N-CSRS 1 dncsrs.htm ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND, INC. AllianceBernstein High Income 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: 811-08188

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME 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

AllianceBernstein L.P.

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10105

(Name and address of agent for service)

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

Date of fiscal year end: October 31, 2008

Date of reporting period: April 30, 2008


ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

AllianceBernstein High Income Fund

(formerly Emerging Market Debt Fund)

 

 

LOGO

 

April 30, 2008

 

Semi-Annual Report


 

 

Investment Products Offered

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate as the prices of the individual securities in which it invests fluctuate, so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For a free copy of the Fund’s prospectus, which contains this and other information, visit our web site at www.alliancebernstein.com or call your financial advisor or AllianceBernstein® at (800) 227-4618. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.

You may obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end by visiting www.alliancebernstein.com.

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

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

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the manager of the AllianceBernstein funds, and is a member of FINRA.

AllianceBernstein® and the AB Logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.


June 18, 2008

 

Semi-Annual Report

This report provides management’s discussion of fund performance for AllianceBernstein High Income Fund (the “Fund”) for the semi-annual reporting period ended April 30, 2008. On August 2, 2007, the Board of Directors of the Fund (the “Board”) approved changing the Fund’s name from AllianceBernstein Emerging Market Debt Fund to “AllianceBernstein High Income Fund, Inc.” and certain policy changes. These changes were intended to refocus the Fund’s investment strategy on a broader range of debt securities, including corporate debt securities as well as emerging market debt securities. In addition, the Board approved the acquisi-tion of the assets and liabilities of AllianceBernstein Corporate Bond Portfolio (“Corporate Bond”), a series of AllianceBernstein Bond Fund, Inc., and AllianceBernstein High Yield Fund, Inc. (“High Yield”). Shareholders of Corporate Bond and shareholders of High Yield, respectively, approved the acquisitions of Corporate Bond and High Yield by the Fund. The acquisitions, changes to the Fund’s policies and change of the Fund’s name became effective in late January.

Investment Objectives and Policies

This open-end Fund’s investment objective is to maximize total returns from price appreciation and income. The Fund pursues income opportunities from government, corporate, emerging-market and high-yield sources. It has the flexibility to invest in a broad range of fixed-income securities

in both developed and emerging-market countries. The Fund’s investments may include U.S. and nonU.S. corporate debt securities and sovereign debt securities. The Fund may invest, without limitation, in either U.S. dollar-denominated or non-U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities.

The Fund may invest in debt securities with a range of maturities from short- to long-term. Substantially all of the Fund’s assets may be invested in lower-rated securities, which may include securities having the lowest rating for non-subordinated debt instruments (i.e., rated C by Moody’s or CCC+ or lower by S&P and Fitch) and unrated securities of equivalent investment quality. The Fund also may invest in investment-grade securities and unrated securities.

The Fund may also make short sales of securities or maintain a short position. The Fund is non-diversified, meaning it may invest more of its assets in a fewer number of issuers. The Fund may invest in mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, loan participations, inflation-protected securities, structured securities, variable, floating, and inverse floating rate instruments, preferred stock, and may use other investment techniques. The Fund may use borrowings or other leverage for investment purposes. The Fund intends, among other things, to enter into transactions such as reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls. The Fund may invest, without limit, in derivatives, such as options, futures, forwards or swap agreements.


 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     1


 

Investment Results

The table on page 5 shows the Fund’s performance compared with its current composite benchmark, which is composed of equal weightings of the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global (JPM EMBI Global), the JP Morgan Government Bond Index (GBI)—Emerging Markets (EM) (local-currency-denominated) and the Lehman Brothers (LB) U.S. Corporate High Yield (HY) 2% Issuer Capped Index for the six- and 12-month periods ended April 30, 2008. Individual performance for each of these indexes is also included for both time periods. The Fund’s previous benchmark is the JPM EMBI Global, which tracks total returns for U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments issued by emerging market sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities.

The Fund’s Class A shares without sales charges underperformed the new composite benchmark and the previous benchmark for both the six- and 12-month periods ended April 30, 2008. As noted in the Introductory and Investment Objectives and Policies sections on page 1 of this report, the Fund is in the process of transforming from a single-sector approach (emerging markets) to a multi-sector approach, enabling the Fund to take advantage of a greater set of global investment opportunities. In the transition period, the Fund’s performance reflected its higher weighting of high-yield debt, which underperformed relative to other fixed-income asset classes due to the global flight to quality. Conversely, the best-performing asset class within the Fund’s current composite benchmark, local emerging

market debt, was underrepresented within the Fund, as it transitioned. Local emerging market debt prices benefited greatly over both the six- and 12-month periods from strengthening local currencies. The Fund’s holdings in bank loan debt also detracted from performance, as riskier assets underperformed during both periods.

The Fund’s U.S. dollar-denominated emerging market country allocation—particularly an overweight in Argentina, which underperformed—also detracted from performance for both periods. Contributing positively within the Fund’s high-yield allocation was an underweight of the lowest credit quality tier, which underperformed, as did an underweight in the beleaguered housing industry. The Fund’s use of leverage was a positive contributor.

Market Review and Investment Strategy

Fear of the spreading financial crisis and its potential impact on the global economy sharply drove fixed-income yield spreads wider during most of the semi-annual period ended April 30, 2008. Investor risk aversion significantly increased, leading to a wholesale flight from risk, with little regard for geography. In an effort to stem the financial turmoil, the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) moved aggressively during the period to inject liquidity into the financial system and lowered official rates from 4.50% to 2.00% at the end of the reporting period.

Central banks in Europe, Canada and Australia also acted to inject liquidity


 

2     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND


 

into the system, though they have not matched the Fed’s interest-rate cuts, as inflation is a greater concern in many of those regions. The Fed’s larger interest-rate cuts also put more pressure on the U.S. dollar, which has fallen significantly against other major currencies. Despite aggressive central-bank action, investor sentiment remained fragile at the end of the reporting period.

A sharp reversal in market sentiment in April 2008, however, led fixed-income sector spreads to rebound against Treasuries. After nine consecutive months of gains, Treasuries recorded their largest loss in four years. Another Fed cut—as well as better-than-expected economic data—led to at least a temporary increase in investors’ appetite for risk.

For the six-month reporting period, high yield lagged most in the global flight to quality, returning -0.73%, as represented by the LB U.S. Corporate HY 2% Issuer Capped Index. High-yield spreads widened from 199 basis

points to 646 basis points over neutral-duration Treasuries. Underperforming industries included restaurants at -9.34%, building materials at -9.30%, media non-cable at -8.54% and finance at -7.75%. Outperforming industries included health care at 6.22%, utilities at 5.71% and energy at 5.13%.

Both U.S. dollar and local emerging-market debt outperformed high yield for the semi-annual period ended April 30, 2008, as the emerging markets demonstrated a reasonable level of stability in an environment of global volatility. U.S. dollar-denominated emerging market debt returned 1.90%, according to the JPM EMBI Global, with outperforming countries including Iraq at 21.17%, the Ivory Coast at 13.16% and Ecuador at 9.84%. Underperforming countries included Argentina at -18.61% and Venezuela at -8.64%. Local emerging market debt returned 4.56%, according to the JP Morgan GBI-EM, as most currencies continued to strengthen against the U.S. dollar.


 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     3


 

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE

An Important Note About the Value of Historical Performance

The performance shown on the following pages represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. You may obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end by visiting www.alliancebernstein.com.

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate, so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For a free copy of the Fund’s prospectus, which contains this and other information, visit our website at www.alliancebernstein.com or call your financial advisor or AllianceBernstein Investments at 800.227.4618. You should read the prospectus carefully before you invest.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Fund have been deducted. NAV returns do not reflect sales charges; if sales charges were reflected, the Fund’s quoted performance would be lower. SEC returns reflect the applicable sales charges for each share class: a 4.25% maximum front-end sales charge for Class A shares; the applicable contingent deferred sales charge for Class B shares (3% year 1, 2% year 2, 1% year 3, 0% year 4); and a 1% 1 year contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares. Returns for the different share classes will vary due to different expenses associated with each class. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

Benchmark Disclosure

Neither the unmanaged JP Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global (JPM EMBI Global), the JP Morgan Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) nor the Lehman Brothers (LB) U.S. Corporate High Yield (HY) 2% Issuer Capped Index reflects fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The unmanaged JPM EMBI Global tracks total returns for U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments issued by emerging market sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities: Brady bonds, loans, eurobonds. The JP Morgan GBI-EM is the first comprehensive, global local emerging markets index, and consists of regularly traded, liquid fixed-rate, domestic currency government bonds to which international investors can gain exposure. The LB U.S. Corporate HY 2% Issuer Capped Index is the 2% Issuer Cap component of the U.S. Corporate HY Index. The LB U.S. Corporate HY Index is an unmanaged index that includes all fixed-income securities having a maximum quality rating of Ba1, a minimum amount outstanding of $150 million, and at least one year to maturity. The indexes do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio.

A Word About Risk

A substantial amount of the Fund’s assets will be invested in foreign securities in emerging market nations, which may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political and other risks different from or greater than the risks of investing in developed foreign countries. Investment in the Fund includes risks not associated with funds that invest exclusively in U.S. issues. The Fund can invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of a single issuer, making the Fund more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a more diversified portfolio might be. Price fluctuation in the Fund’s portfolio securities may be caused by changes in interest rates or bond credit quality ratings. Changes in interest rates have a greater effect on bonds with longer maturities than on those with shorter maturities. Please note, as interest rates rise, existing bond prices fall and can cause the value of your investment in the Fund to decline. The Fund may invest in high-yield bonds (i.e., “junk bonds”), which involve a greater risk of default and price volatility than other bonds. Investing in below-investment grade bonds presents special risks, including credit risk. While the Fund invests principally in bonds and other fixed-income securities, in order to achieve its investment objectives, the Fund may at times use certain types of investment derivatives, such as options, futures, forwards and swaps. These instruments involve risks different from, and in certain cases, greater than, the risks presented by more traditional investments. These risks are fully discussed in the Fund’s prospectus.

(Historical Performance continued on next page)

 

4     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Historical Performance


HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE

(continued from previous page)

 

        

THE FUND VS. ITS BENCHMARKS

PERIODS ENDED APRIL 30, 2008

  Returns    
  6 Months        12 Months     

AllianceBernstein High Income Fund

        

Class A

  -0.33%        3.64%  
     

Class B

  -0.57%        2.86%  
     

Class C

  -0.57%        2.87%  
     

Advisor Class*

  0.44%      N/A  
     

Class R*

  0.33%      N/A  
     

Class K*

  0.39%      N/A  
     

Class I*

  0.57%      N/A  
     

Current Composite Benchmark: 33% JP Morgan GBI – Emerging Markets / 33% JP Morgan EMBI Global / 33% Lehman Brothers U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index

  1.91%        6.34%  
     

Previous Benchmark: JP Morgan EMBI Global

  1.90%        4.60%  
     

JP Morgan GBI – Emerging Markets

  4.56%        15.61%  
     

Lehman Brothers U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index

  -0.73%        -0.80%  
     

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

   This return is since the share class’s inception on 1/28/08.

        

 

 

See Historical Performance and Benchmark disclosures on previous page.

(Historical Performance continued on next page)

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     5

 

Historical Performance


 

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE

(continued from previous page)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF APRIL 30, 2008  
     NAV Returns     SEC Returns     SEC Yields*  
      
Class A Shares        7.56 %

1 Year

   3.64 %   -0.79 %  

5 Years

   11.55 %   10.60 %  

10 Years

   10.79 %   10.32 %  
      
Class B Shares        7.12 %

1 Year

   2.86 %   0.05 %  

5 Years

   10.70 %   10.70 %  

10 Years(a)

   10.25 %   10.25 %  
      
Class C Shares        7.10 %

1 Year

   2.87 %   1.93 %  

5 Years

   10.71 %   10.71 %  

10 Years

   9.93 %   9.93 %  
      
Advisor Class Shares        8.21 %

Since Inception

   0.44 %   0.44 %  
      
Class R Shares        7.95 %

Since Inception

   0.33 %   0.33 %  
      
Class K Shares        8.17 %

Since Inception

   0.39 %   0.39 %  
      
Class I Shares        8.43 %

Since Inception

   0.57 %   0.57 %  

The Fund’s current prospectus fee table shows the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratios as 1.32%, 2.04%, 2.02%, 1.02%, 1.61%, 1.30% and 0.97% for Class A, Class B, Class C, Advisor, Class R, Class K and Class I shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Contractual fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements limit the Fund’s annual operating expense ratios, exclusive of interest expense, to .95%, 1.65%, 1.65%, .65%, 1.15%, .90% and .65% for Class A, Class B, Class C, Advisor, Class R, Class K and Class I shares, respectively. These waivers/ reimbursements extend through October 31, 2009, and then may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms. Absent reimbursements or waivers, performance would have been lower. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights sections since they are based on different time periods.

 

(a)

Assumes conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares after six years.

* SEC Yields are calculated based on SEC guidelines for the 30-day period ended April 30, 2008.
Inception date: 1/28/08 for Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares. Returns for these share classes are cumulative.

These share classes are offered at net asset value (NAV) to eligible investors and their SEC returns are the same as the NAV returns. Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Funds. The inception date for these share classes is listed above.

See Historical Performance disclosures on page 4.

(Historical Performance continued on next page)

 

6     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Historical Performance


 

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE

(continued from previous page)

 

SEC AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (WITH ANY APPLICABLE SALES CHARGES)
AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END (MARCH 31, 2008)
 
     SEC Returns  
  
Class A Shares   

1 Year

   -2.03 %

5 Years

   11.52 %

10 Years

   9.92 %
  
Class B Shares   

1 Year

   -1.38 %

5 Years

   11.58 %

10 Years(a)

   9.88 %
  
Class C Shares   

1 Year

   0.48 %

5 Years

   11.60 %

10 Years

   9.54 %
  
Advisor Class Shares   

Since Inception

   -2.32 %
  
Class R Shares   

Since Inception

   -2.29 %
  
Class K Shares   

Since Inception

   -2.25 %
  
Class I Shares   

Since Inception

   -2.21 %

 

(a)

Assumes conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares after six years.

 

Inception date: 1/28/08 for Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares. Returns for these share classes are cumulative.

 

Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certain fee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Funds. The inception date for these share classes is listed above.

See Historical Performance disclosures on page 4.

(Historical Performance continued on next page)

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     7

 

Historical Performance


FUND EXPENSES

 

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 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.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line of 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.

 

     Beginning
Account Value
November 1, 2007
   Ending
Account Value
April 30, 2008
   Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Actual   Hypothetical    Actual   Hypothetical**    Actual   Hypothetical
Class A    $ 1,000   $ 1,000    $ 996.69   $ 1,019.34    $ 5.51   $ 5.57
Class B    $ 1,000   $ 1,000    $ 994.26   $ 1,015.86    $ 8.97   $ 9.07
Class C    $ 1,000   $ 1,000    $ 994.35   $ 1,015.81    $ 9.02   $ 9.12
Advisor Class    $ 1,000   $ 1,000    $ 1,004.38   $ 1,021.63    $ 1.71   $ 3.27
Class R    $ 1,000   $ 1,000    $ 1,003.34   $ 1,019.14    $ 3.02   $ 5.77
Class K    $ 1,000   $ 1,000    $ 1,003.88   $ 1,020.39    $ 2.37   $ 4.52
Class I    $   1,000   $   1,000    $   1,005.71   $   1,021.63    $   1.71   $   3.27
* With the exception of Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares, expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios of 1.11%, 1.81% and 1.82%, respectively multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).
** Assumes 5% return before expenses.

For Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares, expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios of 0.65%, 1.15%, 0.90% and 0.65%, respectively. The “Actual” and “Hypothetical” expenses paid are based on the period from January 25, 2008 (commencement of distribution) to April 30, 2008. Actual expenses are equal to each class’ annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 96/366 (to reflect the since inception period). Hypothetical expenses are equal to each class’ annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

8     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Fund Expenses


PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

APRIL 30, 2008 (unaudited)

 

PORTFOLIO STATISTICS

Net Assets ($mil): $1,008.5

LOGO

LOGO

 

* All data are as of April 30, 2008. The Fund’s security type and country breakdowns are expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. ‘Other’ country weightings represent 1.2% or less in the following countries: Bermuda, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Multinational, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Supranational, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Uruguay.

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     9

 

Portfolio Summary


PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

April 30, 2008 (unaudited)

 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
        
      

CORPORATE BONDS – 60.8%

  

Bermuda – 0.3%

      

Intelsat Bermuda Ltd.

      

11.25%, 6/15/16(a)

  US$   1,972    $ 1,999,115

Intelsat Subsidiary Holding Co. Ltd.

      

8.625%, 1/15/15

    661      666,784
          
         2,665,899
          

Brazil – 0.4%

      

Banco BMG SA

      

9.15%, 1/15/16(a)(b)

    1,300      1,352,000

Usiminas Commercial Ltd

      

7.25%, 1/18/18(a)(b)

    741      791,017

Vale Overseas Ltd.

      

6.875%, 11/21/36(a)

    1,995      2,019,140
          
         4,162,157
          

Canada – 2.9%

      

Bombardier, Inc.

      

6.30%, 5/01/14(a)(b)

    1,415      1,415,000

8.00%, 11/15/14(a)(b)

    1,060      1,128,900

Bowater Canada Finance

      

7.95%, 11/15/11

    1,535      951,700

Cascades, Inc.

      

7.25%, 2/15/13(a)

    1,200      1,104,000

Celestica, Inc.

      

7.875%, 7/01/11(a)

    1,200      1,207,500

Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd.

      

7.75%, 6/15/17(a)

    1,000      960,000

Inco Ltd.

      

5.70%, 10/15/15(a)

    7,995      7,641,389

Nortel Networks Corp.

      

6.875%, 9/01/23(a)

    1,000      690,000

Nortel Networks Ltd.

      

10.125%, 7/15/13(a)

    537      526,260

Novelis, Inc.

      

7.25%, 2/15/15(a)

    795      727,425

OPTI Canada, Inc.

      

8.25%, 12/15/14(a)

    800      826,000

Quebecor Media, Inc.

      

7.75%, 3/15/16(a)

    1,802      1,734,425

Rogers Cable, Inc.

      

7.875%, 5/01/12(a)

    1,500      1,608,870

Shaw Communications, Inc.

      

7.20%, 12/15/11(a)

    655      674,650

7.25%, 4/06/11(a)

    1,235      1,275,137

Teck Cominco Ltd.

      

6.125%, 10/01/35(a)

    5,000      4,343,985

 

10     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

TransCanada Pipelines Ltd.

      

6.35%, 5/15/67(a)(c)

  US$   2,500    $ 2,221,923
          
         29,037,164
          

Cayman Islands – 0.5%

      

Resona Preferred Global Securities

      

7.191%, 7/30/15(a)(b)(c)

    5,000      4,445,930

Seagate Technology HDD Holding

      

6.375%, 10/01/11(a)

    463      454,898
          
         4,900,828
          

El Salvador – 0.1%

      

Mmg Fiduc (aes El Salv)

      

6.75%, 2/01/16(a)(b)

    1,200      1,216,973
          

France - 0.4%

      

CIE Generale De Geophysique

      

7.50%, 5/15/15(a)

    374      386,155

7.75%, 5/15/17(a)

    69      71,242

Credit Agricole SA/London

      

6.637%, 5/31/17(a)(b)(c)

    3,000      2,459,922

Lafarge SA

      

7.125%, 7/15/36(a)

    1,500      1,397,649
          
         4,314,968
          

Hong Kong – 0.3%

      

Chaoda Modern Agriculture

      

7.75%, 2/08/10(a)(b)

    1,523      1,507,770

Noble Group Ltd.

      

6.625%, 3/17/15(a)(b)

    1,768      1,597,027
          
         3,104,797
          

Indonesia – 0.0%

      

Majapahit Holding BV

      

7.875%, 6/29/37(a)(b)

    200      176,000
          

Ireland – 0.2%

      

BOI Capital Funding No 2

      

5.571%, 2/01/16(a)(b)(c)

    1,425      1,061,321

Elan Finance PLC/Elan Finance Corp.

      

7.75%, 11/15/11(a)

    1,058      1,028,905
          
         2,090,226
          

Jamaica – 0.2%

      

Digicel Ltd.

      

9.25%, 9/01/12(a)(b)

    1,741      1,758,410
          

Japan – 1.1%

      

Aiful Corp.

      

6.00%, 12/12/11(a)(b)

    551      524,609

Mizuho Financial Group Cayman Ltd.

      

8.375%, 4/27/09(a)

    5,100      5,143,452

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     11

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

MUFG Capital Finance 1 Ltd.

      

6.346%, 7/25/16(a)(c)

  US$   2,400    $ 2,169,153

ORIX Corp.

      

5.48%, 11/22/11(a)

    3,000      2,908,920
          
         10,746,134
          

Kazakhstan – 0.2%

      

ALB Finance BV

      

9.25%, 9/25/13(a)(b)

    1,136      948,560

Kazkommerts International BV

      

8.50%, 4/16/13(a)(b)

    1,150      1,022,062
          
         1,970,622
          

Liberia – 0.1%

      

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

      

8.75%, 2/02/11(a)

    727      759,715
          

Luxembourg – 1.3%

      

Basell AF SCA

      

8.375%, 8/15/15(a)(b)

    1,924      1,394,900

Tyco International Group SA

      

6.00%, 11/15/13

    9,550      9,670,559

Vip Finance

      

8.375%, 4/30/13(b)

    2,545      2,544,433
          
         13,609,892
          

Multinational – 0.1%

      

MagnaChip Semiconductor SA

      

8.00%, 12/15/14

    1,200      696,000
          

Netherlands – 0.2%

      

NXP BV / NXP Funding LLC

      

5.463%, 10/15/13(a)(d)

    620      570,400

9.50%, 10/15/15(a)

    715      691,763

Sensata Technologies BV

      

8.00%, 5/01/14(a)

    700      652,750
          
         1,914,913
          

Peru – 0.1%

      

IIRSA Norte Finance Ltd.

      

8.75%, 5/30/24(a)(b)

    872      1,007,455
          

Russia – 3.2%

      

Alfa Bond Issuance PLC

      

8.625%, 12/09/15(a)(c)

    900      854,667

Citigroup (JSC Severstal)

      

9.25%, 4/19/14(a)(b)

    1,570      1,674,562

Evraz Group SA

      

8.25%, 11/10/15(a)(b)

    2,534      2,472,742

8.875%, 4/24/13(b)

    843      853,538

 

12     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

Gallery Capital SA

      

10.125%, 5/15/13(a)(b)

  US$
  960    $ 785,462

Gaz Capital SA

      

6.212%, 11/22/16(a)(b)

    6,374      6,032,417

6.51%, 3/07/22(a)(b)

    9,473      8,701,602

GPB Eurobond (Gazprombk)

      

6.50%, 9/23/15(a)

    750      726,563

Mobile Telesystems Finance SA

      

8.00%, 1/28/12(a)(b)

    1,155      1,176,656

Red Arrow Intl Leasing PLC

      

8.375%, 6/30/12(a)

  RUB   46,622      1,995,806

RS Finance (RSB)

      

7.50%, 10/07/10(a)(b)

  US$   2,587      2,380,040

TNK-BP Finance SA

      

7.50%, 7/18/16(a)(b)

    2,308      2,236,535

VTB Capital SA

      

6.609%, 10/31/12(a)(b)

    2,055      2,008,763
          
         31,899,353
          

Singapore – 0.2%

      

Avago Technologies Finance

      

10.125%, 12/01/13(a)

    963      1,025,595

Flextronics International Ltd.

      

6.50%, 5/15/13(a)

    1,124      1,098,710
          
         2,124,305
          

South Africa – 0.0%

      

Foodcorp Ltd.

      

8.875%, 6/15/12(a)(b)

  EUR   456      498,415
          

South Korea – 0.0%

      

C&M Finance Ltd.

      

8.10%, 2/01/16(a)(b)

  US$   530      535,300
          

United Kingdom – 0.9%

      

BSKYB Finance UK PLC

      

6.50%, 10/15/35(a)(b)

    2,000      1,930,308

Ineos Group Holdings PLC

      

8.50%, 2/15/16(a)(b)

    2,105      1,705,050

Inmarsat Finance PLC

      

Zero Coupon, 11/15/12(a)(e)

    1,165      1,148,981

Vodafone Group PLC

      

7.875%, 2/15/30(a)

    3,800      4,316,188
          
         9,100,527
          

United States – 48.1%

  

ACCO Brands Corp.
7.625%, 8/15/15(a)

    250      227,500

The AES Corp.
7.75%, 3/01/14(a)

    2,196      2,250,900

8.00%, 10/15/17(a)

    360      375,300

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     13

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

AFC Capital Trust I
Series B
8.207%, 2/03/27(a)

  US$   5,000    $ 3,938,525

Affinia Group, Inc.
9.00%, 11/30/14(a)

    1,125      978,750

AK Steel Corp.
7.75%, 6/15/12(a)

    1,050      1,072,313

Algoma Acquisition Corp.
9.875%, 6/15/15(a)(b)

    900      819,000

Alion Science and Technology Corp.
10.25%, 2/01/15(a)

    1,313      835,396

Allbritton Communications Co.
7.75%, 12/15/12(a)

    1,230      1,243,838

Allegheny Energy Supply
7.80%, 3/15/11(a)

    723      755,535

8.25%, 4/15/12(a)(b)

    925      985,125

Allied Waste North America, Inc.
6.375%, 4/15/11(a)

    962      966,810

Series B
7.125%, 5/15/16(a)

    362      364,715

7.375%, 4/15/14(a)

    1,090      1,098,175

Alltel Corp.
7.875%, 7/01/32(a)

    1,530      1,055,700

AMC Entertainment, Inc.
11.00%, 2/01/16(a)

    1,500      1,492,500

American Media Operations, Inc.
8.875%, 1/15/11(a)

    1,000      741,250

Amkor Technology, Inc.
9.25%, 6/01/16(a)

    1,910      1,905,225

AMR Corp.
9.00%, 8/01/12(a)

    906      597,960

Aquila, Inc.
14.875%, 7/01/12(a)

    1,000      1,215,000

ARAMARK Corp.
8.50%, 2/01/15(a)

    1,592      1,659,660

Arch Western Finance LLC
6.75%, 7/01/13(a)

    643      654,253

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.
8.00%, 3/15/14(a)

    1,125      1,018,125

Associated Materials, Inc.
Zero Coupon, 3/01/14(a)(e)

    1,526      1,091,090

Avis Budget Car Rental
7.75%, 5/15/16(a)

    1,838      1,622,035

Bausch & Lomb, Inc.
9.875%, 11/01/15(a)(b)

    825      878,625

Bear Stearns Co., Inc.
5.35%, 2/01/12(a)

    3,500      3,499,402

5.55%, 1/22/17(a)

    482      466,373

 

14     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
6.875%, 7/15/15(a)

  US$   1,000    $ 785,000

Berry Plastics Holding Corp.
8.875%, 9/15/14(a)

    877      819,995

10.25%, 3/01/16(a)

    672      569,520

The Bon-Ton Dept Stores, Inc.
10.25%, 3/15/14(a)

    1,600      1,248,000

Boston Scientific Corp.
6.00%, 6/15/11(a)

    3,000      2,962,500

Boyd Gaming Corp.
7.75%, 12/15/12(a)

    1,200      1,120,500

Broder Brothers Co.
Series B
11.25%, 10/15/10(a)

    599      414,808

Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp.
11.125%, 4/15/14(a)

    1,026      872,100

CA, Inc.
4.75%, 12/01/09(a)

    551      549,140

Cablevision Systems Corp.
Series B
8.00%, 4/15/12(a)

    1,000      995,000

Cadbury Schweppes US Finance LLC
5.125%, 10/01/13(a)(b)

    450      435,519

Capital One Financial Corp.
5.50%, 6/01/15(a)

    3,700      3,450,280

Caraustar Industries, Inc.
7.375%, 6/01/09(a)

    750      502,500

Case Corp.
7.25%, 1/15/16(a)

    997      1,006,970

Case New Holland, Inc.
7.125%, 3/01/14(a)

    1,324      1,330,620

CCH I Holdings LLC
11.75%, 5/15/14(a)

    4,338      2,429,280

Centennial Communications Corp.
10.00%, 1/01/13(a)

    1,450      1,464,500

Chaparral Energy, Inc.
8.875%, 2/01/17(a)

    1,000      915,000

Chesapeake Energy Corp.
6.50%, 8/15/17(a)

    575      566,375

7.50%, 9/15/13(a)

    404      418,140

7.75%, 1/15/15(a)

    1,034      1,067,605

Chukchansi Economic Development Authority
8.00%, 11/15/13(a)(b)

    500      445,000

Cincinnati Bell, Inc.
8.375%, 1/15/14(a)

    1,450      1,442,750

CIT Group Funding Co. of Canada
5.20%, 6/01/15(a)

    3,600      2,992,374

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     15

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

CIT Group, Inc.
Series MTN
5.125%, 9/30/14(a)

  US$   4,200    $ 3,465,013

Citizens Communications Co.
6.25%, 1/15/13(a)

    1,222      1,157,845

Clear Channel Communications, Inc.
5.50%, 9/15/14(a)

    1,205      837,475

5.75%, 1/15/13(a)

    3,288      2,498,880

Comcast Cable Communications Holdings, Inc.
9.455%, 11/15/22(a)

    2,500      3,040,785

Community Health Systems, Inc.
8.875%, 7/15/15(a)

    1,500      1,560,000

Complete Production Services, Inc.
8.00%, 12/15/16(a)

    1,000      1,002,500

Continental Airlines, Inc.
8.75%, 12/01/11(a)

    703      530,765

Series RJO3
7.875%, 7/02/18(a)

    212      175,703

Cooper-Standard Automotive , Inc.
7.00%, 12/15/12(a)

    1,125      1,031,625

Couche-Tard, Inc.
7.50%, 12/15/13(a)

    1,242      1,248,210

Countrywide Financial Corp.
6.25%, 5/15/16(a)

    620      545,542

Series MTN
5.80%, 6/07/12(a)

    696      663,511

Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.
Series MTNL
4.00%, 3/22/11(a)

    76      69,587

Coventry Health Care, Inc.
5.875%, 1/15/12(a)

    1,660      1,613,814

5.95%, 3/15/17(a)

    1,415      1,295,249

Cricket Communications, Inc.
9.375%, 11/01/14(a)

    1,707      1,674,994

Crown Americas
7.625%, 11/15/13(a)

    1,042      1,083,680

Crum & Forster Holdings Corp.
7.75%, 5/01/17(a)

    457      441,005

CSC Holdings, Inc.
6.75%, 4/15/12(a)

    1,482      1,452,360

7.875%, 2/15/18(a)

    212      208,290

DaVita, Inc.
7.25%, 3/15/15(a)

    815      817,037

Dean Foods Co.
7.00%, 6/01/16(a)

    1,000      935,000

Del Monte Corp.
6.75%, 2/15/15(a)

    750      723,750

 

16     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

Dex Media , Inc.
Zero Coupon, 11/15/13(a)(e)

  US$   1,250    $ 940,625

Dex Media West LLC
Series B
8.50%, 8/15/10(a)

    326      320,295

DirecTV Holdings LLC
6.375%, 6/15/15(a)

    5,155      4,935,912

Dole Food Co., Inc.
8.875%, 3/15/11(a)

    900      805,500

Dollar General Corp.
10.625%, 7/15/15(a)

    1,070      1,064,650

Dominion Resources, Inc.
7.50%, 6/30/66(a)(f)

    4,100      3,802,496

Domtar Corp.
5.375%, 12/01/13

    500      455,000

DR Horton, Inc.
6.00%, 4/15/11(a)

    1,756      1,650,640

Dresdner Funding Trust I
8.151%, 6/30/31(a)(b)

    2,000      1,527,478

Duane Reade Inc.
9.75%, 8/01/11(a)

    1,200      1,113,000

Duke Capital LLC
8.00%, 10/01/19(a)

    2,000      2,213,226

Dynegy Holdings, Inc.
8.375%, 5/01/16(a)

    3,141      3,274,492

Dynegy Roseton/Danskammer Pass Through Trust
Series B
7.67%, 11/08/16(a)

    1,129      1,130,836

EchoStar DBS Corp.
6.375%, 10/01/11(a)

    479      476,605

6.625%, 10/01/14(a)

    1,299      1,269,772

7.00%, 10/01/13(a)

    4,300      4,289,250

7.125%, 2/01/16(a)

    184      180,780

Edison Mission Energy
7.00%, 5/15/17(a)

    3,648      3,684,480

7.50%, 6/15/13(a)

    1,062      1,104,480

7.75%, 6/15/16(a)

    447      468,232

Education Management LLC
10.25%, 6/01/16(a)

    950      798,000

El Paso Corp.
7.375%, 12/15/12(a)

    394      414,860

Electronic Data Systems Corp.
Series B
6.50%, 8/01/13(a)

    6,000      6,114,144

Embarq Corp.
6.738%, 6/01/13(a)

    2,500      2,494,325

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     17

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

Energy Future Holdings Corp.
10.875%, 11/01/17(a)(b)

  US$   490    $ 521,850

Energy Transfer Partners LP
5.95%, 2/01/15(a)

    1,500      1,490,304

Enterprise Products Operating LP
8.375%, 8/01/66(a)(c)

    1,230      1,224,266

Series B
5.00%, 3/01/15(a)

    1,500      1,427,370

6.65%, 10/15/34(a)

    1,500      1,444,048

Farmers Insurance Exchange
8.625%, 5/01/24(a)(b)

    3,000      3,172,752

First Data Corp.
9.875%, 9/24/15(a)(b)

    1,341      1,220,310

Fisher Scientific International, Inc.
6.125%, 7/01/15(a)

    2,000      1,995,196

Ford Motor Co.
7.45%, 7/16/31(a)

    2,265      1,693,087

Ford Motor Credit Co.
5.46%, 1/13/12(a)(d)

    640      538,177

7.00%, 10/01/13(a)

    974      840,354

8.00%, 12/15/16(a)

    1,400      1,225,277

Forest Oil Corp.
7.25%, 6/15/19(a)

    540      557,550

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.
8.375%, 4/01/17(a)

    1,466      1,619,930

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
8.875%, 12/15/14(a)

    1,480      1,302,400

10.125%, 12/15/16(a)

    1,429      1,125,337

Gaylord Entertainment Co.
8.00%, 11/15/13(a)

    1,000      947,500

General Motors Acceptance Corp.
6.75%, 12/01/14(a)

    962      735,095

6.875%, 9/15/11(a)

    1,722      1,434,982

8.00%, 11/01/31(a)

    659      498,588

General Motors Corp.
8.25%, 7/15/23(a)

    1,993      1,489,767

8.375%, 7/15/33(a)

    1,503      1,144,159

Georgia Gulf Corp.
10.75%, 10/15/16(a)

    1,500      1,087,500

Georgia-Pacific Corp.
7.00%, 1/15/15(a)(b)

    433      428,670

7.125%, 1/15/17(a)(b)

    517      511,830

8.875%, 5/15/31(a)

    300      292,500

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
8.625%, 12/01/11(a)

    175      188,125

9.00%, 7/01/15(a)

    502      545,925

Graphic Packaging International Corp.
9.50%, 8/15/13(a)

    1,200      1,194,000

 

18     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

Greektown Holdings LLC
10.75%, 12/01/13(a)(b)

  US$   739    $ 679,880

GSC Holdings Corp.
8.00%, 10/01/12(a)

    5,639      6,005,535

Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc.
10.25%, 6/01/14(a)

    413      423,325

Harrah’s Operating Co., Inc.
5.375%, 12/15/13(a)

    5,000      3,100,000

5.625%, 6/01/15(a)

    1,935      1,115,044

5.75%, 10/01/17(a)

    108      60,885

6.50%, 6/01/16(a)

    1,177      682,660

Hawaiian Telcom Communications, Inc.
Series B
9.75%, 5/01/13(a)

    1,200      528,000

12.50%, 5/01/15(a)

    250      63,750

HCA, Inc.
6.375%, 1/15/15(a)

    1,267      1,127,630

6.50%, 2/15/16(a)

    782      699,890

6.75%, 7/15/13(a)

    816      754,800

9.625%, 11/15/16(a)(g)

    1,007      1,081,266

Healthsouth Corp.
10.75%, 6/15/16(a)

    1,400      1,505,000

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.
9.50%, 1/15/16(a)(b)

    500      521,250

Hertz Corp.
8.875%, 1/01/14(a)

    947      954,102

10.50%, 1/01/16(a)

    1,037      1,043,481

Hexion US Finance Corp./Hexion Nova Scotia Finance ULC
7.565%, 11/15/14(a)(d)

    815      764,062

9.75%, 11/15/14(a)

    315      342,169

High Yield Total Return Trust
Series 2007-1
2.638%, 7/01/08(a)(b)(d)

    9,225      8,440,552

Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co.
7.75%, 11/01/15(a)(b)

    1,076      1,059,860

Hines Nurseries, Inc.
10.25%, 10/01/11

    1,000      590,000

Host Hotels & Resorts LP
6.875%, 11/01/14(a)

    481      473,785

Series Q
6.75%, 6/01/16(a)

    1,558      1,522,945

Hughes Network Systems LLC
9.50%, 4/15/14(a)

    950      950,000

Humana, Inc.
6.45%, 6/01/16(a)

    2,200      2,157,956

Huntsman International LLC
7.875%, 11/15/14(a)

    527      555,985

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     19

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

IASIS Healthcare Corp.
8.75%, 6/15/14(a)

  US$   1,341    $ 1,374,525

Idearc, Inc.
8.00%, 11/15/16(a)(c)

    2,130      1,384,500

ILFC E-Capital Trust II
6.25%, 12/21/15(a)(b)(c)

    1,500      1,331,598

Indiantown Cogeneration LP
Series A-9
9.26%, 12/15/10(a)

    4,666      4,799,236

International Steel Group, Inc.
6.50%, 4/15/14(a)

    1,565      1,603,936

Invacare Corp.
9.75%, 2/15/15(a)

    750      751,875

iPayment, Inc.
9.75%, 5/15/14(a)

    500      430,000

Iron Mountain, Inc.
6.625%, 1/01/16(a)

    1,163      1,123,749

iStar Financial, Inc.
5.375%, 4/15/10(a)

    2,500      2,250,000

Series 1
5.875%, 3/15/16(a)

    3,700      3,108,000

JC Penney Corp., Inc.
7.40%, 4/01/37(a)

    4,100      3,672,842

Jefferson Smurfit Corp. US
8.25%, 10/01/12(a)

    1,100      1,001,000

JPMorgan Chase
7.00%, 6/28/17(a)(b)

  RUB   14,000      463,526

Kansas Gas & Electric
5.647%, 3/29/21(a)

  US$   4,916      4,726,861

KB Home
5.875%, 1/15/15(a)

    295      261,075

7.75%, 2/01/10

    500      491,250

Key Energy Services, Inc.
8.375%, 12/01/14(a)(b)

    750      776,250

Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc.
9.75%, 11/01/13(a)

    986      562,020

The Kroger Co.
4.95%, 1/15/15(a)

    1,250      1,216,744

7.50%, 4/01/31(a)

    1,000      1,116,925

L-3 Communications Corp.
5.875%, 1/15/15(a)

    656      636,320

Lamar Media Corp.
6.625%, 8/15/15(a)

    761      717,242

Lear Corp.
Series B
5.75%, 8/01/14(a)

    1,354      1,137,360

8.50%, 12/01/13(a)

    221      211,055

8.75%, 12/01/16(a)

    1,098      1,032,120

 

20     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.
5.75%, 1/03/17(a)

  US$   463    $ 432,719

Series MTN
6.875%, 5/02/18

    1,600      1,636,387

Series MTNG
4.80%, 3/13/14(a)

    3,600      3,352,651

Level 3 Financing, Inc.
8.75%, 2/15/17(a)

    1,500      1,282,500

9.25%, 11/01/14(a)

    628      571,480

Levi Strauss & Co.
8.875%, 4/01/16

    1,200      1,221,000

Liberty Media Corp.
5.70%, 5/15/13(a)

    895      801,220

7.875%, 7/15/09(a)

    233      235,168

8.25%, 2/01/30(a)

    310      275,049

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc.
7.80%, 3/15/37(a)(b)

    3,104      2,576,630

Limited Brands, Inc.
5.25%, 11/01/14(a)

    3,194      2,712,565

6.90%, 7/15/17(a)

    3,710      3,311,962

LIN Television Corp.
6.50%, 5/15/13(a)

    1,100      1,058,750

Lucent Technologies, Inc.
6.50%, 1/15/28(a)

    1,650      1,237,500

LVB Acquisition Merger Sub, Inc.
11.625%, 10/15/17(b)

    1,400      1,487,500

M/I Homes, Inc.
6.875%, 4/01/12(a)

    1,500      1,301,250

MacDermid, Inc.
9.50%, 4/15/17(b)

    875      835,625

Macy’s Retail Holdings Inc.
6.625%, 4/01/11(a)

    1,500      1,476,505

Masco Corp.
6.125%, 10/03/16

    815      760,230

MBIA, Inc.
5.70%, 12/01/34(a)

    4,845      2,593,935

Merisant Co.
9.50%, 7/15/13(a)

    1,000      730,000

Meritage Homes Corp.
6.25%, 3/15/15(a)

    750      622,500

MetroPCS Wireless, Inc.
9.25%, 11/01/14(a)

    1,200      1,179,000

MGM Mirage
6.625%, 7/15/15(a)

    1,537      1,341,032

6.75%, 9/01/12(a)

    2,000      1,860,000

7.625%, 1/15/17(a)

    315      287,437

8.375%, 2/01/11(a)

    1,241      1,234,795

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     21

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

Michaels Stores, Inc.
10.00%, 11/01/14(a)

  US$     1,000    $ 970,000

11.37%, 11/01/16(a)

    500      448,750

Mirant Americas Generation LLC
8.50%, 10/01/21(a)

    1,710      1,675,800

Mobile Satellite Ventures LP
Zero Coupon, 4/01/13(a)(b)(e)

    1,000      655,000

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Auth
7.125%, 8/15/14(a)

    1,769      1,516,917

Momentive Performance Materials, Inc.
10.125%, 12/01/14(a)(g)

    750      714,375

11.50%, 12/01/16(a)

    750      658,125

The Mosaic Co.
7.625%, 12/01/16(a)(b)(f)

    1,433      1,569,135

Motorola, Inc.
6.50%, 9/01/25(a)

    2,035      1,672,105

7.50%, 5/15/25(a)

    325      287,248

Multiplan, Inc.
10.375%, 4/15/16(a)(b)

    500      485,000

Neenah Foundary Co.
9.50%, 1/01/17(a)

    700      486,500

Neiman-Marcus Group, Inc.
9.00%, 10/15/15(g)

    700      728,000

10.375%, 10/15/15(a)

    500      525,000

New Albertsons, Inc.
7.45%, 8/01/29(a)

    1,989      1,885,292

NewMarket Corp.
7.125%, 12/15/16(a)

    700      682,500

NewPage Corp.
10.00%, 5/01/12(a)

    1,225      1,307,687

News America Holdings, Inc.
7.75%, 12/01/45(a)

    1,800      2,011,424

News America, Inc.
6.40%, 12/15/35(a)

    2,000      2,001,436

Nextel Communications, Inc.
Series D
7.375%, 8/01/15(a)

    3,000      2,400,000

Series E
6.875%, 10/31/13(a)

    5,000      4,125,000

North Front Pass Through Trust
5.81%, 12/15/24(a)(b)

    5,000      4,775,010

NRG Energy, Inc.
7.25%, 2/01/14(a)

    245      251,737

7.375%, 2/01/16 – 1/15/17(a)

    2,355      2,425,650

Oncor Electric Delivery Co.
7.00%, 5/01/32(a)

    3,200      3,098,669

Outback Steakhouse Inc.
10.00%, 6/15/15(a)(b)

    750      566,250

 

22     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

Owens Brockway Glass Container, Inc.
6.75%, 12/01/14(a)

  US$     830    $ 842,450

Owens Corning, Inc.
6.50%, 12/01/16(a)

    355      300,465

7.00%, 12/01/36(a)

    4,450      3,470,506

Packaging Corp. of America
5.75%, 8/01/13(a)

    2,825      2,760,197

PanAmSat Corp.
9.00%, 8/15/14

    667      672,836

Peabody Energy Corp.
Series B
6.875%, 3/15/13(a)

    910      928,200

PetroHawk Energy Corp.
9.125%, 7/15/13(a)

    944      998,280

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.
7.50%, 6/15/15(a)(b)

    750      620,625

Pinnacle Foods Finance LLC
10.625%, 4/01/17(a)

    750      652,500

Plains Exploration & Production Co.
7.75%, 6/15/15(a)

    1,000      1,025,000

Plastipak Holdings, Inc.
8.50%, 12/15/15(a)(b)

    1,300      1,218,750

Potomac Edison Co.
5.35%, 11/15/14(a)

    3,500      3,478,839

Quality Distribution LLC
9.00%, 11/15/10(a)

    1,429      957,430

Quiksilver, Inc.
6.875%, 4/15/15(a)

    1,150      954,500

Qwest Capital Funding, Inc.
7.25%, 2/15/11(a)

    1,542      1,511,160

Qwest Corp.
7.625%, 6/15/15(a)

    1,590      1,593,975

Racers
Series 06-6-T
2.813%, 7/01/08(a)(b)(d)

    9,935      8,859,646

Rainbow National Services LLC
10.375%, 9/01/14(a)(b)

    1,158      1,244,850

Range Resources Corp.
7.50%, 5/15/16(a)

    500      510,000

RBS Global, Inc. and Rexnord Corp.
9.50%, 8/01/14(a)

    1,092      1,092,000

11.75%, 8/01/16(a)

    324      311,040

The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.
9.00%, 2/15/17(a)(b)

    750      528,750

Realogy Corp.
10.50%, 4/15/14(a)

    1,232      905,520

12.375%, 4/15/15(a)

    500      272,500

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     23

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

Regency Energy Partners
8.375%, 12/15/13(a)

  US$     590    $ 615,075

Reliant Energy, Inc.
7.625%, 6/15/14(a)

    1,041      1,082,640

7.875%, 6/15/17(a)

    1,293      1,347,953

Residential Capital LLC
6.375%, 6/30/10(a)

    820      444,850

6.50%, 4/17/13(a)

    1,790      903,950

6.875%, 6/30/15(a)

    1,305      652,500

Reynolds American, Inc.
7.625%, 6/01/16(a)

    2,353      2,492,698

RH Donnelley Corp.
8.875%, 10/15/17(b)

    540      348,300

Series A-2
6.875%, 1/15/13(a)

    1,420      908,800

Series A-3
8.875%, 1/15/16(a)

    1,000      650,000

Rite Aid Corp.
6.875%, 8/15/13(a)

    546      384,930

9.25%, 6/01/13(a)

    1,943      1,670,980

9.375%, 12/15/15(a)

    50      40,625

9.50%, 6/15/17(a)

    69      56,408

RR Donnelley & Sons Co.
4.95%, 4/01/14(a)

    2,400      2,231,923

Russell-Stanley Holdings, Inc.
9.00%, 11/30/08(a)(h)(i)(j)

    623      78,055

Safeway, Inc.
7.25%, 2/01/31(a)

    2,000      2,196,828

Sally Holdings LLC
9.25%, 11/15/14(a)

    700      707,000

Sanmina Corp.
8.125%, 3/01/16(a)

    1,450      1,334,000

Sara Lee Corp.
6.125%, 11/01/32(a)

    1,600      1,482,784

Sbarro, Inc.
10.375%, 2/01/15(a)

    1,250      1,125,000

Select Medical Corp.
7.625%, 2/01/15(a)

    1,283      1,090,550

Sensus Metering Systems, Inc.
8.625%, 12/15/13(a)

    771      755,580

Serena Software, Inc.
10.375%, 3/15/16(a)

    419      390,194

Service Corp. International
6.75%, 4/01/16(a)

    700      691,250

Sierra Pacific Resources
8.625%, 3/15/14(a)

    527      551,413

Simmons Co.
Zero Coupon, 12/15/14(a)

    1,500      1,076,250

 

24     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

  U.S. $ Value
 
     

Sirius Satellite Radio, Inc.
9.625%, 8/01/13(a)

  US$     1,249   $ 1,052,283

Six Flags, Inc.
9.625%, 6/01/14(a)

    1,502     991,320

SLM Corp.
5.00%, 10/01/13(a)

    4,100     3,494,266

5.375%, 5/15/14(a)

    3,800     3,203,974

Series MTN
5.125%, 8/27/12(a)

    399     343,924

Series MTNA
4.50%, 7/26/10(a)

    399     355,943

Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc.
8.00%, 3/15/17(a)

    1,000     845,000

Source Gas LLC
5.90%, 4/01/17(a)(b)

    3,000     2,876,781

Southern Union Co.
7.60%, 2/01/24(a)

    3,200     3,264,054

Spectrum Brands, Inc.
7.375%, 2/01/15(a)

    1,594     1,060,010

Sprint Capital Corp.
6.875%, 11/15/28(a)

    3,000     2,332,500

Standard Pacific Corp.
6.50%, 8/15/10(a)

    750     615,000

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
7.375%, 11/15/15(a)

    2,035     2,089,636

Stater Brothers Holdings
8.125%, 6/15/12(a)

    1,331     1,350,965

Station Casinos, Inc.
6.625%, 3/15/18(a)

    1,755     1,053,000

6.875%, 3/01/16(a)

    3,300     2,120,250

Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.
9.125%, 4/15/15(a)

    700     707,000

Sungard Data Systems, Inc.
9.125%, 8/15/13(a)

    1,143     1,194,435

10.25%, 8/15/15(a)

    200     212,500

Teco Finance, Inc.
6.572%, 11/01/17(a)(b)

    2,048     2,068,480

7.00%, 5/01/12(a)(b)

    2,952     3,112,961

Telcordia Technologies, Inc.
10.00%, 3/15/13(a)(b)

    950     712,500

Tenet Healthcare Corp.
7.375%, 2/01/13(a)

    865     802,288

9.875%, 7/01/14(a)

    758     775,055

Tenneco, Inc.
8.625%, 11/15/14

    500     508,750

Terex Corp.
8.00%, 11/15/17(a)

    1,046     1,069,535

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     25

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

Terrestar Networks, Inc.
15.00%, 2/15/14(a)(b)(g)

  US$     1,000    $ 925,000

Tesoro Corp.
6.25%, 11/01/12(a)

    2,070      1,976,850

6.50%, 6/01/17(a)

    409      375,258

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC
10.25%, 11/01/15(a)(b)

    504      525,420

Time Warner Telecom Holdings, Inc.
9.25%, 2/15/14(a)

    1,196      1,237,860

Time Warner, Inc.
7.70%, 5/01/32(a)

    2,500      2,707,805

Toll Brothers Finance Corp.
5.15%, 5/15/15(a)

    1,900      1,661,656

Toys R US, Inc.
7.375%, 10/15/18(a)

    1,200      891,000

Travelport LLC
9.875%, 9/01/14(a)

    1,200      1,159,500

Trimas Corp.
9.875%, 6/15/12(a)

    1,250      1,090,625

Trinity Industries, Inc.
6.50%, 3/15/14(a)

    976      968,680

Tronox Worldwide LLC/Tronox Finance Corp.
9.50%, 12/01/12(a)

    1,000      860,000

Tropicana Entertainment LLC
9.625%, 12/15/14(a)(j)

    750      369,375

Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc.
8.50%, 6/01/15

    730      469,025

TRW Automotive, Inc.
7.25%, 3/15/17(a)(b)

    2,300      2,239,625

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
8.375%, 7/01/13(a)

    1,973      2,152,393

Turning Stone Resort Casino Enterprise
9.125%, 12/15/10 – 9/15/14(a)(b)

    754      742,690

TXU Corp.
Series P
5.55%, 11/15/14(a)

    1,380      1,127,333

Series Q
6.50%, 11/15/24(a)

    1,007      765,664

Tyson Foods, Inc.
6.85%, 4/01/16(a)

    4,000      3,972,992

Union Carbide Corp.
7.75%, 10/01/96(a)

    2,500      2,232,250

Unisys Corp.
8.00%, 10/15/12(a)

    1,100      1,001,000

United Rentals North America, Inc.
6.50%, 2/15/12(a)

    500      468,750

7.75%, 11/15/13(a)

    1,500      1,293,750

 

26     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

United States Steel Corp.
6.65%, 6/01/37(a)

  US$     3,300    $ 2,886,111

Universal City Development Partners
11.75%, 4/01/10(a)

    716      742,850

Universal Hospital Services, Inc.
8.288%, 6/01/15(a)(d)

    500      472,500

Univision Communications, Inc.
7.85%, 7/15/11(a)

    531      504,450

US Shipping Partners LP Shipping Finance Corp.
13.00%, 8/15/14(a)

    700      630,875

Vanguard Health Holding Co.
Zero Coupon, 10/01/15(a)(e)

    1,350      1,134,000

Ventas Realty LP/Ventas Capital Corp.
6.75%, 4/01/17(a)

    422      414,615

Verizon New York, Inc.
Series B
7.375%, 4/01/32(a)

    2,290      2,435,543

Verso Paper Holdings LLC and Verson Paper, Inc.
Series B
11.375%, 8/01/16(a)

    700      717,500

Viant Holdings, Inc.
10.125%, 7/15/17(a)(b)

    579      474,780

Visant Corp.
7.625%, 10/01/12(a)

    968      963,160

Visant Holding Corp.
8.75%, 12/01/13(a)

    500      492,500

Visteon Corp.
7.00%, 3/10/14(a)

    1,738      1,175,323

Washington Mutual Preferred Funding Trust I
6.534%, 3/15/11(a)(b)(c)

   

2,700

     1,552,689

Washington Mutual, Inc.
5.25%, 9/15/17(a)

    2,767      2,351,950

WCI Communities, Inc.
6.625%, 3/15/15

    750      360,000

WDAC Subsidiary Corp.
8.375%, 12/01/14(a)(b)

    1,283      994,325

West Corp.
9.50%, 10/15/14(a)

    461      440,255

11.00%, 10/15/16(a)

    500      444,375

Weyerhaeuser Co.
7.375%, 3/15/32(a)

    2,333      2,342,152

William Lyon Homes, Inc.
10.75%, 4/01/13(a)

    555      355,200

Williams Co., Inc.
7.625%, 7/15/19(a)

    2,385      2,575,800

7.875%, 9/01/21(a)

    374      408,595

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     27

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

Windstream Corp.
8.125%, 8/01/13(a)

  US$   1,827    $ 1,890,945

8.625%, 8/01/16(a)

    294      307,965

WMG Holdings Corp.
Zero Coupon, 12/15/14(a)(e)

    2,168      1,317,060

WR Berkley Corp.
5.60%, 5/15/15(a)

    3,500      3,335,119

Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp.
6.625%, 12/01/14(a)

    1,319      1,286,025

Xcel Energy, Inc.
6.50%, 7/01/36(a)

    3,300      3,307,702

XM Satellite Radio, Inc.
9.75%, 5/01/14(a)

    776      746,900

ZFS Finance USA Trust I
6.15%, 12/15/65(a)(b)(c)

    3,000      2,673,967
          
         485,015,621
          

Total Corporate Bonds
(cost $651,702,939)

         613,305,674
          
      

SOVEREIGN BONDS – 18.2%

      

Argentina – 1.2%

      

Argentina Bonos
7.00%, 10/03/15(a)

    2,453      1,760,852

Republic of Argentina
3.092%, 8/03/12(a)(d)

    2,406      2,056,705

8.28%, 12/31/33(k)

    8,982      7,185,574

Series V
7.00%, 3/28/11(a)

    1,120      987,062

10.50%, 6/12/12(a)

  ARS   1,342      294,698
          
         12,284,891
          

Brazil – 2.5%

Republic of Brazil
6.00%, 1/17/17(a)

  US$   7,615      7,852,969

7.125%, 1/20/37(a)

    14,701      16,759,140
          
         24,612,109
          

Colombia – 0.3%

      

Republic of Colombia
7.375%, 9/18/37(a)

    3,056      3,392,160
          

Dominican Republic – 0.5%

      

Dominican Republic
8.625%, 4/20/27(a)(b)(d)

    1,223      1,301,027

Dominican Republic STP
Zero Coupon, 5/12/08(a)(b)

    1,725      1,646,032

Zero Coupon, 8/04/08(a)(b)

    1,583      1,467,283

Zero Coupon, 7/23/09(a)(b)

    816      672,792
          
         5,087,134
          

 

28     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

Ecuador – 0.7%

      

Republic of Ecuador
9.375%, 12/15/15(a)(b)

  US$   2,746    $ 2,903,895

10.00%, 8/15/30(a)(b)(f)

    4,215      4,246,612
          
         7,150,507
          

El Salvador – 0.3%

      

Republic of El Salvador
7.625%, 9/21/34(a)(b)

    872      959,200

7.65%, 6/15/35(a)(b)

    1,711      1,839,325
          
         2,798,525
          

Indonesia – 1.2%

      

Indonesia – Recap Linked Note
11.00%, 10/15/14(a)

    1,003      902,499

12.90%, 6/17/22(a)(b)

    1,930      1,857,046

Series $IDR
11.00%, 10/22/14(a)

    540      437,724

Republic of Indonesia
6.625%, 2/17/37(a)(b)

    1,410      1,247,850

6.625%, 2/17/37(b)(k)

    1,150      1,019,188

6.875%, 3/09/17 – 1/17/18(a)(b)

    1,552      1,590,800

6.875%, 3/09/17(b)(k)

    1,900      1,947,500

7.50%, 1/15/16(a)(b)

    1,000      1,062,500

8.50%, 10/12/35(a)(b)

    1,645      1,801,275
          
         11,866,382
          

Jamaica – 0.1%

      

Government of Jamaica
9.25%, 10/17/25(a)

    202      226,745

10.625%, 6/20/17(a)

    835      995,737
          
         1,222,482
          

Lebanon – 0.4%

      

Lebanese Republic
7.875%, 5/20/11(a)(b)

    875      861,875

10.125%, 8/06/08(a)(b)

    3,048      3,079,090

11.625%, 5/11/16(a)(b)

    394      449,160
          
         4,390,125
          

Pakistan – 0.1%

      

Republic of Pakistan
6.875%, 6/01/17(a)(b)

    1,227      1,039,882
          

Panama – 1.6%

      

Republic of Panama
6.70%, 1/26/36(a)

    1,317      1,366,387

7.125%, 1/29/26(a)

    3,560      3,933,800

8.875%, 9/30/27(a)

    2,709      3,521,700

9.375%, 4/01/29(a)

    5,435      7,337,250
          
         16,159,137
          

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     29

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

Peru – 0.5%

      

Republic of Peru
7.35%, 7/21/25(a)

  US$     1,487    $ 1,737,560

8.75%, 11/21/33(a)

    2,738      3,627,850
          
         5,365,410
          

Philippines – 2.1%

      

Republic of Philippines
7.50%, 9/25/24(a)

    3,144      3,474,120

7.75%, 1/14/31(a)

    2,924      3,296,810

9.50%, 10/21/24 – 2/02/30(a)

    2,473      3,204,354

9.875%, 1/15/19(k)

    1,850      2,381,875

10.625%, 3/16/25(a)

    6,239      8,773,282
          
         21,130,441
          

Russia – 0.3%

      

Russian Federation
7.50%, 3/31/30(a)(b)

    2,405      2,753,449
          

South Africa – 1.0%

      

Republic of South Africa
5.875%, 5/30/22(a)

    11,002      10,410,643
          

Turkey – 2.1%

      

Republic of Turkey
6.875%, 3/17/36(a)

    7,016      6,490,677

7.00%, 6/05/20(a)

    3,400      3,421,080

7.375%, 2/05/25(a)

    10,649      10,795,424

9.50%, 1/15/14(a)

    641      738,752
          
         21,445,933
          

Ukraine – 0.4%

      

Government of Ukraine

      

6.385%, 6/26/12(a)(b)

    750      757,500

6.58%, 11/21/16(a)(b)

    1,368      1,345,770

7.65%, 6/11/13(a)(b)

    729      773,651

Ukraine Government International Bond

      

6.75%, 11/14/17(a)(b)

    1,450      1,424,625
          
         4,301,546
          

Uruguay – 0.6%

      

Republic of Uruguay

      

7.625%, 3/21/36(a)

    550      580,250

7.875%, 1/15/33(a)(g)

    1,377      1,491,068

9.25%, 5/17/17(a)

    2,814      3,404,940
          
         5,476,258
          

Venezuela – 2.3%

      

Republic of Venezuela

      

5.75%, 2/26/16(a)

    5,477      4,313,138

6.00%, 12/09/20(a)

    6,134      4,324,117

 

30     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

7.00%, 3/31/38(a)

  US$   1,181    $ 806,033

7.00%, 12/01/18(a)(b)

    4,632      3,728,760

7.65%, 4/21/25(a)

    5,588      4,330,700

9.25%, 9/15/27(k)

    2,802      2,577,840

9.375%, 1/13/34(a)

    3,019      2,721,628
          
         22,802,216
          

Total Sovereign Bonds

      

(cost $180,758,094)

         183,689,230
          
      

TREASURY BONDS – 6.7%

  

Colombia – 0.2%

      

Republic of Colombia

      

12.00%, 10/22/15(a)

  COP   3,605,000      2,195,529
          

Malaysia – 0.5%

      

Malaysia Government Bond

      

Series 1/01

      

3.833%, 9/28/11

  MYR   15,635      5,004,907
          

Mexico – 3.6%

      

Mexican Bonos

      

Series M

      

9.00%, 12/22/11(a)

  MXN   33,515      3,313,419

Series MI10

      

9.00%, 12/20/12(a)

    329,584      32,739,237
          
         36,052,656
          

Peru – 2.4%

      

Peru Bono Soberano

      

6.90%, 8/12/37(a)

  PEN   3,145      1,097,363

7.84%, 8/12/20(a)

    1,530      596,105

8.20%, 8/12/26(a)

    27,770      11,165,009

Series 7

      

8.60%, 8/12/17(a)

    11,994      4,878,112

Peruvian Government International Bond

      

6.90%, 8/12/37(a)(b)

    20,000      7,003,108
          
         24,739,697
          

Total Treasury Bonds

      

(cost $65,369,690)

         67,992,789
          

EMERGING MARKETS -
TREASURIES – 3.5%

  

Brazil – 2.9%

      

Republic of Brazil

      

10.25%, 1/10/28(a)

  BRL   2,057      1,105,721

12.50%, 1/05/16 – 1/05/22(a)

    45,562      28,369,615
          
         29,475,336
          

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     31

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

Colombia – 0.0%

      

Republic of Colombia

      

9.85%, 6/28/27(a)

  COP   726,000    $ 388,672
          

Turkey – 0.6%

      

Turkey Government Bond

      

Zero Coupon, 2/04/09

  TRY   5,427      3,708,257

Zero Coupon, 5/06/09

    903      592,053

16.00%, 3/07/12

    2,013      1,487,072
          
         5,787,382
          

Total Emerging Markets - Treasuries

      

(cost $32,794,263)

         35,651,390
          
      

NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE CMBS – 3.2%

  

Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates

      

Series 2006-C4, Class A3

      

5.467%, 9/15/39(a)

  US$   5,320      5,223,408

Series 2006-C4, Class AM

      

5.509%, 9/15/39(a)

    5,600      5,130,080

Series 2008-C1, Class A2

      

6.219%, 2/15/41

    7,800      7,968,012

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities

      

Series 2006-CB15, Class AM

      

5.855%, 6/12/43(a)

    670      632,700

Merrill Lynch Countrywide Commercial Mortgage

      

Series 2006-4, Class AM

      

5.204%, 12/12/49(a)(c)

    7,600      6,823,848

Morgan Stanley Capital I

      

Series 2006-IQ12, Class AM

      

5.37%, 12/15/43(a)

    7,300      6,598,545
          

Total Non-Agency Fixed Rate CMBS

      

(cost $31,338,783)

         32,376,593
          
      

NON-INVESTMENT GRADE LOANS – 3.0%

  

United States – 3.0%

      

Alltel Corp.

      

5.55%, 5/18/15(c)

    1,496      1,368,881

Aramark Corp.

      

4.571%, 1/26/14(c)

    705      675,355

4.875%, 1/26/14(c)

    45      42,897

Ashmore Energy International

      

0.00%, 3/30/12*

    118      104,068

0.00%, 3/30/14*

    872      750,006

Asurion Corp.

      

0.00%, 7/03/14*

    1,000      923,440

 

32     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

Cablevision Systems Corp.

      

4.477%, 3/29/13(c)

  US$     1,247    $ 1,199,540

Carestream Health Inc.

      

4.69%-4.90%, 4/30/13(c)

    951      811,486

Celanese U.S. Holdings LLC

      

4.188%, 4/02/14(c)

    997      965,243

Charter Communications Holding

      

8.50%, 3/06/14(c)

    1,250      1,247,400

Charter Communications Operating, LLC

      

4.90%, 3/06/14(c)

    1,000      884,130

Chrysler Financial Services, Inc.

      

6.80%, 8/03/12(c)

    750      682,147

First Data Corp.

      

5.35%-5.45%, 9/24/14(c)

    1,496      1,406,047

Firstlight Power Resources Inc.

      

5.04%, 11/01/13(c)

    445      394,367

5.25%, 11/01/13(c)

    55      48,687

7.125%, 5/01/14(c)

    1,000      825,000

Ford Motor Co.

      

5.80%, 12/16/13(c)

    1,247      1,145,014

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.

      

4.459%, 11/26/13(c)

    1,250      1,091,800

Graham Packaging

      

4.88%-5.25%, 1/26/14(c)

    997      951,348

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

      

5.44%-5.67%, 5/16/14(c)

    1,250      1,218,437

Harrah’s Operating Co., Inc.

      

5.91%-5.92%, 1/28/15(c)

    1,500      1,408,335

HCA, Inc.

      

4.946%, 11/18/13(c)

    1,746      1,658,668

Hexion Specialty

      

4.938%, 5/05/13(c)

    819      775,408

5.00%, 5/05/13(c)

    178      168,441

IDEARC, Inc. (Verizon)

      

4.70%-4.86%, 11/17/14(c)

    1,496      1,230,634

Landsource Communities

      

8.75%, 2/27/13(c)

    1,092      774,421

Sabre, Inc.

      

4.86%-4.90%, 9/30/14(c)

    1,250      1,057,463

SunGard Data Systems Inc.

      

4.877%, 2/11/13(c)

    748      707,895

Thomson Learning

      

5.20%-5.36%, 7/04/14(c)

    1,247      1,151,968

TXU Corp.

      

6.48%-6.60%, 10/31/14(c)

    1,746      1,672,420

Univision Communications Inc.

      

5.11%-5.15%, 9/29/14(c)

    1,250      1,050,313

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     33

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value
 
      

West Corp.

      

0.00%, 10/24/13 *

  US$   1,250    $ 1,240,625

Wide Open West Finance, LLC

      

5.17%-5.59%, 6/30/14(c)

    1,000      792,500
          

Total Non-Investment Grade Loans

      

(cost $29,551,139)

         30,424,384
          
        Shares     

NON-CONVERTIBLE - PREFERRED

STOCKS – 2.9%

  

Capital One Capital II

      

7.50%

    130,000      2,821,000

Centaur Funding Corp.

      

9.08%(b)

    20,280      20,368,725

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

      

Series Z

      

8.375%

    11,250      288,000

Federal National Mortgage Association

      

8.25%

    51,350      1,285,804

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC

      

Series N

      

6.35%

    100,000      2,226,000

Santander Finance Preferred SA Unipersonal

      

6.80%

    67,000      1,498,120

Sovereign REIT

      

12.00%(a)(b)

    501      501,000
          

Total Non-Convertible – Preferred Stocks

      

(cost $29,902,193)

         28,988,649
          
        Principal
Amount
(000)
    

INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES – 0.4%

  

Brazil – 0.2%

      

Unibanco Grand Cayman

      

8.70%, 2/11/10(a)(b)

  BRL   3,543      2,015,931

Uruguay – 0.2%

      

Republic of Uruguay

      

3.70%, 6/26/37(a)

  UYU   43,739      1,979,959
          

Total Inflation-Linked Securities

      

(cost $3,468,784)

         3,995,890
          

 

34     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value  
   
      

SUPRANATIONALS – 0.3%

  

Supranational – 0.3%

      

International Finance Corp.

      

11.00%, 7/01/09(a)

      

(cost $2,852,908)

  ZAR   19,380    $ 2,524,804  
            

QUASI-SOVEREIGN BONDS – 0.2%

  

Russia – 0.2%

      

RSHB Capital SA for OJSC Russian Agricultural Bank

      

6.299%, 5/15/17(a)(b)

      

(cost $2,610,000)

  US$   2,610      2,430,275  
            
        Shares       

WARRANTS – 0.1%

  

Central Bank of Nigeria,

      

expiring 11/15/20(a)(l)

    2,500      575,000  

Republic of Venezuela,
expiring 4/15/20(l)

    48,195      –0
            

Total Warrants

      

(cost $0)

         575,000  
            
        Principal
Amount
(000)
      

REGIONAL BONDS – 0.1%

  

Colombia – 0.1%

      

Bogota Distrio Capital

      

9.75%, 7/26/28(a)(b)

      

(cost $521,201)

  COP   1,142,000      560,138  
            
        Shares       

COMMON STOCKS – 0.0%

  

United States – 0.0%

      

Phase Metrics(h)(l)

      

(cost $1,258,040)

    126,418      1,264  
            

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     35

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

       

Principal
Amount

(000)

   U.S. $ Value  
   
      

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 0.7%

      

Time Deposit – 0.7%

  

Bank of New York
1.00%, 5/01/08

  US$   540    $ 540,000  

Societe Generale
2.263%, 5/01/08

    6,600      6,600,000  
            

Total Short-Term Investments
(cost $7,140,000)

         7,140,000  
            

Total Investments – 100.1%
(cost $1,039,268,034)

         1,009,656,080  

Other assets less liabilities – (0.1)%

         (1,172,135 )
            

Net Assets – 100.0%

       $ 1,008,483,945  
            

CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

Swap Counterparty &

Referenced Obligation

   Notional
Amount
(000)
   Interest
Rate
    Termination
Date
  

Unrealized
Appreciation/

(Depreciation)

 

Sale Contracts:

          

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.
(Federal Republic of Brazil
12.25%, 3/6/30)

   $   7,110    3.09 %   8/20/10    $   436,973  

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.
(Republic of Philippines
10.625%, 3/16/25)

     1,410    4.95     3/20/09      61,066  

JPMorgan Chase
(OAO Gazprom
10.50%, 10/21/09)

     4,560    1.04     10/20/10      (45,915 )

JPMorgan Chase
(Petroleos De Venezuela
6.62%, 4/12/37)

     9,370    6.62     5/20/09      160,705  

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

     Contract
Amount
(000)
  U.S. $
Value on
Origination
Date
  U.S. $
Value at
April 30,
2008
  Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sale Contracts:

     

Brazilian Real settling 5/05/08

  8,330   $   4,733,756   $   5,004,647   $ (270,890 )

Brazilian Real settling 6/03/08

  8,330     4,903,023     4,965,594     (62,572 )

Brazilian Real settling 6/03/08

  14,558     8,480,000     8,678,351     (198,351 )

Mexican Nuevo Peso settling 6/25/08

  42,134     4,001,371     3,987,273     14,098  

 

36     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments


 

REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS (see Note D)

 

Broker    Interest
Rate
    Maturity    Amount

ABN AMRO

   2.25 %   5/05/08    $ 1,977,377

ABN AMRO

   2.25     5/05/08      2,680,125

ABN AMRO

   2.25     5/05/08      1,058,471

ABN AMRO

   2.40     5/05/08      6,558,527

UBS AG London

   2.00     5/05/08      2,262,266

UBS AG London

   1.75     12/31/08      2,275,500
           
        $ 16,812,266
           

 

(a) Position, or a portion thereof, has been segregated to collateralize forward currency exchange contracts. The aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $872,793,109.

 

(b) Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At April 30, 2008, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $202,888,307 or 20.1% of net assets.

 

(c) Variable rate coupon, rate shown as of April 30, 2008.

 

(d) Floating Rate Security. Stated interest rate was in effect at April 30, 2008.

 

(e) Indicates a security that has a zero coupon that remains in effect until a predetermined date at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective until final maturity.

 

(f) Coupon rate adjusts periodically based upon a predetermined schedule. Stated interest rate in effect at April 30, 2008.

 

(g) Pay-In-Kind Payments (PIK).

 

(h) Illiquid security, valued at fair value. (See Note A)

 

(i) Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security, which represents 0.0% of net assets as of April 30, 2008, is considered illiquid and restricted (see Notes A & E).

 

 

Restricted Securities    Acquisition
Date
   Acquisition
Cost
   Market
Value
   Percentage of
Net Assets
 

Russell-Stanley Holdings, Inc.
9.00%, 11/30/08

   2/10/99-5/31/05    $     7,530,199    $     78,055    0.01 %

 

(j) Security is in default and is non-income producing.

 

(k) Position, or a portion thereof, has been segregated to collateralize reverse repurchase agreements. The aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $15,111,976.

 

(l) Non-income producing security.

 

* Unfunded loan commitment. The Portfolio is obligated to fund these commitments at the borrower’s discretion.

 

Currency Abbreviations:

 

ARS– Argentine Peso

BRL– Brazilian Real

COP– Colombian Peso

EUR– Euro Dollar

MXN– Mexican Peso

 

MYR – Malaysian Ringgit

PEN – Peruvian New Sol

RUB – Russian Rouble

TRY – New Turkish Lira

UYU – Uruguayan Peso

ZAR – South African Rand

 

Glossary:

 

 

STP – Structured Product

 

      See notes to financial statements.

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     37

 

Portfolio of Investments


STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES

April 30, 2008 (unaudited)

 

Assets   

Investments in securities, at value (cost $1,039,268,034)

   $ 1,009,656,080  

Cash

     2,607,802  

Foreign cash, at value (cost $108,778)

     109,742  

Unrealized appreciation of credit default swap contracts .

     658,744  

Unrealized appreciation of forward currency exchange contracts

     14,098  

Interest receivable

     20,243,690  

Receivable for capital stock sold .

     4,516,755  

Due from broker

     2,275,500  

Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign
currency contracts

     1,443,124  
        

Total assets .

     1,041,525,535  
        
Liabilities   

Unrealized depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts

     531,813  

Unrealized depreciation of credit default swap contracts

     45,915  

Reverse repurchase agreements

     16,812,266  

Payable for capital stock redeemed .

     7,624,007  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     4,833,832  

Dividends payable

     1,925,301  

Distribution fee payable

     405,262  

Advisory fee payable

     389,771  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     62,971  

Administrative fee payable

     49,394  

Accrued expenses

     361,058  
        

Total liabilities

     33,041,590  
        

Net Assets

   $ 1,008,483,945  
        
Composition of Net Assets   

Capital stock, at par

   $ 119,814  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,032,189,884  

Distributions in excess of net investment income

     (2,200,380 )

Accumulated net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     7,772,474  

Net unrealized depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (29,397,847 )
        
   $     1,008,483,945  
        

Net Asset Value Per Share — 9 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class   Net Assets      Shares
Outstanding
     Net Asset
Value
 
A   $   718,725,831      85,625,727      $ 8.39 *
   
B   $ 99,465,444      11,747,897      $ 8.47  
   
C   $ 176,990,136      20,854,808      $ 8.49  
   
Advisor   $ 10,433,899      1,243,656      $ 8.39  
   
R   $ 2,004,362      238,884      $ 8.39  
   
K   $ 576,297      68,659      $ 8.39  
   
I   $ 287,976      34,295      $   8.40  
   

 

* The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $8.76 which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%.

See notes to financial statements.

 

38     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Statement of Assets & Liabilities


STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six Months Ended April 30, 2008 (unaudited)

 

Investment Income     

Interest (net of foreign taxes withheld of $12,110)

   $ 28,065,907    

Dividends

     677,075     $     28,742,982  
          
Expenses     

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     1,764,187    

Distribution fee—Class A

     738,757    

Distribution fee—Class B

     358,764    

Distribution fee—Class C

     672,932    

Distribution fee—Class R

     2,681    

Distribution fee—Class K

     361    

Transfer agency—Class A

     218,711    

Transfer agency—Class B

     42,101    

Transfer agency—Class C

     61,143    

Transfer agency—Advisor Class

     2,424    

Transfer agency—Class R

     1,394    

Transfer agency—Class K

     289    

Transfer agency—Class I

     87    

Custodian .

     189,248    

Registration

     97,137    

Administrative

     39,756    

Audit

     39,635    

Legal

     39,114    

Printing .

     35,725    

Directors’ fees .

     19,277    

Miscellaneous .

     5,345    
          

Total expenses before interest expense

     4,329,068    

Interest expense .

     383,535    
          

Total expenses

     4,712,603    

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

     (57,111 )  

Less: expense offset arrangement (see Note B)

     (25,052 )  
          

Net expenses

       4,630,440  
          

Net investment income

       24,112,542  
          
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment and Foreign Currency Transactions     

Net realized gain on:

    

Investment transactions

       6,518,597  

Swap contracts

       367,308  

Foreign currency transactions

       1,352,438  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

    

Investments

       (59,590,411 )

Swap contracts

       (168,356 )

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

       (328,455 )
          

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

       (51,848,879 )
          

Net Decrease in Net Assets from Operations

     $ (27,736,337 )
          

See notes to financial statements.

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     39

 

Statement of Operations


STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

     Six Months
Ended

April 30, 2008
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
October 31,
2007
 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations     

Net investment income

   $ 24,112,542     $ 23,324,784  

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     8,238,343       13,992,560  

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

     (60,087,222 )     3,194,597  
                

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (27,736,337 )     40,511,941  
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders from     

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (19,467,065 )     (16,926,254 )

Class B

     (2,538,713 )     (2,290,180 )

Class C

     (4,892,517 )     (5,041,651 )

Advisor Class

     (207,495 )     -0 -

Class R

     (38,493 )     -0 -

Class K

     (10,778 )     -0 -

Class I

     (5,604 )     -0 -

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

    

Class A

     (6,453,496 )     (9,777,229 )

Class B

     (874,556 )     (1,705,256 )

Class C

     (2,191,069 )     (3,425,008 )
Capital Stock Transactions     

Net increase

     669,639,531       32,973,033  
                

Total increase .

     605,223,408       34,319,396  
Net Assets     

Beginning of period

     403,260,537       368,941,141  
                

End of period (including undistributed/ (distributions in excess of) net investment income of ($2,200,380) and $847,743, respectively)

   $     1,008,483,945     $     403,260,537  
                

See notes to financial statements.

 

40     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Statement of Changes in Net Assets


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

April 30, 2008 (unaudited)

 

NOTE A

Significant Accounting Policies

AllianceBernstein High Income Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), formerly known as AllianceBernstein Emerging Market Debt Fund, Inc., was incorporated in the State of Maryland on December 2, 1993, as a non-diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund offers Class A, Class B, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A shares redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%. Class B shares are currently sold with a contingent deferred sales charge which declines from 3% to zero depending on the period of time the shares are held. Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares six years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase. Class R and Class K shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge. Advisor Class and Class I shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All seven classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.

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.

In general, the market value 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 mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such 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 put or call options are valued at the last sale price. If

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     41

 

Notes to Financial Statements


 

there has been no sale on that day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on that day; open futures contracts and options thereon 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; securities traded in the over-the-counter market, (“OTC”) are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or other comparable sources; U.S. Government securities and other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less; or by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days; 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, AllianceBernstein L.P. (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; and OTC and other derivatives are valued on the basis of a quoted bid price or spread from a major broker/dealer in such security.

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

2. 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 asked 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, foreign currency exchange contracts, 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 Fund’s books and

 

42     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Notes to Financial Statements


 

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 unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

3. Taxes

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

4. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.

5. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on a pro-rata basis by each settled class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on their respective net assets.

6. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B

Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .50% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     43

 

Notes to Financial Statements


 

Effective January 28, 2008, the Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total fund operating expenses on an annual basis to .95%, 1.65%, 1.65%, .65%, 1.15%, .90% and .65% of the average daily net assets of Class A, Class B, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R. Class K and Class I shares, respectively. This waiver extends through October 31, 2009 and then may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms. For the period ended April 30, 2008, such reimbursement amounted to $57,111.

Pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Adviser provides certain legal and accounting services to the Fund. For the six months ended April 30, 2008, such fees amounted to $39,756.

The Fund compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (ABIS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. ABIS may make payments to intermediaries that provide omnibus account services, sub-accounting services and/or networking services. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $277,005 for the six months ended April 30, 2008.

For the six months ended April 30, 2008, the Fund’s expenses were reduced by $25,052 under an expense offset arrangement with ABIS.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor has advised the Fund that it has retained front-end sales charges of $13,809 from the sale of Class A shares and received $5,835, $19,875 and $9,162 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively, for the six months ended April 30, 2008.

NOTE C

Distribution Services Agreement

The Fund has adopted a Distribution Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Agreement the Fund pays a distribution fee to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .30% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to both Class B and Class C shares, .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares and .25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class K shares. There are no distribution and servicing fees on the Advisor Class and Class I shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Agreement provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities. The Distributor has incurred expenses in excess of the distribution costs reimbursed by the Fund in the amounts of $37,654,102, $11,056,004, $32,752 and $5,226 for Class B, Class C, Class R and Class K shares, respectively. While such costs may be recovered from the Fund in future periods so long as the Agreement is in effect, the rate of the dis tribution and servicing fees payable under the Agreement may not be increased without a shareholder vote. In accordance with the Agreement, there is no

 

44     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Notes to Financial Statements


 

provision for recovery of unreimbursed distribution costs, incurred by the Distributor, beyond the current fiscal year for Class A shares. The Agreement also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.

NOTE D

Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended April 30, 2008, were as follows:

 

     Purchases    Sales

Investment securities (excluding
U.S. government securities)

   $     1,023,511,858    $     370,319,366

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 (excluding forward currency exchange contracts and swap contracts) are as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $      27,191,118  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (56,803,072 )
        

Net unrealized depreciation

   $ (29,611,954 )
        

1. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

The Fund may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, or to hedge certain firm purchase and sale commitments denominated in foreign currencies and 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 foreign currency transactions.

Fluctuations in the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation or depreciation by the Fund.

The Fund’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Fund having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Fund’s commitments under forward currency exchange contracts entered into with respect to position hedges. Risks may arise from the potential inability of the counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars reflects the total exposure the Fund has in that particular currency contract.

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     45

 

Notes to Financial Statements


 

2. Option Transactions

For hedging purposes, the Fund may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on U.S. and foreign government securities and foreign currencies that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. The Fund may also use options transactions for non-hedging purposes as a means of making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions”.

The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Fund bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. 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 Fund writes an option, the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the option written. Premiums received from written options which expire unexercised are recorded by the Fund 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 Fund has realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium received reduces the cost basis of the security or currency purchased by the Fund. In writing an option, the Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security or currency underlying the written option. Exercise of an option written by the Fund could result in the Fund’s selling or buying a security or currency at a price different from the current market value.

For the six months ended April 30, 2008, the Fund had no transactions in written options.

3. Swap Agreements

The Fund may enter into swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rates, credit risk, or currencies. The Fund may also enter into swaps for non-hedging purposes as a means of 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.

 

46     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Notes to Financial Statements


 

Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap contract to comply with the terms of the swap contract. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interim payment to be received by the Fund, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Fund considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap contract in evaluating potential credit risk. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities.

As of November 1, 2003, the Fund has adopted the method of accounting for interim payments on swap contracts in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 133. The Fund accrues for the interim payments on swap contracts on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swap contracts on the statement of assets and liabilities. Once the interim payments are settled in cash, the net amount is recorded as realized gain/loss on swaps, in addition to realized gain/loss recorded upon the termination of swap contracts on the statements of operations. Prior to November 1, 2003, these interim payments were reflected within interest income/expense in the statement of operations. Fluctuations in the value of swap contracts are recorded as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments.

The Fund may enter into credit default swaps. The Fund may purchase credit protection on the referenced obligation of the credit default swap (“Buy Contract”) or provide credit protection on the referenced obligation of the credit default swap (“Sale Contract”). A sale/(buy) in a credit default swap provides upon the occurrence of a credit event, as defined in the swap agreement, for the Portfolio to buy/(sell) from/(to) the counterparty at the notional amount (the “Notional Amount”) and receive/(deliver) the principal amount of the referenced obligation. If a credit event occurs, the maximum payout amount for a Sale Contract is limited to the Notional Amount of the swap contract (“Maximum Payout Amount”). During the term of the swap agreement, the Fund receives/(pays) fixed payments from/(to) the respective counterparty, calculated at the agreed upon interest rate applied to the Notional Amount. These interim payments are recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swap contracts on the statement of assets and liabilities.

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

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     47

 

Notes to Financial Statements


 

At April 30, 2008, the Fund had Sale Contracts outstanding with Maximum Payout Amounts aggregating $22,450,000, with net unrealized appreciation of $612,829 and terms ranging from 11 months to 2 years, as reflected in the portfolio of investments.

In certain circumstances, the Fund may hold Sale Contracts on the same referenced obligation and with the same counterparty from which it has purchased credit protection, which may reduce its obligation to make payments on Sale Contracts, if a credit event occurs. At April 30, 2008, the Fund did not have Buy Contracts outstanding with the same referenced obligations and same counterparty of certain Sale Contracts outstanding.

4. Currency Transactions

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

5. Reverse Repurchase Agreements

Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund sells securities and agrees to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. At the time the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will establish a segregated account with the custodian containing liquid assets having a value at least equal to the repurchase price.

For the six months ended April 30, 2008, the average amount of reverse repurchase agreements outstanding was $42,994,768 and the daily weighted average interest rate was 2.95%.

 

48     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Notes to Financial Statements


 

NOTE E

Capital Stock

Each class consists of 3,000,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

           
    Shares         Amount      
   

Six Months
Ended

April 30, 2008

(unaudited)

   

Year

Ended

October 31,

2007

       

Six Months
Ended

April 30, 2008

(unaudited)

   

Year

Ended

October 31,
2007

     
       
Class A            

Shares sold

  6,734,675     16,257,643       $ 56,934,818     $ 144,048,619    
                                   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

  2,236,630     2,120,728         18,870,161       18,776,774    
                                   

Shares converted from Class B

  1,850,808     823,902         15,566,452       7,276,687    
                                   

Shares issued in connection with the acquisition of High Yield Fund and Corporate Bond Portfolio

  60,482,629     -0-         524,540,361       -0-    
                                   

Shares redeemed

  (16,919,352 )   (14,241,600 )       (144,053,975 )     (125,180,713 )  
                                   

Net increase

  54,385,390     4,960,673       $ 471,857,817     $ 44,921,367    
                                   
           
Class B            

Shares sold

  366,868     562,014       $ 3,132,448     $ 5,019,126    
                                   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

  290,861     290,330         2,474,481       2,592,296    
                                   

Shares issued in connection with the acquisition of High Yield Fund and Corporate Bond Portfolio

  10,243,982     -0-         106,703,023       -0-    
                                   

Shares converted to Class A

  (1,834,898 )   (816,644 )       (15,566,452 )     (7,276,687 )  
                                   

Shares redeemed

  (1,173,919 )   (1,169,028 )       (9,945,435 )     (10,432,639 )  
                                   

Net increase (decrease)

  7,892,894     (1,133,328 )     $ 86,798,065     $ (10,097,904 )  
                                   

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     49

 

Notes to Financial Statements


 

           
    Shares         Amount      
   

Six Months

Ended
April 30, 2008

(unaudited)

    Year Ended
October 31,
2007
       

Six Months

Ended
April 30, 2008

(unaudited)

   

Year Ended
October 31,

2007

     
       
Class C            

Shares sold

  922,576     1,881,699       $ 7,965,489     $ 16,866,412    
                                   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

  516,196     617,737         4,412,158       5,526,724    
                                   

Shares issued in connection with the acquisition of High Yield Fund and Corporate Bond Portfolio

  12,711,364     -0-         122,225,103       -0-    
                                   

Shares redeemed

  (2,787,988 )   (2,717,636 )       (23,718,455 )     (24,243,566 )  
                                   

Net increase (decrease)

  11,362,148     (218,200 )     $ 110,884,295     $ (1,850,430 )  
                                   
           
    Shares         Amount      

Advisor Class

  January 25,
2008(a) to
April 30, 2008

(unaudited)

 
 
 

 

       
 
 

 

January 25,
2008(a) to
April 30, 2008

(unaudited)

 
 
 

 

   
       

Shares sold

  1,130,203         $ 3,797,494      
                                   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

  22,277           184,771      
                                   

Shares issued in connection with the acquisition of High Yield Fund and Corporate Bond Portfolio

  414,996           (4,096,673 )    
                                   

Shares redeemed

  (323,820 )         (2,728,990 )    
                                   

Net increase (decrease)

  1,243,656         $ (2,843,398 )    
                                   
           
Class R            

Shares sold

  72,081         $ 603,554      
                                   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

  4,255           35,314      
                                   

Shares issued in connection with the acquisition of High Yield Fund and Corporate Bond Portfolio

  250,536           2,159,067      
                                   

Shares redeemed

  (87,988 )         (731,205 )    
                                   

Net increase

  238,884         $ 2,066,730      
                                   
           
Class K            

Shares sold

  2,381         $ 19,935      
                                   

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

  1,184           9,830      
                                   

Shares issued in connection with the acquisition of High Yield Fund and Corporate Bond Portfolio

  66,772           561,415      
                                   

Shares redeemed

  (1,678 )         (14,166 )    
                                   

Net increase

  68,659         $ 577,014      
                                   

 

50     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Notes to Financial Statements


 

    Shares       Amount    
   

January 25,
2008(a) to
April 30, 2008

(unaudited)

           

January 25,
2008(a) to
April 30, 2008

(unaudited)

         
     
Class I            

Shares sold

  262         $ 2,194      
                             

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

  614           5,102      
                             

Shares issued in connection with the acquisition of High Yield Fund and Corporate Bond Portfolio

  33,456           292,028      
                             

Shares redeemed

  (37 )         (316 )    
                             

Net increase

  34,295         $ 299,008      
                             

 

(a) Commencement of distribution.

NOTE F

Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund

Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk — Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income debt securities such as bonds or notes. Increases in interest rates may cause the value of the Fund’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 risk 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.

Currency Risk — This is the risk that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce the returns of the Fund. For example, the value of the Fund’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities or currencies may decrease if the U.S. Dollar is strong (i.e., gaining value relative to other currencies) and other currencies are weak (i.e., losing value relative to the U. S. Dollar). Currency markets are generally not as regulated as securities markets.

Foreign Securities Risk — Investing in securities of foreign companies and foreign governments involves special risks which include changes in foreign currency exchange rates the possibility of future political and economic developments which could adversely affect the value of such securities. Moreover, securities of many foreign companies and foreign governments and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies and the U.S. government. The Fund invests in the Sovereign Debt Obligations of countries that are considered emerging market

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     51

 

Notes to Financial Statements


 

countries at the time of purchase. Therefore, the Fund is susceptible to governmental factors and economic and debt restructuring developments adversely affecting the economies of these emerging market countries. In addition, these debt obligations may be less liquid and subject to greater volatility than debt obligations of more developed countries.

Leverage Risk — When the Fund borrows money or otherwise leverages its portfolio, it may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s investments. The Fund may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures contracts or by borrowing money.

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

NOTE G

Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, participate in a $250 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 Fund did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended April 30, 2008.

NOTE H

Acquisition of AllianceBernstein High Yield Fund, Inc., and AllianceBernstein Bond Fund, Inc. — AllianceBernstein Corporate Bond Portfolio, by AllianceBernstein High Income Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”)

On January 25, 2008, the Fund acquired all of the net assets and assumed all of the liabilities of AllianceBernstein High Yield Fund, Inc. (“High Yield”), and AllianceBernstein Corporate Bond Portfolio (“Corporate Bond”) in a tax free event, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Acquisition and Liquidation approved by the stockholders. As a result of the acquisition, stockholders of High Yield, and Corporate Bond received shares of the Fund equivalent to the aggregate net asset value of the shares they held in their respective Funds. On January 25, 2008, the acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 84,886,903 shares of the Fund for 17,310,493 shares of High Yield, and 67,576,410 shares of Corporate Bond. The aggregate net assets of the Fund, High Yield, and Corporate Bond immediately before the acquisition were $361,090,616, $148,024,567, and $577,044,197 (including $20,170,950 for High Yield and $7,144,610 for Corporate Bond, of net unrealized depreciation

 

52     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Notes to Financial Statements


 

of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities), respectively. Immediately after the acquisition, the combined net assets of the Fund amounted to $1,086,159,380.

NOTE I

Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending October 31, 2008 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2007 and October 31, 2006 were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
October 31,
2007
   Year Ended
October 31,
2006

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $     27,212,303    $     23,406,531

Net long-term capital gains

     11,953,275      6,067,242
             

Total taxable distributions

     39,165,578      29,473,773
             

Total distributions paid

   $ 39,165,578    $ 29,473,773
             

As of October 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 4,931,397  

Undistributed long-term capital gains

     7,054,255  

Accumulated capital and other losses

     (374,383 )(a)

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     29,695,058 (b)
        

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $     41,306,327 (c)
        

 

(a) For the year ended October 31, 2007, the cumulative deferred loss on straddles was $374,383.

 

(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 difference between book and tax amortization methods for premium, the difference between book and tax treatment of swap income, and the realization for tax purposes of gain/losses on certain derivative instruments.

 

(c) The difference between book-basis and tax-basis components of accumulated earnings/ (deficit) is attributable to dividends payable.

NOTE J

Legal Proceedings

On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled Hindo, et al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al. (“Hindo Complaint”) was filed against the Adviser, Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (“Alliance Holding”), Alliance Capital Management Corporation, AXA Financial, Inc., the AllianceBernstein Funds, certain officers of the Adviser (“AllianceBernstein defendants”), and certain other unaffiliated defendants, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged shareholders of two of the

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     53

 

Notes to Financial Statements


 

AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the AllianceBernstein defendants failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other unidentified parties to engage in “late trading” and “market timing” of AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with the Adviser, including recovery of all fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to such contracts.

Following October 2, 2003, 43 additional lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo Complaint were filed in various federal and state courts against the Adviser and certain other defendants. On September 29, 2004, plaintiffs filed consolidated amended complaints with respect to four claim types: mutual fund shareholder claims; mutual fund derivative claims; derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding; and claims brought under ERISA by participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of the Adviser. All four complaints include substantially identical factual allegations, which appear to be based in large part on the Order of the SEC dated December 18, 2003 as amended and restated January 15, 2004 (“SEC Order”) and the New York State Attorney General Assurance of Discontinuance dated September 1, 2004 (“NYAG Order”).

On April 21, 2006, the Adviser and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the mutual fund shareholder claims, mutual fund derivative claims, and ERISA claims entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding containing their agreement to settle these claims. The agreement will be documented by a stipulation of settlement and will be submitted for court approval at a later date. The settlement amount ($30 million), which the Adviser previously accrued and disclosed, has been disbursed. The derivative claims brought on behalf of Alliance Holding, in which plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of damages, remain pending.

It is possible that these matters and/or other developments resulting from these matters could result in increased redemptions of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds’ shares or other adverse consequences to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. This may require the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds to sell investments held by those funds to provide for sufficient liquidity and could also have an adverse effect on the investment performance of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these matters are not likely to have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform advisory services relating to the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds.

NOTE K

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”

 

54     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Notes to Financial Statements


 

(“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing a fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the current period. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. On April 30, 2008, the Fund implemented FIN 48 which supplements FASB 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (tax years ended October 31, 2004-2006) for purposes of implementing FIN 48, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.

On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and believes the adoption of FAS 157 will have no material impact on its financial statements.

On March 19, 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and believes the adoption of FAS 161 will have no material impact on its financial statements.

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     55

 

Notes to Financial Statements


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class A  
   

Six Months

Ended

April 30,

2008

    Year Ended October 31,     September 1,
2003 to
October 31,
    Year
Ended
August 31,
 
    (unaudited)     2007     2006     2005     2004(a)     2003(b)     2003  
                                         

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $9.02     $8.97     $8.70     $8.38     $8.00     $7.72     $6.02  
                                         

Income From Investment

Operations

             

Net investment income(c)

  .28     .56     .55     .53     .49 (d)   .11     .69  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

  (.32 )   .41     .43     .34     .50     .28     1.71  
                                         

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

  (.04 )   .97     .98     .87     .99     .39     2.40  
                                         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

             

Dividends from net investment income

  (.36 )   (.57 )   (.57 )   (.55 )   (.61 )   (.11 )   (.70 )

Distribution from net realized gain on investment transactions

  (.23 )   (.35 )   (.14 )   –0   –0   –0   –0
                                         

Total dividends and distributions

  (.59 )   (.92 )   (.71 )   (.55 )   (.61 )   (.11 )   (.70 )
                                         

Net asset value, end of period

  $8.39     $9.02     $8.97     $8.70     $8.38     $8.00     $7.72  
     

Total Return

             

Total investment return based on net asset value(e)

  (.21 )%   11.54  %   11.87  %   10.70  %   12.82  %   5.11  %   41.80  %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $718,726     $281,677     $235,763     $213,652     $156,469     $137,709     $118,669  

Ratio to average net assets of:

             

Expenses, net of waivers/ reimbursements

  1.11  %(f)   1.41  %*   1.48  %   1.20  %   1.23  %   1.75  %(f)   1.94  %

Expenses, before waivers/ reimbursements

  1.13  %(f)   1.41  %*   1.48  %   1.20  %   1.40  %   1.75  %(f)   1.94  %

Expenses, before waivers/ reimbursements excluding
interest expense

  1.02  %(f)   1.14  %*   1.14  %   1.19  %   1.21  %   1.47  %(f)   1.46  %

Net investment income

  7.07  %(f)   6.24  %*   6.32  %   6.14  %   6.04  %(d)   7.90  %(f)   9.73  %

Portfolio turnover rate

  50  %   67  %   75  %   100  %   173  %   20  %   125  %

See footnote summary on page 62.

 

56     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Financial Highlights


Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class B  
    Six Months
Ended
April 30,
2008
    Year Ended October 31,     September 1,
2003 to
October 31,
    Year
Ended
August 31,
 
    (unaudited)     2007     2006     2005     2004(a)     2003(b)     2003  
                                         

Net asset value, beginning of period………………….

  $9.09     $9.05     $8.77     $8.45     $8.07     $7.80     $6.09  
                                         

Income From Investment Operations

             

Net investment income(c)

  .25     .49     .49     .47     .62 (d)   .10     .64  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

  (.31 )   .41     .44     .34     .32     .28     1.73  
                                         

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

  (.06 )   .90     .93     .81     .94     .38     2.37  
                                         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

             

Dividends from net investment income

  (.33 )   (.51 )   (.51 )   (.49 )   (.56 )   (.11 )   (.66 )

Distribution from net realized gain on investment transactions

  (.23 )   (.35 )   (.14 )   –0   –0   –0   –0
                                         

Total dividends and distributions

  (.56 )   (.86 )   (.65 )   (.49 )   (.56 )   (.11 )   (.66 )
                                         

Net asset value, end of period

  $8.47     $9.09     $9.05     $8.77     $8.45     $8.07     $7.80  
     

Total Return

             

Total investment return based on net asset value(e)

  (.57 )%   10.51  %   11.11  %   9.81  %   12.02  %   4.84  %   40.69  %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period
(000’s omitted)

  $99,465     $35,058     $45,133     $53,629     $61,715     $90,443     $89,571  

Ratio to average net assets of:

             

Expenses, net of waivers/ reimbursements

  1.81  %(f)   2.14  %*   2.18  %   1.89  %   1.94  %   2.45  %(f)   2.64  %

Expenses, before waivers/ reimbursements

  1.84  %(f)   2.14  %*   2.18  %   1.90  %   2.11  %   2.45  %(f)   2.64  %

Expenses, before waivers/ reimbursements excluding interest expense

  1.74  %(f)   1.87  %*   1.85  %   1.89  %   1.92  %   2.17  %(f)   2.17  %

Net investment income

  6.29  %(f)   5.45  %*   5.55  %   5.39  %   7.57  %(d)   7.11  %(f)   9.07  %

Portfolio turnover rate

  50  %   67  %   75  %   100  %   173  %   20  %   125  %

 

See footnote summary on page 62.

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     57

 

Financial Highlights


Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class C  
   

Six Months

Ended

April 30,

2008

    Year Ended October 31,     September 1,
2003 to
October 31,
    Year
Ended
August 31,
 
    (unaudited     2007     2006     2005     2004(a)     2003(b)     2003  
                                         

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $9.11     $9.07     $8.79     $8.47     $8.09     $7.82     $6.10  
                                         

Income From Investment Operations

             

Net investment income(c)

  .25     .49     .49     .47     .45 (d)   .10     .63  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

  (.31 )   .41     .44     .34     .49     .28     1.75  
                                         

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

  (.06 )   .90     .93     .81     .94     .38     2.38  
                                         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

             

Dividends from net investment income

  (.33 )   (.51 )   (.51 )   (.49 )   (.56 )   (.11 )   (.66 )

Distribution from net realized gain on investment transactions

  (.23 )   (.35 )   (.14 )   –0   –0   –0   –0
                                         

Total dividends and distributions

  (.56 )   (.86 )   (.65 )   (.49 )   (.56 )   (.11 )   (.66 )
                                         

Net asset value, end of period

  $8.49     $9.11     $9.07     $8.79     $8.47     $8.09     $7.82  
     

Total Return

             

Total investment return based on net asset value(e)

  (.57 )%   10.50  %   11.10  %   9.81  %   12.00  %   4.83  %   40.80  %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Net assets, end of period
(000’s omitted)

  $176,990     $86,525     $88,046     $91,662     $82,876     $77,657     $73,477  

Ratio to average net assets of:

             

Expenses, net of waivers/ reimbursements

  1.82  %(f)   2.11  %*   2.17  %   1.89  %   1.92  %   2.43  %(f)   2.63  %

Expenses, before waivers/ reimbursements

  1.84  %(f)   2.11  %*   2.17  %   1.89  %   2.09  %   2.43  %(f)   2.63  %

Expenses, before waivers/ reimbursements excluding interest expense

  1.72  %(f)   1.85  %*   1.84  %   1.88  %   1.90  %   2.16  %(f)   2.16  %

Net investment income

  6.24  %(f)   5.47  %*   5.54  %   5.38  %   5.51  %(d)   7.09  %(f)   8.91  %

Portfolio turnover rate

  50  %   67  %   75  %   100  %   173  %   20  %   125  %

See footnote summary on page 62.

 

58     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Financial Highlights


Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Advisor Class  
   

January 25,
2008(g) to

April 30, 2008

(unaudited)

 
       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 8.52  
       

Income From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(c)

    .18  

Net realized and unrealized loss on investment transactions

    (.15 )
       

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .03  
       

Less: Dividends

 

Dividends from net investment income

    (.16 )
       

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.39  
       

Total Return

 

Total investment return based on net asset value(e)

    .44  %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $   10,434  

Ratio to average net assets of:

 

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    0.65  %(f)

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    .77  %(f)

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements excluding interest expense

    0.70  %(f)

Net investment income

    7.74  %(f)

Portfolio turnover rate

    50  %

 

See footnote summary on page 62.

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     59

 

Financial Highlights


Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class R  
   

January 25,
2008(g) to

April 30, 2008

(unaudited)

 
       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 8.52  
       

Income From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(c)

    .15  

Net realized and unrealized loss on investment transactions

    (.12 )
       

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .03  
       

Less: Dividends

 

Dividends from net investment income

    (.16 )
       

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.39  
       

Total Return

 

Total investment return based on net asset value(e)

    .45  %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $   2,004  

Ratio to average net assets of:

 

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.15  %(f)

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.44  %(f)

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements excluding interest expense

    1.38  %(f)

Net investment income

    7.05  %(f)

Portfolio turnover rate

    50  %

 

See footnote summary on page 62.

 

60     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Financial Highlights


Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class K  
   

January 25,
2008(g) to

April 30, 2008

(unaudited)

 
       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $   8.52  
       

Income From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(c)

    .16  

Net realized and unrealized loss on investment transactions

    (.13 )
       

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    .03  
       

Less: Dividends

 

Dividends from net investment income

    (.16 )
       

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.39  
       

Total Return

 

Total investment return based on net asset value(e)

    .51  %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 576  

Ratio to average net assets of:

 

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    .90  %(f)

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.13  %(f)

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements excluding interest expense

    1.07  %(f)

Net investment income

    7.34  %(f)

Portfolio turnover rate

    50  %

 

See footnote summary on page 62.

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     61

 

Financial Highlights


Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    Class I  
   

January 25,
2008(g) to

April 30, 2008

(unaudited)

 
     

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $8.52  
     

Income From Investment Operations

 

Net investment income(c)

  .16  

Net realized and unrealized loss on investment transactions

  (.11 )
     

Net increase in net asset value from operations

  .05  
     

Less: Dividends

 

Dividends from net investment income

  (.17 )
     

Net asset value, end of period

  $8.40  
     

Total Return

 

Total investment return based on net asset value(e)

  .57  %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $288  

Ratio to average net assets of:

 

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

  .65  %(f)

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

  .80  %(f)

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements excluding interest expense

  .74  %(f)

Net investment income

  7.65  %(f)

Portfolio turnover rate

  50  %

 

(a) As of November 1, 2003, the Fund has adopted the method of accounting for interim payments on swap contracts in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 133. These interim payments are reflected within net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on swap contracts, however prior to November 1, 2003, these interim payments were reflected within interest income/expense on the statement of operations. The effect of this change for the year ended October 31, 2004, was to decrease net investment income per share by $.05, $.04 and $.05 and increase net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions per share by $.05, $.04 and $.05 for Class A, Class B and Class C, respectively. Consequently, the ratios of net investment income to average net assets were decreased by 0.56%, 0.57% and 0.55% for Class A, Class B and Class C, respectively.

 

(b) The Fund changed its fiscal year end from August 31 to October 31.

 

(c) Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(d) Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(e) Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the year, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the year, and redemption on the last day of the year. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge is not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(f) Annualized.

 

(g) Commencement of distribution.

 

* The ratio includes expenses attributable to costs of proxy solicitation.

 

62     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

Financial Highlights


 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

William H. Foulk, Jr.(1), Chairman

Marc O. Mayer, President and Chief Executive Officer

David H. Dievler(1),(2)

John H. Dobkin(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

D. James Guzy(1)

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

Garry L. Moody(1)

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1)

Earl D. Weiner(1)

OFFICERS

Philip L. Kirstein, Senior Vice President and Independent Compliance Officer

Paul J. DeNoon(3), Vice President

Fernando Grisales(3), Vice President

Gershon M. Distenfeld(3), Vice President

 

Douglas J. Peebles(3), Vice President

Matthew S. Sheridan(3), Vice President

Emilie D. Wrapp, Secretary

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Vincent S. Noto, Controller

 

Principal Underwriter

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

Custodian and Accounting Agent

The Bank of New York

One Wall Street

New York, NY 10286

Legal Counsel

Seward & Kissel LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

  

Transfer Agent

AllianceBernstein Investor

Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 786003

San Antonio, TX 78278-6003

Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP

5 Times Square

New York, NY 10036

 

(1) Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Independent Directors Committee. Mr. Foulk is the sole member of the Fair Value Pricing Committee.

 

(2) Retiring effective June 30, 2008.

 

(3) The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund’s portfolio are made by the Global Fixed Income: Emerging Market Investment Team. Messrs. DeNoon, Grisales, Distenfeld, Peebles, and Sheridan are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     63

 

Board of Directors


 

Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AllianceBernstein High Income Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) approved the continuance of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser at a meeting held on October 30-November 1, 2007.

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 Fund’s Senior Officer (who is also the Fund’s Independent Compliance Officer) of the reasonableness of the advisory fee in the Advisory Agreement wherein 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 Fund’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 AllianceBernstein Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they receive presentations from the Adviser on the investment results of the Fund and review extensive materials and information presented by the Adviser.

The directors also considered all other factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. In their deliberations, 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

 

64     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND


 

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 provided at the Fund’s request by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are approved by the directors on a quarterly basis and, 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 Fund’s Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’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 were 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, expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2005 and 2006 that had been prepared with an updated expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s Senior Officer. The directors reviewed the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and noted 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 which provide transfer agency and distribution services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts 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 they were satisfied that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund other than the fees and expense reimbursements payable under the Advisory Agreement, including but not limited to benefits relating to 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of certain classes of the Fund’s shares and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     65


 

profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors noted that since the Fund does not engage in brokerage transactions, the Adviser does not receive soft dollar benefits in respect of portfolio transactions of the Fund. 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 Lipper showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares as compared to the J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global (the “Index”), in each case for periods ended July 31, 2007 over the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods and (in the case of the Index) the since inception period (February 1994 inception). The directors noted that the Fund was in the 2nd quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe in the 1-year period, 4th quintile of the Performance Group and 3rd quintile of the Performance Universe in the 3-year period, 1st quintile of the Performance Group and Performance Universe in the 5-year period and 1 out of 3 of the Performance Group and 2nd quintile of the Performance Universe in the 10-year period, and that the Fund outperformed the Index in all periods reviewed. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s relative performance over time had been satisfactory. The directors also noted the changes to the Fund’s investment policies approved in August 2007 and the Fund’s pending acquisitions, subject to shareholder approval, of all the assets and liabilities of each of AllianceBernstein Bond Fund, Inc. – AllianceBernstein Corporate Bond Portfolio (“Corporate Bond Portfolio”) and AllianceBernstein High Yield Fund, Inc. (“High Yield Fund”). The directors informed the Adviser that they planned to closely monitor the Fund’s performance in light of these changes.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by Lipper concerning fee rates paid by other funds in the same Lipper 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 also considered the fees the Adviser charges other clients with a substantially similar investment style as the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed information in the Adviser’s Form ADV and the evaluation from the Fund’s Senior Officer disclosing the institutional fee schedule for institutional products managed by the Adviser that have a substantially similar investment style as the Fund. The directors noted that the institutional fee schedule for cli-

 

66     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND


 

ents with a substantially similar investment style as the Fund had breakpoints at lower asset levels than those in the fee schedule applicable to the Fund and that the application of the institutional fee schedule to the level of assets of the Fund would result in a fee rate that would be lower than that in the Fund’s Advisory Agreement. 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 noted that the Adviser advises a portfolio of another AllianceBernstein fund with a substantially similar investment style as the Fund for the same fee schedule as the Fund.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional clients. The Adviser also noted that since mutual funds are constantly issuing and redeeming shares, they are more difficult to manage than an institutional account, where the assets are relatively stable. In light of these facts, the directors did not place significant weight on these fee comparisons.

The directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to the fees and expenses of funds within two comparison groups created by Lipper: an Expense Group and an Expense Universe. Lipper described an Expense Group as a representative sample of funds comparable to the Fund and an Expense Universe as a broader group, consisting of all funds in the investment classification/objective with a similar load type as the Fund. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year expense ratio. The Lipper information included the pro forma expense ratio for Class A Shares provided by the Adviser assuming the new expense cap for the Fund following its acquisition of each of Corporate Bond Portfolio and High Yield Fund (anticipated effective date to be between the end of 2007 and early 2008) had been in effect throughout the Fund’s fiscal year ended in 2006. The directors recognized that the expense ratio information for the Fund potentially reflected on the Adviser’s provision of services, as the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some funds in the Fund’s Lipper category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases were voluntary and perhaps temporary.

The directors noted that the Fund’s at approximate current size contractual effective advisory fee rate of 50 basis points, plus the 3 basis point impact of the latest fiscal year administrative expense reimbursement by the Fund pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, was lower than the Expense Group median. The directors noted that the Fund’s total expense ratio and the Fund’s pro forma total expense ratio (the latter of which reflected the cap by the Adviser expected to be effective by early 2008 and to remain effective until at least October 31, 2009) were lower than the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians. The directors

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     67


 

concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio and pro forma expense ratio were satisfactory.

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 also considered presentations by an independent consultant discussing economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AllianceBernstein Funds as well as a presentation by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. 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 establishing 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 breakpoint arrangements would result in a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

68     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND


 

THE FOLLOWING IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SUMMARY OF SENIOR OFFICER’S EVALUATION OF

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT1

The following is a summary of the evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement between AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and AllianceBernstein Emerging Market Debt Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”).2,3 The evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was prepared by Philip L. Kirstein, the Senior Officer of the Fund for the Directors of the Fund, as required by an August 2004 agreement between the Adviser and the New York State Attorney General (the “NYAG”). The Senior Officer’s evaluation of the Investment Advisory Agreement is not meant to diminish the responsibility or authority of the Board of Directors of the Fund to perform its duties pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “40 Act”) and applicable state law. The purpose of the summary is to provide shareholders with a synopsis of the independent evaluation of the reasonableness of the advisory fees proposed to be paid by the Fund which was provided to the Directors in connection with their review of the proposed approval of the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Senior Officer’s evaluation considered the following factors:

 

  1. Advisory fees charged to institutional and other clients of the Adviser for like services;

 

  2. Advisory fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services;

 

  3. Costs to the Adviser and its affiliates of supplying services pursuant to the advisory agreement, excluding any intra-corporate profit;

 

  4. Profit margins of the Adviser and its affiliates from supplying such services;

 

  5. Possible economies of scale as the Fund grows larger; and

 

  6. Nature and quality of the Adviser’s services including the performance of the Fund.

FUND ADVISORY FEES, EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS & RATIOS

The Adviser proposed that the Fund pay the advisory fee set forth in the table below for receiving the services to be provided pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee schedule below, implemented in January 2004 in

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     69

 

1 It should be noted that the Senior Officer’s fee evaluation was completed on October 18, 2007.

 

2 Future references to the Fund do not include “AllianceBernstein.” References in the fee summary pertaining to performance and expense ratios refer to the Class A shares of the Fund.

 

3 The Board of Directors approved a fixed-income fund realignment pursuant to which the Fund (the surviving fund) will merge its assets with that of AllianceBernstein Corporate Bond Portfolio and AllianceBernstein High Yield Fund, Inc., expand its non-fundamental investment policies, change its name to AllianceBernstein High Income Fund, add retirement classes to the Fund and implement expense caps for the Fund’s share classes.


 

consideration of the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG in December 2003, is based on a master schedule that contemplates eight categories of funds with almost all funds in each category having the same advisory fee schedule.4 It should be noted that the Fund’s advisory fee is based on the Fund’s average daily adjusted total assets (i.e., the average daily value of total assets minus the sum of accrued liabilities other than the principal amount of money borrowed) in contrast to most of the AllianceBernstein High Income mutual funds whose advisory fees are based on each of the those funds’ average daily net assets.

 

Category   

Net Assets

09/30/07

($MIL)

  Advisory Fee Based on % of
Average Daily Adjusted Total Assets
  Fund
High Income    $  392.3   50 bp on 1st $2.5 billion   Emerging Market
Debt
     45 bp on next $2.5 billion  
     40 bp on the balance  

The Adviser is reimbursed as specified in the Investment Advisory Agreement for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative and other services provided to the Fund. During the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Adviser received $101,500 (0.030% of the Fund’s average daily net assets) for such services.

Set forth below are the Fund’s total expense ratios annualized for the most recent semi-annual period:

 

Fund    Total Expense
Ratio
     Fiscal
Year End
Emerging Market Debt Fund, Inc.5    Class A    1.43 %    October 31
   Class B    2.16 %   
   Class C    2.13 %   

I.  ADVISORY FEES CHARGED TO INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER CLIENTS

The advisory fees charged to investment companies which the Adviser manages and sponsors are normally higher than those charged to similar sized institutional accounts, including pension plans and sub-advised investment companies. The fee differential reflects, among other things, different services provided to such clients, and different liabilities assumed. Services provided by the Adviser to the Fund that are not provided to non-investment company clients include providing office space and personnel to serve as Fund Officers, who among other responsibilities make the certifications required under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, and coordinating with and monitoring the Fund’s third party service

 

70     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

4 Most of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds, which the Adviser manages, were affected by the Adviser’s settlement with the NYAG.

 

5

Includes interest expense of 0.32%. Excluding interest expense (related to reverse repurchase agreements of the Fund), the expense ratios would be 1.11%, 1.84% and 1.81% for Classes A, B and C, respectively. The Adviser intends on implementing expense caps, effective sometime between November 2, 2007 and February 1, 2008. The expense caps would be 0.95%, 1.65%, 1.65%, 0.65%, 1.15%, 0.90% and 0.65% for classes A, B, C, Advisor (new), R (new), K (new), and I (new).


 

providers such as Fund counsel, auditors, custodians, transfer agents and pricing services. The accounting, administrative, legal and compliance requirements for the Fund are more costly than those for institutional client assets due to the greater complexities and time required for investment companies, although as previously noted, a portion of these expenses are reimbursed by the Fund to the Adviser. Also, retail mutual funds managed by the Adviser are widely held. Servicing the Fund’s investors is more time consuming and labor intensive compared to institutional clients since the Adviser needs to communicate with a more extensive network of financial intermediaries and shareholders. In addition, managing the cash flow of an investment company may be more difficult than that of a stable pool of assets, such as an institutional account with little cash movement in either direction, particularly, if a fund is in net redemption and the Adviser is frequently forced to sell securities to raise cash for redemptions. However, managing a fund with positive cash flow may be easier at times than managing a stable pool of assets. Finally, in recent years, investment advisers have been sued by institutional clients and have suffered reputational damage both by the attendant publicity and outcomes other than complete victories. Accordingly, the legal and reputational risks associated with institutional accounts are greater than previously thought, although still not equal to those related to the mutual fund industry.

Notwithstanding the Adviser’s view that managing an investment company is not comparable to managing other institutional accounts because the services provided are different, it is worth considering information regarding the advisory fees charged to institutional accounts with a substantially similar investment style as the Fund.6 In addition to the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule, set forth below is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Fund had the AllianceBernstein Institutional fee schedule been applicable to the Fund versus the Fund’s advisory fees based on September 30, 2007 net assets.

 

Fund  

Net Assets

09/30/07

($MIL)

 

AllianceBernstein (“AB”)
Institutional (“Inst.”)

Fee Schedule

  Effective
AB Inst.
Adv. Fee
 

Fund

Advisory

Fee

Emerging Market Debt Fund, Inc.   $392.3  

Emerging Market Debt Schedule

65 bp on 1st $20 million

35 bp on the balance

Minimum Account Size: $25m

  0.373%   0.500%

The adviser manages the AllianceBernstein Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (“AVPS”), which is available through variable annuity and variable life contracts offered by other financial institutions, offers policyholders the option to utilize

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     71

 

6 The Adviser has indicated that with respect to institutional accounts with assets greater than $300 million, it will negotiate a fee schedule, although it should be noted that there were no such institutional accounts that are similar in investment style as the Fund, which opened in the last three years. Discounts that are negotiated vary based upon each client relationship.


 

certain AVPS portfolios as the investment option underlying their insurance contracts. Set forth below is the fee schedule of the AVPS portfolio that has a similar investment style as the Fund.7 Also shown is what would have been the effective advisory fee of the Fund had the advisory fee schedule of the AVPS portfolio been applicable to the Fund versus the Fund’s advisory fee:

 

Fund   AVPS
Portfolio
  Fee Schedule   AVPS
Effective
Fee
  Fund
Advisory
Fee
Emerging Market Debt Fund, Inc.   Global Dollar
Government
Portfolio
 

0.50% on first $2.5 billion

0.40% on next $2.5 billion

0.35% on the balance

  0.500%   0.500%

The Adviser also manages and sponsors retail mutual funds, which are organized in jurisdictions outside the United States, generally Luxembourg and Japan, and sold to non-United States resident investors. The Adviser charges the following fee for Emerging Market Debt, a Luxembourg fund, which has a somewhat similar investment style as the Fund:

 

Fund    Fee8  
Emerging Market Debt   

Class A

   1.10 %

Class I (Institutional)

   0.55 %

The Alliance Capital Investment Trust Management mutual funds (“ACITM”), which are offered to investors in Japan, have an “all-in” fee to compensate the Adviser for investment advisory as well as fund accounting and administrative related services. The fee schedule of the ACITM mutual fund that has a somewhat similar investment style as the Fund is as follows:

 

Fund    ACITM Mutual Fund    Fee
Emerging Market Debt Fund, Inc.    Emerging Market Bond Fund   
   FC/FD9    0.70%
   P-H9    0.10%10

The Adviser represented that it does not sub-advise any registered investment companies have a similar investment strategy as the Fund.

 

72     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

7 It should be noted that AVPS was affected by the settlement between the Adviser and the NYAG.

 

8 Class A shares of the fund are charged an “all-in” fee, which covers investment advisory services and distribution related services.

 

9 This ACITM fund is privately placed or institutional.

 

10 In addition to the 0.10%, the Adviser charges the institutional account an additional fee for managing the assets of the institutional account.


 

II. MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED BY OTHER MUTUAL FUND COMPANIES FOR LIKE SERVICES.

Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an analytical service that is not affiliated with the Adviser, compared the fees charged to the Fund with fees charged to other investment companies for similar services by other investment advisers. Lipper’s analysis included the Fund’s ranking with respect to the contractual management fee relative to the median of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group (“EG”) at the approximate current asset level of the Fund.11

Lipper describes an EG as a representative sample of comparable funds. Lipper’s standard methodology for screening funds to be included in an EG entails the consideration of several fund criteria, including fund type, investment classification/objective, load type and similar 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, asset (size) comparability, and expense components and attributes.12 An EG will typically consist of seven to twenty funds.

 

Fund   

Contractual
Management

Fee13

  

Lipper

Group

Median (%)

  

Lipper
Group

Rank

Emerging Market Debt    0.500    0.765    1/8

Lipper also compared the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year total expense ratio to the median of the Fund’s EG and Lipper Expense Universe (“EU”). The EU is a broader group compared to the EG, consisting of all funds that have the same investment classification/objective and load type as the subject Fund.14 Pro-forma total expense ratio information (shown in bold and italicized) is included in the table below.

 

Fund   

Expense

Ratio (%)15

  

Lipper

Group
Median (%)

  

Lipper

Group

Rank

  

Lipper

Universe

Median (%)

  

Lipper
Universe

Rank

Emerging Market Debt    1.141    1.205    2/8    1.374    2/11

Pro-forma16

   0.950    1.205    1/8    1.374    1/11

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     73

 

11 The contractual management fee is calculated by Lipper using the Fund’s contractual management fee rate at a hypothetical asset level. The hypothetical asset level is based on the combined net assets of all classes of the Fund, rounded up to the next $25 million. Lipper’s total expense ratio information is based on the most recent annual report except as otherwise noted. A ranking of “1” means that the Fund has the lowest effective fee rate in the Lipper peer group.

 

12 Lipper does not consider average account size when constructing EGs. Funds with relatively small average account sizes tend to have higher transfer agent expense ratios than comparable sized funds that have relatively large average account sizes. Note that there are limitations on Lipper expense category data because different funds categorize expenses differently.

 

13 The contractual management fee does not reflect any expense reimbursements made by the Fund to the Adviser for certain clerical, legal, accounting, administrative, and other services.

 

14 Except for asset size comparability, Lipper uses the same criteria for selecting an EG peer when selecting an EU peer. Unlike the EG, the EU allows for the same adviser to be represented by more than just one fund.

 

15 Most recently completed fiscal year Class A share total expense ratio.

 

16 Pro-forma shows what would have been the total expense ratio of the Fund had the anticipated expense limitation undertaking been in effect for the full fiscal year.

 


 

Based on this analysis, the Fund has a more favorable ranking on a management fee basis and on a total expense ratio basis.

 

III. COSTS TO THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES OF SUPPLYING SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE ADVISORY FEE ARRANGEMENT, EXCLUDING ANY INTRA-CORPORATE PROFIT.

The Adviser utilizes two profitability reporting systems, which operate independently but are aligned with each other, to estimate the Adviser’s profitability in connection with investment advisory services provided to the Fund. The Senior Officer has retained a consultant to provide independent advice regarding the alignment of the two profitability systems as well as the methodologies and allocations utilized by both profitability systems. See Section IV for additional discussion.

 

IV. PROFIT MARGINS OF THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FOR SUPPLYING SUCH SERVICES.

The profitability information for the Fund prepared by the Adviser for the Board of Directors was reviewed by the Senior Officer and the consultant. The Adviser’s profitability from providing investment advisory services to the Fund decreased during calendar year 2006, relative to 2005.

In addition to the Adviser’s direct profits from managing the Fund, certain of the Adviser’s affiliates have business relationships with the Fund and may earn a profit from providing other services to the Fund. The courts have referred to this type of business opportunity as “fall-out benefits” to the Adviser and indicated that such benefits should be factored into the evaluation of the total relationship between the Fund and the Adviser. Neither case law nor common business practice precludes the Adviser’s affiliates from earning a reasonable profit on this type of relationship. These affiliates provide transfer agent and distribution related services to the Fund and receive transfer agent fees, Rule 12b-1 payments, front-end sales loads and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”).

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”), an affiliate of the Adviser, is the Fund’s principal underwriter. ABI and the Adviser have disclosed in the Fund’s prospectus that they may make revenue sharing payments from their own resources, in addition to revenues derived from sales loads and Rule 12b-1 fees, to firms that sell shares of the Fund. In 2006, ABI paid approximately 0.044% of the average monthly assets of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds or approximately $20.4 million for distribution services and educational support (revenue sharing payments). For 2007, it is anticipated, ABI will pay approximately 0.04% of the average monthly assets of the AllianceBernstein Mutual Funds or

 

74     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND


 

approximately $20 million.17 During the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year, ABI received from the Fund $25,959, $2,106,848 and $118,549 in front-end sales charges, Rule 12b-1 and CDSC fees, respectively.

Fees and reimbursements for out of pocket expenses charged by AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), the affiliated transfer agent for the Fund, are charged on a per account basis, based on the level of service provided and the class of share held by the account. ABIS also receives a fee per shareholder sub-account for each account maintained by an intermediary on an omnibus basis. ABIS’ after-tax profitability decreased in 2006 in comparison to 2005. During the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year, ABIS received $241,517 in fees from the Fund.18

 

V. POSSIBLE ECONOMIES OF SCALE

The Adviser has indicated that economies of scale are being shared with shareholders through fee structures,19 subsidies and enhancement to services. Based on some of the professional literature that has considered economies of scale in the mutual fund industry, it is thought that to the extent economies of scale exist, they may more often exist across a fund family as opposed to a specific fund. This is because the costs incurred by the Adviser, such as investment research or technology for trading or compliance systems, can be spread across a greater asset base as the fund family increases in size. It is also possible that as the level of services required to operate a successful investment company has increased over time, and advisory firms have made such investments in their business to provide services, there may be a sharing of economies of scale without a reduction in advisory fees.

An independent consultant, retained by the Senior Officer, provided the Board of Directors an update of the Deli20 study on advisory fees and various fund characteristics. The preliminary results of the updated study, based on more recent data and using Lipper classifications, were found to be consistent with the results of the original study. The independent consultant observed patterns of lower

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     75

 

17 ABI currently inserts the “Advance” in quarterly account statements and pays the incremental costs associated with the mailing. The incremental cost is less than what an “independent mailing” would cost.

 

18 The fees disclosed are net of any expense offsets with ABIS. An expense offset is created by the interest earned on the positive cash balance that occur within the transfer agent account as there is a one day lag with regards to money movement from the shareholder’s account to the transfer agent’s account and then the transfer agent’s account to the Fund’s account. During the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year, the fees paid by the Fund to ABIS were reduced by $9,256 under the offset agreement between the Fund and ABIS.

 

19 Fee structures include fee reductions, pricing at scale and breakpoints in advisory fee schedules.

 

20 The Deli study was originally published in 2002 based on 1997 data.


 

advisory fees for funds with larger asset sizes and funds from larger family sizes compared to funds with smaller asset sizes and funds from smaller family sizes, which according to the independent consultant is indicative of a sharing of economies of scale and scope. However, in less liquid and active markets, such is not the case, as the empirical analysis showed potential for diseconomies of scale in those markets. The empirical analysis also showed diminishing economies of scale and scope as funds surpassed a certain high level of assets.

 

VI. NATURE AND QUALITY OF THE ADVISER’S SERVICES, INCLUDING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FUND

With assets under management of approximately $813 billion as of September 30, 2007, the Adviser has the investment experience to manage and provide non-investment services (described in Section I) to the Fund.

The information below shows the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year performance returns and rankings of the Fund 21 relative to its Lipper Performance Group (“PG”) and Lipper Performance Universe (“PU”)22 for the periods ended July 31, 2007.23

 

     

Fund

Return (%)

   PG Median (%)    PU Median (%)    PG Rank    PU Rank

1 year

   10.24    8.71    8.64    2/7    7/14

3 year

   11.80    12.28    11.77    5/7    5/10

5 year

   18.75    15.97    15.97    1/6    1/9

10 year

   10.05    9.94    9.89    1/3    2/6

Set forth below are the 1, 3, 5, 10 year and since inception performance returns of the Fund (in bold)24 versus its benchmarks.25 Note the Fund may utilize

 

76     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

21 The performance returns and rankings are for the Class A shares of the Fund. It should be noted that the performance returns of the Fund that is shown was provided by the Adviser. Lipper maintains its own database that includes the Fund’s performance returns. However, differences in the distribution price (ex-date versus payable date) and rounding differences may cause the Adviser’s own performance returns of the Fund to be one or two basis points different from Lipper. To maintain consistency in this evaluation, the performance returns of the Fund, as reported by the Adviser, are provided instead of Lipper.

 

22 The Fund’s PG/PU are not identical to the Fund’s EG/EU as the criteria for including or excluding a fund in/from a PG/PU are somewhat different than that of an EU/EG.

 

23 Note that the current Lipper investment classification/objective dictates the PG and PU throughout the life of the Fund even if the Fund may have had a different investment classification/objective at different points in time.

 

24 The performance returns and risk measures shown in the table are for the Class A shares of the Fund.

 

25 The benchmark’s since inception performance return is from the nearest month-end after inception date. In contrast to the benchmark, the Fund’s since inception performance return is from the Fund’s actual inception date.


 

leverage in contrast to the Fund’s benchmark, which has no leverage. Fund and benchmark volatility and reward-to-variability ratio (“Sharpe Ratio”) information is also shown.26

 

    

Periods Ending July 31, 2007

Annualized Performance

    1 Year
(%)
  3 Year
(%)
  5 Year
(%)
  10 Year
(%)
  Since
Inception
(%)
  Annualized   Risk
Period
(Year)
               Volatility
(%)
  Sharpe
(%)
 

Emerging Market Debt Fund, Inc.

  10.24   11.80   18.75   10.05   11.88   17.44   0.43   10

JP Morgan EMBI Global Index

  7.16   10.56   14.94   9.17   11.20   13.59   0.45   10

Inception Date: February 25, 1994

               

CONCLUSION:

Based on the factors discussed above the Senior Officer’s conclusion is that the proposed advisory fee for the Fund is reasonable and within the range of what would have been negotiated at arms-length in light of all the surrounding circumstances. This conclusion in respect of the Fund is based on an evaluation of all of these factors and no single factor was dispositive.

Dated: November 26, 2007

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     77

 

26 Fund volatility and Sharpe Ratio information was obtained through Lipper LANA, a database maintained by Lipper. Benchmark volatility and Share Ratio information was estimated by the Senior Officer using standard Lipper methodology. Volatility is a statistical measure of the tendency of a market price or yield to vary over time. A Sharpe Ratio is a risk adjusted measure of return that divides a fund’s return in excess of the riskless return by the fund’s standard deviation. A fund with a greater volatility would be seen as more risky than a fund with equivalent performance but lower volatility; for that reason, a greater return would be demanded for the more risky fund. A fund with a higher Sharpe Ratio would be viewed as better performing than a fund with a lower Sharpe Ratio.


THIS PAGE IS NOT PART OF THE SHAREHOLDER REPORT OR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN FAMILY OF FUNDS

 

Wealth Strategies Funds

Balanced Wealth Strategy

Wealth Appreciation Strategy

Wealth Preservation Strategy

Tax-Managed Balanced Wealth Strategy

Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy

Tax-Managed Wealth Preservation Strategy

Blended Style Funds

U.S. Large Cap Portfolio

International Portfolio

Tax-Managed International Portfolio

Growth Funds

Domestic

Growth Fund

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

Large Cap Growth Fund

Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Global & International

Global Health Care Fund

Global Research Growth Fund

Global Technology Fund

Greater China ‘97 Fund

International Growth Fund

International Research Growth Fund

Value Funds

Domestic

Balanced Shares

Focused Growth & Income Fund

Growth & Income Fund

Small/Mid Cap Value Fund

Utility Income Fund

Value Fund

Global & International

Global Real Estate Investment Fund

Global Value Fund

International Value Fund

 

Taxable Bond Funds

Diversified Yield Fund*

Global Bond Fund*

High Income Fund*

Intermediate Bond Portfolio

Short Duration Portfolio

Municipal Bond Funds

 

National
Insured National
Arizona
California
Insured California
Florida
Massachusetts

  

Michigan
Minnesota
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Virginia

Intermediate Municipal Bond Funds

Intermediate California

Intermediate Diversified

Intermediate New York

Closed-End Funds

AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund

AllianceBernstein Income Fund

AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income    Fund*

ACM Managed Dollar Income Fund

California Municipal Income Fund

New York Municipal Income Fund

The Spain Fund


Retirement Strategies Funds

 

2000 Retirement Strategy

 

2020 Retirement Strategy

 

2040 Retirement Strategy

2005 Retirement Strategy

 

2025 Retirement Strategy

 

2045 Retirement Strategy

2010 Retirement Strategy

 

2030 Retirement Strategy

 

2050 Retirement Strategy

2015 Retirement Strategy

 

2035 Retirement Strategy

 

2055 Retirement Strategy

We also offer Exchange Reserves,** which serves as the money market fund exchange vehicle for the AllianceBernstein mutual funds.

You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of any AllianceBernstein fund/portfolio carefully before investing. For free copies of our prospectuses, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.alliancebernstein.com or contact your financial advisor. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

 

*   Prior to May 18, 2007, AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund was named National Municipal Income Fund. Prior to November 5, 2007, Diversified Yield Fund was named Global Strategic Income Trust and Global Bond Fund was named Global Government Income Trust. Prior to January 28, 2008, High Income Fund was named Emerging Market Debt Fund.

 

** An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.

 

78     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

 

AllianceBernstein Family of Funds


NOTES

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     79


NOTES

 

80     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND


NOTES

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     81


NOTES

 

82     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND


NOTES

 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND     83


NOTES

 

84     ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND


 

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HIGH INCOME FUND

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

800.221.5672

LOGO

 

 

HI-0152-0408    LOGO


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): AllianceBernstein High Income Fund, Inc.

 

By:

  /s/ Marc O. Mayer
 

Marc O. Mayer

President

 

Date:   June 30, 2008

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/ Marc O. Mayer
 

Marc O. Mayer

President

 

Date:   June 30, 2008

 

By:

  /s/ Joseph J. Mantineo
 

Joseph J. Mantineo

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

Date:   June 30, 2008