    2,000       77,792  

Assa Abloy AB–Class B

    9,541       202,380  

Cie de Saint-Gobain

    4,539       202,189  

Daikin Industries Ltd.

    2,500       298,783  

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

    1,071       57,502  

Geberit AG (REG)

    360       154,139  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    6,692       223,847  

LIXIL Group Corp.

    2,500       49,964  

Masco Corp.

    2,205       82,511  

TOTO Ltd.

    1,522       70,447  
   

 

 

 
      1,531,081  
   

 

 

 

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.2%

   

Babcock International Group PLC

    3,784     $ 40,657  

Brambles Ltd.

    15,030       98,676  

Cintas Corp.

    685       126,773  

Copart, Inc.(a)

    1,491       84,331  

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.

    2,500       55,866  

G4S PLC

    17,154       60,424  

ISS A/S

    1,785       61,140  

Park24 Co., Ltd.

    1,300       35,354  

Republic Services, Inc.–Class A

    1,600       109,376  

Secom Co., Ltd.

    2,000       153,368  

Societe BIC SA

    891       82,616  

Sohgo Security Services Co., Ltd.

    1,000       47,048  

Stericycle, Inc.(a)

    610       39,827  

Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.

    5,000       39,115  

Waste Management, Inc.

    2,845       231,412  
   

 

 

 
      1,265,983  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.3%

   

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA

    2,573       103,810  

Bouygues SA

    1,739       74,721  

CIMIC Group Ltd.

    2,988       93,406  

Eiffage SA

    1,102       119,725  

Epiroc AB(a)

    3,579       32,766  

Epiroc AB–Class A(a)

    6,392       67,076  

Ferrovial SA

    4,691       95,990  

Fluor Corp.

    965       47,073  

HOCHTIEF AG

    422       76,100  

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.

    815       51,744  

JGC Corp.

    4,000       80,460  

Kajima Corp.

    7,000       54,087  

Obayashi Corp.

    6,000       62,300  

Quanta Services, Inc.(a)

    1,115       37,241  

Shimizu Corp.

    4,000       41,400  

Skanska AB–Class B

    8,587       155,431  

Taisei Corp.

    2,000       110,139  

Vinci SA

    5,456       523,728  
   

 

 

 
      1,827,197  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.5%

   

ABB Ltd. (REG)

    20,970       457,438  

AMETEK, Inc.

    1,599       115,384  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    3,144       234,983  

Emerson Electric Co.

    4,650       321,501  

Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.

    14,000       106,346  

Legrand SA

    2,541       186,121  

Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd.

    800       37,970  

Melrose Industries PLC

    52,623       147,242  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

    21,000       278,626  

 

11


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Nidec Corp.

    2,567     $ 383,996  

OSRAM Licht AG

    678       27,611  

Prysmian SpA

    1,074       26,649  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    930       154,594  

Schneider Electric SE (Paris)

    6,098       507,151  

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA

    810       10,827  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    2,133       131,684  
   

 

 

 
      3,128,123  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–0.8%

   

3M Co.

    4,355       856,716  

CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.

    25,840       273,543  

DCC PLC

    843       76,443  

General Electric Co.

    62,759       854,150  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    5,505       792,995  

Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd.

    2,300       144,930  

Jardine Strategic Holdings Ltd.

    2,005       73,039  

Keihan Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,000       35,854  

Keppel Corp., Ltd.

    13,000       68,005  

NWS Holdings Ltd.

    37,000       63,852  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    725       200,035  

Seibu Holdings, Inc.

    3,142       52,910  

Siemens AG (REG)

    8,153       1,074,205  

Smiths Group PLC

    3,761       84,011  

Toshiba Corp.(a)

    72,000       216,148  
   

 

 

 
      4,866,836  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–1.2%

   

Alfa Laval AB

    3,778       89,190  

Alstom SA

    3,502       160,666  

Amada Holdings Co., Ltd.

    3,000       28,792  

ANDRITZ AG

    693       36,730  

Atlas Copco AB–Class A

    6,392       185,116  

Atlas Copco AB–Class B

    3,579       93,239  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    4,285       581,346  

CNH Industrial NV

    22,634       239,094  

Cummins, Inc.

    1,100       146,300  

Daifuku Co., Ltd.

    1,030       45,002  

Deere & Co.

    2,335       326,433  

Dover Corp.

    1,085       79,422  

FANUC Corp.

    2,100       416,245  

Flowserve Corp.

    910       36,764  

Fortive Corp.

    2,170       167,329  

GEA Group AG

    1,741       58,634  

Hino Motors Ltd.

    6,000       63,980  

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

    3,000       97,260  

Hoshizaki Corp.

    400       40,425  

IHI Corp.

    2,600       90,438  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    2,225       308,251  

Ingersoll-Rand PLC

    1,805       161,963  

JTEKT Corp.

    4,300       58,366  

Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.

    900       26,469  

KION Group AG

    1,747       125,399  

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Komatsu Ltd.

    9,800     $ 278,992  

Kone Oyj–Class B

    3,593       182,688  

Kubota Corp.

    10,000       156,949  

Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

    1,200       34,179  

Makita Corp.

    2,200       98,413  

MAN SE

    1,273       144,051  

Metso Oyj

    1,073       35,790  

MINEBEA MITSUMI, Inc.

    4,131       69,615  

MISUMI Group, Inc.

    2,900       84,375  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

    3,100       112,689  

Nabtesco Corp.

    1,000       30,725  

NGK Insulators Ltd.

    2,000       35,536  

NSK Ltd.

    4,719       48,572  

PACCAR, Inc.

    2,510       155,519  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    945       147,278  

Pentair PLC

    1,160       48,813  

Sandvik AB

    12,165       214,846  

Schindler Holding AG

    413       88,672  

Schindler Holding AG (REG)

    575       120,788  

SKF AB–Class B

    4,700       87,008  

SMC Corp./Japan

    600       219,654  

Snap-on, Inc.

    420       67,502  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    1,165       154,724  

Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.

    1,200       40,432  

THK Co., Ltd.

    1,531       43,713  

Volvo AB–Class B

    14,676       233,247  

Wartsila Oyj Abp

    4,224       82,692  

Weir Group PLC (The)

    2,037       53,496  

Xylem, Inc./NY

    1,235       83,214  

Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Holdings Ltd.

    56,331       37,284  
   

 

 

 
      6,854,309  
   

 

 

 

MARINE–0.1%

 

AP Moller–Maersk A/S–Class A

    70       82,724  

AP Moller–Maersk A/S–Class B

    68       84,123  

Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd.

    1,200       28,858  

Nippon Yusen KK

    3,100       61,416  
   

 

 

 
      257,121  
   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–0.4%

   

Adecco Group AG (REG)

    1,673       98,731  

Bureau Veritas SA

    3,094       82,477  

Equifax, Inc.

    855       106,969  

Experian PLC

    10,230       252,360  

Intertek Group PLC

    1,536       115,493  

Nielsen Holdings PLC

    2,416       74,727  

Randstad NV

    1,613       94,675  

Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.

    11,748       324,464  

RELX NV

    15,125       321,540  

RELX PLC

    11,663       249,063  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    885       57,613  

SEEK Ltd.

    4,101       66,088  

SGS SA (REG)

    52       138,174  

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Verisk Analytics, Inc.–Class A(a)

    1,100     $ 118,404  

Wolters Kluwer NV

    5,568       312,792  
   

 

 

 
      2,413,570  
   

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–0.6%

   

Aurizon Holdings Ltd.

    22,082       70,617  

Central Japan Railway Co.

    1,537       318,204  

CSX Corp.

    6,460       412,019  

DSV A/S

    1,630       131,218  

East Japan Railway Co.

    3,600       344,755  

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, Inc.

    2,200       88,372  

JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    603       73,295  

Kansas City Southern

    770       81,589  

Keikyu Corp.

    2,000       32,759  

Keio Corp.

    1,200       57,984  

Keisei Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

    2,945       101,020  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,700       69,318  

Kyushu Railway Co.

    1,722       52,651  

MTR Corp., Ltd.

    15,500       85,616  

Nagoya Railroad Co., Ltd.

    1,800       46,430  

Nippon Express Co., Ltd.

    1,200       86,955  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    2,040       307,775  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

    3,000       64,338  

Tobu Railway Co., Ltd.

    1,200       36,675  

Tokyu Corp.

    5,000       86,041  

Union Pacific Corp.

    5,700       807,576  

West Japan Railway Co.

    1,568       115,443  
   

 

 

 
      3,470,650  
   

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.4%

   

AerCap Holdings NV(a)

    1,493       80,846  

Ashtead Group PLC

    5,697       169,653  

Brenntag AG

    1,471       81,731  

Bunzl PLC

    3,191       96,372  

Fastenal Co.

    2,080       100,110  

Ferguson PLC

    2,936       237,545  

ITOCHU Corp.

    16,000       289,373  

Marubeni Corp.

    16,000       121,814  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    16,100       446,438  

Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

    18,200       303,072  

Sumitomo Corp.

    11,300       185,318  

Toyota Tsusho Corp.

    2,300       76,859  

Travis Perkins PLC

    2,972       55,691  

United Rentals, Inc.(a)

    600       88,572  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    380       117,192  
   

 

 

 
      2,450,586  
   

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE–0.1%

   

Aena SME SA(b)

    780       141,217  

Aeroports de Paris

    1,000       225,890  

Atlantia SpA

    176       5,189  

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Auckland International Airport Ltd.

    10,521     $ 48,273  

Getlink (REG)

    6,892       94,488  

Kamigumi Co., Ltd.

    1,500       31,134  

Sydney Airport

    8,828       46,735  

Transurban Group

    20,948       185,501  
   

 

 

 
      778,427  
   

 

 

 
      38,457,120  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–4.9%

   

BEVERAGES–1.1%

 

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

    8,385       845,752  

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

    3,700       189,765  

Brown-Forman Corp.–Class B

    1,692       82,925  

Carlsberg A/S–Class B

    1,051       123,659  

Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd.

    14,439       98,209  

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Holdings, Inc.

    1,300       52,012  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    27,730       1,216,238  

Coca-Cola European Partners PLC

    2,396       97,373  

Coca-Cola HBC AG(a)

    1,928       64,173  

Constellation Brands, Inc.–Class A

    1,270       277,965  

Diageo PLC

    27,623       992,381  

Heineken Holding NV

    1,000       95,636  

Heineken NV

    2,500       250,471  

Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd.

    9,345       250,492  

Molson Coors Brewing Co.–Class B

    1,300       88,452  

Monster Beverage Corp.(a)

    2,980       170,754  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    10,275       1,118,639  

Pernod Ricard SA

    2,021       329,837  

Remy Cointreau SA

    195       25,245  

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

    1,324       56,605  

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd.

    6,024       77,397  
   

 

 

 
      6,503,980  
   

 

 

 

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.9%

   

Aeon Co., Ltd.

    6,200       132,632  

Carrefour SA

    5,903       95,221  

Casino Guichard Perrachon SA

    1,228       47,525  

Colruyt SA

    862       49,195  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    3,165       661,422  

FamilyMart UNY Holdings Co., Ltd.

    800       84,243  

ICA Gruppen AB

    2,462       75,321  

J Sainsbury PLC

    18,022       76,265  

Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA

    2,405       34,643  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    9,852       235,242  

Kroger Co. (The)

    6,380       181,511  

Lawson, Inc.

    600       37,471  

 

13


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

METRO AG

    7,593     $ 93,575  

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.

    8,000       348,925  

Sundrug Co., Ltd.

    1,000       40,511  

Sysco Corp.

    3,455       235,942  

Tesco PLC

    106,921       361,777  

Tsuruha Holdings, Inc.

    600       75,152  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    6,245       374,794  

Walmart, Inc.

    10,563       904,721  

Wesfarmers Ltd.

    12,002       437,908  

Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC

    31,098       103,152  

Woolworths Group Ltd.

    14,003       316,240  
   

 

 

 
      5,003,388  
   

 

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–1.1%

   

a2 Milk Co., Ltd.(a)

    8,040       62,269  

Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

    5,000       94,645  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    4,015       184,007  

Associated British Foods PLC

    3,965       142,971  

Barry Callebaut AG (REG)

    91       163,064  

Calbee, Inc.

    1,315       49,467  

Campbell Soup Co.(c)

    1,325       53,716  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG (REG)

    1       75,968  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    2,885       103,081  

Danone SA

    6,291       459,321  

General Mills, Inc.

    4,035       178,589  

Hershey Co. (The)

    1,000       93,060  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    1,950       72,559  

JM Smucker Co. (The)

    795       85,447  

Kellogg Co.

    1,765       123,321  

Kerry Group PLC–Class A

    1,906       199,434  

Kikkoman Corp.

    1,000       50,489  

Kraft Heinz Co. (The)

    4,278       268,744  

Marine Harvest ASA

    4,327       86,033  

McCormick & Co., Inc./MD

    825       95,774  

MEIJI Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,100       92,900  

Mondelez International, Inc.–Class A

    10,735       440,135  

Nestle SA (REG)

    33,982       2,633,632  

NH Foods Ltd.

    933       37,718  

Nisshin Seifun Group, Inc.

    4,000       84,756  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,200       86,945  

Orkla ASA

    10,095       88,320  

Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd.

    1,000       35,679  

Tyson Foods, Inc.–Class A

    2,175       149,749  

WH Group Ltd.(b)

    67,807       54,869  

Wilmar International Ltd.

    26,000       58,303  

Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

    800       53,489  

Yamazaki Baking Co., Ltd.

    59       1,547  
   

 

 

 
      6,460,001  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–0.6%

   

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

    1,776       94,412  

Clorox Co. (The)

    920       124,430  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    6,300       408,303  

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Essity AB–Class B

    4,979     $ 122,491  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

    989       109,811  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Preference Shares)

    1,696       216,407  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    2,515       264,930  

Lion Corp.

    2,000       36,597  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    18,470       1,441,768  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

    7,158       588,136  

Unicharm Corp.

    3,800       114,244  
   

 

 

 
      3,521,529  
   

 

 

 

PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.6%

   

Beiersdorf AG

    1,051       119,129  

Coty, Inc.–Class A

    3,362       47,404  

Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The)–Class A

    1,640       234,012  

Kao Corp.

    5,400       411,596  

Kose Corp.

    500       107,547  

L’Oreal SA

    2,700       665,622  

Pola Orbis Holdings, Inc.

    1,800       79,102  

Shiseido Co., Ltd.

    4,176       331,390  

Unilever NV

    15,507       864,003  

Unilever PLC

    13,679       755,634  
   

 

 

 
      3,615,439  
   

 

 

 

TOBACCO–0.6%

 

Altria Group, Inc.

    13,760       781,430  

British American Tobacco PLC

    24,956       1,257,118  

Imperial Brands PLC

    10,218       379,477  

Japan Tobacco, Inc.

    11,724       327,644  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    11,250       908,325  

Swedish Match AB

    2,884       142,532  
   

 

 

 
      3,796,526  
   

 

 

 
      28,900,863  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–3.5%

 

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.3%

   

Baker Hughes a GE Co.–Class A

    3,060       101,072  

Halliburton Co.

    6,290       283,427  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    735       46,864  

John Wood Group PLC

    7,316       60,416  

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    2,705       117,397  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    10,000       670,300  

TechnipFMC PLC

    3,118       98,965  

Tenaris SA

    10,900       198,925  
   

 

 

 
      1,577,366  
   

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–3.2%

   

Aker BP ASA

    1,570       57,750  

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

    3,895       285,309  

Andeavor

    1,025       134,460  

Apache Corp.

    2,745       128,329  

BP PLC

    218,903       1,665,527  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

    3,340       79,492  

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Caltex Australia Ltd.

    3,100     $ 74,604  

Chevron Corp.

    13,780       1,742,205  

Cimarex Energy Co.

    677       68,878  

Concho Resources, Inc.(a)

    1,107       153,153  

ConocoPhillips

    8,620       600,124  

Devon Energy Corp.

    3,720       163,531  

Enagas SA

    2,159       62,970  

Eni SpA

    24,216       448,998  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    4,160       517,629  

EQT Corp.

    1,690       93,254  

Equinor ASA

    12,989       343,462  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    30,710       2,540,638  

Galp Energia SGPS SA

    5,341       101,605  

Hess Corp.

    1,940       129,767  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    1,300       88,959  

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.

    1,200       42,674  

Inpex Corp.

    9,048       93,971  

JXTG Holdings, Inc.

    32,750       227,212  

Kinder Morgan, Inc./DE

    13,889       245,419  

Koninklijke Vopak NV

    502       23,138  

Lundin Petroleum AB

    3,430       108,868  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    6,105       127,350  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    3,474       243,736  

Neste Oyj

    1,220       95,451  

Newfield Exploration Co.(a)

    1,370       41,443  

Noble Energy, Inc.

    3,500       123,480  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    5,550       464,424  

Oil Search Ltd.

    18,278       120,086  

OMV AG

    1,402       79,294  

ONEOK, Inc.

    2,918       203,764  

Origin Energy Ltd.(a)

    16,658       123,555  

Phillips 66

    3,110       349,284  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    1,215       229,927  

Repsol SA

    15,004       292,864  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC–Class A

    50,522       1,748,511  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC–Class B

    41,162       1,474,135  

Santos Ltd.(a)

    18,468       85,537  

Showa Shell Sekiyu KK

    4,285       63,842  

Snam SpA

    26,833       111,824  

TOTAL SA

    26,478       1,607,896  

Valero Energy Corp.

    3,125       346,344  

Williams Cos., Inc. (The)

    5,955       161,440  

Woodside Petroleum Ltd.

    10,061       263,663  
   

 

 

 
      18,579,776  
   

 

 

 
      20,157,142  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–2.9%

 

CHEMICALS–1.6%

 

Air Liquide SA

    4,557       571,198  

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

    1,620       252,283  

Akzo Nobel NV

    3,630       309,611  

Albemarle Corp.(c)

    761       71,785  

Arkema SA

    1,159       136,762  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    12,000       152,177  

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

BASF SE

    9,789     $ 934,542  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    1,600       71,040  

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

    1,460       134,409  

Clariant AG(a)

    1,891       45,249  

Covestro AG(b)

    1,766       156,968  

Croda International PLC

    1,689       106,706  

Daicel Corp.

    3,000       33,141  

DowDuPont, Inc.

    16,970       1,118,662  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    1,030       102,959  

Ecolab, Inc.

    1,940       272,240  

EMS-Chemie Holding AG (REG)

    203       129,881  

Evonik Industries AG

    2,574       88,066  

FMC Corp.

    930       82,965  

Frutarom Industries Ltd.

    300       29,505  

Givaudan SA (REG)

    88       199,304  

Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.

    3,000       60,395  

Incitec Pivot Ltd.

    32,013       85,890  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    550       68,178  

Israel Chemicals Ltd.

    9,886       45,294  

Johnson Matthey PLC

    1,842       87,710  

JSR Corp.

    800       13,595  

K&S AG (REG)

    4,309       105,997  

Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.

    3,000       62,257  

Kuraray Co., Ltd.

    3,000       41,260  

LANXESS AG

    1,767       137,377  

Linde AG

    1,768       368,235  

LyondellBasell Industries NV–Class A

    2,299       252,545  

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

    13,000       108,560  

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc.

    2,500       56,494  

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

    1,600       42,526  

Mosaic Co. (The)

    2,530       70,967  

Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.

    2,000       86,010  

Nissan Chemical Industries Ltd.

    1,000       46,582  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    1,600       120,796  

Novozymes A/S–Class B

    2,458       124,321  

Orica Ltd.

    7,662       100,590  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    1,850       191,901  

Praxair, Inc.

    2,090       330,534  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    665       271,034  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

    4,100       364,361  

Sika AG

    1,200       165,803  

Solvay SA

    927       116,745  

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

    15,000       84,834  

Symrise AG

    1,178       103,045  

Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corp.

    7,000       100,207  

Teijin Ltd.

    3,000       54,953  

Toray Industries, Inc.

    14,000       110,500  

Tosoh Corp.

    3,149       48,690  

Umicore SA

    2,002       114,289  

Yara International ASA

    1,297       53,660  
   

 

 

 
      9,195,588  
   

 

 

 

 

15


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS–0.2%

   

Boral Ltd.

    17,642     $ 85,114  

CRH PLC

    8,841       310,976  

Fletcher Building Ltd.

    8,637       40,531  

HeidelbergCement AG

    1,342       112,683  

James Hardie Industries PLC

    3,449       57,826  

LafargeHolcim Ltd. (REG)(a)

    5,336       259,449  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    477       106,528  

Taiheiyo Cement Corp.

    500       16,448  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    915       118,090  
   

 

 

 
      1,107,645  
   

 

 

 

CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–0.1%

   

Amcor Ltd./Australia

    11,024       117,457  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    685       69,939  

Ball Corp.

    2,520       89,586  

International Paper Co.

    2,965       154,417  

Packaging Corp. of America

    675       75,458  

Sealed Air Corp.

    1,240       52,638  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    2,476       99,959  

Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd.

    1,700       29,835  

WestRock Co.

    1,847       105,316  
   

 

 

 
      794,605  
   

 

 

 

METALS & MINING–0.9%

   

Alumina Ltd.

    28,452       58,878  

Anglo American PLC

    11,577       257,020  

Antofagasta PLC

    6,389       83,007  

ArcelorMittal

    12,535       365,718  

BHP Billiton Ltd.

    34,230       856,504  

BHP Billiton PLC

    22,510       505,179  

BlueScope Steel Ltd.

    6,941       88,585  

Boliden AB

    4,189       135,194  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

    18,067       58,663  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    9,725       167,854  

Fresnillo PLC

    2,356       35,504  

Glencore PLC(a)

    130,406       619,140  

Hitachi Metals Ltd.

    5,000       51,844  

JFE Holdings, Inc.

    5,000       94,439  

Kobe Steel Ltd.

    1,199       10,957  

Mitsubishi Materials Corp.

    2,700       74,075  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

    7,017       113,936  

Newmont Mining Corp.

    3,795       143,109  

Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp.

    8,643       169,464  

Norsk Hydro ASA

    16,444       98,158  

Nucor Corp.

    2,310       144,375  

Randgold Resources Ltd.

    890       68,501  

Rio Tinto Ltd.

    4,038       249,489  

Rio Tinto PLC

    13,185       726,737  

South32 Ltd.

    56,741       151,517  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.

    2,500       95,417  

thyssenkrupp AG

    3,919       94,996  

voestalpine AG

    1,082       49,754  
   

 

 

 
      5,568,014  
   

 

 

 
   

PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS–0.1%

   

Mondi PLC

    3,496     $ 94,315  

Oji Holdings Corp.

    14,000       86,758  

Stora Enso Oyj–Class R

    6,056       117,983  

UPM-Kymmene Oyj

    5,689       202,557  
   

 

 

 
      501,613  
   

 

 

 
      17,167,465  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–1.8%

   

EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITs)–1.2%

   

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    732       92,356  

American Tower Corp.

    3,065       441,881  

Apartment Investment & Management Co.–Class A

    1,075       45,473  

Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust

    58,294       112,889  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    1,045       179,625  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    1,100       137,962  

British Land Co. PLC (The)

    9,308       82,348  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    2,970       320,225  

Daiwa House REIT Investment Corp.

    13       30,875  

Dexus

    13,420       96,460  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    1,530       170,717  

Duke Realty Corp.

    2,548       73,968  

Equinix, Inc.

    620       266,532  

Equity Residential

    2,640       168,142  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    478       114,275  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    883       88,132  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    522       66,059  

GGP, Inc.

    4,444       90,791  

Goodman Group

    16,928       120,677  

GPT Group (The)

    17,105       63,999  

Hammerson PLC

    7,467       51,316  

HCP, Inc.

    3,380       87,272  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    5,350       112,725  

ICADE

    1,592       149,120  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    2,008       70,300  

Japan Prime Realty Investment Corp.

    7       25,430  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    12       63,480  

Japan Retail Fund Investment Corp.

    24       43,292  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    3,030       51,480  

Klepierre SA

    2,231       83,826  

Land Securities Group PLC

    9,736       122,657  

Link REIT

    21,500       196,067  

Macerich Co. (The)

    710       40,349  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    796       80,133  

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Mirvac Group

    40,488     $ 64,984  

Nippon Building Fund, Inc.

    13       74,988  

Nippon Prologis REIT, Inc.

    14       29,056  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund, Inc.

    34       47,999  

Prologis, Inc.

    3,770       247,651  

Public Storage

    1,130       256,352  

Realty Income Corp.

    2,008       108,010  

Regency Centers Corp.

    1,033       64,129  

SBA Communications Corp.(a)

    870       143,654  

Scentre Group

    50,683       164,672  

Segro PLC

    11,022       97,069  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    2,316       394,160  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    676       67,958  

Stockland

    23,010       67,608  

UDR, Inc.

    1,928       72,377  

Unibail-Rodamco-
Westfield(a)

    1,707       375,864  

United Urban Investment Corp.

    26       40,402  

Ventas, Inc.

    2,541       144,710  

Vicinity Centres

    39,646       76,034  

Vornado Realty Trust

    1,185       87,595  

Welltower, Inc.

    2,675       167,696  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    5,398       196,811  
   

 

 

 
      6,930,612  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–0.6%

   

Aeon Mall Co., Ltd.

    1,700       30,496  

Azrieli Group Ltd.

    811       40,311  

CapitaLand Ltd.

    35,000       81,007  

CBRE Group, Inc.–Class A(a)

    2,165       103,357  

City Developments Ltd.

    11,000       88,109  

CK Asset Holdings Ltd.

    25,719       203,600  

Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd.

    700       113,872  

Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd.

    6,000       204,131  

Deutsche Wohnen SE

    3,212       155,120  

Hang Lung Properties Ltd.

    14,000       28,757  

Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd.

    27,655       145,832  

Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.

    14,000       100,085  

Hulic Co., Ltd.

    6,591       70,346  

Kerry Properties Ltd.

    8,500       40,621  

LendLease Group

    10,380       151,980  

Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.

    13,000       226,940  

Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.

    10,000       240,883  

New World Development Co., Ltd.

    82,122       114,881  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings, Inc.

    3,600       79,707  

Sino Land Co., Ltd.

    63,328       102,906  

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd.

    3,843       141,518  

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

    15,000     $ 225,989  

Swire Properties Ltd.

    25,389       93,634  

Swiss Prime Site AG (REG)(a)

    976       89,675  

Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Corp.

    7,989       56,354  

Vonovia SE

    5,710       271,393  

Wharf Holdings Ltd. (The)

    13,000       41,630  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd.

    13,000       92,310  

Wheelock & Co., Ltd.

    17,000       118,142  
   

 

 

 
      3,453,586  
   

 

 

 
      10,384,198  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–1.7%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–1.0%

   

Alliant Energy Corp.

    1,588       67,204  

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    3,525       244,106  

AusNet Services

    37,398       44,418  

Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.

    6,100       91,466  

Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc. (The)

    4,000       51,672  

CK Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.

    15,000       111,041  

CLP Holdings Ltd.

    12,500       134,642  

Duke Energy Corp.

    5,082       401,885  

Edison International

    2,365       149,634  

EDP–Energias de Portugal SA

    25,431       100,796  

Electricite de France SA

    11,071       151,915  

Endesa SA

    3,024       66,503  

Enel SpA

    88,110       488,233  

Entergy Corp.

    1,325       107,047  

Evergy, Inc.

    1,985       111,458  

Eversource Energy

    2,210       129,528  

Exelon Corp.

    6,897       293,812  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    3,135       112,578  

Fortum Oyj

    4,228       100,707  

HK Electric Investments & HK Electric Investments Ltd.–Class SS(b)

    104,180       99,591  

Iberdrola SA

    62,572       482,540  

Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (The)

    8,491       123,833  

Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc.

    4,100       45,779  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    3,445       575,418  

Orsted A/S(b)

    2,499       150,992  

PG&E Corp.

    3,675       156,408  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    785       63,240  

Power Assets Holdings Ltd.

    8,500       59,425  

PPL Corp.

    4,895       139,752  

Red Electrica Corp. SA

    5,707       115,943  

Southern Co. (The)

    7,210       333,895  

SSE PLC

    10,739       191,697  

 

17


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Terna Rete Elettrica Nazionale SpA

    23,069     $ 124,588  

Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc.

    4,300       52,538  

Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings, Inc.(a)

    13,800       64,246  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    3,620       165,362  
   

 

 

 
      5,903,892  
   

 

 

 

GAS UTILITIES–0.1%

   

APA Group

    13,346       97,231  

Gas Natural SDG SA

    4,316       114,097  

Hong Kong & China Gas Co., Ltd.

    87,278       166,835  

Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.

    3,600       74,541  

Toho Gas Co., Ltd.

    2,017       69,873  

Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.

    3,800       100,899  
   

 

 

 
      623,476  
   

 

 

 

INDEPENDENT POWER AND RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PRODUCERS–0.0%

   

AES Corp./VA

    4,785       64,167  

Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.

    1,600       41,296  

Meridian Energy Ltd.

    18,542       39,166  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    2,090       64,163  

Uniper SE

    2,006       59,724  
   

 

 

 
      268,516  
   

 

 

 

MULTI-UTILITIES–0.6%

   

AGL Energy Ltd.

    6,423       106,871  

Ameren Corp.

    1,660       101,011  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    3,095       85,762  

Centrica PLC

    64,140       133,179  

CMS Energy Corp.

    2,020       95,506  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    2,230       173,895  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    4,585       312,605  

DTE Energy Co.

    1,270       131,610  

E.ON SE

    23,845       254,056  

Engie SA

    18,347       280,645  

Innogy SE(b)

    1,395       59,600  

National Grid PLC

    36,605       404,524  

NiSource, Inc.

    2,405       63,203  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    3,605       195,175  

RWE AG

    5,973       135,734  

SCANA Corp.

    995       38,327  

Sempra Energy

    1,860       215,965  

Suez

    5,769       74,628  

United Utilities Group PLC

    8,008       80,507  

Veolia Environnement SA

    5,882       125,693  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    2,288       147,919  
   

 

 

 
      3,216,415  
   

 

 

 

WATER UTILITIES–0.0%

   

American Water Works Co., Inc.

    1,221       104,249  

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

Severn Trent PLC

    2,239     $ 58,379  
   

 

 

 
      162,628  
   

 

 

 
      10,174,927  
   

 

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.5%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.1%

   

AT&T, Inc.

    52,537       1,686,963  

Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication Corp., Ltd.

    25,040       28,220  

BT Group PLC

    89,935       258,000  

CenturyLink, Inc.

    6,962       129,772  

Deutsche Telekom AG (REG)(a)

    34,368       531,137  

Elisa Oyj

    1,354       62,551  

Eurazeo SA

    1,438       108,846  

HKT Trust & HKT Ltd.–Class SS

    55,098       70,564  

Iliad SA

    714       112,659  

Koninklijke KPN NV

    28,755       78,190  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    7,400       336,167  

Orange SA

    18,911       315,665  

Proximus SADP

    1,568       35,268  

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.

    76,000       171,662  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

    17,417       43,956  

Swisscom AG (REG)

    247       110,244  

Telecom Italia SpA/Milano (ordinary shares)(a)

    150,129       111,228  

Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG

    17,113       67,322  

Telefonica SA

    52,707       447,347  

Telenor ASA

    7,146       146,354  

Telia Co. AB

    24,258       110,565  

Telstra Corp., Ltd.

    40,732       78,781  

TPG Telecom Ltd.

    8,880       33,944  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    29,545       1,486,409  
   

 

 

 
      6,561,814  
   

 

 

 

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.4%

   

KDDI Corp.

    19,550       534,593  

Millicom International Cellular SA

    641       37,673  

NTT DOCOMO, Inc.

    14,767       376,298  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    8,822       629,962  

Tele2 AB–Class B

    3,826       44,812  

Vodafone Group PLC

    293,152       710,099  
   

 

 

 
      2,333,437  
   

 

 

 
      8,895,251  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $245,083,879)

      324,597,572  
   

 

 

 

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
   

GOVERNMENTS–
TREASURIES–29.4%

   

UNITED STATES–29.4%

   

U.S. Treasury Bonds

   

2.25%, 8/15/46

  $       5,033     $ 4,331,870  

2.50%, 2/15/45

    520       473,769  

2.75%, 8/15/42-11/15/47

    2,505       2,396,049  

2.875%, 5/15/43-11/15/46

    5,936       5,814,997  

3.00%, 5/15/45-2/15/48

    1,897       1,901,780  

3.125%, 11/15/41-2/15/43

    2,825       2,898,773  

3.50%, 2/15/39

    414       450,743  

3.625%, 8/15/43

    3,658       4,073,526  

3.75%, 8/15/41-11/15/43

    309       349,987  

3.875%, 8/15/40

    280       322,000  

4.25%, 5/15/39

    240       289,388  

4.375%, 11/15/39-5/15/41

    1,258       1,546,204  

4.50%, 8/15/39

    220       274,175  

4.75%, 2/15/37-2/15/41

    2,136       2,714,581  

5.375%, 2/15/31

    650       821,336  

5.50%, 8/15/28

    1,028       1,265,404  

6.00%, 2/15/26

    2,846       3,464,116  

6.125%, 11/15/27

    326       413,409  

6.25%, 8/15/23-5/15/30

    724       947,568  

6.875%, 8/15/25

    849       1,070,801  

7.25%, 8/15/22

    775       912,320  

7.625%, 2/15/25

    55       70,941  

8.00%, 11/15/21

    9,123       10,682,463  

U.S. Treasury Notes

   

0.875%, 4/15/19-5/15/19

    3,129       3,089,887  

1.125%, 2/28/21-9/30/21

    2,905       2,784,749  

1.25%, 4/30/19-10/31/21

    16,947       16,599,153  

1.375%, 2/28/19-5/31/21

    7,424       7,220,822  

1.50%, 5/31/19-8/15/26

    6,098       5,858,389  

1.625%, 6/30/20-2/15/26

    14,732       13,972,363  

1.75%, 3/31/22-5/15/23

    11,862       11,385,623  

1.875%, 11/30/21-10/31/22

    7,977       7,736,472  

2.00%, 11/15/21-11/15/26

    19,868       19,187,572  

2.125%, 8/15/21-5/15/25

    7,444       7,205,400  

2.25%, 11/15/24-11/15/27

    5,088       4,848,503  

2.375%, 8/15/24-5/15/27

    1,829       1,772,144  

2.50%, 8/15/23-5/15/24

    4,139       4,079,598  

2.625%, 8/15/20-11/15/20

    3,700       3,703,723  

2.75%, 11/15/23-2/15/28

    3,575       3,570,398  

3.125%, 5/15/21

    394       399,113  

3.50%, 5/15/20

    910       925,783  

3.625%, 2/15/21

    9,502       9,744,004  
   

 

 

 

Total Governments–Treasuries
(cost $176,755,432)

      171,569,896  
   

 

 

 
    Shares        

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–11.7%

   

FUNDS AND INVESTMENT TRUSTS–11.7%(f)

   

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

    464,925       24,413,212  

iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF

    266,406       7,773,727  

 

    
    
    
Company
      
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
   

iShares JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF

    164,679     $ 17,582,777  

Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF

    135,330       7,859,966  

Vanguard Real Estate ETF(c)

    133,725       10,891,901  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies
(cost $68,893,123)

      68,521,583  
   

 

 

 

RIGHTS–0.0%

   

ENERGY–0.0%

   

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–0.0%

   

Repsol SA, expiring 7/06/18(a)

    15,004       8,518  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–0.0%

   

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.0%

   

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA, expiring 7/09/18(a)

    2,573       2,650  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–0.0%

   

BANKS–0.0%

   

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, expiring 7/17/18(a)(g)

    120,775       –0 – 
   

 

 

 

Total Rights
(cost $11,252)

      11,168  
   

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–2.3%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–2.3%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(f)(h)(i)
(cost $13,632,405)

    13,632,405       13,632,405  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SECURITY LENDING COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES
LOANED–98.9%
(cost $504,376,091)

      578,332,624  
   

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–1.6%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–1.6%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(f)(h)(i)
(cost $9,176,288)

    9,176,288       9,176,288  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.5%
(cost $513,552,379)

      587,508,912  

Other assets less liabilities–(0.5)%

      (2,734,020
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 584,774,892  
   

 

 

 

 

19


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

Description   Number of
Contracts
    Expiration
Month
   

Notional
(000)

    Original
Value
   

Value at
June 30,

2018

    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Purchased Contracts

             

10 Yr Mini Japan Government Bond Futures

    42       September 2018       JPY       420,000     $ 5,722,574     $   5,722,152     $ (422

Emini MSCI Emerging Market Future

    185       September 2018       USD       9         10,405,059       9,835,525         (569,534

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    71       September 2018       GBP       1       7,185,089       7,122,779       (62,310

Mini MSCI EAFE Futures

    8       September 2018       USD       0     794,096       782,160       (11,936

Russel 2000 Index Futures

    45       September 2018       USD       2       3,786,917       3,706,875       (80,042

S&P 500 E Mini Futures

    2       September 2018       USD       0     278,429       272,160       (6,269

S&P Mid 400 E Mini Futures

    70       September 2018       USD       7       13,954,674       13,692,700       (261,974

TOPIX Index Futures

    144       September 2018       JPY       1,440       23,211,480       22,507,520       (703,960

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

    87       September 2018       USD       17,400       18,419,623       18,429,047       9,424  

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

    72       September 2018       USD       7,200       8,150,436       8,180,438       30,002  

U.S. Ultra Bond (CBT) Futures

    60       September 2018       USD       6,000       9,205,339       9,573,750       368,411  

Sold Contracts

             

Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures

    70       September 2018       EUR       1       2,749,893       2,772,007       (22,114

Hang Seng Index Futures

    34       July 2018       HKD       2       6,225,511       6,224,406       1,105  

S&P 500 E Mini Futures

    49       September 2018       USD       2       6,800,990       6,667,920       133,070  

SPI 200 Futures

    107       September 2018       AUD       3       12,055,748       12,170,789       (115,041
             

 

 

 
              $   (1,291,590
             

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Barclays Bank PLC

    CHF       6,345       USD       6,472       9/14/18     $ 24,669  

Barclays Bank PLC

    EUR       1,416       USD       1,660       9/14/18       (3,315

Barclays Bank PLC

    GBP       10,741       USD       14,371       9/14/18       149,066  

BNP Paribas SA

    AUD       1,337       USD       1,015       9/14/18       25,105  

BNP Paribas SA

    USD       1,542       CAD       2,036       9/14/18       8,627  

Credit Suisse International

    EUR       3,775       USD       4,387       9/14/18       (45,415

Credit Suisse International

    USD       3,520       GBP       2,591       9/14/18       (89,228

Credit Suisse International

    USD       2,794       SEK       24,030       9/14/18       (96,066

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

    JPY       636,980       USD       5,812       9/14/18       29,543  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

    EUR       7,015       USD       8,321       9/14/18       84,225  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

    EUR       2,950       USD       3,446       9/14/18       (18,121

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

    AUD       2,125       USD       1,576       9/14/18       3,310  

Standard Chartered Bank

    AUD       6,081       USD       4,590       9/14/18       88,141  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    NZD       526       USD       369       9/14/18       13,020  

UBS AG

    USD       4,376       CAD       5,797       9/14/18       38,963  

UBS AG

    USD       7,192       NOK       57,752       9/14/18       (80,929
           

 

 

 
            $   131,595  
           

 

 

 

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

TOTAL RETURN SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
  # of Shares
or Units
  Rate Paid/
Received
    Payment
Frequency
   

Notional
Amount
(000)

    Maturity
Date
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Receive Total Return on Reference Obligation

 

       

Goldman Sachs International

             

GSABNATR

  18,010,863     0.00%       Maturity       USD       18       6/17/19     $ 122,683  

UBS AG

             

Russell 2000 Total Return Index

  1,256     LIBOR       Quarterly       USD       10       2/15/19       256,635  

Pay Total Return on Reference Obligation

 

Citibank, NA

 

S&P 500 Total Return Index

  11,414     LIBOR Plus 0.37%       Maturity       USD       62       7/16/18         1,359,841  
             

 

 

 
          $ 1,739,159  
             

 

 

 

 

 

 

*   Notional amount less than 500.

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2018, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $1,215,850 or 0.2% of net assets.

 

(c)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(d)   Fair valued by the Adviser.

 

(e)   Illiquid security.

 

(f)   To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Additionally, shareholder reports for AB funds can be obtained by calling AB at (800) 227-4618.

 

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

 

(h)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

HKD—Hong Kong Dollar

JPY—Japanese Yen

NOK—Norwegian Krone

NZD—New Zealand Dollar

SEK—Swedish Krona

USD—United States Dollar

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

CBT—Chicago Board of Trade

EAFE—Europe, Australia, and Far East

ETF—Exchange Traded Fund

FTSE—Financial Times Stock Exchange

LIBOR—London Interbank Offered Rates

MSCI—Morgan Stanley Capital International

REG—Registered Shares

REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust

SPI—Share Price Index

TOPIX—Tokyo Price Index

See notes to financial statements.

 

21


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The following table represents the 50 largest equity basket holdings underlying the total return swap with GSABNATR as of June 30, 2018.

 

Security Description    Shares      Market
Value as of
6/30/2018
     Percent of
Basket’s
Net Assets
 

Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Tbk PT

     923      $ 3,398,104        51.1

CJ CheilJedang Corp.

     1        488,595        7.4

Sasol Ltd.

     9        464,920        7.0

Korea Zinc Co Ltd.

     1        284,306        4.3

Rio Tinto PLC

     59        247,215        3.7

Glencore PLC

     607        219,847        3.3

Royal Dutch Shell PLC

     76        199,705        3.0

Marubeni Corp.

     232        195,941        2.9

BP PLC

     310        179,533        2.7

Anglo American PLC

     72        121,802        1.8

Israel Chemicals Ltd.

     69        115,590        1.7

Aguas Andinas SA

     204        72,812        1.1

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co Ltd

     16        68,164        1.0

Mitsui & Co Ltd.

     30        55,227        0.8

MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC

     3        39,594        0.6

Mondi PLC

     19        39,327        0.6

United Utilities Group PLC

     45        34,179        0.5

UPL Ltd.

     55        34,071        0.5

LUKOIL PJSC

     8        32,658        0.5

Severn Trent PLC

     16        32,169        0.5

Randgold Resources Ltd.

     5        30,699        0.5

Gazprom PJSC

     194        27,350        0.4

Vedanta Ltd.

     114        26,828        0.4

Pennon Group PLC

     26        20,704        0.3

Sirius Minerals PLC

     583        19,298        0.3

Tatneft PJSC

     25        17,213        0.3

Antofagasta PLC

     17        16,557        0.2

Grupo Mexico SAB de CV

     233        13,117        0.2

Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL

     478        11,580        0.2

Marine Harvest ASA

     63        10,243        0.2

Vale SA

     185        9,189        0.1

Yara International ASA

     25        8,451        0.1

Nutrien Ltd.

     78        5,575        0.1

BHP Billiton Ltd.

     164        5,545        0.1

Exxon Mobil Corp.

     61        5,041        0.1

Boliden AB

     15        4,257        0.1

Chevron Corp.

     32        4,025        0.1

Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

     846        3,892        0.1

Equinor ASA

     17        3,749        0.1

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

     81        3,693        0.1

Norsk Hydro ASA

     72        3,518        0.1

CNOOC Ltd.

     254        3,445        0.1

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA

     31        3,040        0.0

Tyson Foods Inc.

     44        2,995        0.0

China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.

     426        2,985        0.0

 

22


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Security Description    Shares      Market
Value as of
6/30/2018
     Percent of
Basket’s
Net Assets
 

Salmar ASA

     9      $ 2,949        0.0

Guangdong Investment Ltd.

     177        2,211        0.0

TOTAL SA

     42        2,206        0.0

Sime Darby Plantation Bhd

     396        2,112        0.0

IOI Corp Bhd

     415        1,885        0.0

Other

     4,139        47,981        0.8
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      $   6,646,092        100.0
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

23


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $490,743,686)

   $ 564,700,219 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $22,808,693—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $9,176,288)

     22,808,693  

Cash collateral due from broker

     3,644,768  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $1,154,326)

     1,229,023  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     2,213,096  

Unaffiliated interest and dividends receivable

     1,958,133  

Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps

     1,739,159  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     464,669  

Receivable for variation margin on futures

     138,803  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     81,652  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     18,958  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     598,997,173  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Due to custodian

     423  

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     9,176,288  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     2,135,298  

Cash collateral due to broker

     1,760,000  

Advisory fee payable

     347,801  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     333,074  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     166,767  

Distribution fee payable

     125,281  

Administrative fee payable

     9,016  

Directors’ fees payable

     437  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     87  

Accrued expenses

     167,809  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     14,222,281  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 584,774,892  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 45,817  

Additional paid-in capital

     493,272,912  

Undistributed net investment income

     13,204,676  

Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     3,736,188  

Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     74,515,299  
  

 

 

 
   $ 584,774,892  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 372,122          28,919        $ 12.87  
B      $   584,402,770          45,788,180        $   12.76  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $9,002,645 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

24


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $346,624)

   $ 5,552,923  

Affiliated issuers

     137,855  

Interest

     1,672,279  
  

 

 

 
     7,363,057  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     2,086,915  

Distribution fee—Class B

     744,913  

Transfer agency—Class B

     1,672  

Custodian

     94,571  

Audit and tax

     49,240  

Administrative

     27,111  

Legal

     23,749  

Printing

     20,739  

Directors’ fees

     12,794  

Miscellaneous

     32,773  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     3,094,477  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (19,254
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     3,075,223  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     4,287,834  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions

     7,658,243  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     538,087  

Futures

     (2,731,167

Swaps

     (586,463

Foreign currency transactions

     (233,472

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

  

Investments

     (19,179,367

Forward currency exchange contracts

     847,964  

Futures

     (1,728,344

Swaps

     1,252,311  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (37,920
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (14,200,128
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (9,912,294
  

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

25


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment income

   $ 4,287,834     $ 6,717,858  

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     4,645,228       7,963,206  

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

     (18,845,356     63,377,735  

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

     –0 –      5,430  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (9,912,294     78,064,229  

DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     –0 –      (6,415

Class B

     –0 –      (10,384,688

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

    

Net decrease

     (10,344,258     (21,670,358

CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS

    

Proceeds from regulatory settlement (see Note F)

     –0 –      269  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (20,256,552     46,003,037  

NET ASSETS

    

Beginning of period

     605,031,444       559,028,407  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $13,204,676 and $8,916,842, respectively)

   $ 584,774,892     $ 605,031,444  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

26


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to maximize total return consistent with the determination of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) of reasonable risk. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers fourteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S.

 

27


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates, yield curves, option adjusted spreads, default rates, credit spreads and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows which are then discounted to calculate fair values. If these inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value, these investments will be classified as Level 3. In addition, non-agency rated investments are classified as Level 3.

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

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

 

28


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2018:

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities:

            

Assets:

            

Common Stocks:

            

Financials

     $ 23,574,401      $ 30,943,308      $             –0 –    $ 54,517,709  

Information Technology

       44,179,202        10,053,388        –0 –      54,232,590  

Consumer Discretionary

       22,057,400        19,302,283        –0 –      41,359,683  

Health Care

       23,958,049        16,392,575        –0 –      40,350,624  

Industrials

       16,191,876        22,265,244        –0 –      38,457,120  

Consumer Staples

       11,812,561        17,088,302        –0 –      28,900,863  

Energy

       10,580,364        9,576,778        –0 –      20,157,142  

Materials

       4,384,403        12,783,062        –0 –      17,167,465  

Real Estate

       5,176,720        5,207,478        –0 –      10,384,198  

Utilities

       5,003,900        5,171,027        –0 –      10,174,927  

Telecommunication Services

       3,303,144        5,592,107        –0 –      8,895,251  

Governments—Treasuries

       –0 –       171,569,896        –0 –      171,569,896  

Investment Companies

       68,521,583        –0 –       –0 –      68,521,583  

Rights

       11,168        –0 –       –0 –(a)      11,168  

Short-Term Investments

       13,632,405        –0 –       –0 –      13,632,405  

Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund

       9,176,288        –0 –       –0 –      9,176,288  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       261,563,464        325,945,448        –0 –      587,508,912  

Other Financial Instruments(b):

            

Assets:

            

Futures

       540,907        1,105        –0 –      542,012 (c) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       464,669        –0 –      464,669  

Total Return Swaps

       –0 –       1,739,159        –0 –      1,739,159  

Liabilities:

            

Futures

       (930,177      (903,425      –0 –      (1,833,602 )(c) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       (333,074      –0 –      (333,074
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total(d)

     $ 261,174,194      $ 326,913,882      $ –0 –    $ 588,088,076  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)   The Portfolio held securities with zero market value at period end.

 

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

 

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

 

(d)   There were de minimis transfers under 1% of net assets between Level 1 and Level 2 during the reporting period.

The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.

 

29


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value.

 

     Rights(a)     Total  

Balance as of 12/31/17

   $ –0     $ –0  

Accrued discounts/(premiums)

     –0 –      –0 – 

Realized gain (loss)

     –0 –      –0 – 

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     –0 –      –0 – 

Purchases

     –0 –      –0 – 

Sales

     –0 –      –0 – 

Transfers in to Level 3

     –0 –      –0 – 

Transfers out of Level 3

     –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of 6/30/18

   $ –0 –    $ –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from Investments held as of 6/30/18(b)

   $             –0 –    $             –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)   The Portfolio held securities with zero market value at period end.

 

(b)   The unrealized appreciation/depreciation is included in net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments in the accompanying statement of operations.

The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.

In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).

3. Currency Translation

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

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

 

30


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to the portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .70% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to .85% and 1.10% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. The Expense Caps will remain in effect until May 1, 2019 and then may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $27,111.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Adviser reimbursed the Portfolio $5,430 for trading losses incurred due to a trade entry error.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $600 for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $16,938.

 

31


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

Fund

  Market Value
12/31/17
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Market Value
6/30/18
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $ 18,529     $ 99,745     $ 104,641     $ 13,633     $ 115  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

    1,877       77,955       70,656       9,176       23  
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        $ 22,809     $ 138  
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 amounted to $56,925, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

       Purchases        Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     $ 56,160,914        $ 65,638,651  

U.S. government securities

       30,177,364          26,092,695  

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

     $ 93,574,115  

Gross unrealized depreciation

       (19,038,418
    

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

     $ 74,535,697  
    

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Futures

The Portfolio may buy or sell futures for investment purposes or for the purpose of hedging its portfolio against adverse effects of potential movements in the market. The Portfolio bears the market risk that arises from changes in the value of these instruments and the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and movements in the price of the assets, reference rates or indices which they are designed to track. Among other

 

32


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

things, the Portfolio may purchase or sell futures for foreign currencies or options thereon for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investment in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

The Portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Option Transactions

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

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

When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the option written. Premiums received from written options which expire unexercised are recorded by the Portfolio on the expiration date as realized gains from options written.

 

33


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium received is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium received is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Portfolio has realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium received reduces the cost basis of the security or currency purchased by the Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security or currency underlying the written option. Exercise of an option written by the Portfolio could result in the Portfolio selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.

The Portfolio may also invest in options on swap agreements, also called “swaptions”. A swaption is an option that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a swap on a future date in exchange for paying a market-based “premium”. A receiver swaption gives the owner the right to receive the total return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. A payer swaption gives the owner the right to pay the total return on a specified asset, reference rate, or index. Swaptions also include options that allow an existing swap to be terminated or extended by one of the counterparties.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held purchased swaptions for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Swaps

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

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

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

At the time the Portfolio enters into a centrally cleared swap, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral an initial margin with the broker, as required by the clearinghouse on which the transaction is effected. Such amount is shown as cash collateral due from broker on the statement of assets and liabilities. Pursuant to the contract, the

 

34


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Portfolio agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Portfolio as unrealized gains or losses. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of the contract. The credit/counterparty risk for centrally cleared swaps is generally less than non-centrally cleared swaps, since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each centrally cleared swap, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the time it was closed.

Total Return Swaps:

The Portfolio may enter into total return swaps in order to take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset. The Portfolio is subject to market price volatility of the underlying referenced asset. A total return swap involves commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market linked return based on a notional amount. To the extent that the total return of the security, group of securities or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Portfolio will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held total return swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location

  Fair Value  

Interest rate contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures   $ 407,837   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures   $ 422

Equity contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures     134,175   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures     1,833,180

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts     464,669     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts     333,074  

Equity contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps     1,739,159      
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    $ 2,745,840       $ 2,166,676  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

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

 

35


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures    $ (1,736,530   $ 424,149  

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures      (994,637     (2,152,493

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts      538,087       847,964  

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments      7,085       53,026  

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps      (586,463     1,252,311  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ (2,772,458   $ 424,957  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2018:

 

Futures:

  

Average original value of buy contracts

   $ 96,402,586  

Average original value of sale contracts

   $ 31,654,398  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 27,154,596  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 66,976,056  

Purchased Swaptions:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 29,700,000 (a) 

Total Return Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 60,197,164  

 

(a)   Positions were open for less than one month during the period.

For financial reporting purposes, the Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2018. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

   Derivative
Assets Subject
to a MA
     Derivative
Available for
Offset
    Cash Collateral
Received*
    Security Collateral
Received*
    Net Amount of
Derivatives
Assets
 

Barclays Bank PLC

   $ 173,735      $ (3,315   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 170,420  

BNP Paribas SA

     33,732        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      33,732  

Citibank, NA

     1,359,841        –0 –      (1,359,841     –0 –      –0 – 

Goldman Sachs Bank USA/Goldman Sachs International

     152,226        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      152,226  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     84,225        (18,121     –0 –      –0 –      66,104  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     3,310        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      3,310  

Standard Chartered Bank

     88,141        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      88,141  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     13,020        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      13,020  

UBS AG

     295,598        (80,929     (214,669     –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,203,828      $ (102,365   $ (1,574,510   $             –0 –    $ 526,953
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

36


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

Counterparty

   Derivative
Liabilities Subject
to a MA
     Derivative
Available for
Offset
    Cash Collateral
Pledged*
    Security Collateral
Pledged*
    Net Amount of
Derivatives
Liabilities
 

Barclays Bank PLC

   $ 3,315      $ (3,315   $             –0 –    $ –0 –    $ –0 – 

Credit Suisse International

     230,709        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      230,709  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     18,121        (18,121     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

UBS AG

     80,929        (80,929     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 333,074      $ (102,365   $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 230,709
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   The actual collateral received/pledged may be more than the amount reported due to over-collateralization.

 

^   Net amount represents the net receivable/payable that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $9,002,645 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into AB Government Money Market Portfolio of $9,176,288. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $0 and $23,287 from the borrowers and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of AB Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $2,316. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities.

 

37


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE F: Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

Class A

         

Shares sold

    4,541       23,756       $ 58,743     $ 304,287  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      518         –0 –      6,414  

Shares redeemed

    (790     (25,158       (10,263     (321,633
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    3,751       (884     $ 48,480     $ (10,932
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    1,969,298       3,671,000       $ 25,480,954     $ 45,294,974  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    –0 –      843,598         –0 –      10,384,688  

Shares redeemed

    (2,773,580     (6,270,646       (35,873,692     (77,339,088
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (804,282     (1,756,048     $ (10,392,738   $ (21,659,426
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Portfolio recorded $269 related to settlements of regulatory proceedings. This amount is presented in the Portfolio’s statement of changes in net assets. Neither the Portfolio nor its affiliates were involved in the proceedings or the calculation of the payment.

At June 30, 2018, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 92% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk—Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments in fixed-income debt securities such as bonds or notes. Increases in interest rates may cause the value of the Portfolio’s investments to decline. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to a derivative contract, will be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. Credit risk is greater for medium quality and lower-rated securities. Lower-rated debt securities and similar unrated securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) have speculative elements or are predominantly speculative risks.

Allocation Risk—The allocation of investments among different global asset classes may have a significant effect on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV, when one of these asset classes is performing more poorly than others. As both the direct investments and derivatives positions will be periodically adjusted to reflect the Adviser’s view of market and economic conditions, there will be transaction costs that may be, over time, significant. In addition, there is a risk that certain asset allocation decisions may not achieve the desired results and, as a result, the Portfolio may incur significant losses.

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—The Portfolio’s investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

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

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

ETF Risk—ETFs are investment companies. When the Portfolio invests in an ETF, the Portfolio bears its share of the ETF’s expenses and runs the risk that the ETF may not achieve its investment objective.

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

38


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of other types of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.

Liquidity Risk—Liquidity risk occurs when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling less liquid securities may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Portfolio. Causes of liquidity risk may include low trading volumes, large positions and heavy redemptions of Portfolio shares.

Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.

Real Estate Risk—The Portfolio’s investments in the real estate securities have many of the same risks as direct ownership of real estate, including the risk that the value of real estate could decline due to a variety of factors that affect the real estate market generally. Investments in real estate investment trusts, or “REITs”, may have additional risks. REITs are dependent on the capability of their managers, may have limited diversification, and could be significantly affected by changes in taxes.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Effective July 3, 2018, the Facility will be increased to $325 million.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

       2017      2016  

Distributions paid from:

       

Ordinary income

     $ 10,391,103      $ 3,071,351  

Net long-term capital gains

       –0 –       117,115  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

     $ 10,391,103      $ 3,188,466  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 9,529,980  

Undistributed capital gains

     735,535 (a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     91,102,941 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 101,368,456  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   During the fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized $1,509,418 of capital loss carryforwards to offset current year net realized gains.

 

(b)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the tax treatment of swaps and passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), return of capital distributions received from underlying securities, the tax treatment of corporate restructurings, the tax treatment of Treasury inflation-protected securities, and the realization for tax purposes of gains/losses on certain derivative instruments.

 

39


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (the “ASU”) which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require any accounting change for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

40


    
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $13.07       $11.63       $11.33       $11.74       $11.74       $10.53  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .11 (b)      .17 (b)      .13 (b)††      .08       .08 (b)      .03 (b) 

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

    (.31     1.52       .27       (.19     .44       1.26  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      .00 (c)      .00       –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (.20     1.69       .40       (.11     .52       1.29  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.25     (.10     (.10     (.07     (.04

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      –0 –      (.00 )(c)      (.20     (.45     (.04
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.25     (.10     (.30     (.52     (.08
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $12.87       $13.07       $11.63       $11.33       $11.74       $11.74  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)

    (1.53 )%      14.67     3.59 %††      (1.09 )%      4.45     12.31
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $372       $328       $303       $400       $350       $269  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (e)†

    .78 %^      .77     .79     .83     .85     .85

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (e)†

    .79 %^      .78     .81     .83     .85     .89

Net investment income

    1.69 %(b)^      1.39 %(b)      1.11 %(b)††      .67     .69 %(b)      .31 %(b) 

Portfolio turnover rate

    15     20     64     93     53     52

† Expense ratios exclude the acquired fund fees of affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

 

portfolios

    .03     .04 %^^      .04 %^^      .03 %^^      .02 %^^      .02 %^^ 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 43.

 

41


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $12.98       $11.56       $11.26       $11.68       $11.68       $10.49  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .09 (b)      .14 (b)      .10 (b)††      .05       .05 (b)      .01 (b) 

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

    (.31     1.50       .27       (.19     .45       1.25  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      .00 (c)      .00       –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (.22     1.64       .37       (.14     .50       1.26  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.22     (.07     (.08     (.05     (.03

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      –0 –      (.00 )(c)      (.20     (.45     (.04
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.22     (.07     (.28     (.50     (.07
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $12.76       $12.98       $11.56       $11.26       $11.68       $11.68  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)

    (1.69 )%      14.32     3.37 %††      (1.30 )%      4.21     12.04
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $584,403       $604,703       $558,725       $511,164       $481,600       $387,519  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (e)†

    1.03 %^      1.03     1.05     1.08     1.10     1.10

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (e)†

    1.04 %^      1.04     1.07     1.08     1.10     1.14

Net investment income

    1.44 %(b)^      1.15 %(b)      .89 %(b)††      .43     .44 %(b)      .05 %(b) 

Portfolio turnover rate

    15     20     64     93     53     52

† Expense ratios exclude the acquired fund fees of affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

 

portfolios

    .03     .04 %^^      .04 %^^      .03 %^^      .02 %^^      .02 %^^ 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 43.

 

42


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of fees and expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

(d)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(e)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, such waiver amounted to .01% (annualized), .01% and .02%, respectively.

 

††   For the year ended December 31, 2016, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows:

 

Net Investment
Income Per Share

 

Net Investment
Income Ratio

 

Total
Return

$.00005   .0004%   .0004%

 

^   Annualized.

 

^^   Unaudited.

See notes to financial statements.

 

43


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on August 1-2, 2017 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer), who acted as their independent fee consultant, of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2015 and 2016 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors.

 

44


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods ended May 31, 2017 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Company’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

The directors noted that the Fund invests in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as these may be varied as a result of exemptive orders issued by the SEC. The directors also noted that ETFs pay advisory fees pursuant to their advisory contracts, and that the Adviser had provided, and they had reviewed, information about the expense ratios of the relevant ETFs. The directors concluded, based on the Adviser’s explanation of how it uses ETFs when they are the most cost-effective way to obtain desired exposures for a fund or to temporarily “equitize” cash inflows pending purchases of underlying securities, that the advisory fee for the Fund is paid for services that are in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contracts of the ETFs.

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors considered the effects of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements as a result of the Adviser’s

 

45


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

expense cap (although the directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was currently below the Adviser’s expense cap). The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund does not contain breakpoints and that they had previously discussed their strong preference for breakpoints in advisory contracts with the Adviser. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. The directors informed the Adviser that they would monitor the Fund’s assets (which were well below the level at which they would anticipate adding an initial breakpoint) and its profitability to the Adviser and anticipated revisiting the question of breakpoints in the future if circumstances warranted doing so.

 

46


 

 

 

 

 

VPS-DAA-0152-0618


JUN    06.30.18

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

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

 

     Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2018
    Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2018
    Expenses Paid
During Period*
    Annualized
Expense Ratio*
    Total
Expenses Paid
During Period+
    Total
Annualized
Expense Ratio+
 

Class A

           

Actual

  $   1,000     $   1,006.50     $   3.28       0.66   $   3.73       0.75

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

  $ 1,000     $ 1,021.52     $ 3.31       0.66   $ 3.76       0.75
           

Class B

           

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,005.60     $ 4.53       0.91   $ 4.97       1.00

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

  $ 1,000     $ 1,020.28     $ 4.56       0.91   $ 5.01       1.00

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

+   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fund fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees and expenses from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios acquired fund fees and expenses. The Portfolio’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Portfolio’s pro-rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

SECURITY TYPE    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Investment Companies

   $ 46,677,918          49.6

Inflation-Linked Securities

     18,571,307          19.8  

Options Purchased—Puts

     261,554          0.3  

Short-Term Investments

     28,512,560          30.3  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   94,023,339          100.0

COUNTRY BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

 

 

COUNTRY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

United States

   $ 50,568,032          53.8

Japan

     14,846,058          15.8  

Germany

     82,069          0.1  

United Kingdom

     14,620          0.0  

Short-Term

     28,512,560          30.3  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   94,023,339          100.0

 

 

 

 

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

 

2   All data are as of June 30, 2018. The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time.

 

2


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company             
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
     

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–48.1%

     

FUNDS AND INVESTMENT TRUSTS–48.1%(a)

     

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

      76,670     $ 4,858,578  

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF

      43,375       11,843,544  

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

      90,720       6,075,518  

iShares Russell 2000 ETF

      11,040       1,808,021  

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

      36,201       9,820,607  

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF

      49,183       12,271,650  
     

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies
(cost $41,284,779)

        46,677,918  
     

 

 

 
          Principal
Amount
(000)
       

INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–19.1%

     

JAPAN–15.3%

     

Japanese Government CPI Linked Bond
Series 22
0.10%, 3/10/27

    JPY         1,550,837       14,820,045  
     

 

 

 

UNITED STATES–3.8%

     

U.S. Treasury Inflation Index
0.375%, 7/15/25 (TIPS)

    $       3,819       3,751,262  
     

 

 

 

Total Inflation-Linked Securities
(cost $18,759,543)

        18,571,307  
     

 

 

 
          Notional
Amount
       

OPTIONS PURCHASED—PUTS–0.3%

     

OPTIONS ON FUNDS AND INVESTMENT TRUSTS–0.2%

     

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Expiration: Jul 2018; Contracts: 406; Exercise Price: USD 272.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.(b)

    USD       40,600       138,852  
     

 

 

 

OPTIONS ON INDICES–0.1%

     

Euro STOXX 50 Index
Expiration: Jul 2018; Contracts: 940; Exercise Price: EUR 3,450.00;
Counterparty: Deutsche Bank AG(b)

    EUR       940       82,069  

FTSE 100 Index
Expiration: Jul 2018; Contracts: 190; Exercise Price: GBP 7,550.00;
Counterparty: Deutsche Bank AG(b)

    GBP       190       14,620  
     

Nikkei 225 Index
Expiration: Jul 2018; Contracts: 12; Exercise Price: JPY 22,125.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.(b)

    JPY       12,000     $ 26,013  
     

 

 

 
        122,702  
     

 

 

 

Total Options Purchased–Puts
(premiums paid $143,218)

        261,554  
     

 

 

 
          Shares        

SHORT-TERM
INVESTMENTS–29.4%

     

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–19.1%

     

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(a)(c)(d)
(cost $18,506,329)

      18,506,329       18,506,329  
     

 

 

 
          Principal
Amount
(000)
       

U.S. TREASURY BILLS–5.3%

     

U.S. Treasury Bill
Zero Coupon, 7/05/18–8/23/18
(cost $5,126,608)

    $       5,134       5,126,608  
     

 

 

 

GOVERNMENTS—
TREASURIES–5.0%

     

JAPAN–5.0%

     

Japan Treasury Discount Bill
Series 764
Zero Coupon, 9/18/18
(cost $4,885,800)

    JPY       540,100       4,879,623  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(cost $28,518,737)

        28,512,560  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–96.9%
(cost $88,706,277)

        94,023,339  

Other assets less
liabilities–3.1%

        2,971,987  
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

      $ 96,995,326  
     

 

 

 

 

3


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

Description   Number of
Contracts
   

Expiration

Month

    Notional
(000)
    Original
Value
    Value at
June 30, 2018
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Purchased Contracts

 

10 Yr Mini Japan Government Bond Futures

    10       September 2018       JPY       100,000     $ 1,362,453     $ 1,362,417     $ (36

Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures

    169       September 2018       EUR       2       6,846,454       6,692,417       (154,037

Euro-BTP Futures

    13       September 2018       EUR       1,300       1,916,058       1,931,681       15,623  

Euro-Bund Futures

    10       September 2018       EUR       1,000       1,884,677       1,898,259       13,582  

Euro-OAT Futures

    16       September 2018       EUR       1,600       2,858,605       2,887,549       28,944  

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    36       September 2018       GBP       0     3,643,132       3,611,550       (31,582

Long Gilt Futures

    21       September 2018       GBP       2,100       3,338,002       3,410,578       72,576  

Nikkei 225 (CME) Futures

    17       September 2018       USD       0     1,917,224       1,892,525       (24,699

S&P 500 E Mini Futures

    6       September 2018       USD       0     832,797       816,480       (16,317

TOPIX Index Futures

    21       September 2018       JPY       210       3,375,415       3,282,346       (93,069

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

    71       September 2018       USD       7,100       8,565,528       8,533,313       (32,215

U.S. Ultra Bond (CBT) Futures

    2       September 2018       USD       200       306,847       319,125       12,278  

Sold Contracts

 

10 Yr Mini Japan Government Bond Futures

    66       September 2018       JPY       660,000         8,976,184         8,991,952       (15,768

Hang Seng Index Futures

    4       July 2018       HKD       0     732,413       732,283       130  

SPI 200 Futures

    1       September 2018       AUD       0     112,671       113,746       (1,075
             

 

 

 
              $   (225,665
             

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Barclays Bank PLC

     CHF        866        USD        883        9/14/18      $ 3,367  

Barclays Bank PLC

     EUR        3,834        USD        4,493        9/14/18        (8,973

Standard Chartered Bank

     AUD        1,080        USD        815        9/14/18        15,653  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     GBP        1,353        USD        1,787        9/14/18        (4,282

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     HKD        1,141        USD        146        9/14/18        (5

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     JPY        2,677,919        USD        24,453        9/14/18        144,537  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     SGD        190        USD        142        9/14/18        2,542  
                 

 

 

 
   $   152,839  
                 

 

 

 

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)

 

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

Euro STOXX 50 Index

  Deutsche Bank AG     940       EUR       3,275.00       July 2018       EUR       1     $ 9,190     $ (18,342

FTSE 100 Index

  Deutsche Bank AG     190       GBP       7,200.00       July 2018       GBP       0     4,535       (3,726

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

  Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc     1,391       USD       42.00       July 2018       USD       139       16,639       (50,772

Nikkei 225 Index

  Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.     12       JPY       21,000.00       July 2018       JPY       12       7,571       (7,316

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

  Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.     406       USD       258.00       July 2018       USD       41       21,908       (31,262
               

 

 

   

 

 

 
                $   59,843     $   (111,418
               

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

*   Notional amount less than 500.

 

(a)   To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Additionally, shareholder reports for AB funds can be obtained by calling AB at (800) 227-4618.

 

(b)   Non-income producing security.

 

(c)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

HKD—Hong Kong Dollar

JPY—Japanese Yen

SGD—Singapore Dollar

USD—United States Dollar

Glossary:

BTP—Buoni del Tesoro Poliennali

CBT—Chicago Board of Trade

CME—Chicago Mercantile Exchange

CPI—Consumer Price Index

EAFE—Europe, Australia, and Far East

ETF—Exchange Traded Fund

FTSE—Financial Times Stock Exchange

MSCI—Morgan Stanley Capital International

OAT—Obligations Assimilables du Trésor

SPDR—Standard & Poor’s Depository Receipt

SPI—Share Price Index

TIPS—Treasury Inflation Protected Security

TOPIX—Tokyo Price Index

See notes to financial statements.

 

5


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $70,199,948)

   $ 75,517,010  

Affiliated issuers (cost $18,506,329)

     18,506,329  

Cash collateral due from broker

     1,271,586  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $1,687,976)

     1,688,522  

Unaffiliated dividends and interest receivable

     168,653  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     166,099  

Receivable for variation margin on futures

     96,720  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     26,262  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     14,822  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     97,456,003  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Options written, at value (premiums received $59,843)

     111,418  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     185,625  

Advisory fee payable

     30,454  

Distribution fee payable

     20,752  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     13,260  

Administrative fee payable

     9,347  

Directors’ fees payable

     437  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     87  

Accrued expenses

     89,297  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     460,677  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 96,995,326  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 8,942  

Additional paid-in capital

     85,194,750  

Undistributed net investment income

     384,956  

Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions and foreign currency transactions

     6,227,350  

Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     5,179,328  
  

 

 

 
   $ 96,995,326  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 11,997          1,100        $ 10.91  
B      $   96,983,329          8,940,556        $   10.85  

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

6


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers

   $ 493,768  

Affiliated issuers

     136,144  

Interest

     51,336  
  

 

 

 
     681,248  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     292,831  

Distribution fee—Class B

     121,998  

Transfer agency—Class B

     1,257  

Custodian

     40,765  

Administrative

     27,808  

Audit and tax

     23,784  

Legal

     14,882  

Directors’ fees

     12,794  

Printing

     9,504  

Miscellaneous

     10,845  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     556,468  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (110,325
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     446,143  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     235,105  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions

     (153,880

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (1,577,032

Futures

     (172,993

Options written

     505,297  

Swaptions written

     26,970  

Foreign currency transactions

     2,295,691  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

  

Investments

     (664,406

Forward currency exchange contracts

     303,973  

Futures

     (87,841

Options written

     (119,575

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (16,098
  

 

 

 

Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     340,106  
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 575,211  
  

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment income

   $ 235,105     $ 273,952  

Net realized gain on investment transactions and foreign currency transactions

     924,053       6,621,134  

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

     (583,947     2,846,976  

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

     –0 –      146  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     575,211       9,742,208  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     –0 –      (59

Class B

     –0 –      (310,219

Net realized gain on investment transactions

    

Class A

     –0 –      (57

Class B

     –0 –      (454,753

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

    

Net increase (decrease)

     (2,093,871     10,228,289  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (1,518,660     19,205,409  

NET ASSETS

    

Beginning of period

     98,513,986       79,308,577  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $384,956 and $149,851, respectively)

   $ 96,995,326     $ 98,513,986  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

8


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Global Risk Allocation—Moderate Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to generate income and price appreciation without assuming what AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) considers undue risk. The Portfolio is non-diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers fourteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates, yield curves, option adjusted spreads, default rates, credit spreads and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows which are then discounted to calculate fair values. If these inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value, these investments will be classified as Level 3. In addition, non-agency rated investments are classified as Level 3.

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

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

Other fixed income investments, including non-U.S. government and corporate debt, are generally valued using quoted market prices, if available, which are typically impacted by current interest rates, maturity dates and any perceived credit risk

 

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    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

of the issuer. Additionally, in the absence of quoted market prices, these inputs are used by pricing vendors to derive a valuation based upon industry or proprietary models which incorporate issuer specific data with relevant yield/spread comparisons with more widely quoted bonds with similar key characteristics. Those investments for which there are observable inputs are classified as Level 2. Where the inputs are not observable, the investments are classified as Level 3.

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2018:

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

             

Assets:

 

Investment Companies

     $ 46,677,918      $ –0 –     $ –0 –     $ 46,677,918  

Inflation-Linked Securities

       –0 –       18,571,307        –0 –       18,571,307  

Options Purchased—Puts

       –0 –       261,554        –0 –       261,554  

Short-Term Investments:

             

Investment Companies

       18,506,329        –0 –       –0 –       18,506,329  

U.S. Treasury Bills

       –0 –       5,126,608        –0 –       5,126,608  

Governments—Treasuries

       –0 –       4,879,623        –0 –       4,879,623  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       65,184,247        28,839,092        –0 –       94,023,339  

Other Financial Instruments(a):

             

Assets:

 

Futures

       143,003        130        –0 –       143,133 (b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       166,099        –0 –       166,099  

Liabilities:

 

Futures

       (89,035      (279,763      –0 –       (368,798 )(b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       (13,260      –0 –       (13,260

Put Options Written

       –0 –       (111,418      –0 –       (111,418
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(c)

     $ 65,238,215      $ 28,600,880      $             –0 –     $ 93,839,095  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

(c)   There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period.

The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.

The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).

3. Currency Translation

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

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Portfolio are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .60% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses, to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses, inclusive of the Portfolio’s proportionate share of fees and expenses of registered investment companies or series thereof in which the Portfolio invests (“Acquired Fund Expenses”) on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to .75% and 1.00% of daily average net assets for

 

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    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Class A and Class B, respectively. The Expense Caps may not be terminated by the Adviser before May 1, 2019. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reimbursements/waivers, exclusive of Acquired Fund Expenses, amounted to $68,269. Any fees waived and expenses borne by the Adviser through April 27, 2016 are subject to repayment by the Portfolio until the end of the third fiscal year after the fiscal period in which the fee was waived or the expense was borne; such waivers that are subject to repayment amounted to $157,734 for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2015 and $70,109 for the year ended December 31, 2016. In any case, no reimbursement payment will be made that would cause the Portfolio’s total annual fund operating expenses to exceed the net fee percentage set forth above. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver for Acquired Fund Expenses for both affiliated and unaffiliated underlying portfolios amounted to $19,715 and $22,014, respectively.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

Fund

   Market Value
12/31/17
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/18
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 2,045      $ 40,516      $ 24,055      $ 18,506      $ 133  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

     0        23,233        23,233        0        3  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

            $ 18,506      $ 136  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*   Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $27,808.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Adviser reimbursed the Portfolio $146 for trading losses incurred due to a trade entry error.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $600 for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 amounted to $54,760, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 31,205,136      $ 16,837,096  

U.S. government securities

     –0 –       –0 – 

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 5,824,937  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (632,276
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 5,192,661  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Futures

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

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

The Portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

 

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    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Option Transactions

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

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

When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the option written. Premiums received from written options which expire unexercised are recorded by the Portfolio on the expiration date as realized gains from options written. The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium received is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium received is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Portfolio has realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium received reduces the cost basis of the security or currency purchased by the Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security or currency underlying the written option. Exercise of an option written by the Portfolio could result in the Portfolio selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.

At June 30, 2018, the maximum payments for written put options amounted to $23,993,605. In certain circumstances maximum payout amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced assets and upfront premium received upon entering into the contract.

The Portfolio may also invest in options on swap agreements, also called “swaptions”. A swaption is an option that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a swap on a future date in exchange for paying a market-based “premium”. A receiver swaption gives the owner the right to receive the total return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. A payer swaption gives the owner the right to pay the total return on a specified asset, reference rate, or index. Swaptions also include options that allow an existing swap to be terminated or extended by one of the counterparties.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held purchased options for hedging and non-hedging purposes. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held written options for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held written swaptions for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

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GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held purchased swaptions for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

Location

   Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

Location

   Fair Value  

Interest rate contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures    $ 143,003   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures    $ 48,019

Equity contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures      130   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures      320,779

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts      166,099     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts      13,260  

Equity contracts

  Investments in securities, at value      261,554       

Equity contracts

       Options written, at value      111,418  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     $ 570,786        $ 493,476  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

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

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures    $ (381,386    $ 236,452  

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures      208,393        (324,293

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts      (1,577,032      303,973  

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments      (44,370      –0 – 

 

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    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments    $ (562,569    $ 147,639  

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on options written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of options written      505,297        (119,575

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaptions written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaptions written      26,970        –0 – 
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      $ (1,824,697    $ 244,196  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2018:

 

Futures:

  

Average original value of buy contracts

   $ 36,351,946  

Average original value of sale contracts

   $ 8,394,178  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 2,195,528 (a) 

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 40,296,195  

Purchased Options:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 94,925  

Purchased Swaptions:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 11,600,000 (b) 

Options Written:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 182,457  

Swaptions Written:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 23,200,000 (b) 

 

(a)   Positions were open for five months during the period.

 

(b)   Positions were open for one month during the period.

For financial reporting purposes, the Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2018. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Assets
Subject to a MA
     Derivative
Available

for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Received*
    Security
Collateral
Received*
    Net
Amount  of
Derivatives
Assets
 

Barclays Bank PLC

   $ 3,367      $ (3,367   $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ –0 – 

Deutsche Bank AG

     96,689        (22,068     –0 –      –0 –      74,621  

Standard Chartered Bank

     15,653        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      15,653  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     147,079        (4,287     –0 –      –0 –      142,792  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 262,788      $ (29,722   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 233,066
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

17


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Liabilities
Subject to a MA
     Derivative
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Pledged*
    Security
Collateral
Pledged*
    Net
Amount of
Derivatives
Liabilities
 

Barclays Bank PLC

   $ 8,973      $ (3,367   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 5,606  

Deutsche Bank AG

     22,068        (22,068     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     4,287        (4,287     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 35,328      $ (29,722   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 5,606
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   The actual collateral received/pledged may be more than the amount reported due to over-collateralization.

 

^   Net amount represents the net receivable/payable that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had no securities on loan. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $0 and $2,825 from the borrowers and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of AB Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $327. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities.

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE F: Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    647,417       2,600,502       $ 6,997,442     $ 26,589,694  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      74,915         –0 –      764,886  

Shares redeemed

    (841,042     (1,673,405       (9,091,313     (17,126,291
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (193,625     1,002,012       $ (2,093,871   $ 10,228,289  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

There were no transactions in capital shares for Class A for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017.

At June 30, 2018, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 98% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Allocation Risk—The allocation of investments among asset classes may have a significant effect on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV, when the asset classes in which the Portfolio has invested more heavily perform worse than the asset classes invested in less heavily.

Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk—Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments in fixed-income debt securities such as bonds or notes. Increases in interest rates may cause the value of the Portfolio’s investments to decline. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to a derivative contract, will be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. Credit risk is greater for medium quality and lower-rated securities. Lower-rated debt securities and similar unrated securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) have speculative elements or are predominantly speculative risks.

High Yield Securities Risk—Investments in fixed-income securities with ratings below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and less secondary market liquidity.

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

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

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk—As with other investments, investments in other investment companies, including ETFs, are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, shareholders of the Portfolio bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Portfolio (including management fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies.

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

19


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of other types of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.

Liquidity Risk—Liquidity risk occurs when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling less liquid securities may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Portfolio. Causes of liquidity risk may include low trading volumes and large positions. Foreign fixed-income securities may have more liquidity risk because secondary trading markets for these securities may be smaller and less well-developed and the securities may trade less frequently. Liquidity risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally decline.

Non-Diversification Risk—The Portfolio may have more risk because it is “non-diversified”, meaning that it can invest more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers. Accordingly, changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Effective July 3, 2018, the Facility will be increased to $325 million.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

     2017      2016  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 765,088      $ 194,215  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions

   $ 765,088      $ 194,215  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 3,215,156  

Undistributed capital gains

     1,952,754  

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     6,048,513 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 11,216,423  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (the “ASU”) which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require any accounting change for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

21


 
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,  2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,     April 28, 2015(a) to
December 31,
2015
 
    2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $10.83       $9.78       $9.40       $10.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       

Income From Investment Operations

       

Net investment income (b)(c)

    .04       .06       .04       .05  

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

    .04       1.09       .37       (.65

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      .00 (d)      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .08       1.15       .41       (.60
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       

Less: Dividends and Distributions

       

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.05     (.03     –0 – 

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (.05     –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.10     (.03     –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $10.91       $10.83       $9.78       $9.40  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       

Total Return

       

Total investment return based on net asset value (e)

    .65     11.87     4.39     (6.00 )% 
       

Ratios/Supplemental Data

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $12       $12       $11       $10  

Ratio to average net assets of:

 

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (f)†

    .66 %^      .63     .63     .69 %^ 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (f)†

    .92 %^      .94     1.08     3.21 %^ 

Net investment income (c)

    .74 %^      .55     .46     .82 %^ 

Portfolio turnover rate

    28     59     79     111

† Expense ratios exclude the acquired fund fees of affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

 

portfolios

    .09     .11 %^^      .12 %^^      .06 %^^ 

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 24.

 

22


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,  2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,     April 28, 2015(a) to
December 31,
2015
 
    2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $10.78       $9.75       $9.39       $10.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       

Income From Investment Operations

       

Net investment income (b)(c)

    .03       .03       .02       .01  

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

    .04       1.09       .37       (.62

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      .00 (d)      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .07       1.12       .39       (.61
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       

Less: Dividends and Distributions

       

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.04     (.03     –0 – 

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (.05     –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.09     (.03     –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $10.85       $10.78       $9.75       $9.39  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       

Total Return

       

Total investment return based on net asset value (e)

    .56     11.50     4.24     (6.20 )% 
       

Ratios/Supplemental Data

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $96,983       $98,502       $79,298       $51,115  

Ratio to average net assets of:

 

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (f)†

    .91 %^      .89     .88     .94 %^ 

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (f)†

    1.14 %^      1.17     1.33     1.62 %^ 

Net investment income (c)

    .48 %^      .31     .24     .19 %^ 

Portfolio turnover rate

    28     59     79     111

† Expense ratios exclude the acquired fund fees of affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

 

portfolios

    .09     .11 %^^      .12 %^^      .06 %^^ 

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 24.

 

23


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

(a)   Commencement of operations.

 

(b)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(c)   Net of fees and expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(d)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

(e)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(f)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of affiliated/unaffiliated acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, such waiver amounted to .09%, .11%, .12% and .06%, respectively.

 

^   Annualized.

 

^^   Unaudited.

See notes to financial statements.

 

24


 
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Global Risk Allocation—Moderate Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on August 1-2, 2017 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer), who acted as their independent fee consultant, of the reasonableness of the advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for the period ended December 31, 2015 and calendar year 2016 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available

 

25


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors noted that the Fund was not profitable to the Adviser in the periods reviewed.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Fund’s unprofitability to the Adviser would be exacerbated without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a peer group and a peer universe, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-year period ended May 31, 2017 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, and their discussion with the Adviser of the reasons for the Fund’s underperformance in certain periods, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Company’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

The directors noted that the Fund invests in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as these may be varied as a result of exemptive orders issued by the SEC. The directors also noted that ETFs pay advisory fees pursuant to their advisory contracts, and that the Adviser had provided, and they had reviewed, information about the expense ratios of the relevant ETFs. The directors concluded, based on the Adviser’s explanation of how it uses ETFs when they are the most cost-effective way to obtain desired exposures for a fund or to temporarily “equitize” cash inflows pending purchases of underlying securities, that the advisory fee for the Fund is paid for services that are in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contracts of the ETFs.

 

26


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors considered the effects of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements as a result of the Adviser’s expense cap (although the directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was currently below the Adviser’s expense cap). The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund does not contain breakpoints and that they had previously discussed their strong preference for breakpoints in advisory contracts with the Adviser. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. The directors informed the Adviser that they would monitor the Fund’s assets (which were well below the level at which they would anticipate adding an initial breakpoint) and its profitability (currently unprofitable) to the Adviser and anticipated revisiting the question of breakpoints in the future if circumstances warranted doing so.

 

27


 

 

 

VPS-GRA-0152-0618


JUN    06.30.18

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

The first line of each class’ table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line of each class’ table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

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

 

     Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2018
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2018
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,002.00      $   4.86        0.98

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,019.93      $ 4.91        0.98
           

Class B

           

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,001.00      $ 6.10        1.23

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,018.70      $ 6.16        1.23

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

COMPANY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  NET ASSETS  

Kingspan Group PLC

   $ 3,877,328          2.8

MSCI, Inc.—Class A

     3,794,964          2.7  

Hexcel Corp.

     3,417,176          2.5  

Housing Development Finance Corp. Ltd.

     3,378,859          2.4  

Visa, Inc.—Class A

     3,301,979          2.4  

Ecolab, Inc.

     3,294,948          2.4  

Xylem, Inc./NY

     3,287,470          2.4  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     3,263,022          2.4  

American Water Works Co., Inc.

     3,113,723          2.2  

AIA Group Ltd.

     3,052,479          2.2  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   33,781,948          24.4

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Health Care

   $ 28,385,024          20.5

Financials

     27,204,666          19.6  

Information Technology

     23,204,625          16.7  

Industrials

     21,699,539          15.7  

Consumer Discretionary

     10,073,961          7.3  

Utilities

     9,152,697          6.6  

Consumer Staples

     7,364,217          5.3  

Real Estate

     4,034,673          2.9  

Materials

     3,294,948          2.4  

Telecommunication Services

     1,375,340          1.0  

Short-Term Investments

     2,783,446          2.0  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   138,573,136          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. The Portfolio also enters into derivatives transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purpose (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details).

 

    Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

2


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

COUNTRY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

United States

   $ 69,500,643          50.1

India

     9,235,726          6.7  

France

     9,173,936          6.6  

Switzerland

     6,927,275          5.0  

China

     6,384,599          4.6  

Ireland

     5,938,635          4.3  

Germany

     5,410,899          3.9  

Hong Kong

     3,052,479          2.2  

Indonesia

     2,935,971          2.1  

Japan

     2,777,934          2.0  

Denmark

     2,623,176          1.9  

Peru

     2,492,078          1.8  

Sweden

     2,437,923          1.8  

Other

     6,898,416          5.0  

Short-Term Investments

     2,783,446          2.0  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   138,573,136          100.0

 

 

 

 

1   All data are as of June 30, 2018. The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represent 1.6% or less in the following countries: Austria, Brazil, Norway, Philippines and United Kingdom.

 

3


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company  

Shares

    U.S. $ Value  
   

COMMON STOCKS–98.0%

   
   

HEALTH CARE–20.5%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–0.7%

   

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    2,810     $ 969,422  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–7.5%

   

Abbott Laboratories

    40,680       2,481,073  

Danaher Corp.

    27,170       2,681,135  

Essilor International Cie Generale d’Optique SA

    17,137       2,416,251  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    28,000       2,780,120  
   

 

 

 
      10,358,579  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–4.0%

   

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.

    151,580       2,335,585  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    13,300       3,263,022  
   

 

 

 
      5,598,607  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY–1.1%

   

Medidata Solutions, Inc.(a)

    19,430       1,565,281  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–5.4%

   

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.–Class A(a)

    8,610       2,484,330  

Bruker Corp.

    75,380       2,189,035  

ICON PLC(a)

    20,870       2,765,901  
   

 

 

 
      7,439,266  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–1.8%

   

Roche Holding AG

    8,310       1,843,640  

Vectura Group PLC(a)

    593,760       610,229  
   

 

 

 
      2,453,869  
   

 

 

 
      28,385,024  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–19.6%

   

BANKS–5.8%

   

Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT

    3,262,000       1,560,631  

Credicorp Ltd.

    11,070       2,492,078  

HDFC Bank Ltd.

    49,700       1,552,332  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB–Class A

    111,390       1,233,694  

Swedbank AB–Class A

    56,520       1,204,229  
   

 

 

 
      8,042,964  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–6.6%

   

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    54,950       2,807,945  

MSCI, Inc.–Class A

    22,940       3,794,964  

Partners Group Holding AG

    3,500       2,558,659  
   

 

 

 
      9,161,568  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–1.4%

   

Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd.(a)

    116,010       1,968,950  
   

 

 

 
   

INSURANCE–3.4%

   

AIA Group Ltd.

    350,400     $ 3,052,479  

Prudential PLC

    70,180       1,599,846  
   

 

 

 
      4,652,325  
   

 

 

 

THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–2.4%

   

Housing Development Finance Corp. Ltd.

    121,260       3,378,859  
   

 

 

 
      27,204,666  
   

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–16.7%

   

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–1.7%

   

Flex Ltd.(a)

    173,160       2,443,288  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–3.8%

   

Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a)

    2,427       2,707,683  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

    52,400       2,631,285  
   

 

 

 
      5,338,968  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–2.4%

   

Visa, Inc.–Class A

    24,930       3,301,979  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–5.0%

   

ams AG(a)

    24,820       1,840,654  

Infineon Technologies AG

    118,510       3,010,308  

NVIDIA Corp.

    8,638       2,046,342  
   

 

 

 
      6,897,304  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–2.1%

   

Microsoft Corp.

    29,230       2,882,370  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–1.7%

   

Apple, Inc.

    12,645       2,340,716  
   

 

 

 
      23,204,625  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–15.7%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–2.5%

   

Hexcel Corp.

    51,479       3,417,176  
   

 

 

 

BUILDING PRODUCTS–4.0%

   

Cie de Saint-Gobain

    37,300       1,661,526  

Kingspan Group PLC

    77,430       3,877,328  
   

 

 

 
      5,538,854  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–1.4%

   

China Everbright International Ltd.

    1,532,000       1,973,031  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–3.7%

   

Schneider Electric SE (Paris)

    29,570       2,459,241  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    42,490       2,623,176  
   

 

 

 
      5,082,417  
   

 

 

 

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company  

Shares

    U.S. $ Value  
   

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.7%

   

Siemens AG (REG)

    18,220     $ 2,400,591  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–2.4%

   

Xylem, Inc./NY

    48,790       3,287,470  
   

 

 

 
      21,699,539  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–7.3%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–4.1%

   

Aptiv PLC

    30,660       2,809,376  

Delphi Technologies PLC

    38,183       1,735,799  

Valeo SA

    21,470       1,170,621  
   

 

 

 
      5,715,796  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–1.5%

   

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.(a)

    19,580       2,007,342  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–1.7%

   

Amazon.com, Inc.(a)

    1,383       2,350,823  
   

 

 

 
      10,073,961  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–6.6%

   

MULTI-UTILITIES–1.1%

   

Suez

    113,350       1,466,297  
   

 

 

 

WATER UTILITIES–5.5%

   

American Water Works Co., Inc.

    36,469       3,113,723  

Aqua America, Inc.

    55,290       1,945,102  

Beijing Enterprises Water Group Ltd.(a)

    3,274,000       1,780,283  

Cia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo

    141,000       847,292  
   

 

 

 
      7,686,400  
   

 

 

 
      9,152,697  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–5.3%

   

FOOD PRODUCTS–3.3%

   

Kerry Group PLC–Class A

    19,700       2,061,307  

Nestle SA (REG)

    32,580       2,524,976  
   

 

 

 
      4,586,283  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–2.0%

   

Unicharm Corp.

    92,400       2,777,934  
   

 

 

 
      7,364,217  
   

 

 

 
   

REAL ESTATE–2.9%

   

EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITs)–1.5%

   

SBA Communications Corp.(a)

    12,320     $ 2,034,278  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–1.4%

   

SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

    2,969,600       2,000,395  
   

 

 

 
      4,034,673  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–2.4%

   

CHEMICAL–2.4%

   

Ecolab, Inc.

    23,480       3,294,948  
   

 

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.0%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.0%

   

Telekomunikasi Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    5,251,500       1,375,340  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $104,008,789)

      135,789,690  
   

 

 

 

WARRANTS–0.0%

   
   

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–0.0%

   

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–0.0%

   

Thin Film Electronics ASA, expiring 7/14/18(a)(b)(c)(d) (cost $0)

    591,845       –0 – 
   

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–2.0%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–2.0%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(e)(f)(g)
(cost $2,783,446)

    2,783,446       2,783,446  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.0%
(cost $106,792,235)

      138,573,136  

Other assets less
liabilities–0.0%

      (66,504
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 138,506,632  
   

 

 

 

 

5


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Bank of America, NA

     PHP        95,496        USD        1,797        9/11/18      $ 18,005  

Barclays Bank PLC

     CNY        2,136        USD        333        7/19/18        11,250  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD        421        INR        29,149        8/09/18        2,253  

Barclays Bank PLC

     PHP        8,011        USD        151        9/11/18        1,667  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD        239        PHP        12,856        9/11/18        189  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD        1,941        TWD        57,465        9/13/18        (46,693

Barclays Bank PLC

     CHF        3,369        USD        3,436        9/14/18        13,099  

Barclays Bank PLC

     EUR        6,729        USD        7,885        9/14/18        (15,747

Barclays Bank PLC

     SEK        10,362        USD        1,200        9/14/18        36,896  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD        4,966        GBP        3,712        9/14/18        (51,446

Citibank, NA

     USD        2,432        KRW        2,586,203        7/26/18        (108,808

Citibank, NA

     USD        549        RUB        35,119        7/31/18        8,363  

Citibank, NA

     INR        568,365        USD        8,365        8/09/18        104,295  

Citibank, NA

     EUR        1,023        USD        1,225        9/14/18        23,457  

Citibank, NA

     USD        4,183        CAD        5,421        9/14/18        (54,616

Credit Suisse International

     ZAR        14,161        USD        1,013        9/14/18        (9,798

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     USD        8,000        JPY        876,856        9/14/18        (40,668

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

     PEN        7,838        USD        2,394        7/25/18        9,071  

Standard Chartered Bank

     CNY        9,231        USD        1,459        7/19/18        67,077  

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD        719        CNY        4,604        7/19/18        (24,446

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD        168        KRW        181,539        7/26/18        (4,866

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD        362        INR        24,833        8/09/18        (1,058

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD        3,093        AUD        4,098        9/14/18        (59,395

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     EUR        225        USD        265        9/14/18        1,184  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     EUR        593        USD        692        9/14/18        (4,168

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     JPY        40,726        USD        371        9/14/18        1,164  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        201        CAD        258        9/14/18        (4,245

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        214        CHF        211        9/14/18        686  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        399        EUR        341        9/14/18        1,821  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        413        GBP        308        9/14/18        (5,323

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        140        JPY        15,266        9/14/18        (1,210

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        453        MXN        9,452        9/14/18        17,654  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        275        NOK        2,208        9/14/18        (3,019

UBS AG

     USD        1,067        ZAR        14,161        9/14/18        (44,024
                 

 

 

 
                  $   (161,399
                 

 

 

 

 

6


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

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

 

(c)   Illiquid security.

 

(d)   Fair valued by the Adviser.

 

(e)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

CNY—Chinese Yuan Renminbi

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

INR—Indian Rupee

JPY—Japanese Yen

KRW—South Korean Won

MXN—Mexican Peso

NOK—Norwegian Krone

PEN—Peruvian Sol

PHP—Philippine Peso

RUB—Russian Ruble

SEK—Swedish Krona

TWD—New Taiwan Dollar

USD—United States Dollar

ZAR—South African Rand

Glossary:

REG—Registered Shares

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $104,008,789)

   $ 135,789,690  

Affiliated issuers (cost $2,783,446)

     2,783,446  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $281,632)

     275,292  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     318,131  

Unaffiliated dividends and interest receivable

     150,032  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     9,791  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     1,292  

Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions

     104  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     139,327,778  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     479,530  

Advisory fee payable

     90,256  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     65,815  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     61,169  

Distribution fee payable

     21,589  

Administrative fee payable

     8,967  

Directors’ fees payable

     437  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     87  

Accrued expenses

     93,296  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     821,146  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 138,506,632  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 4,681  

Additional paid-in capital

     99,618,833  

Undistributed net investment income

     524,308  

Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     6,748,373  

Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     31,610,437  
  

 

 

 
   $ 138,506,632  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 39,937,980          1,314,449        $ 30.38  
B      $   98,568,652          3,366,692        $   29.28  

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

8


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $135,783)

   $ 1,402,221  

Affiliated issuers

     7,985  

Interest

     5,879  

Securities lending income

     15,658  
  

 

 

 
     1,431,743  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     547,081  

Distribution fee—Class B

     131,020  

Transfer agency—Class A

     934  

Transfer agency—Class B

     2,383  

Custodian

     54,102  

Audit and tax

     28,788  

Administrative

     27,008  

Printing

     25,797  

Legal

     15,308  

Directors’ fees

     12,794  

Miscellaneous

     3,511  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     848,726  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (867
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     847,859  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     583,884  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions

     6,422,377  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     821,521  

Foreign currency transactions

     (367,037

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

  

Investments

     (6,975,002

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (250,357

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (10,676
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (359,174
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 224,710  
  

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

9


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 583,884     $ (114,944

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     6,876,861       13,647,303  

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

     (7,236,035     25,382,741  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     224,710       38,915,100  

DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     –0 –      (159,360

Class B

     –0 –      (274,046

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

    

Net increase (decrease)

     (8,169,887     886,757  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (7,945,177     39,368,451  

NET ASSETS

    

Beginning of period

     146,451,809       107,083,358  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $524,308 and distributions in excess of net investment income of ($59,576), respectively)

   $ 138,506,632     $ 146,451,809  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

10


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Global Thematic Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers fourteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

11


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2018:

 

       Level 1      Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities:

           

Assets:

           

Common Stocks:

           

Health Care

     $ 21,179,319      $ 7,205,705     $             –0 –    $ 28,385,024  

Financials

       9,094,987        18,109,679       –0 –      27,204,666  

Information Technology

       15,722,378        7,482,247       –0 –      23,204,625  

Industrials

       10,581,974        11,117,565       –0 –      21,699,539  

Consumer Discretionary

       8,903,340        1,170,621       –0 –      10,073,961  

Utilities

       5,906,117        3,246,580       –0 –      9,152,697  

Consumer Staples

       2,061,307        5,302,910       –0 –      7,364,217  

Real Estate

       2,034,278        2,000,395       –0 –      4,034,673  

Materials

       3,294,948        –0 –      –0 –      3,294,948  

Telecommunication Services

       –0 –       1,375,340       –0 –      1,375,340  

Warrants

       –0 –       –0 –      –0 –(a)      –0 – 

Short-Term Investments

       2,783,446        –0 –      –0 –      2,783,446  
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       81,562,094        57,011,042 (b)      –0 –      138,573,136  

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Other Financial Instruments(c):

             

Assets:

             

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     $ –0 –     $ 318,131      $ –0 –     $ 318,131  

Liabilities:

             

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       (479,530      –0 –       (479,530
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(d)(e)

     $ 81,562,094      $ 56,849,643      $             –0 –     $ 138,411,737  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)   The Portfolio held securities with zero market value at period end.

 

(b)   A significant portion of the Portfolio’s foreign equity investments are categorized as Level 2 investments since they are valued using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available, see Note A.1.

 

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

 

(d)   An amount of $3,204,753 was transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 due to the above mentioned foreign equity fair valuation using third party vendor modeling tools during the reporting period.

 

(e)   An amount of $3,535,672 was transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 as the above mentioned foreign equity fair valuation by the third party vendor was not applied during the reporting period.

The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.

The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value.

 

     Warrants(a)     Total  

Balance as of 12/31/17

   $             –0 –    $             –0 – 

Accrued discounts/(premiums)

     –0 –      –0 – 

Realized gain (loss)

     –0 –      –0 – 

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     –0 –      –0 – 

Purchases

     –0 –      –0 – 

Sales

     –0 –      –0 – 

Transfers in to Level 3

     –0 –      –0 – 

Transfers out of Level 3

     –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of 6/30/18

   $ –0 –    $ –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments held as of 6/30/18(b)

   $ –0 –    $ –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)   The Portfolio held securities with zero market value at period end.

 

(b)   The unrealized appreciation/depreciation is included in net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and other financial instruments in the accompanying statement of operations.

The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing

 

13


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.

In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).

3. Currency Translation

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

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $27,008.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $600 for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $168.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

Fund

  Market Value
12/31/17
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Market Value
6/30/18
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $ 0     $ 3,799     $ 1,016     $ 2,783     $ 1  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

    3,829       12,551       16,380       0       7  
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        $ 2,783     $ 8  
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 amounted to $13,816, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

 

15


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

       Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     $ 14,379,125      $ 17,479,603  

U.S. government securities

       –0 –       –0 – 

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 37,510,415  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (5,890,913
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 31,619,502  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

The principal type of derivative utilized by the Portfolio, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

The Portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes.

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

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

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $ 318,131     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $ 479,530  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    $ 318,131       $ 479,530  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts    $ 821,521      $ (250,357
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      $ 821,521      $ (250,357
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2018:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 32,172,803  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 30,443,508  

For financial reporting purposes, the Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2018. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Assets
Subject to a MA
     Derivative
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Received*
    Security
Collateral
Received*
    Net Amount of
Derivatives Assets
 

Bank of America, NA

   $ 18,005      $ –0 –    $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 18,005  

Barclays Bank PLC

     65,354        (65,354     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Citibank, NA

     136,115        (136,115     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

     9,071        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      9,071  

Standard Chartered Bank

     67,077        (67,077     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     22,509        (17,965     –0 –      –0 –      4,544  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 318,131      $ (286,511   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 31,620
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

17


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Liabilities
Subject to a MA
     Derivative
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Pledged*
    Security
Collateral
Pledged*
    Net Amount of
Derivatives Liabilities
 

Barclays Bank PLC

   $ 113,886      $ (65,354   $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 48,532  

Citibank, NA

     163,424        (136,115     –0 –      –0 –      27,309  

Credit Suisse International

     9,798        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      9,798  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     40,668        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      40,668  

Standard Chartered Bank

     89,765        (67,077     –0 –      –0 –      22,688  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     17,965        (17,965     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

UBS AG

     44,024        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      44,024  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 479,530      $ (286,511   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 193,019
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   The actual collateral received/pledged may be more than the amount reported due to over-collateralization.

 

^   Net amount represents the net receivable/payable that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had no securities on loan. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $15,658 and $6,693 from the borrowers and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of AB Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $699. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities.

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE F: Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

Class A

         

Shares sold

    126,057       205,607       $ 3,925,948     $ 5,763,464  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      5,799         –0 –      159,360  

Shares redeemed

    (134,865     (164,656       (4,116,934     (4,344,931
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (8,808     46,750       $ (190,986   $ 1,577,893  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    178,111       780,996       $ 5,305,980     $ 20,282,734  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    –0 –      10,330         –0 –      274,046  

Shares redeemed

    (446,400     (809,779       (13,284,881     (21,247,916
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (268,289     (18,453     $ (7,978,901   $ (691,136
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2018, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 65% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

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

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

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

Capitalization Risk—Investments in mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in mid-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

Focused Portfolio Risk—Investments in a limited number of companies may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV.

Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of other types of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

 

19


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Effective July 3, 2018, the Facility will be increased to $325 million.

NOTE I: Components of Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

       2017        2016  

Distributions paid from:

         

Ordinary income

     $ 433,406        $ –0 – 
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

     $ 433,406        $           –0 – 
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed capital gains

   $ –0 –(a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     38,658,408 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 38,658,408  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   During the fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized $13,792,210 of capital loss carryforwards to offset current year net realized gains. The Portfolio also had $5,008,350 of capital loss carryforwards expire during the fiscal year.

 

(b)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, return of capital distributions received from underlying securities, and the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE J: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

20


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $30.32       $22.29       $22.43       $21.80       $20.75       $16.88  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .15 (b)      .03 (b)      .04 (b)†      .02       .06       .04  

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

    (.09     8.13       (.18     .60       .99       3.88  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      .01       –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .06       8.16       (.14     .63       1.05       3.92  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.13     –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      (.05

Tax return of capital

    –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      (.00 )(c) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.13     –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      (.05
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $30.38       $30.32       $22.29       $22.43       $21.80       $20.75  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)

    .20     36.66 %*      (.62 )%†*      2.89 %*      5.06 %*      23.26 %* 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $39,938       $40,121       $28,458       $31,534       $30,886       $32,195  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    .98 %^      1.02     1.06     1.01     1.01     .98

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    .98 %^      1.02     1.06     1.01     1.01     .98

Net investment income

    .99 %(b)^      .09 %(b)      .17 %(b)†      .07     .26     .22

Portfolio turnover rate

    10     40     54     47     48     96

 

 

See footnote summary on page 22.

 

21


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $29.25       $21.52       $21.71       $21.15       $20.18       $16.42  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (loss) (a)

    .11 (b)      (.04 )(b)      (.02 )(b)†      (.04     .00 (c)      (.01

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

    (.08     7.84       (.17     .59       .97       3.77  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      .01       –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .03       7.80       (.19     .56       .97       3.76  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.07     –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      (.00 )(c) 

Tax return of capital

    –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      (.00 )(c) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.07     –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      (.00
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $29.28       $29.25       $21.52       $21.71       $21.15       $20.18  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)

    .10     36.30 %*      (.87 )%†*      2.65 %*      4.81 %*      22.93 %* 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $98,569       $106,331       $78,625       $92,298       $96,728       $101,388  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.23 %^      1.26     1.31     1.26     1.26     1.23

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.23 %^      1.27     1.31     1.26     1.26     1.23

Net investment income (loss)

    .73 %(b)^      (.15 )%(b)      (.07 )%(b)†      (.17 )%      .01     (.06 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    10     40     54     47     48     96

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of fees and expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

(d)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows:

 

Net Investment
Income Per Share
     Net Investment
Income Ratio
    Total Return  
$ .004        .02     .02

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 by .04%, .28%, .01%, .02% and .05%, respectively.

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

22


 
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Global Thematic Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2018 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including materials from an outside consultant, who acted as their independent fee consultant, and comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2016 and 2017 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the

 

23


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2018. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the materials from the Fund’s Senior Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with those for two other AB Funds with a similar investment style.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions; (iii) must prepare and distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

24


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the peer group median. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

25


 

 

 

 

 

VPS-GTG-0152-0618


JUN    06.30.18

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

GROWTH PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
GROWTH PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2018
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2018
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

        

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,110.30      $ 5.65        1.08

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,019.44      $ 5.41        1.08
           

Class B

        

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,109.20      $ 6.96        1.33

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $   1,000      $   1,018.20      $   6.66        1.33

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  NET ASSETS  

Alphabet, Inc.—Class C

   $ 6,030,088          8.0

Facebook, Inc.—Class A

     4,321,094          5.7  

Visa, Inc.—Class A

     3,294,032          4.3  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

     3,031,255          4.0  

Biogen, Inc.

     2,709,100          3.6  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     2,651,635          3.5  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

     2,413,192          3.2  

NIKE, Inc.—Class B

     2,409,682          3.2  

Constellation Brands, Inc.—Class A

     2,390,061          3.2  

Monster Beverage Corp.

     2,303,918          3.0  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   31,554,057          41.7

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Information Technology

   $ 25,265,688          33.3

Consumer Discretionary

     13,279,776          17.5  

Health Care

     12,832,657          16.9  

Industrials

     8,146,849          10.8  

Consumer Staples

     7,725,234          10.2  

Materials

     2,539,852          3.4  

Financials

     1,824,774          2.4  

Short-Term Investments

     4,140,165          5.5  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   75,754,995          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

2


GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
   Shares      U.S. $ Value  
     

COMMON STOCKS–94.7%

     

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–33.4%

     

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.9%

     

Arista Networks, Inc.(a)

     2,710      $ 697,798  
     

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–0.2%

     

Novanta, Inc.(a)

     2,520        156,996  
     

 

 

 

INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–14.4%

     

Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a)

     5,405        6,030,088  

Facebook, Inc.–Class A(a)

     22,237        4,321,094  

Trade Desk, Inc. (The)–Class A(a)

     5,520        517,776  
     

 

 

 
        10,868,958  
     

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–7.3%

     

Fiserv, Inc.(a)

     9,860        730,527  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)

     18,350        1,528,005  

Visa, Inc.–Class A

     24,870        3,294,032  
     

 

 

 
        5,552,564  
     

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–2.7%

     

Semtech Corp.(a)

     11,630        547,192  

Xilinx, Inc.

     22,690        1,480,749  
     

 

 

 
        2,027,941  
     

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–7.0%

     

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

     16,560        1,263,859  

Adobe Systems, Inc.(a)

     6,470        1,577,451  

Electronic Arts, Inc.(a)

     7,320        1,032,266  

Fair Isaac Corp.(a)

     2,050        396,306  

HubSpot, Inc.(a)

     3,180        398,772  

Red Hat, Inc.(a)

     3,070        412,516  

Splunk, Inc.(a)

     2,410        238,855  
     

 

 

 
        5,320,025  
     

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–0.9%

     

Apple, Inc.

     3,465        641,406  
     

 

 

 
        25,265,688  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–17.6%

     

DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–3.5%

     

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.(a)

     12,480        1,279,450  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.(a)

     11,930        1,331,507  
     

 

 

 
        2,610,957  
     

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–2.0%

     

Planet Fitness, Inc.(a)

     34,720        1,525,597  
     

 

 

 
     

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–1.8%

     

Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)

     657      $ 1,331,798  
     

 

 

 

MULTILINE RETAIL–2.0%

     

Dollar Tree, Inc.(a)

     18,180        1,545,300  
     

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–5.1%

     

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

     12,369        2,413,192  

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.(a)

     6,182        1,443,250  
     

 

 

 
        3,856,442  
     

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–3.2%

     

NIKE, Inc.–Class B

     30,242        2,409,682  
     

 

 

 
        13,279,776  
     

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–17.0%

     

BIOTECHNOLOGY–4.9%

     

Biogen, Inc.(a)

     9,334        2,709,100  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

     2,770        955,622  
     

 

 

 
        3,664,722  
     

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–6.0%

     

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

     11,310        1,646,397  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)

     4,292        2,053,636  

Nevro Corp.(a)

     10,710        855,193  
     

 

 

 
        4,555,226  
     

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–3.5%

     

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     10,808        2,651,635  
     

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–2.6%

     

Zoetis, Inc.

     23,020        1,961,074  
     

 

 

 
        12,832,657  
     

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–10.8%

     

BUILDING PRODUCTS–4.3%

     

Allegion PLC

     16,030        1,240,081  

AO Smith Corp.

     13,920        823,368  

Lennox International, Inc.

     4,620        924,693  

Trex Co., Inc.(a)

     4,890        306,065  
     

 

 

 
        3,294,207  
     

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–1.3%

     

Copart, Inc.(a)

     18,030        1,019,777  
     

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.2%

     

Roper Technologies, Inc.

     3,190        880,153  
     

 

 

 

MACHINERY–2.1%

     

IDEX Corp.

     5,680        775,207  

WABCO Holdings, Inc.(a)

     6,710        785,204  
     

 

 

 
        1,560,411  
     

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–0.8%

     

Saia, Inc.(a)

     7,190        581,311  
     

 

 

 

 

3


GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
   Shares      U.S. $ Value  
     

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–1.1%

     

Fastenal Co.

     16,850      $ 810,990  
     

 

 

 
        8,146,849  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–10.2%

     

BEVERAGES–6.2%

     

Constellation Brands, Inc.–Class A

     10,920        2,390,061  

Monster Beverage Corp.(a)

     40,208        2,303,918  
     

 

 

 
        4,693,979  
     

 

 

 

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–4.0%

     

Costco Wholesale Corp.

     14,505        3,031,255  
     

 

 

 
        7,725,234  
     

 

 

 

MATERIALS–3.3%

     

CHEMICALS–3.3%

     

PolyOne Corp.

     24,440        1,056,297  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

     3,640        1,483,555  
     

 

 

 
        2,539,852  
     

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–2.4%

     

CAPITAL MARKETS–2.4%

     

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

     3,050        603,473  

S&P Global, Inc.

     5,990        1,221,301  
     

 

 

 
        1,824,774  
     

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $46,279,058)

        71,614,830  
     

 

 

 
     

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–5.5%

     

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–5.5%

     

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(b)(c)(d)
(cost $4,140,165)

     4,140,165      $ 4,140,165  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.2%
(cost $50,419,223)

        75,754,995  

Other assets less
liabilities–(0.2)%

        (165,057
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

      $ 75,589,938  
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

4


GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $46,279,058)

   $ 71,614,830  

Affiliated issuers (cost $4,140,165)

     4,140,165  

Cash

     3,366  

Unaffiliated dividends and interest receivable

     13,470  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     1,889  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     1,678  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     75,775,398  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Advisory fee payable

     48,417  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     39,425  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     21,958  

Audit and tax fee payable

     18,478  

Printing fee payable

     11,905  

Custody fee payable

     11,419  

Legal fee payable

     10,998  

Distribution fee payable

     8,853  

Administrative fee payable

     8,700  

Directors’ fees payable

     437  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     87  

Accrued expenses

     4,783  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     185,460  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 75,589,938  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 1,969  

Additional paid-in capital

     33,305,431  

Accumulated net investment loss

     (245,755

Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions

     17,192,521  

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

     25,335,772  
  

 

 

 
   $ 75,589,938  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $   34,556,853          871,135        $ 39.67  
B      $ 41,033,085          1,097,805        $   37.38  

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

5


GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers

   $ 190,286  

Affiliated issuers

     8,458  

Interest

     3,308  
  

 

 

 
     202,052  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     275,315  

Distribution fee—Class B

     50,986  

Transfer agency—Class A

     1,107  

Transfer agency—Class B

     1,387  

Custodian

     32,028  

Administrative

     26,579  

Audit and tax

     20,427  

Legal

     14,460  

Directors’ fees

     12,794  

Printing

     11,561  

Miscellaneous

     2,095  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     448,739  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (932
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     447,807  
  

 

 

 

Net investment loss

     (245,755
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     8,035,031  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     (196,160
  

 

 

 

Net gain on investment transactions

     7,838,871  
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 7,593,116  
  

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

6


      
GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment loss

   $ (245,755   $ (482,563

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     8,035,031       9,474,239  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     (196,160     10,610,044  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     7,593,116       19,601,720  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM

 

Net realized gain on investment transactions

 

Class A

     –0 –      (1,334,624

Class B

     –0 –      (2,084,488

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net decrease

     (2,179,468     (7,779,591

CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS

 

Proceeds from regulatory settlement (see Note F)

     –0 –      102,075  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase

     5,413,648       8,505,092  

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     70,176,290       61,671,198  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period (including accumulated net investment loss of ($245,755) and undistributed net investment income of $0, respectively)

   $ 75,589,938     $ 70,176,290  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers fourteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

8


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2018:

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

             

Assets:

             

Common Stocks(a)

     $ 71,614,830      $             –0 –     $             –0 –     $ 71,614,830  

Short-Term Investments

       4,140,165        –0 –       –0 –       4,140,165  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       75,754,995        –0 –       –0 –       75,754,995  

Other Financial Instruments(b)

       –0 –       –0 –       –0 –       –0 – 
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(c)

     $ 75,754,995      $ –0 –     $ –0 –     $ 75,754,995  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)   See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications.

 

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

 

(c)   There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period.

The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.

 

9


GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.

In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).

3. Currency Translation

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

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $26,579.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $600 for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $225.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

Fund

   Market Value
12/31/17
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/18
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 0      $ 4,549      $ 409      $ 4,140      $ 2  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

     1,101        4,741        5,842        0        6  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

            $ 4,140      $ 8  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*   Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 amounted to $4,786, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution

 

11


GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

       Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     $ 13,875,432      $ 19,885,169  

U.S. government securities

       –0 –       –0 – 

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 25,369,136  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (33,364
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 25,335,772  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had no securities on loan. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $0 and $6,569 from the borrowers and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of AB Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $707. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    92,341       85,190       $ 3,473,548     $ 2,782,413  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    –0 –      42,142         –0 –      1,334,624  

Shares redeemed

    (67,389     (162,782       (2,535,718     (5,200,532
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    24,952       (35,450     $ 937,830     $ (1,083,495
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    14,303       30,476       $ 513,621     $ 942,367  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    –0 –      69,692         –0 –      2,084,488  

Shares redeemed

    (101,705     (311,402       (3,630,919     (9,722,951
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (87,402     (211,234     $ (3,117,298   $ (6,696,096
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Portfolio recorded $102,075 related to settlements of regulatory proceedings. This amount is presented in the Portfolio’s statement of changes in net assets. Neither the Portfolio nor its affiliates were involved in the proceedings or the calculation of the payment.

At June 30, 2018, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 75% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

Focused Portfolio Risk—Investments in a limited number of companies may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

 

13


GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Effective July 3, 2018, the Facility will be increased to $325 million.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

       2017        2016  

Distributions paid from:

         

Net long-term capital gains

     $ 3,419,112        $ 7,777,241  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

     $ 3,419,112        $ 7,777,241  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed capital gains

     $ 9,230,516  

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

       25,458,907 (a) 
    

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

     $ 34,689,423  
    

 

 

 

 

(a)   The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE J: Subsequent Event

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

14


 
GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $35.73       $27.95       $31.05       $34.47       $31.03       $23.22  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment loss(a)

    (.10 )(b)      (.18 )(b)      (.07 )(b)†      (.08     (.09     (.03

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

    4.04       9.61       .54       3.18       4.15       7.92  

Capital contributions

    –0 –      .00 (c)      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    3.94       9.43       .47       3.10       4.06       7.89  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      (.08

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (1.65     (3.57     (6.52     (.62     –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (1.65     (3.57     (6.52     (.62     (.08
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $39.67       $35.73       $27.95       $31.05       $34.47       $31.03  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

    11.03     34.51     1.12 %†      9.06     13.28     34.01
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $34,557       $30,230       $24,645       $27,060       $28,141       $28,650  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.08 %^      1.12     1.15     1.09     1.08     1.06

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.08 %^      1.12     1.15     1.09     1.08     1.06

Net investment loss

    (.53 )%(b)^      (.57 )%(b)      (.23 )%(b)†      (.24 )%      (.28 )%      (.10 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    20     42     57     51     66     63

 

 

See footnote summary on page 16.

 

15


GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,  2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $33.70       $26.51       $29.70       $33.30       $30.08       $22.50  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment loss(a)

    (.14 )(b)      (.25 )(b)      (.13 )(b)†      (.16     (.16     (.09

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

    3.82       9.09       .51       3.08       4.00       7.68  

Capital contributions

    –0 –      .00 (c)      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    3.68       8.84       .38       2.92       3.84       7.59  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      (.01

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (1.65     (3.57     (6.52     (.62     –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (1.65     (3.57     (6.52     (.62     (.01
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $37.38       $33.70       $26.51       $29.70       $33.30       $30.08  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

    10.92     34.15     .85 %†      8.82     12.96     33.72
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $41,033       $39,946       $37,026       $43,383       $46,330       $51,993  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.33 %^      1.37     1.40     1.34     1.33     1.31

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.33 %^      1.37     1.40     1.34     1.33     1.31

Net investment loss

    (.78 )%(b)^      (.82 )%(b)      (.48 )%(b)†      (.49 )%      (.52 )%      (.35 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    20     42     57     51     66     63

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.0005.

 

(d)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows:

 

Net Investment
Income Per Share
     Net Investment
Income Ratio
    Total
Return
 
$ .015        .05     .05

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 by .05%, .11%, .01%, .06%, .03% and .06%, respectively.

 

       Includes the impact of proceeds recorded and credited to the Portfolio resulting from a regulatory settlement, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the year ended December 31, 2017 by .14%.

 

^   Annualized.

 

16


 
GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2018 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including materials from an outside consultant, who acted as their independent fee consultant, and comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2016 and 2017 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the

 

17


GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2018 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the materials from the Fund’s Senior Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another AB Fund with a similar investment style.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions; (iii) must prepare and distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

19


 

 

 

 

VPS-GTH-0152-0618


JUN    06.30.18

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO  
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2018
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2018
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $   1,000      $ 993.40      $ 2.92        0.59

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $   1,021.87      $   2.96        0.59
           

Class B

           

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 992.10      $ 4.15        0.84

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,020.63      $ 4.21        0.84

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  NET ASSETS  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

   $ 36,861,792          3.7

Walt Disney Co. (The)

     36,115,430          3.6  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.—Class B

     35,706,518          3.6  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     32,623,017          3.3  

DR Horton, Inc.

     31,501,120          3.1  

Raytheon Co.

     28,913,251          2.9  

Citigroup, Inc.

     27,422,478          2.7  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

     25,890,471          2.6  

Cigna Corp.

     23,900,068          2.4  

Southwest Airlines Co.

     23,591,530          2.3  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $      302,525,675          30.2

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Financials

   $ 213,256,435          21.2

Consumer Discretionary

     144,926,632          14.4  

Health Care

     142,632,283          14.1  

Industrials

     102,237,794          10.1  

Energy

     75,824,870          7.5  

Information Technology

     64,245,847          6.4  

Consumer Staples

     61,432,553          6.1  

Telecommunication Services

     48,555,228          4.8  

Real Estate

     24,968,497          2.5  

Materials

     18,545,024          1.8  

Short-Term Investments

     112,227,826          11.1  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   1,008,852,989          100.0

 

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

2


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
   

COMMON STOCKS–89.3%

   

FINANCIALS–21.3%

   

BANKS–7.0%

   

Citigroup, Inc.

    409,780     $ 27,422,478  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    353,760       36,861,792  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    108,510       6,015,794  
   

 

 

 
      70,300,064  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–4.0%

   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

    71,700       15,814,869  

Northern Trust Corp.

    151,659       15,604,195  

State Street Corp.

    92,600       8,620,134  
   

 

 

 
      40,039,198  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–3.6%

   

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.–Class B(a)

    191,302       35,706,518  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–6.7%

   

Aflac, Inc.

    271,440       11,677,349  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    159,030       14,514,668  

Chubb Ltd.

    44,380       5,637,148  

FNF Group

    369,570       13,903,223  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.–Class A

    160,910       21,478,267  
   

 

 

 
      67,210,655  
   

 

 

 
      213,256,435  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–14.4%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–0.4%

   

BorgWarner, Inc.

    87,170       3,762,257  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.8%

   

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    73,810       7,646,716  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–3.9%

   

DR Horton, Inc.

    768,320       31,501,120  

Garmin Ltd.

    134,940       8,231,340  
   

 

 

 
      39,732,460  
   

 

 

 

MEDIA–7.2%

   

Comcast Corp.–Class A

    608,540       19,966,197  

Discovery, Inc.–Class A(a)(b)

    607,314       16,701,135  

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    344,580       36,115,430  
   

 

 

 
      72,782,762  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.3%

   

Ross Stores, Inc.

    68,300       5,788,425  

Tractor Supply Co.

    96,184       7,357,114  
   

 

 

 
      13,145,539  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.8%

   

VF Corp.

    96,380       7,856,898  
   

 

 

 
      144,926,632  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–14.2%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–4.0%

   

Biogen, Inc.(a)

    81,105       23,539,915  
Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
   

Celgene Corp.(a)

    88,980     $ 7,066,792  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    137,460       9,737,666  
   

 

 

 
      40,344,373  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–4.5%

   

Aetna, Inc.

    40,210       7,378,535  

Anthem, Inc.

    57,850       13,770,036  

Cigna Corp.

    140,630       23,900,068  
   

 

 

 
      45,048,639  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–5.7%

   

Eli Lilly & Co.

    270,340       23,068,112  

Pfizer, Inc.

    614,380       22,289,706  

Roche Holding AG (Sponsored ADR)

    430,020       11,881,453  
   

 

 

 
      57,239,271  
   

 

 

 
      142,632,283  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–10.2%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–2.9%

   

Raytheon Co.

    149,670       28,913,251  
   

 

 

 

AIRLINES–3.7%

   

Copa Holdings SA–Class A

    61,390       5,808,722  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    153,610       7,609,839  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    463,670       23,591,530  
   

 

 

 
      37,010,091  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.4%

   

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.

    59,593       3,783,559  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–1.4%

   

Crane Co.

    110,630       8,864,782  

PACCAR, Inc.

    93,220       5,775,911  
   

 

 

 
      14,640,693  
   

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–1.8%

   

Kansas City Southern

    54,690       5,794,952  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    80,170       12,095,248  
   

 

 

 
      17,890,200  
   

 

 

 
      102,237,794  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–7.6%

   

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–2.4%

   

Dril-Quip, Inc.(a)

    115,645       5,944,153  

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    92,370       4,008,858  

Oil States International, Inc.(a)

    161,126       5,172,145  

TechnipFMC PLC

    282,930       8,980,198  
   

 

 

 
      24,105,354  
   

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–5.2%

   

Apache Corp.

    95,188       4,450,039  

ConocoPhillips

    204,250       14,219,885  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    197,640       16,350,757  

 

3


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
   

Noble Energy, Inc.

    473,323     $ 16,698,835  
   

 

 

 
      51,719,516  
   

 

 

 
      75,824,870  
   

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–6.4%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–2.2%

   

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    385,250       16,577,308  

F5 Networks, Inc.(a)

    32,720       5,642,564  
   

 

 

 
      22,219,872  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–2.0%

   

Amdocs Ltd.

    117,690       7,789,901  

International Business Machines Corp.

    83,500       11,664,950  
   

 

 

 
      19,454,851  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–1.6%

   

Intel Corp.

    254,632       12,657,757  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    65,570       3,679,788  
   

 

 

 
      16,337,545  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–0.6%

   

Apple, Inc.

    33,675       6,233,579  
   

 

 

 
      64,245,847  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–6.1%

   

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–4.7%

   

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    431,400       25,890,471  

Walmart, Inc.

    252,697       21,643,498  
   

 

 

 
      47,533,969  
   

 

 

 

TOBACCO–1.4%

   

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    172,140       13,898,584  
   

 

 

 
      61,432,553  
   

 

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.8%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.8%

   

AT&T, Inc.

    496,176       15,932,211  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    648,440       32,623,017  
   

 

 

 
      48,555,228  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–2.5%

   

EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)–0.9%

   

Liberty Property Trust

    201,880       8,949,340  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–1.6%

   

CBRE Group, Inc.-Class A(a)

    335,550       16,019,157  
   

 

 

 
      24,968,497  
   

 

 

 
Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
   

MATERIALS–1.8%

   

METALS & MINING–1.8%

   

Newmont Mining Corp.

    491,780     $ 18,545,024  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $794,448,619)

      896,625,163  
   

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–11.2%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–11.2%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $112,227,826)

    112,227,826       112,227,826  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SECURITY LENDING COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–100.5%
(cost $906,676,445)

      1,008,852,989  
   

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–1.8%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–1.8%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $17,763,935)

    17,763,935       17,763,935  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–102.3%
(cost $924,440,380)

      1,026,616,924  

Other assets less
liabilities–(2.3)%

      (23,308,445
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 1,003,308,479  
   

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

See notes to financial statements.

 

4


GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $794,448,619)

   $ 896,625,163 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $129,991,761—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $17,763,935)

     129,991,761  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     5,897,675  

Unaffiliated dividends and interest receivable

     626,692  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     104,630  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     55,174  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     1,033,301,095  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     17,763,935  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     10,901,398  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     505,666  

Advisory fee payable

     465,733  

Distribution fee payable

     184,052  

Administrative fee payable

     8,554  

Directors’ fees payable

     437  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     97  

Accrued expenses

     162,744  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     29,992,616  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 1,003,308,479  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 30,687  

Additional paid-in capital

     704,455,455  

Undistributed net investment income

     12,651,568  

Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions

     183,994,225  

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

     102,176,544  
  

 

 

 
   $ 1,003,308,479  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $   147,475,109          4,451,750        $   33.13  
B      $   855,833,370          26,235,032        $   32.62  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $16,701,135 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

5


GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $185,767)

   $ 8,475,890  

Affiliated issuers

     159,614  

Interest

     129,467  
  

 

 

 
     8,764,971  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     2,849,433  

Distribution fee—Class B

     1,103,727  

Transfer agency—Class A

     673  

Transfer agency—Class B

     3,879  

Custodian

     81,451  

Printing

     55,568  

Legal

     32,772  

Administrative

     26,580  

Audit and tax

     21,053  

Directors’ fees

     12,794  

Miscellaneous

     15,014  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     4,202,944  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (17,405
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     4,185,539  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     4,579,432  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     71,872,144  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     (83,742,009
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment transactions

     (11,869,865
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (7,290,433
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

6


 
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment income

   $ 4,579,432     $ 8,001,538  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     71,872,144       116,524,792  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     (83,742,009     57,076,365  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (7,290,433     181,602,695  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     –0 –      (2,170,398

Class B

     –0 –      (11,357,608

Net realized gain on investment transactions

    

Class A

     –0 –      (12,844,972

Class B

     –0 –      (78,677,989

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

    

Net decrease

     (55,515,233     (53,100,913

CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS

    

Proceeds from regulatory settlement (see Note F)

     –0 –      73,379  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (62,805,666     23,524,194  

NET ASSETS

    

Beginning of period

     1,066,114,145       1,042,589,951  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $12,651,568 and $8,072,136, respectively)

   $ 1,003,308,479     $ 1,066,114,145  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Growth & Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers fourteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

8


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2018:

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

             

Assets:

             

Common Stocks(a)

     $ 896,625,163      $ –0 –     $ –0 –     $ 896,625,163  

Short-Term Investments

       112,227,826        –0 –       –0 –       112,227,826  

Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities
Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund

       17,763,935        –0 –       –0 –       17,763,935  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       1,026,616,924        –0 –       –0 –       1,026,616,924  

Other Financial Instruments(b)

       –0 –       –0 –       –0 –       –0 – 
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(c)

     $ 1,026,616,924      $             –0 –     $             –0 –     $ 1,026,616,924  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)   See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications.

 

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

 

(c)   There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period.

The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.

 

9


GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.

In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).

3. Currency Translation

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

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $26,580.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $600 for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $6,564.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

Fund

   Market Value
12/31/17
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/18
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 0      $ 127,076      $ 14,848      $ 112,228      $ 56  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

     20,366        96,267        98,869        17,764        104  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

            $ 129,992      $ 160  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*   Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 amounted to $238,848, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution

 

11


GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Purchases     Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 438,002,065     $ 485,365,888  

U.S. government securities

     –0 –      –0 – 

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 119,000,947  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (16,824,403
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 102,176,544  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $16,701,135 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into AB Government Money Market Portfolio of $17,763,935. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $0 and $104,440 from the borrowers and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of AB Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $10,841. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

Class A

         

Shares sold

    231,417       537,077       $ 7,731,978     $ 17,105,671  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      502,186         –0 –      15,015,370  

Shares redeemed

    (556,803     (1,257,989       (18,625,055     (40,491,419
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (325,386     (218,726     $ (10,893,077   $ (8,370,378
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    577,420       1,205,291       $ 19,023,055     $ 38,159,810  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      3,051,020         –0 –      90,035,597  

Shares redeemed

    (1,918,499     (5,445,755       (63,645,211     (172,925,942
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (1,341,079     (1,189,444     $ (44,622,156   $ (44,730,535
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Portfolio recorded $73,379 related to settlements of regulatory proceedings. This amount is presented in the Portfolio’s statement of changes in net assets. Neither the Portfolio nor its affiliates were involved in the proceedings or the calculation of the payment.

At June 30, 2018, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 62% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

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

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

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

13


GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Industry/Sector Risk—Investments in a particular industry or group of related industries may have more risk because market or economic factors affecting that industry could have a significant effect on the value of the Portfolio’s investments.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Effective July 3, 2018, the Facility will be increased to $325 million.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

     2017      2016  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 21,981,056      $ 8,465,106  

Net long-term capital gains

     83,069,911        60,682,829  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 105,050,967      $ 69,147,935  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 37,266,903  

Undistributed capital gains

     86,075,132  

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     182,770,737 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 306,112,772  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE J: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

14


 
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS A  
   

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2018

    Year Ended December 31,  
    (unaudited)     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $33.35       $31.21       $30.12       $30.04       $27.80       $20.88  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .18 (b)      .31 (b)      .43 (b)†      .37       .40       .33  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    (.40     5.21       2.84       .14       2.23       6.92  

Capital contributions

    –0 –      .00 (c)      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (.22     5.52       3.27       .51       2.63       7.25  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.49     (.32     (.43     (.39     (.33

Distributions from net realized gain on
investment transactions

    –0 –      (2.89     (1.86     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (3.38     (2.18     (.43     (.39     (.33
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $33.13       $33.35       $31.21       $30.12       $30.04       $27.80  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)

    (.66 )%      18.93 %*      11.30 %†*      1.70 %*      9.54 %*      34.96 %* 
           
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period
(000’s omitted)

    $147,475       $159,324       $155,924       $150,801       $168,135       $164,154  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    .59 %^      .60     .61     .60     .60     .60

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    .60 %^      .60     .61     .60     .60     .60

Net investment income

    1.10 %(b)^      .97 %(b)      1.46 %(b)†      1.21     1.39     1.35

Portfolio turnover rate

    47     85     101     73     51     63

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 16.

 

15


GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
   

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2018

    Year Ended December 31,  
    (unaudited)     2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $32.88       $30.82       $29.78       $29.71       $27.49       $20.66  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .14 (b)      .23 (b)      .36 (b)†      .29       .32       .27  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    (.40     5.14       2.79       .14       2.22       6.83  

Capital contributions

    –0 –      .00 (c)      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (.26     5.37       3.15       .43       2.54       7.10  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.42     (.25     (.36     (.32     (.27

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (2.89     (1.86     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (3.31     (2.11     (.36     (.32     (.27
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $32.62       $32.88       $30.82       $29.78       $29.71       $27.49  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)

    (.79 )%      18.59 %*      11.07 %†*      1.43 %*      9.29 %*      34.59 %* 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period
(000’s omitted)

    $855,833       $906,790       $886,666       $646,424       $701,442       $709,257  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    .84 %^      .85     .86     .85     .85     .85

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    .85 %^      .85     .86     .85     .85     .85

Net investment income

    .85 %(b)^      .72 %(b)      1.21 %(b)†      .96     1.14     1.11

Portfolio turnover rate

    47     85     101     73     51     63

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

(d)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows:

 

Net Investment
Income Per Share
     Net Investment
Income Ratio
   

Total

Return

 
$ .002        .01     .01

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 by .68%, .03%, .14%, .11% and .08%, respectively.

 

     Includes the impact of proceeds recorded and credited to the Portfolio resulting from a regulatory settlement, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2017 by .01%.

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

16


 
GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Growth and Income Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2018 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including materials from an outside consultant, who acted as their independent fee consultant, and comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2016 and 2017 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the

 

17


GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors noted that the Fund was not profitable to the Adviser in 2016. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund in 2017 was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s recent profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2018 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the materials from the Fund’s Senior Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another AB Fund with a similar investment style.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions; (iii) must prepare and distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

19


 

 

 

 

VPS-GI-0152-0618


JUN    06.30.18

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees of other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees of other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2018
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2018
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

        

Actual

   $   1,000      $ 986.70      $ 5.57        1.13

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $   1,019.19      $   5.66        1.13
           

Class B

        

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 985.60      $ 6.79        1.38

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,017.95      $ 6.90        1.38

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
TOP TEN SECTORS (including derivatives)1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Corporates—Investment Grade2

       24.5

Governments—Treasuries3

       21.5  

Mortgage Pass—Throughs

       20.4  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

       12.9  

Asset-Backed Securities

       10.3  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

       7.2  

Inflation-Linked Securities

       5.4  

Agencies

       3.2  

Investment Companies

       2.1  

Interest Rate Swaps4

       (12.6

SECTOR BREAKDOWN (excluding derivatives)5

June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

 

 

Corporates—Investment Grade

       22.5

Mortgage Pass-Throughs

       18.8  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

       10.5  

Asset-Backed Securities

       9.4  

Governments—Treasuries

       7.6  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

       6.6  

Inflation-Linked Securities

       4.9  

Corporates—Non-Investment Grade

       3.5  

Agencies

       2.9  

Emerging Markets—Treasuries

       0.6  

Local Governments— US Municipal Bonds

       0.6  

Emerging Markets—Corporate Bonds

       0.5  

Governments—Sovereign Bonds

       0.4  

Short-Term Investments

       10.8  

Other6

       0.4  

 

 

 

1   All data are as of June 30, 2018. The Portfolio’s sectors include derivative exposure and are expressed as approximate percentages of the Portfolio’s total net assets, based on the Adviser’s internal classification. The percentages will vary over time.

 

2   Includes Credit Default Swaps

 

3   Includes Treasury Futures

 

4   Represents the exposure of the Portfolio’s fixed-rate payments on the Interest Rate Swaps. Interest Rate Swaps involve the exchange by a fund with another party of payments calculated by reference to specified interest rates (e.g., an exchange of floating-rate payments for fixed-rate payments).

 

5   All data are as of June 30, 2018. The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. The Portfolio also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details).

 

6   “Other” represents less than 0.2% weightings in the following security types: Options Purchased—Calls, Preferred Stocks and Quasi-Sovereigns.

 

2


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

CORPORATES–INVESTMENT GRADE–24.5%

 

   

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–13.5%

 

   

BANKING–12.3%

     

Banco Santander SA
3.25%, 4/04/26(a)

    EUR       200     $ 241,891  

3.50%, 4/11/22

    U.S.$       200       195,072  

Bank of America Corp.
2.881%, 4/24/23

      145       141,007  

4.45%, 3/03/26

      25       25,033  

Series DD
6.30%, 3/10/26(b)

      27       28,551  

Series FF
5.875%, 3/15/28(b)

      5       4,895  

Series L
3.95%, 4/21/25

      360       352,537  

Series Z
6.50%, 10/23/24(b)

      41       43,517  

Bank of Nova Scotia (The)
2.50%, 1/08/21

      26       25,528  

Banque Federative du Credit Mutuel SA
2.75%, 10/15/20(a)

      200       197,490  

BB&T Corp.
2.625%, 6/29/20

      45       44,530  

BNP Paribas SA
3.80%, 1/10/24(a)

      200       195,540  

Capital One Financial Corp.
3.30%, 10/30/24

      135       128,775  

Citigroup, Inc.
4.044%, 6/01/24

      299       300,821  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia
2.25%, 3/10/20(a)

      52       51,219  

Compass Bank
5.50%, 4/01/20

      250       257,437  

Cooperatieve Rabobank UA
4.375%, 8/04/25

      250       245,177  

Credit Suisse Group Funding Guernsey Ltd.
3.80%, 6/09/23

      265       262,048  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)
2.35%, 11/15/21

      118       113,599  

3.75%, 5/22/25

      53       51,719  

3.85%, 7/08/24

      210       208,207  

Series D
6.00%, 6/15/20

      195       205,041  

HSBC Holdings PLC
4.25%, 8/18/25

      203       199,403  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
3.22%, 3/01/25

      140       135,051  

3.54%, 5/01/28

      255       244,012  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC
4.582%, 12/10/25

      200       196,124  

Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co.
2.625%, 1/25/21

      250       246,015  

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.
3.85%, 3/01/26

    U.S.$       200     $ 199,106  

Morgan Stanley
3.737%, 4/24/24

      75       74,678  

5.00%, 11/24/25

      60       62,123  

Series G
4.35%, 9/08/26

      186       183,524  

MUFG Bank Ltd.
2.30%, 3/05/20(a)

      200       196,980  

PNC Bank NA
2.60%, 7/21/20

      250       246,992  

Santander Holdings USA, Inc.
4.40%, 7/13/27

      140       133,960  

UBS AG/Stamford CT
7.625%, 8/17/22

      250       275,860  

UBS Group Funding Switzerland AG
4.125%, 9/24/25(a)

      200       198,738  

US Bancorp
Series J
5.30%, 4/15/27(b)

      63       62,767  

Wells Fargo & Co.
3.069%, 1/24/23

      113       109,812  
     

 

 

 
        6,084,779  
     

 

 

 

FINANCE–0.3%

     

Synchrony Financial
3.95%, 12/01/27

      135       124,655  
     

 

 

 

INSURANCE–0.5%

     

American International Group, Inc.
Series A-9
5.75%, 4/01/48

      57       55,919  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)
5.50%, 3/30/20

      31       32,205  

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.
9.375%, 8/15/39(a)

      35       55,088  

New York Life Global Funding
1.95%, 2/11/20(a)

      129       126,818  
     

 

 

 
        270,030  
     

 

 

 

REITS–0.4%

     

American Tower Corp.
3.40%, 2/15/19

      35       35,103  

Host Hotels & Resorts LP
Series D
3.75%, 10/15/23

      6       5,879  

Welltower, Inc.
4.00%, 6/01/25

      146       143,325  
     

 

 

 
        184,307  
     

 

 

 
        6,663,771  
     

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL–10.1%

     

BASIC–1.3%

     

Eastman Chemical Co.
3.80%, 3/15/25

      50       49,497  

 

3


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
   

Glencore Funding LLC
4.125%, 5/30/23(a)

    U.S.$       58     $ 57,860  

Mosaic Co. (The)
5.625%, 11/15/43

      40       40,245  

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA
3.625%, 4/03/23(a)

      260       251,225  

Vale Overseas Ltd.
6.25%, 8/10/26

      135       146,480  

Yamana Gold, Inc.
4.95%, 7/15/24

      81       80,922  
     

 

 

 
        626,229  
     

 

 

 

CAPITAL GOODS–0.3%

 

   

Embraer Netherlands Finance BV
5.40%, 2/01/27

      85       87,975  

General Electric Co.
Series D
5.00%, 1/21/21(b)

      40       39,494  
     

 

 

 
        127,469  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–MEDIA–0.9%

 

   

Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital
4.908%, 7/23/25

      135       136,322  

Cox Communications, Inc.
2.95%, 6/30/23(a)

      51       48,409  

Time Warner Cable LLC
4.125%, 2/15/21

      200       201,310  

Warner Media LLC
4.875%, 3/15/20

      53       54,375  
     

 

 

 
        440,416  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–TELECOMMUNICATIONS–1.4%

 

   

AT&T, Inc.
3.40%, 5/15/25

      310       291,074  

4.125%, 2/17/26

      147       143,535  

Crown Castle Towers LLC
4.883%, 8/15/20(a)

      39       39,893  

Rogers Communications, Inc.
4.00%, 6/06/22

    CAD       27       21,307  

Verizon Communications, Inc.
4.862%, 8/21/46

    U.S.$       75       70,231  

Vodafone Group PLC
3.75%, 1/16/24

      40       39,640  

4.125%, 5/30/25

      88       87,689  
     

 

 

 
        693,369  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–AUTOMOTIVE–0.3%

 

   

General Motors Financial Co., Inc. 3.10%, 1/15/19

      110       110,114  

4.00%, 1/15/25

      23       22,392  

4.30%, 7/13/25

      30       29,508  
     

 

 

 
        162,014  
     

 

 

 

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
   

CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–2.0%

 

   

Becton Dickinson and Co.
3.734%, 12/15/24

    U.S.$       40     $ 39,062  

Biogen, Inc.
4.05%, 9/15/25

      144       144,646  

Bunge Ltd. Finance Corp.
8.50%, 6/15/19

      2       2,100  

CVS Health Corp.
4.10%, 3/25/25

      60       59,699  

4.30%, 3/25/28

      60       59,176  

Danone SA
1.691%, 10/30/19(a)

      200       196,576  

Medtronic, Inc.
3.50%, 3/15/25

      195       192,713  

Reynolds American, Inc.
6.875%, 5/01/20

      50       53,072  

Tyson Foods, Inc.
2.65%, 8/15/19

      39       38,846  

3.95%, 8/15/24

      123       122,764  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.
2.70%, 4/01/20

      51       50,521  

Zoetis, Inc.
3.45%, 11/13/20

      45       45,132  
     

 

 

 
        1,004,307  
     

 

 

 

ENERGY–2.0%

     

Cenovus Energy, Inc.
3.00%, 8/15/22

      12       11,487  

5.70%, 10/15/19

      36       36,928  

Encana Corp.
3.90%, 11/15/21

      45       45,315  

Enterprise Products Operating LLC
3.70%, 2/15/26

      161       157,907  

5.20%, 9/01/20

      55       57,254  

Hess Corp.
4.30%, 4/01/27

      109       105,158  

Noble Energy, Inc.
3.90%, 11/15/24

      107       105,497  

4.15%, 12/15/21

      40       40,641  

Plains All American Pipeline LP/PAA Finance Corp.
3.60%, 11/01/24

      137       129,917  

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC
5.00%, 3/15/27

      80       81,642  

TransCanada PipeLines Ltd.
9.875%, 1/01/21

      108       124,442  

Williams Partners LP
4.125%, 11/15/20

      97       98,269  
     

 

 

 
        994,457  
     

 

 

 

SERVICES–0.6%

     

Expedia Group, Inc.
3.80%, 2/15/28

      94       86,311  

S&P Global, Inc.
4.40%, 2/15/26

      127       130,365  

Total System Services, Inc.
3.75%, 6/01/23

      19       18,822  

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

4.00%, 6/01/23

    U.S.$       43     $ 43,163  
     

 

 

 
        278,661  
     

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY–1.3%

     

Broadcom Corp./Broadcom Cayman Finance Ltd.
3.625%, 1/15/24

      28       27,103  

3.875%, 1/15/27

      62       58,728  

Dell International LLC/EMC Corp.
5.45%, 6/15/23(a)

      83       86,853  

6.02%, 6/15/26(a)

      78       81,964  

KLA-Tencor Corp.
4.65%, 11/01/24

      134       138,585  

Lam Research Corp.
2.80%, 6/15/21

      39       38,320  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.
3.50%, 3/01/23

      82       79,449  

7.50%, 5/15/25

      4       4,702  

Seagate HDD Cayman
4.75%, 1/01/25

      75       71,947  

VMware, Inc.
2.95%, 8/21/22

      45       43,161  
     

 

 

 
        630,812  
     

 

 

 
        4,957,734  
     

 

 

 

UTILITY–0.9%

     

ELECTRIC–0.9%

     

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co.
6.125%, 4/01/36

      88       108,645  

Enel Chile SA
4.875%, 6/12/28

      68       68,376  

Exelon Generation Co. LLC
2.95%, 1/15/20

      81       80,698  

Israel Electric Corp., Ltd.
Series 6
5.00%, 11/12/24(a)

      200       205,500  
     

 

 

 
        463,219  
     

 

 

 

Total Corporates–Investment Grade
(cost $12,137,687)

        12,084,724  
     

 

 

 

MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGHS–20.4%

 

   

AGENCY FIXED RATE 15-YEAR–2.3%

 

   

Federal National Mortgage Association
Series 2016
2.50%, 7/01/31–1/01/32

      1,193       1,161,858  
     

 

 

 

AGENCY FIXED RATE 30-YEAR–18.1%

 

   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Gold
Series 2005
5.50%, 1/01/35

      79       85,822  

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Series 2007
5.50%, 7/01/35

  U.S.$         22     $ 24,056  

Series 2016
4.00%, 2/01/46

      237       243,831  

Series 2017
4.00%, 7/01/44

      187       192,723  

Federal National Mortgage Association
Series 2003
5.50%, 4/01/33–7/01/33

      74       80,610  

Series 2004
5.50%, 4/01/34–11/01/34

      66       71,755  

Series 2005
5.50%, 2/01/35

      78       85,371  

Series 2010
4.00%, 12/01/40

      112       114,997  

Series 2013
4.00%, 10/01/43

      453       465,188  

Series 2017
3.50%, 9/01/47–12/01/47

      2,338       2,328,216  

Series 2018
3.50%, 2/01/48–4/01/48

      1,810       1,802,065  

4.00%, 7/01/48, TBA

      918       935,930  

4.50%, 7/25/48, TBA

      2,134       2,222,028  

Government National Mortgage Association
Series 1994
9.00%, 9/15/24

      1       1,156  

Series 2016
3.00%, 4/20/46

      279       273,625  
     

 

 

 
        8,927,373  
     

 

 

 

Total Mortgage Pass-Throughs
(cost $10,152,146)

        10,089,231  
     

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES–11.5%

 

   

NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE CMBS–9.1%

 

   

BHMS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2014-ATLS, Class AFX
3.601%, 7/05/33(a)

      200       200,038  

CCUBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2017-C1, Class A4
3.544%, 11/15/50

      155       151,558  

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2016-C4, Class A4
3.283%, 5/10/58

      115       111,312  

CGRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2013-VN05, Class A
3.369%, 3/13/35(a)

      260       259,535  

 

5


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2015-GC27, Class A5
3.137%, 2/10/48

    U.S.$       144     $ 139,990  

Series 2015-GC35, Class A4
3.818%, 11/10/48

      55       55,650  

Series 2016-C1, Class A4
3.209%, 5/10/49

      192       186,602  

Series 2016-GC36, Class A5
3.616%, 2/10/49

      65       64,884  

Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2013-SFS, Class A1
1.873%, 4/12/35(a)

      69       66,293  

Series 2014-UBS3, Class A4
3.819%, 6/10/47

      130       131,803  

Series 2014-UBS5, Class A4
3.838%, 9/10/47

      130       131,727  

Series 2015-CR24, Class A5 3.696%, 8/10/48

      65       65,139
 

Series 2015-DC1, Class A5 3.35%, 2/10/48

      80       79,081
 

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2015-C2, Class A4
3.504%, 6/15/57

      100       99,087  

Series 2015-C3, Class A4 3.718%, 8/15/48

      117       116,587  

Series 2015-C4, Class A4 3.808%, 11/15/48

      215       216,728  

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II
Series 2013-KING, Class A
2.706%, 12/10/27(a)

      229       228,173  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2013-G1, Class A2
3.557%, 4/10/31(a)

      136       135,811  

Series 2018-GS9, Class A4
3.992%, 3/10/51

      75       76,244  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2006-LDP9, Class AM
5.372%, 5/15/47(c)

      25       25,011  

Series 2012-C6, Class D
5.312%, 5/15/45(c)

      110       107,577  

Series 2012-C6, Class E
5.312%, 5/15/45(a)(c)

      132       115,814  

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2014-C21, Class A5 3.775%, 8/15/47

    U.S.$       100     $ 101,386  

Series 2014-C22, Class XA 1.046%, 9/15/47(d)

      2,822       118,915  

Series 2015-C30, Class A5 3.822%, 7/15/48

      65       65,807  

Series 2015-C31, Class A3 3.801%, 8/15/48

      195       197,280  

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2006-C6, Class AJ
5.452%, 9/15/39(c)

      36       27,398  

LSTAR Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2016-4, Class A2
2.579%, 3/10/49(a)

      159       153,688  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust
Series 2016-UB12, Class A4
3.596%, 12/15/49

      100       98,931  

UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2018-C10, Class A4
4.313%, 5/15/51

      125       129,696  

Series 2018-C8, Class A4 3.983%, 2/15/51

      100       101,327  

Series 2018-C9, Class A4 4.117%, 3/15/51

      125       127,909  

UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2012-C4, Class A5
2.85%, 12/10/45

      112       109,735  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2016-LC25, Class C
4.584%, 12/15/59(c)

      85       82,063  

Series 2016-NXS6, Class C
4.455%, 11/15/49(c)

      100       98,367  

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2013-C11, Class XA
1.365%, 3/15/45(a)(d)

      1,322       58,561  

Series 2014-C20, Class A2
3.036%, 5/15/47

      106       106,162  

WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2014-C19, Class A5
4.101%, 3/15/47

      130       134,269  
     

 

 

 
        4,476,138  
     

 

 

 

 

6


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE CMBS–2.4%

 

   

Atrium Hotel Portfolio Trust
Series 2018-ATRM, Class A
2.932% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.95%), 6/15/35(a)(e)

    U.S.$       100     $ 99,935  

BAMLL Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2017-SCH, Class AF
3.073% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.00%), 11/15/33(a)(c)(e)

      185       186,708  

BX Trust
Series 2017-IMC, Class A
3.123% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.05%), 10/15/32(a)(e)

      135       135,111  

Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust
Series 2016-MFF, Class D
6.673% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.60%), 11/15/33(a)(c)(e)

      100       100,999  

Great Wolf Trust
Series 2017-WOLF, Class A
3.073% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.85%), 9/15/34(a)(e)

      93       93,003  

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2015-SGP, Class A
3.773% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.70%), 7/15/36(a)(e)

      82       82,230  

RETL
Series 2018-RVP, Class A
3.173% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.10%), 3/15/33(a)(e)

      94       94,572  

Starwood Retail Property Trust
Series 2014-STAR, Class A
3.293% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.22%), 11/15/27(a)(e)

      180       180,472  

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Waldorf Astoria Boca Raton Trust
Series 2016-BOCA, Class A
3.423% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.35%), 6/15/29(a)(e)

  U.S.$         211     $ 211,063  
     

 

 

 
        1,184,093  
     

 

 

 

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
(cost $5,806,362)

        5,660,231  
     

 

 

 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES–10.3%

 

   

AUTOS–FIXED RATE–4.9%

 

   

Ally Auto Receivables Trust
Series 2015-2, Class A3
1.49%, 11/15/19

      19       18,808  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust
Series 2016-4, Class A2A
1.34%, 4/08/20

      12       11,562  

Series 2017-3, Class A2A
1.69%, 12/18/20

      43       43,115  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC
Series 2013-2A, Class A
2.97%, 2/20/20(a)

   

 

288

 

    288,082  

Series 2016-1A, Class A
2.99%, 6/20/22(a)

      100       99,012  

California Republic Auto Receivables Trust
Series 2014-2, Class A4
1.57%, 12/16/19

      6       6,174  

DT Auto Owner Trust
Series 2017-3A, Class A
1.73%, 8/17/20(a)

      21       20,766  

Series 2018-1A, Class A
2.59%, 5/17/21(a)

      90       90,250  

Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust
Series 2016-3A, Class A
1.84%, 11/16/20(a)

      9       9,047  

Series 2016-3A, Class D
6.40%, 7/17/23(a)

      100       103,533  

Series 2017-1A, Class D
6.20%, 11/15/23(a)

      100       102,821  

Series 2017-2A, Class A
2.11%, 6/15/21(a)

      30       30,066  

Series 2017-3A, Class A
2.05%, 12/15/21(a)

      75       74,892  

Series 2017-3A, Class C
3.68%, 7/17/23(a)

      60       60,016  

 

7


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Flagship Credit Auto Trust
Series 2016-4, Class D
3.89%, 11/15/22(a)

  U.S.$         125     $ 124,970  

Series 2017-3, Class A
1.88%, 10/15/21(a)

      59       58,241  

Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust
Series 2014-2, Class A
2.31%, 4/15/26(a)

      257       255,049  

Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust
Series 2015-2, Class A1
1.98%, 1/15/22

      198       195,310  

Series 2016-1, Class A1
1.76%, 2/15/21

      131       129,290  

Series 2017-1, Class A1
2.07%, 5/15/22

      115       112,971  

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Trust
Series 2015-1, Class A3
1.41%, 6/15/20

      21       20,951  

Hertz Vehicle Financing II LP
Series 2015-1A, Class B
3.52%, 3/25/21(a)

      115       114,460  

Series 2017-1A, Class A 2.96%, 10/25/21(a)

      125       123,452  

Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC
Series 2013-1A, Class A2
1.83%, 8/25/19(a)

      162       161,522  

Series 2018-2A, Class A Zero Coupon, 6/27/22(a)

      125       124,987  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust
Series 2017-3, Class A2
1.67%, 6/15/20

      33       32,579  

Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust
Series 2018-1A, Class A1
1.75%, 2/15/19(a)

      4       3,858  
     

 

 

 
        2,415,784  
     

 

 

 

OTHER ABS–FIXED RATE–2.9%

 

   

CLUB Credit Trust
Series 2017-P1, Class B
3.56%, 9/15/23(a)(c)

      100       99,570  

Series 2017-P2, Class A 2.61%, 1/15/24(a)(c)

      73       72,553  

CNH Equipment Trust
Series 2014-B, Class A4
1.61%, 5/17/21

      36       35,964  

Series 2015-A, Class A4 1.85%, 4/15/21

      134       133,072  

Consumer Loan Underlying Bond Credit Trust
Series 2018-P1, Class A
3.39%, 7/15/25(a)(c)

      100       99,924  

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Marlette Funding Trust
Series 2016-1A, Class A 3.06%, 1/17/23(a)(c)

  U.S.$         5     $ 5,027  

Series 2017-1A, Class A 2.827%, 3/15/24(a)(c)

      28       28,215  

Series 2017-2A, Class A 2.39%, 7/15/24(a)(c)

      53       52,412  

Series 2017-3A, Class A 2.36%, 12/15/24(a)(c)

      62       61,521  

Series 2017-3A, Class B 3.01%, 12/15/24(a)(c)

      100       99,333  

SBA Tower Trust
Series 2015-1A,Class C
3.156%, 10/08/20(a)(c)

      147       145,816  

SoFi Consumer Loan Program LLC
Series 2016-2, Class A
3.09%, 10/27/25(a)(c)

      46       46,203  

Series 2016-3, Class A
3.05%, 12/26/25(a)(c)

      53       52,406  

Series 2017-1, Class A
3.28%, 1/26/26(a)(c)

      49       49,209  

Series 2017-2, Class A
3.28%, 2/25/26(a)(c)

      60       59,752  

Series 2017-3, Class A
2.77%, 5/25/26(a)(c)

      68       67,477  

Series 2017-4, Class B
3.59%, 5/26/26(a)(c)

      130       126,639  

Series 2017-5, Class A2
2.78%, 9/25/26(a)(c)

      110       108,245  

SoFi Consumer Loan Program Trust
Series 2018-1, Class A1
2.55%, 2/25/27(a)(c)

      98       97,371  
     

 

 

 
        1,440,709  
     

 

 

 

CREDIT CARDS–FIXED RATE–1.9%

 

   

GE Capital Credit Card Master Note Trust
Series 2012-2, Class A
2.22%, 1/15/22

      232       231,637  

Synchrony Credit Card Master Note Trust
Series 2015-3, Class A
1.74%, 9/15/21

      173       172,744  

Series 2016-1, Class A
2.04%, 3/15/22

      130       129,491  

World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust
Series 2016-B, Class A
1.44%, 6/15/22

      137       136,827  

Series 2017-B, Class A
1.98%, 6/15/23

      110       108,931  

Series 2018-A, Class A
3.07%, 12/16/24

      130       129,430  
     

 

 

 
        909,060  
     

 

 

 

 

8


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

 

 

 
     

AUTOS–FLOATING RATE–0.4%

 

   

BMW Floorplan Master Owner Trust
Series 2015-1A, Class A
2.573% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.50%), 7/15/20(a)(e)

  U.S.$         214     $ 214,011  
     

 

 

 

HOME EQUITY LOANS–FIXED RATE–0.1%

 

   

Credit-Based Asset Servicing & Securitization LLC
Series 2003-CB1, Class AF
3.95%, 1/25/33(c)

      56       56,006  
     

 

 

 

HOME EQUITY LOANS–FLOATING RATE–0.1%

 

   

Asset Backed Funding Certificates Trust
Series 2003-WF1, Class A2
3.216% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.13%), 12/25/32(c)(e)

      27       26,666  
     

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities
(cost $5,082,522)

        5,062,236  
     

 

 

 

GOVERNMENTS–TREASURIES–8.3%

     

SINGAPORE–0.5%

     

Singapore Government Bond
2.75%, 3/01/46

    SGD       361       257,532  
     

 

 

 

UNITED STATES–7.8%

     

U.S. Treasury Bonds

     

2.75%, 11/15/47

    U.S.$       158       150,668  

2.875%, 11/15/46

      26       25,452  

3.00%, 11/15/45

      1,753       1,758,077  

3.75%, 11/15/43

      51       57,941  

4.50%, 2/15/36

      99       121,027  

5.375%, 2/15/31

      120       151,631  

5.50%, 8/15/28

      50       61,547  

6.25%, 5/15/30

      179       238,989  

U.S. Treasury Notes

     

1.25%, 3/31/21

      460       443,541  

2.25%, 2/15/27

      199       189,634  

2.625%, 2/28/23

      653       650,347  
     

 

 

 
        3,848,854  
     

 

 

 

Total Governments–Treasuries
(cost $4,383,354)

        4,106,386  
     

 

 

 

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS–7.2%

 

   

RISK SHARE FLOATING RATE–4.6%

 

   

Bellemeade Re II Ltd.
Series 2016-1A, Class M2B
8.591% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.50%), 4/25/26(e)(f)

  U.S.$         48     $ 48,355  

Bellemeade Re Ltd.
Series 2017-1, Class M1
3.791% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.70%), 10/25/27(a)(e)

      120       120,086  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes
Series 2014-DN4, Class M3
6.641% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.55%), 10/25/24(e)

      201       223,283  

Series 2015-HQA1, Class M2
4.741% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.65%), 3/25/28(e)

      103       104,791  

Federal National Mortgage Association Connecticut Avenue Securities
Series 2014-C03,
Class 1M2
5.091% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.00%), 7/25/24(e)

      46       49,813  

Series 2014-C04, Class 2M2
7.091% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 11/25/24(e)

      47       52,434  

Series 2015-C01, Class 1M2
6.391% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.30%), 2/25/25(e)

      66       72,894  

Series 2015-C01, Class 2M2
6.641% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.55%), 2/25/25(e)

      54       58,239  

Series 2015-C02, Class 1M2
6.091% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 5/25/25(e)

      82       89,300  

 

9


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Series 2015-C02, Class 2M2
6.091% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 5/25/25(e)

    U.S.$       91     $ 97,909  

Series 2015-C03, Class 1M2
7.091% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 7/25/25(e)

      102       115,579  

Series 2015-C03, Class 2M2
7.091% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 7/25/25(e)

      82       91,184  

Series 2015-C04, Class 1M2
7.791% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.70%), 4/25/28(e)

      125       145,725  

Series 2015-C04, Class 2M2
7.641% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.55%), 4/25/28(e)

      114       129,066  

Series 2016-C01, Class 1M2
8.841% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.75%), 8/25/28(e)

      160       193,832  

Series 2016-C01, Class 2M2
9.041% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.95%), 8/25/28(e)

      92       110,472  

Series 2016-C02, Class 1M2
8.091% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.00%), 9/25/28(e)

      130       153,765  

Series 2016-C03, Class 2M2
7.991% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.90%), 10/25/28(e)

      173       201,731  

Series 2016-C05, Class 2M2
6.541% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.45%), 1/25/29(e)

      105       116,865  

Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust
Series 2015-WF1, Class 1M2
7.341% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.25%), 11/25/25(e)(f)

      46       52,242  

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Series 2015-WF1, Class 2M2
7.591% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.50%), 11/25/25(e)(f)

  U.S.$         20     $ 23,737  
     

 

 

 
        2,251,302  
     

 

 

 

AGENCY FLOATING RATE–1.2%

 

 

Federal National Mortgage Association REMICs
Series 2011-131, Class ST
4.449% (6.54%-LIBOR 1 Month), 12/25/41(e)(g)

      173       30,777  

Series 2012-70, Class SA
4.459% (6.55%-LIBOR 1 Month), 7/25/42(e)(g)

      322       57,835  

Series 2015-90, Class SL
4.059% (6.15%-LIBOR 1 Month),
12/25/45(e)(g)

      350       53,062  

Series 2016-77, Class DS
3.909% (6.00%-LIBOR 1 Month),
10/25/46(e)(g)

      351       55,303  

Series 2017-16, Class SG
3.959% (6.05%-LIBOR 1 Month), 3/25/47(e)(g)

      344       56,621  

Series 2017-26, Class TS
3.859% (6.95%-LIBOR 1 Month), 4/25/47(e)(g)

      326       54,569  

Series 2017-62, Class AS
4.059% (6.15%-LIBOR 1 Month), 8/25/47(e)(g)

      341       56,107  

Series 2017-81, Class SA
4.109% (6.20%-LIBOR 1 Month),
10/25/47(e)(g)

      334       55,989  

Series 2017-97, Class LS
4.109% (6.20%-LIBOR 1 Month),
12/25/47(e)(g)

      341       62,380  

Government National Mortgage Association
Series 2017-134, Class SE
4.116% (6.20%-LIBOR 1 Month), 9/20/47(e)(g)

      284       46,271  

Series 2017-65, Class ST
4.066% (6.15%-LIBOR 1 Month), 4/20/47(e)(g)

      330       58,653  
     

 

 

 
        587,567  
     

 

 

 

NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE–1.0%

 

   

Alternative Loan Trust
Series 2005-20CB, Class 3A6
5.50%, 7/25/35

      19       18,263  

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Series 2005-57CB, Class 4A3
5.50%, 12/25/35

  U.S.$         38     $ 33,172  

Series 2006-24CB, Class A16
5.75%, 6/25/36

      73       61,903  

Series 2006-28CB, Class A14
6.25%, 10/25/36

      51       42,474  

Series 2006-J1, Class 1A13
5.50%, 2/25/36

      40       36,749  

Chase Mortgage Finance Trust
Series 2007-S5, Class 1A17
6.00%, 7/25/37

      25       21,273  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.
Series 2005-2, Class 1A4
3.853%, 5/25/35

      43       43,260  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust Series 2006-10, Class 1A8
6.00%, 5/25/36

      37       31,053  

Series 2006-13, Class 1A19
6.25%, 9/25/36

      20       16,968  

First Horizon Alternative Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2006-FA3, Class A9
6.00%, 7/25/36

      60       49,559  

JP Morgan Alternative Loan Trust
Series 2006-A3, Class 2A1
3.941%, 7/25/36

      127       122,336  

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust
Series 2007-S3, Class 1A8
6.00%, 8/25/37

      34       27,569  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust
Series 2007-8, Class 2A5
5.75%, 7/25/37

      17       16,648  
     

 

 

 
        521,227  
     

 

 

 

NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE–0.3%

     

Deutsche Alt-A Securities Mortgage Loan Trust
Series 2006-AR4, Class A2
2.281% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.19%), 12/25/36(e)

      141       84,490  

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

HomeBanc Mortgage Trust
Series 2005-1, Class A1
2.341% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.25%), 3/25/35(e)

  U.S.$         49     $ 43,419  
     

 

 

 
        127,909  
     

 

 

 

AGENCY FIXED RATE–0.1%

 

   

Federal National Mortgage Association Grantor Trust
Series 2004-T5, Class AB4
2.583%, 5/28/35(c)

      50       46,950  
     

 

 

 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(cost $3,388,082)

        3,534,955  
     

 

 

 

INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–5.4%

 

   

JAPAN–1.2%

     

Japanese Government CPI Linked Bond
Series 22
0.10%, 3/10/27

    JPY       60,102       574,345  
     

 

 

 

UNITED STATES–4.2%

     

U.S. Treasury Inflation Index 0.125%, 4/15/19-4/15/20 (TIPS)

    U.S.$       1,229       1,220,132  

0.375%, 7/15/25 (TIPS)

      872       856,240  
     

 

 

 
        2,076,372  
     

 

 

 

Total Inflation-Linked Securities
(cost $2,678,634)

        2,650,717  
     

 

 

 

CORPORATES–NON-INVESTMENT GRADE–3.8%

 

   

INDUSTRIAL–2.4%

     

BASIC–0.2%

     

NOVA Chemicals Corp.
5.25%, 8/01/23(a)

      74       73,987  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–MEDIA–0.4%

     

Altice France SA/France
5.375%, 5/15/22(a)

    EUR       120       143,990  

CSC Holdings LLC
6.75%, 11/15/21

    U.S.$       30       31,429  
     

 

 

 
        175,419  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–
TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.5%

 

   

Sprint Capital Corp.
6.90%, 5/01/19

      210       214,116  

Windstream Services LLC/Windstream Finance Corp.
6.375%, 8/01/23

      71       42,939  
     

 

 

 
        257,055  
     

 

 

 

 

11


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–OTHER–0.1%

 

   

KB Home
4.75%, 5/15/19

  U.S.$         63     $ 63,314  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER
NON-CYCLICAL–0.3%

     

First Quality Finance Co., Inc.
4.625%, 5/15/21(a)

      85       82,979  

Spectrum Brands, Inc.
5.75%, 7/15/25

      69       68,150  
     

 

 

 
        151,129  
     

 

 

 

ENERGY–0.6%

     

Antero Resources Corp.
5.125%, 12/01/22

      16       16,026  

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
4.875%, 11/01/43

      68       48,263  

Nabors Industries, Inc.
5.50%, 1/15/23

      113       109,126  

PDC Energy, Inc.
5.75%, 5/15/26(a)

      46       45,735  

SM Energy Co.
6.50%, 1/01/23

      9       9,128  

Sunoco LP/Sunoco
Finance Corp.
4.875%, 1/15/23(a)

      69       66,231  
     

 

 

 
        294,509  
     

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY–0.2%

     

Western Digital Corp.
4.75%, 2/15/26

      98       95,204  
     

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION–
SERVICES–0.1%

     

Avis Budget Car Rental LLC/Avis Budget Finance, Inc.
5.25%, 3/15/25(a)

      52       47,610  
     

 

 

 
        1,158,227  
     

 

 

 

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–1.3%

 

   

BANKING–1.1%

     

Barclays Bank PLC
6.86%, 6/15/32(a)(b)

      29       32,569  

CIT Group, Inc.
5.25%, 3/07/25

      56       56,721  

Citigroup, Inc.
5.95%, 1/30/23(b)

      55       55,901  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)
Series P
5.00%, 11/10/22(b)

      74       69,617  

ING Groep NV
6.875%, 4/16/22(a)(b)

      200       204,016  

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC
2.006% (EURIBOR 3 Month + 2.33%), 9/30/18(a)(b)(e)

    EUR       50     $ 57,514  

Standard Chartered PLC
3.869% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.51%), 1/30/27(a)(b)(e)

    U.S.$       100       87,232  
     

 

 

 
        563,570  
     

 

 

 

FINANCE–0.2%

     

Navient Corp.
6.625%, 7/26/21

      95       98,253  
     

 

 

 
        661,823  
     

 

 

 

UTILITY–0.1%

     

ELECTRIC–0.1%

     

AES Corp./VA
4.00%, 3/15/21

      49       48,819  
     

 

 

 

Total Corporates–Non-Investment Grade
(cost $1,966,060)

        1,868,869  
     

 

 

 

AGENCIES–3.2%

     

AGENCY DEBENTURES–3.2%

 

   

Residual Funding Corp. Principal Strip
Zero Coupon, 7/15/20
(cost $1,550,221)

      1,677       1,581,478  
     

 

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS–TREASURIES–0.7%

 

   

ARGENTINA–0.1%

     

Argentina POM Politica Monetaria
Series POM
32.223% (ARPP7DRR), 6/21/20(e)

    ARS       900       31,774  
     

 

 

 

BRAZIL–0.6%

     

Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional
Series F
10.00%, 1/01/27

    BRL       1,300       306,586  
     

 

 

 

Total Emerging Markets–Treasuries
(cost $377,263)

        338,360  
     

 

 

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS–US MUNICIPAL BONDS–0.6%

 

   

UNITED STATES–0.6%

     

State of California
Series 2010
7.625%, 3/01/40
(cost $203,048)

    U.S.$       200       294,968  
     

 

 

 

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Principal
Amount
(000)

    U.S. $ Value  
     

EMERGING MARKETS–CORPORATE BONDS–0.5%

 

   

INDUSTRIAL–0.4%

     

CAPITAL GOODS–0.1%

     

Odebrecht Finance Ltd.
7.125%, 6/26/42(a)

  U.S.$         200     $ 70,822  
     

 

 

 

ENERGY–0.3%

     

Petrobras Global Finance BV
5.75%, 2/01/29

      78       68,477  

6.125%, 1/17/22

      2       2,037  

6.25%, 3/17/24

      63       62,386  
     

 

 

 
        132,900  
     

 

 

 
        203,722  
     

 

 

 

UTILITY–0.1%

     

ELECTRIC–0.1%

     

Genneia SA
8.75%, 1/20/22(a)

      35       33,907  

Terraform Global Operating LLC
6.125%, 3/01/26(a)

      21       20,816  
     

 

 

 
        54,723  
     

 

 

 

Total Emerging Markets–Corporate Bonds
(cost $263,698)

        258,445  
     

 

 

 

GOVERNMENTS–SOVEREIGN BONDS–0.4%

 

   

QATAR–0.4%

     

Qatar Government International Bond
3.875%, 4/23/23(a)
(cost $198,691)

      200       199,854  
     

 

 

 

QUASI-SOVEREIGNS–0.2%

 

   

QUASI-SOVEREIGN BONDS–0.2%

 

   

MEXICO–0.2%

     

Petroleos Mexicanos
4.625%, 9/21/23
(cost $120,000)

      120       117,720  
     

 

 

 
    Shares        

PREFERRED STOCKS–0.2%

 

   

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–0.2%

 

   

REITS–0.2%

     

Sovereign Real Estate Investment Trust
12.00%(a)
(cost $87,658)

      93       108,810  
     

 

 

 

 

   

Notional
Amount

    U.S. $ Value  
     

OPTIONS PURCHASED–CALLS–0.0%

 

   

SWAPTIONS–0.0%

     

IRS Swaption
Expiration: Jul 2018; Contracts: 2,650,000; Exercise Rate: 2.96%;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC(h)
(cost $8,720)

    USD       2,650,000     $ 866  
     

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–11.7%

 

   

GOVERNMENTS–TREASURIES–8.4%

 

   

JAPAN–8.4%

     

Japan Treasury Discount Bill
Series 743
Zero Coupon, 9/10/18

    JPY       117,650       1,062,954  

Series 748
Zero Coupon, 7/02/18

      170,900       1,543,603  

Series 760
Zero Coupon, 8/27/18

      169,300       1,529,495  
     

 

 

 

Total Governments–Treasuries
(cost $4,232,098)

        4,136,052  
     

 

 

 
    Shares        

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–2.1%

     

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(i)(j)(k)
(cost $1,048,730)

      1,048,730       1,048,730  
     

 

 

 
    Principal
Amount
(000)
       

U.S. TREASURY BILLS–1.2%

     

U.S. Treasury Bill
Zero Coupon, 8/30/18
(cost $597,169)

    U.S.$       599       597,169  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(cost $5,877,997)

        5,781,951  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–108.9%
(cost $54,282,143)

 

      53,739,801  

Other assets less liabilities–(8.9)%

        (4,389,976
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

      $ 49,349,825  
     

 

 

 

 

13


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

Description   Number of
Contracts
    Expiration
Month
   

Notional
(000)

    Original
Value
    Value at
June 30, 2018
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Purchased Contracts

 

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

    8       September 2018       USD       1,600     $   1,694,260     $ 1,694,625     $ 365  

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

    24       September 2018       USD       2,400       2,718,429       2,726,813       8,384  

U.S. Ultra Bond (CBT) Futures

    11       September 2018       USD       1,100       1,687,649       1,755,188       67,539  

Sold Contracts

 

10 Yr Mini Japan Government Bond Futures

    19       September 2018       JPY       190,000       2,584,053         2,588,592       (4,539

Euro-BOBL Futures

    4       September 2018       EUR       400       614,119       617,393       (3,274

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

    5       September 2018       USD       500       597,650       600,938       (3,288
             

 

 

 
              $   65,187  
             

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Bank of America, NA

     BRL        498        USD        130        7/03/18      $ 1,354  

Bank of America, NA

     USD        129        BRL        498        7/03/18        (665

Barclays Bank PLC

     BRL        772        USD        207        7/03/18        7,513  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD        200        BRL        772        7/03/18        (1,030

Barclays Bank PLC

     TWD        4,520        USD        153        9/13/18        3,673  

BNP Paribas SA

     ARS        1,173        USD        45        7/05/18        4,990  

Citibank, NA

     EUR        724        USD        847        7/18/18        719  

Citibank, NA

     KRW        94,378        USD        88        7/26/18        2,925  

Citibank, NA

     USD        158        KRW        168,191        7/26/18        (7,076

Citibank, NA

     USD        98        INR        6,690        8/09/18        (1,232

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     USD        202        MYR        793        7/12/18        (5,711

HSBC Bank USA

     JPY        354,066        USD        3,213        7/18/18          12,043  

HSBC Bank USA

     INR        6,637        USD        97        8/09/18        974  

HSBC Bank USA

     TWD        1,230        USD        42        9/13/18        1,075  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     BRL        1,270        USD        329        7/03/18        1,695  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     USD        336        BRL        1,270        7/03/18        (8,742

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     BRL        1,270        USD        335        8/02/18        8,957  

Standard Chartered Bank

     KRW        74,154        USD        69        7/26/18        1,891  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     MYR        793        USD        198        7/12/18        1,093  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     EUR        69        USD        81        7/18/18        (101

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        122        EUR        104        7/18/18        16  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        282        EUR        238        7/18/18        (3,391

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     PLN        513        USD        141        7/19/18        3,919  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        144        PLN        513        7/19/18        (7,163

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     GBP        249        USD        335        8/03/18        5,427  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        139        GBP        106        8/03/18        624  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        27        GBP        20        8/03/18        (125

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        144        MXN        2,987        8/07/18        5,685  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     AUD        295        USD        224        8/09/18        5,959  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     NZD        415        USD        291        8/09/18        9,729  

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        35        AUD        46        8/09/18      $ (621

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     SGD        452        USD        338        8/16/18        5,605  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        25        CAD        33        8/30/18        (318

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        197        MYR        793        11/29/18        (1,250
                 

 

 

 
   $ 48,441  
                 

 

 

 

INTEREST RATE SWAPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)

 

Description   Index  

Counter-

Party

  Strike
Rate
    Expiration
Date
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Premiums     Market
Value
 

OTC—1 Year Interest Rate Swap

  3 Month LIBOR   Morgan Stanley Capital
Services LLC
    2.82     7/06/18     $   6,375     $   6,848     $   (2,281

CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 


Description

  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
June 30,
2018
   

Notional
Amount
(000)

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

Buy Contracts

               

CDX-NAIG
Series 30, 5 Year Index, 6/20/23*

    (1.00 )%      Quarterly       0.67     USD       760     $   (11,697)     $   (12,904)     $   1,207  

 

*   Termination date

 

 

CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAPS (see Note D)

 

                Rate Type                      

Notional

Amount (000)

    Termination
Date
    Payments
made
by the
Fund
  Payments
received
by the
Fund
 

Payment

Frequency

Paid/
Received

  Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
AUD     3,870       6/21/20     2.118%   3 Month BBR   Quarterly/
Quarterly
  $   (2,690   $   –0–     $   (2,690
NOK     44,100       6/22/20     6 Month NIBOR   1.378%   Semi-Annual/
Annual
    (5,665     –0–       (5,665
USD     105       4/26/27     2.287%   3 Month LIBOR   Semi-Annual/
Quarterly
    5,401       –0–       5,401  
EUR     3,380       6/11/20     (0.115%)   6 Month EURIBOR   Annual/
Semi-Annual
    (4,932     –0–       (4,932
SEK     4,830       3/31/22     3 Month STIBOR   0.341%   Quarterly/
Annual
    4,149       2       4,147  
NZD     1,015       3/31/22     3 Month BKBM   2.936%   Quarterly/
Semi-Annual
    15,934       –0 –      15,934  
USD     740       11/10/25     2.256%   3 Month LIBOR   Semi-Annual/
Quarterly
    33,066       –0 –      33,066  
USD     80       6/28/26     1.460%   3 Month LIBOR   Semi-Annual/
Quarterly
    8,475       –0 –      8,475  
USD     260       7/12/27     2.355%   3 Month LIBOR   Semi-Annual/
Quarterly
      10,862         –0 –        10,862  

 

15


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

                Rate Type                        

Notional
Amount (000)

         Termination
Date
    Payments
made
by the
Fund
    Payments
received
by the
Fund
   

Payment

Frequency

Paid/
Received

  Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
USD     180       3/28/28       2.920%       3 Month LIBOR     Semi-Annual/
Quarterly
  $ (715   $ –0 –    $ (715
EUR     2,460       4/10/20       (0.149%)       6 Month EURIBOR     Annual/
Semi-Annual
    (3,295     (3,001     (294
EUR     310       4/10/20       (0.150%)       6 Month EURIBOR     Annual/
Semi-Annual
    (408     (378     (30
EUR     1,020       4/11/20       (0.148%)       6 Month EURIBOR     Annual/
Semi-Annual
    (1,386     (26     (1,360
USD     175       11/08/26       1.657%       3 Month LIBOR     Semi-Annual/
Quarterly
    16,576       –0 –      16,576  
USD     200       11/09/26       1.672%       3 Month LIBOR     Semi-Annual/
Quarterly
    18,637       –0 –      18,637  
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        $   94,009     $   (3,403   $   97,412  
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
June 30,
2018
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Buy Contracts

               

Citibank, NA

               

Sprint Communications, Inc., 7.000%, 8/15/20, 6/20/19*

    (5.00 )%      Quarterly       0.64     USD       98     $   (4,295   $   (1,165   $   (3,130

Sprint Communications, Inc., 7.000%, 8/15/20, 6/20/19*

    (5.00     Quarterly       0.64       USD       112       (4,909     (1,380     (3,529

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA
Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       3       1       38       (37

Credit Suisse International

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA
Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       4       2       37       (35

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA
Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       330       100       4,142       (4,042

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 7, 1/17/47*

    (3.00     Monthly       4.60       USD       350       24,575       22,470       2,105  

Deutsche Bank AG

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA
Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       408       123       4,331       (4,208

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA
Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       122       37       1,284       (1,247

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA
Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       42       12       568       (556

Goldman Sachs International

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA
Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       27       8       257       (249

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA
Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       46       14       617       (603

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
June 30,
2018
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Buy Contracts (continued)

               

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA
Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50 ) %       Monthly       0.51 %       USD       50     $ 15     $ 653     $ (638

CDX-CMBX.NA.AAA
Series 9, 9/17/58*

    (0.50     Monthly       0.51       USD       99       30       1,293         (1,263

Sale Contracts

               

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       31         (3,202       (4,921     1,719  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       5       (517     (833     316  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       52       (5,367     (8,014     2,647  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       32       (3,300     (4,389     1,089  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       60       (6,187     (8,424     2,237  

Credit Suisse International

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       56       (5,779     (8,591     2,812  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       94       (9,693     (6,288     (3,405

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       28       (2,887     (2,002     (885

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       318       (32,810     (13,452     (19,358

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       350       (36,090     (20,945     (15,145

Deutsche Bank AG

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.A
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    2.00       Monthly       2.14       USD       135       (663     (2,731     2,068  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       132       (13,611     (9,566     (4,045

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       8       (825     (475     (350

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       85       (8,765     (7,230     (1,535

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       8       (825     (970     145  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       51       (5,258     (6,645     1,387  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       28       (2,887     (3,312     425  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       27       (2,784     (3,192     408  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       84       (8,662     (9,358     696  

 

17


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
  Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
    Implied
Credit
Spread at
June 30,
2018
    Notional
Amount
(000)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sale Contracts (continued)

               

Goldman Sachs International

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00 %       Monthly       5.94 %       USD       34     $ (3,512   $ (5,405   $ 1,893  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       28       (2,891     (4,732     1,841  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       39       (4,028     (6,686     2,658  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       4       (413     (628     215  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       246       (25,366     (12,440     (12,926

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       185       (19,077     (14,625     (4,452

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       49       (5,052     (4,378     (674

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       4       (413     (371     (42

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       8       (825     (755     (70

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       8       (825     (817     (8

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       16       (1,650     (1,786     136  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       41       (4,228     (5,770     1,542  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       92       (9,487     (12,613     3,126  

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       57       (5,878     (6,280     402  

Morgan Stanley Capital
Services LLC

               

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB-
Series 6, 5/11/63*

    3.00       Monthly       5.94       USD       35       (3,609     (2,552     (1,057
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $   (221,653   $   (168,031   $   (53,622
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   Termination date

 

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

VARIANCE SWAPS

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation

   Volatility
Strike
Price
     Payment
Frequency
    

Notional
Amount
(000)

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

Buy Contracts

                    

Deutsche Bank AG

                    

AUD/JPY, 1/14/20*

     11.12      Maturity        AUD        7      $   1,687      $   –0 –     $ 1,687  

AUD/JPY, 3/03/20*

     12.80        Maturity        AUD        4        (263      –0 –       (263

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

                    

AUD/JPY, 3/10/20*

     12.75        Maturity        AUD        2        (597      –0 –       (597

AUD/JPY, 3/11/20*

     12.90        Maturity        AUD        2        (417      –0 –       (417
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
               $ 410      $ –0 –     $ 410  
              

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*   Termination date

 

 

 

(a)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2018, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $9,360,916 or 19.0% of net assets.

 

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

 

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

 

(d)   IO—Interest Only.

 

(e)   Floating Rate Security. Stated interest/floor/ceiling rate was in effect at June 30, 2018.

 

(f)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities, which represent 0.26% of net assets as of June 30, 2018, are considered illiquid and restricted. Additional information regarding such securities follows:

 

144A/Restricted & Illiquid
Securities

   Acquisition
Date
     Cost      Market
Value
     Percentage
of Net Assets
 

Bellemeade Re II Ltd.
Series 2016-1A, Class M2B
8.591%, 4/25/26

     4/29/16      $   47,736      $   48,355        0.10

Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust
Series 2015-WF1, Class 1M2
7.341%, 11/25/25

     9/28/15        46,424        52,242        0.11

Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust
Series 2015-WF1, Class 2M2
7.591%, 11/25/25

     9/28/15        20,233        23,737        0.05

 

(g)   Inverse interest only security.

 

(h)   Non-income producing security.

 

(i)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

Currency Abbreviations:

ARS—Argentine Peso

AUD—Australian Dollar

BRL—Brazilian Real

CAD—Canadian Dollar

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

INR—Indian Rupee

 

19


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

JPY—Japanese Yen

KRW—South Korean Won

MXN—Mexican Peso

MYR—Malaysian Ringgit

NOK—Norwegian Krone

NZD—New Zealand Dollar

PLN—Polish Zloty

SEK—Swedish Krona

SGD—Singapore Dollar

TWD—New Taiwan Dollar

USD—United States Dollar

Glossary:

ABS—Asset-Backed Securities

ARPP7DRR—Argentina Central Bank 7-Day Repo Reference Rate

BBR—Bank of England Base Rate

BKBM—Bank Bill Benchmark (New Zealand)

BOBL—Bundesobligationen

CBT—Chicago Board of Trade

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

CDX-NAIG—North American Investment Grade Credit Default Swap Index

CMBS—Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

CPI—Consumer Price Index

EURIBOR—Euro Interbank Offered Rate

IRS—Interest Rate Swaption

LIBOR—London Interbank Offered Rates

NIBOR—Norwegian Interbank Offered Rate

REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust

REMICs—Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits

STIBOR—Stockholm Interbank Offered Rate

TBA—To Be Announced

TIPS—Treasury Inflation Protected Security

See notes to financial statements.

 

20


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $53,233,413)

   $ 52,691,071  

Affiliated issuers (cost $1,048,730)

     1,048,730  

Cash collateral due from broker

     165,583  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $0)

     7,472  

Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions

     869,546  

Interest receivable

     277,739  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     85,866  

Upfront premiums paid on credit default swaps

     35,690  

Unrealized appreciation on credit default swaps

     29,867  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     7,319  

Unrealized appreciation on variance swaps

     1,687  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     301  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     55,220,871  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Due to custodian

     3,452  

Swaptions written, at value (premiums received $6,848)

     2,281  

Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency transactions

     5,404,709  

Upfront premiums received on credit default swaps

     203,721  

Unrealized depreciation on credit default swaps

     83,489  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     37,425  

Advisory fee payable

     18,826  

Administrative fee payable

     8,967  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     4,160  

Distribution fee payable

     2,907  

Payable for variation margin on futures

     2,752  

Unrealized depreciation on variance swaps

     1,277  

Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

     1,038  

Directors’ fees payable

     437  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     87  

Accrued expenses

     95,518  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     5,871,046  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 49,349,825  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 4,750  

Additional paid-in capital

     48,168,783  

Undistributed net investment income

     1,289,223  

Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     266,907  

Net unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (379,838
  

 

 

 
   $ 49,349,825  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class    Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A    $ 35,651,342          3,419,929        $   10.42  
B    $   13,698,483          1,329,856        $ 10.30  

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

21


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Interest

   $ 797,942  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers

     5,580  

Affiliated issuers

     301  
  

 

 

 
     803,823  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     113,570  

Distribution fee—Class B

     17,549  

Transfer agency—Class A

     1,613  

Transfer agency—Class B

     621  

Custodian

     61,507  

Audit and tax

     39,484  

Administrative

     27,008  

Legal

     14,397  

Directors’ fees

     12,796  

Printing

     12,296  

Miscellaneous

     2,132  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     302,973  

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

     (28
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     302,945  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     500,878  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions

     (296,090

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (24,250

Futures

     (248,188

Swaps

     56,522  

Foreign currency transactions

     137,123  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

  

Investments

     (1,149,897

Forward currency exchange contracts

     113,394  

Futures

     43,086  

Swaps

     190,195  

Swaptions written

     4,567  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (30,663
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (1,204,201
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (703,323
  

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

22


 
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income

   $ 500,878     $ 1,136,647  

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

     (374,883     328,561  

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

     (829,318     444,907  

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

     –0 –      286  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (703,323     1,910,401  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM

 

Net investment income

 

Class A

     –0 –      (1,298,457

Class B

     –0 –      (477,217

Net realized gain on investment transactions

 

Class A

     –0 –      (377,042

Class B

     –0 –      (150,631

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net decrease

     (2,905,134     (4,860,694
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease

     (3,608,457     (5,253,640

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     52,958,282       58,211,922  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $1,289,223 and $788,345, respectively)

   $ 49,349,825     $ 52,958,282  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

23


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Intermediate Bond Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to generate income and price appreciation without assuming what AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) considers undue risk. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers fourteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

24


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

The fair value of debt instruments, such as bonds, and over-the-counter derivatives is generally based on market price quotations, recently executed market transactions (where observable) or industry recognized modeling techniques and are generally classified as Level 2. Pricing vendor inputs to Level 2 valuations may include quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, interest rate curves, coupon rates, currency rates, yield curves, option adjusted spreads, default rates, credit spreads and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows which are then discounted to calculate fair values. If these inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value, these investments will be classified as Level 3. In addition, non-agency rated investments are classified as Level 3.

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

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

Valuations of mortgage-backed or other asset-backed securities, by pricing vendors, are based on both proprietary and industry recognized models and discounted cash flow techniques. Significant inputs to the valuation of these instruments are value of the collateral, the rates and timing of delinquencies, the rates and timing of prepayments, and default and loss expectations, which are driven in part by housing prices for residential mortgages. Significant inputs are determined based on relative value analyses, which incorporate comparisons to instruments with similar collateral and risk profiles, including

 

25


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

relevant indices. Mortgage and asset-backed securities for which management has collected current observable data through pricing services are generally categorized within Level 2. Those investments for which current observable data has not been provided are classified as Level 3.

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2018:

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities:

        

Assets:

        

Corporates—Investment Grade

   $ –0 –    $ 12,084,724     $ –0 –    $ 12,084,724  

Mortgage Pass-Throughs

     –0 –      10,089,231       –0 –      10,089,231  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

     –0 –      4,916,294       743,937       5,660,231  

Asset-Backed Securities

     –0 –      3,707,891       1,354,345       5,062,236  

Governments—Treasuries

     –0 –      4,106,386       –0 –      4,106,386  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

     –0 –      3,488,005       46,950       3,534,955  

Inflation-Linked Securities

     –0 –      2,650,717       –0 –      2,650,717  

Corporates—Non-Investment Grade

     –0 –      1,868,869       –0 –      1,868,869  

Agencies

     –0 –      1,581,478       –0 –      1,581,478  

Emerging Markets—Treasuries

     –0 –      338,360       –0 –      338,360  

Local Governments—US Municipal Bonds

     –0 –      294,968       –0 –      294,968  

Emerging Markets—Corporate Bonds

     –0 –      258,445       –0 –      258,445  

Governments—Sovereign Bonds

     –0 –      199,854       –0 –      199,854  

Quasi-Sovereigns

     –0 –      117,720       –0 –      117,720  

Preferred Stocks

     –0 –      108,810       –0 –      108,810  

Options Purchased—Calls

     –0 –      866       –0 –      866  

Short-Term Investments:

        

Governments—Treasuries

     –0 –      4,136,052       –0 –      4,136,052  

Investment Companies

     1,048,730       –0 –      –0 –      1,048,730  

U.S. Treasury Bills

     –0 –      597,169       –0 –      597,169  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     1,048,730       50,545,839       2,145,232       53,739,801  

Other Financial Instruments(a):

        

Assets:

        

Futures

     76,288       –0 –      –0 –      76,288 (b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     –0 –      85,866       –0 –      85,866  

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

     –0 –      113,100       –0 –      113,100 (b) 

Credit Default Swaps

     –0 –      24,917       –0 –      24,917  

Variance Swaps

     –0 –      1,687       –0 –      1,687  

Liabilities:

        

Futures

     (11,101     –0 –      –0 –      (11,101 )(b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     –0 –      (37,425     –0 –      (37,425

Interest Rate Swaptions

     –0 –      (2,281     –0 –      (2,281

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps

     –0 –      (11,697     –0 –      (11,697 )(b) 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

     –0 –      (19,091     –0 –      (19,091 )(b) 

Credit Default Swaps

     –0 –      (246,570     –0 –      (246,570

Variance Swaps

     –0 –      (1,277     –0 –      (1,277
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total(c)

   $ 1,113,917     $ 50,453,068     $ 2,145,232     $ 53,712,217  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

26


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

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

 

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

 

(c)   There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period.

The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.

The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value.

 

     Commercial
Mortgage-
Backed
Securities
    Asset-
Backed
Securities
    Collateralized
Mortgage
Obligations
 

Balance as of 12/31/17

   $ 774,281     $ 1,409,964     $ 46,791  

Accrued discounts/(premiums)

     (60     33       –0 – 

Realized gain (loss)

     (1,009     41       –0 – 

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     (7,110     (10,740     159  

Purchases/Payups

     –0 –      229,983       –0 – 

Sales/Paydowns

     (22,165     (274,936     –0 – 

Transfers in to Level 3

     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Transfers out of Level 3

     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of 6/30/18

   $ 743,937     $ 1,354,345     $ 46,950  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments held as of 6/30/18(a)

   $ (7,744   $ (10,740   $ 159  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Total              

Balance as of 12/31/17

   $ 2,231,036      

Accrued discounts/(premiums)

     (27    

Realized gain (loss)

     (968    

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     (17,691    

Purchases/Payups

     229,983      

Sales/Paydowns

     (297,101    

Transfers in to Level 3

     –0 –     

Transfers out of Level 3

     –0 –     
  

 

 

     

Balance as of 6/30/18

   $ 2,145,232      
  

 

 

     

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments held as of 6/30/18(a)

   $ (18,325    
  

 

 

     

 

(a)   The unrealized appreciation/depreciation is included in net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and other financial instruments in the accompanying statement of operations.

As of June 30, 2018, all Level 3 securities were priced by third party vendors.

The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.

 

27


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.

In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).

3. Currency Translation

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

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

 

28


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .45% of the first $2.5 billion, .40% of the next $2.5 billion up to $5 billion, .35% of the excess over $5 billion up to $8 billion and .30% in excess of $8 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Effective January 30, 2018, the investment advisory agreement was amended to implement the final advisory fee breakpoint for assets in excess of $8 billion of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $27,008.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Adviser reimbursed the Portfolio $286 for trading losses incurred due to a trade entry error.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $600 for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $28.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

Fund

   Market Value
12/31/17
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/18
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 0      $ 1,219      $ 170      $ 1,049      $          0

 

*   Amount is less than $500.

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 amounted to $22,371, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.    

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

 

29


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 9,823,741      $ 7,743,984  

U.S. government securities

     40,043,075        42,396,338  

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 871,348  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (1,250,088
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized depreciation

   $ (378,740
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Futures

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

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

The Portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of

 

30


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on forward currency exchange contracts. Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Portfolio. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Option Transactions

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

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

When the Portfolio writes an option, the premium received by the Portfolio is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the option written. Premiums received from written options which expire unexercised are recorded by the Portfolio on the expiration date as realized gains from options written. The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium received is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium received is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Portfolio has realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium received reduces the cost basis of the security or currency purchased by the Portfolio. In writing an option, the Portfolio bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security or currency underlying the written option. Exercise of an option written by the Portfolio could result in the Portfolio selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.

The Portfolio may also invest in options on swap agreements, also called “swaptions”. A swaption is an option that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a swap on a future date in exchange for paying a market-based “premium”. A receiver swaption gives the owner the right to receive the total return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. A payer swaption gives the owner the right to pay the total return on a specified asset, reference rate, or index. Swaptions also include options that allow an existing swap to be terminated or extended by one of the counterparties.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held purchased options for non-hedging purposes.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held written swaptions for non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Swaps

The Portfolio may enter into swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rates, credit risk or currencies. The Portfolio may also enter into swaps for non-hedging purposes as a means of gaining market exposures, making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions.” A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. The payment flows are usually netted against each other, with the difference being paid by one party to the other. In addition, collateral may be

 

31


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

pledged or received by the Portfolio in accordance with the terms of the respective swaps to provide value and recourse to the Portfolio or its counterparties in the event of default, bankruptcy or insolvency by one of the parties to the swap.

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

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

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

Interest Rate Swaps:

The Portfolio is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Because the Portfolio holds fixed rate bonds, the value of these bonds may decrease if interest rates rise. To help hedge against this risk and to maintain its ability to generate income at prevailing market rates, the Portfolio may enter into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are agreements between two parties to exchange cash flows based on a notional amount. The Portfolio may elect to pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate, or, receive a fixed rate and pay a floating rate on a notional amount.

In addition, the Portfolio may also enter into interest rate swap transactions to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, or protecting against an increase in the price of securities the Portfolio anticipates purchasing at a later date. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Portfolio with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments) computed based on a contractually-based principal (or “notional”) amount. Interest rate swaps are entered into on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Portfolio receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments).

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held interest rate swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

32


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Credit Default Swaps:

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

In certain circumstances Maximum Payout Amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront premium received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swaps entered into by the Portfolio for the same referenced obligations with the same counterparty. As of June 30, 2018, the Portfolio did not have Buy Contracts outstanding with respect to the same referenced obligations and same counterparty for its Sale Contracts outstanding.

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

Implied credit spreads over U.S. Treasuries of comparable maturity utilized in determining the market value of credit default swaps on issuers as of period end are disclosed in the portfolio of investments. The implied spreads serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and typically reflect the likelihood of default by the issuer of the referenced obligation. The implied credit spread of a particular reference obligation also reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may reflect upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Widening credit spreads typically represent a deterioration of the referenced obligation’s credit soundness and greater likelihood of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement. A credit spread identified as “Defaulted” indicates a credit event has occurred for the referenced obligation.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held credit default swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Variance Swaps:

The Portfolio may enter into variance swaps to hedge equity market risk or adjust exposure to the equity markets. Variance swaps are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the difference between the stated level of variance and the actual variance realized on underlying asset(s) or index(es). Actual “variance” as used here is defined as the sum of the square of the returns on the reference asset(s) or index(es) (which in effect is a measure of its “volatility”) over the length of the contract term. So the parties to a variance swap can be said to exchange actual volatility for a contractually stated rate of volatility.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held variance swaps for hedging purposes.

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

 

33


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Interest rate contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures   $ 76,288   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures   $ 11,101

Credit contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps     1,207    

Interest rate contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps     113,098   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps     15,686

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts     85,866     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts     37,425  

Interest rate contracts

  Investments in securities, at value     866      

Interest rate contracts

      Swaptions written, at value     2,281  

Credit contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on credit default swaps     29,867     Unrealized depreciation on credit default swaps     83,489  

Equity contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on variance swaps     1,687     Unrealized depreciation on variance swaps     1,277  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    $ 308,879       $ 151,259  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

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

 

Derivative Type

  

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

   Realized Gain or
(Loss) on
Derivatives
    Change in Unrealized
Appreciation or
(Depreciation)
 
Interest rate contracts    Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures      $(248,188   $ 43,086  
Foreign currency contracts    Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts      (24,250     113,394  
Interest rate contracts    Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments      –0 –      (7,854
Interest rate contracts    Net realized gain (loss) on swaptions written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaptions written      –0 –      4,567  

 

34


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Derivative Type

  

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

   Realized Gain or
(Loss) on
Derivatives
    Change in Unrealized
Appreciation or
(Depreciation)
 
Interest rate contracts    Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps      $37,029       $90,816  

Credit contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps      19,493       98,969  

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps      –0 –      410  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ (215,916   $ 343,388  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2018:

 

Futures:

  

Average original value of buy contracts

   $ 8,912,261  

Average original value of sale contracts

   $ 8,027,772  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 2,157,129  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 8,296,085  

Purchased Swaptions:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 2,650,000 (a) 

Swaptions Written:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 6,375,000 (a) 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 12,519,510  

Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 1,691,000  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 2,501,615  

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 760,000 (b) 

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 260,000 (a) 

Variance Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 100,505  

 

(a)   Positions were open for one month during the period.

 

(b)   Positions were open for three months during the period.

For financial reporting purposes, the Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

35


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2018. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

   Derivative
Assets
Subject to a MA
     Derivative
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Received*
    Security
Collateral
Received*
    Net Amount of
Derivatives
Assets
 

Bank of America, NA

   $ 1,354      $ (665   $         –0 –    $         –0 –    $ 689  

Barclays Bank PLC

     11,186        (1,030     –0 –      –0 –      10,156  

BNP Paribas SA

     4,990        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      4,990  

Citibank, NA

     3,644        (3,644     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     1        (1     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Credit Suisse International

     24,677        (24,677     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Deutsche Bank AG

     1,859        (1,859     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Goldman Sachs Bank USA/Goldman Sachs International

     22        (22     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

HSBC Bank USA

     14,092        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      14,092  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc./Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

     11,563        (11,563     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Standard Chartered Bank

     1,891        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      1,891  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     38,057        (12,969     –0 –      –0 –      25,088  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 113,336      $ (56,430   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 56,906
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Counterparty

   Derivative
Liabilities
Subject to a MA
     Derivative
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Pledged*
    Security
Collateral
Pledged*
    Net Amount of
Derivatives
Liabilities
 

Bank of America, NA

   $ 665      $ (665   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ –0 – 

Barclays Bank PLC

     1,030        (1,030     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Citibank, NA

     17,512        (3,644     –0 –      –0 –      13,868  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     18,573        (1     –0 –      –0 –      18,572  

Credit Suisse International

     87,259        (24,677     –0 –      –0 –      62,582  

Deutsche Bank AG

     44,543        (1,859     –0 –      –0 –      42,684  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA/Goldman Sachs International

     90,370        (22     –0 –      –0 –      90,348  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc./Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

     14,632        (11,563     –0 –      –0 –      3,069  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     12,969        (12,969     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 287,553      $ (56,430   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 231,123
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   The actual collateral received/pledged may be more than the amount reported due to over-collateralization.

 

^   Net amount represents the net receivable/payable that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

 

36


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

3. TBA and Dollar Rolls

The Portfolio may invest in TBA mortgage-backed securities. A TBA, or “To Be Announced”, trade represents a contract for the purchase or sale of mortgage-backed securities to be delivered at a future agree-upon date; however, the specific mortgage pool numbers or the number of pools that will be delivered to fulfill the trade obligation or terms of the contract are unknown at the time of the trade. Mortgage pools (including fixed-rate or variable-rate mortgages) guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association, or GNMA, the Federal National Mortgage Association, or FNMA, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or FHLMC, are subsequently allocated to the TBA transactions.

The Portfolio may enter into dollar rolls. Dollar rolls involve sales by the Portfolio of securities for delivery in the current month and the Portfolio’s simultaneously contracting to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Portfolio forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities. The Portfolio is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Portfolio is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. Dollar rolls are speculative techniques. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio earned drop income of $45,357 which is included in interest income in the accompanying statement of operations.

NOTE E: Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

Class A

         

Shares sold

    57,820       71,422       $ 603,345     $ 762,494  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      159,268         –0 –      1,675,499  

Shares redeemed

    (252,451     (576,733       (2,629,650     (6,173,251
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (194,631     (346,043     $ (2,026,305   $ (3,735,258
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    54,641       106,949       $ 563,780     $ 1,130,081  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      60,254         –0 –      627,848  

Shares redeemed

    (139,974     (272,822       (1,442,609     (2,883,365
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (85,333     (105,619     $ (878,829   $ (1,125,436
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2018, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 81% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk—Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments in fixed-income debt securities such as bonds or notes. Increases in interest rates may cause the value of the Portfolio’s investments to decline. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to a derivative contract, will be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. Credit risk is greater for medium quality and lower-rated securities. Lower-rated debt securities and similar unrated securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) have speculative elements or are predominantly speculative risks.

Below Investment Grade Securities Risk—Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally and less secondary market liquidity.

 

 

37


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Duration Risk—Duration is a measure that relates the expected price volatility of a fixed-income security to changes in interest rates. The duration of a fixed-income security may be shorter than or equal to full maturity of a fixed-income security. Fixed-income securities with longer durations have more risk and will decrease in price as interest rates rise. For example, generally a fixed-income security with a duration of three years will decrease in value by approximately 3% if interest rates increase by 1%.

Inflation Risk—This is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Portfolio’s assets can decline as can the real value of the Portfolio’s distributions. This risk is significantly greater if the Portfolio’s invests a significant portion of its assets in fixed-income securities with longer maturities.

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

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

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

Prepayment Risk—The value of mortgage-related or asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. Early payments of principal on some mortgage-related securities may occur during periods of falling mortgage interest rates and expose the Portfolio to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. Early payments associated with mortgage-related securities cause these securities to experience significantly greater price and yield volatility than is experienced by traditional fixed-income securities. During periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective life of mortgage-related securities, subjecting them to greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates. If the life of a mortgage-related security is inaccurately predicted, the Portfolio may not be able to realize the rate of return it expected.

Mortgage-Related and/or Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk—Investments in mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are subject to certain additional risks. The value of these securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates. These risks include “extension risk”, which is the risk that, in periods of rising interest rates, issuers may delay the payment of principal, and “prepayment risk”, which is the risk that in periods of falling interest rates, issuers may pay principal sooner than expected, exposing the Portfolio to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. Mortgage-backed securities offered by nongovernmental issuers and other asset-backed securities may be subject to other risks, such as higher rates of default in the mortgages or assets backing the securities or risks associated with the nature and servicing of mortgages or assets backing the securities.

Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of other types of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.

Liquidity Risk—Liquidity risk occurs when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling less liquid securities may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Portfolio. Causes of liquidity risk may include low trading volumes, large positions and heavy redemptions of portfolio shares. Over recent years, liquidity risk has also increased because the capacity of dealers in the secondary market for fixed-income securities to make markets in these securities has decreased, even as the overall bond market has grown significantly, due to, among other things, structural changes, additional regulatory requirements and capital and risk restraints that have led to reduced inventories. Liquidity risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally decline.

 

38


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

Active Trading Risk—The Portfolio expects to engage in active and frequent trading of its portfolio securities and its portfolio turnover rate is expected to exceed 100%. A higher rate of portfolio turnover increases transaction costs, which may negatively affect the Portfolio’s return. In addition, a high rate of portfolio turnover may result in substantial short-term gains, which may have adverse tax consequences for Contractholders.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

NOTE G : Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Effective July 3, 2018, the Facility will be increased to $325 million.

NOTE H : Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

       2017        2016  

Distributions paid from:

         

Ordinary income

     $ 1,775,674        $ 2,677,478  

Net long-term capital gains

       527,673          –0 – 
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

     $ 2,303,347        $ 2,677,478  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 794,243  

Undistributed capital gains

     444,890  

Other losses

     (10,313 )(a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     650,795 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 1,889,928  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio had cumulative deferred loss on straddles of $10,313.

 

(b)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax treatment of swaps and the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE I: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (the “ASU”) which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require any accounting change for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods

 

39


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.

NOTE J: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

40


 
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,  2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $10.56       $10.65       $10.63       $11.37       $11.22       $12.30  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .11 (b)      .23       .28 †      .27       .28       .32  

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

    (.25     .14       .23       (.27     .44       (.59

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      .00 (c)      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (.14     .37       .51       –0 –      .72       (.27
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.36     (.35     (.40     (.41     (.45

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (.10     (.14     (.34     (.16     (.36
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.46     (.49     (.74     (.57     (.81
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $10.42       $10.56       $10.65       $10.63       $11.37       $11.22  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)

    (1.33 )%      3.52 %*      4.71 %†*      .01 %*      6.48     (2.16 )%* 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period
(000’s omitted)

    $35,651       $38,172       $42,183       $47,554       $56,437       $61,848  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.13 %^      1.11     1.06     .96     .88     .77

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.13 %^      1.11     1.06     .96     .88     .77

Net investment income

    2.05 %(b)^      2.11     2.60 %†      2.44     2.46     2.74

Portfolio turnover rate**

    97     216     156     230     262     217

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 43.

 

41


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $10.45       $10.54       $10.53       $11.26       $11.11       $12.17  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .09 (b)      .20       .25 †      .24       .25       .29  

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

    (.24     .14       .22       (.26     .43       (.58

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      .00 (c)      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset
value from operations

    (.15     .34       .47       (.02     .68       (.29
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.33     (.32     (.37     (.37     (.41

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (.10     (.14     (.34     (.16     (.36
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.43     (.46     (.71     (.53     (.77
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $10.30       $10.45       $10.54       $10.53       $11.26       $11.11  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)

    (1.44 )%      3.28 %*      4.36 %†*      (.18 )%*      6.22     (2.34 )%* 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period
(000’s omitted)

    $13,699       $14,786       $16,029       $17,681       $19,891       $22,450  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.38 %^      1.36     1.32     1.21     1.13     1.02

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.38 %^      1.36     1.32     1.21     1.13     1.02

Net investment income

    1.80 %(b)^      1.87     2.36 %†      2.19     2.21     2.49

Portfolio turnover rate**

    97     216     156     230     262     217

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 43.

 

42


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

(d)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows:

 

Net Investment
Income Per Share
   Net Investment
Income Ratio
  Total Return
$.03    .28%   .28%

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2013 by .03%, .03%, .03% and .02%, respectively.

 

**   The Portfolio accounts for dollar roll transactions as purchases and sales.

 

^   Annualized.

 

43


 
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser, as proposed to be amended to add an additional breakpoint to the advisory fee schedule (as so amended, the “Advisory Agreement”), in respect of AB Intermediate Bond Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on October 31-November 2, 2017 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed an independent evaluation prepared by the Company’s Senior Officer (who is also the Company’s Independent Compliance Officer), who acted as their independent fee consultant, of the reasonableness of the proposed advisory fee, in which the Senior Officer concluded that the proposed contractual fee for the Fund was reasonable. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel and the Company’s Senior Officer.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the proposed advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the proposed advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2015 and 2016 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s Senior Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating

 

44


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency and distribution services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended July 31, 2017 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates paid by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Company’s Senior Officer and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another AB Fund with a similar investment style.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions; (iii) must prepare and distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; (iv) must service, and be marketed to, retail investors and financial intermediaries; and (v) requires a larger sales support infrastructure. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category

 

45


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the proposed advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

46


 

 

 

 

VPS-IB-0152-0618


JUN    06.30.18

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO


 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2018
     Ending
Account Value
June  30, 2018
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

        

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 954.20      $ 5.91        1.22

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,018.74      $ 6.11        1.22
           

Class B

        

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 953.10      $ 7.12        1.47

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $   1,000      $   1,017.50      $   7.35        1.47

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF NET ASSETS  

Kingspan Group PLC

   $ 2,272,666          3.7

HDFC Bank Ltd.

     2,124,445          3.5  

Siemens AG (REG)

     2,046,695          3.4  

Aptiv PLC

     1,826,003          3.0  

AIA Group Ltd.

     1,794,551          3.0  

Partners Group Holding AG

     1,783,019          2.9  

Credicorp Ltd.

     1,731,848          2.9  

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.

     1,673,985          2.8  

Housing Development Finance Corp. Ltd.

     1,643,007          2.7  

Schneider Electric SE (Paris)

     1,631,565          2.7  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   18,527,784          30.6

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Financials

   $ 14,499,641          24.0

Industrials

     9,354,573          15.5  

Information Technology

     8,104,488          13.4  

Consumer Staples

     6,739,842          11.1  

Health Care

     6,616,156          10.9  

Consumer Discretionary

     5,565,741          9.2  

Utilities

     2,447,319          4.0  

Telecommunication Services

     2,322,274          3.8  

Materials

     2,197,791          3.6  

Real Estate

     1,117,677          1.9  

Short-Term Investments

     1,581,616          2.6  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   60,547,118          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

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

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

 

2


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COUNTRY    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

India

   $ 8,201,309          13.5

France

     6,287,880          10.4  

Germany

     5,223,062          8.6  

Japan

     5,197,976          8.6  

China

     4,755,356          7.9  

Switzerland

     4,693,577          7.7  

Ireland

     3,631,873          6.0  

United States

     3,388,031          5.6  

United Kingdom

     2,728,456          4.5  

Sweden

     2,518,943          4.2  

Denmark

     2,178,664          3.6  

Hong Kong

     1,943,360          3.2  

Peru

     1,731,848          2.9  

Other

     6,485,167          10.7  

Short-Term Investments

     1,581,616          2.6  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   60,547,118          100.0

 

 

 

1   All data are as of June 30, 2018. The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represent 2.0% or less in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Indonesia, Netherlands, Philippines and Taiwan.

 

3


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
   

COMMON STOCKS–97.4%

   

FINANCIALS–24.0%

   

BANKS–10.5%

   

Credicorp Ltd.

    7,693     $ 1,731,848  

HDFC Bank Ltd.

    68,017       2,124,445  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB–Class A

    102,240       1,132,354  

Swedbank AB–Class A

    65,079       1,386,589  
   

 

 

 
      6,375,236  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–3.0%

   

Partners Group Holding AG

    2,439       1,783,019  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–2.5%

   

Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd.(a)

    88,560       1,503,062  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–5.3%

   

AIA Group Ltd.

    206,000       1,794,551  

Prudential PLC

    61,447       1,400,766  
   

 

 

 
      3,195,317  
   

 

 

 

THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–2.7%

   

Housing Development Finance Corp. Ltd.

    58,964       1,643,007  
   

 

 

 
      14,499,641  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–15.5%

   

BUILDING PRODUCTS–5.6%

   

Cie de Saint-Gobain

    24,770       1,103,378  

Kingspan Group PLC

    45,385       2,272,666  
   

 

 

 
      3,376,044  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–1.8%

   

China Everbright International Ltd.

    859,000       1,106,288  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–4.7%

   

Schneider Electric SE (Paris)

    19,618       1,631,565  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    19,340       1,193,981  
   

 

 

 
      2,825,546  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–3.4%

   

Siemens AG (REG)

    15,534       2,046,695  
   

 

 

 
      9,354,573  
   

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–13.4%

   

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS –2.8%

   

Halma PLC

    53,678       966,543  

Horiba Ltd.

    10,800       754,932  
   

 

 

 
      1,721,475  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–2.4%

   

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

    28,900       1,451,224  
   

 

 

 
Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
   

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–8.2%

   

ams AG(a)

    16,650     $ 1,234,766  

ASML Holding NV

    3,931       777,885  

Disco Corp.

    3,200       544,777  

Infineon Technologies AG

    50,702       1,287,897  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    153,000       1,086,464  
   

 

 

 
      4,931,789  
   

 

 

 
      8,104,488  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–11.1%

   

FOOD & STAPLES
RETAILING–2.0%

   

Tsuruha Holdings, Inc.

    9,600       1,202,436  
   

 

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–4.5%

   

Kerry Group PLC–Class A

    12,990       1,359,207  

Nestle SA (REG)

    17,717       1,373,082  
   

 

 

 
      2,732,289  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–2.5%

   

Unicharm Corp.

    51,500       1,548,307  
   

 

 

 

PERSONAL PRODUCTS–2.1%

   

Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.

    70,518       1,256,810  
   

 

 

 
      6,739,842  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–10.9%

   

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES –2.6%

   

Essilor International Cie Generale d’Optique SA

    11,052       1,558,289  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–2.8%

   

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.

    108,642       1,673,985  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–2.4%

   

Gerresheimer AG

    8,890       719,236  

ICON PLC(a)

    5,780       766,023  
   

 

 

 
      1,485,259  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–3.1%

   

Roche Holding AG

    6,930       1,537,476  

Vectura Group PLC(a)

    351,400       361,147  
   

 

 

 
      1,898,623  
   

 

 

 
      6,616,156  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER
DISCRETIONARY–9.2%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–6.0%

   

Aptiv PLC

    19,928       1,826,003  

Delphi Technologies PLC

    17,510       796,005  

Valeo SA

    18,930       1,032,131  
   

 

 

 
      3,654,139  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–1.9%

   

Panasonic Corp.

    85,100       1,147,524  
   

 

 

 

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
   

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–1.3%

   

Crystal International
Group Ltd.
(b)

    214,000     $ 148,809  

Shenzhou International Group Holdings Ltd.

    50,000       615,269  
   

 

 

 
      764,078  
   

 

 

 
      5,565,741  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–4.0%

   

MULTI-UTILITIES–1.6%

   

Suez

    74,406       962,517  
   

 

 

 

WATER UTILITIES–2.4%

   

Beijing Enterprises Water
Group Ltd.
(a)

    1,778,000       966,812  

Cia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo

    86,200       517,990  
   

 

 

 
      1,484,802  
   

 

 

 
      2,447,319  
   

 

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–3.8%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–3.8%

   

China Unicom Hong Kong Ltd.

    494,000       615,763  

Deutsche Telekom AG (REG)(a)

    75,657       1,169,234  

Telekomunikasi Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    2,051,500       537,277  
   

 

 

 
      2,322,274  
   

 

 

 
   

MATERIALS–3.6%

   

CHEMICALS–3.6%

   

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

    10,696       984,683  

Umicore SA

    21,250       1,213,108  
   

 

 

 
      2,197,791  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–1.9%

   

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–1.9%

   

SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

    1,659,200       1,117,678  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $46,690,222)

      58,965,503  
   

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–2.6%

   

INVESTMENT
COMPANIES–2.6%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(c)(d)(e) (cost $1,581,615)

    1,581,615       1,581,615  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.0%
(cost $48,271,837)

      60,547,118  

Other assets less liabilities–0.0%

      9,933  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 60,557,051  
   

 

 

 

 

5


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Bank of America, NA

     USD       1,184        GBP       845        8/16/18      $ (66,713

Barclays Bank PLC

     BRL       1,521        USD       394        7/03/18        2,031  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD       407        BRL       1,521        7/03/18        (14,811

Barclays Bank PLC

     CNY       5,548        USD       845        7/19/18        8,473  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD       669        CNY       4,288        7/19/18        (22,688

Barclays Bank PLC

     INR       10,808        USD       159        8/09/18        1,631  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD       199        INR       13,755        8/09/18        1,063  

Barclays Bank PLC

     EUR       3,534        USD       4,247        8/16/18        106,987  

Barclays Bank PLC

     PHP       54,202        USD       1,021        9/11/18        11,276  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD       642        TWD       18,996        9/13/18        (15,435

BNP Paribas SA

     USD       555        CNY       3,521        7/19/18        (24,428

BNP Paribas SA

     USD       77        PHP       4,117        9/11/18        (25

BNP Paribas SA

     USD       96        TWD       2,858        9/13/18        (1,991

Citibank, NA

     USD       2,481        KRW       2,638,602        7/26/18        (111,013

Citibank, NA

     USD       522        RUB       33,356        7/31/18        7,943  

Citibank, NA

     INR       446,573        USD       6,572        8/09/18        82,261  

Citibank, NA

     EUR       1,122        USD       1,341        8/16/18        26,114  

Citibank, NA

     HKD       6,641        USD       848        8/16/18        1,098  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     USD       2,825        AUD       3,752        8/16/18        (47,641

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     USD       3,486        GBP       2,565        8/16/18        (94,225

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     USD       1,041        ZAR       12,977        8/16/18        (99,788

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     BRL       1,521        USD       403        7/03/18        10,474  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     USD       394        BRL       1,521        7/03/18        (2,031

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     USD       402        BRL       1,521        8/02/18        (10,732

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     EUR       635        USD       780        8/16/18        35,835  

Standard Chartered Bank

     CNY       828        USD       130        7/19/18        5,500  

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD       261        CNY       1,666        7/19/18        (9,466

Standard Chartered Bank

     KRW       170,726        USD       154        7/26/18        372  

Standard Chartered Bank

     BRL       232        USD       60        8/02/18        542  

Standard Chartered Bank

     INR       10,540        USD       154        8/09/18        560  

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD       3,936        CAD       5,018        8/16/18        (115,687

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD       4,790        JPY       520,693        8/16/18        (72,882

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     CNY       830        USD       130        7/19/18        4,698  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     INR       6,461        USD       96        8/09/18        1,627  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     AUD       143        USD       108        8/16/18        1,929  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     CHF       433        USD       446        8/16/18        6,707  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     CHF       971        USD       977        8/16/18        (7,178

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     EUR       736        USD       894        8/16/18        31,727  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     EUR       363        USD       424        8/16/18        (792

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     GBP       162        USD       217        8/16/18        2,281  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     HKD       1,019        USD       130        8/16/18        89  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     JPY       61,924        USD       570        8/16/18        9,109  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     SEK       12,287        USD       1,432        8/16/18        55,885  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       132        AUD       175        8/16/18        (2,071

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       198        CAD       253        8/16/18        (5,605

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       914        EUR       783        8/16/18        3,683  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD       132        GBP       97        8/16/18        (3,239

 

6


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

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

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        158        HKD        1,238        8/16/18      $ 23  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        121        HKD        950        8/16/18        (8

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        659        JPY        72,020        8/16/18        (6,235

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        464        MXN        9,083        8/16/18        (9,292

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        306        NOK        2,440        8/16/18        (6,377

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        72        NZD        102        8/16/18        (2,964

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     ZAR        6,473        USD        465        8/16/18        (4,283
                 

 

 

 
   $ (337,682
                 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.
(b)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security is considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2018, the market value of this security amounted to $148,809 or 0.2% of net assets.
(c)   Affiliated investments.
(d)   The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end.
(e)   To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

BRL—Brazilian Real

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

CNY—Chinese Yuan Renminbi

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

HKD—Hong Kong Dollar

INR—Indian Rupee

JPY—Japanese Yen

KRW—South Korean Won

MXN—Mexican Peso

NOK—Norwegian Krone

NZD—New Zealand Dollar

PHP—Philippine Peso

RUB—Russian Ruble

SEK—Swedish Krona

TWD—New Taiwan Dollar

USD—United States Dollar

ZAR—South African Rand

Glossary:

REG—Registered Shares

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $46,690,222)

   $ 58,965,503  

Affiliated issuers (cost $1,581,615)

     1,581,615  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $68,837)

     68,315  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     419,918  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     247,550  

Unaffiliated dividends and interest receivable

     236,906  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     16,236  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     735  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     61,536,778  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     757,600  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     80,371  

Advisory fee payable

     39,714  

Administrative fee payable

     8,949  

Distribution fee payable

     7,560  

Directors’ fees payable

     435  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     87  

Accrued expenses

     85,011  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     979,727  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 60,557,051  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 2,767  

Additional paid-in capital

     45,958,176  

Undistributed net investment income

     836,308  

Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     1,825,711  

Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     11,934,089  
  

 

 

 
   $ 60,557,051  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class    Net Assets      Shares
Outstanding
     Net Asset
Value
 
A    $   26,260,535        1,188,844      $   22.09  
B    $   34,296,516        1,577,954      $   21.73  

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

8


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

 

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $113,969)

   $ 987,298  

Affiliated issuers

     7,191  

Interest

     3,882  

Securities lending income

     26,096  
  

 

 

 
     1,024,467  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     252,549  

Distribution fee—Class B

     47,754  

Transfer agency—Class A

     979  

Transfer agency—Class B

     1,281  

Custodian

     52,477  

Audit and tax

     29,388  

Administrative

     27,017  

Printing

     17,533  

Legal

     14,406  

Directors’ fees

     12,794  

Miscellaneous

     3,646  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     459,824  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (757
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     459,067  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     565,400  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

 

Net realized gain on:

  

Investment transactions

     1,459,298  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     123,623  

Foreign currency transactions

     288,688  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

 

Investments(a)

     (4,948,030

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (395,356

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (5,859
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (3,477,636
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (2,912,236
  

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Net of decrease in accrued foreign capital gains taxes of $434.

See notes to financial statements.

 

9


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income

   $ 565,400     $ 99,708  

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     1,871,609       11,762,934  

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

     (5,349,245     7,503,715  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (2,912,236     19,366,357  

DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM

 

Net investment income

 

Class A

     –0 –      (329,359

Class B

     –0 –      (356,101

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

    

Net decrease

     (7,855,600     (6,244,113
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (10,767,836     12,436,784  

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     71,324,887       58,888,103  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $836,308 and $270,908, respectively)

   $ 60,557,051     $ 71,324,887  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

10


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A : Significant Accounting Policies

The AB International Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers fourteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

11


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2018:

 

       Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

            

Assets:

            

Common Stocks:

            

Financials

     $ 1,731,848      $ 12,767,793     $             –0 –     $ 14,499,641  

Industrials

       2,272,666        7,081,907       –0 –       9,354,573  

Information Technology

       –0 –       8,104,488       –0 –       8,104,488  

Consumer Staples

       1,359,207        5,380,635       –0 –       6,739,842  

Health Care

       766,023        5,850,133       –0 –       6,616,156  

Consumer Discretionary

       2,622,008        2,943,733       –0 –       5,565,741  

Utilities

       517,990        1,929,329       –0 –       2,447,319  

Telecommunication Services

       –0 –       2,322,274       –0 –       2,322,274  

Materials

       –0 –       2,197,791       –0 –       2,197,791  

Real Estate

       –0 –       1,117,678       –0 –       1,117,678  

Short-Term Investments

       1,581,615        –0 –      –0 –       1,581,615  
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       10,851,357        49,695,761 (a)      –0 –       60,547,118  

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Other Financial Instruments(b):

        

Assets:

        

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

   $ –0 –    $ 419,918     $             –0 –    $ 419,918  

Liabilities:

        

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     –0 –      (757,600     –0 –      (757,600
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total(c)(d)

   $ 10,851,357     $ 49,358,079     $ –0 –    $ 60,209,436  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)   A significant portion of the Portfolio’s foreign equity investments are categorized as Level 2 investments since they are valued using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available, see Note A.1.

 

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

 

(c)   An amount of $3,223,067 was transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 due to the above mentioned foreign equity fair valuation using third party vendor modeling tools during the reporting period.

 

(d)   An amount of $2,100,196 was transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 as the above mentioned foreign equity fair valuation by the third party vendor was not applied during the reporting period.

The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.

The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.

In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).

3. Currency Translation

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

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

 

13


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B : Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $27,017.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $600 for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $91.

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

Fund

  Market Value
12/31/17
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Market Value
6/30/18
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $ 0     $ 1,808     $ 226     $ 1,582     $ 1  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

    1,757       13,227       14,984       0       6  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        $ 1,582     $ 7  
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 amounted to $9,651, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

NOTE C : Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

NOTE D : Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 4,923,735      $ 9,249,992  

U.S. government securities

     –0 –       0  

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 16,339,321  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (4,401,722
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 11,937,599  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

The principal type of derivative utilized by the Portfolio, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

The Portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale

 

15


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes.

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

    

Asset Derivatives

    

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

  

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value     

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Foreign currency contracts

   Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $ 419,918      Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $ 757,600  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     $ 419,918        $ 757,600  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts    $ 123,623      $ (395,356
     

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

        $123,623        $(395,356)  
     

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2018:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 27,938,551  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 22,082,221  

For financial reporting purposes, the Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2018. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Assets
Subject to a MA
     Derivative
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Received*
    Security
Collateral
Received*
    Net Amount of
Derivatives
Assets
 

Barclays Bank PLC

   $ 131,461      $ (52,934   $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 78,527  

Citibank, NA

     117,416        (111,013     –0 –      –0 –      6,403  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     46,309        (12,763     –0 –      –0 –      33,546  

Standard Chartered Bank

     6,974        (6,974     –0 –      –0 –      0  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     117,758        (48,044     –0 –      –0 –      69,714  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 419,918      $ (231,728   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 188,190
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Liabilities
Subject to a MA
     Derivative
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Pledged*
    Security
Collateral
Pledged*
    Net Amount of
Derivatives
Liabilities
 

Bank of America, NA

   $ 66,713      $ –0 –    $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 66,713  

Barclays Bank PLC

     52,934        (52,934     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

BNP Paribas SA

     26,444        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      26,444  

Citibank, NA

     111,013        (111,013     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     241,654        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      241,654  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     12,763        (12,763     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Standard Chartered Bank

     198,035        (6,974     –0 –      –0 –      191,061  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     48,044        (48,044     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 757,600      $ (231,728   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 525,872
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   The actual collateral received/pledged may be more than the amount reported due to over-collateralization.

 

^   Net amount represents the net receivable/payable that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E : Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any

 

17


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had no securities on loan. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $26,096 and $6,456 from the borrowers and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of AB Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $666. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities.

NOTE F : Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    Shares          

Amount

 
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

Class A

         

Shares sold

    39,917       97,457       $ 934,274     $ 2,078,227  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    –0 –      15,198         –0 –      329,359  

Shares redeemed

    (160,873     (304,481       (3,713,107     (6,242,518
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (120,956     (191,826     $ (2,778,833   $ (3,834,932
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    134,995       523,356       $ 3,100,605     $ 10,934,597  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    –0 –      16,664         –0 –      356,101  

Shares redeemed

    (355,207     (663,245       (8,177,372     (13,699,879
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (220,212     (123,225     $ (5,076,767   $ (2,409,181
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2018, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 81% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G : Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

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

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

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

Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of other types of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

NOTE H : Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Effective July 3, 2018, the Facility will be increased to $325 million.

NOTE I : Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

     2017        2016  

Distributions paid from:

       

Ordinary income

   $ 685,460        $             –0 – 
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 685,460        $ –0 – 
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 318,597  

Undistributed capital gains

     –0 –(a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     17,189,747 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 17,508,344  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   During the fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized $11,590,202 of capital loss carry forwards to offset current year net realized gains. The Portfolio also had $20,876,851 of capital loss carryforwards expire during the fiscal year.

 

(b)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gain/losses on certain derivative instruments.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE J : Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

19


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

Class A   CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
       
      Year Ended December 31,  
      2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $23.15       $17.34       $18.62       $19.04       $19.27       $17.13  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income(a)

    .21 (b)      .06 (b)      .11 (b)†      .15       .24       .21  

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

    (1.27     6.00       (1.39     (.50     (.47     2.11  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –(c)      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (1.06     6.06       (1.28     (.35     (.23     2.32  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.25     –0 –      (.07     –0 –      (.18
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $22.09       $23.15       $17.34       $18.62       $19.04       $19.27  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)

    (4.58 )%      35.02 %*      (6.87 )%†*      (1.87 )%      (1.19 )%      13.60
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $26,261       $30,318       $26,045       $33,090       $38,924       $102,467  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/ reimbursements

    1.22 %^      1.24     1.27     1.11     1.07     .94

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.22 %^      1.24     1.27     1.11     1.07     .94

Net investment income

    1.83 %(b)^      .30 %(b)      .60 %(b)†      .78     1.20     1.15

Portfolio turnover rate

    8     52     52     17     29     31

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 22.

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
      2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $22.80       $17.09       $18.39       $18.81       $19.08       $16.96  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income(a)

    .18 (b)      .01 (b)      .07 (b)†      .10       .20       .16  

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

    (1.25     5.90       (1.37     (.51     (.47     2.09  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –(c)      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (1.07     5.91       (1.30     (.41     (.27     2.25  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.20     –0 –      (.01     –0 –      (.13
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $21.73       $22.80       $17.09       $18.39       $18.81       $19.08  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)

    (4.69 )%      34.63 %*      (7.07 )%†*      (2.17 )%      (1.41 )%      13.32
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $34,296       $41,007       $32,843       $40,566       $47,884       $54,643  

Ratio to average net assets of:

 

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.47 %^      1.49     1.52     1.36     1.36     1.19

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.47 %^      1.49     1.52     1.36     1.36     1.19

Net investment income

    1.56 %(b)^      .04 %(b)      .37 %(b)†      .52     1.02     .92

Portfolio turnover rate

    8     52     52     17     29     31

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 22.

 

 

21


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

(d)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows:

 

Net Investment
Income Per Share
   Net Investment
Income Ratio
    Total
Return
 

$.04

     .22     .23

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 by .01% and .09%, respectively.

 

^   Annualized.

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

22


 
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB International Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2018 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including materials from an outside consultant, who acted as their independent fee consultant, and comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2016 and 2017 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the

 

23


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2018 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the materials from the Fund’s Senior Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another AB Fund with a similar investment style.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions; (iii) must prepare and distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

24


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

25


 

 

 

 

VPS-IG-0152-0618


JUN    06.30.18

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2018
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2018
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $   1,000      $ 936.80      $ 4.13        0.86

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $   1,020.53      $   4.31        0.86
           

Class B

           

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 935.60      $ 5.33        1.11

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,019.29      $ 5.56        1.11

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF NET ASSETS  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC—Class A

   $ 20,681,633          4.6

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

     13,773,764          3.1  

British American Tobacco PLC

     13,607,862          3.0  

Credit Suisse Group AG (REG)

     11,322,714          2.5  

Airbus SE

     10,749,924          2.4  

Erste Group Bank AG

     10,496,266          2.3  

JXTG Holdings, Inc.

     10,417,764          2.3  

Qantas Airways Ltd.

     9,587,485          2.1  

Panasonic Corp.

     9,270,541          2.1  

DNB ASA

     9,109,887          2.0  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   119,017,840          26.4

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF TOTAL
INVESTMENTS
 

Consumer Discretionary

   $ 80,037,950          17.8

Financials

     77,306,010          17.1  

Materials

     55,176,236          12.2  

Consumer Staples

     49,063,002          10.9  

Industrials

     48,298,770          10.7  

Information Technology

     43,198,916          9.6  

Energy

     43,100,116          9.6  

Telecommunication Services

     21,010,854          4.7  

Health Care

     16,881,877          3.7  

Utilities

     4,612,735          1.0  

Real Estate

     4,491,949          1.0  

Short-Term Investments

     7,546,125          1.7  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   450,724,540          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

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

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

2


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

COUNTRY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Japan

   $ 144,815,506          32.1

United Kingdom

     48,974,720          10.9  

Germany

     33,100,115          7.4  

France

     33,003,481          7.3  

Norway

     23,533,190          5.2  

China

     19,833,545          4.4  

Canada

     15,561,508          3.5  

Australia

     14,047,787          3.1  

Hong Kong

     13,261,745          2.9  

Finland

     13,073,398          2.9  

South Korea

     11,513,332          2.6  

Switzerland

     11,322,714          2.5  

Austria

     10,496,266          2.3  

Other

     50,641,108          11.2  

Short-Term Investments

     7,546,125          1.7  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   450,724,540          100.0

 

 

 

 

 

1   All data are as of June 30, 2018. The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represent 1.6% or less in the following countries: Brazil, Denmark, India, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Taiwan.

 

3


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
             

COMMON STOCKS–98.1%

   

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–17.7%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–5.9%

   

Hankook Tire Co., Ltd.

    109,434     $     4,134,904  

Magna International, Inc. (New York)–Class A

    120,220       6,988,389  

NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.

    300,100       8,531,469  

Valeo SA

    125,830       6,860,702  
   

 

 

 
      26,515,464  
   

 

 

 

AUTOMOBILES–4.8%

   

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

    236,200       6,925,617  

Peugeot SA

    364,910       8,314,572  

Subaru Corp.

    226,600       6,590,662  
   

 

 

 
      21,830,851  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–3.3%

   

Nikon Corp.

    355,800       5,654,521  

Panasonic Corp.

    687,500       9,270,541  
   

 

 

 
      14,925,062  
   

 

 

 

LEISURE PRODUCTS–1.0%

   

Amer Sports Oyj(a)

    145,170       4,564,742  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–2.7%

   

HUGO BOSS AG

    68,260       6,190,431  

Pandora A/S

    86,250       6,011,400  
   

 

 

 
      12,201,831  
   

 

 

 
      80,037,950  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–17.1%

   

BANKS–10.5%

   

BNP Paribas SA

    114,430       7,078,283  

BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

    1,494,000       7,021,703  

DNB ASA

    467,820       9,109,887  

Erste Group Bank AG(a)

    251,770       10,496,266  

ICICI Bank Ltd.

    808,790       3,244,794  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial
Group, Inc.

    1,448,800       8,207,278  

Yes Bank Ltd.

    466,822       2,316,580  
   

 

 

 
      47,474,791  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–2.5%

   

Credit Suisse
Group AG (REG)(a)

    757,217       11,322,714  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–1.1%

   

Hitachi Capital Corp.

    195,400       5,043,015  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–3.0%

   

Allianz SE (REG)

    43,740       9,012,828  

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

    4,140,000       4,452,662  
   

 

 

 
      13,465,490  
   

 

 

 
      77,306,010  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–12.2%

   

CHEMICALS–5.0%

   

Air Water, Inc.

    232,800       4,269,421  

Incitec Pivot Ltd.

    1,662,440       4,460,302  

Johnson Matthey PLC

    157,200     $     7,485,318  

Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.

    86,900       6,275,944  
   

 

 

 
      22,490,985  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS–1.5%

   

Buzzi Unicem SpA(b)

    285,270       6,970,015  
   

 

 

 

CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–1.0%

   

BillerudKorsnas AB

    321,910       4,537,664  
   

 

 

 

METALS & MINING–4.7%

   

First Quantum Minerals Ltd.

    320,090       4,716,193  

Gerdau SA (Preference Shares)

    1,109,200       3,980,900  

Norsk Hydro ASA

    1,251,890       7,472,838  

Yamato Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    166,000       5,007,641  
   

 

 

 
      21,177,572  
   

 

 

 
      55,176,236  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–10.9%

   

BEVERAGES–1.2%

   

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan
Holdings, Inc.

    136,600       5,465,296  
   

 

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–2.9%

   

Orkla ASA

    794,440       6,950,465  

WH Group Ltd.(c)

    7,711,500       6,240,042  
   

 

 

 
      13,190,507  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–1.9%

   

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
(Preference Shares)

    64,660       8,250,529  
   

 

 

 

TOBACCO–4.9%

   

British American Tobacco PLC

    270,140       13,607,862  

Japan Tobacco, Inc.

    305,900       8,548,808  
   

 

 

 
      22,156,670  
   

 

 

 
      49,063,002  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–10.7%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–5.1%

   

Airbus SE

    92,120       10,749,924  

BAE Systems PLC

    846,320       7,199,907  

MTU Aero Engines AG

    26,910       5,154,378  
   

 

 

 
      23,104,209  
   

 

 

 

AIRLINES–4.0%

   

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.

    239,700       8,492,822  

Qantas Airways Ltd.

    2,105,475       9,587,485  
   

 

 

 
      18,080,307  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.7%

   

Signify NV(c)

    123,570       3,196,946  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–0.9%

   

Glory Ltd.

    140,200       3,917,308  
   

 

 

 
      48,298,770  
   

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–9.6%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–1.9%

   

Nokia Oyj

    1,483,410       8,508,656  
   

 

 

 

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
             

INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–1.2%

   

Yahoo Japan Corp.(b)

    1,554,800     $     5,150,841  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–3.4%

   

SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.

    67,800       4,748,302  

SUMCO Corp.(b)

    222,800       4,474,810  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    875,000       6,213,440  
   

 

 

 
      15,436,552  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–1.5%

   

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

    20,600       6,724,439  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–1.6%

   

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

    176,140       7,378,428  
   

 

 

 
      43,198,916  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–9.5%

   

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–9.5%

   

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (Toronto)

    106,860       3,856,926  

JXTG Holdings, Inc.

    1,501,600       10,417,764  

PetroChina Co., Ltd.–Class H

    10,690,000       8,143,793  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC (Euronext Amsterdam)–Class A

    408,410       14,173,635  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC–Class A

    188,044       6,507,998  
   

 

 

 
      43,100,116  
   

 

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.7%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.7%

   

China Unicom Hong Kong Ltd.

    5,806,000       7,237,090  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    303,200       13,773,764  
   

 

 

 
      21,010,854  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–3.7%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–0.5%

   

Grifols SA (ADR)(b)

    109,546       2,355,239  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–3.2%

   

Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    312,900       7,325,243  

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sponsored ADR)

    296,110       7,201,395  
   

 

 

 
      14,526,638  
   

 

 

 
      16,881,877  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–1.0%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–1.0%

   

EDP–Energias de Portugal SA

    1,163,800     $       4,612,735  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–1.0%

   

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–1.0%

   

Aroundtown SA

    546,450       4,491,949  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $402,552,493)

      443,178,415  
   

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.7%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–1.7%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(d)(e)(f)
(cost $7,546,125)

    7,546,125     $ 7,546,125  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SECURITY LENDING COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–99.8%
(cost $410,098,618)

      450,724,540  
   

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–2.4%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–2.4%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(d)(e) (f)
(cost $10,970,728)

    10,970,728       10,970,728  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–102.2%
(cost $421,069,346)

      461,695,268  

Other assets less liabilities–(2.2)%

      (10,022,994
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 451,672,274  
   

 

 

 

 

5


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Bank of America, NA

     BRL        15,010        USD        4,101        7/03/18      $ 228,013  

Bank of America, NA

     USD        3,893        BRL        15,010        7/03/18        (20,038

Bank of America, NA

     GBP        862        USD        1,207        7/17/18        68,246  

Bank of America, NA

     USD        1,908        GBP        1,353        7/17/18        (121,735

Bank of America, NA

     JPY        329,298        USD        3,010        10/16/18        12,909  

Bank of America, NA

     NOK        4,179        USD        524        10/16/18        8,700  

Bank of America, NA

     USD        1,223        GBP        932        10/16/18        12,688  

Barclays Bank PLC

     CAD        998        USD        780        7/17/18        20,674  

Barclays Bank PLC

     ILS        10,254        USD        2,934        7/17/18        128,154  

Barclays Bank PLC

     SEK        17,097        USD        1,956        7/17/18        45,592  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD        6,482        GBP        4,566        7/17/18        (452,186

Barclays Bank PLC

     CNY        11,204        USD        1,769        7/19/18        79,175  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD        1,517        CNY        10,023        7/19/18        (5,893

Barclays Bank PLC

     INR        235,260        USD        3,435        8/09/18        16,282  

Barclays Bank PLC

     TWD        178,753        USD        6,037        9/13/18        145,245  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD        950        AUD        1,285        10/16/18        1,405  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD        6,090        GBP        4,543        10/16/18        (65,795

BNP Paribas SA

     AUD        4,461        USD        3,385        7/17/18        83,229  

BNP Paribas SA

     CHF        1,079        USD        1,092        7/17/18        1,219  

BNP Paribas SA

     USD        40,551        EUR        32,699        7/17/18        (2,326,314

BNP Paribas SA

     CNY        7,044        USD        1,101        7/19/18        39,162  

BNP Paribas SA

     CAD        1,539        USD        1,187        10/16/18        14,397  

BNP Paribas SA

     USD        3,304        GBP        2,514        10/16/18        29,912  

Citibank, NA

     EUR        16,822        USD        19,773        7/17/18        109,089  

Citibank, NA

     EUR        10,604        USD        12,292        7/17/18        (103,367

Citibank, NA

     JPY        464,387        USD        4,394        7/17/18        196,082  

Citibank, NA

     USD        940        CHF        897        7/17/18        (33,444

Citibank, NA

     USD        7,699        EUR        6,279        7/17/18        (359,328

Citibank, NA

     USD        9,080        GBP        6,738        7/17/18        (181,846

Citibank, NA

     USD        1,795        HKD        14,077        7/17/18        (832

Citibank, NA

     USD        16,435        JPY        1,794,374        7/17/18        (212,420

Citibank, NA

     KRW        15,515,025        USD        14,591        7/26/18        652,758  

Citibank, NA

     USD        518        KRW        560,533        7/26/18        (14,272

Citibank, NA

     USD        2,177        RUB        139,217        7/31/18        33,153  

Citibank, NA

     INR        108,470        USD        1,567        8/09/18        (8,949

Citibank, NA

     HKD        10,750        USD        1,372        10/16/18        (872

Citibank, NA

     USD        2,719        GBP        2,043        10/16/18        (10,032

Credit Suisse International

     CHF        12,311        USD        12,604        7/17/18        158,404  

Credit Suisse International

     JPY        124,871        USD        1,182        7/17/18        53,500  

Credit Suisse International

     NOK        36,814        USD        4,500        7/17/18        (22,670

Credit Suisse International

     SEK        7,934        USD        930        7/17/18        43,011  

Credit Suisse International

     SEK        21,952        USD        2,441        7/17/18        (12,104

Credit Suisse International

     USD        1,481        CAD        1,951        7/17/18        3,044  

Credit Suisse International

     USD        6,818        CHF        6,735        7/17/18        (8,686

Credit Suisse International

     USD        10,108        NOK        80,260        7/17/18        (247,432

Credit Suisse International

     SEK        22,660        USD        2,538        10/16/18        (12,684

Credit Suisse International

     USD        5,020        SEK        42,852        10/16/18        (196,133

Deutsche Bank AG

     CAD        19,648        USD        15,620        7/17/18        670,748  

 

6


   

AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

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

Deutsche Bank AG

     EUR        961        USD        1,132        7/17/18      $ 8,188  

Deutsche Bank AG

     JPY        181,019        USD        1,735        7/17/18        98,470  

Deutsche Bank AG

     USD        1,806        EUR        1,536        7/17/18        (10,572

Deutsche Bank AG

     USD        674        JPY        74,000        7/17/18        (5,291

Deutsche Bank AG

     USD        1,769        GBP        1,339        10/16/18        6,446  

Deutsche Bank AG

     USD        675        GBP        502        10/16/18        (9,696

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     CAD        1,178        USD        924        7/17/18        27,898  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     EUR        4,515        USD        5,281        7/17/18        2,924  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     USD        3,459        HKD        27,115        7/17/18        (2,926

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     AUD        1,016        USD        771        7/17/18        18,633  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     EUR        1,883        USD        2,194        7/17/18        (7,116

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     HKD        68,631        USD        8,767        7/17/18        18,564  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     JPY        1,449,829        USD        13,323        7/17/18        215,809  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     TRY        9,263        USD        1,875        7/17/18        (128,344

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     USD        1,472        GBP        1,096        7/17/18        (24,170

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     USD        1,317        JPY        140,407        7/17/18        (47,678

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     BRL        15,010        USD        3,893        7/03/18        20,038  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     USD        3,976        BRL        15,010        7/03/18        (103,360

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     EUR        2,066        USD        2,416        7/17/18        1,023  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     ILS        3,783        USD        1,057        7/17/18        22,134  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     USD        17,933        AUD        23,311        7/17/18        (681,061

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     USD        580        CAD        752        7/17/18        (8,171

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     USD        1,263        EUR        1,040        7/17/18        (46,929

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     USD        1,694        GBP        1,186        7/17/18        (127,595

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     USD        2,603        HKD        20,393        7/17/18        (3,357

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     USD        917        JPY        99,919        7/17/18        (13,852

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     USD        813        NZD        1,124        7/17/18        (51,323

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     BRL        15,010        USD        3,965        8/02/18        105,906  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     USD        442        BRL        1,695        8/02/18        (6,602

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     ILS        2,887        USD        812        10/16/18        17,000  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     USD        2,055        CHF        2,007        10/16/18        (9,901

Northern Trust Co.

     JPY        2,772,907        USD        26,014        7/17/18        945,644  

Northern Trust Co.

     USD        29,385        CHF        28,092        7/17/18        (985,022

Northern Trust Co.

     USD        7,451        SEK        62,305        7/17/18        (487,887

Northern Trust Co.

     USD        2,197        TRY        9,263        7/17/18        (193,214

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

     CAD        1,238        USD        966        7/17/18        23,874  

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

     JPY        399,064        USD        3,799        7/17/18        190,861  

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

     NOK        140,631        USD        18,116        7/17/18        838,941  

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

     USD        3,275        AUD        4,248        7/17/18        (131,371

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

     USD        708        GBP        530        7/17/18        (7,735

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

     USD        1,918        KRW        2,070,201        7/26/18        (58,683

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

     USD        2,333        EUR        1,992        10/16/18        12,158  

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

     USD        12,974        EUR        10,886        10/16/18        (159,009

Standard Chartered Bank

     JPY        128,042        USD        1,207        7/17/18        49,662  

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD        1,557        GBP        1,128        7/17/18        (67,609

Standard Chartered Bank

     CNY        110,698        USD        17,499        7/19/18        804,389  

Standard Chartered Bank

     CNY        10,353        USD        1,561        7/19/18        (59

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD        590        CNY        3,833        7/19/18        (11,809

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD        2,670        KRW        2,875,945        7/26/18        (86,180

Standard Chartered Bank

     JPY        250,745        USD        2,278        10/16/18        (3,989

 

7


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     CHF        1,030        USD        1,038        7/17/18      $ (3,492

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     EUR        1,538        USD        1,831        7/17/18        33,384  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     EUR        4,303        USD        4,992        7/17/18        (37,867

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     JPY        51,500        USD        489        7/17/18        23,354  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     NOK        3,301        USD        408        7/17/18        2,432  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     SEK        4,985        USD        572        7/17/18        14,952  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        1,216        CAD        1,612        7/17/18        10,463  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        468        CAD        594        7/17/18        (16,083

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        4,951        EUR        3,976        7/17/18        (303,248

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        878        GBP        639        7/17/18        (34,180

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        8,729        JPY        960,235        7/17/18        (48,200

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     HKD        3,521        USD        449        10/16/18        (98

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     NOK        8,657        USD        1,069        10/16/18        1,128  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     NOK        13,260        USD        1,624        10/16/18        (10,919

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        201        GBP        151        10/16/18        (972

UBS AG

     EUR        1,059        USD        1,236        7/17/18        (2,292

UBS AG

     SEK        10,337        USD        1,188        7/17/18        33,063  

UBS AG

     USD        1,138        GBP        842        7/17/18        (26,310
                 

 

 

 
                  $ (1,979,075
                 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2018, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $9,436,988 or 2.1% of net assets.

 

(d)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

BRL—Brazilian Real

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

CNY—Chinese Yuan Renminbi

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

HKD—Hong Kong Dollar

ILS—Israeli Shekel

INR—Indian Rupee

JPY—Japanese Yen

KRW—South Korean Won

NOK—Norwegian Krone

NZD—New Zealand Dollar

RUB—Russian Ruble

SEK—Swedish Krona

TRY—Turkish Lira

TWD—New Taiwan Dollar

USD—United States Dollar

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

REG—Registered Shares

See notes to financial statements.

 

8


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $402,552,493)

   $ 443,178,415 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $18,516,853—including investment of cash collateral for
securities loaned of $10,970,728)

     18,516,853  

Cash collateral due from broker

     2,330,000  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $1,842,642)

     1,820,328  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     6,402,129  

Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions

     2,299,611  

Unaffiliated dividends and interest receivable

     2,191,826  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     93,059  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     2,998  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     476,835,219  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     10,970,728  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     8,381,204  

Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency transactions

     3,520,542  

Cash collateral due to broker

     1,620,000  

Advisory fee payable

     289,261  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     108,703  

Distribution fee payable

     83,298  

Administrative fee payable

     9,298  

Directors’ fees payable

     435  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     87  

Accrued expenses

     179,389  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     25,162,945  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 451,672,274  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 29,836  

Additional paid-in capital

     454,853,427  

Undistributed net investment income

     8,715,915  

Accumulated net realized loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (50,538,290

Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     38,611,386  
  

 

 

 
   $ 451,672,274  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 70,695,563          4,628,836        $ 15.27  
B      $ 380,976,711          25,207,084        $ 15.11  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $10,403,847 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

9


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $1,124,551)

   $ 7,894,956  

Affiliated issuers

     91,691  

Interest

     1,093  

Securities lending income

     101,695  
  

 

 

 
     8,089,435  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     1,777,682  

Distribution fee—Class B

     523,684  

Transfer agency—Class A

     354  

Transfer agency—Class B

     2,683  

Custodian

     90,780  

Printing

     60,115  

Audit and tax

     28,937  

Administrative

     27,017  

Legal

     22,787  

Directors’ fees

     12,794  

Miscellaneous

     14,500  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     2,561,333  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (9,301
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     2,552,032  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     5,537,403  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions

     8,368,379  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (2,785,038

Foreign currency transactions

     (214,686

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

  

Investments

     (39,649,655

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (1,393,278

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (49,051
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (35,723,329
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (30,185,926
  

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

10


 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment income

   $ 5,537,403     $ 9,215,792  

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     5,368,655       39,896,634  

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

     (41,091,984     62,373,737  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (30,185,926     111,486,163  

DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     –0 –      (1,129,445

Class B

     –0 –      (8,153,923

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

    

Net decrease

     (4,040,694     (123,775,055
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease

     (34,226,620     (21,572,260

NET ASSETS

    

Beginning of period

     485,898,894       507,471,154  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period (including undistributed net investment income of
$8,715,915 and $3,178,512, respectively)

   $ 451,672,274     $ 485,898,894  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

11


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A : Significant Accounting Policies

The AB International Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers fourteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2018:

 

       Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

            

Assets:

            

Common Stocks:

            

Consumer Discretionary

     $ 6,988,389      $ 73,049,561     $             –0 –     $ 80,037,950  

Financials

       –0 –       77,306,010       –0 –       77,306,010  

Materials

       8,697,093        46,479,143       –0 –       55,176,236  

Consumer Staples

       –0 –       49,063,002       –0 –       49,063,002  

Industrials

       –0 –       48,298,770       –0 –       48,298,770  

Information Technology

       –0 –       43,198,916       –0 –       43,198,916  

Energy

       3,856,926        39,243,190       –0 –       43,100,116  

Telecommunication Services

       –0 –       21,010,854       –0 –       21,010,854  

Health Care

       9,556,634        7,325,243       –0 –       16,881,877  

Utilities

       –0 –       4,612,735       –0 –       4,612,735  

Real Estate

       –0 –       4,491,949       –0 –       4,491,949  

Short-Term Investments

       7,546,125        –0 –      –0 –       7,546,125  

Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund

       10,970,728        –0 –      –0 –       10,970,728  
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       47,615,895        414,079,373 (a)      –0 –       461,695,268  

 

13


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Other Financial Instruments (b):

             

Assets:

             

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     $ –0 –     $ 6,402,129      $ –0 –     $ 6,402,129  

Liabilities:

             

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       (8,381,204      –0 –       (8,381,204
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total (c)(d)

     $ 47,615,895      $ 412,100,298      $             –0 –     $ 459,716,193  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)   A significant portion of the Portfolio’s foreign equity investments are categorized as Level 2 investments since they are valued using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available, see Note A.1.

 

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

 

(c)   An amount of $11,022,378 was transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 due to the above mentioned foreign equity fair valuation using third party vendor modeling tools during the reporting period.

 

(d)   An amount of $5,739,368 was transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 as the above mentioned foreign equity fair valuation by the third party vendor was not applied during the reporting period.

The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.

The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.

In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).

3. Currency Translation

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

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B : Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to 1.20% and 1.45% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $27,017.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $600 for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $342.

 

15


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

Fund

  Market Value
12/31/17
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Market Value
6/30/18
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $ 0     $ 7,546     $ 0     $ 7,546     $ 3  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

    15,541       145,434       150,004       10,971       89  
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        $ 18,517     $ 92  
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 amounted to $92,387, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

NOTE C : Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

NOTE D : Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

       Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     $ 117,979,394      $ 126,305,843  

U.S. government securities

       –0 –       –0 – 

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 69,901,879  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (31,255,032
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 38,646,847  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

The principal type of derivative utilized by the Portfolio, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

The Portfolio may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain firm purchase and sale

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes.

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

 

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

 

Fair Value

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $6,402,129   Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $ 8,381,204  
   

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    $6,402,129     $ 8,381,204  
   

 

   

 

 

 

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts    $ (2,785,038   $ (1,393,278
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ (2,785,038   $ (1,393,278
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2018:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 204,786,532  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 212,989,021  

For financial reporting purposes, the Portfolio does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

17


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2018. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Assets
Subject to a MA
     Derivative
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Received*
    Security
Collateral
Received*
    Net Amount of
Derivatives Assets
 

Bank of America, NA

   $ 330,556      $ (141,773   $ –0 –    $                 –0 –    $ 188,783  

Barclays Bank PLC

     436,527        (436,527     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

BNP Paribas SA

     167,919        (167,919     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Citibank, NA

     991,082        (925,362     (65,720     –0 –      –0 – 

Credit Suisse International

     257,959        (257,959     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Deutsche Bank AG

     783,852        (25,559     –0 –      –0 –      758,293  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     30,822        (2,926     –0 –      –0 –      27,896  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     253,006        (207,308     –0 –      –0 –      45,698  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     166,101        (166,101     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Northern Trust Co.

     945,644        (945,644     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

     1,065,834        (356,798     –0 –      –0 –      709,036  

Standard Chartered Bank

     854,051        (169,646     (650,000     –0 –      34,405  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     85,713        (85,713     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

UBS AG

     33,063        (28,602     –0 –      –0 –      4,461  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6,402,129      $ (3,917,837   $ (715,720   $ –0 –    $ 1,768,572
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Liabilities
Subject to a MA
     Derivative
Available
for Offset
    Cash
Collateral
Pledged*
    Security
Collateral
Pledged*
    Net Amount of
Derivatives Liabilities
 

Bank of America, NA

   $ 141,773      $ (141,773   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ –0 – 

Barclays Bank PLC

     523,874        (436,527     –0 –      –0 –      87,347  

BNP Paribas SA

     2,326,314        (167,919     (2,158,395     –0 –      –0 – 

Citibank, NA

     925,362        (925,362     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Credit Suisse International

     499,709        (257,959     –0 –      –0 –      241,750  

Deutsche Bank AG

     25,559        (25,559     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     2,926        (2,926     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     207,308        (207,308     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.

     1,052,151        (166,101     –0 –      –0 –      886,050  

Northern Trust Co.

     1,666,123        (945,644     –0 –      –0 –      720,479  

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

     356,798        (356,798     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Standard Chartered Bank

     169,646        (169,646     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     455,059        (85,713     –0 –      –0 –      369,346  

UBS AG

     28,602        (28,602     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 8,381,204      $ (3,917,837   $ (2,158,395   $ –0 –    $ 2,304,972
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   The actual collateral received/pledged may be more than the amount reported due to over-collateralization.

 

^   Net amount represents the net receivable/payable that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default or termination. The net amount from OTC financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master agreement with the same counterparty.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E : Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $10,403,847 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into AB Government Money Market Portfolio of $10,970,728. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $101,695 and $88,693 from the borrowers and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of AB Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $8,959. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities.

NOTE F : Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

Class A

         

Shares sold

    1,696,033       256,719       $ 27,356,083     $ 3,886,362  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    –0 –      71,092         –0 –      1,129,445  

Shares redeemed

    (320,143     (642,841       (5,272,190     (9,555,629
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    1,375,890       (315,030     $ 22,083,893     $ (4,539,822
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    482,000       862,955       $ 7,784,688     $ 13,009,333  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    –0 –      518,006         –0 –      8,153,923  

Shares redeemed

    (2,081,550     (9,534,251       (33,909,275     (140,398,489
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (1,599,550     (8,153,290     $ (26,124,587   $ (119,235,233
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2018, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 52% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

 

19


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE G : Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

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

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

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

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of other types of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

NOTE H : Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Effective July 3, 2018, the Facility will be increased to $325 million.

NOTE I : Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

     2017      2016  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 9,283,368      $ 5,726,782  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 9,283,368      $ 5,726,782  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 2,824,814  

Accumulated capital and other losses

     (50,169,345 )(a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     74,319,468 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 26,974,937  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $50,169,345. During the fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized $38,911,532 of capital loss carry forwards to offset current year net realized gains. The Portfolio also had $905,101,875 of capital loss carryforwards expire during the fiscal year.

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

(b)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) and the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an indefinite period. These post-December 22, 2010 capital losses must be utilized prior to the earlier capital losses, which are subject to expiration. Post-December 22, 2010 capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered short-term as under previous regulation. As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $50,169,345 which will expire on December 31, 2018.

NOTE J : Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

21


 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $16.30       $13.28       $13.52       $13.53       $14.99       $12.96  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .21 (b)      .31 (b)      .30 (b)†      .30       .48       .33  

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

    (1.24     3.06       (.37     .05       (1.40     2.59  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (1.03     3.37       (.07     .35       (.92     2.92  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.35     (.17     (.36     (.54     (.89
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $15.27       $16.30       $13.28       $13.52       $13.53       $14.99  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (c)

    (6.32 )%      25.42 %*      (.50 )%†*      2.59     (6.21 )%      23.00
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $70,695       $53,014       $47,385       $48,665       $50,504       $58,723  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    .86 %^      .85     .86     .85     .85     .82

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    .86 %^      .86     .86     .85     .85     .82

Net investment income

    2.63 %(b)^      2.05 %(b)      2.27 %(b)†      2.09     3.25     2.33

Portfolio turnover rate

    25     45     64     74     64     59

 

 

See footnote summary on page 23.

 

22


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $16.15       $13.16       $13.41       $13.41       $14.86       $12.84  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .19 (b)      .27 (b)      .27 (b)†      .26       .45       .30  

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

    (1.23     3.02       (.38     .06       (1.40     2.56  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (1.04     3.29       (.11     .32       (.95     2.86  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.30     (.14     (.32     (.50     (.84
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $15.11       $16.15       $13.16       $13.41       $13.41       $14.86  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (c)

    (6.44 )%      25.09 %*      (.80 )%†*      2.40     (6.46 )%      22.73
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $380,977       $432,885       $460,086       $550,746       $615,682       $743,517  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.11 %^      1.10     1.11     1.10     1.10 %%      1.07

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.11 %^      1.11     1.11     1.10     1.10     1.07

Net investment income

    2.30 %(b)^      1.83 %(b)      2.04 %(b)†      1.85     3.06     2.20

Portfolio turnover rate

    25     45     64     74     64     59

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows:

 

Net Investment
Income Per Share
     Net Investment

Income Ratio
    Total Return  
$ .002        .01     .01

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 by .01% and .07%, respectively.

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

23


 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB International Value Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2018 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including materials from an outside consultant, who acted as their independent fee consultant, and comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2016 and 2017 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the

 

24


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2018 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the materials from the Fund’s Senior Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another AB Fund with a similar investment style.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions; (iii) must prepare and distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

25


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year and the directors considered the effects of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements as a result of the Adviser’s expense cap (although the directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was currently below the Adviser’s expense cap). The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the peer group median. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

26


 

 

 

 

VPS-IV-0152-0618


JUN    06.30.18

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2018
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2018
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,089.80      $   3.52        0.68

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,021.42      $ 3.41        0.68
           

Class B

           

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,088.50      $ 4.82        0.93

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,020.18      $ 4.66        0.93

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  NET ASSETS  

Alphabet, Inc.—Class C

   $ 36,447,170          8.1

Facebook, Inc.—Class A

     32,618,361          7.3  

Visa, Inc.—Class A

     22,178,223          4.9  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

     18,780,521          4.2  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     18,319,783          4.1  

Biogen, Inc.

     17,300,045          3.8  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

     16,536,587          3.7  

Apple, Inc.

     14,144,625          3.1  

NIKE, Inc.—Class B

     13,144,810          2.9  

Zoetis, Inc.

     12,887,373          2.9  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   202,357,498          45.0

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Information Technology

   $ 161,565,225          35.9

Health Care

     84,942,921          18.9  

Consumer Discretionary

     75,370,568          16.7  

Consumer Staples

     41,169,880          9.1  

Industrials

     32,843,608          7.3  

Financials

     11,763,779          2.6  

Materials

     8,872,391          2.0  

Short-Term Investments

     33,919,667          7.5  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   450,448,039          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

2


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company  

Shares

    U.S. $ Value  
   

COMMON STOCKS– 92.6%

   
   

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–35.9%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.8%

   

Arista Networks, Inc.(a)

    13,707     $ 3,529,415  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–0.5%

   

Amphenol Corp.–Class A

    24,236       2,112,167  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–15.3%

   

Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a)

    32,669       36,447,170  

Facebook, Inc.–Class A(a)

    167,859       32,618,361  
   

 

 

 
      69,065,531  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–8.7%

   

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.–Class A

    39,558       3,124,686  

Fiserv, Inc.(a)

    60,580       4,488,372  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)

    113,102       9,418,004  

Visa, Inc.–Class A

    167,446       22,178,223  
   

 

 

 
      39,209,285  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–2.7%

   

NVIDIA Corp.

    6,512       1,542,693  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    15,610       1,721,002  

Xilinx, Inc.

    134,956       8,807,229  
   

 

 

 
      12,070,924  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–4.8%

   

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    64,417       4,916,305  

Adobe Systems, Inc.(a)

    37,400       9,118,494  

Electronic Arts, Inc.(a)

    28,330       3,995,097  

Red Hat, Inc.(a)

    12,264       1,647,914  

salesforce.com, Inc.(a)

    12,870       1,755,468  
   

 

 

 
      21,433,278  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–3.1%

   

Apple, Inc.

    76,412       14,144,625  
   

 

 

 
      161,565,225  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–18.9%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–4.8%

   

Biogen, Inc.(a)

    59,606       17,300,046  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    12,691       4,378,268  
   

 

 

 
      21,678,314  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–6.6%

   

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    87,562       12,746,400  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)

    26,912       12,876,854  
   

Stryker Corp.

    24,140     $ 4,076,280  
   

 

 

 
      29,699,534  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–4.1%

   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    74,671       18,319,783  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–0.5%

   

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(a)

    4,075       2,357,917  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–2.9%

   

Zoetis, Inc.

    151,278       12,887,373  
   

 

 

 
      84,942,921  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–16.7%

   

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–1.4%

   

Starbucks Corp.

    128,930       6,298,231  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–2.4%

   

Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)

    5,310       10,763,848  
   

 

 

 

MEDIA–0.6%

   

Comcast Corp.–Class A

    83,840       2,750,790  
   

 

 

 

MULTILINE RETAIL–1.3%

   

Dollar Tree, Inc.(a)

    69,751       5,928,835  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–8.1%

   

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

    96,261       18,780,521  

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

    98,729       9,397,026  

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.(a)

    35,580       8,306,507  
   

 

 

 
      36,484,054  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–2.9%

   

NIKE, Inc.—Class B

    164,970       13,144,810  
   

 

 

 
      75,370,568  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–9.2%

   

BEVERAGES–5.5%

   

Constellation Brands, Inc.–Class A

    58,030       12,701,026  

Monster Beverage Corp.(a)

    208,242       11,932,267  
   

 

 

 
      24,633,293  
   

 

 

 

FOOD & STAPLES
RETAILING–3.7%

   

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    79,130       16,536,587  
   

 

 

 
      41,169,880  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–7.3%

   

BUILDING PRODUCTS–3.0%

   

Allegion PLC

    85,019       6,577,070  

AO Smith Corp.

    90,660       5,362,539  

 

3


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company  

Shares

    U.S. $ Value  
   

Lennox International, Inc.

    8,731     $ 1,747,509  
   

 

 

 
      13,687,118  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–1.4%

   

Copart, Inc.(a)

    109,441       6,189,983  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.5%

   

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    24,514       6,763,658  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–1.2%

   

IDEX Corp.

    12,170       1,660,962  

WABCO Holdings, Inc.(a)

    32,372       3,788,171  
   

 

 

 
      5,449,133  
   

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.2%

   

Fastenal Co.

    15,660       753,716  
   

 

 

 
      32,843,608  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–2.6%

   

CAPITAL MARKETS–2.6%

   

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    16,680       3,300,305  

S&P Global, Inc.

    41,510       8,463,474  
   

 

 

 
      11,763,779  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–2.0%

   

CHEMICALS–2.0%

   

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    21,769       8,872,391  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $267,851,333)

      416,528,372  
   

 

 

 
   

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–7.5%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–7.5%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(b)(c)(d) (cost $33,919,667)

    33,919,667     $ 33,919,667  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.1%
(cost $301,771,000)

      450,448,039  

Other assets less
liabilities–(0.1)%

      (347,162
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 450,100,877  
   

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.
(b)   Affiliated investments.
(c)   The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end.
(d)   To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.

See notes to financial statements.

 

4


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $267,851,333)

   $ 416,528,372  

Affiliated issuers (cost $33,919,667)

     33,919,667  

Cash

     17,854  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     696,539  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     135,273  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     55,502  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     15,864  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     451,369,071  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     769,627  

Advisory fee payable

     230,205  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     106,967  

Distribution fee payable

     50,837  

Administrative fee payable

     9,157  

Directors’ fees payable

     437  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     97  

Accrued expenses

     100,867  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,268,194  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 450,100,877  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 7,526  

Additional paid-in capital

     212,650,078  

Accumulated net investment loss

     (377,152

Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions

     89,143,386  

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

     148,677,039  
  

 

 

 
   $ 450,100,877  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 213,187,541          3,472,336        $ 61.40  
B      $   236,913,336          4,053,412        $   58.45  

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

5


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

    

Dividends

    

Unaffiliated issuers

   $ 1,360,045    

Affiliated issuers

     15,864    

Interest

     34,508       1,410,417  
  

 

 

   

EXPENSES

    

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     1,326,289    

Distribution fee—Class B

     287,326    

Transfer agency—Class A

     2,067    

Transfer agency—Class B

     2,239    

Custodian

     51,152    

Printing

     33,599    

Administrative

     27,008    

Audit and tax

     20,462    

Legal

     20,372    

Directors’ fees

     12,794    

Miscellaneous

     6,125    
  

 

 

   

Total expenses

     1,789,433    

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

     (1,864  
  

 

 

   

Net expenses

       1,787,569  
    

 

 

 

Net investment loss

       (377,152
    

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

    

Net realized gain on investment transactions

       39,572,691  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

       (1,794,486
    

 

 

 

Net gain on investment transactions

       37,778,205  
    

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

     $ 37,401,053  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

6


 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment loss

   $ (377,152   $ (419,892

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     39,572,691       52,939,123  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     (1,794,486     65,619,253  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     37,401,053       118,138,484  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM

    

Net realized gain on investment transactions

    

Class A

     –0 –      (11,465,663

Class B

     –0 –      (13,633,647

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

    

Net decrease

     (16,626,637     (44,751,279
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase

     20,774,416       48,287,895  

NET ASSETS

    

Beginning of period

     429,326,461       381,038,566  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period (including accumulated net investment loss of ($377,152) and undistributed net investment income of $0, respectively)

   $ 450,100,877     $ 429,326,461  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Large Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers fourteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

8


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2018:

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

             

Assets:

             

Common Stocks(a)

     $ 416,528,372      $             –0 –     $             –0 –     $ 416,528,372  

Short-Term Investments

       33,919,667        –0 –       –0 –       33,919,667  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       450,448,039        –0 –       –0 –       450,448,039  

Other Financial Instruments(b)

       –0 –       –0 –       –0 –       –0 – 
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(c)

     $ 450,448,039      $ –0 –     $ –0 –     $ 450,448,039  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)   See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications.

 

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

 

(c)   There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period.

The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.

 

9


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.

In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).

3. Currency Translation

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

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .60% of the first $2.5 billion, .50% of the next $2.5 billion and .45% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Effective February 3, 2017, the advisory fee was reduced from .75% to .60% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% to .50% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% to .45% in excess of $5 billion of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $27,008.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $600 for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $1,864.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

Fund

  Market  Value
12/31/17

(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Market  Value
6/30/18

(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $ 0     $ 35,815     $ 1,895     $ 33,920     $ 16  

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 amounted to $30,303, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual

 

11


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

NOTE D : Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

       Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     $ 80,387,106      $ 118,236,204  

U.S. government securities

       –0 –       –0 – 

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 149,831,643  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (1,154,604
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 148,677,039  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E: Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    Shares           Amount  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

Class A

         

Shares sold

    61,706       307,126       $ 3,658,410     $ 15,850,176  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    –0 –      226,684         –0 –      11,465,663  

Shares redeemed

    (288,199     (774,660       (16,933,502     (40,887,713
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (226,493     (240,850     $ (13,275,092   $ (13,571,874
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    211,685       484,079       $ 11,995,768     $ 24,170,743  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    –0 –      282,504         –0 –      13,633,647  

Shares redeemed

    (272,407     (1,336,010       (15,347,313     (68,983,795
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (60,722     (569,427     $ (3,351,545   $ (31,179,405
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

At June 30, 2018, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 62% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Focused Portfolio Risk—Investments in a limited number of companies may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV.

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

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Effective July 3, 2018, the Facility will be increased to $325 million.

NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

       2017      2016  

Distributions paid from:

       

Ordinary income

     $ –0 –     $ 237,824  

Net long-term capital gains

       25,099,310        49,548,625  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

     $ 25,099,310      $ 49,786,449  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 581,110  

Undistributed capital gains

     49,541,553  

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     149,919,556 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 200,042,219  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE I: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

 

13


 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $56.34       $45.22       $49.50       $48.83       $42.78       $31.17  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (loss) (a)

    (.01 )(b)      .02 (b)      (.03 )(b)†      .02       .02       (.04

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    5.07       14.10       1.44       5.33       6.03       11.68  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      –0 –      .00 (c)      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    5.06       14.12       1.41       5.35       6.05       11.64  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      (.03

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (3.00     (5.69     (4.68     –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (3.00     (5.69     (4.68     –0 –      (.03
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $61.40       $56.34       $45.22       $49.50       $48.83       $42.78  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)

    8.98     31.98 %*      2.63 %†*      11.11 %*      14.14 %*      37.35 %* 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $213,188       $208,392       $178,136       $191,568       $189,620       $190,488  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of
waivers/reimbursements

    .68 %^      .70     .85     .82     .83     .85

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    .68 %^      .70     .85     .82     .83     .85

Net investment income (loss)

    (.04 )%(b)^      .03 %(b)      (.07 )%(b)†      .04     .04     (.11 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    19     48     59     65     65     60

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 15.

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $53.70       $43.32       $47.77       $47.38       $41.62       $30.38  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment loss (a)

    (.08 )(b)      (.11 )(b)      (.14 )(b)†      (.10     (.09     (.13

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    4.83       13.49       1.38       5.17       5.85       11.37  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      –0 –      .00 (c)      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    4.75       13.38       1.24       5.07       5.76       11.24  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Distributions

           

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (3.00     (5.69     (4.68     –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $58.45       $53.70       $43.32       $47.77       $47.38       $41.62  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)

    8.85     31.67 %*      2.36 %†*      10.86 %*      13.84 %*      37.00 %* 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $236,913       $220,934       $202,903       $267,171       $237,452       $230,350  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    .93 %^      .95     1.10     1.07     1.08     1.10

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    .93 %^      .95     1.10     1.07     1.08     1.10

Net investment loss

    (.29 )%(b)^      (.21 )%(b)      (.32 )%(b)†      (.21 )%      (.21 )%      (.36 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    19     48     59     65     65     60

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

(d)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows:

 

Net Investment

Income Per Share

  

Net Investment

Income Ratio

 

Total

Return

$.005

   .01%   .01%

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 by .03%, .01%, .09%, .02% and .10%, respectively.

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

15


 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Large Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2018 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including materials from an outside consultant, who acted as their independent fee consultant, and comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2016 and 2017 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable. The directors noted that the reduction in the advisory fee rate effective since February 3, 2017 would likely impact the Adviser’s profitability analysis in future years.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2018 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund at a common asset level. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate (reflecting a reduction in the advisory fee rate effective since February 3, 2017) with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the materials from the Fund’s Senior Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with those for two other AB Funds with a similar investment style.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions; (iii) must prepare and distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves

 

17


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year and the information included the pro forma expense ratio to reflect a reduction in the Fund’s expense ratio effective since February 3, 2017, when the advisory fee rate was reduced. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s pro forma expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

18


 

 

 

 

VPS-LCG-0152-0618


JUN    06.30.18

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2018
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2018
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

        

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,009.90      $   5.43        1.09

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $   1,000      $   1,019.39      $   5.46        1.09
           

Class B

        

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,008.70      $   6.67        1.34

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $   1,000      $   1,018.15      $   6.71        1.34

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  NET ASSETS  

American Tower Corp.

   $ 3,785,904          7.6

Simon Property Group, Inc.

     3,303,388          6.6  

Prologis, Inc.

     2,312,288          4.6  

Equinix, Inc.

     2,124,516          4.3  

Crown Castle International Corp.

     1,892,241          3.8  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

     1,660,311          3.3  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

     1,503,750          3.0  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

     1,321,797          2.6  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

     1,245,298          2.5  

Camden Property Trust

     1,144,593          2.3  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   20,294,086          40.6

INDUSTRY BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

 

 

INDUSTRY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Specialized REITs

   $   11,721,921          23.6

Residential REITs

     8,370,052          16.8  

Retail REITs

     7,539,660          15.1  

Industrial REITs

     5,554,896          11.2  

Office REITs

     5,402,770          10.8  

Health Care REITs

     5,063,409          10.2  

Hotel & Resort REITs

     2,827,270          5.7  

Diversified REITs

     2,179,333          4.4  

IT Consulting & Other Services

     929,252          1.9  

Short-Term Investments

     152,964          0.3  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ 49,741,527          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s industry breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time.

Please note: The industry classifications presented herein are based on the industry categorization methodology of the Adviser.

 

2


REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company

  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

COMMON STOCKS–99.2%

   
   

REAL ESTATE–97.3%

   

DIVERSIFIED REITS–4.4%

   

Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc.

    54,690     $ 814,881  

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.–Class A

    36,510       624,321  

VEREIT, Inc.

    99,480       740,131  
   

 

 

 
      2,179,333  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE REITS–10.1%

   

HCP, Inc.

    42,070       1,086,247  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    24,030       698,792  

LTC Properties, Inc.

    13,670       584,256  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    70,200       985,608  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    43,060       935,694  

Ventas, Inc.

    13,570       772,812  
   

 

 

 
      5,063,409  
   

 

 

 

HOTEL & RESORT REITS–5.7%

   

Hersha Hospitality Trust

    19,860       425,997  

MGM Growth Properties LLC–Class A

    16,380       498,935  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    22,960       703,265  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    32,160       709,128  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.

    34,238       489,945  
   

 

 

 
      2,827,270  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL REITS–11.1%

   

Duke Realty Corp.

    38,000       1,103,140  

Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp.–Class A

    36,210       598,552  

Prologis, Inc.

    35,200       2,312,288  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    21,790       683,988  

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    31,470       856,928  
   

 

 

 
      5,554,896  
   

 

 

 

OFFICE REITS–10.8%

   

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    9,870       1,245,298  

Brandywine Realty Trust

    31,560       532,733  

Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

    39,426       895,364  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    23,050       668,220  

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

    15,070       764,501  

JBG SMITH Properties

    13,030       475,204  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    10,860       821,450  
   

 

 

 
      5,402,770  
   

 

 

 

RESIDENTIAL REITS–16.7%

   

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    17,080       732,391  

American Homes 4 Rent–Class A

    45,450       1,008,081  

Apartment Investment & Management Co.–Class A

    19,160       810,468  

Camden Property Trust

    12,560       1,144,593  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    6,290       1,503,750  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

    74,290       765,930  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    13,130       1,321,797  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    11,065       1,083,042  
   

 

 

 
      8,370,052  
   

 

 

 
   

RETAIL REITS–15.1%

   

Agree Realty Corp.

    9,190     $ 484,956  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    28,420       495,361  

National Retail Properties, Inc.

    21,950       964,922  

Regency Centers Corp.

    16,500       1,024,320  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    32,070       614,461  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    19,410       3,303,388  

Urban Edge Properties

    28,520       652,252  
   

 

 

 
      7,539,660  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALIZED REITS–23.4%

   

American Tower Corp.

    26,260       3,785,904  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    17,550       1,892,241  

CubeSmart

    27,320       880,250  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    14,880       1,660,311  

EPR Properties

    9,020       584,406  

Equinix, Inc.

    4,942       2,124,516  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

    25,772       794,293  
   

 

 

 
      11,721,921  
   

 

 

 
      48,659,311  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE & SERVICES–1.9%

   

IT CONSULTING & OTHER SERVICES–1.9%

   

InterXion Holding NV(a)

    7,410       462,532  

Switch, Inc.–Class A(b)

    38,350       466,720  
   

 

 

 
      929,252  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $43,276,197)

      49,588,563  
   

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–0.3%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.3%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $152,964)

    152,964       152,964  
   

 

 

 

Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned–99.5%
(cost $43,429,161)

      49,741,527  
   

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–0.2%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.2%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $115,375)

    115,375       115,375  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.7%
(cost $43,544,536)

      49,856,902  

Other assets less liabilities–0.3%

      155,407  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 50,012,309  
   

 

 

 

 

3


REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

Glossary:

REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust

See notes to financial statements.

 

4


REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $43,276,197)

   $ 49,588,563 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $268,339–including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $115,375)

     268,339  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $8,329)

     7,590  

Unaffiliated dividends and interest receivable

     192,264  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     176,885  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     1,644  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     97  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     50,235,382  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     115,375  

Audit and tax fee payable

     23,133  

Advisory fee payable

     22,933  

Printing fee payable

     17,454  

Custody fee payable

     12,129  

Administrative fee payable

     9,157  

Distribution fee payable

     3,905  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     3,246  

Directors’ fees payable

     436  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     87  

Accrued expenses

     15,218  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     223,073  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 50,012,309  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 5,426  

Additional paid-in capital

     39,783,838  

Undistributed net investment income

     1,643,026  

Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     2,268,392  

Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     6,311,627  
  

 

 

 
   $ 50,012,309  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class    Net Assets       

Shares

Outstanding

      

Net Asset

Value

 
A    $   31,254,061          3,397,368        $   9.20  
B    $   18,758,248          2,028,880        $   9.25  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $112,329 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

5


REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers

   $ 954,957  

Affiliated issuers

     582  

Interest

     553  
  

 

 

 
     956,092  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     131,193  

Distribution fee—Class B

     22,014  

Transfer agency—Class A

     1,444  

Transfer agency—Class B

     844  

Custodian

     30,908  

Administrative

     27,008  

Audit and tax

     26,301  

Legal

     14,292  

Printing

     14,021  

Directors’ fees

     12,795  

Miscellaneous

     979  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     281,799  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (58
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     281,741  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     674,351  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     291,178  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

  

Investments

     (636,281

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (268
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (345,371
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 328,980  
  

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

6


 
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income

   $ 674,351     $ 760,056  

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     291,178       2,155,889  

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

     (636,549     387,706  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     328,980       3,303,651  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM

 

Net investment income

 

Class A

     –0 –      (597,227

Class B

     –0 –      (287,437

Net realized gain on investment transactions

 

Class A

     –0 –      (1,785,451

Class B

     –0 –      (978,421

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net decrease

     (2,121,292     (761,253
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease

     (1,792,312     (1,106,138

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     51,804,621       52,910,759  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $1,643,026 and $968,675, respectively)

   $ 50,012,309     $ 51,804,621  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Real Estate Investment Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is total return from long-term growth of capital and income. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers fourteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

8


 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2018:

 

        Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

             

Assets:

             

Common Stocks(a)

     $ 49,588,563      $             –0 –     $             –0 –     $ 49,588,563  

Short-Term Investments

       152,964        –0 –       –0 –       152,964  

Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund

       115,375        –0 –       –0 –       115,375  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       49,856,902        –0 –       –0 –       49,856,902  

Other Financial Instruments(b)

       –0 –       –0 –       –0 –       –0 – 
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(c)

     $ 49,856,902      $ –0 –     $ –0 –     $ 49,856,902  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)   See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications.

 

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

 

(c)   There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period.

The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.

 

9


REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.

In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).

3. Currency Translation

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

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

 

10


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $27,008.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $600 for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $11.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

Fund

   Market Value
12/31/17
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/18
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 0      $ 493      $ 340      $ 153      $ 0

Government Money Market Portfolio**

     0        1,087        972        115        1  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

            $ 268      $ 1  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*   Amount is less than $500

 

**   Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 amounted to $19,607, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

 

11


REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

       Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     $ 19,368,360      $ 20,362,204  

U.S. government securities......................

       –0 –       –0 – 

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 6,772,141  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (459,775
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 6,312,366  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise

 

12


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $112,329 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into AB Government Money Market Portfolio of $115,375. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $0 and $485 from the borrowers and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of AB Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $47. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June  30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December  31,
2017
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December  31,

2017
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    227,612       209,630       $ 1,972,191     $ 1,934,567  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      270,759         –0 –      2,382,678  

Shares redeemed

    (439,459     (701,136       (3,789,480     (6,508,769
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (211,847     (220,747     $ (1,817,289   $ (2,191,524
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    152,154       347,042       $ 1,301,849     $ 3,209,095  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      142,873         –0 –      1,265,858  

Shares redeemed

    (187,092     (326,273       (1,605,852     (3,044,682
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (34,938     163,642       $ (304,003   $ 1,430,271  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2018, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 61% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk—Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments in fixed-income debt securities such as bonds or notes. Increases in interest rates may cause the value of the Portfolio’s investments to decline. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to a derivative contract, will be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. Credit risk is greater for medium quality and lower-rated securities. Lower-rated debt securities and similar unrated securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) have speculative elements or are predominantly speculative risks.

Real Estate Risk—The Portfolio’s investments in the real estate market have many of the same risks as direct ownership of real estate, including the risk that the value of real estate could decline due to a variety of factors that affect the real estate market generally. Investments in real estate investment trusts, or REITs, may have additional risks. REITs are dependent on the capability of their managers, may have limited diversification, and could be significantly affected by changes in taxes.

 

13


REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of other types of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.

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

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

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Effective July 3, 2018, the Facility will be increased to $325 million.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

     2017      2016  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 1,214,271      $ 1,278,264  

Net long-term capital gains

     2,434,265        2,024,260  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 3,648,536      $ 3,302,524  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 968,675  

Undistributed capital gains

     2,002,945  

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     6,922,445 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 9,894,065  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

 

14


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE J: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

15


 
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $9.11       $9.22       $9.08       $10.00       $11.18       $12.25  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .12 (b)      .14 (b)      .18 (b)†      .18       .14       .24  

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

    (.03     .44       .56       (.12     2.39       .24  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .09       .58       .74       .06       2.53       .48  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.17     (.15     (.15     (.37     (.20

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (.52     (.45     (.83     (3.34     (1.35
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.69     (.60     (.98     (3.71     (1.55
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $9.20       $9.11       $9.22       $9.08       $10.00       $11.18  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (c)

    .99     6.53     7.76 %†      .80     25.35     4.20
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $31,254       $32,883       $35,294       $35,970       $38,003       $31,576  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.09 %^      1.05     1.08     1.07     1.08     .86

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.09 %^      1.05     1.08     1.07     1.08     .86

Net investment income

    2.91 %(b)^      1.54 %(b)      1.90 %(b)†      1.91     1.26     1.92

Portfolio turnover rate

    40     59     77     67     67     98

 

 

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 17

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $9.17       $9.27       $9.14       $10.05       $11.22       $12.28  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .12 (b)      .12 (b)      .15 (b)†      .16       .11       .27  

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

    (.04     .45       .56       (.11     2.40       .18  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .08       .57       .71       .05       2.51       .45  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.15     (.13     (.13     (.34     (.16

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (.52     (.45     (.83     (3.34     (1.35
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.67     (.58     (.96     (3.68     (1.51
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $9.25       $9.17       $9.27       $9.14       $10.05       $11.22  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (c)

    .87     6.37     7.38 %†      .66     24.96     3.97
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $18,758       $18,921       $17,617       $13,888       $13,301       $12,394  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.34 %^      1.30     1.34     1.33     1.33     1.15

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.34 %^      1.30     1.34     1.33     1.33     1.15

Net investment income

    2.68 %(b)^      1.32 %(b)      1.56 %(b)†      1.67     1.03     2.13

Portfolio turnover rate

    40     59     77     67     67     98

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows:

 

Net Investment      Net Investment     Total  
Income Per Share      Income Ratio     Return  
$ .002        .02     .02

 

^   Annualized.

 

17


 
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Real Estate Investment Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2018 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including materials from an outside consultant, who acted as their independent fee consultant, and comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2016 and 2017 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2018 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, and their discussion with the Adviser of the reasons for the Fund’s underperformance in certain periods, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the materials from the Fund’s Senior Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions; (iii) must prepare and distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

19


REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the peer group median. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

20


 

 

 

 

 

VPS-REI-0152-0618


JUN    06.30.18

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2018
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2018
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

        

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,170.00      $   6.24        1.16

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $   1,000      $   1,019.04      $   5.81        1.16
           

Class B

        

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,169.40      $   7.58        1.41

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $   1,000      $   1,017.80      $   7.05        1.41

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  NET ASSETS  

Five Below, Inc.

   $ 1,332,960          1.8

Teladoc, Inc.

     1,257,885          1.7  

Planet Fitness, Inc.

     1,255,278          1.7  

iRhythm Technologies, Inc.

     1,180,685          1.6  

Blackbaud, Inc.

     1,096,010          1.5  

Freshpet, Inc.

     1,081,008          1.5  

Tactile Systems Technology, Inc.

     1,072,708          1.5  

Pure Storage, Inc.—Class A

     1,067,436          1.5  

Trade Desk, Inc. (The)—Class A

     1,033,958          1.4  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

     1,029,308          1.4  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   11,407,236          15.6

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Information Technology

   $ 18,407,777          25.4

Health Care

     16,768,240          23.1  

Industrials

     13,370,087          18.5  

Consumer Discretionary

     10,404,826          14.4  

Financials

     5,126,424          7.1  

Materials

     2,313,341          3.2  

Consumer Staples

     1,982,491          2.7  

Energy

     1,444,068          2.0  

Telecommunication Services

     803,949          1.1  

Short-Term Investments

     1,796,823          2.5  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   72,418,026          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

2


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

COMMON STOCKS–97.8%

   
   

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–25.5%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.8%

   

Ciena Corp.(a)

    20,550     $ 544,781  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–1.5%

   

Littelfuse, Inc.

    1,350       308,043  

National Instruments Corp.

    16,250       682,175  

Novanta, Inc.(a)

    1,495       93,138  
   

 

 

 
      1,083,356  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET SOFTWARE & SERVICES–6.6%

   

2U, Inc.(a)

    10,927       913,060  

Etsy, Inc.(a)

    12,270       517,671  

GrubHub, Inc.(a)

    9,440       990,350  

New Relic, Inc.(a)

    9,056       910,943  

Q2 Holdings, Inc.(a)

    7,463       425,764  

Trade Desk, Inc. (The)–Class A(a)

    11,023       1,033,958  
   

 

 

 
      4,791,746  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–2.6%

   

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    6,871       918,447  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.(a)

    9,784       974,486  
   

 

 

 
      1,892,933  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–12.5%

   

Aspen Technology, Inc.(a)

    8,403       779,294  

Blackbaud, Inc.

    10,698       1,096,010  

Blackline, Inc.(a)

    12,012       521,681  

Bottomline Technologies de, Inc.(a)

    19,110       952,252  

Guidewire Software, Inc.(a)

    8,113       720,272  

HubSpot, Inc.(a)

    7,470       936,738  

Paylocity Holding Corp.(a)

    16,829       990,555  

Pivotal Software, Inc.–Class A(a)

    14,402       349,537  

Proofpoint, Inc.(a)

    6,288       725,069  

RingCentral, Inc.–Class A(a)

    10,960       771,036  

SailPoint Technologies Holding, Inc.(a)

    26,578       652,224  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)

    4,502       532,857  
   

 

 

 
      9,027,525  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–1.5%

   

Pure Storage, Inc.–Class A(a)

    44,700       1,067,436  
   

 

 

 
      18,407,777  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–23.2%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–11.2%

   

Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)

    12,815       331,011  

Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    11,513       309,585  
   
   

Ascendis Pharma A/S (ADR)(a)

    5,131     $ 341,314  

Audentes Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    6,419       245,270  

BeiGene Ltd. (ADR)(a)

    1,857       285,477  

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Co., Ltd.(a)

    13,878       548,458  

Blueprint Medicines Corp.(a)

    5,982       379,737  

Clovis Oncology, Inc.(a)

    7,180       326,475  

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    7,971       313,659  

Exact Sciences Corp.(a)

    17,105       1,022,708  

Loxo Oncology, Inc.(a)

    3,655       634,069  

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    1,340       374,785  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.(a)

    6,730       661,155  

NuCana PLC (ADR)(a)(b)

    8,972       170,468  

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    3,286       514,358  

Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    5,120       676,762  

Spark Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    5,340       441,938  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.(a)

    7,213       554,463  
   

 

 

 
      8,131,692  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–4.9%

   

iRhythm Technologies, Inc.(a)

    14,553       1,180,685  

Nevro Corp.(a)

    7,649       610,772  

Penumbra, Inc.(a)

    4,758       657,318  

Tactile Systems Technology, Inc.(a)

    20,629       1,072,708  
   

 

 

 
      3,521,483  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE
TECHNOLOGY–3.1%

   

Teladoc, Inc.(a)(b)

    21,669       1,257,885  

Vocera Communications, Inc.(a)

    32,377       967,749  
   

 

 

 
      2,225,634  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–1.3%

   

ICON PLC(a)

    7,052       934,602  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–2.7%

   

Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    7,000       472,850  

GW Pharmaceuticals PLC (ADR)(a)

    1,968       274,615  

Intersect ENT, Inc.(a)

    24,730       926,139  

Revance Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    10,245       281,225  
   

 

 

 
      1,954,829  
   

 

 

 
      16,768,240  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–18.5%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–2.0%

   

Hexcel Corp.

    11,934       792,179  

Mercury Systems, Inc.(a)

    17,460       664,528  
   

 

 

 
      1,456,707  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–2.9%

   

Cimpress NV(a)

    7,045       1,021,243  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    17,595       1,029,308  
   

 

 

 
      2,050,551  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–1.2%

   

Dycom Industries, Inc.(a)

    9,083       858,434  
   

 

 

 

 

3


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–0.7%

   

Carlisle Cos., Inc.

    4,925     $ 533,427  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–6.8%

   

Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc.(a)

    25,239       741,774  

Gates Industrial Corp. PLC(a)

    24,914       405,351  

IDEX Corp.

    5,542       756,372  

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    1,428       126,949  

Kennametal, Inc.

    20,510       736,309  

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

    8,709       764,302  

Nordson Corp.

    5,210       669,016  

RBC Bearings, Inc.(a)

    5,523       711,418  
   

 

 

 
      4,911,491  
   

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–2.6%

   

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    24,540       937,673  

Saia, Inc.(a)

    11,560       934,626  
   

 

 

 
      1,872,299  
   

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–2.3%

   

H&E Equipment Services, Inc.

    21,513       809,104  

SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc.(a)

    10,457       878,074  
   

 

 

 
      1,687,178  
   

 

 

 
      13,370,087  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–14.4%

   

DISTRIBUTORS–1.2%

   

Pool Corp.

    5,997       908,545  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–2.7%

   

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.(a)

    9,415       965,226  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.(a)

    9,000       1,004,490  
   

 

 

 
      1,969,716  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–3.0%

   

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.(a)

    25,491       884,538  

Planet Fitness, Inc.(a)

    28,568       1,255,278  
   

 

 

 
      2,139,816  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–2.2%

   

Shutterfly, Inc.(a)

    8,870       798,566  

Wayfair, Inc.– Class A(a)

    6,405       760,658  
   

 

 

 
      1,559,224  
   

 

 

 

MULTILINE RETAIL–1.3%

   

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.(a)

    13,082       948,445  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–4.0%

   

Five Below, Inc.(a)

    13,642       1,332,960  

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.–Class A(a)

    17,756       875,903  

Sleep Number Corp.(a)

    23,095       670,217  
   

 

 

 
      2,879,080  
   

 

 

 
      10,404,826  
   

 

 

 
   

FINANCIALS–7.1%

   

BANKS–2.6%

   

Sterling Bancorp./DE

    30,606     $ 719,241  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    1,358       392,136  

Western Alliance Bancorp(a)

    13,782       780,199  
   

 

 

 
      1,891,576  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–3.2%

   

Hamilton Lane, Inc.–Class A

    16,242       779,129  

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

    16,090       824,130  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    13,017       680,138  
   

 

 

 
      2,283,397  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–1.3%

   

Trupanion, Inc.(a)(b)

    24,649       951,451  
   

 

 

 
      5,126,424  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–3.2%

   

CHEMICALS–2.1%

   

Ingevity Corp.(a)

    8,040       650,114  

PolyOne Corp.

    20,802       899,063  
   

 

 

 
      1,549,177  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS–1.1%

   

Summit Materials, Inc.–Class A(a)

    29,111       764,164  
   

 

 

 
      2,313,341  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–2.8%

   

FOOD & STAPLES
RETAILING–1.3%

   

Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (The)(a)

    31,631       901,483  
   

 

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–1.5%

   

Freshpet, Inc.(a)(b)

    39,381       1,081,008  
   

 

 

 
      1,982,491  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–2.0%

   

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–1.1%

   

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc.(a)

    20,898       258,090  

Oil States International, Inc.(a)

    17,441       559,856  
   

 

 

 
      817,946  
   

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–0.9%

   

Matador Resources Co.(a)

    20,836       626,122  
   

 

 

 
      1,444,068  
   

 

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.1%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.1%

   

Vonage Holdings Corp.(a)

    62,370       803,949  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $52,494,243)

      70,621,203  
   

 

 

 

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–2.5%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–2.5%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market
Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $1,796,823)

    1,796,823     $ 1,796,823  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SECURITY LENDING COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–100.3%
(cost $54,291,066)

      72,418,026  
   

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–4.2%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–4.2%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market
Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $3,022,523)

    3,022,523       3,022,523  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–104.5%
(cost $57,313,589)

      75,440,549  

Other assets less
liabilities–(4.5)%

      (3,264,465
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 72,176,084  
   

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

See notes to financial statements.

    

 

5


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $52,494,243)

   $ 70,621,203 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $4,819,346—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $3,022,523)

     4,819,346  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     209,170  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     72,209  

Unaffiliated dividends and interest receivable

     21,307  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     1,077  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     75,744,312  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     3,022,523  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     369,754  

Advisory fee payable

     45,355  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     41,928  

Distribution fee payable

     9,350  

Administrative fee payable

     8,353  

Directors’ fees payable

     437  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     87  

Accrued expenses

     70,441  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     3,568,228  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 72,176,084  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 3,728  

Additional paid-in capital

     45,797,948  

Accumulated net investment loss

     (379,389

Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions

     8,626,837  

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

     18,126,960  
  

 

 

 
   $ 72,176,084  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class    Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A    $   27,751,637          1,352,916        $   20.51  
B    $ 44,424,447          2,374,979        $ 18.71  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $2,976,144 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

6


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers

   $ 84,402  

Affiliated issuers

     29,003  

Interest

     1,510  
  

 

 

 
     114,915  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     235,037  

Distribution fee—Class B

     44,923  

Transfer agency—Class A

     949  

Transfer agency—Class B

     1,258  

Custodian

     43,928  

Administrative

     26,577  

Audit and tax

     20,729  

Legal

     14,008  

Directors’ fees

     12,794  

Printing

     10,412  

Miscellaneous

     989  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     411,604  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (3,061
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     408,543  
  

 

 

 

Net investment loss

     (293,628
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     5,735,622  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     4,217,888  
  

 

 

 

Net gain on investment transactions

     9,953,510  
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 9,659,882  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment loss

   $ (293,628   $ (531,122

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     5,735,622       5,252,652  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     4,217,888       7,427,912  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     9,659,882       12,149,442  

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net increase (decrease)

     13,081,428       (213,569
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase

     22,741,310       11,935,873  

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     49,434,774       37,498,901  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period (including accumulated net investment loss of ($379,389) and ($85,761), respectively)

   $ 72,176,084     $ 49,434,774  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

8


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers fourteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

Effective February 1, 2013, the Portfolio was closed to new investors except that Contractholders of variable products with investment options that included the Portfolio as of January 31, 2013, may continue to purchase shares of the Portfolio in accordance with the procedures for the purchase of shares in the prospectus of the separate account in which they invest, including through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions. Effective August 10, 2015, the Portfolio reopened to new investors.

The Portfolio may (i) make additional exceptions that, in the Adviser’s judgment, do not adversely affect the Adviser’s ability to manage the Portfolio; (ii) reject any investment or refuse any exception, including those detailed above, that the Adviser believes will adversely affect its ability to manage the Portfolio; and (iii) close and/or reopen the Portfolio to new or existing Contractholders at any time.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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

 

9


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.

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

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2018:

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities:

        

Assets:

 

Common Stocks(a)

   $ 70,621,203     $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 70,621,203  

Short-Term Investments

     1,796,823       –0 –      –0 –      1,796,823  

Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund

     3,022,523       –0 –      –0 –      3,022,523  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     75,440,549       –0 –      –0 –      75,440,549  

Other Financial Instruments(b)

     –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total(c)

   $ 75,440,549     $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 75,440,549  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)   See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications.

 

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

 

(c)   There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period.

The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.

The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.

In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).

3. Currency Translation

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

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid.

 

11


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $26,577.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $600 for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $130.

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

Fund

   Market Value
12/31/17
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/18
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 0      $ 2,894      $ 1,098      $ 1,796      $ 1  

Government Money Market Portfolio

     4,718        15,238        16,933        3,023        28  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

            $ 4,819      $ 29  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 amounted to $15,543, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Purchases     Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 33,898,503     $ 22,015,521  

U.S. government securities

     –0 –      –0 – 

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 18,989,795  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (862,835
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 18,126,960  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related

 

13


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $2,976,144 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into AB Government Money Market Portfolio of $3,022,523. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $0 and $27,926 from the borrowers and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of AB Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $2,931. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

Class A

         

Shares sold

    52,595       75,951       $ 1,006,795     $ 1,157,881  

Shares redeemed

    (185,306     (305,172       (3,464,780     (4,557,787
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (132,711     (229,221     $ (2,457,985   $ (3,399,906
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    1,220,283       543,353       $ 20,798,019     $ 7,927,078  

Shares redeemed

    (307,314     (343,471       (5,258,606     (4,740,741
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    912,969       199,882       $ 15,539,413     $ 3,186,337  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2018, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 82% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.

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

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Effective July 3, 2018, the Facility will be increased to $325 million.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

     2017     2016  

Distributions paid from:

    

Net long-term capital gains

   $             –0 –    $ 12,370,036  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions

   $ –0 –    $ 12,370,036  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed capital gain

   $ 3,671,689 (a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     13,042,840 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 16,714,529  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   During the fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized $1,139,598 of capital loss carry forwards to offset current year net realized gains.

 

(b)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs).

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE J: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

15


 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended

June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $17.53       $13.07       $17.31       $20.97       $23.47       $18.96  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment loss (a)

    (.08 )(b)      (.18 )(b)      (.12 )(b)†      (.19     (.15     (.21

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    3.06       4.64       1.05       .18       (.30     8.30  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    2.98       4.46       .93       (.01     (.45     8.09  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Distributions

           

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      –0 –      (5.17     (3.65     (2.05     (3.58
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $20.51       $17.53       $13.07       $17.31       $20.97       $23.47  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (c)*

    17.00     34.12     6.46 %†      (1.25 )%      (1.81 )%      45.66
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $27,752       $26,039       $22,405       $25,033       $28,055       $33,510  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (d)

    1.16 %^      1.38     1.48     1.31     1.11     1.17

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (d)

    1.17 %^      1.38     1.49     1.31     1.11     1.17

Net investment loss

    (.80 )%(b)^      (1.19 )%(b)      (.83 )%(b)†      (.92 )%      (.67 )%      (.96 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    36     69     60     72     84     81

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 17.

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $16.00       $11.96       $16.30       $20.00       $22.54       $18.36  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment loss (a)

    (.09 )(b)      (.20 )(b)      (.15 )(b)†      (.22     (.19     (.25

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    2.80       4.24       .98       .17       (.30     8.01  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    2.71       4.04       .83       (.05     (.49     7.76  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Distributions

           

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      –0 –      (5.17     (3.65     (2.05     (3.58
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $18.71       $16.00       $11.96       $16.30       $20.00       $22.54  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (c)*

    16.94     33.78     6.22 %†      (1.53 )%      (2.08 )%      45.33
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period
(000’s omitted)

    $44,424       $23,396       $15,094       $19,857       $59,763       $38,128  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (d)

    1.41 %^      1.61     1.73     1.48     1.34     1.43

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (d)

    1.42 %^      1.62     1.74     1.48     1.34     1.43

Net investment loss

    (1.04 )%(b)^      (1.42 )%(b)      (1.08 )%(b)†      (1.10 )%      (.89 )%      (1.21 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    36     69     60     72     84     81

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(d)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and year ended December 31, 2017, such waiver amounted to .01% (annualized) and .01%, respectively.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows:

 

Net Investment
Income Per Share
   Net Investment
Income Ratio
 

Total

Return

$.004    .03%   .03%

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 by .04%, .03%, .08%, .02%, .01% and .23%, respectively.

 

^   Annualized.

 

17


 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2018 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including materials from an outside consultant, who acted as their independent fee consultant, and comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2016 and 2017 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2018 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the materials from the Fund’s Senior Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another AB Fund with a similar investment style.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions; (iii) must prepare and distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

19


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The directors noted that the Fund may invest in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as these may be varied as a result of exemptive orders issued by the SEC. The directors also noted that ETFs pay advisory fees pursuant to their advisory contracts, and that the Adviser had provided, and they had reviewed, information about the expense ratios of the relevant ETFs. The directors concluded, based on the Adviser’s explanation of how it may use ETFs when they are the most cost-effective way to obtain desired exposures for a fund or to temporarily “equitize” cash inflows pending purchases of underlying securities, that the advisory fee for the Fund would be paid for services that would be in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contracts of the ETFs.

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

20


 

 

 

 

 

VPS-SCG-0152-0618


JUN    06.30.18

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2018
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2018
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,025.80      $   4.07        0.81

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $   1,000      $   1,020.78      $   4.06        0.81
           

Class B

           

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,024.20      $   5.32        1.06

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $   1,000      $   1,019.54      $   5.31        1.06

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  NET ASSETS  

Zions Bancorporation

   $ 11,427,934          1.7

Everest Re Group Ltd.

     10,837,169          1.6  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.—Class A

     10,746,475          1.6  

ICON PLC

     10,018,605          1.4  

QEP Resources, Inc.

     9,893,697          1.4  

Verint Systems, Inc.

     9,805,785          1.4  

Regal Beloit Corp.

     9,273,666          1.3  

American Financial Group, Inc./OH

     9,243,260          1.3  

Cooper-Standard Holdings, Inc.

     9,137,623          1.3  

Alcoa Corp.

     8,782,968          1.3  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   99,167,182          14.3

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Financials

   $ 153,345,418          22.1

Industrials

     113,025,708          16.3  

Information Technology

     100,822,562          14.6  

Consumer Discretionary

     89,221,610          12.9  

Energy

     64,067,065          9.2  

Real Estate

     51,539,133          7.4  

Health Care

     31,049,623          4.5  

Utilities

     29,278,023          4.2  

Materials

     28,225,827          4.1  

Consumer Staples

     23,091,034          3.3  

Short-Term Investments

     9,528,912          1.4  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   693,194,915          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

2


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

COMMON STOCKS–98.9%

   
   

FINANCIALS–22.2%

   

BANKS–11.6%

   

Associated Banc-Corp.

    311,800     $ 8,512,140  

Comerica, Inc.

    95,770       8,707,409  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    310,660       5,125,890  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc./OH

    523,120       7,721,251  

Sterling Bancorp./DE

    346,120       8,133,820  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    149,070       7,875,368  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.(a)

    73,240       6,701,460  

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    338,410       7,644,682  

Webster Financial Corp.

    128,722       8,199,591  

Zions Bancorporation

    216,890       11,427,934  
   

 

 

 
      80,049,545  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–0.8%

   

OneMain Holdings, Inc.(a)

    159,700       5,316,413  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–7.8%

   

American Financial Group, Inc./OH

    86,120       9,243,260  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    47,020       10,837,169  

First American Financial Corp.

    116,250       6,012,450  

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (The)

    40,240       4,811,094  

Old Republic International Corp.

    350,390       6,976,265  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.–Class A

    80,510       10,746,475  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    104,170       5,729,350  
   

 

 

 
      54,356,063  
   

 

 

 

THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–2.0%

   

BankUnited, Inc.

    202,040       8,253,334  

Essent Group Ltd.(a)

    149,918       5,370,063  
   

 

 

 
      13,623,397  
   

 

 

 
      153,345,418  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–16.3%

   

AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS–1.2%

   

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.(a)

    112,360       8,056,212  
   

 

 

 

AIRLINES–2.9%

   

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

    101,990       6,159,176  

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.

    159,990       5,751,641  

SkyWest, Inc.

    164,760       8,551,044  
   

 

 

 
      20,461,861  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–1.0%

   

Steelcase, Inc.–Class A

    506,874       6,842,799  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–3.7%

   

AECOM(a)

    197,245       6,515,002  

Granite Construction, Inc.

    118,260       6,582,352  
   

Quanta Services, Inc.(a)

    226,655     $ 7,570,277  

Tutor Perini Corp.(a)

    285,350       5,264,707  
   

 

 

 
      25,932,338  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–2.4%

   

EnerSys

    97,510       7,278,146  

Regal Beloit Corp.

    113,370       9,273,666  
   

 

 

 
      16,551,812  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–2.6%

   

Oshkosh Corp.

    92,640       6,514,445  

SPX FLOW, Inc.(a)

    107,500       4,705,275  

Terex Corp.

    154,320       6,510,761  
   

 

 

 
      17,730,481  
   

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–1.0%

 

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    183,510       6,890,801  
   

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–1.5%

   

BMC Stock Holdings, Inc.(a)

    131,020       2,731,767  

MRC Global, Inc.(a)

    361,220       7,827,637  
   

 

 

 
      10,559,404  
   

 

 

 
      113,025,708  
   

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–14.6%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–2.2%

   

Finisar Corp.(a)(b)

    281,170       5,061,060  

Infinera Corp.(a)

    433,132       4,301,001  

NetScout Systems, Inc.(a)

    187,480       5,568,156  
   

 

 

 
      14,930,217  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–4.5%

   

Anixter International, Inc.(a)

    105,410       6,672,453  

Avnet, Inc.

    203,970       8,748,274  

CDW Corp./DE

    66,890       5,404,043  

Sanmina Corp.(a)

    205,050       6,007,965  

VeriFone Systems, Inc.(a)

    179,860       4,104,405  
   

 

 

 
      30,937,140  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–3.2%

 

Amdocs Ltd.

    103,130       6,826,175  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

    169,815       7,426,010  

Genpact Ltd.

    271,220       7,846,394  
   

 

 

 
      22,098,579  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–2.1%

   

Cypress Semiconductor Corp.

    379,080       5,906,067  

Mellanox Technologies Ltd.(a)

    48,510       4,089,393  

Qorvo, Inc.(a)

    57,190       4,584,922  
   

 

 

 
      14,580,382  
   

 

 

 

 

3


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

SOFTWARE–1.4%

 

Verint Systems, Inc.(a)

    221,100     $ 9,805,785  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–1.2%

   

NCR Corp.(a)

    282,537       8,470,459  
   

 

 

 
      100,822,562  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–12.9%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–2.8%

   

Cooper-Standard Holdings, Inc.(a)

    69,929       9,137,623  

Dana, Inc.

    180,460       3,643,487  

Lear Corp.

    25,137       4,670,706  

Tenneco, Inc.

    35,242       1,549,238  
   

 

 

 
      19,001,054  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–1.6%

   

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co.(a)

    446,125       3,412,856  

Sotheby’s(a)

    146,570       7,964,614  
   

 

 

 
      11,377,470  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–1.5%

   

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.

    348,139       6,997,594  

Brinker International, Inc.(b)

    66,072       3,145,027  
   

 

 

 
      10,142,621  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–1.9%

   

Lennar Corp.–Class A

    152,333       7,997,482  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp.–Class A(a)

    256,500       5,330,070  
   

 

 

 
      13,327,552  
   

 

 

 

MEDIA–0.6%

   

Scholastic Corp.

    94,320       4,179,319  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–2.7%

   

Burlington Stores, Inc.(a)

    35,787       5,387,017  

Michaels Cos., Inc. (The)(a)

    295,690       5,668,377  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    137,250       7,651,688  
   

 

 

 
      18,707,082  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–1.8%

   

Crocs, Inc.(a)

    331,540       5,838,420  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)

    58,890       6,648,092  
   

 

 

 
      12,486,512  
   

 

 

 
      89,221,610  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–9.3%

   

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–3.0%

   

Dril-Quip, Inc.(a)

    88,230       4,535,022  

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.(a)

    333,230       2,775,806  
   

Oil States International, Inc.(a)

    234,820     $ 7,537,722  

RPC, Inc.(b)

    399,610       5,822,318  
   

 

 

 
      20,670,868  
   

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–6.3%

   

HollyFrontier Corp.

    127,260       8,708,402  

Oasis Petroleum, Inc.(a)

    654,630       8,490,551  

QEP Resources, Inc.(a)

    806,990       9,893,697  

SM Energy Co.

    333,410       8,565,303  

SRC Energy, Inc.(a)

    702,200       7,738,244  
   

 

 

 
      43,396,197  
   

 

 

 
      64,067,065  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–7.5%

   

EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)–7.5%

   

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    157,710       6,762,605  

Camden Property Trust

    83,850       7,641,250  

CubeSmart

    35,368       1,139,557  

Education Realty Trust, Inc.

    177,530       7,367,495  

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.–Class A

    325,971       5,574,104  

Gramercy Property Trust

    232,638       6,355,670  

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    320,460       8,726,126  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    81,450       7,972,326  
   

 

 

 
      51,539,133  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–4.5%

   

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–3.0%

   

LifePoint Health, Inc.(a)

    136,995       6,685,356  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.(a)

    67,380       6,599,198  

WellCare Health Plans, Inc.(a)

    31,459       7,746,464  
   

 

 

 
      21,031,018  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–1.5%

   

ICON PLC(a)

    75,595       10,018,605  
   

 

 

 
      31,049,623  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–4.2%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–2.8%

   

Alliant Energy Corp.

    173,178       7,328,893  

PNM Resources, Inc.

    151,690       5,900,741  

Portland General Electric Co.

    140,420       6,004,359  
   

 

 

 
      19,233,993  
   

 

 

 

GAS UTILITIES–0.7%

   

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    69,080       5,268,732  
   

 

 

 

MULTI-UTILITIES–0.7%

   

Black Hills Corp.

    78,015       4,775,298  
   

 

 

 
      29,278,023  
   

 

 

 

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

MATERIALS–4.1%

   

CHEMICALS–1.7%

   

Orion Engineered Carbons SA

    119,970     $ 3,701,075  

Stepan Co.

    100       7,801  

Trinseo SA

    110,870       7,866,226  
   

 

 

 
      11,575,102  
   

 

 

 

CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–1.1%

   

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

    542,230       7,867,757  
   

 

 

 

METALS & MINING–1.3%

   

Alcoa Corp.(a)

    187,350       8,782,968  
   

 

 

 
      28,225,827  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–3.3%

   

BEVERAGES–1.1%

   

Cott Corp.

    462,629       7,656,510  
   

 

 

 

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.6%

   

US Foods Holding Corp.(a)

    109,330       4,134,860  
   

 

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–1.6%

   

Ingredion, Inc.

    36,345       4,023,392  

Nomad Foods Ltd.(a)

    379,170       7,276,272  
   

 

 

 
      11,299,664  
   

 

 

 
      23,091,034  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $531,881,195)

      683,666,003  
   

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.4%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–1.4%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 1.71%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $9,528,912)

    9,528,912       9,528,912  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SECURITY LENDING COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES
LOANED–100.3%
(cost $541,410,107)

      693,194,915  
   

 

 

 
   

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES
LOANED–1.5%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–1.5%

 

 

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB,
1.71%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $10,441,633)

    10,441,633     $ 10,441,633  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL
INVESTMENTS–101.8%

(cost $551,851,740)

      703,636,548  

Other assets less liabilities–(1.8)%

      (12,177,543
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 691,459,005  
   

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

See notes to financial statements.

 

5


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $531,881,195)

   $ 683,666,003 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $19,970,545—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $10,441,633)

     19,970,545  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     2,503,803  

Unaffiliated dividends and interest receivable

     831,742  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     28,032  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     4,360  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     707,004,485  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     10,441,633  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     4,082,653  

Advisory fee payable

     447,807  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     343,907  

Distribution fee payable

     100,121  

Administrative fee payable

     9,316  

Directors’ fees payable

     473  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     87  

Accrued expenses

     119,483  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     15,545,480  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 691,459,005  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 31,321  

Additional paid-in capital

     449,448,790  

Undistributed net investment income

     4,012,630  

Accumulated net realized gain on investment transactions

     86,181,456  

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

     151,784,808  
  

 

 

 
   $ 691,459,005  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class    Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A    $   229,084,385          10,302,428        $   22.24  
B    $ 462,374,620          21,018,587        $ 22.00  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $10,062,985 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

6


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $14,695)

   $ 5,108,293  

Affiliated issuers

     83,846  

Interest

     9,360  

Securities lending income

     4,881  
  

 

 

 
     5,206,380  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     2,597,790  

Distribution fee—Class B

     579,069  

Transfer agency—Class A

     1,098  

Transfer agency—Class B

     2,219  

Custodian

     62,649  

Printing

     48,335  

Administrative

     27,008  

Legal

     26,135  

Audit and tax

     22,571  

Directors’ fees

     12,772  

Miscellaneous

     12,279  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     3,391,925  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (9,182
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     3,382,743  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     1,823,637  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     33,253,037  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     (18,108,296
  

 

 

 

Net gain on investment transactions

     15,144,741  
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 16,968,378  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income

   $ 1,823,637     $ 2,068,051  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     33,253,037       54,025,680  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     (18,108,296     27,557,556  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     16,968,378       83,651,287  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM

 

Net investment income

 

Class A

     –0 –      (1,018,430

Class B

     –0 –      (1,111,760

Net realized gain on investment transactions

 

Class A

     –0 –      (10,952,926

Class B

     –0 –      (22,632,252

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net decrease

     (28,662,498     (31,401,524
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (11,694,120     16,534,395  

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     703,153,125       686,618,730  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $4,012,630 and $2,188,993, respectively)

   $ 691,459,005     $ 703,153,125  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

8


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers fourteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

9


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2018:

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

             

Assets:

             

Common Stocks(a)

     $ 683,666,003      $ –0 –     $ –0 –     $ 683,666,003  

Short-Term Investments

       9,528,912        –0 –       –0 –       9,528,912  

Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund

       10,441,633        –0 –       –0 –       10,441,633  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       703,636,548        –0 –       –0 –       703,636,548  

Other Financial Instruments(b)

       –0 –       –0 –       –0 –       –0 – 
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(c)

     $ 703,636,548      $             –0 –     $             –0 –     $ 703,636,548  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)   See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications.

 

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

 

(c)   There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period.

The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.

In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).

3. Currency Translation

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

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

 

11


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to 1.20% and 1.45% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $27,008.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $600 for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $530.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

Fund

   Market Value
12/31/17
(000)
     Purchases
at  Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/18
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 0      $ 11,811      $ 2,282      $ 9,529      $ 4  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

     18,302        92,688        100,548        10,442        80  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

            $ 19,971      $ 84  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*   Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 amounted to $129,702, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.    

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Purchases     Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 119,092,467     $ 141,932,471  

U.S. government securities

     –0 –      –0 – 

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 163,571,877  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (11,787,069
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 151,784,808  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are

 

13


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had securities on loan with a value of $10,062,985 and had received cash collateral which has been invested into AB Government Money Market Portfolio of $10,441,633. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $4,881 and $79,486 from the borrowers and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of AB Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $8,652. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    386,447       1,291,766       $ 8,426,788     $ 26,552,466  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      629,078         –0 –      11,971,356  

Shares redeemed

    (859,610     (2,537,276       (18,843,170     (51,958,746
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (473,163     (616,432     $ (10,416,382   $ (13,434,924
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    640,168       2,296,542       $ 13,884,781     $ 46,650,675  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      1,258,294         –0 –      23,744,012  

Shares redeemed

    (1,480,561     (4,333,856       (32,130,897     (88,361,287
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (840,393     (779,020     $ (18,246,116   $ (17,966,600
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2018, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 71% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.

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

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

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Effective July 3, 2018, the Facility will be increased to $325 million.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

       2017        2016  

Distributions paid from:

         

Ordinary income

     $ 2,130,190        $ 3,624,690  

Net long-term capital gains

       33,585,178          33,801,029  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions

     $ 35,715,368        $ 37,425,719  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 2,037,079  

Undistributed net capital gain

     53,754,900  

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     169,066,623 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 224,858,602 (b) 
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

 

(b)   The difference between book-basis and tax-basis components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) is attributable primarily to the tax treatment of deferred dividends from real estate investment trust (REITs).

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE J: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

15


 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $21.68       $20.29       $17.29       $21.95       $22.89       $17.67  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .08 (b)      .10 (b)      .10 (b)†      .11       .17       .16  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    .48       2.41       4.09       (1.11     1.82       6.41  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .56       2.51       4.19       (1.00     1.99       6.57  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.09     (.11     (.17     (.17     (.13

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (1.03     (1.08     (3.49     (2.76     (1.22
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (1.12     (1.19     (3.66     (2.93     (1.35
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $22.24       $21.68       $20.29       $17.29       $21.95       $22.89  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (c)

    2.58     13.15 %*      25.09 %†      (5.49 )%      9.20     38.06 %* 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $229,084       $233,652       $231,197       $191,388       $211,680       $217,146  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    .81 %^      .81     .82     .82     .82     .81

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    .81 %^      .82     .83     .82     .82     .81

Net investment income

    .69 %(b)^      .47 %(b)      .53 %(b)†      .56     .75     .77

Portfolio turnover rate

    17     33     57     42     45     56

 

 

See footnote summary on page 17.

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $21.48       $20.12       $17.15       $21.79       $22.74       $17.58  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .05 (b)      .05 (b)      .05 (b)†      .06       .11       .11  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    .47       2.39       4.06       (1.09     1.81       6.36  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .52       2.44       4.11       (1.03     1.92       6.47  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.05     (.06     (.12     (.11     (.09

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (1.03     (1.08     (3.49     (2.76     (1.22
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (1.08     (1.14     (3.61     (2.87     (1.31
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $22.00       $21.48       $20.12       $17.15       $21.79       $22.74  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (c)

    2.42     12.85 %*      24.79 %†      (5.69 )%      8.95     37.63 %* 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $462,375       $469,501       $455,422       $386,875       $447,378       $472,677  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.06 %^      1.06     1.07     1.07     1.07     1.06

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.06 %^      1.07     1.08     1.07     1.07     1.06

Net investment income

    .44 %(b)^      .22 %(b)      .28 %(b)†      .31     .49     .51

Portfolio turnover rate.

    17     33     57     42     45     56

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows:

 

Net Investment

Income Per Share

  

Net Investment

Income Ratio

 

Total

Return

$.001    .003%   .003%

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2013 by .11% and .01%, respectively.

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

17


 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2018 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including materials from an outside consultant, who acted as their independent fee consultant, and comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2016 and 2017 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2018 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the materials from the Fund’s Senior Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another AB Fund with a similar investment style.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions; (iii) must prepare and distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

19


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year and the directors considered the effects of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements as a result of the Adviser’s expense cap (although the directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was currently below the Adviser’s expense cap). The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

20


 

 

 

 

 

VPS-SMCV-0152-0618


JUN    06.30.18

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

VALUE PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
VALUE PORTFOLIO  
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2018
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2018
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $   1,000      $ 971.10      $   4.40        0.90

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $   1,020.33      $ 4.51        0.90
           

Class B

           

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 969.80      $ 5.62        1.15

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,019.09      $ 5.76        1.15

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


VALUE PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

COMPANY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  NET ASSETS  

Wells Fargo & Co.

   $ 3,177,599          4.9

Oracle Corp.

     2,796,620          4.3  

Bank of America Corp.

     2,783,227          4.3  

EOG Resources, Inc.

     2,583,291          4.0  

American International Group, Inc.

     1,834,227          2.8  

Raytheon Co.

     1,762,961          2.7  

T-Mobile US, Inc.

     1,659,556          2.6  

Synchrony Financial

     1,649,873          2.6  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

     1,633,641          2.5  

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.—Class A

     1,525,384          2.4  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   21,406,379          33.1

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2018 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Financials

   $ 17,002,122          26.2

Information Technology

     8,658,470          13.3  

Energy

     8,387,486          12.9  

Health Care

     7,098,943          10.9  

Consumer Discretionary

     7,038,972          10.9  

Consumer Staples

     4,693,803          7.2  

Industrials

     3,234,295          5.0  

Utilities

     3,099,810          4.8  

Materials

     2,433,353          3.8  

Telecommunication Services

     1,659,556          2.6  

Real Estate

     1,333,431          2.1  

Short-Term Investments

     207,348          0.3  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   64,847,589          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

2


VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
   

COMMON STOCKS–99.9%

   

FINANCIALS–26.3%

   

BANKS–12.2%

   

Bank of America Corp.

    98,731     $ 2,783,227  

Comerica, Inc.

    12,693       1,154,048  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    57,316       3,177,599  

Zions Bancorporation

    14,496       763,794  
   

 

 

 
      7,878,668  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–1.6%

   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

    4,829       1,065,132  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–5.2%

   

Capital One Financial Corp.

    10,991       1,010,073  

OneMain Holdings, Inc.(a)

    20,895       695,595  

Synchrony Financial

    49,427       1,649,873  
   

 

 

 
      3,355,541  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–7.3%

   

American International Group, Inc.

    34,595       1,834,227  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    6,392       1,473,228  

FNF Group

    37,090       1,395,326  
   

 

 

 
      4,702,781  
   

 

 

 
      17,002,122  
   

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–13.4%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–4.0%

   

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    47,528       1,303,218  

Nokia Oyj (Sponsored ADR)–Class A

    220,141       1,265,811  
   

 

 

 
      2,569,029  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–1.3%

   

Intel Corp.

    17,275       858,740  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–4.3%

   

Oracle Corp.

    63,473       2,796,620  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–3.8%

   

HP, Inc.

    60,268       1,367,481  

NCR Corp.(a)

    17,192       515,416  

Xerox Corp.

    22,966       551,184  
   

 

 

 
      2,434,081  
   

 

 

 
      8,658,470  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–12.9%

   

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–1.7%

   

Dril-Quip, Inc.(a)

    5,207       267,640  

RPC, Inc.

    58,084       846,284  
   

 

 

 
      1,113,924  
   

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–11.2%

   

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

    19,683       709,966  

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
   

Devon Energy Corp.

    25,864     $ 1,136,981  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    20,761       2,583,291  

Hess Corp.

    22,501       1,505,092  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    19,074       1,338,232  
   

 

 

 
      7,273,562  
   

 

 

 
      8,387,486  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–11.0%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–2.5%

   

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    23,061       1,633,641  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–5.5%

   

Aetna, Inc.

    5,443       998,791  

Cigna Corp.

    8,133       1,382,203  

McKesson Corp.

    8,917       1,189,528  
   

 

 

 
      3,570,522  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–3.0%

   

AstraZeneca PLC (Sponsored ADR)

    28,450       998,880  

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sponsored ADR)

    36,838       895,900  
   

 

 

 
      1,894,780  
   

 

 

 
      7,098,943  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–10.9%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–3.0%

   

Lear Corp.

    3,665       680,994  

Magna International, Inc. (New York)–Class A

    21,583       1,254,620  
   

 

 

 
      1,935,614  
   

 

 

 

MEDIA–6.3%

   

Charter Communications, Inc.–Class A(a)

    3,445       1,010,108  

Comcast Corp.–Class A

    46,330       1,520,087  

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.–Class A

    30,698       1,525,384  
   

 

 

 
      4,055,579  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.6%

   

Michaels Cos., Inc. (The)(a)

    25,459       488,049  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    10,040       559,730  
   

 

 

 
      1,047,779  
   

 

 

 
      7,038,972  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–7.2%

   

BEVERAGES–1.7%

   

PepsiCo, Inc.

    10,144       1,104,377  
   

 

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–2.1%

   

Tyson Foods, Inc.–Class A

    20,070       1,381,820  
   

 

 

 

TOBACCO–3.4%

   

British American Tobacco PLC (Sponsored ADR)

    14,295       721,183  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    18,410       1,486,423  
   

 

 

 
      2,207,606  
   

 

 

 
      4,693,803  
   

 

 

 

 

3


VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
   

INDUSTRIALS–5.0%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–2.7%

   

Raytheon Co.

    9,126     $ 1,762,961  
   

 

 

 

AIRLINES–1.1%

   

JetBlue Airways Corp.(a)

    38,496       730,654  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–1.2%

   

Oshkosh Corp.

    10,533       740,680  
   

 

 

 
      3,234,295  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–4.8%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–3.3%

   

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    19,955       1,381,884  

Edison International

    12,252       775,184  
   

 

 

 
      2,157,068  
   

 

 

 

MULTI-UTILITIES–1.5%

   

NiSource, Inc.

    35,873       942,742  
   

 

 

 
      3,099,810  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–3.7%

   

CHEMICALS–2.4%

   

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    14,147       628,127  

Mosaic Co. (The)

    34,269       961,245  
   

 

 

 
      1,589,372  
   

 

 

 

METALS & MINING–1.3%

   

Alcoa Corp.(a)

    18,003       843,981  
   

 

 

 
      2,433,353  
   

 

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.6%

   

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.6%

   

T-Mobile US, Inc.(a)

    27,775       1,659,556  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–2.1%

   

EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)–2.1%

   

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    6,670       671,469  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    6,763       661,962  
   

 

 

 
      1,333,431  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $54,859,106)

      64,640,241  
   

 

 

 

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
   

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–0.3%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.3%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio,
1.71%(b)(c)(d)
(cost $207,348)

    207,348     $ 207,348  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.2%
(cost $55,066,454)

      64,847,589  

Other assets less
liabilities–(0.2)%

      (127,151
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 64,720,438  
   

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

See notes to financial statements.

 

4


VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $54,859,106)

   $ 64,640,241  

Affiliated issuers (cost $207,348)

     207,348  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     98,379  

Unaffiliated dividends and interest receivable

     70,483  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     1,369  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     139  

Other assets

     29,597  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     65,047,556  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     181,486  

Advisory fee payable

     30,539  

Printing fee payable

     28,419  

Audit and tax fee payable

     18,191  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     17,797  

Distribution fee payable

     13,661  

Administrative fee payable

     8,543  

Directors’ fees payable

     436  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     87  

Accrued expenses

     27,959  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     327,118  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 64,720,438  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 3,879  

Additional paid-in capital

     52,305,851  

Undistributed net investment income

     925,580  

Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     1,704,028  

Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     9,781,100  
  

 

 

 
   $ 64,720,438  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 1,102,797          65,557        $ 16.82  
B      $   63,617,641          3,813,333        $   16.68  

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

5


VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $11,541)

   $ 673,248  

Affiliated issuers

     6,077  

Interest

     258  

Securities lending income

     7,720  
  

 

 

 
     687,303  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     187,888  

Distribution fee—Class B

     83,877  

Transfer agency—Class A

     38  

Transfer agency—Class B

     2,042  

Custodian

     31,809  

Administrative

     26,577  

Audit and tax

     20,695  

Legal

     14,827  

Directors’ fees

     12,795  

Printing

     8,331  

Miscellaneous

     1,376  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses before interest expense

     390,255  

Interest expense(a)

     2,487  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     392,742  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (667
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     392,075  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     295,228  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain on:

  

Investment transactions

     2,140,318  

Foreign currency transactions

     229  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

  

Investments

     (4,502,145

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (169
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (2,361,767
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (2,066,539
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-financing expense.

See notes to financial statements.

 

6


 
VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income

   $ 295,228     $ 631,186  

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     2,140,547       4,813,959  

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

     (4,502,314     3,965,651  

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

     –0 –      16,161  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (2,066,539     9,426,957  

DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM

 

Net investment income

 

Class A

     –0 –      (15,850

Class B

     –0 –      (838,398

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net decrease

     (6,525,671     (16,468,635
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease

     (8,592,210     (7,895,926

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     73,312,648       81,208,574  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $925,580 and $630,352, respectively)

   $ 64,720,438     $ 73,312,648  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2018 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland on November 17, 1987, as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers fourteen separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

8


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2018:

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities:

        

Assets:

        

Common Stocks(a)

   $ 64,640,241     $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 64,640,241  

Short-Term Investments

     207,348       –0 –      –0 –      207,348  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     64,847,589       –0 –      –0 –      64,847,589  

Other Financial Instruments(b)

     –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total(c)

   $ 64,847,589     $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 64,847,589  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)   See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications.

 

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

 

(c)   There were no transfers between any levels during the reporting period.

The Portfolio recognizes all transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assuming the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period.

 

9


VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Adviser established the Committee to oversee the pricing and valuation of all securities held in the Portfolio. The Committee operates under pricing and valuation policies and procedures established by the Adviser and approved by the Board, including pricing policies which set forth the mechanisms and processes to be employed on a daily basis to implement these policies and procedures. In particular, the pricing policies describe how to determine market quotations for securities and other instruments. The Committee’s responsibilities include: 1) fair value and liquidity determinations (and oversight of any third parties to whom any responsibility for fair value and liquidity determinations is delegated), and 2) regular monitoring of the Adviser’s pricing and valuation policies and procedures and modification or enhancement of these policies and procedures (or recommendation of the modification of these policies and procedures) as the Committee believes appropriate.

The Committee is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the pricing policies by the Adviser’s Pricing Group (the “Pricing Group”) and any third party which performs certain pricing functions in accordance with the pricing policies. The Pricing Group is responsible for the oversight of the third party on a day-to-day basis. The Committee and the Pricing Group perform a series of activities to provide reasonable assurance of the accuracy of prices including: 1) periodic vendor due diligence meetings, review of methodologies, new developments and processes at vendors, 2) daily comparison of security valuation versus prior day for all securities that exceeded established thresholds, and 3) daily review of unpriced, stale, and variance reports with exceptions reviewed by senior management and the Committee.

In addition, several processes outside of the pricing process are used to monitor valuation issues including: 1) performance and performance attribution reports are monitored for anomalous impacts based upon benchmark performance, and 2) portfolio managers review all portfolios for performance and analytics (which are generated using the Adviser’s prices).

3. Currency Translation

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

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to 1.20% and 1.45% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $26,577.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Adviser reimbursed the Portfolio $16,161 for trading losses incurred due to a trade entry error.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $600 for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in the Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $17.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

Fund

   Market Value
12/31/17
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/18
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 0      $ 853      $ 646      $ 207      $ 0

Government Money Market Portfolio**

     1,364        9,303        10,667        0        6  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

            $ 207      $ 6  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*   Amount is less than $500.

 

**   Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018 amounted to $6,756, of which $0 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein

 

11


VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

       Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     $ 9,260,955      $ 15,638,138  

U.S. government securities

       –0      –0

The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 12,438,229  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (2,657,094
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 9,781,135  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash. The Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. It is the policy of the Portfolio to receive collateral consisting of cash in an amount exceeding the value of the securities loaned. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. At June 30, 2018, the Portfolio had no securities on loan. The cash collateral will be adjusted on the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The Portfolio earned securities lending income of $7,720 and $5,938 from the borrowers and AB Government Money Market Portfolio, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018; these amounts are reflected in the statement of operations. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in the AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of AB Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, such waiver amounted to $650. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

Class A

         

Shares sold

    3,642       15,153       $ 61,741     $ 246,774  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    –0 –      1,012         –0 –      15,850  

Shares redeemed

    (16,806     (31,966       (285,633     (507,161
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (13,164     (15,801     $ (223,892   $ (244,537
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    118,360       240,673       $ 1,951,580     $ 3,804,324  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    –0 –      53,882         –0 –      838,398  

Shares redeemed

    (488,238     (1,302,389       (8,253,359     (20,866,820
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (369,878     (1,007,834     $ (6,301,779   $ (16,224,098
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2018, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 92% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

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

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

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

13


VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $280 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Effective July 3, 2018, the Facility will be increased to $325 million.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

     2017      2016  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 854,248      $ 1,152,421  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 854,248      $ 1,152,421  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 630,352  

Accumulated capital and other losses

     0 (a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     13,846,895 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 14,477,247  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   During the fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized $4,833,099 of capital loss carryforwards to offset current year net realized gains. The Portfolio also had $3,501,135 of capital loss carryforwards expire during the fiscal year.

 

(b)   The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2017, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE J: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

14


 
VALUE PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $17.32       $15.47       $14.11       $15.50       $14.22       $10.63  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .09 (b)      .17 (b)      .19 (b)†      .21       .26       .19  

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

    (.59     1.91       1.42       (1.26     1.31       3.70  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      .00 (c)      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (.50     2.08       1.61       (1.05     1.57       3.89  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.23     (.25     (.34     (.29     (.30
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $16.82       $17.32       $15.47       $14.11       $15.50       $14.22  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)*

    (2.89 )%      13.57     11.55 %†      (6.95 )%      11.10     36.85
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $1,102       $1,364       $1,463       $1,373       $2,050       $2,205  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    .90 %^      .87     .88     .81     .79     .73

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    .90 %^      .87     .89     .81     .79     .73

Net investment income

    1.10 %(b)^      1.08 %(b)      1.30 %(b)†      1.38     1.74     1.51

Portfolio turnover rate

    14     36     68     83     42     44

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 17.

 

15


VALUE PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2018

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $17.20       $15.36       $14.00       $15.37       $14.10       $10.54  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .07 (b)      .13 (b)      .15 (b)†      .17       .22       .16  

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

    (.59     1.89       1.42       (1.25     1.29       3.66  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      .00 (c)      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (.52     2.02       1.57       (1.08     1.51       3.82  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.18     (.21     (.29     (.24     (.26
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $16.68       $17.20       $15.36       $14.00       $15.37       $14.10  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)*

    (3.02 )%      13.29     11.29 %†      (7.17 )%      10.77     36.49
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $63,618       $71,949       $79,746       $85,064       $112,143       $132,271  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.15 %^      1.12     1.13     1.06     1.04     .98

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.15 %^      1.12     1.14     1.06     1.04     .98

Net investment income

    .86 %(b)^      .83 %(b)      1.06 %(b)†      1.14     1.51     1.28

Portfolio turnover rate

    14     36     68     83     42     44

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 17.

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.0005.

 

(d)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows:

 

Net Investment
Income Per Share
   Net Investment
Income Ratio
    Total
Return
 

$.003

     .02     .02

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 by .06%, .13%, .02%, .17%, .04% and .07%, respectively.

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

17


 
VALUE PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Value Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held on May 1-3, 2018 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including materials from an outside consultant, who acted as their independent fee consultant, and comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2016 and 2017 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Company’s former Independent Compliance Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2018 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, and their discussion with the Adviser of the reasons for the Fund’s underperformance in certain periods, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients pursuing a similar investment style. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and the materials from the Fund’s Senior Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and any sub-advised funds, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another AB Fund with a similar investment style.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions; (iii) must prepare and distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and

 

19


VALUE PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year and the directors considered the effects of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements as a result of the Adviser’s expense cap (although the directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was currently below the Adviser’s expense cap). The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the peer group median. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

20


 

 

 

 

VPS-VAL-0152-0618


ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

Please see Schedule of Investments contained in the Report to Shareholders included under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Fund’s Board of Directors since the Fund last provided disclosure in response to this item.


ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-2(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective at the reasonable assurance level based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this document.

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.

The following exhibits are attached to this Form N-CSR:

 

EXHIBIT NO.

  

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT

12 (b) (1)

   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

12 (b) (2)

   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

12 (c)

   Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant): AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
By:   /s/ Robert M. Keith
 

Robert M. Keith

President

Date:    August 14, 2018

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:   /s/ Robert M. Keith
 

Robert M. Keith

President

Date:    August 14, 2018

 

By:   /s/Joseph J. Mantineo
 

Joseph J. Mantineo

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Date:    August 14, 2018