Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Executive Overview(1)
Our total Assets Under Management ("AUM") as of December 31, 2023 were $725.2 billion, up $78.8 billion, or 12.2%, during 2023. The increase was driven by market appreciation of $85.8 billion, offset by net outflows of $7.0 billion (reflecting Institutional net outflows of $11.8 billion, offset by Retail net inflows of $3.7 billion and Private Wealth Management net inflows of $1.1 billion).
Institutional AUM increased $19.8 billion, or 6.7%, to $317.1 billion during 2023, primarily due to market appreciation of $31.5 billion, partially offset by net outflows of $11.8 billion. Gross sales decreased $20.4 billion, from $32.2 billion in 2022 to $11.8 billion in 2023. Redemptions and terminations decreased $0.7 billion, from $13.3 billion in 2022 to $12.6 billion in 2023.
Retail AUM increased $43.9 billion, or 18.1%, to $286.8 billion during 2023, primarily due to market appreciation of $40.3 billion and net inflows of $3.7 billion. Gross sales increased $5.2 billion, from $65.9 billion in 2022 to $71.1 billion in 2023. Redemptions and terminations decreased $8.2 billion, from $66.3 billion in 2022 to $58.1 billion in 2023.
Private Wealth Management AUM increased $15.1 billion, or 14.1%, to $121.3 billion during 2023, due to market appreciation of $14.0 billion and net inflows of $1.1 billion. Gross sales increased $1.1 billion, from $17.5 billion in 2022 to $18.6 billion in 2023. Redemptions and terminations increased $1.7 billion, from $15.8 billion in 2022 to $17.5 billion in 2023.
Bernstein Research Services ("BRS") revenue decreased $30.1 million, or 7.2%, in 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by significantly lower global customer trading activity due to the prevailing macro-economic environment. In the fourth quarter of 2022, AB and Société Générale (EURONEXT: GLE, “SocGen”), a leading European bank, announced plans to form a joint venture combining their respective cash equities and research businesses. As a result, the BRS business has been classified as held for sale. For further discussion, see Note 24 Acquisitions and Divestitures to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8.
Our 2023 net revenues of $4.2 billion increased $101.0 million, or 2.5%, compared to net revenues of $4.1 billion in the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by investment gains in the current year compared to investment losses in the prior year (impact of $116.6 million), higher net dividend and interest income of $35.2 million and higher base advisory fees of $4.8 million, partially offset by lower Bernstein Research Services revenue of $30.1 million and lower distribution revenues of $20.9 million.
Our operating expenses of $3.3 billion increased $98.5 million, or 3.0%, compared to the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by higher employee compensation and benefits expenses of $102.5 million, higher interest on borrowings of $36.5 million, higher amortization of intangibles of $20.3 million and higher contingent payment arrangements of $16.3 million, partially offset by lower general and administrative expenses of $60.1 million and lower promotion and servicing expenses of $17.1 million. Our operating income increased $2.6 million, or 0.3%, to $817.7 million from $815.1 million in 2022 and our operating margin decreased to 19.1% in 2023 from 21.5% in 2022.
Market Environment
U.S. Equities
U.S. Equity markets registered strong gains in the final quarter of 2023, buoyed by slowing inflation data and expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve (the "Fed") has finished its rate hiking cycle and will move towards cuts in 2024. Market breadth improved in the fourth quarter, with share price appreciation moving beyond mega-cap technology stocks. Both the cap-weighted S&P 500 and the equal-weighted S&P 500 returned positive 12% in the fourth quarter (including dividends). Previously lagging segments of the market rebounded, with Small-Caps (market capitalization ranges between $250 million to $2 billion) and Mid-Caps (market capitalization ranges between $2 billion to $10 billion) outperforming Large-Caps (market capitalization above $10 billion) with the Russell 2000 index posting a positive 14% return in the fourth quarter and Value stocks outperforming Growth stocks in the fourth quarter.
1 Percentage change figures are calculated using assets under management rounded to the nearest million, while financial statement amounts are rounded to the nearest hundred thousand.
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Despite the broadening rally in late 2023, annual index returns were largely concentrated within the "Magnificent-7" companies: a term coined for Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, NVIDIA and Tesla which were perceived as the main beneficiaries of the Artificial Intelligence revolution. These seven companies boast the largest market capitalization values in the S&P 500 and account for more than a quarter of the index, disproportionally driving the capitalization-weighted S&P 500's 2023 total return of positive 26% versus positive 14% for the equal-weighted version.
Global and Non-U.S. Equities
Moderating inflation data and peaking interest rates drove nearly unilateral gains beyond U.S. equity markets (MSCI World Index was positive 11.4% in the fourth quarter). Within the Eurozone, annual inflation fell to 2.4% (as of November 2023) from 10.1% a year ago, sending the MSCI European Economic and Monetary Union index 7.8% higher in the fourth quarter. In the U.K., gains were led by Small-Cap and Mid-Cap indices while Large-Cap lagged on account of a strengthening GBP (sterling). Japan's TOPIX trading index posted a positive 2.0% total return despite a volatile quarter and overall Emerging Market equities were strong in the fourth quarter, albeit lagging Developed Markets. All markets in the MSCI Asia (ex Japan) index ended the quarter positively, apart from China, where lackluster growth continues to be a drag on asset prices.
Global Bonds
Fixed income markets experienced their strongest quarterly performance in over 20 years, as indicated by the Bloomberg Global Aggregate indices. This was primarily driven by a perceived shift in monetary policy direction, with expectations of rate cuts replacing the previous "higher-for-longer" narrative. As a result, government bond yields fell significantly, and credit markets outperformed government bonds. The Fed maintained its rates throughout the quarter, but a more dovish tone in December accelerated the market rally. The revised dot plot, which plots the Federal Open Market Committee's ("FOMC") projections for the federal funds rate, now anticipates three rate cuts in 2024, up from the previous expectation of two. The FOMC appears more comfortable with the progress made in bringing inflation back towards the target, as indicated by positive news on the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, which is the Fed's most closely watched measure.
Relationship with EQH and its Subsidiaries
EQH (our parent company) and its subsidiaries are our largest client. EQH is collaborating with AB in order to improve the risk-adjusted yield for the General Accounts of EQH's insurance subsidiaries by investing additional assets at AB, including the utilization of AB's higher-fee, longer-duration alternative offerings. In mid-2021, Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of EQH ("Equitable Financial"), agreed to provide an initial $10 billion in permanent capital to build out AB's private illiquid offerings, including private alternatives and private placements. Deployment of this capital commitment is approximately 90% completed and is expected to continue over the next year. In addition, during the second quarter of 2023, EQH committed to provide an additional $10 billion in permanent capital, which will begin following the completion of the initial $10 billion commitment. We expect this anticipated capital from Equitable Financial will continue to accelerate both organic and inorganic growth in our private alternatives business, allowing us to continue to deliver for our clients, employees, unitholders and other stakeholders. For example, included in the initial $10 billion commitment by EQH is $750 million in capital to be deployed through AB CarVal.
Permanent capital means investment capital of indefinite duration, for which commitments may be withdrawn under certain conditions. Such conditions primarily include potential regulatory restrictions, lacking sufficient liquidity to fund the capital commitments to AB and AB's inability to identify attractive investment opportunities which align with the investment strategy. Although EQH’s insurance subsidiaries have indicated their intention over time to provide this investment capital to AB, they have no binding commitment to do so. While the withdrawal of their commitment could potentially slow down our introduction of certain products, the impact to our overall operations would not be material.
Relocation Strategy
As previously announced, we have established our corporate headquarters in Nashville, TN, at 501 Commerce Street. Our Nashville headquarters houses Finance, IT, Operations, Legal, Compliance, Internal Audit, Human Capital, and Sales and Marketing, and at year-end 2023 we had 1,048 employees in Nashville. We will continue to maintain a principal location in New York City, which houses our Portfolio Management, Sell-Side Research and Trading, and New York-based Private Wealth Management businesses.
We believe relocating our corporate headquarters to Nashville affords us the opportunity to provide an improved quality of life alternative for our employees and enables us to attract and recruit new talented employees to a highly desirable location while improving the long-term cost structure of the firm.
During the transition period, which began in 2018 and is expected to continue through 2024, we currently estimate that we will incur transition costs of between $145 million to $155 million. These costs include employee relocation, severance, recruitment, and overlapping compensation and occupancy costs. Over this same period, we expect to realize total expense savings of between $205 million to $215 million. However, we did incur some transition costs before we began to realize
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expense savings. For the period beginning in 2018 and ending in the fourth quarter of 2023, we incurred $140 million of cumulative transition costs compared to $175 million of cumulative savings. We incurred $20 million of transition costs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $43 million of expense savings, resulting in an overall net savings of $23 million for the period. In 2023, our net income per unit ("EPU") increased $0.08 as a result of our relocation strategy, which compares to the $0.07 EPU increase that occurred in 2022. We also expect to achieve EPU accretion in each future year. Beginning in 2025, once the transition period has been completed, we estimate ongoing annual expense savings of approximately $75 million, which will result from a combination of occupancy and compensation-related savings. Our estimates for both the transition costs and the corresponding expense savings are based on our current assumptions of employee relocation costs, severance, and overlapping compensation and occupancy costs. In addition, our estimates for both the timing of when we incur transition costs and realize the related expense savings are based on our current relocation implementation plan and the timing for execution of each phase. The actual total charges we eventually record, the related expense savings we realize, and the timing of EPU impact may differ from our current estimates as we implement each phase of our headquarters relocation.
During October 2018, we signed a lease, which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2020, relating to 218,976 square feet of space at our new Nashville headquarters. Our estimated total base rent obligation (excluding taxes, operating expenses and utilities) over the 15-year initial lease term is $134 million.
Although we have presented many of our transition costs and annual expense savings with numerical specificity, and we believe these targets to be reasonable as of the date of this report, the uncertainties surrounding the assumptions we discuss above create a significant risk that these targets may not be achieved. Accordingly, the expenses we actually incur and the savings we actually realize may differ from our targets, particularly if actual events adversely differ from one or more of our key assumptions. The transition costs and expense savings, together with their underlying assumptions, are Forward-Looking Statements and can be affected by any of the factors discussed in “Risk Factors” and “Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this 2023 10-K. We strongly caution investors not to place undue reliance on any of these assumptions or our cost and expense targets. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, we are not under any obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any assumptions, estimates, financial goals, targets, projections or other related statements that we may make.
AB Holding
AB Holding’s principal source of income and cash flow is attributable to its investment in AB Units. The AB Holding financial statements, notes to the financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with those of AB.
Results of Operations
Years Ended December 31 % Change
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
Weighted average equity ownership interest 39.2 % 36.7 % 36.2 %
(1)Distributions reflect the impact of AB’s non-GAAP adjustments.
AB Holding had net income of $264.2 million in 2023 compared to $274.2 million in 2022, reflecting lower net income attributable to AB Unitholders, partially offset by higher weighted average equity ownership interest. AB Holding had net income of $274.2 million in 2022 compared to $385.8 million in 2021, reflecting lower net income attributable to AB Unitholders, partially offset by higher weighted average equity ownership interest.
AB Holding's partnership gross income is derived from its interest in AB. AB Holding’s income taxes, which reflect a 3.5% federal tax on its partnership gross income from the active conduct of a trade or business, are computed by multiplying certain AB qualifying revenues by AB Holding’s ownership interest in AB, multiplied by the 3.5% tax rate. Certain AB qualifying revenues are primarily U.S. investment advisory fees, research payments and brokerage commissions. AB Holding’s effective tax rate was 11.9% in 2023, 10.3% in 2022 and 7.3% in 2021. The increase in AB Holdings effective tax rate is primarily due to the
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increase in the weighted average equity ownership interest. See Note 6 to AB Holding’s financial statements in Item 8for a further description.
As supplemental information, AB provides the performance measures “adjusted net revenues,” “adjusted operating income” and “adjusted operating margin,” which are the principal metrics management uses in evaluating and comparing the period-to-period operating performance of AB. Management principally uses these metrics in evaluating performance because they present a clearer picture of AB's operating performance and allow management to see long-term trends without the distortion primarily caused by long-term incentive compensation-related mark-to-market adjustments, acquisition-related expenses, interest expense and other adjustment items. Similarly, management believes that these management operating metrics help investors better understand the underlying trends in AB's results and, accordingly, provide a valuable perspective for investors. Such measures are not based on generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP measures”).
We provide the non-GAAP measures "adjusted net income" and "adjusted diluted net income per unit" because our quarterly distribution per unit is typically our adjusted diluted net income per unit (which is derived from adjusted net income).
These non-GAAP measures are provided in addition to, and not as substitutes for, net revenues, operating income and operating margin, and they may not be comparable to non-GAAP measures presented by other companies. Management uses both GAAP and non-GAAP measures in evaluating the company’s financial performance. The non-GAAP measures alone may pose limitations because they do not include all of AB’s revenues and expenses. Further, adjusted diluted net income per AB Holding Unit is not a liquidity measure and should not be used in place of cash flow measures. See “Management Operating Metrics” in this Item 7.
The impact of these adjustments on AB Holding’s net income and diluted net income per AB Holding Unit are as follows:
Years Ended December 31
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
AB Income tax (expense) benefit on non-GAAP adjustments (2,786) (6,395) 71
Impact on AB Holding’s net income of AB non-GAAP adjustments 39,355 25,468 1,098
Diluted net income per AB Holding Unit, GAAP basis $ 2.34 $ 2.69 $ 3.88
Impact of AB non-GAAP adjustments 0.35 0.25 0.01
Adjusted diluted net income per AB Holding Unit $ 2.69 $ 2.94 $ 3.89
The degree to which AB’s non-GAAP adjustments impact AB Holding’s net income fluctuates based on AB Holding's ownership percentage in AB.
Tax Legislation
For a discussion of tax legislation, see “Risk Factors - Structure-related Risks” in Item 1A.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was $294.0 million, compared to $362.6 million during the corresponding 2022 period. The decrease primarily resulted from lower cash distributions received from AB of $64.6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash provided by operating activities was $362.6 million, compared to $355.1 million during the corresponding 2021 period. The increase primarily resulted from higher cash distributions received from AB of $9.3 million.
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, net cash used in investing activities was zero, $1.8 million and $3.4 million, respectively, reflecting investments in AB with proceeds from exercises of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units and capital contributions to AB.
2 Includes all AB non-GAAP adjustments to pre-tax income.
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During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in financing activities was $294.0 million, compared to $360.8 million during the corresponding 2022 period. The decrease was primarily due to lower cash distributions to Unitholders of $64.9 million and higher capital contributions from AB of $2.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in financing activities was $360.8 million, compared to $351.7 million during the corresponding 2021 period. The increase was due to cash distributions to Unitholders of $3.5 million and proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units of $3.2 million, offset by lower capital contributions from AB of $2.3 million.
Management believes that AB Holding will have the resources it needs to meet its financial obligations as a result of the cash flow AB Holding realizes from its investment in AB. AB Holding’s cash inflow is comprised entirely of distributions from AB. These distributions are subsequently distributed (net of taxes paid) in their entirety to AB Holding’s Unitholders. As a result, AB Holding has no liquidity risk as it only pays distributions to AB Holding’s Unitholders to the extent of distributions received from AB (net of taxes paid).
Cash Distributions
AB Holding is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the AB Holding Partnership Agreement, to its Unitholders (including the General Partner). Available Cash Flow typically is the adjusted diluted net income per unit for the quarter multiplied by the number of units outstanding at the end of the quarter. Management anticipates that Available Cash Flow will continue to be based on adjusted diluted net income per unit, unless management determines, with concurrence of the Board of Directors, that one or more adjustments made to adjusted net income should not be made with respect to the Available Cash Flow calculation. See Note 2 to AB Holding’s financial statements in Item 8 for a description of Available Cash Flow.
Commitments and Contingencies
For a discussion of commitments and contingencies, see Note 7 to AB Holding’s financial statements in Item 8.
AB
Assets Under Management
Assets under management by distribution channel are as follows:
As of December 31 % Change
(in billions)
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Assets under management by investment service are as follows:
As of December 31 % Change
(in billions)
Equity
Fixed Income
Actively Managed
Alternatives/Multi-Asset Solutions(2)
(1)Includes index and enhanced index services.
(2)Includes certain multi-asset solutions and services not included in equity or fixed income services.
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Changes in assets under management during 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
Distribution Channel
Institutions Retail PrivateWealthManagement Total
(in billions)
Long-term flows:
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends (11.0) (9.3) — (20.3)
Net long-term (outflows) inflows (11.8) 3.7 1.1 (7.0)
Transfers 0.1 (0.1) — —
Long-term flows:
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends (12.6) (11.2) — (23.8)
Net long-term inflows (outflows)(1) 6.3 (11.6) 1.7 (3.6)
Adjustments(2) (0.4) — — (0.4)
Transfers (0.1) 0.1 — —
(1)Net flows include $4.5 billion of AXA redemptions for 2022.
(2)Approximately $0.4 billion of Institutional AUM was removed from our total assets under management during the second quarter of 2022 due to a change in the fee structure.
(3)The CarVal acquisition added approximately $12.2 billion of Institutional AUM in the third quarter of 2022.
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Investment Service
(in billions)
Long-term flows:
Long-term flows:
Adjustments(4) — — — — — (0.4) (0.4)
(1)Includes index and enhanced index services.
(2)Includes certain multi-asset solutions and services not included in equity or fixed income services.
(3)Net flows include $4.5 billion of AXA redemptions for 2022.
(4)Approximately $0.4 billion of Institutional AUM was removed from our total assets under management during the second quarter of 2022 due to a change in the fee structure.
(5)The CarVal acquisition added approximately $12.2 billion of Institutional AUM in the third quarter of 2022.
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Net long-term (outflows) inflows for actively managed investment services as compared to passively managed investment services during 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
Years Ended December 31
(in billions)
Actively Managed
Alternatives/Multi- Asset Solutions (2.0) 20.9
Passively Managed
Fixed Income 1.5 (1.3)
Alternatives/Multi- Asset Solutions 0.7 2.1
Total net long-term (outflows) $ (7.0) $ (3.6)
Average assets under management by distribution channel and investment service are as follows:
Years Ended December 31 % Change
(in billions)
Distribution Channel:
Investment Service:
(1)Includes index and enhanced index services.
(2)Includes certain multi-asset solutions and services not included in equity or fixed income services.
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During 2023, our Institutional channel average AUM of $304.6 billion decreased $3.8 billion, or 1.2%, compared to 2022, while ending AUM increased $19.8 billion, or 6.7%, to $317.1 billion from December 31, 2022. The $19.8 billion increase in AUM resulted primarily from market appreciation of $31.5 billion (with $22.7 billion of market appreciation occurring in the fourth quarter of 2023), partially offset by net outflows of $11.8 billion. During 2022, our Institutional channel average AUM of $308.4 billion decreased $17.3 billion, or 5.3%, compared to 2021, primarily due to this AUM decreasing $39.8 billion, or 11.8%, to $297.3 billion from December 31, 2021. The $39.8 billion decrease in AUM resulted primarily from market depreciation of $57.8 billion, partially offset by an addition of $12.2 billion due to the acquisition of CarVal and net inflows of $6.3 billion.
During 2023, our Retail channel average AUM of $262.0 billion decreased $5.8 billion, or 2.1%, compared to 2022, while ending AUM increased $43.9 billion, or 18.1%, to $286.8 billion from December 31, 2022. The $43.9 billion increase in AUM resulted primarily from market appreciation of $40.3 billion (with $26.3 billion of market appreciation occurring in the fourth quarter of 2023) and net inflows of $3.7 billion. During 2022, our Retail channel average AUM of $267.8 billion decreased $23.2 billion, or 8.0%, compared to 2021, primarily due to this AUM decreasing $77.0 billion, or 24.1%, to $242.9 billion from December 31, 2021. The $77.0 billion decrease in AUM resulted primarily from market depreciation of $65.5 billion and net outflows of $11.6 billion.
During 2023, our Private Wealth Management channel average AUM of $113.7 billion increased $3.4 billion, or 3.0%, compared to 2022, primarily due to this AUM increasing $15.1 billion, or 14.1%, to $121.3 billion from December 31, 2022. The $15.1 billion increase in AUM resulted from market appreciation of $14.0 billion (with $9.0 billion of market appreciation occurring in the fourth quarter of 2023) and net inflows of $1.1 billion. During 2022, our Private Wealth Management channel average AUM of $110.3 billion decreased $3.8 billion, or 3.3%, compared to 2021, primarily due to this AUM decreasing $15.4 billion, or 12.6%, to $106.2 billion from December 31, 2021. The $15.4 billion decrease in AUM resulted from market depreciation of $17.1 billion, offset by net inflows of $1.7 billion.
Absolute investment composite returns, gross of fees, and relative performance as of December 31, 2023 compared to benchmarks for certain representative Institutional equity and fixed income services are as follows:
1-Year 3-Year(1) 5-Year(1)
Income - Hedged (fixed income)
Absolute return 9.7% (0.8%) 3.3%
High Income (fixed income)
Relative return (vs. Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index) 1.4 1.1 0.6
Global Plus - Hedged (fixed income)
Intermediate Municipal Bonds (fixed income)
Relative return (vs. Lipper Short/Int. Blended Muni Fund Avg) 0.9 0.7 0.8
U.S. Strategic Core Plus (fixed income)
Relative return (vs. Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index) 0.6 0.4 0.5
Emerging Market Debt (fixed income)
Relative return (vs. JPM EMBI Global/JPM EMBI) 2.2 (0.3) 0.3
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1-Year 3-Year(1) 5-Year(1)
Sustainable Global Thematic
Relative return (vs. MSCI ACWI Index) (5.2) (3.6) 2.7
International Strategic Core Equity
Relative return (vs. MSCI EAFE Index) (1.6) (0.4) (0.9)
U.S. Small & Mid Cap Value
Relative return (vs. Russell 2500 Value Index) 2.0 2.3 0.9
U.S. Strategic Value
Relative return (vs. Russell 1000 Value Index) 8.2 4.1 1.2
U.S. Small Cap Growth
Relative return (vs. Russell 2000 Growth Index) 0.5 (3.2) 2.4
U.S. Large Cap Growth
Relative return (vs. Russell 1000 Growth Index) (6.8) (0.9) (1.3)
U.S. Small & Mid Cap Growth
Relative return (vs. Russell 2500 Growth Index) 0.8 (2.1) (0.5)
Concentrated U.S. Growth
Relative return (vs. S&P 500 Index) (6.9) (3.4) —
Select U.S. Equity
Relative return (vs. S&P 500 Index) (6.2) 1.1 0.1
Strategic Equities
Relative return (vs. Russell 3000 Index) (0.2) 0.9 (0.2)
Global Core Equity
Relative return (vs. MSCI ACWI Index) (1.2) (0.6) (1.0)
U.S. Strategic Core Equity
Relative return (vs. S&P 500 Index) (5.2) 1.2 (1.2)
Select U.S. Equity Long/Short
Relative return (vs. S&P 500 Index) (13.6) (2.9) (5.4)
Global Strategic Core Equity
Relative return (vs. S&P 500 Index) (4.0) 1.7 (0.9)
(1)Reflects annualized returns.
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Consolidated Results of Operations
Years Ended December 31 % Change
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
(1)Operating income excluding net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests as a percentage of net revenues.
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased $67.2 million from the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease primarily is due to (in millions):
Higher employee compensation and benefits $ (102.5)
Higher interest on borrowings (36.5)
Lower Bernstein Research Services revenue (30.1)
Lower distribution revenues (20.9)
Higher amortization of intangible assets (20.3)
Higher contingent payment arrangements (16.3)
Higher investment gains 116.6
Lower general and administrative expenses 60.1
Higher net dividend and interest income 35.2
Lower promotion and servicing expenses 17.1
Lower income taxes 10.6
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Net income attributable to AB Unitholders for the year ended December 31, 2022 decreased $316.8 million from the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease primarily was due to (in millions):
Lower base advisory fees $ (123.6)
Higher investment losses (101.8)
Lower performance-based fees (99.9)
Higher general and administrative expenses (86.0)
Lower distribution revenues (45.0)
Lower Bernstein Research Services revenue (35.7)
Lower promotion and servicing expenses 60.1
Lower employee compensation and benefits 49.4
Units Outstanding
Each quarter, we consider whether to implement a plan to repurchase AB Holding Units pursuant to Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). A plan of this type allows a company to repurchase its shares at times when it otherwise might be prevented from doing so because of self-imposed trading blackout periods or because it possesses material non-public information. Each broker we select has the authority to repurchase AB Holding Units on our behalf in accordance with the terms and limitations specified in the plan. Repurchases are subject to regulations promulgated by the SEC, as well as certain price, market volume and timing constraints specified in the plan. There was no plan adopted during the fourth quarter of 2023. We may adopt additional plans in the future to engage in open-market purchases of AB Holding Units to help fund anticipated obligations under our incentive compensation award program and for other corporate purposes.
Cash Distributions
We are required to distribute all of our Available Cash Flow, as defined in the AB Partnership Agreement, to our Unitholders and the General Partner. Available Cash Flow typically is the adjusted diluted net income per unit for the quarter multiplied by the number of general and limited partnership interests at the end of the quarter. In future periods, management anticipates that Available Cash Flow will continue to be based on adjusted diluted net income per unit, unless management determines, with concurrence of the Board of Directors, that one or more adjustments that are made for adjusted net income should not be made with respect to the Available Cash Flow calculation. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 for a description of Available Cash Flow.
Management Operating Metrics
We are providing the non-GAAP measures “adjusted net revenues,” “adjusted operating income” and “adjusted operating margin” because they are the principal operating metrics management uses in evaluating and comparing period-to-period operating performance. Management principally uses these metrics in evaluating performance because they present a clearer picture of our operating performance and allow management to see long-term trends without the distortion primarily caused by long-term incentive compensation-related mark-to-market adjustments, acquisition-related expenses, interest expense and other adjustment items. Similarly, we believe that these management operating metrics help investors better understand the underlying trends in our results and, accordingly, provide a valuable perspective for investors.
These non-GAAP measures are provided in addition to, and not as substitutes for, net revenues, operating income and operating margin, and they may not be comparable to non-GAAP measures presented by other companies. Management uses both accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP") and non-GAAP measures in evaluating our financial performance. The non-GAAP measures alone may pose limitations because they do not include all of our revenues and expenses.
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Years Ended December 31
(in thousands)
Adjustments:
Distribution-related adjustments:
Pass-through adjustments:
Write-down of investment — — 1,880
Adjustments:
Write-down of investment — — 1,880
Diluted net income per AB Unit, GAAP basis $ 2.65 $ 3.01 $ 4.18
Adjusted diluted net income per AB Unit $ 3.00 $ 3.26 $ 4.20
Operating margin, GAAP basis 19.1% 21.5% 27.3%
Impact of non-GAAP adjustments 9.1 7.4 6.5
1.During the second quarter of 2023, we revised adjusted operating income to exclude interest on borrowings in order to align with our industry peer group. We have recast prior periods presentation to align with the current period presentation.
Adjusted operating income for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased $13.9 million, or 1.4%, from the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to higher employee compensation and benefits expense of $39.3 million, lower Bernstein Research Services revenue of $30.1 million, lower investment advisory base fees of $25.1 million and higher general and administrative expenses of $6.2 million, partially offset by higher net dividend and interest income of $51.6 million and higher performance-based fees of $35.5 million.
Adjusted operating income for the year ended December 31, 2022 decreased $254.4 million, or 20.9%, from the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to lower performance-based fees of $130.9 million, lower investment advisory base fees of
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$99.1 million, lower Bernstein Research Services revenue of $35.7 million and higher general and administrative expenses of $32.3 million, partially offset by lower employee compensation and benefits expense of $58.4 million.
Adjusted Net Revenues
Net Revenue, as adjusted, is reduced to exclude all of the company's distribution revenues, which are recorded as a separate line item on the consolidated statement of income, as well as a portion of investment advisory services fees received that is used to pay distribution and servicing costs. For certain products, based on the distinct arrangements, certain distribution fees are collected by us and passed through to third-party client intermediaries, while for certain other products, we collect investment advisory services fees and a portion is passed through to third-party client intermediaries. In both arrangements, the third-party client intermediary owns the relationship with the client and is responsible for performing services and distributing the product to the client on our behalf. We believe offsetting distribution revenues and certain investment advisory services fees is useful for our investors and other users of our financial statements because such presentation appropriately reflects the nature of these costs as pass-through payments to third parties that perform functions on behalf of our sponsored mutual funds and/or shareholders of these funds. Distribution-related adjustments fluctuate each period based on the type of investment products sold, as well as the average AUM over the period. Also, we adjust distribution revenues for the amortization of deferred sales commissions as these costs, over time, will offset such revenues.
We adjust investment advisory and services fees and other revenues for pass through costs, primarily related to our transfer agent and shareholder servicing fees. Also, we adjust for certain performance-based fees passed through to our investment advisors. These fees do not affect operating income, as such, we exclude these fees from adjusted net revenues.
We adjust for the revenue impact of consolidating company-sponsored investment funds by eliminating the consolidated company-sponsored investment funds' revenues and including AB's fees from such consolidated company-sponsored investment funds and AB's investment gains and losses on its investments in such consolidated company-sponsored investment funds that were eliminated in consolidation.
Adjusted net revenues exclude investment gains and losses and dividends and interest on employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments. Also, we adjust for certain acquisition-related pass-through performance-based fees and performance related compensation.
During the fourth quarter of 2021, we wrote down an equity method investment; this write-down brought the investment balance to zero.
Adjusted Operating Income
Adjusted operating income represents operating income on a US GAAP basis excluding (1) real estate charges (credits), (2) the impact on net revenues and compensation expense of the investment gains and losses (as well as the dividends and interest) associated with employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments, (3) the equity compensation paid by EQH to certain AB executives, as discussed below, (4) the write-down of investments (discussed immediately above), (5) acquisition-related expenses, (6) interest on borrowings and (7) the impact of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds.
Real estate charges (credits) incurred during the fourth quarter of 2019 through the fourth quarter of 2020, while excluded in the period in which the charges (credits) were recorded, are included ratably over the remaining applicable lease term.
Prior to 2009, a significant portion of employee compensation was in the form of long-term incentive compensation awards that were notionally invested in AB investment services and generally vested over a period of four years. AB economically hedged the exposure to market movements by purchasing and holding these investments on its balance sheet. All such investments had vested as of year-end 2012 and the investments have been delivered to the participants, except for those investments with respect to which the participant elected a long-term deferral. Fluctuation in the value of these investments, which also impacts compensation expense, is recorded within investment gains and losses on the income statement. Management believes it is useful to reflect the offset achieved from economically hedging the market exposure of these investments in the calculation of adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margin. The non-GAAP measures exclude gains and losses and dividends and interest on employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments included in revenues and compensation expense.
The board of directors of EQH granted to Seth Bernstein, our CEO, equity awards in connection with EQH's IPO. Additionally, equity awards were granted to Mr. Bernstein and other AB executivesfor their membership on the EQH Management Committee. These individuals may receive additional equity or cash compensation from EQH in the future related to their service on the Management Committee. Any awards granted to these individuals by EQH are recorded as compensation expense in AB’s consolidated statement of income. The compensation expense associated with these awards has been excluded from our non-GAAP measures because they are non-cash and are based upon EQH's, and not AB's, financial performance.
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The write-down of investments discussed above in Adjusted Net Revenues have been excluded due to their non-recurring nature and because they are not part of our core operating results.
Acquisition-related expenses have been excluded because they are not considered part of our core operating results when comparing financial results from period to period and to industry peers. Acquisition-related expenses include professional fees and the recording of changes in estimates to contingent payment arrangements associated with our acquisitions. Beginning in the first quarter of 2022, acquisition-related expenses also include certain compensation-related expenses, amortization of intangible assets for contracts acquired and accretion expense with respect to contingent payment arrangements. During 2023, 2022 and 2021, acquisition related expenses included an intangible asset impairment charge of zero, $5.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, related to various historical acquisitions.
The recording of changes in estimates of contingent consideration payable with respect to contingent payment arrangements associated with our acquisitions are not considered part of our core operating results and, accordingly, have been excluded. During 2023, we recorded an expense of $28.4 million due to a change in estimate related to the contingent consideration associated with the acquisition of Autonomous LLC in 2019. The change in estimate was based upon better than expected revenues during the 2023 performance evaluation period. We recorded $14.1 million as contingent payment arrangement expense and $14.3 million as compensation and benefits expense in the condensed consolidated statement of income. The charges to compensation and benefits expense are due to certain service conditions and special awards included in the acquisition agreement.
We adjust operating income to exclude interest on borrowings in order to align with our industry peer group.
We adjusted for the operating income impact of consolidating certain company-sponsored investment funds by eliminating the consolidated company-sponsored funds' revenues and expenses and including AB's revenues and expenses that were eliminated in consolidation. We also excluded the limited partner interests we do not own.
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Net Income per AB Unit
As previously discussed, our quarterly distribution is typically our adjusted diluted net income per unit (which is derived from adjusted net income) for the quarter multiplied by the number of general and limited partnership interests at the end of the quarter. Adjusted income taxes, used in calculating adjusted net income, are calculated using the GAAP effective tax rate adjusted for non-GAAP income tax adjustments.
Adjusted Operating Margin
Adjusted operating margin allows us to monitor our financial performance and efficiency from period to period without the volatility noted above in our discussion of adjusted operating income and to compare our performance to industry peers on a basis that better reflects our performance in our core business. Adjusted operating margin is derived by dividing adjusted operating income by adjusted net revenues.
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Net Revenues
The components of net revenues are as follows:
Years Ended December 31 % Change
(in thousands)
Investment advisory and services fees:
Institutions:
Retail:
Private Wealth Management:
Total:
Investment Advisory and Services Fees
Investment advisory and services fees are the largest component of our revenues. These fees generally are calculated as a percentage of the value of AUM as of a specified date, or as a percentage of the value of average AUM for the applicable billing period, and vary with the type of investment service, the size of account and the total amount of assets we manage for a particular client. Accordingly, fee income generally increases or decreases as AUM increase or decrease and is affected by market appreciation or depreciation, the addition of new client accounts or client contributions of additional assets to existing accounts, withdrawals of assets from and termination of client accounts, purchases and redemptions of mutual fund shares, shifts of assets between accounts or products with different fee structures, and acquisitions. Our average basis points realized (investment advisory and services fees divided by average AUM) generally approximate 30 to 105 basis points for actively managed equity services, 10 to 65 basis points for actively-managed fixed income services and 1 to 50 basis points for passively managed services. Average basis points realized for other services could range from 3 basis points for certain Institutional third party managed services to over 190 basis points for certain Retail and Private Wealth Management alternative services. These ranges include all-inclusive fee arrangements (covering investment management, trade execution and other services) for our Private Wealth Management clients.
We calculate AUM using established market-based valuation methods and fair valuation (non-observable market) methods. Market-based valuation methods include: last sale/settle prices from an exchange for actively-traded listed equities, options and futures; evaluated bid prices from recognized pricing vendors for fixed income, asset-backed or mortgage-backed issues; mid prices from recognized pricing vendors and brokers for credit default swaps; and quoted bids or spreads from pricing
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vendors and brokers for other derivative products. Fair valuation methods include: discounted cash flow models or any other methodology that is validated and approved by our Valuation Committee and sub-committee (the "Valuation Committee") (see paragraph immediately below for more information regarding our Valuation Committee). Fair valuation methods are used only where AUM cannot be valued using market-based valuation methods, such as in the case of private equity or illiquid securities.
The Valuation Committee, consists of senior officers and employees, which oversees a consistent framework of pricing and valuation of all investments held in client and AB portfolios. The Valuation Committee has adopted a Statement of Pricing Policies describing principles and policies that apply to pricing and valuing investments held in these portfolios. We also have a Pricing Group, which is overseen by the Valuation Committee and is responsible for managing the pricing process for all investments.
We sometimes charge our clients performance-based fees. In these situations, we charge a base advisory fee and are eligible to earn an additional performance-based fee or incentive allocation that is calculated as either a percentage of absolute investment results or a percentage of investment results in excess of a stated benchmark over a specified period of time. Some performance-based fees include a high-watermark provision, which generally provides that if a client account underperforms relative to its performance target (whether absolute or relative to a specified benchmark), it must gain back such underperformance before we can collect future performance-based fees. Therefore, if we fail to achieve our performance target for a particular period, we will not earn a performance-based fee for that period and, for accounts with a high-watermark provision, our ability to earn future performance-based fees will be impaired. We are eligible to earn performance-based fees on 9.3%, 8.3% and 0.4% of the assets we manage for institutional clients, private wealth clients and retail clients, respectively (in total, 5.6% of our AUM).
Our investment advisory and services fees increased by $4.4 million, or 0.1%, in 2023, due to a $4.8 million, or 0.2%, increase in base fees, offset by a $0.3 million decrease in performance-based fees. The increase in base fees is primarily due to slight shift in product mix to alternatives, which generally earn higher fees, partially offset by a 0.9% decrease in average AUM. Our investment advisory and services fees decreased by $223.5 million, or 7.0%, in 2022, due to a $123.6 million, or 4.2%, decrease in base fees and a $99.9 million decrease in performance-based fees. The decrease in base fees was primarily due to a 6.1% decrease in average AUM, partially offset by a slight increase in our portfolio fee rate.
Performance-based fees decreased $0.3 million, or 0.2%, in 2023, primarily due to lower performance-based fees earned on U.S. Real Estate fund and Emerging Markets Opportunistic Credit fund, partially offset by higher performance-based fees earned on Private Credit fund, Global Opportunistic Credit fund, Global Multi-Strategy fund and Securitized Assets fund. Performance-based fees decreased $99.9 million, or 40.7%, in 2022, primarily due to lower performance-based fees earned on Financial Services Opportunities fund, U.S. Select Equity fund, Arya Partners fund and Private Credit Services fund, partially offset by higher U.S. Real Estate fund fees.
Institutional base fees increased $30.4 million, or 5.2%, in 2023, primarily due to a higher portfolio fee rate, partially offset by a 1.2% decrease in average AUM. Retail base fees decreased $45.7 million, or 3.5%, in 2023, primarily due to a 2.1% decrease in average AUM. Private Wealth base fees increased $20.1 million, or 2.2%, in 2023, primarily due to a 3.0% increase in average AUM. Institutional base fees increased $41.5 million, or 7.7%, in 2022, primarily due to a higher portfolio fee rate, partially offset by a 5.3% decrease in average AUM. Retail base fees decreased $120.5 million, or 8.4%, in 2022, primarily due to an 8.0% decrease in average AUM. Private Wealth base fees decreased $44.6 million, or 4.6%, in 2022, primarily due to a 3.3% decrease in average AUM.
Bernstein Research Services
We earn revenues for providing investment research to, and executing brokerage transactions for, institutional clients. These clients compensate us principally by directing us to execute brokerage transactions on their behalf, for which we earn commissions, and to a lesser extent, but increasingly, by paying us directly for research through commission sharing agreements or cash payments. In the fourth quarter of 2022, AB and SocGen, a leading European bank, announced plans to form a joint venture combining their respective cash equities and research businesses. As a result, the BRSbusiness has been classified as held for sale. For further discussion, see Note 24 Acquisitions and Divestitures to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8.
Revenues from Bernstein Research Services decreased $30.1 million, or 7.2%, in 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by significantly lower global customer trading activity due to the prevailing macro-economic environment.
Revenues from Bernstein Research Services decreased $35.7 million, or 7.9%, in 2022. The decrease was driven by significantly lower customer trading activity in Europe and Asia due to local market conditions.
Distribution Revenues
Two of our subsidiaries act as distributors and/or placement agents of company-sponsored mutual funds and receive distribution services fees from certain of those funds as full or partial reimbursement of the distribution expenses they incur. Period-over-period fluctuations of distribution revenues typically are in line with fluctuations of the corresponding average AUM of these mutual funds.
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Distribution revenues decreased $20.9 million, or 3.4%, in 2023, primarily due to a shift in product mix from mutual funds with higher distribution rates to mutual funds with lower distribution rates, as well as a 1.4% decrease in the corresponding average AUM of these mutual funds. Distribution revenues decreased $45.0 million, or 6.9%, in 2022, primarily due to the corresponding average AUM of these mutual funds decreasing 12.4%, partially offset by a shift in product mix from mutual funds with lower distribution rates to mutual funds with higher distribution rates.
Dividend and Interest Income and Interest Expense
Dividend and interest income consists primarily of investment income and interest earned on customer margin balances and U.S. Treasury Bills as well as dividend and interest income in our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds. Interest expense principally reflects interest accrued on cash balances in customers’ brokerage accounts.
Dividend and interest income increased $76.4 million, or 62.0%, in 2023, primarily due to higher interest earned on customer margin balances and higher interest earned on U.S. Treasury Bills. Interest expense increased $41.1 million in 2023, due to higher interest paid on cash balances in customers' brokerage accounts.
Dividend and interest income increased $84.4 million in 2022, primarily due to higher interest earned on customer margin balances, higher interest earned on U.S. Treasury Bills as well as higher dividend and interest income in our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds. Interest expense increased $62.8 million, in 2022, due to higher interest paid on cash balances in customers' brokerage accounts.
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Investment Gains (Losses)
Investment gains (losses) consist primarily of realized and unrealized investment gains or losses on: (i) employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments, (ii) U.S. Treasury Bills, (iii) market-making in exchange-traded options and equities, (iv) seed capital investments, (v) derivatives and (vi) investments in our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds. Investment gains (losses) also include equity in earnings of proprietary investments in limited partnership hedge funds that we sponsor and manage.
Investment gains (losses) are as follows:
Years Ended December 31
(in thousands)
Long-term incentive compensation-related investments:
Investments held by consolidated company-sponsored investment funds:
Seed capital investments:
Realized (losses) gains
Unrealized gains (losses)
Brokerage-related investments:
Other Revenues
Other revenues consist of fees earned for transfer agency services provided to company-sponsored mutual funds, fees earned for administration and recordkeeping services provided to company-sponsored mutual funds and the General Accounts of EQH and its subsidiaries, and other miscellaneous revenues. Other revenues decreased $4.2 million, or 4.0%, in 2023, primarily due to lower shareholder servicing fees and lower brokerage income, partially offset by higher mutual fund reimbursements. Other revenues decreased $2.9 million, or 2.6%, in 2022, primarily due to lower shareholder servicing fees.
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Expenses
The components of expenses are as follows:
Years Ended December 31 % Change
(in thousands)
Promotion and servicing:
Employee Compensation and Benefits
Employee compensation and benefits consist of base compensation (including salaries and severance), annual short-term incentive compensation awards (cash bonuses), annual long-term incentive compensation awards, commissions, fringe benefits and other employment costs (including recruitment, training, temporary help and meals).
Compensation expense as a percentage of net revenues was 42.6%, 41.1% and 38.6% for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Compensation expense generally is determined on a discretionary basis and is primarily a function of our firm’s current-year financial performance. The amounts of incentive compensation we award are designed to motivate, reward and retain top talent while aligning our executives' interests with the interests of our Unitholders. Senior management, together with the Compensation and Workplace Practices Committee of the Board of Directors of AllianceBernstein Corporation (“Compensation Committee”), continue to believe that the appropriate metric to consider in determining the amount of incentive compensation is the ratio of adjusted employee compensation and benefits expense to adjusted net revenues. Adjusted net revenues used in the adjusted compensation ratio are the same as the adjusted net revenues presented as a non-GAAP measure (discussed earlier in this Item 7). Adjusted employee compensation and benefits expense is total employee compensation and benefits expense minus other employment costs such as recruitment, training, temporary help and meals (which were 1.1%, 1.1% and 0.9% of adjusted net revenues for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively), and excludes the impact of mark-to-market vesting expense, as well as dividends and interest expense, associated with employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments and the amortization expense associated with the awards issued by EQH to some of our firm's executives relating to their roles as members of the EQH Management Committee. Senior management, with the approval of the Compensation Committee, has established as an objective that adjusted employee compensation and benefits expense, excluding the impact of performance-based fees, generally should not exceed 50% of our adjusted net revenues in any year, except in unexpected or unusual circumstances. Our ratios of adjusted compensation expense as a percentage of adjusted net revenues were 49.0%, 48.4% and 46.5%, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
In 2023, employee compensation and benefits expense increased $102.5 million, or 6.2%, primarily due to higher base compensation of $72.2 million, higher incentive compensation of $51.7 million and higher fringes of $7.8 million, partially offset by lower commissions of $29.0 million. In 2022, employee compensation and benefits expense decreased $49.4 million, or 2.9%, primarily due to lower incentive compensation of $107.7 million, partially offset by higher base compensation of $39.8 million, higher commissions of $12.7 million and higher other employment costs of $5.3 million.
Promotion and Servicing
Promotion and servicing expenses include distribution-related payments to financial intermediaries for distribution of AB mutual funds and amortization of deferred sales commissions paid to financial intermediaries for the sale of back-end load shares of AB mutual funds. Also included in this expense category are costs related to trade execution and clearance, travel and entertainment, advertising and promotional materials.
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Promotion and servicing expenses decreased $17.1 million, or 1.9%, in 2023. The decrease was due to lower distribution-related payments of $19.2 million, lower trade execution and clearance expenses of $9.0 million and lower transfer fees of $3.0 million, offset by higher travel and entertainment expenses of $8.5 million, higher marketing and communication expenses of $3.5 million and higher amortization of deferred sales commissions of $2.1 million. Promotion and servicing expenses decreased $60.1 million, or 6.4%, in 2022. The decrease was primarily due to lower distribution-related payments of $78.5 million, lower transfer fees of $4.9 million and lower trade execution and clearance expenses of $3.1 million, partially offset by higher travel and entertainment expenses of $15.4 million and higher firm meeting expenses of $8.8 million.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses include portfolio services fees, technology fees, professional fees and office-related expenses (occupancy, communications and similar expenses). General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 14.0%, 15.8% and 12.5% for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. General and administrative expenses decreased $60.1 million, or 9.4%, in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower portfolio services fees of $43.7 million, lower professional fees of $18.0 million, lower valuation adjustments related to the classification of Bernstein Research Services as held for sale of $6.0 million and a favorable foreign exchange translation impact of $5.7 million, partially offset by higher office-related expenses of $7.4 million. General and administrative expenses increased $86.0 million, or 15.5%, in 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher professional fees of $27.3 million, higher portfolio services fees of $21.3 million, higher technology fees of $19.1 million, a valuation adjustment of $7.4 million associated with the classification of BRS as held for sale, higher office-related expenses of $6.9 million and a $5.6 million impairment of certain acquisition related intangible assets.
Contingent Payment Arrangements
Contingent payment arrangements reflect changes in estimates of contingent payment liabilities associated with acquisitions in current and previous periods, as well as accretion expense of these liabilities. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recognized $8.8 million, $6.6 million and $3.3 million, respectively, in accretion expense related to our contingent considerations payable. During 2023, we recorded a change in estimate related to the contingent consideration liability associated with the acquisition of Autonomous LLC in 2019 of $14.1 million. The change in estimate was based upon better than expected revenues during the 2023 performance evaluation period. There were no changes in our estimates during the year ended December 31, 2022. During 2021, we recorded a change in estimate related to the contingent consideration liability associated with the acquisition of Ramius Alternative Solutions LLC of $0.6 million. Due to the loss of acquired investment management contracts, the carrying value of the finite-lived intangible assets exceeded the fair value of the contracts. These expenses resulting from changes to expected payments and the accretion of these obligations to their expected payment amounts are reflected within contingent payment arrangements in our consolidated statements of income.
Interest on Borrowings
Interest expense increased $36.5 million in 2023, reflecting higher interest rates on borrowings and higher weighted average borrowings. Average daily borrowings for the EQH facilities and commercial paper were $1,014 million at a weighted average interest rate of 5.1% during 2023 compared to $845.5 million and 1.7% during 2022.
Interest expense increased $12.8 million in 2022, reflecting higher interest rates on borrowings and higher weighted average borrowings. Average daily borrowings for the EQH facilities and commercial paper were $845.5 million at a weighted average interest rate of 1.7% during 2022 compared to $561.6 million and 0.2% during 2021.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets reflects our amortization of costs assigned to acquired investment management contracts with a finite life. These assets are recognized at fair value and generally are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life. On July 1, 2022, AB acquired CarVal Investors L.P. ("CarVal"), which resulted in recording of $303.0 million of finite-lived intangible assets primarily relating to investment management contracts and investor relationships with useful lives ranging from 5 to 10 years (see Note 24 Acquisitions and Divestitures to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8). Amortization of intangible assets increased $20.3 million in 2023. The increase was primarily due to the acquired intangible assets associated with the CarVal acquisition. Amortization of intangible assets increased $20.9 million in 2022. The increase was primarily due to the acquired intangible assets associated with the CarVal acquisition.
Income Taxes
AB, a private limited partnership, is not subject to federal or state corporate income taxes. However, AB is subject to a 4.0% New York City unincorporated business tax (“UBT”). Our domestic corporate subsidiaries are subject to federal, state and local income taxes, and generally are included in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return. Separate state and local
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income tax returns also are filed. Foreign corporate subsidiaries generally are subject to taxes in the jurisdictions where they are located.
Income tax expense decreased $10.6 million, or 26.7%, in 2023 compared to 2022. This decrease is primarily driven by a one time tax benefit of $22.4 million resulting from the release of a valuation allowance on a capital loss tax asset due to a tax planning action identified in the fourth quarter of 2023, due to a future restructuring of certain foreign subsidiaries that would not have a material impact on AB operations. This resulted in a lower effective tax rate in 2023 of 3.6% compared to 4.9% in 2022.
Income tax expense decreased $23.1 million, or 36.8%, in 2022 compared to 2021. This decrease is due to lower pre-tax book income and one-time discrete items which resulted in a lower effective tax rate in 2022 of 4.9% compared to 5.2% in 2021.
Net Income (Loss) of Consolidated Entities Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests
Net income (loss) of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests primarily consists of limited partner interests owned by other investors in our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds. In 2023, we had $24.0 million of net income of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests, primarily due to gains on investments held by our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds. In 2022, we had $56.4 million of net loss of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests, primarily due to losses on investments held by our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds. In 2021 we had $5.1 million of net income of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests, primarily due to gains on investments held by our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
Cash flows from operating activities primarily include the receipt of investment advisory and services fees and other revenues offset by the payment of operating expenses incurred in the normal course of business. Our cash flows from operating activities have historically been positive and sufficient to support our operations. We do not anticipate this to change in the foreseeable future. Cash flows from investing activities generally consist of small capital expenditures and, when applicable, business acquisitions. Cash flows from financing activities primarily consist of issuance and repayment of debt and the repurchase of AB Holding units to fund our long-term deferred compensation plans. We are required to distribute all of our Available Cash Flow to our Unitholders and the General Partner.
During 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was $0.9 billion, compared to $1.1 billion during 2022. The change primarily was due to an increase in fees receivable of $161.1 million, lower earnings of $159.9 million (after non-cash reconciling items), a decrease in broker-dealer related payables (net of receivable and segregated U.S. Treasury Bills activity) of $133.3 million and an increase in deferred sales commissions of $59.8 million, partially offset by net activity of our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds of $166.0 million and an increase in accrued compensation of $127.4 million.During 2022, net cash provided by operating activities was $1.1 billion, compared to $1.3 billion during 2021. The change primarily was due to lower earnings of $265.1 million (after non-cash reconciling items), a decrease in accrued compensation of $200.8 million and a decrease in broker-dealer related payables (net of receivable and segregated U.S. Treasury Bills activity) of $169.2 million, partially offset by net activity of our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds of $252.0 million and an increase in fees receivable of $193.3 million.
During 2023, net cash used in investing activities was $33.6 million, compared to $22.0 million during 2022. The change is due to the acquisition of CarVal, net cash acquired of $40.3 million in 2022, partially offset by lower purchases of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements of $28.7 million. During 2022, net cash used in investing activities was $22.0 million, compared to $65.7 million during 2021. The change is primarily due to the acquisition of CarVal, net cash acquired of $40.3 million in 2022.
During 2023, net cash used in financing activities was $1.0 billion, compared to $1.1 billion during 2022. The change reflects lower cash distributions to Unitholders of $230.6 million, a decrease in the net purchases of AB Holding Units to fund long-term incentive compensation plans of $66.5 million and the repayment of CarVal debt of $42.7 million, partially offset by higher net purchases of non-controlling interests of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds of $187.1 million and lower net borrowings of debt of $70.7 million. During 2022, net cash used in financing activities was $1.1 billion, compared to $0.9 billion during 2021. The change reflects lower net purchases of non-controlling interests of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds in 2022 of $309.9 million, repayment of CarVal debt of $42.7 million and a decrease in overdrafts payable of $41.6 million, partially offset by higher net borrowings of debt of $155.0 million and a decrease in the net purchases of AB Holding Units to fund long-term incentive compensation plans of $51.3 million.
As of December 31, 2023, AB had $1.0 billion of cash and cash equivalents (excluding cash and cash equivalents of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds and cash held-for-sale), all of which is available for liquidity but consist primarily of cash on deposit for our broker-dealers related to various customer clearing activities and cash held by foreign subsidiaries of $585.8 million.
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See Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for disclosures relating to our debt and credit facilities. We use our debt and credit facilities to seed certain new investment products which may expose us to market risk, credit risk and material gains and losses. To reduce our exposure, we enter into various futures, forwards, options and swaps primarily to economically hedge certain of our seed money investments. While in most cases broad market risks are hedged and are effective in reducing our exposure, our hedgers are imperfect and we may remain exposed to some market risk and credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties on these derivative instruments.
Our financial condition and access to public and private debt markets should provide adequate liquidity for our general business needs. Management believes that cash flow from operations and the issuance of debt and AB Units or AB Holding Units will provide us with the resources we need to meet our financial obligations. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A and “Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this Item 7 for a discussion of credit markets and our ability to renew our credit facilities at expiration.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations
Guarantees
Under various circumstances, AB guarantees the obligations of its consolidated subsidiaries.
AB maintains a guarantee in connection with an $800 million committed, unsecured senior revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility"). If SCB LLC is unable to meet its obligations, AB will pay the obligations when due or on demand. SCB LLC currently has five uncommitted lines of credit with five financial institutions. Four of these lines of credit permit us to borrow up to an aggregate of approximately $315.0 million, with AB named as an additional borrower, while the other line has no stated limit. AB has guaranteed the obligations of SCB LLC under these lines of credit. AB maintains guarantees totaling $415.0 million for SCB LLC’s five uncommitted lines of credit.
AB maintains a guarantee with a commercial bank, under which we guarantee the obligations in the ordinary course of business of each of SCB LLC, our U.K.-based broker-dealer and our Cayman subsidiary. We also maintain three additional guarantees with other commercial banks under which we guarantee approximately $270.9 million of obligations for our U.K.-based broker-dealer and $99.0 million of obligations for our India-based broker-dealer. In the event that any of these three entities is unable to meet its obligations, AB will pay the obligations when due or on demand.
We also have two smaller guarantees with a commercial bank totaling approximately $1.9 million, under which we guarantee certain obligations in the ordinary course of business of one of our foreign subsidiaries.
We have not been required to perform under any of the above agreements and currently have no liability in connection with these agreements.
Aggregate Contractual Obligations
We have various compensation and benefit obligations, including accrued salaries and fringes, commissions, payroll taxes, incentive payments and deferred compensation arrangements. The majority of our compensation and benefits obligations are paid out in less than one year, while the deferred compensation obligations are payable over various periods, with the majority payable over periods of up to three years. Accrued compensation and benefits as of December 31, 2023 totaled $354.5 million. This amount excludes our accrued pension obligation. Offsetting our accrued compensation obligations are long-term incentive compensation-related investments and money market investments we funded totaling $41.1 million, which are included in our consolidated statement of financial condition. Any amounts reflected on the consolidated statement of financial condition as payables (to broker-dealers, brokerage clients and company-sponsored mutual funds) and accounts payable and accrued expenses are excluded from the aforementioned accrued compensation and benefits obligation amount.
We expect to make contributions to our qualified profit sharing plan of approximately $19.0 million in each of the next four years. We do not currently anticipate that we will contribute to the Retirement Plan during 2024.
The 2017 Tax Act (enacted in the U.S. on December 22, 2017) imposed a federal transition tax on mandatory deemed repatriation of certain deferred foreign earnings. Management elected to pay the transition tax in installments over an eight-year period from 2018 to 2025. The federal transition tax obligation as of December 31, 2023 totaled $8.7 million and is recorded to income tax payable on our consolidated statement of financial condition. See Note 21 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for further discussion of our taxes.
See Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for discussion of our leases.
See Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for a discussion of our debt.
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Contingencies
See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for a discussion of our commitments and contingencies.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.
Management believes that the critical accounting policies and estimates discussed below involve significant management judgment due to the sensitivity of the methods and assumptions used.
Goodwill
Our acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting, where the cost of the acquisition is allocated on the basis of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired, net of liabilities assumed, results in the recognition of goodwill.
As of December 31, 2023, we had goodwill of $3.6 billion on the consolidated statement of financial condition, which included $666.1 million as a result of the CarVal Investors L.P. ("CarVal") acquisition in the third quarter of 2022, $2.8 billion as a result of the Sanford C. Bernstein Inc. (“Bernstein”) acquisition in 2000 and $291.9 million in regard to various smaller acquisitions. Approximately $159.8 million of goodwill has been classified as assets held for sale on the consolidated statement of financial condition. For further discussion, see Note 24 Acquisitions and Divestitures in Item 8 to these consolidated financial statements.
We have determined that AB has only one reporting segment and reporting unit. We test our goodwill annually, as of September 30, for impairment or if certain events or changes in circumstances occur and trigger an interim impairment test. The carrying value of goodwill is also reviewed if facts and circumstances occur that suggest possible impairment, such as, but not limited to significant transactions including acquisitions or divestitures and significant declines in AUM, revenues, earnings or the price of an AB Holding Unit. Any of these changes in circumstances could suggest the possibility that goodwill is impaired, but none of these events or circumstances by itself would indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. Instead, they are merely recognized as triggering events for the consideration of impairment and must be viewed in combination with any mitigating or positive factors. A holistic evaluation of all events since the most recent quantitative impairment test must be done to determine whether it is more likely than not that the reporting unit is impaired.
For our annual impairment test, we utilize the market approach where the fair value of the reporting unit is based on its unadjusted market valuation (AB Units outstanding multiplied by AB Holding's Unit price) and earnings multiples. A goodwill impairment would be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The goodwill impairment test does not include a determination by management of whether a decline in fair value is temporary and it is important that management's determination of fair value reflect the impact of changing market conditions, including the severity and anticipated duration of any such changes. The price of a publicly traded AB Holding Unit serves as a reasonable starting point for valuing an AB Unit because each represents the same fractional interest in our underlying business. Our market approach analysis also includes comparable industry earnings multiples applied to our earnings forecast and assumes a control premium (when applicable).
Contingent Payment Arrangements
We periodically enter into contingent payment arrangements in connection with our business combinations. In these arrangements, we agree to pay additional consideration to the sellers to the extent that certain performance targets are achieved. We estimate the fair value of these potential future obligations at the time a business combination is consummated and record a liability on a discounted basis on our consolidated statement of financial condition. We then accrete the obligation to its expected payment amount over the measurement period. If our expected payment amount subsequently changes, the obligation is modified in the current period resulting in a gain or loss. Both gains and losses resulting from changes to expected payments and the accretion of these obligations to their expected payment amounts are reflected within contingent payment arrangements in our consolidated statements of income.
For contingent liabilities, we typically use a valuation method that is a form of the income approach, whereby a forecast of future cash flows attributable to the asset are discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. We develop a forecast of future cash flows attributable to the performance objectives that are then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Some of the more significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the income approach include the amount and timing of projected future cash flows, the discount rate selected to measure the risks inherent in the future cash flows.
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Loss Contingencies
Management continuously reviews with legal counsel the status of regulatory matters and pending or threatened litigation. We evaluate the likelihood that a loss contingency exists and record a loss contingency if it is both probable and reasonably estimable as of the date of the financial statements. See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8.
Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8.
Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements provided by management in this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The most significant of these factors include, but are not limited to, the following: the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of sponsored investment products and separately managed accounts, general economic conditions, industry trends, future acquisitions, integration of acquired companies, competitive conditions and government regulations, including changes in tax regulations and rates and the manner in which the earnings of publicly-traded partnerships are taxed. We caution readers to carefully consider such factors. Further, these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made; we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements. For further information regarding these forward-looking statements and the factors that could cause actual results to differ, see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A. Any or all of the forward-looking statements that we make in this Form 10-K, other documents we file with or furnish to the SEC, and any other public statements we issue, may turn out to be wrong. It is important to remember that other factors besides those listed in “Risk Factors” and those listed below could also adversely impact our revenues, financial condition, results of operations and business prospects.
The forward-looking statements referred to in the preceding paragraph, most of which directly affect AB but also affect AB Holding because AB Holding’s principal source of income and cash flow is attributable to its investment in AB, include statements regarding:
•Our belief that the cash flow AB Holding realizes from its investment in AB will provide AB Holding with the resources it needs to meet its financial obligations: AB Holding’s cash flow is dependent on the quarterly cash distributions it receives from AB. Accordingly, AB Holding’s ability to meet its financial obligations is dependent on AB’s cash flow from its operations, which is subject to the performance of the capital markets and other factors beyond our control.
•Our financial condition and ability to access the public and private capital markets providing adequate liquidity for our general business needs: Our financial condition is dependent on our cash flow from operations, which is subject to the performance of the capital markets, our ability to maintain and grow client assets under management and other factors beyond our control. Our ability to access public and private capital markets on reasonable terms may be limited by adverse market conditions, our firm’s credit ratings, our profitability and changes in government regulations, including tax rates and interest rates.
•The outcome of litigation: Litigation is inherently unpredictable, and excessive damage awards do occur. Though we have stated that we do not expect any pending legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity, any settlement or judgment with respect to a legal proceeding could be significant, and could have such an effect.
•The possibility that we will engage in open market purchases of AB Holding Units to help fund anticipated obligations under our incentive compensation award program: The number of AB Holding Units AB may decide to buy in future periods, if any, to help fund incentive compensation awards depends on various factors, some of which are beyond our control, including the fluctuation in the price of an AB Holding Unit (NYSE: AB) and the availability of cash to make these purchases.
•Our determination that adjusted employee compensation expense, excluding the impact of performance-based fees, generally should not exceed 50% of our adjusted net revenues on an annual basis: Aggregate employee compensation reflects employee performance and competitive compensation levels. Fluctuations in our revenues and/or changes in competitive compensation levels could result in adjusted employee compensation expense exceeding 50% of our adjusted net revenues.
•Our Relocation Strategy: While many of the expenses, expense savings and EPU impact we expect will result from our Relocation Strategy are presented with numerical specificity, and we believe these figures to be reasonable as of the date of this report, the uncertainties surrounding the assumptions on which our estimates are based create a significant risk that our current estimates may not be realized. These assumptions include:
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•the amount and timing of employee relocation costs, severance, and overlapping compensation and occupancy costs we experience; and
•the timing for execution of each phase of our relocation implementation plan.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
AB Holding
Market Risk, Risk Management and Derivative Financial Instruments
AB Holding’s sole investment is AB Units. AB Holding did not own, nor was it a party to, any derivative financial instruments during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
AB
Market Risk, Risk Management and Derivative Financial Instruments
Our investments consist of trading and other investments. Trading investments include U.S. Treasury Bills, mutual funds, exchange-traded options and various separately-managed portfolios consisting of equity securities. Trading investments are purchased for short-term investment, principally to fund liabilities related to long-term incentive compensation plans and to seed new investment services. Other investments include investments in hedge funds we sponsor and other investment vehicles.
We enter into various futures, forwards, swaps and options primarily to economically hedge our seed capital investments. We do not hold any derivatives designated in a formal hedge relationship under ASC 815-10, Derivatives and Hedging. See Note 7 Derivative Instruments to AB's consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K for additional details.
Trading and Non-Trading Market Risk Sensitive Instruments
Investments with Interest Rate Risk—Fair Value
The table below provides our potential exposure with respect to our fixed income investments, measured in terms of fair value, to an immediate 100 basis point increase in interest rates at all maturities from the levels prevailing as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. Such a fluctuation in interest rates is a hypothetical rate scenario used to calibrate potential risk and does not represent our view of future market movements. While these fair value measurements provide a representation of interest rate sensitivity of our investments in fixed income mutual funds and fixed income hedge funds, they are based on our exposures at a particular point in time and may not be representative of future market results. These exposures will change as a result of ongoing changes in investments in response to our assessment of changing market conditions and available investment opportunities:
As of December 31
(in thousands)
Fixed Income Investments:
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Investments with Equity Price Risk—Fair Value
Our investments also include investments in equity securities, mutual funds and hedge funds. The following table provides our potential exposure with respect to our equity investments, measured in terms of fair value, to an immediate 10% decrease in equity prices from those prevailing as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. A 10% decrease in equity prices is a hypothetical scenario used to calibrate potential risk and does not represent our view of future market movements. While these fair value measurements provide a representation of equity price sensitivity of our investments in equity securities, mutual funds and hedge funds, they are based on our exposures at a particular point in time and may not be representative of future market results. These exposures will change as a result of ongoing portfolio activities in response to our assessment of changing market conditions and available investment opportunities:
As of December 31
(in thousands)
Equity Investments:
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the General Partner and Unitholders of AllianceBernstein Holding L.P.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying statements of financial condition of AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related statements of income, of comprehensive income, of changes in partners’ capital and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023 including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
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Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
As described in Notes 1 and 2 to the financial statements, the Company’s principal source of income and cash flow is attributable to its investment in AllianceBernstein L.P. (AB) limited partnership interests. The equity in net income attributable to AB unitholders was $299.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, of which a portion relates to performance-based fees which are earned based on the value of the investors’ assets under management (AUM). The Company records its investment in AB using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s investment is increased to reflect its proportionate share of income of AB and decreased to reflect its proportionate share of losses of AB and cash distributions made by AB to its unitholders. In addition, the Company’s investment is adjusted to reflect its proportionate share of certain capital transactions of AB. As disclosed by management, the Company’s proportionate share of income of AB includes performance-based fees recognized by AB. The transaction price for the asset management performance obligation for certain investment advisory contracts, including those associated with hedge funds and alternative investments, provide for a performance-based fee, in addition to the base advisory fee, which is calculated as either a percentage of absolute investment results or a percentage of investment results in excess of a stated benchmark over a specified period of time. The performance-based fees are forms of variable consideration and are therefore excluded from the transaction price until it becomes probable that there will not be significant reversal of the cumulative revenue recognized. Constraining factors impacting the amount of variable consideration included in the transaction price include the contractual claw-back provisions to which the variable consideration is subject, the length of time to which the uncertainty of the consideration is subject, the number and range of possible consideration amounts, the probability of significant fluctuations in the AUM market value, and the level at which the AUM value exceeds the contractual threshold required to earn such a fee. Management calculates AUM using established market-based valuation methods and fair valuation (non-observable market) methods. Fair valuation methods, which include discounted cash flow models and other methods, are used only where AUM cannot be valued using market-based valuation methods, such as in the case of private equity or illiquid securities.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to measurement of equity in net income attributable to AB unitholders – performance-based fees is a critical audit matter are (i) a high degree of auditor effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence related to these fees, including evaluating audit evidence related to the assessment of the constraining factors impacting the amount of variable consideration and the calculation of AUM and (ii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to equity in net income attributable to AB unitholders, including controls relating to management’s revenue recognition process for performance-based fees, including controls over the assessment of the constraining factors and the calculation of AUM. These procedures also included, among others (i) testing management’s process for determining performance-based fees, including evaluating the appropriateness of the fair valuation methods used to calculate AUM; (ii) evaluating, on a sample basis, the reasonableness of the constraining factors related to (a) contractual claw-back provisions to which variable consideration is subject, (b) the length of time to which the uncertainty of the consideration is subject, (c) the number and range of possible consideration amounts, (d) the probability of significant fluctuations in the AUM market value, and (e) the level at which the AUM value exceeded the contractual threshold required to earn such fees, as applicable. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating the reasonableness of the AUM by (i) developing an independent range of prices for a sample of securities in the underlying products where fair valuation methods were used and (ii) comparing the independent range of prices to management’s estimate. Developing the independent range of prices involved testing the completeness and accuracy of data provided by management and independently developing the inputs for the sampled securities.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Nashville, Tennessee
February 9, 2024
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2006.
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AllianceBernstein Holding L.P.
Statements of Financial Condition
Years Ended December 31
(in thousands,except unit amounts)
ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
Liabilities:
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 7)
Partners’ capital:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (42,044) (51,008)
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
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AllianceBernstein Holding L.P.
Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
Net income per unit:
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
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AllianceBernstein Holding L.P.
Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years Ended December 31
(in thousands)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax 5,678 (19,805) (4,507)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax 5,426 (19,556) (4,360)
Changes in employee benefit related items:
Amortization of prior service cost 9 (12) 7
Income tax (expense) (31) (28) (20)
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
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AllianceBernstein Holding L.P.
Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital
Years Ended December 31
(in thousands)
General Partner’s Capital
Cash distributions to Unitholders (262) (354) (358)
Limited Partners’ Capital
Issuance of AB Holding Units to fund CarVal acquisition — 589,169 —
Exercise of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units — 178 3,402
AB Holding Units held by AB to fund long-term incentive compensation plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax 5,426 (19,556) (4,360)
Changes in employee benefit related items, net of tax 3,538 1,253 5,553
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
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AllianceBernstein Holding L.P.
Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in other assets — — 92
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities (328) (517) 264
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of business, net cash acquired — 40,777 —
Contribution of CarVal to AB — (40,777) —
Capital contribution to AB — (1,590) —
Net cash used in investing activities — (1,768) (3,402)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Capital contributions from AB 2,164 — 2,346
Change in cash and cash equivalents — — —
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of the year — — —
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of the year $ — $ — $ —
Cash paid:
Non-cash investing activities:
Fair value of liabilities assumed — 296,750 —
Fair value of non-redeemable non-controlling interest assumed — 13,191 —
Fair value of liabilities contributed to AB — (296,750) —
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Years Ended December 31
(in thousands)
Non-cash financing activities:
Payables recorded under contingent payment arrangements — 228,885 —
Equity consideration issued in connection with acquisition — 589,169 —
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
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AllianceBernstein Holding L.P.
Notes to Financial Statements
The words “we” and “our” refer collectively to AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“AB Holding”) and AllianceBernstein L.P. and its subsidiaries (“AB”), or to their officers and employees. Similarly, the word “company” refers to both AB Holding and AB. Where the context requires distinguishing between AB Holding and AB, we identify which of them is being discussed. Cross-references are in italics.
1. Business Description and Organization
AB Holding’s principal source of income and cash flow is attributable to its investment in AB limited partnership interests.
AB provides diversified investment management, research and related services globally to a broad range of clients. Its principal services include:
•Institutional Services—servicing its institutional clients, including private and public pension plans, foundations and endowments, insurance companies, central banks and governments worldwide, and affiliates such as Equitable Holdings, Inc. ("EQH") and its subsidiaries, by means of separately managed accounts, sub-advisory relationships, structured products, collective investment trusts, mutual funds, hedge funds and other investment vehicles.
•Retail Services—servicing its retail clients, primarily by means of retail mutual funds sponsored by AB or an affiliated company, sub-advisory relationships with mutual funds sponsored by third parties, separately managed account programs sponsored by financial intermediaries worldwide and other investment vehicles.
•Private Wealth Management Services—servicing its private clients, including high-net-worth individuals and families, trusts and estates, charitable foundations, partnerships, private and family corporations, and other entities, by means of separately managed accounts, hedge funds, mutual funds and other investment vehicles.
•Bernstein Research Services—servicing institutional investors, such as pension fund, hedge fund and mutual fund managers, seeking high-quality fundamental research, quantitative services and brokerage-related services in equities and listed options.
AB also provides distribution, shareholder servicing, transfer agency services and administrative services to the mutual funds it sponsors.
AB’s high-quality, in-depth research is the foundation of its asset management and private wealth management businesses. AB’s research disciplines include economic, fundamental equity, fixed income and quantitative research. In addition, AB has expertise in multi-asset strategies, wealth management, environmental, social and corporate governance ("ESG"), and alternative investments.
AB provides a broad range of investment services with expertise in:
•Actively managed equity strategies across global and regional universes, as well as capitalization ranges, concentration ranges and investment strategies, including value, growth and core equities;
•Actively managed traditional and unconstrained fixed income strategies, including taxable and tax-exempt strategies;
•Actively managed alternative investments, including fundamental and systematically-driven hedge funds, fund of hedge funds and direct assets (e.g., direct lending, real estate debt and private equity);
•Portfolios with Purpose, including Sustainable, Impact and Responsible+ (Climate-Conscious and ESG leaders) equity, fixed income and multi-asset strategies that address our clients' desire to invest their capital with a dedicated ESG focus, while pursuing strong investment returns;
•Multi-asset services and solutions, including dynamic asset allocation, customized target-date funds and target-risk funds; and
•Passively managed equity and fixed income strategies, including index, ESG index and enhanced index strategies.
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Organization
As of December 31, 2023, EQH owns approximately 3.5% of the issued and outstanding units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests in AB Holding (“AB Holding Units”). AllianceBernstein Corporation (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of EQH, “General Partner”) is the general partner of both AB Holding and AB. AllianceBernstein Corporation owns 100,000 general partnership units in AB Holding and a 1.0% general partnership interest in AB.
As of December 31, 2023, the ownership structure of AB, expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests, was as follows:
EQH and its subsidiaries 59.8 %
Unaffiliated holders 0.7
Including both the general partnership and limited partnership interests in AB Holding and AB, EQH and its subsidiaries had an approximate 61.2% economic interest in AB as of December 31, 2023.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
AB Holding’s financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes of AB, which are included in this Form 10-K.
Investment in AB
AB Holding records its investment in AB using the equity method of accounting. AB Holding’s investment is increased to reflect its proportionate share of income of AB and decreased to reflect its proportionate share of losses of AB and cash distributions made by AB to its Unitholders. In addition, AB Holding's investment is adjusted to reflect its proportionate share of certain capital transactions of AB.
Cash Distributions
AB Holding is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AB Holding (“AB Holding Partnership Agreement”), to its Unitholders pro rata in accordance with their percentage interests in AB Holding. Available Cash Flow is defined as the cash distributions AB Holding receives from AB minus such amounts as the General Partner determines, in its sole discretion, should be retained by AB Holding for use in its business (such as the payment of taxes) or plus such amounts as the General Partner determines, in its sole discretion, should be released from previously retained cash flow.
On February 6, 2024, the General Partner declared a distribution of $0.77 per unit, representing a distribution of Available Cash Flow for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Each general partnership unit in AB Holding is entitled to receive distributions equal to those received by each AB Holding Unit. The distribution is payable on March 14, 2024 to holders of record at the close of business on February 20, 2024.
Total cash distributions per Unit paid to Unitholders during 2023, 2022 and 2021 were $2.62, $3.54 and $3.58, respectively.
Long-term Incentive Compensation Plans
AB maintains several unfunded, non-qualified long-term incentive compensation plans, under which the company grants awards of restricted AB Holding Units to its employees and members of the Board of Directors, who are not employed by AB or by any of AB’s affiliates (“Eligible Directors”).
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AB funds its restricted AB Holding Unit awards either by purchasing AB Holding Units on the open market or purchasing newly-issued AB Holding Units from AB Holding, and then keeping these AB Holding Units in a consolidated rabbi trust until delivering them or retiring them. In accordance with the AB Holding Partnership Agreement, when AB purchases newly-issued AB Holding Units from AB Holding, AB Holding is required to use the proceeds it receives from AB to purchase the equivalent number of newly-issued AB Units, thus increasing its percentage ownership interest in AB. AB Holding Units held in the consolidated rabbi trust are corporate assets in the name of the trust and are available to the general creditors of AB.
Repurchases of AB Holding Units for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 consisted of the following:
Years Ended December 31
(in millions)
Total amount of AB Holding Units Purchased(1) 4.7 5.2