N-CSR/A 1 d469798dncsra.htm AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC. AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-05398

 

 

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

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

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

Joseph J. Mantineo

AllianceBernstein L.P.

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10105

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

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

Date of fiscal year end: December 31, 2022

Date of reporting period: December 31, 2022

 

 

Explanatory Note:

Enclosed for filing you will find an amended Form N-CSR of the registrant’s original 2022 Form N-CSR filing of the referenced period. The purpose of this amended filing is to update Item 11 (b) and Item 13 (which is addressed in exhibits labeled Exhibit 12 (b)(1) and Exhibit 12 (b)(2) in the original filings). Except as set forth above, no other changes have been made to the Form N-CSR, and this amended filing does not amend, update or change any other items or disclosure found in the Form N-CSR.

 

 

 


ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


DEC    12.31.22

 

LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION  
PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

LETTER TO INVESTORS

February 14, 2023

The following is an update of AB Variable Products Series Fund—Balanced Hedged Allocation Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) for the annual reporting period ended December 31, 2022. Prior to May 1, 2022, the Portfolio was named Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

The Portfolio’s investment objective is to maximize total return consistent with the Adviser’s determination of reasonable risk.

The Portfolio invests in a balanced portfolio of equity and fixed-income securities (the “Balanced Component”) that is designed as a solution for investors who seek exposure to equity returns but also want the risk diversification offered by fixed-income securities and the broad diversification of their equity risk across styles, capitalization ranges and geographic regions. The Portfolio also utilizes a risk management portfolio intended to enhance the risk-adjusted return of the Portfolio (the “Risk Management Component”). A portfolio’s return is enhanced on a risk-adjusted basis when the portfolio achieves lower volatility with similar returns, or higher returns at similar volatility, compared to its benchmark. Both Components are actively managed by the Adviser as an integrated whole.

With respect to the Balanced Component, the Portfolio typically invests in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), most or all of which are passively managed; in exchange-traded derivatives; and directly in securities. ETFs may provide more efficient and economical exposure to the types of companies and geographic locations in which the Portfolio seeks to invest than direct investments. Through its investments, the Portfolio gains exposure to various domestic and foreign markets, regions and countries, including emerging markets. The Portfolio normally invests at least 25% of its assets in equity investments, primarily consisting of but not limited to ETFs. The Portfolio normally invests at least 25% of its assets in US fixed-income investments, primarily consisting of but not limited to US bond ETFs and US government securities, including Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (“TIPS”). The Portfolio’s fixed-income exposure consists primarily of investment-grade debt and may from time to time include lower-rated debt (“junk bonds”). The Portfolio may also seek exposure to real assets by investing in real estate-related ETFs. The Portfolio uses derivatives to gain access to or adjust its equity and fixed-income exposures.

With respect to the Risk Management Component, the Adviser seeks to enhance the risk-adjusted return of the Portfolio, attempting to enhance market exposure in rising markets and reduce risk in downturns. The Adviser employs a variety of risk management techniques in its strategy, primarily using derivative instruments. The Adviser attempts to stabilize current returns of the Portfolio by using techniques designed to limit the downside exposure of the Portfolio during periods of market declines, to add market exposure to the Portfolio during periods of normal or rising markets, and to reduce the volatility of the Portfolio. The Adviser uses risk management techniques designed to protect the Portfolio’s ability to generate future income. These techniques may use strategies including options (involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put index options, and also may include options on individual securities) and futures contracts (including futures contracts on stock indices and US Treasuries).

Derivatives may provide more efficient and economical exposure to market segments than direct investments, and may also be a more efficient way to alter the Portfolio’s exposures than making direct investments. The derivative instruments may include “long” and “short” positions in futures, options and swap contracts. The Portfolio may, for example, use credit default, interest rate and total return swaps to establish exposure to the fixed-income markets or particular fixed-income securities and, as noted below, may use currency derivatives to hedge or add foreign currency exposure. The Risk Management Component may also include “long” and “short” positions in US government securities and cash instruments.

The Adviser may employ currency hedging strategies in the Portfolio, including the use of currency-related derivatives, to seek to reduce currency risk in the Portfolio, but it is not required to do so.

The Adviser considers a variety of factors in determining whether to sell a security, including changes in market conditions and changes in prospects for the security.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table on page 5 shows the Portfolio’s performance compared with its primary benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World Index (“MSCI ACWI”) (net), and the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, for the one-, five- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The table also includes the previous secondary benchmark, Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index (USD hedged).

For the annual period, all share classes of the Portfolio underperformed the primary benchmark and the

 

1


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index. The Portfolio’s more diversified approach, which balances exposures to equities, bonds and risk-management techniques, underperformed the all-equity benchmark. During the period, equities, fixed-income assets and equity index options detracted from absolute performance.

During the annual period, the Portfolio used derivatives for hedging and investment purposes in the form of currency forwards, credit default swaps and inflation Consumer Price Index swaps, which added to absolute returns, while futures, interest rate swaps and purchased options detracted.

The Portfolio’s repositioning due to the transition to the new investment strategy was a significant contributor to the Portfolio’s turnover rate of 135%.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

US, international and emerging-market stocks declined during the annual period ended December 31, 2022. In response to persistently high inflation, central banks—led by the US Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)—took a hawkish pivot, which raised concerns that rapidly rising borrowing costs would slow economic growth significantly and tip global economies into recession. Volatility increased and stocks pulled back after the Fed announced its first interest-rate hike in March 2022, which was followed by six additional rate raises, including four consecutive 0.75% increases. Equity markets rebounded briefly at the end of the period, after some early evidence of easing inflationary pressures raised hopes that the Fed and other key central banks would soon slow the pace of rate hikes. Optimism faded and equity markets gave back gains after the Fed downshifted to a 0.50% rate hike but strongly reaffirmed its higher-for-longer conviction. Both value- and growth-oriented stocks declined for the year. Value stocks significantly outperformed growth stocks, as growth stocks have been pressured more by rising interest rates throughout most of the year. Large-cap stocks narrowly outperformed small-cap stocks on a relative basis, but both declined in absolute terms.

Fixed-income government bond market yields rose sharply, and bond prices fell significantly in all major developed markets, as most central banks raised interest rates to combat high and persistent inflation. Lower-than-expected inflation numbers late in the period led to optimism that central bank policy rate increases would moderate. Longer-term bonds fell the most in the UK and eurozone, and by the least in Japan. Securitized assets generally outperformed other credit-risk sectors. Global investment-grade corporate bonds, which typically have longer maturities and are more sensitive to changes in yields than high-yield corporates, underperformed global treasuries—trailing US Treasury bonds in the US while outperforming eurozone treasuries in the euro bloc. Developed-market high-yield corporate bonds modestly outperformed global treasuries, trailing in the US and outperforming in the eurozone relative to respective treasury markets. Emerging-market sovereign bonds trailed as the US dollar gained on the vast majority of currencies. Emerging-market corporate bonds and local-currency bonds also fell sharply. Brent crude oil prices were extremely volatile and rose during the period.

The Portfolio’s Senior Investment Management Team seeks enhanced risk-adjusted returns by utilizing a blend of US, international and emerging-market equities as well as diversifiers in the form of fixed-income, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and TIPS. The Portfolio also features a US Treasury futures overlay to benefit from potentially low correlation between Treasuries and equities. The blended equity and fixed-income exposures, combined with the US Treasury overlay and dynamic equity allocation (including equity index options) offer the potential to achieve higher risk-adjusted returns.

 

2


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Benchmark Disclosure

All indices are unmanaged and do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The MSCI ACWI (net, free float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted) represents the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index represents the performance of securities within the US investment-grade fixed-rate bond market, with index components for government and corporate securities, mortgage pass-through securities, asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities. The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index (USD hedged) represents the performance of the global investment-grade developed fixed-income markets, hedged to the US dollar. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations, and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices, any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI. Net returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends after deduction of non-US withholding tax. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Portfolio.

A Word About Risk

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

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

ETF Risk: ETFs are investment companies and are subject to market and selection risk. When the Portfolio invests in an ETF, the Portfolio bears its share of the ETF’s expenses and runs the risk that the ETF may not achieve its investment objective.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

(Disclosures, Risks and Note About Historical Performance continued on next page)

 

3


DISCLOSURES AND RISKS
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

Real Assets Risk: The Portfolio’s investments in securities linked to real assets involve significant risks, including financial, operating, and competitive risks. Investments in securities linked to real assets expose the Portfolio to adverse macroeconomic conditions, such as a rise in interest rates or a downturn in the economy in which the asset is located. Changes in inflation rates or in the market’s inflation expectations may adversely affect the market value of inflation-sensitive equities. The Portfolio’s investments in real estate securities have many of the same risks as direct ownership of real estate, including the risk that the value of real estate could decline due to a variety of factors that affect the real estate market generally. Investments in REITs may have additional risks. REITs are dependent on the capability of their managers, may have limited diversification, and could be significantly affected by changes in tax laws. Some REITs may utilize leverage, which increases investment risk and may potentially increase the Portfolio’s losses.

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

These risks are fully discussed in the Variable Products prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Portfolio.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. Please contact your financial advisor or insurance agent representative at your financial institution to obtain Portfolio performance information current to the most recent month-end.

Effective May 1, 2022, the Portfolio made certain changes to its principal strategies, including the modification of the strategies to invest in ETFs, most or all of which are passively managed; reduce allocations to international securities; add the Risk Management Component; and eliminate the targets for allocation of investments in natural resource equity securities and inflation-sensitive equity securities. In addition, effective May 1, 2018, the Portfolio amended its principal strategies by eliminating the static targets for allocation of investments among asset classes, changing the securities selection strategies used for the equity portion of the Portfolio, and broadening the types of real asset securities in which the Portfolio invests. In light of these changes, the performance shown for periods prior to May 1, 2022, is based on the Portfolio’s prior principal strategies and may not be representative of the Portfolio’s performance under its current principal strategies.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Portfolio carefully before investing. For additional copies of the Portfolio’s prospectus or summary prospectus, which contains this and other information, call your financial advisor or (800) 227 4618. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Portfolio have been deducted, but no adjustment has been made for insurance company separate account or annuity contract charges, which would reduce total return to a contract owner. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

There are additional fees and expenses associated with all Variable Products. These fees can include mortality and expense risk charges, administrative charges, and other charges that can significantly reduce investment returns. Those fees and expenses are not reflected in this annual report. You should consult your Variable Products prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses and speak to your insurance agent or financial representative if you have any questions. You should read the prospectus before investing or sending money.

 

4


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

            
THE PORTFOLIO VS. ITS BENCHMARKS    Net Asset Value Returns  
PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 (unaudited)    1 Year        5 Years1        10 Years1  
Balanced Hedged Allocation Portfolio Class A2      -18.99%          2.31%          5.63%  
Balanced Hedged Allocation Portfolio Class B2      -19.17%          2.06%          5.37%  
Primary Benchmark: MSCI ACWI (net)      -18.36%          5.23%          7.98%  
Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index3      -13.01%          0.02%          1.06%  
Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index (USD hedged)      -11.22%          0.36%          1.70%  

1   Average annual returns.

2   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class-action settlements, which enhanced the performance of all share classes of the Portfolio for the annual period ended December 31, 2022, by 0.02%.

3   Effective May 1, 2022, the secondary index used for comparison with the Portfolio’s performance has changed from the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index (USD hedged) to the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index to show how the Portfolio’s performance compares with the returns of an index of securities similar to those in which the Portfolio invests.

    

    

    

            

The Portfolio’s current prospectus fee table shows the Portfolio’s total annual operating expense ratios as 0.67% and 0.92% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT

12/31/2012 TO 12/31/2022 (unaudited)

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in Balanced Hedged Allocation Portfolio Class A shares (from 12/31/2012 to 12/31/2022) as compared with the performance of the Portfolio’s current and previous benchmarks. The chart assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

 

See Disclosures, Risks and Note About Historical Performance on pages 3-4.

 

5


 
BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

    Beginning
Account Value
July 1, 2022
    Ending
Account Value
December 31, 2022
    Expenses Paid
During Period*
    Annualized
Expense Ratio*
    Total
Expenses Paid
During Period+
    Total
Annualized
Expense Ratio+
 

Class A

           

Actual

  $   1,000     $ 963.50     $ 3.41       0.69   $ 3.76       0.76

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $   1,021.73     $   3.52       0.69   $   3.87       0.76
           

Class B

           

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 963.00     $ 4.65       0.94   $ 5.00       1.01

Hypothetical**

  $ 1,000     $ 1,020.47     $ 4.79       0.94   $ 5.14       1.01

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**   Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

 

+   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Portfolio’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

6


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
December 31, 2022 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

SECURITY    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF NET ASSETS  

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF

   $ 53,434,774          30.1

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

     28,379,274          16.0  

Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF

     28,362,432          16.0  

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

     21,697,280          12.2  

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

     11,441,500          6.4  

Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF

     5,747,442          3.2  

U.S. Treasury Notes

     4,597,847          2.6  

Vanguard Small-Cap ETF

     4,129,650          2.3  

Vanguard Real Estate ETF

     4,041,520          2.3  

S&P 500 Index

     2,593,500          1.5  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   164,425,219          92.6

SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN2

December 31, 2022 (unaudited)

 

 

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

Investment Companies

   $   157,233,872          88.4

Options Purchased—Puts

     6,559,555          3.7  

Inflation-Linked Securities

     4,597,847          2.6  

Options Purchased—Calls

     1,588,210          0.9  

Corporates—Investment Grade

     193,998          0.1  

Short-Term Investments

     7,692,198          4.3  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ 177,865,680          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

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

 

7


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                         

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–88.7%

     

FUNDS AND INVESTMENT TRUSTS–88.7%(a)

     

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

      352,000     $ 21,697,280  

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

      245,000       11,441,500  

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF

      139,077       53,434,774  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

      292,600       28,379,274  

Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF(b)

      28,200       5,747,442  

Vanguard Real Estate ETF(b)

      49,000       4,041,520  

Vanguard Small-Cap ETF(b)

      22,500       4,129,650  

Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF

      394,800       28,362,432  
     

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies
(cost $170,696,688)

        157,233,872  
     

 

 

 
    Notional
Amount
       

OPTIONS PURCHASED–PUTS–3.7%

     

OPTIONS ON EQUITY INDICES–3.7%

     

S&P 500 Index
Expiration: Dec 2024; Contracts: 50; Exercise Price: USD 4,200.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.(c)

    USD       21,000,000       2,593,500  

S&P 500 Index
Expiration: Dec 2024; Contracts: 35; Exercise Price: USD 4,100.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.(c)

    USD       14,350,000       1,666,525  

S&P 500 Index
Expiration: Dec 2024; Contracts: 27; Exercise Price: USD 4,000.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.(c)

    USD       10,800,000       1,171,530  
                                                         

S&P 500 Index
Expiration: Dec 2024; Contracts: 20; Exercise Price: USD 4,300.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.(c)

    USD       8,600,000     1,128,000  
     

 

 

 

Total Options Purchased–Puts
(premiums paid $7,009,410)

        6,559,555  
     

 

 

 
    Principal
Amount
(000)
       

INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–2.6%

     

UNITED STATES–2.6%

     

U.S. Treasury Notes
0.125%, 01/15/2032
(cost $5,268,986)

    U.S.$       5,239       4,597,847  
     

 

 

 
    Notional
Amount
       

OPTIONS PURCHASED–CALLS–0.9%

     

OPTIONS ON EQUITY INDICES–0.9%

     

S&P 500 Index
Expiration: Dec 2024; Contracts: 15; Exercise Price: USD 4,200.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.(c)

    USD       6,300,000       613,950  

S&P 500 Index
Expiration: Dec 2024; Contracts: 12; Exercise Price: USD 4,000.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.(c)

    USD       4,800,000       611,160  

S&P 500 Index
Expiration: Dec 2024; Contracts: 10; Exercise Price: USD 4,300.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.(c)

    USD       4,300,000       363,100  
     

 

 

 

Total Options Purchased–Calls
(premiums paid $1,955,535)

        1,588,210  
     

 

 

 

 

8


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                         

CORPORATES–INVESTMENT GRADE–0.1%

     

INDUSTRIAL–0.1%

     

SERVICES–0.1%

     

Chicago Parking Meters
4.93%, 12/30/2025(d)
(cost $200,000)

    U.S.$       200     $ 193,998  
     

 

 

 
    Shares        

COMMON STOCKS–0.0%

     

ENERGY – 0.0%

     

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–0.0%

     

Gazprom PJSC(d)(e)

      31,460       –0 – 

LUKOIL PJSC(d)(e)

      790       –0 – 
     

 

 

 
        –0 – 
     

 

 

 

MATERIALS–0.0%

     

METALS & MINING–0.0%

     

MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC (ADR)(c)(d)(e)

      2,540       –0 – 
     

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $272,623)

        –0 – 
     

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–4.3%

     

INVESTMENT COMPANIES – 4.3%

     

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 4.12%(a)(f)(g)
(cost $7,692,198)

      7,692,198       7,692,198  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned–100.3%
(cost $193,095,440)

        177,865,680  
     

 

 

 
              
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                         

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–1.1%

     

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–1.1%

     

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB,
4.12%(a)(f)(g)
(cost $1,978,425)

      1,978,425     $ 1,978,425  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–101.4% (cost $195,073,865)

        179,844,105  

Other assets less liabilities–(1.4)%

        (2,453,679
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

      $ 177,390,426  
     

 

 

 

 

9


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

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

Purchased Contracts

 

E-Mini Russell 2000 Futures

     2        March 2023      $ 177,090      $ (11,464

MSCI EAFE Futures

     7        March 2023        682,290        (29,837

MSCI Emerging Markets Futures

     5        March 2023        239,850        (8,702

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

     93        March 2023        17,953,650        (659,084

S&P Mid 400 E-Mini Futures

     2        March 2023        488,520        (19,780

U.S. Long Bond (CBT) Futures

     50        March 2023        6,267,188        (57,315

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

     536        March 2023          60,191,125        (408,778
           

 

 

 
            $   (1,194,960
           

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

(b)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)   Non-income producing security.

 

(d)   Fair valued by the Adviser.

 

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

 

(f)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

Currency Abbreviations:

USD—United States Dollar

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

CBT—Chicago Board of Trade

EAFE—Europe, Australia, and Far East

ETF—Exchange Traded Fund

MSCI—Morgan Stanley Capital International

PJSC—Public Joint Stock Company

See notes to financial statements.

 

10


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $185,403,242)

   $ 170,173,482 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $9,670,623—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $1,978,425)

     9,670,623  

Cash

     2,471  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $11)

     12  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     28,549  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     27,145  

Unaffiliated dividends and interest receivable

     26,087  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     5  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     179,928,374  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     1,978,425  

Payable for variation margin on futures

     147,296  

Advisory fee payable

     68,958  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     39,600  

Distribution fee payable

     35,301  

Administrative fee payable

     23,956  

Foreign capital gains tax payable

     13,800  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     150  

Accrued expenses

     230,462  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     2,537,948  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 177,390,426  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 21,739  

Additional paid-in capital

     182,087,411  

Accumulated loss

     (4,718,724
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 177,390,426  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 16,241,235          1,961,152        $ 8.28  
B      $   161,149,191          19,778,053        $   8.15  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $8,441,350 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

11


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Year Ended December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $27,846)

   $ 3,460,506  

Affiliated issuers

     139,426  

Interest (net of foreign taxes withheld of $143)

     721,069  

Securities lending income

     12,841  
  

 

 

 
     4,333,842  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     995,302  

Distribution fee—Class B

     465,033  

Transfer agency—Class A

     460  

Transfer agency—Class B

     4,661  

Custody and accounting

     120,024  

Audit and tax

     107,406  

Administrative

     92,509  

Legal

     69,114  

Directors’ fees

     20,109  

Printing

     15,325  

Miscellaneous

     23,233  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,913,176  

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

     (155,733
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     1,757,443  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     2,576,399  
  

 

 

 

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

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

     (3,685,980

Investment transactions(a)

     22,135,291  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     2,260,394  

Futures

     (8,073,709

Swaps

     264,013  

Foreign currency transactions

     (2,605,361

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

  

Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

     (4,266,342

Investments(b)

     (52,375,945

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (491,430

Futures

     (1,220,824

Swaps

     49,082  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (5,038
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (48,015,849
  

 

 

 

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

     2,636  
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (45,436,814
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Net of foreign realized capital gains taxes of $6,888.

 

(b)   Net of decrease in accrued foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized gains of $1,429.

See notes to financial statements.

 

12


    
BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income

   $ 2,576,399     $ 3,030,763  

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     10,294,648       20,060,382  

Net realized gain distributions from Underlying Portfolios

     –0 –      2,321,524  

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

     (58,310,497     5,781,625  

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

     2,636       72  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (45,436,814     31,194,366  

Distributions to Shareholders

 

Class A

     (2,419,129     (615,351

Class B

     (24,164,652     (5,621,797

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net increase (decrease)

     3,638,903       (22,864,424
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (68,381,692     2,092,794  

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     245,772,118       243,679,324  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 177,390,426     $ 245,772,118  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

13


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Balanced Hedged Allocation Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) (formerly known as AB Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to maximize total return consistent with the determination of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) of reasonable risk. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 10 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

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

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

 

15


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities:

          

Assets:

 

Investment Companies

   $ 157,233,872      $ –0 –     $             –0 –    $ 157,233,872  

Options Purchased—Puts

     –0 –       6,559,555        –0 –      6,559,555  

Inflation-Linked Securities

     –0 –       4,597,847        –0 –      4,597,847  

Options Purchased—Calls

     –0 –       1,588,210        –0 –      1,588,210  

Corporates—Investment Grade

     –0 –       193,998        –0 –      193,998  

Common Stocks:

          

Energy

     –0 –       –0 –       0 (a)      –0 – 

Materials

     –0 –       –0 –       0 (a)      –0 – 

Short-Term Investments

     7,692,198        –0 –       –0 –      7,692,198  

Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund

     1,978,425        –0 –       –0 –      1,978,425  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     166,904,495        12,939,610        0 (a)      179,844,105  

Other Financial Instruments(b):

          

Assets

     –0 –       –0 –       –0 –      –0 – 

Liabilities:

 

Futures

     (1,194,960      –0 –       –0 –      (1,194,960 )(c) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 165,709,535      $ 12,939,610      $ 0 (a)    $ 178,649,145  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

3. Currency Translation

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

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .45% of the first $2.5 billion, .425% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. Prior to May 2, 2022, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to .75% and 1.00% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2022, there was no such reimbursement. This fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement agreement extends through May 1, 2023 and then may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $92,509.

 

17


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $1,773 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2023. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such waiver amounted to $8,111.

In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in other AB mutual funds, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse the expenses payable to the Adviser by the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fees of AB mutual funds, as paid by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. These fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will remain in effect until May 1, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such waivers and/or reimbursements amounted to $147,074.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

                                        Distributions  

Fund

  Market Value
12/31/21
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Realized
Gain (Loss)
(000)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appr. (Depr.)
(000)
    Market Value
12/31/22
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
    Realized
Gains
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $ 1,525     $ 126,581     $ 120,414     $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 7,692     $ 139     $ –0 – 

AB Discovery Growth Fund, Inc.

    3,174       –0 –      2,346       (400     (428     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

AB Trust—AB Discovery Value Fund

    3,246       –0 –      2,923       7       (330     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Bernstein Fund, Inc.: International Small Cap Portfolio

    8,146       –0 –      7,073       (658     (415     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

International Strategic Equities Portfolio

    42,838       –0 –      37,952       (2,434     (2,452     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Small Cap Core Portfolio

    3,267       –0 –      2,808       122       (581     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

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

    3,784       –0 –      3,401       (323     (60     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Government Money Market Portfolio*

    214       101,216       99,452       –0 –      –0 –      1,978       1       –0 – 
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        $ (3,686   $ (4,266   $ 9,670     $ 140     $ –0 – 
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021, the Adviser reimbursed the Portfolio $2,636 and $72, respectively, for trading losses incurred due to a trade entry error.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

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

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 230,108,845      $ 249,830,577  

U.S. government securities

     28,459,925        37,665,252  

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

 

Cost

   $ 195,073,865  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 1,225,640  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (16,455,400
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized depreciation

   $ (15,229,760
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Futures

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

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

 

19


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

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

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Option Transactions

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

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

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

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held purchased options for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Swaps

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

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

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

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

Interest Rate Swaps:

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

 

21


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

on a notional amount. The Portfolio may elect to pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate, or, receive a fixed rate and pay a floating rate on a notional amount.

In addition, the Portfolio may also enter into interest rate swap transactions to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, or protecting against an increase in the price of securities the Portfolio anticipates purchasing at a later date. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Portfolio with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments) computed based on a contractually-based principal (or “notional”) amount. Interest rate swaps are entered into on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Portfolio receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments).

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held interest rate swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Inflation (CPI) Swaps:

Inflation swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index (the Consumer Price Index with respect to CPI swaps) over the term of the swap (with some lag on the inflation index), and the other pays a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swaps may be used to protect the net asset value, or NAV, of a Portfolio against an unexpected change in the rate of inflation measured by an inflation index since the value of these agreements is expected to increase if there are unexpected inflation increases.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held inflation (CPI) swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Credit Default Swaps:

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

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

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

 

22


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held credit default swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

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

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

    

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

   Fair Value     

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Interest rate contracts

        Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures   $ 466,093

Equity contracts

        Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures     728,867

Equity contracts

  Investments in securities, at value    $ 8,147,765       
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

       $8,147,765        $ 1,194,960  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

*   Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities.

This amount reflects cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures and centrally cleared swaps as reported in the portfolio of investments.

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures    $ (4,271,491   $ (491,957

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures      (3,802,218     (728,867

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of forward currency exchange contracts      2,260,394       (491,430

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments      (1,198,550     (817,180

 

23


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps    $ 255,903     $ (42,437

Credit contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps      8,110       91,519  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ (6,747,852   $ (2,480,352
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the year ended December 31, 2022:

 

Futures:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 73,028,712  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 5,596,467 (a) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 30,919,282 (b) 

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 56,239,741 (b) 

Purchased Options:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 102,438,889 (c) 

Inflation Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 6,210,000 (d) 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 2,620,338 (e) 

Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 481,851 (e) 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 2,111,818 (e) 

 

(a)   Positions were open for five months during the year.

 

(b)   Positions were open for six months during the year.

 

(c)   Positions were open for nine months during the year.

 

(d)   Positions were open for four months during the year.

 

(e)   Positions were open for three months during the year.

2. Currency Transactions

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

3. TBA and Dollar Rolls

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

 

24


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Portfolio may enter into certain TBA transactions known as dollar rolls. Dollar rolls involve sales by the Portfolio of securities for delivery in the current month and the Portfolio’s simultaneously contracting to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Portfolio forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities. The Portfolio is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Portfolio is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. Dollar rolls are speculative techniques. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio earned drop income of $12,457 which is included in interest income in the accompanying statement of operations.

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Portfolio cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Portfolio receives non-cash collateral, the Portfolio will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any dividend income or other distributions from the securities; however, these distributions will not be afforded the same preferential tax treatment as qualified dividends. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Portfolio earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

                       

Government Money Market
Portfolio

 

Market Value of
Securities on
Loan*

   

Cash Collateral*

   

Market Value of
Non-Cash
Collateral*

   

Income from
Borrowers

   

Income

Earned

   

Advisory Fee
Waived

 
$ 8,441,350     $ 1,978,425     $ 6,701,698     $ 11,804     $ 1,037     $ 548  

 

*   As of December 31, 2022.

 

25


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
          Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

Class A

         

Shares sold

    124,450       195,158       $ 1,307,388     $ 2,203,872  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    264,675       53,369         2,419,127       615,351  

Shares redeemed

    (289,813     (388,807       (2,886,339     (4,445,529
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    99,312       (140,280     $ 840,176     $ (1,626,306
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    888,386       1,167,051       $ 8,974,615     $ 13,063,851  

Shares issued on reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    2,684,961       494,442         24,164,652       5,621,797  

Shares redeemed

    (3,131,166     (3,578,639       (30,340,540     (39,923,766
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    442,181       (1,917,146     $ 2,798,727     $ (21,238,118
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2022, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 68% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

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

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

ETF Risk—ETFs, are investment companies and are subject to market and selection risk. When the Portfolio invests in an ETF, the Portfolio bears its share of the ETF’s expenses and runs the risk that the ETF may not achieve its investment objective.

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

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

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

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

 

26


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

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

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

Real Assets Risk—The Portfolio’s investments in securities linked to real assets involve significant risks, including financial, operating, and competitive risks. Investments in securities linked to real assets expose the Portfolio to adverse macroeconomic conditions, such as a rise in interest rates or a downturn in the economy in which the asset is located. Changes in inflation rates or in the market’s inflation expectations may adversely affect the market value of inflation-sensitive equities. The Portfolio’s investments in real estate securities have many of the same risks as direct ownership of real estate, including the risk that the value of real estate could decline due to a variety of factors that affect the real estate market generally. Investments in real estate investment trusts, or REITs, may have additional risks. REITs are dependent on the capability of their managers, may have limited diversification, and could be significantly affected by changes in tax laws. Some REITs may utilize leverage, which increases investment risk and may potentially increase the Portfolio’s losses.

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio may be exposed to debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. The FCA and LIBOR’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration, have since announced that most LIBOR settings (which reflect LIBOR rates quoted in different currencies over various time periods) will no longer be published after the end of 2021 but that the most widely used U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will continue to be published until June 30, 2023. However, banks were strongly encouraged to cease entering into agreements with counterparties referencing LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is possible that a subset of LIBOR settings will be published after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. Since 2018 the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has published the secured overnight funding rate (referred to as SOFR), which is intended to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities in the repurchase agreement (repo) market and has been used increasingly on a voluntary basis in new instruments and transactions. In addition, on March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate Act was signed into law. This law provides a statutory fallback mechanism to replace LIBOR with a benchmark rate that is selected by the Federal Reserve Board and based on SOFR for certain contracts that reference LIBOR without adequate fallback provisions.

The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect a Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers

 

27


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, potentially adversely affecting a Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known.

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

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

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the year ended December 31, 2022.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

     2022      2021  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 8,298,483      $ 2,456,552  

Net long-term capital gains

     18,285,298        3,780,596  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 26,583,781      $ 6,237,148  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 1,625,224  

Undistributed capital gains

     8,899,982  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (15,230,130 )(a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings (deficit)

   $ (4,704,924
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2022, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

During the current fiscal year, permanent differences primarily due to contributions from the Adviser resulted in a net decrease in accumulated loss and a net decrease in additional paid-in capital. These reclassifications had no effect on net assets.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)—Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848”. ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR

 

28


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

29


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS A  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $11.75       $10.61       $10.24       $10.10       $11.86  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .15       .16       .13       .19       .23  

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

    (2.25     1.29       .78       1.58       (.87

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (c)      .00 (c)      –0 –      –0 –      .00 (c) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (2.10     1.45       .91       1.77       (.64
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.35     (.06     (.24     (.29     (.23

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (1.02     (.25     (.30     (1.34     (.89
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (1.37     (.31     (.54     (1.63     (1.12
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $8.28       $11.75       $10.61       $10.24       $10.10  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

    (18.99 )%      13.73     9.41     18.53     (6.17 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $16,241       $21,879       $21,252       $24,347       $23,967  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)‡

    .63     .56     .55     .55     .66

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)‡

    .71     .75     .77     .75     .75

Net investment income(b)

    1.50     1.43     1.38     1.81     2.05

Portfolio turnover rate**

    135     63     66     63     150
         

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .09     .20     .22     .22     .11

 

 

See footnote summary on page 32.

 

30


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS B  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $11.58       $10.47       $10.10       $9.98       $11.73  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .12       .13       .11       .16       .20  

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

    (2.22     1.26       .78       1.56       (.86

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (c)      .00 (c)      –0 –      –0 –      .00 (c) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (2.10     1.39       .89       1.72       (.66
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.31     (.03     (.22     (.26     (.20

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (1.02     (.25     (.30     (1.34     (.89
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (1.33     (.28     (.52     (1.60     (1.09
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $8.15       $11.58       $10.47       $10.10       $9.98  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)*

    (19.17 )%      13.36     9.25     18.20     (6.41 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $161,149       $223,893       $222,427       $231,071       $220,274  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)‡ 

    .88     .81     .80     .80     .91

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)‡ 

    .96     1.00     1.02     1.00     1.00

Net investment income(b)

    1.24     1.20     1.14     1.57     1.79

Portfolio turnover rate**

    135     63     66     63     150
         

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .09     .20     .22     .22     .11

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 32.

 

31


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

(d)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(e)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years ended December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, such waiver amounted to .08%, .19%, .20%, .20% and .09%, respectively.

 

(f)   The expense ratios presented below exclude interest/bank overdraft expense:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Class A

          

Net of waivers/reimbursements

     .63     .56     .55     .54     .66

Before waivers/reimbursements

     .71     .75     .77     .75     .75

Class B

          

Net of waivers/reimbursements

     .88     .81     .80     .79     .91

Before waivers/reimbursements

     .96     1.00     1.02     1.00     1.00

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the year ended December 31, 2022 by .02%.

 

**   The Portfolio accounts for dollar roll transactions as purchases and sales.

See notes to financial statements.

 

32


 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of AB Balanced Hedged Allocation Portfolio

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Balanced Hedged Allocation Portfolio (formerly known as AB Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio) (the “Portfolio”) (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Portfolio (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Portfolio’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

February 14, 2023

 

33


 
 
2022 TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Portfolio during the taxable year ended December 31, 2022. For corporate shareholders, 12.01% of dividends paid qualify for the dividends received deduction. The Portfolio designates $18,285,298 of dividends paid as long-term capital gain dividends.

 

34


      
BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION  
PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS   

Garry L. Moody(1), Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Onur Erzan, President and
Chief Executive Officer

  

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

Jeanette W. Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1)

  
OFFICERS   

Rohith Eggidi(2), Vice President

Daniel J. Loewy(2), Vice President

Marshall Greenbaum(2), Vice President

Nancy E. Hay, Secretary

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Vice President

  

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller

Jennifer Friedland, Chief Compliance Officer

  

CUSTODIAN AND ACCOUNTING AGENT

State Street Bank and Trust Company

State Street Corporation CCB/5

1 Iron Street

Boston, MA 02210

  

LEGAL COUNSEL

Seward & Kissel LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

  

DISTRIBUTOR

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.

501 Commerce Street

Nashville, TN 37203

  

TRANSFER AGENT

AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 786003

San Antonio, TX 78278

Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC

ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

One Manhattan West

New York, NY 10001

  

 

 

 

 

(1)

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

(2)

The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Portfolio’s portfolio are made by the Adviser’s Multi-Asset Solutions Team. Messrs. Eggidi, Loewy and Greenbaum are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio’s portfolio.

 

35


 
BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Board of Directors Information

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Directors is set forth below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,

AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED)**

 

PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR
     
INTERESTED DIRECTOR    
     

Onur Erzan,#

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

47

(2021)

  Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the ‘‘Adviser”), Head of Global Client Group and Head of Private Wealth. He oversees AB’s entire private wealth management business and third-party institutional and retail franchise, where he is responsible for all client services, sales and marketing, as well as product strategy, management and development worldwide. Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the AB Mutual Funds as of April 1, 2021. He is also a member of the Equitable Holdings Management Committee. Prior to joining the firm in January 2021, he spent 19 years with McKinsey (management consulting firm), most recently as a senior partner and co-leader of its Wealth & Asset Management practice. In addition, he co-led McKinsey’s Banking & Securities Solutions (a portfolio of data, analytics, and digital assets and capabilities) globally.     73     None
     
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS    
     

Garry L. Moody##

Chairman of the Board

70

(2008)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council, where he serves as Chairman of its Governance Committee. He is Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees since January 2023; he has served as a director or trustee since 2008, and served as Chairman of the Audit Committee of such funds from 2011–February 2023.     73     None
     

Jorge A. Bermudez,##

71

(2020)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016; and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Moody’s Corporation since December 2022. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.     73     Moody’s Corporation since April 2011

 

36


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,

AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED)**

  

PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

(continued)

   
      

Michael J. Downey,##

79

(2005)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2018 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.     73     None
      

Nancy P. Jacklin,##

74

(2006)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008–2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002–May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992–2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985–1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982–1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973–1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.     73     None
      

Jeanette W. Loeb,##

70

(2020)

   Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund, Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.     73    

Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011

      

 

37


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,

AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED)**

  

PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

(continued)

   
      

Carol C . McMullen,##

67

(2016)

   Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010–2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016, and serves as Chair of the Audit Committees of such funds since February 2023.     73     None
      

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.##

81

(2005)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (semi-conductor manufacturing equipment). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the board of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has served as both Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees from 2014 through December 2022.     73     None
      

 

 

 

*

The address for each of the Company’s Directors is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal and Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Directors.

 

***

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes and skills relevant to each Director’s qualifications to serve as a Director, which led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director for the Fund.

 

# 

Mr. Erzan is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the “1940 Act”, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

##

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

38


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Portfolio’s Officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*
AND AGE
     PRINCIPAL POSITION(S)
HELD WITH FUND
     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

Onur Erzan

47

     President and Chief
Executive Officer
     See biography above.
         

Rohith Eggidi

35

     Vice President      Vice President of the Adviser** since 2020. Prior thereto, he was associated in a substantially similar capacity to his current position as an Associate Portfolio Manager since prior to 2018 at AnchorPath Financial, LLC, an investment management firm specializing in risk management solutions which was acquired by the Adviser in 2020.
         

Daniel J. Loewy

48

     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is also Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions and Chief Investment Officer for Dynamic Asset Allocation.
         

Marshall Greenbaum

54

     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser** since 2020. Prior thereto, principal (and founder) of AnchorPath Financial, LLC, an investment management firm specializing in risk management solutions which was acquired by the Adviser in 2020, since prior to 2018.
         

Nancy E. Hay

50

     Secretary      Vice President and Counsel of the Adviser,** with which she has been associated since prior to 2018 and Assistant Secretary of ABI**.
         

Michael B. Reyes

46

     Senior Vice President      Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Joseph J. Mantineo

63

     Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer
     Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Phyllis J. Clarke

62

     Controller      Vice President of the ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Jennifer Friedland

48

     Chief Compliance Officer      Vice President of the Adviser** since 2020 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer (of all Funds since January 2023 and of the ETF Funds since 2022). Before joining the Adviser in 2020, she was Chief Compliance Officer at WestEnd Advisors, LLC from prior to 2018 until 2019.

 

 

 

*   The address for each of the Portfolio’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**   The Adviser, ABI, and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund.

 

       The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) has additional information about the Fund’s Directors and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or the Adviser at (800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

39


    
      
BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

OPERATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PORTFOLIO’S LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio to designate an Administrator of the Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Portfolio’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Portfolio’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”).

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2022, which covered the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Portfolio’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Portfolio will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner.

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Portfolio classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Portfolio’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Portfolio participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Portfolio is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Portfolio’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Portfolio’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, liquidity in all markets was significantly recovered and improved compared to the prior reporting period which included extreme levels of price volatility and relative illiquidity beginning in March 2020 with COVID-19 impacts. As such, the program operated in a relatively robust and benign liquidity environment experienced in markets during the Program Reporting Period. There were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

40


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Balanced Hedged Allocation Portfolio (formerly AB Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio) (the “Fund”) at a meeting held in-person on August 2-3, 2022 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Vice President for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund and the money market fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests a portion of its assets.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2020 and 2021 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is

 

41


BALANCED HEDGED ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors noted that the Fund was not profitable to the Adviser in the periods reviewed.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund and the money market fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Fund’s unprofitability to the Adviser would be exacerbated without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class B Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class B Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended May 31, 2022 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s pro forma contractual effective advisory fee rate (reflecting a reduction in the advisory fee rate effective May 2022 with a peer group median. Taking into account the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year, the directors noted that the Adviser’s pro forma total rate of compensation was equal to the peer group median.

The directors considered the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser for services to any sub-advised funds utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund.

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class B shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class B expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The information provided included a pro forma expense ratio to reflect changes to the Fund’s expenses effective May 2022. The Adviser had agreed to cap the Fund’s expenses, but the directors noted that the Fund’s pro forma expense ratio was currently below the level of the Adviser’s cap. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s pro forma expense ratio was above the expense group median. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanation for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s pro forma expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on

 

42


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

43


VPS-BHA-0151-1222


DEC    12.31.22

 

LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION  
PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

LETTER TO INVESTORS

February 14, 2023

The following is an update of AB Variable Products Series Fund—Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) for the annual reporting period ended December 31, 2022.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

The Portfolio’s investment objective is to maximize total return consistent with the Adviser’s determination of reasonable risk. The Portfolio invests in a globally diversified portfolio of equity and debt securities, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and other financial instruments, and expects to enter into derivatives transactions, such as options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps to achieve market exposure. The Portfolio’s neutral weighting, from which it will make its tactical asset allocations, is 60% equity exposure and 40% debt exposure. Within these broad components, the Portfolio may invest in any type of security, including common and preferred stocks, warrants and convertible securities, government and corporate fixed-income securities, commodities, currencies, real estate-related securities, and inflation-indexed securities. The Portfolio may invest in US, non-US and emerging-market issuers. The Portfolio may invest in securities of companies across the capitalization spectrum, including smaller capitalization companies. The Portfolio expects its investments in fixed-income securities to have a broad range of maturities and quality levels. The Portfolio is expected to be highly diversified across industries, sectors and countries, and will choose its positions from several market indices worldwide in a manner that is intended to track the performance (before fees and expenses) of those indices.

The Adviser will continuously monitor the risks presented by the Portfolio’s asset allocation and may make frequent adjustments to the Portfolio’s exposures to different asset classes. Using its proprietary Dynamic Asset Allocation (“DAA”) techniques, the Adviser employs a discretionary volatility reduction/management strategy intended to reduce overall volatility and limit downside exposure. The Adviser adjusts the Portfolio’s exposure to the equity and debt markets, and to segments within those markets, in response to the Adviser’s assessment of the relative risks and returns of those segments. For example, when the Adviser determines that equity market volatility is particularly low and that, therefore, the equity markets present reasonable return opportunities, the Adviser may increase the Portfolio’s equity exposure to as much as 80%. Conversely, when the Adviser determines that the risks in the equity markets are disproportionately greater than the potential returns offered, the Adviser may reduce the Portfolio’s equity exposure significantly below the target percentage or may even decide to eliminate equity exposure altogether by increasing the Portfolio’s fixed-income exposure to 100%. This investment strategy is intended to reduce the Portfolio’s overall investment risk, but may at times result in the Portfolio underperforming the markets.

The Portfolio expects to utilize derivatives and to invest in ETFs to a significant extent. Derivatives and ETFs may provide more efficient and economical exposure to market segments than direct investments, and the Portfolio’s market exposures may at times be achieved almost entirely through the use of derivatives or through the investments in ETFs. Derivatives transactions and ETFs may also be a quicker and more efficient way to alter the Portfolio’s exposure than buying and selling direct investments. As a result, the Adviser expects to use derivatives as one of the primary tools for adjusting the Portfolio’s exposure levels from its neutral weighting. The Adviser also expects to use direct investments and ETFs to adjust the Portfolio’s exposure levels. In determining when and to what extent to enter into derivatives transactions or to invest in ETFs, the Adviser considers factors such as the relative risks and returns expected of potential investments and the cost of such transactions. The Adviser considers the impact of derivatives and ETFs in making its assessment of the Portfolio’s risks.

Currency exchange-rate fluctuations can have a dramatic impact on returns, significantly adding to returns in some years and greatly diminishing them in others. To the extent that the Portfolio invests in non-US dollar-denominated investments, the Adviser will integrate the risks of foreign currency exposures into its investment and asset-allocation decision-making. The Adviser may seek to hedge all or a portion of the currency exposure resulting from the Portfolio’s investments. The Adviser may also seek investment opportunities through currencies and currency-related derivatives.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table on page 5 shows the Portfolio’s performance compared with its primary benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) World Index, the Bloomberg US Treasury Index and its blended benchmark, a 60%/40% blend of the MSCI World Index and the Bloomberg US Treasury Index, respectively, for the one-, five- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

For the annual period, all share classes of the Portfolio underperformed the primary and blended benchmarks, as well as the Bloomberg US Treasury Index. The Portfolio’s diversified approach, which targets a 60%/40% allocation

 

1


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

to equities and bonds, underperformed due to multiple detractors over the annual period. The Portfolio began the year modestly overweight to equity, which was motivated by the Portfolio’s Senior Investment Management Team’s (the “Team’s”) expectation that pent-up consumer and corporate demand, strong consumer and corporate quality metrics, and supportive policies would continue to support the global economic expansion. One of the tools the Team decided to utilize in 2022 was an extension in duration, which was a result of the Team’s desire to employ additional forms of risk management for the year. This duration extension resulted in a longer duration than the benchmark, which detracted from relative returns when fixed income sold off dramatically over the year, as inflation proved to be the dominant market risk.

By the end of February, the Portfolio had moved to an underweight to equities. The omicron surge resulted in economies delaying their reopening schedules, which made the supply and demand imbalance persist longer than expected. When combined with the fact that inflation had largely surpassed central bank targets, the odds of a “policy mistake” increased, especially since some of the inflation drivers were not tied to policy measures. Additionally at this time, the Russia-Ukraine tensions were not only meaningful from a geopolitical tail-risk perspective but also as it relates to the upside risks to commodity prices. The Team maintained an underweight to equities for the remainder of the year, as inflation continued to unsettle markets. Supply constraints and disruptions related to the various paces at which different parts of the global economy have reopened since the worst of the pandemic continued to push prices higher. Most concerning to central bank policymakers was that the increase in prices had moved beyond goods markets contaminated by supply-chain or commodity-related disruptions. Services prices in the Western world surged as well, making it clear that slowing demand would be necessary to bring the global economy back into equilibrium.

The Portfolio ended the period with an underweight to risk assets including developed-market equities and real assets, though the Portfolio did begin to moderate that underweight in December. During the period, the Portfolio’s US large-cap and international equity underweight detracted from performance, specifically in the fourth quarter. The Portfolio’s option allocations contributed to performance, as did an emerging-market equity overweight toward the end of the period.

During the annual period, the Portfolio used derivatives for hedging and investment purposes in the form of futures, currency forwards, purchased options and total return swaps, which detracted from absolute returns, while credit default swaps added.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

US, international and emerging-market stocks declined during the annual period ended December 31, 2022. In response to persistently high inflation, central banks—led by the US Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)—took a hawkish pivot, which raised concerns that rapidly rising borrowing costs would slow economic growth significantly and tip global economies into recession. Volatility increased and stocks pulled back after the Fed announced its first interest-rate hike in March 2022, which was followed by six additional rate raises, including four consecutive 0.75% increases. Equity markets rebounded briefly at the end of the period, after some early evidence of easing inflationary pressures raised hopes that the Fed and other key central banks would soon slow the pace of rate hikes. Optimism faded and equity markets gave back gains after the Fed downshifted to a 0.50% rate hike but strongly reaffirmed its higher-for-longer conviction. Both value- and growth-oriented stocks declined for the year. Value stocks significantly outperformed growth stocks, as growth stocks have been pressured more by rising interest rates throughout most of the year. Large-cap stocks narrowly outperformed small-cap stocks on a relative basis, but both declined in absolute terms.

Fixed-income government bond market yields rose sharply, and bond prices fell significantly in all major developed markets, as most central banks raised interest rates to combat high and persistent inflation. Lower-than-expected inflation numbers late in the period led to optimism that central bank policy rate increases would moderate. Longer-term bonds fell the most in the UK and eurozone, and by the least in Japan. Securitized assets generally outperformed other credit-risk sectors. Global investment-grade corporate bonds, which typically have longer maturities and are more sensitive to changes in yields than high-yield corporates, underperformed global treasuries—trailing US Treasury bonds in the US while outperforming eurozone treasuries in the euro bloc. Developed-market high-yield corporate bonds modestly outperformed global treasuries, trailing in the US and outperforming in the eurozone relative to respective treasury markets. Emerging-market sovereign bonds trailed as the US dollar gained on the vast majority of currencies. Emerging-market corporate bonds and local-currency bonds also fell sharply. Brent crude oil prices were extremely volatile and rose during the period.

 

2


 
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Benchmark Disclosure

The MSCI World Index and the Bloomberg US Treasury Index are unmanaged and do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The MSCI World Index (free float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted) represents the equity market performance of developed markets. The Bloomberg US Treasury Index represents the performance of US Treasuries within the US government fixed-income market. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations, and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices, any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Portfolio.

A Word About Risk

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

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

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

Allocation Risk: The allocation of investments among different global asset classes may have a significant effect on the Portfolio’s net asset value (“NAV”) when one of these asset classes is performing more poorly than others. As both the direct investments and derivatives positions will be periodically adjusted to reflect the Adviser’s view of market and economic conditions, there will be transaction costs that may be, over time, significant. In addition, there is a risk that certain asset allocation decisions may not achieve the desired results and, as a result, the Portfolio may incur significant losses.

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

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

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

ETF Risk: ETFs are investment companies. When the Portfolio invests in an ETF, the Portfolio bears its share of the ETF’s expenses and runs the risk that the ETF may not achieve its investment objective.

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio. Derivatives, especially over-the-counter derivatives, are also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable or unwilling to honor its contractual obligations to the Portfolio.

 

 

(Disclosures, Risks and Note About Historical Performance continued on next page)

 

3


DISCLOSURES AND RISKS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Leverage Risk: When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its portfolio, its NAV may be more volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of changes in interest rates and any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase agreements, forward commitments, or by borrowing money.

Illiquid Investments Risk: Illiquid investments risk exists when certain investments are or become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling such investments may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Portfolio. Causes of illiquid investments risk may include low trading volumes, large positions and heavy redemptions of Portfolio shares.

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

Real Estate Risk: The Portfolio’s investments in real estate securities have many of the same risks as direct ownership of real estate, including the risk that the value of real estate could decline due to a variety of factors that affect the real estate market generally. Investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) may have additional risks. REITs are dependent on the capability of their managers, may have limited diversification, and could be significantly affected by changes in taxes. Some REITs may utilize leverage, which increases investment risk and may potentially increase the Portfolio’s losses.

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

These risks are fully discussed in the Variable Products prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Portfolio.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. Please contact your financial advisor or insurance agent representative at your financial institution to obtain Portfolio performance information current to the most recent month-end.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Portfolio carefully before investing. For additional copies of the Portfolio’s prospectus or summary prospectus, which contains this and other information, call your financial advisor or (800) 227 4618. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Portfolio have been deducted, but no adjustment has been made for insurance company separate account or annuity contract charges, which would reduce total return to a contract owner. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

There are additional fees and expenses associated with all Variable Products. These fees can include mortality and expense risk charges, administrative charges, and other charges that can significantly reduce investment returns. Those fees and expenses are not reflected in this annual report. You should consult your Variable Products prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses and speak to your insurance agent or financial representative if you have any questions. You should read the prospectus before investing or sending money.

 

4


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

            
THE PORTFOLIO VS. ITS BENCHMARKS    Net Asset Value Returns  
PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 (unaudited)    1 Year        5 Years1        10  Years1  
Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio Class A      -18.45%          0.17%          3.35%  
Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio Class B      -18.68%          -0.10%          3.08%  
Primary Benchmark: MSCI World Index      -18.14%          6.14%          8.85%  
Bloomberg US Treasury Index      -12.46%          -0.10%          0.58%  
Blended Benchmark: 60% MSCI World Index/
40% Bloomberg US Treasury Index
     -15.58%          4.03%          5.77%  

1   Average annual returns.

            
            

The Portfolio’s current prospectus fee table shows the Portfolio’s total annual operating expense ratios as 0.84% and 1.08% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT

12/31/2012 TO 12/31/2022 (unaudited)

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio Class A shares (from 12/31/2012 to 12/31/2022) as compared with the performance of the Portfolio’s benchmarks. The chart assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

 

 

See Disclosures, Risks and Note About Historical Performance on pages 3-4.

 

5


 
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

     Beginning
Account Value
July 1, 2022
     Ending
Account Value
December 31, 2022
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
    Total
Expenses Paid
During Period+
     Total
Annualized
Expense Ratio+
 

Class A

                

Actual

   $   1,000      $ 981.80      $   4.20        0.84   $   4.25        0.85

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $   1,020.97      $ 4.28        0.84   $ 4.33        0.85
                

Class B

                

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 980.20      $ 5.49        1.10   $ 5.54        1.11

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $ 1,019.66      $ 5.60        1.10   $ 5.65        1.11

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**   Assumes 5% annual return before expenses

 

+   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Portfolio’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

6


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
December 31, 2022 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

SECURITY    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF NET ASSETS  

U.S. Treasury Notes & Bonds

   $ 85,489,659          36.3

Apple, Inc.

     6,048,242          2.6  

Microsoft Corp.

     4,921,826          2.1  

Amazon.com, Inc.

     2,230,872          0.9  

Alphabet, Inc.—Class A

     1,532,379          0.7  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     1,436,788          0.6  

Alphabet, Inc.—Class C

     1,425,625          0.6  

Johnson & Johnson

     1,345,366          0.6  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

     1,331,542          0.6  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.—Class B

     1,164,244          0.5  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   106,926,543          45.5

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN2

December 31, 2022 (unaudited)

 

 

ASSET CLASSES      ALLOCATION  

Equities

      

U.S. Large Cap

       37.8

International Large Cap

       18.6  

Emerging Market Equities

       2.0  
      

 

 

 

Subtotal

       58.4  
      

 

 

 

Fixed Income

      

U.S. Bonds

       40.6  

International Bonds

       1.0  
      

 

 

 

Subtotal

       41.6  
      

 

 

 

Total

       100.0

SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN3

December 31, 2022 (unaudited)

 

 

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

Common Stocks

   $ 144,531,224          61.6

Governments—Treasuries

     85,489,659          36.4  

Options Purchased—Puts

     974,036          0.4  

Short-Term Investments

     3,657,573          1.6  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   234,652,492          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio breakdown is expressed as an approximate percentage of the Portfolio’s total investments inclusive of derivative exposure, based on the Adviser’s internal classification guidelines.

 

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

 

7


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

COMMON STOCKS–61.3%

 

   
     

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–12.4%

     

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.4%

     

Arista Networks, Inc.(a)

      705     $ 85,552  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

      11,995       571,442  

F5, Inc.(a)

      173       24,827  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

      934       29,851  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

      484       124,731  

Nokia Oyj

      15,674       72,817  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson–Class B

      8,454       49,535  
     

 

 

 
        958,755  
     

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–0.5%

     

Amphenol Corp.–Class A

      1,723       131,189  

Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a)

      186       19,450  

Azbil Corp.

      299       7,507  

CDW Corp./DE

      392       70,003  

Cognex Corp.

      502       23,649  

Corning, Inc.

      2,326       74,292  

Halma PLC

      1,099       26,173  

Hamamatsu Photonics KK

      449       21,430  

Hexagon AB–Class B

      5,637       59,104  

Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.

      89       11,162  

Ibiden Co., Ltd.

      341       12,297  

Keyence Corp.

      624       242,265  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.(a)

      520       88,956  

Kyocera Corp.

      959       47,602  

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

      1,617       79,743  

Omron Corp.

      553       26,725  

Shimadzu Corp.(b)

      678       19,194  

TDK Corp.

      1,062       34,551  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

      927       106,420  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.(a)

      136       54,388  

Trimble, Inc.(a)

      717       36,252  

Venture Corp. Ltd.

      462       5,889  

Yaskawa Electric Corp.(b)

      638       20,356  

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

      634       10,062  

Zebra Technologies Corp.–Class A(a)

      150       38,461  
     

 

 

 
        1,267,120  
     

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–2.3%

     

Accenture PLC–Class A

      1,833       489,118  

Adyen NV(a)(c)

      63       87,460  

Affirm Holdings, Inc.(a)(b)

      563       5,444  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a)

      461       38,862  

Amadeus IT Group SA(a)

      1,305       67,700  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

      1,204       287,587  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Bechtle AG

      237     $ 8,377  

Black Knight, Inc.(a)

      452       27,911  

Block, Inc.(a)

      1,534       96,397  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

      340       45,604  

Capgemini SE

      475       79,409  

CGI, Inc.(a)

      615       53,011  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.–Class A

      1,500       85,785  

Computershare Ltd.

      1,573       27,710  

Edenred

      723       39,350  

EPAM Systems, Inc.(a)

      167       54,733  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

      1,761       119,484  

Fiserv, Inc.(a)

      1,760       177,883  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.(a)

      207       38,022  

Fujitsu Ltd.

      551       73,458  

Gartner, Inc.(a)

      230       77,312  

Global Payments, Inc.

      803       79,754  

GMO Payment Gateway, Inc.

      164       13,563  

GoDaddy, Inc.–Class A(a)

      453       33,893  

International Business Machines Corp.

      2,616       368,568  

Itochu Techno-Solutions Corp.

      255       5,915  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

      212       37,219  

Mastercard, Inc.–Class A

      2,500       869,325  

MongoDB, Inc.(a)

      198       38,974  

NEC Corp.(b)

      709       24,864  

Nexi SpA(a)(c)

      1,709       13,491  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

      954       22,680  

NTT Data Corp.

      1,822       26,551  

Nuvei Corp.(a)(b)(c)

      188       4,778  

Obic Co., Ltd.(b)

      221       32,445  

Okta, Inc.(a)

      437       29,860  

Otsuka Corp.(b)

      330       10,402  

Paychex, Inc.

      939       108,511  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)

      3,182       226,622  

SCSK Corp.

      392       5,934  

Shopify, Inc.–Class A(a)

      3,436       119,296  

Snowflake, Inc.–Class A(a)

      645       92,583  

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

      665       34,620  

TIS, Inc.

      594       15,611  

Toast, Inc.–Class A(a)(b)

      713       12,855  

Twilio, Inc.–Class A(a)

      502       24,578  

VeriSign, Inc.(a)

      280       57,523  

Visa, Inc.–Class A(b)

      4,736       983,951  

Western Union Co. (The)

      1,117       15,381  

Wix.com Ltd.(a)

      166       12,754  

Worldline SA/France(a)(c)

      693       27,140  
     

 

 

 
        5,330,258  
     

 

 

 

 

8


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

MEDIA–0.0%

     

Trade Desk, Inc. (The)–Class A(a)

      1,286     $ 57,651  
     

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–2.6%

     

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)

      4,676       302,865  

Advantest Corp.

      577       36,956  

Analog Devices, Inc.

      1,490       244,405  

Applied Materials, Inc.

      2,492       242,671  

ASM International NV

      136       34,508  

ASML Holding NV

      1,178       642,306  

Broadcom, Inc.

      1,170       654,182  

Disco Corp.

      156       44,463  

Enphase Energy, Inc.(a)

      393       104,129  

Entegris, Inc.

      432       28,335  

Infineon Technologies AG

      3,782       114,942  

Intel Corp.

      11,893       314,332  

KLA Corp.

      411       154,959  

Lam Research Corp.

      397       166,859  

Lasertec Corp.(b)

      271       44,246  

Marvell Technology, Inc.

      2,469       91,452  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

      1,600       112,400  

Micron Technology, Inc.

      3,195       159,686  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

      129       45,616  

NVIDIA Corp.

      7,213       1,054,108  

NXP Semiconductors NV

      761       120,261  

ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)

      1,255       78,274  

Qorvo, Inc.(a)

      299       27,101  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

      3,253       357,635  

Renesas Electronics Corp.(a)

      3,317       29,317  

Rohm Co., Ltd.

      279       20,001  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

      465       42,376  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.(a)

      162       45,890  

STMicroelectronics NV

      1,979       70,326  

SUMCO Corp.(b)

      934       12,374  

Teradyne, Inc.

      454       39,657  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

      2,647       437,337  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.(b)

      430       126,346  

Tower Semiconductor Ltd.(a)

      316       13,794  

Wolfspeed, Inc.(a)(b)

      360       24,854  
     

 

 

 
        6,038,963  
     

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–3.9%

     

Adobe, Inc.(a)

      1,356       456,335  

ANSYS, Inc.(a)

      253       61,122  

Aspen Technology, Inc.(a)

      84       17,254  

Autodesk, Inc.(a)

      630       117,728  

AVEVA Group PLC

      350       13,547  

Bentley Systems, Inc.–Class B

      561       20,735  

Bill.com Holdings, Inc.(a)

      274       29,855  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(a)

      794       127,548  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.(a)

      399     $ 25,596  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.(a)

      291       36,713  

Cloudflare, Inc.–Class A(a)

      738       33,365  

Coinbase Global, Inc.–Class A(a)

      358       12,670  

Constellation Software, Inc./Canada

      59       92,115  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc.–Class A(a)

      588       61,911  

CyberArk Software Ltd.(a)

      118       15,299  

Dassault Systemes SE

      1,930       69,402  

Datadog, Inc.–Class A(a)

      716       52,626  

Descartes Systems Group, Inc. (The)(a)

      246       17,149  

DocuSign, Inc.(a)

      579       32,088  

Dropbox, Inc.–Class A(a)

      797       17,837  

Fair Isaac Corp.(a)

      74       44,295  

Fortinet, Inc.(a)

      1,941       94,895  

HubSpot, Inc.(a)

      133       38,454  

Intuit, Inc.

      777       302,424  

Microsoft Corp.

      20,523       4,921,826  

Nemetschek SE

      167       8,538  

Nice Ltd.(a)

      184       35,398  

NortonLifeLock, Inc.

      1,661       35,595  

Open Text Corp.

      775       22,964  

Oracle Corp.

      4,632       378,620  

Oracle Corp.Japan

      142       9,233  

Palantir Technologies, Inc.–Class A(a)

      4,835       31,041  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.(a)

      866       120,842  

Paycom Software, Inc.(a)

      148       45,926  

Paylocity Holding Corp.(a)

      120       23,311  

PTC, Inc.(a)

      324       38,893  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

      307       132,652  

Sage Group PLC (The)

      2,951       26,573  

Salesforce, Inc.(a)

      2,897       384,113  

SAP SE

      3,025       312,303  

ServiceNow, Inc.(a)

      586       227,526  

Splunk, Inc.(a)

      471       40,548  

Synopsys, Inc.(a)

      443       141,445  

Temenos AG (REG)

      184       10,122  

Trend Micro, Inc./Japan(a)(b)

      389       18,193  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.(a)

      121       39,012  

Unity Software, Inc.(a)

      716       20,470  

VMware, Inc.–Class A(a)

      612       75,129  

WiseTech Global Ltd.

      425       14,617  

Workday, Inc.–Class A(a)

      583       97,553  

Xero Ltd.(a)

      391       18,644  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc.–Class A(a)

      654       44,302  

Zscaler, Inc.(a)

      247       27,639  
     

 

 

 
        9,093,991  
     

 

 

 

 

9


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–2.7%

     

Apple, Inc.

      46,550     $ 6,048,242  

Brother Industries Ltd.

      585       8,842  

Canon, Inc.(b)

      2,811       60,841  

Dell Technologies, Inc.–Class C

      769       30,929  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

      1,009       50,451  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

      3,763       60,057  

HP, Inc.

      2,995       80,476  

Logitech International SA (REG)(b)

      501       31,067  

NetApp, Inc.

      637       38,258  

Ricoh Co., Ltd.

      1,572       11,965  

Seagate Technology Holdings PLC

      574       30,198  

Seiko Epson Corp.

      792       11,523  

Western Digital Corp.(a)

      911       28,742  
     

 

 

 
        6,491,591  
     

 

 

 
        29,238,329  
     

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–8.9%

     

BIOTECHNOLOGY–1.3%

     

AbbVie, Inc.

      5,122       827,766  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

      348       82,702  

Amgen, Inc.

      1,550       407,092  

Argenx SE(a)

      160       59,654  

Biogen, Inc.(a)

      421       116,583  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.(a)

      537       55,574  

CSL Ltd.

      1,396       272,212  

Exact Sciences Corp.(a)

      512       25,349  

Genmab A/S(a)

      191       80,754  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

      3,631       311,721  

Grifols SA(a)(b)

      864       9,978  

Horizon Therapeutics PLC(a)

      634       72,149  

Incyte Corp.(a)

      548       44,015  

Moderna, Inc.(a)

      964       173,154  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.(a)

      277       33,085  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

      311       224,383  

Seagen, Inc.(a)

      401       51,533  

Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB(a)

      489       10,121  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

      743       214,564  
     

 

 

 
        3,072,389  
     

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.5%

     

Abbott Laboratories

      5,073       556,965  

Alcon, Inc.

      1,448       99,360  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Align Technology, Inc.(a)

      215     $ 45,343  

Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.(b)

      541       8,825  

Avantor, Inc.(a)

      1,952       41,168  

Baxter International, Inc.

      1,451       73,957  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

      826       210,052  

BioMerieux

      122       12,818  

Boston Scientific Corp.(a)

      4,147       191,882  

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

      117       14,706  

Cochlear Ltd.(b)

      191       26,378  

Coloplast A/S–Class B

      344       40,300  

Cooper Cos., Inc. (The)

      143       47,286  

Demant A/S(a)

      266       7,418  

DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.

      624       19,868  

Dexcom, Inc.(a)

      1,137       128,754  

DiaSorin SpA

      73       10,215  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

      1,796       134,000  

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp., Ltd.

      1,672       23,923  

Getinge AB–Class B

      662       13,763  

Hologic, Inc.(a)

      723       54,088  

Hoya Corp.

      1,048       100,376  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(a)

      242       98,726  

Insulet Corp.(a)

      201       59,172  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)

      1,035       274,637  

Koninklijke Philips NV

      2,575       38,747  

Masimo Corp.(a)

      145       21,453  

Medtronic PLC

      3,852       299,377  

Novocure Ltd.(a)(b)

      273       20,025  

Olympus Corp.

      3,480       61,379  

ResMed, Inc.

      425       88,455  

Siemens Healthineers AG(c)

      817       40,753  

Smith & Nephew PLC

      2,521       33,667  

Sonova Holding AG (REG)

      156       37,050  

STERIS PLC

      290       53,560  

Straumann Holding AG (REG)

      324       37,153  

Stryker Corp.

      987       241,312  

Sysmex Corp.

      491       29,642  

Teleflex, Inc.

      136       33,950  

Terumo Corp.

      1,851       52,477  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

      608       77,520  
     

 

 

 
        3,460,500  
     

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.5%

     

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

      451       74,735  

Amplifon SpA

      360       10,749  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

      789       60,650  

Centene Corp.(a)

      1,656       135,809  

Cigna Corp.

      884       292,905  

CVS Health Corp.

      3,803       354,402  

DaVita, Inc.(a)

      159       11,872  

Elevance Health, Inc.

      696       357,027  

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

      595     $ 19,434  

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

      1,223       34,161  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

      665       159,573  

Henry Schein, Inc.(a)

      394       31,469  

Humana, Inc.

      367       187,974  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings

      262       61,696  

McKesson Corp.

      417       156,425  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.(a)

      169       55,807  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

      338       52,877  

Ramsay Health Care Ltd.(b)

      530       23,273  

Sonic Healthcare Ltd.

      1,321       26,884  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

      2,710       1,436,788  

Universal Health Services, Inc.–Class B

      191       26,910  
     

 

 

 
        3,571,420  
     

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY–0.1%

     

M3, Inc.

      1,230       33,411  

Veeva Systems, Inc.–Class A(a)

      406       65,520  
     

 

 

 
        98,931  
     

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–0.9%

     

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

      858       128,400  

Bachem Holding AG (REG)(b)

      96       8,330  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.–Class A(a)

      65       27,332  

Bio-Techne Corp.

      452       37,462  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.(a)

      148       32,249  

Danaher Corp.

      2,002       531,371  

Eurofins Scientific SE

      390       28,001  

Illumina, Inc.(a)

      456       92,203  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.(a)

      541       110,846  

Lonza Group AG (REG)

      216       106,029  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(a)

      66       95,400  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

      366       51,321  

QIAGEN NV(a)

      659       33,128  

Repligen Corp.(a)

      153       25,904  

Sartorius AG (Preference Shares)

      71       28,036  

Sartorius Stedim Biotech

      81       26,322  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

      1,135       625,033  

Waters Corp.(a)

      174       59,609  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

      215       50,600  
     

 

 

 
        2,097,576  
     

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–3.6%

     

Astellas Pharma, Inc.

      5,285       80,362  

AstraZeneca PLC

      4,488       607,313  

Bayer AG (REG)

      2,846       146,484  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

      6,185     $ 445,011  

Catalent, Inc.(a)

      495       22,280  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

      1,883       48,029  

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.

      5,058       162,800  

Eisai Co., Ltd.

      745       49,134  

Elanco Animal Health, Inc.(a)

      1,235       15,092  

Eli Lilly & Co.

      2,340       856,066  

GSK PLC

      11,781       203,614  

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC

      478       8,908  

Ipsen SA

      110       11,832  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)

      182       28,994  

Johnson & Johnson

      7,616       1,345,366  

Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.

      705       16,147  

Merck & Co., Inc.

      7,338       814,151  

Merck KGaA

      375       72,353  

Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd.

      106       6,015  

Novartis AG (REG)

      6,266       567,057  

Novo Nordisk A/S–Class B

      4,795       651,236  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

      994       23,233  

Orion Oyj–Class B

      309       16,940  

Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd.

      1,078       35,156  

Pfizer, Inc.

      16,257       833,009  

Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica SpA

      303       12,595  

Roche Holding AG (BR)

      78       30,225  

Roche Holding AG (Genusschein)

      2,035       639,473  

Royalty Pharma PLC–Class A

      1,013       40,034  

Sanofi

      3,304       318,593  

Shionogi & Co., Ltd.

      759       37,869  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

      4,343       135,704  

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sponsored ADR)(a)

      3,216       29,330  

UCB SA

      366       28,838  

Viatris, Inc.

      3,512       39,089  

Zoetis, Inc.

      1,356       198,722  
     

 

 

 
        8,577,054  
     

 

 

 
        20,877,870  
     

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–8.7%

     

BANKS–3.8%

     

ABN AMRO Bank NV(c)

      1,169       16,188  

AIB Group PLC

      3,097       11,888  

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd.

      8,660       139,503  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

      17,574       105,853  

Banco Santander SA

      48,646       145,457  

Bank Hapoalim BM

      3,632       32,702  

Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM

      4,471       37,238  

Bank of America Corp.

      20,822       689,625  

 

11


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Bank of Ireland Group PLC

      3,100     $ 29,541  

Bank of Montreal

      1,945       176,199  

Bank of Nova Scotia (The)

      3,465       169,770  

Banque Cantonale Vaudoise (REG)

      87       8,341  

Barclays PLC

      46,561       88,597  

BNP Paribas SA

      3,218       183,230  

BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

      10,031       34,053  

CaixaBank SA

      12,841       50,347  

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

      2,620       105,980  

Chiba Bank Ltd. (The)

      1,514       11,046  

Citigroup, Inc.

      5,610       253,740  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

      1,435       56,496  

Commerzbank AG(a)

      3,083       28,825  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia(b)

      4,929       342,343  

Concordia Financial Group Ltd.

      3,121       13,031  

Credit Agricole SA

      3,505       36,870  

Danske Bank A/S

      1,997       39,387  

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

      5,175       130,988  

DNB Bank ASA

      2,694       53,207  

Erste Group Bank AG

      996       31,867  

Fifth Third Bancorp

      1,987       65,193  

FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA

      1,767       29,343  

First Citizens BancShares, Inc./NC–Class A

      35       26,543  

First Horizon Corp.

      1,554       38,073  

First Republic Bank/CA

      530       64,602  

Hang Seng Bank Ltd.

      1,305       21,645  

HSBC Holdings PLC

      57,838       358,453  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc./OH

      4,177       58,896  

ING Groep NV

      10,912       132,921  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA

      48,391       107,206  

Israel Discount Bank Ltd.–Class A

      3,583       18,810  

Japan Post Bank Co., Ltd.(b)

      1,118       9,585  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

      8,495       1,139,179  

KBC Group NV

      725       46,679  

KeyCorp

      2,701       47,051  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

      197,551       107,806  

M&T Bank Corp.

      509       73,836  

Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario SpA

      1,753       16,845  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

      34,587       232,197  

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd.

      446       14,395  

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

      6,954       97,970  

National Australia Bank Ltd.(b)

      9,173       186,245  

National Bank of Canada(b)

      975       65,694  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

NatWest Group PLC

      15,394     $ 49,095  

Nordea Bank Abp (Stockholm)

      9,738       104,313  

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd.

      9,327       84,839  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

      1,188       187,633  

Regions Financial Corp.

      2,706       58,341  

Resona Holdings, Inc.

      6,222       34,174  

Royal Bank of Canada(b)

      4,031       378,985  

Shizuoka Financial Group, Inc.

      1,194       9,568  

Signature Bank/New York NY

      183       21,085  

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB–Class A

      4,680       53,880  

Societe Generale SA

      2,338       58,646  

Standard Chartered PLC

      7,242       54,015  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

      3,733       150,188  

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc.

      917       31,999  

SVB Financial Group(a)

      172       39,584  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB–Class A

      4,224       42,527  

Swedbank AB–Class A

      2,623       44,615  

Toronto-Dominion Bank (The)

      5,268       341,097  

Truist Financial Corp.

      3,842       165,321  

UniCredit SpA

      5,564       78,951  

United Overseas Bank Ltd.

      2,692       61,662  

US Bancorp

      4,088       178,278  

Webster Financial Corp.

      509       24,096  

Wells Fargo & Co.

      10,987       453,653  

Westpac Banking Corp.

      10,141       160,547  
     

 

 

 
        8,848,571  
     

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–1.9%

     

3i Group PLC

      2,770       44,673  

Abrdn PLC(b)

      6,232       14,162  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

      314       97,770  

Amundi SA(c)

      177       10,037  

Ares Management Corp.–Class A

      448       30,661  

ASX Ltd.(b)

      561       25,838  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

      2,224       101,236  

BlackRock, Inc.

      437       309,671  

Blackstone, Inc.

      2,033       150,828  

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd.–Class A(a)

      1,014       29,035  

Brookfield Corp.

      4,058       127,614  

Carlyle Group, Inc. (The)

      575       17,158  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

      307       38,519  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

      4,212       350,691  

CME Group, Inc.

      1,041       175,055  

Credit Suisse Group AG (REG)

      12,613       37,655  

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Daiwa Securities Group, Inc.

      3,863     $ 17,070  

Deutsche Bank AG (REG)

      5,986       67,292  

Deutsche Boerse AG

      551       94,877  

EQT AB(b)

      863       18,335  

Euronext NV(c)

      248       18,360  

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

      110       44,133  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

      866       22,845  

Futu Holdings Ltd. (ADR)(a)(b)

      150       6,098  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

      989       339,603  

Hargreaves Lansdown PLC

      1,030       10,607  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.

      3,590       154,263  

IGM Financial, Inc.(b)

      240       6,700  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

      1,618       165,991  

Invesco Ltd.

      988       17,774  

Japan Exchange Group, Inc.

      1,388       20,005  

Julius Baer Group Ltd.

      619       36,026  

KKR & Co., Inc.

      1,619       75,154  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

      953       81,883  

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.

      231       49,935  

Macquarie Group Ltd.

      1,064       120,113  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

      109       30,399  

Moody’s Corp.

      479       133,459  

Morgan Stanley

      3,730       317,125  

MSCI, Inc.

      234       108,850  

Nasdaq, Inc.

      999       61,289  

Nomura Holdings, Inc.

      8,421       31,204  

Northern Trust Corp.

      574       50,793  

Onex Corp.(b)

      210       10,126  

Partners Group Holding AG

      66       58,442  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

      563       60,157  

S&P Global, Inc.

      987       330,586  

SBI Holdings, Inc./Japan(b)

      695       13,242  

Schroders PLC

      2,118       11,129  

SEI Investments Co.

      334       19,472  

Singapore Exchange Ltd.

      1,635       10,933  

St. James’s Place PLC

      1,575       20,748  

State Street Corp.

      1,065       82,612  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

      654       71,325  

TMX Group Ltd.

      161       16,114  

Tradeweb Markets, Inc.–Class A

      311       20,193  

UBS Group AG (REG)

      9,698       180,249  
     

 

 

 
        4,566,114  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–0.2%

     

Ally Financial, Inc.

      893       21,834  

American Express Co.

      1,846       272,746  

Capital One Financial Corp.

      1,112       103,372  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Discover Financial Services

      792     $ 77,481  

Synchrony Financial

      1,395       45,840  
     

 

 

 
        521,273  
     

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–0.7%

     

Apollo Global Management, Inc.

      1,158       73,869  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.–Class B(a)

      3,769       1,164,244  

Element Fleet Management Corp.(b)

      1,142       15,561  

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

      1,088       31,226  

Eurazeo SE

      126       7,844  

EXOR NV(a)

      314       22,989  

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert NV

      288       23,016  

Industrivarden AB–Class A

      377       9,170  

Industrivarden AB–Class C

      446       10,821  

Investor AB–Class A

      1,444       26,865  

Investor AB–Class B

      5,277       95,519  

Kinnevik AB–Class B(a)(b)

      702       9,662  

L E Lundbergforetagen AB–Class B

      220       9,379  

M&G PLC

      7,277       16,455  

Mitsubishi HC Capital, Inc.

      1,823       8,967  

ORIX Corp.

      3,431       54,919  

Sofina SA(b)

      45       9,936  

Wendel SE

      77       7,193  
     

 

 

 
        1,597,635  
     

 

 

 

INSURANCE–2.1%

     

Admiral Group PLC

      521       13,374  

Aegon NV

      5,175       26,220  

Aflac, Inc.

      1,739       125,104  

Ageas SA/NV

      467       20,722  

AIA Group Ltd.

      33,637       371,466  

Allianz SE (REG)

      1,183       252,639  

Allstate Corp. (The)

      783       106,175  

American Financial Group, Inc./OH

      210       28,829  

American International Group, Inc.

      2,203       139,318  

Aon PLC–Class A

      611       183,385  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.(a)

      1,069       67,112  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

      608       114,632  

Assicurazioni Generali SpA

      3,217       57,206  

Assurant, Inc.

      154       19,259  

Aviva PLC

      8,118       43,063  

AXA SA

      5,414       150,810  

Baloise Holding AG (REG)

      133       20,509  

Brown & Brown, Inc.

      695       39,594  

Chubb Ltd.

      1,210       266,926  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

      438       44,847  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.

      2,813       63,527  

Erie Indemnity Co.–Class A

      74       18,405  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

      115       38,096  

Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd.

      67       39,689  

 

13


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Fidelity National Financial, Inc.

      768     $ 28,892  

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA

      579       11,356  

Globe Life, Inc.

      268       32,307  

Great-West Lifeco, Inc.

      797       18,424  

Hannover Rueck SE

      175       34,529  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

      936       70,977  

iA Financial Corp., Inc.

      307       17,973  

Insurance Australia Group Ltd.

      7,140       22,953  

Intact Financial Corp.

      509       73,271  

Japan Post Holdings Co., Ltd.

      6,867       57,779  

Japan Post Insurance Co., Ltd.

      492       8,653  

Legal & General Group PLC

      17,300       51,868  

Lincoln National Corp.

      468       14,377  

Loews Corp.

      593       34,590  

Manulife Financial Corp.

      5,522       98,491  

Markel Corp.(a)

      40       52,700  

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

      1,446       239,284  

Medibank Pvt Ltd.

      7,977       15,914  

MetLife, Inc.

      1,964       142,135  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc.

      1,292       41,305  

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen (REG)

      406       131,329  

NN Group NV

      808       33,041  

Phoenix Group Holdings PLC

      2,172       15,911  

Poste Italiane SpA(c)

      1,513       14,761  

Power Corp. of Canada(b)

      1,600       37,637  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

      722       60,590  

Progressive Corp. (The)

      1,694       219,729  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

      1,078       107,218  

Prudential PLC

      7,963       108,578  

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

      4,296       38,972  

Sampo Oyj–Class A

      1,390       72,599  

Sompo Holdings, Inc.

      891       39,421  

Sun Life Financial, Inc.

      1,698       78,818  

Suncorp Group Ltd.

      3,657       29,800  

Swiss Life Holding AG (REG)

      90       46,391  

Swiss Re AG

      874       81,720  

T&D Holdings, Inc.

      1,496       21,415  

Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.

      5,312       113,477  

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

      688       128,993  

Tryg A/S

      1,042       24,764  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

      319       78,021  

WR Berkley Corp.

      615       44,630  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

      436       208,442  
     

 

 

 
        5,054,942  
     

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

MORTGAGE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITs)–0.0%

     

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

      1,355     $ 28,563  
     

 

 

 
        20,617,098  
     

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–6.5%

     

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.0%

     

Airbus SE

      1,712       203,561  

BAE Systems PLC

      9,067       93,648  

Boeing Co. (The)(a)

      1,634       311,261  

CAE, Inc.(a)

      920       17,795  

Dassault Aviation SA

      73       12,380  

Elbit Systems Ltd.

      77       12,523  

General Dynamics Corp.

      676       167,722  

HEICO Corp.

      127       19,512  

HEICO Corp.–Class A

      213       25,528  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

      1,083       42,681  

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

      116       26,759  

Kongsberg Gruppen ASA

      257       10,939  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

      555       115,557  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

      692       336,651  

MTU Aero Engines AG

      155       33,346  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

      426       232,430  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

      4,277       431,635  

Rheinmetall AG

      127       25,283  

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC(a)

      24,237       27,072  

Safran SA

      990       124,001  

Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd.

      3,908       9,779  

Textron, Inc.

      613       43,400  

Thales SA

      309       39,481  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

      150       94,447  
     

 

 

 
        2,457,391  
     

 

 

 

AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS–0.3%

     

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

      357       32,687  

Deutsche Post AG (REG)

      2,871       107,452  

DSV A/S

      543       85,868  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

      474       49,258  

FedEx Corp.

      716       124,011  

Kuehne & Nagel International AG (REG)

      158       36,732  

Nippon Express Holdings, Inc.(b)

      241       13,763  

SG Holdings Co., Ltd.

      752       10,427  

United Parcel Service, Inc.–Class B

      2,120       368,541  

Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd.(b)

      796       12,614  
     

 

 

 
        841,353  
     

 

 

 

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

AIRLINES–0.0%

     

Air Canada(a)

      509     $ 7,289  

ANA Holdings, Inc.(a)

      395       8,365  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.(a)

      464       15,247  

Deutsche Lufthansa AG (REG)(a)

      1,731       14,269  

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.(a)

      358       7,292  

Qantas Airways Ltd.(a)

      2,676       10,832  

Singapore Airlines Ltd.(b)

      2,936       12,122  

Southwest Airlines Co.(a)

      429       14,444  
     

 

 

 
        89,860  
     

 

 

 

BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.4%

     

A O Smith Corp.

      372       21,293  

AGC, Inc.(b)

      522       17,323  

Allegion PLC

      255       26,841  

Assa Abloy AB–Class B

      2,903       62,441  

Carlisle Cos., Inc.

      150       35,348  

Carrier Global Corp.

      2,438       100,567  

Cie de Saint-Gobain

      1,431       70,006  

Daikin Industries Ltd.(b)

      719       109,082  

Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc.

      375       21,416  

Geberit AG (REG)

      104       49,096  

Johnson Controls International PLC

      1,995       127,680  

Kingspan Group PLC

      447       24,202  

Lennox International, Inc.

      93       22,248  

Lixil Corp.

      772       11,639  

Masco Corp.

      653       30,476  

Nibe Industrier AB–Class B

      4,389       40,966  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

      1,217       95,303  

Owens Corning

      279       23,799  

ROCKWOOL A/S–Class B

      26       6,087  

TOTO Ltd.(b)

      361       12,245  

Xinyi Glass Holdings Ltd.

      5,186       9,582  
     

 

 

 
        917,640  
     

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.3%

     

Brambles Ltd.

      4,017       32,942  

Cintas Corp.

      264       119,228  

Copart, Inc.(a)

      1,239       75,443  

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.

      566       11,371  

GFL Environmental, Inc.

      527       15,389  

Rentokil Initial PLC

      7,267       44,647  

Republic Services, Inc.

      641       82,682  

Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, Inc.

      321       18,541  

Rollins, Inc.

      642       23,459  

Secom Co., Ltd.

      570       32,523  

Securitas AB–Class B

      1,425       11,891  

TOPPAN, Inc.

      736       10,869  

Waste Connections, Inc.

      745       98,757  

Waste Management, Inc.

      1,193       187,158  
     

 

 

 
        764,900  
     

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.2%

     

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA(b)

      627     $ 17,941  

Bouygues SA

      664       19,914  

Eiffage SA

      242       23,804  

Epiroc AB–Class A

      1,908       34,743  

Epiroc AB–Class B

      1,129       18,162  

Ferrovial SA

      1,413       36,996  

Kajima Corp.

      1,203       14,000  

Obayashi Corp.

      1,784       13,476  

Quanta Services, Inc.

      415       59,137  

Shimizu Corp.

      1,517       8,095  

Skanska AB–Class B

      985       15,615  

Taisei Corp.

      500       16,123  

Vinci SA

      1,558       155,312  

WSP Global, Inc.(b)

      360       41,767  
     

 

 

 
        475,085  
     

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.6%

     

ABB Ltd. (REG)

      4,552       138,734  

AMETEK, Inc.

      665       92,914  

Eaton Corp. PLC

      1,154       181,120  

Emerson Electric Co.

      1,713       164,551  

First Solar, Inc.(a)

      278       41,642  

Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.

      330       12,454  

Generac Holdings, Inc.(a)

      185       18,622  

Hubbell, Inc.

      156       36,610  

Legrand SA

      773       61,980  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

      5,558       55,074  

Nidec Corp.

      1,283       66,022  

Plug Power, Inc.(a)(b)

      1,508       18,654  

Prysmian SpA

      738       27,421  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

      335       86,286  

Schneider Electric SE

      1,572       220,763  

Sensata Technologies Holding PLC

      450       18,171  

Siemens Energy AG(a)

      1,262       23,695  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

      2,925       85,324  
     

 

 

 
        1,350,037  
     

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–0.7%

     

3M Co.

      1,604       192,352  

CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.

      7,047       42,218  

DCC PLC

      286       14,063  

General Electric Co.

      3,176       266,117  

Hitachi Ltd.

      2,822       141,993  

Honeywell International, Inc.

      1,952       418,314  

Investment AB Latour–Class B(b)

      428       8,094  

Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd.(b)

      1,000       21,352  

Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd.

      640       32,557  

 

15


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Keppel Corp., Ltd.(b)

      3,974     $ 21,552  

Lifco AB–Class B

      675       11,298  

Melrose Industries PLC

      11,743       18,919  

Siemens AG (REG)

      2,216       305,478  

Smiths Group PLC

      1,049       20,132  

Toshiba Corp.

      1,145       39,788  
     

 

 

 
        1,554,227  
     

 

 

 

MACHINERY–1.2%

     

Alfa Laval AB

      839       24,270  

Alstom SA

      926       22,656  

Atlas Copco AB–Class A

      7,780       92,181  

Atlas Copco AB–Class B

      4,521       48,238  

Caterpillar, Inc.

      1,530       366,527  

CNH Industrial NV

      2,964       47,548  

Cummins, Inc.

      409       99,097  

Daifuku Co., Ltd.

      302       14,077  

Daimler Truck Holding AG(a)

      1,311       40,302  

Deere & Co.

      841       360,587  

Dover Corp.

      416       56,331  

FANUC Corp.

      608       90,985  

Fortive Corp.

      979       62,901  

GEA Group AG

      439       17,853  

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

      258       5,750  

Hoshizaki Corp.(b)

      302       10,619  

Husqvarna AB–Class B(b)

      1,215       8,533  

IDEX Corp.

      219       50,004  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

      897       197,609  

Indutrade AB

      791       16,041  

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.

      1,168       61,028  

Knorr-Bremse AG

      210       11,424  

Komatsu Ltd.

      2,600       56,197  

Kone Oyj–Class B

      984       50,943  

Kubota Corp.

      2,951       40,315  

Kurita Water Industries Ltd.(b)

      279       11,524  

Makita Corp.(b)

      595       13,861  

MINEBEA MITSUMI, Inc.

      1,033       15,305  

MISUMI Group, Inc.

      730       15,866  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

      863       34,103  

NGK Insulators Ltd.

      596       7,556  

Nordson Corp.

      150       35,658  

PACCAR, Inc.

      1,007       99,663  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

      372       108,252  

Pentair PLC

      476       21,410  

Rational AG

      15       8,907  

Sandvik AB

      3,088       55,805  

Schindler Holding AG

      118       22,194  

Schindler Holding AG (REG)

      68       12,264  

SKF AB–Class B

      1,110       16,954  

SMC Corp.

      210       87,686  

Snap-on, Inc.

      155       35,416  

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

      214       27,334  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

      428     $ 32,151  

Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.

      3,244       36,031  

Toyota Industries Corp.

      406       22,056  

Trane Technologies PLC

      669       112,452  

VAT Group AG(c)

      79       21,687  

Volvo AB–Class A

      580       11,012  

Volvo AB–Class B

      4,371       78,956  

Wartsila OYJ Abp

      1,371       11,560  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

      501       50,005  

Xylem, Inc./NY

      522       57,718  
     

 

 

 
        2,915,402  
     

 

 

 

MARINE–0.1%

     

AP Moller–Maersk A/S–Class A

      9       19,835  

AP Moller–Maersk A/S–Class B

      15       33,579  

Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd.(b)

      917       22,914  

Nippon Yusen KK(b)

      1,389       32,754  

SITC International Holdings Co., Ltd.

      3,000       6,649  

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.(b)

      243       4,177  
     

 

 

 
        119,908  
     

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–0.5%

     

Adecco Group AG (REG)

      463       15,230  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

      384       40,136  

Bureau Veritas SA

      851       22,427  

Clarivate PLC(a)

      877       7,314  

CoStar Group, Inc.(a)

      1,147       88,640  

Equifax, Inc.

      355       68,998  

Experian PLC

      2,666       90,293  

Intertek Group PLC

      467       22,721  

Jacobs Solutions, Inc.

      370       44,426  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

      376       39,552  

Nihon M&A Center Holdings, Inc.

      797       9,807  

Persol Holdings Co., Ltd.

      481       10,231  

Randstad NV(b)

      346       21,141  

Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.

      4,186       131,030  

RELX PLC (London)

      5,560       153,723  

Robert Half International, Inc.

      318       23,478  

SGS SA (REG)

      19       44,257  

Teleperformance

      172       41,119  

Thomson Reuters Corp.

      490       55,898  

TransUnion

      558       31,667  

Verisk Analytics, Inc.

      455       80,271  

Wolters Kluwer NV

      761       79,627  
     

 

 

 
        1,121,986  
     

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–0.7%

     

Aurizon Holdings Ltd.

      5,331       13,506  

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Canadian National Railway Co.

      1,702     $ 202,178  

Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. (Canada)(b)

      2,694       200,856  

Central Japan Railway Co.

      407       49,971  

CSX Corp.

      6,202       192,138  

East Japan Railway Co.(b)

      893       50,863  

Grab Holdings Ltd.–Class A(a)

      3,203       10,314  

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, Inc.

      638       18,902  

JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

      241       42,021  

Keio Corp.(b)

      316       11,575  

Keisei Electric Railway Co., Ltd.(b)

      351       9,972  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd.(b)

      428       14,131  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

      442       23,165  

MTR Corp., Ltd.

      3,764       19,907  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

      681       167,812  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

      826       10,697  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

      276       78,323  

TFI International, Inc.(b)

      231       23,136  

Tobu Railway Co., Ltd.(b)

      482       11,243  

Tokyu Corp.(b)

      1,453       18,299  

U-Haul Holding Co.

      256       14,075  

Uber Technologies, Inc.(a)

      4,301       106,364  

Union Pacific Corp.

      1,809       374,590  

West Japan Railway Co.

      648       28,136  
     

 

 

 
        1,692,174  
     

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.4%

     

AerCap Holdings NV(a)

      392       22,862  

Ashtead Group PLC

      1,276       72,483  

Brenntag SE

      448       28,571  

Bunzl PLC

      978       32,538  

Fastenal Co.

      1,665       78,788  

Ferguson PLC

      604       76,690  

ITOCHU Corp.

      3,401       106,699  

Marubeni Corp.

      4,408       50,498  

Mitsubishi Corp.

      3,611       117,230  

Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

      4,131       120,318  

MonotaRO Co., Ltd.(b)

      632       8,902  

Reece Ltd.(b)

      654       6,252  

Sumitomo Corp.

      3,189       53,011  

Toromont Industries Ltd.

      238       17,175  

Toyota Tsusho Corp.

      592       21,776  

United Rentals, Inc.(a)

      203       72,150  

WW Grainger, Inc.

      133       73,981  
     

 

 

 
        959,924  
     

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE–0.1%

     

Aena SME SA(a)(c)

      218       27,328  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Aeroports de Paris(a)

      86     $ 11,522  

Auckland International Airport Ltd.(a)

      3,625       17,978  

Getlink SE

      1,274       20,401  

Transurban Group

      8,905       78,345  
     

 

 

 
        155,574  
     

 

 

 
        15,415,461  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–6.2%

     

AUTO COMPONENTS–0.2%

     

Aisin Corp.

      343       9,095  

Aptiv PLC(a)

      785       73,107  

BorgWarner, Inc.

      686       27,611  

Bridgestone Corp.(b)

      1,668       59,059  

Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA

      1,965       54,740  

Continental AG

      319       19,017  

Denso Corp.

      1,260       61,790  

Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

      562       8,378  

Lear Corp.

      172       21,331  

Magna International, Inc.

      795       44,659  

Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.

      2,019       22,812  

Valeo

      597       10,667  
     

 

 

 
        412,266  
     

 

 

 

AUTOMOBILES–1.0%

     

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

      959       84,905  

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (Preference Shares)

      172       14,515  

Dr Ing hc F Porsche AG (Preference Shares)(a)

      330       33,301  

Ferrari NV

      365       78,270  

Ford Motor Co.

      11,439       133,036  

General Motors Co.

      4,003       134,661  

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

      4,623       105,446  

Isuzu Motors Ltd.

      1,612       18,688  

Lucid Group, Inc.(a)(b)

      1,211       8,271  

Mazda Motor Corp.

      1,565       11,731  

Mercedes-Benz Group AG

      2,324       151,978  

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

      6,679       20,901  

Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Preference Shares)

      444       24,214  

Renault SA(a)

      556       18,553  

Rivian Automotive, Inc.–Class A(a)(b)

      920       16,956  

Stellantis NV (Milan)

      6,374       90,577  

Subaru Corp.

      1,781       26,964  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

      1,081       34,622  

Tesla, Inc.(a)

      7,715       950,334  

Toyota Motor Corp.(b)

      30,670       418,417  

Volkswagen AG

      86       13,491  

Volkswagen AG (Preference Shares)

      538       66,739  

 

17


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Volvo Car AB–Class B(a)(b)

      1,726     $ 7,859  

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.(b)

      795       17,968  
     

 

 

 
        2,482,397  
     

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTORS–0.1%

 

D’ieteren Group

      72       13,818  

Genuine Parts Co.

      408       70,792  

LKQ Corp.

      755       40,324  

Pool Corp.

      115       34,768  
     

 

 

 
        159,702  
     

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–0.0%

     

IDP Education Ltd.(b)

      604       11,131  
     

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–1.1%

     

Accor SA(a)

      495       12,349  

Airbnb, Inc.–Class A(a)

      1,099       93,964  

Aramark

      672       27,780  

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd.

      1,733       35,710  

Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)

      115       231,757  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.(a)

      621       25,834  

Carnival Corp.(a)

      2,859       23,044  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(a)

      81       112,387  

Compass Group PLC

      5,115       118,116  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

      355       49,107  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

      104       36,026  

Entain PLC

      1,705       27,152  

Evolution AB(c)

      530       51,624  

Expedia Group, Inc.(a)

      441       38,632  

Flutter Entertainment PLC(a)

      484       66,323  

Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.

      5,343       35,128  

Genting Singapore Ltd.(b)

      16,869       12,039  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

      795       100,456  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC

      533       30,583  

La Francaise des Jeux SAEM(c)

      304       12,232  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.(a)

      996       47,878  

Lottery Corp. Ltd. (The)(a)

      6,447       19,651  

Marriott International, Inc./MD–Class A

      799       118,963  

McDonald’s Corp.

      2,131       561,582  

McDonald’s Holdings Co. Japan Ltd.(b)

      192       7,297  

MGM Resorts International

      911       30,546  

Oriental Land Co., Ltd./Japan

      581       84,550  

Restaurant Brands International, Inc.(b)

      842       54,456  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.(a)

      665       32,871  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Sands China Ltd.(a)

      7,020     $ 23,027  

Sodexo SA

      256       24,494  

Starbucks Corp.

      3,324       329,741  

Vail Resorts, Inc.

      117       27,887  

Whitbread PLC

      585       18,087  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.(a)(b)

      313       25,813  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

      824       105,538  
     

 

 

 
        2,652,624  
     

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.3%

     

Barratt Developments PLC

      2,961       14,143  

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

      316       14,406  

DR Horton, Inc.

      953       84,951  

Electrolux AB–Class B(b)

      636       8,593  

Garmin Ltd.

      447       41,254  

Iida Group Holdings Co., Ltd.

      411       6,240  

Lennar Corp.–Class A

      739       66,880  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.(a)

      147       15,026  

Newell Brands, Inc.

      1,138       14,885  

NVR, Inc.(a)

      10       46,126  

Open House Group Co., Ltd.(b)

      200       7,282  

Panasonic Holdings Corp.

      6,371       53,319  

Persimmon PLC

      924       13,548  

PulteGroup, Inc.

      670       30,505  

SEB SA

      72       6,041  

Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

      983       13,701  

Sekisui House Ltd.

      1,689       29,944  

Sharp Corp./Japan(b)

      597       4,288  

Sony Group Corp.

      3,634       276,989  

Taylor Wimpey PLC

      10,230       12,529  

Whirlpool Corp.

      158       22,351  
     

 

 

 
        783,001  
     

 

 

 

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–1.2%

     

Amazon.com, Inc.(a)

      26,558       2,230,872  

Chewy, Inc.–Class A(a)(b)

      269       9,974  

Delivery Hero SE(a)(c)

      492       23,611  

DoorDash, Inc.–Class A(a)

      674       32,905  

eBay, Inc.

      1,591       65,979  

Etsy, Inc.(a)

      367       43,959  

Just Eat Takeaway.com NV(a)(c)

      529       11,259  

MercadoLibre, Inc.(a)

      132       111,704  

Prosus NV

      2,403       165,911  

Rakuten Group, Inc.(a)(b)

      2,513       11,326  

Zalando SE(a)(c)

      648       22,813  

ZOZO, Inc.

      271       6,693  
     

 

 

 
        2,737,006  
     

 

 

 

LEISURE PRODUCTS–0.1%

 

Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc.(b)

      579       36,291  

BRP, Inc.(b)

      105       8,005  

Hasbro, Inc.

      380       23,184  

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Shimano, Inc.(b)

      260     $ 41,085  

Yamaha Corp.(b)

      394       14,621  
     

 

 

 
        123,186  
     

 

 

 

MULTILINE RETAIL–0.4%

 

Canadian Tire Corp., Ltd.–Class A(b)

      161       16,825  

Cie Financiere Richemont SA (REG)

      1,512       196,046  

Dollar General Corp.

      654       161,048  

Dollar Tree, Inc.(a)

      649       91,795  

Dollarama, Inc.

      798       46,672  

Next PLC

      370       25,926  

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp.

      1,071       19,893  

Target Corp.

      1,334       198,819  

Wesfarmers Ltd.(b)

      3,285       102,450  
     

 

 

 
        859,474  
     

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.1%

     

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

      174       25,583  

AutoZone, Inc.(a)

      57       140,572  

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

      661       27,855  

Best Buy Co., Inc.

      587       47,083  

Burlington Stores, Inc.(a)

      190       38,524  

CarMax, Inc.(a)

      461       28,070  

Dynatrace, Inc.(a)

      582       22,291  

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.(b)

      219       133,269  

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB–Class B(b)

      2,115       22,792  

Hikari Tsushin, Inc.

      86       12,105  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

      2,966       936,841  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

      3,159       83,906  

JD Sports Fashion PLC

      7,470       11,352  

Kingfisher PLC

      5,699       16,192  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

      1,798       358,234  

Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd.(b)

      213       27,831  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(a)

      184       155,302  

Ross Stores, Inc.

      1,014       117,695  

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

      3,363       267,695  

Tractor Supply Co.

      322       72,440  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.(a)

      149       69,891  

USS Co., Ltd.

      553       8,774  
     

 

 

 
        2,624,297  
     

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.7%

     

adidas AG

      501       67,899  

Burberry Group PLC

      1,135       27,594  

EssilorLuxottica SA

      843       152,526  

Gildan Activewear, Inc.

      529       14,487  

Hermes International

      92       142,402  

Kering SA

      217       110,437  

Lululemon Athletica, Inc.(a)

      337       107,968  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

      796       579,243  

Moncler SpA

      594       31,563  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

NIKE, Inc.–Class B

      3,660     $ 428,257  

Pandora A/S

      263       18,589  

Puma SE

      306       18,496  

Swatch Group AG (The)

      84       23,875  

Swatch Group AG (The) (REG)

      152       7,904  

VF Corp.

      956       26,395  
     

 

 

 
        1,757,635  
     

 

 

 
        14,602,719  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–4.9%

     

BEVERAGES–1.2%

     

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

      2,516       151,541  

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.(b)

      1,264       39,345  

Brown-Forman Corp.–Class B

      895       58,784  

Budweiser Brewing Co. APAC Ltd.(c)

      4,137       12,932  

Carlsberg AS–Class B

      282       37,407  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

      11,900       756,959  

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC

      595       32,915  

Coca-Cola HBC AG

      583       13,781  

Constellation Brands, Inc.–Class A

      462       107,069  

Davide Campari-Milano NV

      1,514       15,371  

Diageo PLC

      6,595       288,675  

Heineken Holding NV

      292       22,551  

Heineken NV

      751       70,738  

Ito En Ltd.

      176       6,405  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

      2,256       80,449  

Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd.(b)

      2,328       35,482  

Molson Coors Beverage Co.–Class B

      547       28,182  

Monster Beverage Corp.(a)

      1,145       116,252  

PepsiCo, Inc.

      3,973       717,762  

Pernod Ricard SA

      598       117,640  

Remy Cointreau SA

      68       11,466  

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

      338       11,510  

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd.

      2,090       19,308  
     

 

 

 
        2,752,524  
     

 

 

 

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–1.0%

     

Aeon Co., Ltd.

      1,825       38,536  

Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc.

      2,368       104,059  

Carrefour SA

      1,719       28,752  

Coles Group Ltd.

      3,870       43,869  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

      1,284       586,146  

Empire Co., Ltd.–Class A

      471       12,405  

Endeavour Group Ltd./Australia(b)

      3,890       16,929  

George Weston Ltd.

      209       25,931  

 

19


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

HelloFresh SE(a)

      478     $ 10,432  

J Sainsbury PLC

      5,092       13,355  

Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA

      820       17,741  

Kesko Oyj–Class B

      791       17,478  

Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd.

      396       11,413  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV(b)

      3,029       87,088  

Kroger Co. (The)

      1,969       87,778  

Loblaw Cos., Ltd.

      475       41,999  

Metro, Inc./CN

      692       38,316  

Ocado Group PLC(a)(b)

      1,672       12,411  

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.

      2,212       94,798  

Sysco Corp.

      1,466       112,076  

Tesco PLC

      21,621       58,266  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

      2,128       79,502  

Walmart, Inc.

      4,367       619,197  

Welcia Holdings Co., Ltd.

      240       5,594  

Woolworths Group Ltd.(b)

      3,516       80,289  
     

 

 

 
        2,244,360  
     

 

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–1.1%

     

Ajinomoto Co., Inc.(b)

      1,258       38,449  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

      1,624       150,788  

Associated British Foods PLC

      1,031       19,547  

Barry Callebaut AG (REG)

      11       21,722  

Bunge Ltd.

      440       43,899  

Campbell Soup Co.

      609       34,561  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG

      4       40,760  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG (REG)

      1       102,883  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

      1,392       53,870  

Danone SA

      1,860       98,033  

General Mills, Inc.

      1,726       144,725  

Hershey Co. (The)

      426       98,649  

Hormel Foods Corp.

      870       39,629  

JDE Peet’s NV

      291       8,417  

JM Smucker Co. (The)

      309       48,964  

Kellogg Co.

      739       52,646  

Kerry Group PLC–Class A

      461       41,642  

Kikkoman Corp.(b)

      395       20,791  

Kraft Heinz Co. (The)

      2,130       86,712  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

      417       37,263  

McCormick & Co., Inc./MD

      726       60,178  

MEIJI Holdings Co., Ltd.

      320       16,403  

Mondelez International, Inc.–Class A

      3,970       264,601  

Mowi ASA

      1,198       20,414  

Nestle SA (REG)

      7,966       920,148  

Nisshin Seifun Group, Inc.

      562       7,063  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.

      164       12,988  

Orkla ASA

      2,175       15,698  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Salmar ASA

      189     $ 7,412  

Saputo, Inc.(b)

      726       17,973  

Tyson Foods, Inc.–Class A

      839       52,228  

WH Group Ltd.(c)

      23,359       13,624  

Wilmar International Ltd.

      5,113       15,929  

Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

      342       22,263  
     

 

 

 
        2,630,872  
     

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–0.7%

 

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

      704       56,749  

Clorox Co. (The)

      357       50,098  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

      2,295       180,823  

Essity AB–Class B

      1,764       46,194  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

      301       19,344  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Preference Shares)

      516       35,765  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

      978       132,763  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

      6,910       1,047,280  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

      2,073       143,693  

Unicharm Corp.(b)

      1,194       45,714  
     

 

 

 
        1,758,423  
     

 

 

 

PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.4%

     

Beiersdorf AG

      292       33,367  

Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The)–Class A

      671       166,482  

Haleon PLC(a)

      14,711       58,206  

Kao Corp.(b)

      1,393       55,303  

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.(b)

      138       9,459  

Kose Corp.

      96       10,431  

L’Oreal SA

      700       250,668  

Shiseido Co., Ltd.(b)

      1,163       57,003  

Unilever PLC (London)

      7,373       372,246  
     

 

 

 
        1,013,165  
     

 

 

 

TOBACCO–0.5%

 

Altria Group, Inc.

      5,216       238,423  

British American Tobacco PLC

      6,191       244,904  

Imperial Brands PLC

      2,615       65,143  

Japan Tobacco, Inc.(b)

      3,390       68,343  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

      4,490       454,433  
     

 

 

 
        1,071,246  
     

 

 

 
        11,470,590  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION SERVICES–3.9%

     

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.0%

     

AT&T, Inc.

      20,640       379,982  

BCE, Inc.(b)

      211       9,271  

Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication Corp., Ltd.

      6,007       10,305  

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

BT Group PLC

      20,131     $ 27,182  

Cellnex Telecom SA(c)

      1,574       52,212  

Charter Communications, Inc.–Class A(a)

      326       110,547  

Comcast Corp.–Class A

      12,756       446,077  

Deutsche Telekom AG (REG)

      9,388       186,789  

Elisa Oyj

      412       21,838  

HKT Trust & HKT Ltd.

      10,744       13,152  

Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane SpA(c)

      973       9,816  

Koninklijke KPN NV

      9,568       29,615  

Liberty Global PLC–Class A(a)

      477       9,030  

Liberty Global PLC–Class C(a)

      821       15,952  

Lumen Technologies, Inc.

      2,699       14,089  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

      3,367       96,022  

Orange SA

      5,778       57,330  

Quebecor, Inc.–Class B(b)

      455       10,148  

Shaw Communications, Inc.–Class B

      1,381       39,788  

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.

      23,333       44,736  

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.(b)

      2,255       13,169  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

      5,421       18,560  

Swisscom AG (REG)

      75       41,086  

Telecom Italia SpA/Milano(a)

      28,861       6,689  

Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG

      3,015       7,405  

Telefonica SA

      15,055       54,501  

Telenor ASA

      2,026       18,929  

Telia Co. AB(b)

      7,699       19,673  

Telstra Group Ltd.

      11,713       31,677  

TELUS Corp.

      1,357       26,188  

United Internet AG (REG)

      280       5,646  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

      12,165       479,301  

Washington H Soul Pattinson & Co., Ltd.(b)

      627       11,763  
     

 

 

 
        2,318,468  
     

 

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT–0.7%

 

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

      2,266       173,462  

Bollore SE

      2,563       14,323  

Capcom Co., Ltd.(b)

      468       14,939  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

      806       98,477  

Embracer Group AB(a)(b)

      1,882       8,544  

Koei Tecmo Holdings Co., Ltd.(b)

      246       4,449  

Konami Group Corp.

      230       10,434  

Liberty Media Corp-Liberty Formula One–Class C(a)

      568       33,955  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.(a)

      500       34,870  

Netflix, Inc.(a)

      1,289       380,100  

Nexon Co., Ltd.(b)

      1,340       30,084  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Nintendo Co., Ltd.(b)

      3,160     $ 132,867  

ROBLOX Corp.–Class A(a)(b)

      1,027       29,229  

Roku, Inc.(a)

      350       14,245  

Sea Ltd. (ADR)(a)

      944       49,116  

Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

      218       10,121  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)

      483       50,295  

Toho Co., Ltd./Tokyo(b)

      296       11,410  

Ubisoft Entertainment SA(a)

      272       7,684  

Universal Music Group NV

      2,101       50,808  

Walt Disney Co. (The)(a)

      5,281       458,813  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.(a)

      6,680       63,326  
     

 

 

 
        1,681,551  
     

 

 

 

INTERACTIVE MEDIA & SERVICES–1.7%

     

Adevinta ASA(a)

      844       5,589  

Alphabet, Inc.–Class A(a)

      17,368       1,532,379  

Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a)

      16,067       1,425,625  

Auto Trader Group PLC(c)

      2,727       16,982  

Kakaku.com, Inc.

      296       4,749  

Match Group, Inc.(a)

      820       34,022  

Meta Platforms, Inc.–Class A(a)

      6,606       794,966  

Pinterest, Inc.–Class A(a)

      1,688       40,985  

REA Group Ltd.(b)

      153       11,507  

Scout24 SE(c)

      232       11,677  

SEEK Ltd.(b)

      976       13,876  

Snap, Inc.–Class A(a)

      3,231       28,917  

Z Holdings Corp.(b)

      7,735       19,318  

ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc.(a)

      759       22,853  
     

 

 

 
        3,963,445  
     

 

 

 

MEDIA–0.2%

 

CyberAgent, Inc.

      1,204       10,719  

Dentsu Group, Inc.(b)

      626       19,638  

DISH Network Corp.–Class A(a)

      718       10,081  

Fox Corp.–Class A

      887       26,938  

Fox Corp.–Class B

      421       11,977  

Hakuhodo DY Holdings, Inc.

      581       5,831  

Informa PLC

      4,200       31,331  

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)

      1,132       37,707  

Liberty Broadband Corp.–Class C(a)

      363       27,686  

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty SiriusXM–Class A(a)

      213       8,373  

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty SiriusXM–Class C(a)

      475       18,587  

News Corp.–Class A

      1,116       20,311  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

      593       48,371  

Paramount Global–Class B

      1,762       29,743  

 

21


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Pearson PLC

      1,918     $ 21,658  

Publicis Groupe SA

      662       42,290  

Vivendi SE

      2,087       19,937  

WPP PLC

      3,163       31,250  
     

 

 

 
        422,428  
     

 

 

 

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.3%

     

KDDI Corp.

      4,668       141,566  

Rogers Communications, Inc.–Class B

      1,026       48,019  

SoftBank Corp.

      8,287       93,756  

SoftBank Group Corp.(b)

      3,462       146,418  

T-Mobile US, Inc.(a)

      1,817       254,380  

Tele2 AB–Class B

      1,650       13,460  

Vodafone Group PLC

      76,498       77,471  
     

 

 

 
        775,070  
     

 

 

 
        9,160,962  
     

 

 

 

ENERGY–3.5%

 

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.2%

     

Baker Hughes Co.

      2,930       86,523  

Halliburton Co.

      2,627       103,372  

Schlumberger NV

      4,097       219,026  

Tenaris SA

      1,367       23,974  
     

 

 

 
        432,895  
     

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–3.3%

     

Aker BP ASA

      915       28,441  

Ampol Ltd.

      690       13,263  

APA Corp.

      946       44,159  

ARC Resources Ltd.(b)

      1,909       25,731  

BP PLC

      54,501       314,468  

Cameco Corp.(b)

      1,252       28,378  

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.(b)

      3,248       180,367  

Cenovus Energy, Inc.

      4,017       77,937  

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

      651       97,624  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.(b)

      298       28,122  

Chevron Corp.

      5,387       966,913  

ConocoPhillips

      3,688       435,184  

Coterra Energy, Inc.

      2,304       56,609  

Devon Energy Corp.

      1,802       110,841  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

      490       67,022  

Enbridge, Inc.

      5,865       229,229  

ENEOS Holdings, Inc.

      8,837       30,094  

Eni SpA

      7,241       102,963  

EOG Resources, Inc.

      1,698       219,925  

EQT Corp.

      964       32,612  

Equinor ASA

      2,759       99,159  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

      12,072       1,331,542  

Galp Energia SGPS SA

      1,451       19,575  

Hess Corp.

      807       114,449  

HF Sinclair Corp.

      471       24,440  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.(b)

      524     $ 12,268  

Imperial Oil Ltd.

      642       31,270  

Inpex Corp.(b)

      2,918       31,355  

Keyera Corp.(b)

      640       13,986  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

      5,900       106,672  

Marathon Oil Corp.

      1,962       53,111  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

      1,445       168,184  

Neste Oyj

      1,225       56,493  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

      2,698       169,947  

OMV AG

      427       21,965  

ONEOK, Inc.

      1,294       85,016  

Ovintiv, Inc. (New York)

      737       37,373  

Parkland Corp.(b)

      452       9,918  

Pembina Pipeline Corp.

      1,607       54,548  

Phillips 66

      1,394       145,088  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

      657       150,052  

Repsol SA

      3,996       63,604  

Santos Ltd.

      9,233       45,410  

Shell PLC

      21,041       593,163  

Suncor Energy, Inc.

      3,908       123,965  

Targa Resources Corp.

      624       45,864  

TC Energy Corp.

      2,931       116,850  

Texas Pacific Land Corp.

      18       42,196  

TotalEnergies SE

      7,207       452,406  

Tourmaline Oil Corp.

      925       46,674  

Valero Energy Corp.

      1,141       144,747  

Williams Cos., Inc. (The)

      3,529       116,104  

Woodside Energy Group Ltd.(b)

      5,499       133,176  
     

 

 

 
        7,750,452  
     

 

 

 
        8,183,347  
     

 

 

 

MATERIALS–2.8%

 

CHEMICALS–1.4%

 

Air Liquide SA

      1,516       215,174  

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

      643       198,211  

Akzo Nobel NV

      526       35,296  

Albemarle Corp.

      340       73,732  

Arkema SA

      172       15,471  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

      3,575       25,449  

BASF SE

      2,660       130,975  

Celanese Corp.

      314       32,103  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

      577       49,160  

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

      306       22,011  

Clariant AG (REG)

      624       9,910  

Corteva, Inc.

      2,082       122,380  

Covestro AG(c)

      559       21,776  

Croda International PLC

      405       32,229  

Dow, Inc.

      2,080       104,811  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

      1,451       99,582  

Eastman Chemical Co.

      356       28,993  

Ecolab, Inc.

      743       108,151  

EMS-Chemie Holding AG (REG)

      21       14,223  

Evonik Industries AG

      607       11,578  

FMC Corp.

      365       45,552  

 

22


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Givaudan SA (REG)

      27     $ 82,699  

ICL Group Ltd.

      2,050       14,812  

IMCD NV

      165       23,602  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

      739       77,477  

Johnson Matthey PLC

      530       13,545  

JSR Corp.(b)

      512       10,026  

Koninklijke DSM NV

      507       62,257  

Linde PLC

      1,439       469,373  

LyondellBasell Industries NV–Class A

      756       62,771  

Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp.

      3,705       19,181  

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

      440       9,883  

Mosaic Co. (The)

      1,000       43,870  

Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.(b)

      2,322       18,237  

Nippon Sanso Holdings Corp.

      450       6,518  

Nissan Chemical Corp.

      397       17,312  

Nitto Denko Corp.

      414       23,844  

Novozymes A/S–Class B

      592       30,034  

Nutrien Ltd.(b)

      1,561       113,962  

OCI NV

      305       10,905  

Orica Ltd.

      1,301       13,302  

PPG Industries, Inc.

      681       85,629  

RPM International, Inc.

      374       36,446  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

      714       169,454  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

      1,129       137,865  

Sika AG (REG)

      423       101,691  

Solvay SA(b)

      215       21,738  

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

      4,272       15,318  

Symrise AG

      385       41,813  

Toray Industries, Inc.

      3,953       21,984  

Tosoh Corp.

      716       8,514  

Umicore SA

      606       22,289  

Westlake Corp.

      111       11,382  

Yara International ASA

      479       21,036  
     

 

 

 
        3,215,536  
     

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS–0.1%

     

CRH PLC

      2,187       86,977  

HeidelbergCement AG

      419       23,743  

Holcim AG

      1,606       83,132  

James Hardie Industries PLC

      1,290       23,218  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

      181       61,172  

Vulcan Materials Co.

      385       67,417  
     

 

 

 
        345,659  
     

 

 

 

CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–0.2%

     

Amcor PLC

      4,313       51,368  

Avery Dennison Corp.

      236       42,716  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Ball Corp.

      910     $ 46,537  

CCL Industries, Inc.–Class B(b)

      430       18,369  

Crown Holdings, Inc.

      351       28,856  

International Paper Co.

      996       34,491  

Packaging Corp. of America

      272       34,792  

Sealed Air Corp.

      419       20,900  

SIG Group AG

      885       19,338  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

      716       26,535  

Westrock Co.

      736       25,878  
     

 

 

 
        349,780  
     

 

 

 

METALS & MINING–1.0%

 

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.(b)

      1,322       68,697  

Alcoa Corp.

      521       23,690  

Anglo American PLC

      3,680       144,108  

Antofagasta PLC

      1,142       21,318  

ArcelorMittal SA

      1,525       40,233  

Barrick Gold Corp. (Toronto)

      5,129       87,920  

BHP Group Ltd.

      14,673       454,525  

BlueScope Steel Ltd.

      1,363       15,534  

Boliden AB

      792       29,749  

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.(a)

      1,498       24,133  

First Quantum Minerals Ltd.

      1,703       35,582  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.(b)

      4,905       68,558  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

      555       75,655  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

      4,140       157,320  

Glencore PLC

      28,298       188,709  

IGO Ltd.(b)

      1,974       18,057  

Ivanhoe Mines Ltd.–Class A(a)(b)

      1,755       13,869  

JFE Holdings, Inc.

      1,378       15,990  

Kinross Gold Corp.

      3,765       15,349  

Lundin Mining Corp.

      1,892       11,612  

Mineral Resources Ltd.(b)

      494       25,913  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

      2,586       36,262  

Newmont Corp. (New York)

      2,299       108,513  

Nippon Steel Corp.

      2,295       39,821  

Norsk Hydro ASA

      3,895       29,105  

Northern Star Resources Ltd.(b)

      3,374       25,249  

Nucor Corp.

      759       100,044  

Pan American Silver Corp.(b)

      609       9,940  

Pilbara Minerals Ltd.(a)

      7,348       18,607  

Rio Tinto Ltd.

      1,075       84,845  

Rio Tinto PLC

      3,257       229,241  

South32 Ltd.

      13,406       36,754  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

      529       51,683  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.

      672       23,613  

Teck Resources Ltd.–Class B

      1,386       52,379  

 

23


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

voestalpine AG

      336     $ 8,900  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

      1,308       51,103  
     

 

 

 
        2,442,580  
     

 

 

 

PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS–0.1%

     

Holmen AB–Class B

      272       10,811  

Mondi PLC

      1,406       23,777  

Oji Holdings Corp.

      2,281       9,213  

Stora Enso Oyj–Class R

      1,596       22,503  

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA–Class B

      1,754       22,214  

UPM-Kymmene Oyj

      1,546       57,853  

West Fraser Timber Co., Ltd.

      171       12,347  
     

 

 

 
        158,718  
     

 

 

 
        6,512,273  
     

 

 

 

UTILITIES–1.9%

 

AUTOMOBILES–0.0%

 

Corp. ACCIONA Energias Renovables SA

      191       7,380  
     

 

 

 

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–1.1%

 

Acciona SA

      72       13,250  

Alliant Energy Corp.

      727       40,138  

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

      1,488       141,286  

Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.

      1,839       19,016  

CK Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.

      903       4,712  

CLP Holdings Ltd.

      4,629       33,725  

Constellation Energy Corp.

      947       81,641  

Duke Energy Corp.

      2,230       229,668  

Edison International

      1,105       70,300  

EDP–Energias de Portugal SA

      8,040       40,078  

Electricite de France SA

      1,688       21,671  

Elia Group SA/NV

      96       13,648  

Emera, Inc.

      770       29,429  

Endesa SA

      920       17,339  

Enel SpA

      23,558       126,698  

Entergy Corp.

      589       66,263  

Evergy, Inc.

      665       41,848  

Eversource Energy

      1,004       84,175  

Exelon Corp.

      2,873       124,200  

FirstEnergy Corp.

      1,572       65,930  

Fortis, Inc./Canada(b)

      1,386       55,460  

Fortum Oyj

      1,286       21,417  

HK Electric Investments & HK Electric Investments Ltd.–Class SS(c)

      7,615       5,035  

Hydro One Ltd.(c)

      953       25,528  

Iberdrola SA

      17,506       204,356  

Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (The)(b)

      1,971       19,140  

Mercury NZ Ltd.

      2,001       7,069  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

NextEra Energy, Inc.

      5,691     $ 475,768  

NRG Energy, Inc.

      681       21,669  

Origin Energy Ltd.

      4,990       26,117  

Orsted AS(c)

      548       49,542  

PG&E Corp.(a)

      4,318       70,211  

Power Assets Holdings Ltd.

      3,858       21,086  

PPL Corp.

      2,132       62,297  

Red Electrica Corp. SA(b)

      1,175       20,431  

Southern Co. (The)

      3,152       225,084  

SSE PLC

      3,092       63,593  

Terna–Rete Elettrica Nazionale

      4,075       30,095  

Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings, Inc.(a)

      4,384       15,789  

Verbund AG

      197       16,560  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

      1,585       111,124  
     

 

 

 
        2,812,386  
     

 

 

 

GAS UTILITIES–0.1%

 

AltaGas Ltd.

      814       14,056  

APA Group

      3,417       24,976  

Atmos Energy Corp.

      405       45,388  

Enagas SA

      720       11,973  

Hong Kong & China Gas Co., Ltd.

      31,787       30,147  

Naturgy Energy Group SA

      421       10,941  

Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.

      1,040       16,758  

Snam SpA

      5,840       28,317  

Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.

      1,050       20,559  

UGI Corp.

      606       22,464  
     

 

 

 
        225,579  
     

 

 

 

INDEPENDENT POWER AND RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PRODUCERS–0.1%

     

AES Corp. (The)

      1,934       55,622  

Brookfield Renewable Corp.–Class A(b)

      374       10,295  

EDP Renovaveis SA

      834       18,378  

Meridian Energy Ltd.

      3,733       12,417  

Northland Power, Inc.

      683       18,729  

RWE AG

      1,861       82,270  

Vistra Corp.

      1,085       25,172  
     

 

 

 
        222,883  
     

 

 

 

MULTI-UTILITIES–0.5%

 

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.(b)

      1,963       12,787  

Ameren Corp.

      749       66,601  

Canadian Utilities Ltd.–Class A(b)

      372       10,069  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

      1,823       54,672  

CMS Energy Corp.

      841       53,261  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

      1,027       97,883  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

      2,385       146,248  

DTE Energy Co.

      561       65,934  

E.ON SE

      6,503       64,653  

Engie SA

      5,290       75,679  

 

24


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

National Grid PLC

      10,601     $ 126,993  

NiSource, Inc.

      1,175       32,219  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

      1,445       88,535  

Sempra Energy

      911       140,786  

United Utilities Group PLC

      1,975       23,598  

Veolia Environnement SA

      1,927       49,513  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

      914       85,697  
     

 

 

 
        1,195,128  
     

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–0.0%

     

BKW AG

      61       8,346  
     

 

 

 

WATER UTILITIES–0.1%

 

American Water Works Co., Inc.

      527       80,326  

Essential Utilities, Inc.

      721       34,413  

Severn Trent PLC

      717       22,907  
     

 

 

 
        137,646  
     

 

 

 
        4,609,348  
     

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–1.6%

 

EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITs)–1.3%

     

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

      449       65,406  

American Homes 4 Rent–Class A

      906       27,307  

American Tower Corp.

      1,349       285,799  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

      405       65,416  

Boston Properties, Inc.

      431       29,127  

British Land Co. PLC (The)

      2,550       12,107  

Camden Property Trust

      293       32,781  

Canadian Apartment Properties REIT

      245       7,723  

CapitaLand Ascendas REIT

      9,639       19,741  

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust

      14,593       22,257  

Covivio

      137       8,132  

Crown Castle, Inc.

      1,255       170,228  

Daiwa House REIT Investment Corp.

      7       15,608  

Dexus

      3,115       16,354  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

      833       83,525  

Equinix, Inc.

      264       172,928  

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

      512       33,075  

Equity Residential

      1,035       61,065  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

      189       40,053  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

      388       57,106  

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

      743       38,703  

Gecina SA

      133       13,550  

GLP J-REIT

      13       14,972  

Goodman Group

      4,902       57,649  
    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

GPT Group (The)(b)

      5,548     $ 15,823  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

      1,102       21,235  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

      1,562       39,159  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

      2,070       33,223  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

      1,768       52,403  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

      842       41,974  

Japan Metropolitan Fund Invest

      21       16,706  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

      4       17,569  

Kimco Realty Corp.

      1,791       37,933  

Klepierre SA

      623       14,379  

Land Securities Group PLC(b)

      2,048       15,301  

Link REIT

      5,173       37,853  

Mapletree Logistics Trust(b)

      9,093       10,813  

Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust(b)

      6,196       7,741  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.(b)

      1,735       19,328  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

      335       52,592  

Mirvac Group

      11,429       16,535  

Nippon Building Fund, Inc.(b)

      5       22,359  

Nippon Prologis REIT, Inc.

      6       14,067  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund, Inc.

      13       16,106  

Prologis, Inc.

      2,674       301,440  

Public Storage

      458       128,327  

Realty Income Corp.

      1,789       113,476  

Regency Centers Corp.

      446       27,875  

RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust

      430       6,710  

SBA Communications Corp.

      313       87,737  

Scentre Group

      15,034       29,265  

Segro PLC

      3,502       32,261  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

      948       111,371  

Stockland

      6,914       17,028  

Sun Communities, Inc.

      358       51,194  

UDR, Inc.

      941       36,445  

Ventas, Inc.

      1,158       52,168  

VICI Properties, Inc.

      2,789       90,364  

Vicinity Centres(b)

      11,208       15,134  

Warehouses De Pauw CVA

      467       13,378  

Welltower, Inc.

      1,342       87,968  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

      2,132       66,092  

WP Carey, Inc.

      559       43,686  
     

 

 

 
        3,165,630  
     

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–0.3%

     

Aroundtown SA

      2,893       6,739  

Azrieli Group Ltd.

      123       8,203  

 

25


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
            
    
    
Shares
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

Capitaland Investment Ltd./Singapore(b)

      7,504     $ 20,739  

CBRE Group, Inc.–Class A(a)

      930       71,573  

City Developments Ltd.

      1,050       6,455  

CK Asset Holdings Ltd.

      5,031       30,856  

Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd.

      183       18,736  

Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd.

      1,644       37,872  

ESR Group Ltd.(c)

      5,748       12,016  

Fastighets AB Balder–Class B(a)

      1,827       8,527  

FirstService Corp.(b)

      115       14,083  

Hang Lung Properties Ltd.

      5,030       9,798  

Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd.

      3,938       13,709  

Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.

      2,395       11,019  

Hulic Co., Ltd.(b)

      1,101       8,646  

LEG Immobilien SE

      215       14,022  

Lendlease Corp., Ltd.(b)

      1,995       10,590  

Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.(b)

      3,335       43,200  

Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.

      2,569       46,954  

New World Development Co., Ltd.

      3,625       10,169  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings, Inc.

      331       7,078  

Sagax AB–Class B

      552       12,542  

Sino Land Co., Ltd.

      9,242       11,527  

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd.

      856       20,174  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

      3,616       49,392  

Swire Pacific Ltd.–Class A

      1,435       12,579  

Swire Properties Ltd.

      2,422       6,135  

Swiss Prime Site AG (REG)

      222       19,241  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield(a)

      342       17,876  

UOL Group Ltd.

      370       1,860  

Vonovia SE

      2,074       48,856  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd.

      3,876       22,574  

Zillow Group, Inc.–Class C(a)(b)

      458       14,752  
     

 

 

 
        648,492  
     

 

 

 
        3,814,122  
     

 

 

 

FOOD BEVERAGE & TOBACCO–0.0%

     

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS–0.0%

     

Darling Ingredients, Inc.(a)

      465       29,105  
     

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $102,184,900)

        144,531,224  
     

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
            
Principal
Amount
(000)
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

GOVERNMENTS–
TREASURIES–36.3%

     

UNITED STATES–36.3%

     

U.S. Treasury Bonds

     

2.00%, 02/15/2050

    $       172     $ 114,849  

2.25%, 08/15/2046

      3,477       2,480,551  

2.25%, 08/15/2049

      287       203,501  

2.25%, 02/15/2052

      2,286       1,605,207  

2.375%, 11/15/2049

      584       425,955  

2.375%, 05/15/2051

      2,283       1,652,606  

2.50%, 02/15/2045

      288       218,127  

2.50%, 05/15/2046

      42       31,798  

2.75%, 08/15/2047

      143       112,737  

2.875%, 05/15/2043

      370       303,978  

2.875%, 08/15/2045

      2,897       2,348,705  

2.875%, 11/15/2046

      187       150,563  

2.875%, 05/15/2049

      313       253,969  

2.875%, 05/15/2052

      417       337,426  

3.00%, 05/15/2045

      265       219,701  

3.00%, 02/15/2047

      238       195,917  

3.00%, 05/15/2047

      409       337,353  

3.00%, 02/15/2048

      350       289,216  

3.00%, 08/15/2048

      792       655,092  

3.00%, 02/15/2049

      257       213,061  

3.125%, 11/15/2041

      282       244,640  

3.125%, 02/15/2043

      521       446,740  

3.50%, 02/15/2039

      12       11,525  

3.625%, 08/15/2043

      1,869       1,729,131  

3.75%, 08/15/2041

      128       122,431  

3.75%, 11/15/2043

      98       91,894  

3.875%, 08/15/2040

      161       157,390  

4.00%, 11/15/2052

      157       158,490  

4.25%, 05/15/2039

      134       138,441  

4.375%, 11/15/2039

      502       526,447  

4.375%, 05/15/2040

      60       62,842  

4.375%, 05/15/2041

      132       137,277  

4.50%, 08/15/2039

      179       190,450  

4.75%, 02/15/2037

      465       510,340  

4.75%, 02/15/2041

      161       176,094  

5.25%, 11/15/2028

      378       400,150  

5.375%, 02/15/2031

      359       394,397  

5.50%, 08/15/2028

      762       815,031  

6.00%, 02/15/2026

      1,336       1,402,068  

6.125%, 11/15/2027

      1,389       1,514,879  

6.25%, 05/15/2030

      374       427,638  

6.875%, 08/15/2025

      471       499,154  

7.625%, 02/15/2025

      158       167,932  

U.S. Treasury Notes

     

0.25%, 06/30/2025

      1,733       1,570,712  

0.25%, 08/31/2025

      3,468       3,119,756  

0.25%, 09/30/2025

      1,168       1,049,016  

0.375%, 04/30/2025

      1,430       1,305,312  

0.375%, 12/31/2025

      1,352       1,208,683  

0.375%, 01/31/2026

      2,433       2,166,397  

0.50%, 03/31/2025

      99       90,681  

0.50%, 02/28/2026

      1,120       998,547  

0.625%, 05/15/2030

      934       740,753  

0.625%, 08/15/2030

      997       787,088  

 

26


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
      
Principal
Amount
(000)
        
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                     

0.75%, 04/30/2026

    $       908     $ 812,287  

0.75%, 05/31/2026

      1,952       1,742,019  

0.75%, 08/31/2026

      1,015       899,455  

0.875%, 09/30/2026

      1,513       1,344,826  

1.125%, 10/31/2026

      1,163       1,041,248  

1.25%, 12/31/2026

      919       823,439  

1.375%, 11/15/2031

      861       703,195  

1.50%, 11/30/2024

      325       307,487  

1.50%, 08/15/2026

      1,541       1,406,162  

1.50%, 02/15/2030

      523       446,504  

1.625%, 02/15/2026

      2,203       2,038,808  

1.625%, 08/15/2029

      937       814,778  

1.625%, 05/15/2031

      3,081       2,600,556  

1.75%, 07/31/2024

      346       330,492  

1.75%, 11/15/2029

      984       860,011  

1.875%, 02/28/2027

      917       840,631  

1.875%, 02/15/2032

      1,787       1,520,346  

2.00%, 05/31/2024

      1,579       1,521,268  

2.00%, 02/15/2025

      1,108       1,054,487  

2.00%, 08/15/2025

      811       765,953  

2.00%, 11/15/2026

      4,808       4,449,087  

2.125%, 05/15/2025

      3,023       2,874,117  

2.25%, 11/15/2024

      247       237,659  

2.25%, 11/15/2025

      909       861,278  

2.25%, 02/15/2027

      865       805,252  

2.25%, 08/15/2027

      2,999       2,776,892  

2.25%, 11/15/2027

      3,588       3,310,860  

2.375%, 08/15/2024

      464       448,146  

2.375%, 05/15/2027

      4,367       4,075,050  

2.375%, 05/15/2029

      1,327       1,209,112  

2.50%, 05/15/2024

      1,541       1,495,007  

2.625%, 02/15/2029

      451       417,602  

2.75%, 02/15/2028

      129       121,139  

2.75%, 08/15/2032

      949       866,190  

2.875%, 05/15/2028

      400       378,346  

2.875%, 05/15/2032

      2,242       2,073,427  

3.125%, 11/15/2028

      912       871,292  

4.125%, 10/31/2027

      603       605,613  

4.125%, 11/15/2032

      222       227,000  
     

 

 

 

Total Governments–Treasuries
(cost $95,772,611)

        85,489,659  
     

 

 

 
          Notional
Amount
       

OPTIONS PURCHASED–PUTS–0.4%

     

OPTIONS ON EQUITY INDICES–0.4%

     

Euro STOXX 50 Index
Expiration: Nov 2023; Contracts: 930;
Exercise Price: EUR 3,000.00; Counterparty: UBS AG(a)

    EUR       2,790,000       86,262  
                                                         

FTSE 100 Index
Expiration: Dec 2023; Contracts: 200;
Exercise Price: GBP 6,200.00;
Counterparty: UBS AG(a)

    GBP       1,240,000     34,383  

Nikkei 225 Index
Expiration: Dec 2023; Contracts: 12,000;
Exercise Price: JPY 21,750.00;
Counterparty: UBS AG(a)

    JPY       261,000,000       72,363  

S&P 500 Index
Expiration: Nov 2023; Contracts: 7,200;
Exercise Price: USD 3,200.00;
Counterparty: UBS AG(a)

    USD       23,040,000       781,028  
     

 

 

 

Total Options Purchased–Puts
(premiums paid $988,941)

        974,036  
     

 

 

 
          Shares        

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.6%

     

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–1.6%

     

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 4.12%(d)(e)(f)
(cost $3,657,573)

      3,657,573       3,657,573  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SECURITY LENDING COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–99.6%
(cost $202,604,025)

        234,652,492  
     

 

 

 

 

27


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
        Shares         
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                         

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–0.1%

     

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.1%

     

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 4.12%(d)(e)(f) (cost $164,933)

      164,933     $ 164,933  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.7%
(cost $202,768,958)

        234,817,425  

Other assets less liabilities–0.3%

        779,842  
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

      $ 235,597,267  
     

 

 

 

    

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

Description   

Number of

Contracts

    

Expiration

Month

   Current
Notional
     Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Purchased Contracts

 

10 Yr Australian Bond Futures

     24      March 2023    $   1,890,282      $   (104,394

Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures

     8      March 2023      324,132        (8,795

FTSE 100 Index Futures

     11      March 2023      992,862        (4,837

Hang Seng Futures

     2      January 2023      255,142        2,502  

MSCI EAFE Futures

     2      March 2023      194,940        (936

MSCI Emerging Markets Futures

     100      March 2023      4,797,000        (80,028

Nikkei 225 (CME) Futures

     2      March 2023      397,440        (25,158

OMXS 30 Index Futures

     17      January 2023      332,674        (10,372

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

     17      March 2023      3,486,328        4,096  

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

     36      March 2023      4,042,688        (34,315

U.S. Ultra Bond (CBT) Futures

     11      March 2023      1,477,438        (31,360

Sold Contracts

 

MSCI Singapore IX ETS Futures

     25      January 2023      542,314        5,085  

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

     23      March 2023      4,440,150        107,749  

S&P TSX 60 Index Futures

     13      March 2023      2,246,484        73,424  

SPI 200 Futures

     8      March 2023      952,101        18,084  

TOPIX Index Futures

     2      March 2023      288,251        561  

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

     1      March 2023      107,930        1,530  
                 

 

 

 
   $ (87,164
                 

 

 

 

 

28


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Bank of America, NA

       GBP        868          USD        1,053          01/18/2023        $ 2,418  

Bank of America, NA

       GBP        5,318          USD        6,334          01/18/2023            (98,224

Bank of America, NA

       USD        1,261          AUD        1,838          01/19/2023          (8,396

BNP Paribas SA

       USD        1,551          AUD        2,299          01/19/2023          14,596  

BNP Paribas SA

       USD        1,731          JPY        232,781          02/09/2023          50,530  

Citibank, NA

       CAD        3,385          USD        2,499          01/19/2023          (1,393

Citibank, NA

       USD        3,308          AUD        5,214          01/19/2023            243,858  

Citibank, NA

       USD        1,169          CAD        1,554          01/19/2023          (21,426

Citibank, NA

       USD        581          NOK        5,741          02/03/2023          6,011  

Citibank, NA

       USD        2,237          JPY        308,884          02/09/2023          127,173  

Citibank, NA

       USD        1,982          EUR        1,846          02/27/2023          1,872  

Deutsche Bank AG

       USD        4,216          CAD        5,702          01/19/2023          (4,344

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       NZD        1,228          USD        764          02/02/2023          (15,842

HSBC Bank USA

       GBP        485          USD        582          01/18/2023          (3,762

HSBC Bank USA

       USD        2,309          GBP        1,859          01/18/2023          (60,532

HSBC Bank USA

       AUD        3,437          USD        2,288          01/19/2023          (53,599

HSBC Bank USA

       CAD        740          USD        542          01/19/2023          (4,041

HSBC Bank USA

       SEK        6,497          USD        618          02/03/2023          (5,294

HSBC Bank USA

       EUR        2,453          USD        2,589          02/27/2023          (46,147

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

       NOK        5,741          USD        573          02/03/2023          (13,593

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        2,788          CAD        3,785          01/19/2023          8,053  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        1,330          NZD        2,156          02/02/2023          39,549  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       SEK        6,596          USD        629          02/03/2023          (4,256

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       EUR        1,717          USD        1,835          02/27/2023          (10,409

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       CHF        4,073          USD        4,386          03/01/2023          (46,095

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        467          GBP        390          01/18/2023          4,297  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        235          GBP        192          01/18/2023          (2,796

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       CAD        583          USD        428          01/19/2023          (1,857

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        387          AUD        603          01/19/2023          23,919  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        333          CAD        451          01/19/2023          (77

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       NZD        1,084          USD        691          02/02/2023          2,552  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       NOK        46          USD        5          02/03/2023          (90

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       JPY        50,062          USD        370          02/09/2023          (13,602
                         

 

 

 
                          $   109,053  
                         

 

 

 

TOTAL RETURN SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
   Rate
Paid/
Received
    Payment
Frequency
     Current
Notional
(000)
     Maturity
Date
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Pay Total Return on Reference Obligation

                

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC Swiss Market Index Futures

     0.00     Maturity        CHF        213        03/17/2023      $   6,627  

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration. At December 31, 2022, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $634,662 or 0.3% of net assets.

 

29


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

(d)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

JPY—Japanese Yen

NOK—Norwegian Krone

NZD—New Zealand Dollar

SEK—Swedish Krona

USD—United States Dollar

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

CBT—Chicago Board of Trade

CME—Chicago Mercantile Exchange

EAFE—Europe, Australia, and Far East

ETS—Emission Trading Scheme

FTSE—Financial Times Stock Exchange

MSCI—Morgan Stanley Capital International

OMXS—Stockholm Stock Exchange

REG—Registered Shares

REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust

SPI—Share Price Index

TOPIX—Tokyo Price Index

TSX—Toronto Stock Exchange

See notes to financial statements.

 

30


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value

 

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $198,946,452)

   $ 230,994,919 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $3,822,506—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $164,933)

     3,822,506  

Cash collateral due from broker

     1,104,068  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $597,287)

     615,711  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     1,351,394  

Unaffiliated interest and dividends receivable

     915,523  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     524,828  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     13,804  

Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps

     6,627  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     4,144  

Receivable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

     117  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     239,353,641  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Due to custodian

     249  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     1,505,953  

Cash collateral due to broker

     1,100,000  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     415,775  

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     164,933  

Advisory fee payable

     104,632  

Payable for variation margin on futures

     68,222  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     55,665  

Distribution fee payable

     51,050  

Administrative fee payable

     23,089  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     150  

Foreign capital gains tax payable

     46  

Accrued expenses

     266,610  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     3,756,374  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 235,597,267  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 29,856  

Additional paid-in capital

     210,360,946  

Distributable earnings

     25,206,465  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 235,597,267  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 230,668          29,069        $   7.94  
B      $   235,366,599          29,826,815        $ 7.89  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $5,356,837 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

31


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Year Ended December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $176,509)

   $ 3,142,927  

Affiliated issuers

     102,161  

Interest

     1,757,541  

Securities lending income

     17,734  
  

 

 

 
     5,020,363  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     1,785,176  

Distribution fee—Class B

     636,853  

Transfer agency—Class A

     3  

Transfer agency—Class B

     2,595  

Custody and accounting

     224,150  

Audit and tax

     120,465  

Administrative

     89,823  

Legal

     43,813  

Printing

     25,927  

Directors’ fees

     20,765  

Miscellaneous

     36,247  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     2,985,817  

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

     (194,999
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     2,790,818  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     2,229,545  
  

 

 

 

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

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

     (357,028

Investment transactions

     (106,124

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (394,756

Futures

     (5,144,312

Swaps

     26,355  

Foreign currency transactions

     (179,685

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

  

Investments

     (50,975,586

Forward currency exchange contracts

     37,934  

Futures

     (550,280

Swaps

     (20,630

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (7,284
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (57,671,396
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (55,441,851
  

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

32


 

DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income

   $ 2,229,545     $ 3,445,840  

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

     (6,155,550     95,963,763  

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

     (51,515,846     (57,087,798
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (55,441,851     42,321,805  

Distributions to Shareholders

 

Class A

     (82,065     (7,238

Class B

     (88,612,765     (4,827,444

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net increase (decrease)

     77,402,279       (283,941,527
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease

     (66,734,402     (246,454,404

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     302,331,669       548,786,073  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 235,597,267     $ 302,331,669  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

33


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to maximize total return consistent with AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) determination of reasonable risk. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 10 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or

 

34


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

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

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

Other fixed income investments, including non-U.S. government and corporate debt, are generally valued using quoted market prices, if available, which are typically impacted by current interest rates, maturity dates and any perceived credit risk

 

35


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

of the issuer. Additionally, in the absence of quoted market prices, these inputs are used by pricing vendors to derive a valuation based upon industry or proprietary models which incorporate issuer specific data with relevant yield/spread comparisons with more widely quoted bonds with similar key characteristics. Those investments for which there are observable inputs are classified as Level 2. Where the inputs are not observable, the investments are classified as Level 3.

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities:

        

Assets:

 

Common Stocks:

        

Information Technology

   $ 26,009,019     $ 3,229,310     $ –0 –    $ 29,238,329  

Health Care

     15,528,187       5,349,683       –0 –      20,877,870  

Financials

     13,132,588       7,484,510       –0 –      20,617,098  

Industrials

     9,306,724       6,108,737       –0 –      15,415,461  

Consumer Discretionary

     9,879,014       4,723,705       –0 –      14,602,719  

Consumer Staples

     7,119,518       4,351,072       –0 –      11,470,590  

Communication Services

     7,361,350       1,799,612       –0 –      9,160,962  

Energy

     6,141,570       2,041,777       –0 –      8,183,347  

Materials

     3,265,371       3,246,902       –0 –      6,512,273  

Utilities

     3,183,176       1,426,172       –0 –      4,609,348  

Real Estate

     2,773,818       1,040,304       –0 –      3,814,122  

Food Beverage & Tobacco

     29,105       –0 –      –0 –      29,105  

Governments—Treasuries

     –0 –      85,489,659       –0 –      85,489,659  

Options Purchased—Puts

     –0 –      974,036       –0 –      974,036  

Short-Term Investments

     3,657,573       –0 –      –0 –      3,657,573  

Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund

     164,933       –0 –      –0 –      164,933  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     107,551,946       127,265,479       –0 –      234,817,425  

Other Financial Instruments(a):

        

Assets:

 

Futures

     213,031       –0 –      –0 –      213,031 (b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     –0 –      524,828       –0 –      524,828  

Total Return Swaps

     –0 –      6,627       –0 –      6,627  

Liabilities:

 

Futures

     (300,195     –0 –      –0 –      (300,195 )(b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     –0 –      (415,775     –0 –      (415,775
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 107,464,782     $ 127,381,159     $     –0 –    $ 234,845,941  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

3. Currency Translation

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

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

 

36


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .70% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to .85% and 1.10% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. The Expense Caps will remain in effect until May 1, 2023 and then may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such reimbursements/waivers amounted to $181,242.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $89,823.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $1,773 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The

 

37


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2023. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such waiver amounted to $5,768.

In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in AB All Market Real Return Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse the expenses payable to the Adviser by the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fees of AB mutual funds, as paid by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. These fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will remain in effect until May 1, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such waivers and/or reimbursements amounted to $7,731.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

      Distributions  

Portfolio

  Market Value
12/31/21
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Realized
Gain (Loss)
(000)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appr./(Depr.)
(000)
    Market Value
12/31/22
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
    Realized
Gains
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $ 7,966     $ 46,067     $ 50,375     $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 3,658     $ 102     $ –0 – 

AB Bond Fund, Inc.—AB All Market Real Return Portfolio

    –0 –      5,170       4,813       (357     –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Government Money Market Portfolio*

    1,312       14,997       16,144       –0 –      –0 –      165       2       –0 – 
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        $ (357   $ –0 –    $ 3,823     $ 104     $ –0 – 
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

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

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

       Purchases        Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     $ 13,570,502        $ 16,885,259  

U.S. government securities

       26,722,254          32,704,694  

 

38


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

Cost

   $ 204,384,611  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 53,427,996  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (23,028,822
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 30,399,174  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Futures

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

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

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

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

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

 

39


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Option Transactions

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

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

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held purchased options for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Swaps

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

Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap to comply with the terms of the swap. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interim payment to be received by the Portfolio, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Portfolio considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap in evaluating potential counterparty risk. This risk is mitigated by having a netting arrangement between the Portfolio and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Portfolio to cover the Portfolio’s exposure to the counterparty. Additionally, risks may arise from

 

40


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities. The Portfolio accrues for the interim payments on swaps on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of assets and liabilities, where applicable. Once the interim payments are settled in cash, the net amount is recorded as realized gain/(loss) on swaps on the statement of operations, in addition to any realized gain/(loss) recorded upon the termination of swaps. Upfront premiums paid or received for swaps are recognized as cost or proceeds on the statement of assets and liabilities and are amortized on a straight line basis over the life of the contract. Amortized upfront premiums are included in net realized gain/(loss) from swaps on the statement of operations. Fluctuations in the value of swaps are recorded as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of operations.

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

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

Credit Default Swaps:

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

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

Implied credit spreads over U.S. Treasuries of comparable maturity utilized in determining the market value of credit default swaps on issuers as of period end are disclosed in the portfolio of investments. The implied spreads serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and typically reflect the likelihood of

 

41


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held credit default swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Total Return Swaps:

The Portfolio may enter into total return swaps in order to take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset. The Portfolio is subject to market price volatility of the underlying referenced asset. A total return swap involves commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market linked return based on a notional amount. To the extent that the total return of the security, group of securities or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Portfolio will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held total return swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

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

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

Location

  Fair Value  

Interest rate contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures   $ 5,626   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures   $ 170,069

Equity contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures     207,405   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures     130,126

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts     524,828     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts     415,775  

Equity contracts

  Investments in securities, at value     974,036      

Equity contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on total return swaps     6,627      
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    $ 1,718,522       $ 715,970  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

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

 

42


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures    $ (2,813,404   $ (378,796

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures      (2,330,908     (171,484

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of forward currency exchange contracts      (394,756     37,934  

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments      (278,360     105,103  

Credit contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps      8,376       –0 – 

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps      17,979       (20,630
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ (5,791,073   $ (427,873
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the year ended December 31, 2022:

 

Futures:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 29,713,983  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 13,040,335  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 37,126,350  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 41,157,576  

Purchased Options:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 28,279,879  

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 2,376,000 (a) 

Total Return Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 746,488 (b) 

 

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

 

(b)   Positions were open for eleven months during the year.

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

 

43


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of December 31, 2022. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

   $ 2,418      $ (2,418   $ –0 –    $         –0 –    $ –0 – 

BNP Paribas SA

     65,126        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      65,126  

Citibank, NA

     378,914        (22,819     –0 –      –0 –      356,095  

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

     54,229        (54,229     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     30,768        (18,422     –0 –      –0 –      12,346  

UBS AG

     974,036        –0 –      (974,036     –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,505,491      $ (97,888   $ (974,036   $ –0 –    $ 433,567
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

   $ 106,620      $ (2,418   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 104,202  

Citibank, NA

     22,819        (22,819     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Deutsche Bank AG

     4,344        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      4,344  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     15,842        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      15,842  

HSBC Bank USA

     173,375        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      173,375  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     13,593        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      13,593  

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

     60,760        (54,229     –0 –      –0 –      6,531  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     18,422        (18,422     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 415,775      $ (97,888   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 317,887
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

2. Currency Transactions

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

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Portfolio cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio

 

44


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Portfolio receives non-cash collateral, the Portfolio will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any dividend income or other distributions from the securities; however, these distributions will not be afforded the same preferential tax treatment as qualified dividends. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Portfolio earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

                       

    Government Money Market  
Portfolio

 

Market Value of
Securities

on Loan*

   

Cash Collateral*

   

Market Value of
Non-Cash
Collateral*

   

Income from
Borrowers

   

Income
Earned

   

Advisory Fee
Waived

 
$ 5,356,837     $ 164,933     $ 5,475,540     $ 16,107     $ 1,627     $ 258  

 

*   As of December 31, 2022.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
          Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    5,959       4,182       $ 70,320     $ 60,584  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    9,643       493         82,060       7,238  

Shares redeemed

    (14,092     (3,316       (183,919     (47,220
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    1,510       1,359       $ (31,539   $ 20,602  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    1,391,617       1,070,080       $ 14,302,037     $ 15,318,153  

Shares issued on reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    10,461,956       330,195         88,612,765       4,827,444  

Shares redeemed

    (2,353,134     (20,825,702       (25,480,984     (304,107,726
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    9,500,439       (19,425,427     $ 77,433,818     $ (283,962,129
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2022, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 91% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

 

45


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

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

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

Credit Risk—An issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to a derivatives or other contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The issuer or guarantor may default, causing a loss of the full principal amount of a security and accrued interest. The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. There is the possibility that the credit rating of a fixed-income security may be downgraded after purchase, which may adversely affect the value of the security. Investments in fixed-income securities with lower ratings tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations.

Allocation Risk—The allocation of investments among different global asset classes may have a significant effect on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV, when one of these asset classes is performing more poorly than others. As both the direct investments and derivatives positions will be periodically adjusted to reflect the Adviser’s view of market and economic conditions, there will be transaction costs that may be, over time, significant. In addition, there is a risk that certain asset allocation decisions may not achieve the desired results and, as a result, the Portfolio may incur significant losses.

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—The Portfolio’s investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be more difficult to trade due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

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

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

ETF Risk—ETFs, are investment companies. When the Portfolio invests in an ETF, the Portfolio bears its share of the ETF’s expenses and runs the risk that the ETF may not achieve its investment objective.

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

Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of other types of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.

Illiquid Investments Risk—Illiquid investments risk exists when certain investments are or become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling such investments may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Portfolio. Causes of illiquid investments risk may include low trading volumes, large positions and heavy redemptions of Portfolio shares.

 

46


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

Real Estate Risk—The Portfolio’s investments in real estate securities have many of the same risks as direct ownership of real estate, including the risk that the value of real estate could decline due to a variety of factors that affect the real estate market generally. Investments in real estate investment trusts, or REIT’s, may have additional risks. REITs are dependent on the capability of their managers, may have limited diversification, and could be significantly affected by changes in taxes. Some REIT’s may utilize leverage, which increases investment risk and may potentially increase the Portfolio’s losses.

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio may be exposed to debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. The FCA and LIBOR’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration, have since announced that most LIBOR settings (which reflect LIBOR rates quoted in different currencies over various time periods) will no longer be published after the end of 2021 but that the most widely used U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will continue to be published until June 30, 2023. However, banks were strongly encouraged to cease entering into agreements with counterparties referencing LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is possible that a subset of LIBOR settings will be published after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. Since 2018 the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has published the secured overnight funding rate (referred to as SOFR), which is intended to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities in the repurchase agreement (repo) market and has been used increasingly on a voluntary basis in new instruments and transactions. In addition, on March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate Act was signed into law. This law provides a statutory fallback mechanism to replace LIBOR with a benchmark rate that is selected by the Federal Reserve Board and based on SOFR for certain contracts that reference LIBOR without adequate fallback provisions.

The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect a Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, potentially adversely affecting a Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known.

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

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

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

47


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

     2022      2021  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 6,479,716      $ 4,834,682  

Net long-term capital gains

     82,215,114        0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 88,694,830      $ 4,834,682  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 1,451,825  

Accumulated capital and other losses

     (6,652,111 )(a) 

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     30,406,751 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings (deficit)

   $ 25,206,465  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   As of December 31, 2022, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $6,536,231. As of December 31, 2022, the cumulative deferred loss on straddles was $115,880.

 

(b)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments, return of capital distributions received from underlying securities, the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, the tax treatment of partnership investments, and corporate restructuring.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2022, the Portfolio had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $3,946,546 and a net long-term capital loss carryforward of $2,589,685, which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.

During the current fiscal year, there were no permanent differences that resulted in adjustments to distributable earnings or additional paid-in capital.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848”. ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

48


 

DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS A  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $14.94       $13.89       $13.46       $11.91       $13.07  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .12       .14       .15       .23       .20  

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

    (2.57     1.20       .51       1.60       (1.11
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (2.45     1.34       .66       1.83       (.91
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.38     (.29     (.23     (.27     (.23

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (4.17     –0 –      –0 –      (.01     (.02
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (4.55     (.29     (.23     (.28     (.25
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $7.94       $14.94       $13.89       $13.46       $11.91  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset
value(c)

    (18.45 )%      9.67     5.02     15.51     (7.07 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $231       $412       $364       $383       $355  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    .84     .82     .80     .80     .78

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    .91     .83     .80     .80     .79

Net investment income(b)

    1.10     .98     1.18     1.78     1.60

Portfolio turnover rate

    16     32     13     19     24
         

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .01     .01     .01     .02     .03

 

 

See footnote summary on page 50.

 

49


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS B  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $14.85       $13.80       $13.36       $11.82       $12.98  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .09       .12       .12       .19       .17  

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

    (2.56     1.16       .51       1.60       (1.11
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (2.47     1.28       .63       1.79       (.94
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.32     (.23     (.19     (.24     (.20

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (4.17     –0 –      –0 –      (.01     (.02
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (4.49     (.23     (.19     (.25     (.22
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $7.89       $14.85       $13.80       $13.36       $11.82  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset
value(c)

    (18.68 )%      9.28     4.86     15.24     (7.35 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $235,366       $301,920       $548,422       $568,985       $533,467  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    1.09     1.06     1.05     1.05     1.03

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    1.17     1.07     1.06     1.05     1.04

Net investment income(b)

    .87     .80     .93     1.51     1.35

Portfolio turnover rate

    16     32     13     19     24
         

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .01     .01     .01     .02     .03

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(d)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2018, such waiver amounted to .01% and .01%, respectively.

See notes to financial statements.

 

50


 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED  
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of AB Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Portfolio (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Portfolio’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

February 14, 2023

 

51


 
 
2022 TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Portfolio during the taxable year ended December 31, 2022. For corporate shareholders, 26.53% of dividends paid qualify for the dividends received deduction. The Portfolio designates $82,215,114 of dividends paid as long-term capital gain dividends.

 

52


 
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION  
PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS     

Garry L. Moody(1), Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Onur Erzan, President and
Chief Executive Officer

    

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

Jeanette W. Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1)

    
    
OFFICERS     

Caglasu Altunkopru(2), Vice President

Alexander Barenboym(2), Vice President

Daniel J. Loewy(2), Vice President

Nancy E. Hay, Secretary

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Vice President

    

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller

Jennifer Friedland, Chief Compliance Officer

    
    
CUSTODIAN AND ACCOUNTING AGENT      LEGAL COUNSEL
State Street Bank and Trust Company      Seward & Kissel LLP

State Street Corporation CCB/5

1 Iron Street

    

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

Boston, MA 02210     
    
DISTRIBUTOR      TRANSFER AGENT
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.      AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.
501 Commerce Street      P.O. Box 786003
Nashville, TN 37203      San Antonio, TX 78278
     Toll-Free (800) 221-5672
    
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM     
Ernst & Young LLP     
One Manhattan West     
New York, NY 10001     

 

 

 

 

(1)   Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

(2)   The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Portfolio’s portfolio are made by the Adviser’s Dynamic Asset Allocation Team. Messrs. Barenboym and Loewy and Ms. Altunkopru are the investment professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio’s portfolio.

 

53


      
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Board of Directors Information

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Directors is set forth below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
   PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  

PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY

DIRECTOR

    

OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY

DIRECTOR

INTERESTED DIRECTOR
        
Onur Erzan,#
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105
47
(2021)
   Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”), Head of Global Client Group and Head of Private Wealth. He oversees AB’s entire private wealth management business and third-party institutional and retail franchise, where he is responsible for all client services, sales and marketing, as well as product strategy, management and development worldwide. Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the AB Mutual Funds as of April 1, 2021. He is also a member of the Equitable Holdings Management Committee. Prior to joining the firm in January 2021, he spent 19 years with McKinsey (management consulting firm), most recently as a senior partner and co-leader of its Wealth & Asset Management practice. In addition, he co-led McKinsey’s Banking & Securities Solutions (a portfolio of data, analytics, and digital assets and capabilities) globally.      73      None
        
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS      
        
Garry L. Moody,##
Chairman of the Board

70
(2011)
   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995–2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993–1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975–1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council, where he serves as Chairman of its Governance Committee. He is Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees since January 2023; he has served as a director or trustee since 2008, and served as Chairman of the Audit Committee of such funds from 2011–February 2023.      73      None
        

 

54


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
   PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  

PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY

DIRECTOR

  

OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY

DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

(continued)

        
Jorge A. Bermudez,##
71
(2020)
   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016; and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Moody’s Corporation since December 2022. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.    73    Moody’s Corporation since April 2011
        
Michael J. Downey,##
79
(2011)
   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2018 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.    73    None
        
Nancy P. Jacklin,##
74
(2011)
   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008–2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002–May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992–2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985–1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982–1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973–1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.    73    None
        

 

55


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
   PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  

PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY

DIRECTOR

  

OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY

DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

(continued)

        

Jeanette W. Loeb,##

70

(2020)

   Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund, Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.    73    Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011
        
Carol C. McMullen,##
67
(2016)
   Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010–2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016, and serves as Chair of the Audit Committees of such funds since February 2023.    73    None
        

 

56


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
   PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  

PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY

DIRECTOR

  

OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY

DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

(continued)

        
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.##
81
(2011)
   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (semi-conductor manufacturing equipment). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the board of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has served as both Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees from 2014 through December 2022.    73    None
        

 

  

 

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Directors is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal & Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Directors.

 

***

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes and skills relevant to each Director’s qualifications to serve as a Director, which led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director for the Fund.

 

# 

Mr. Erzan is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the “1940 Act”, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

## 

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

57


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Portfolio’s Officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*
AND AGE
     PRINCIPAL POSITION(S)
HELD WITH FUND
     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE (5) YEARS

Onur Erzan

47

     President and Chief Executive Officer      See biography above.
         

Caglasu Altunkopru

50

     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Alexander Barenboym

52

     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Daniel J. Loewy

48

     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is also Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions and Chief Investment Officer for Dynamic Asset Allocation.
         

Nancy E. Hay

50

     Secretary      Vice President and Counsel of the Adviser**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018 and Assistant Secretary of ABI**.
         

Michael B. Reyes

46

     Senior Vice President      Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Joseph J. Mantineo

63

     Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer
     Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Phyllis J. Clarke

62

     Controller      Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Jennifer Friedland

48

     Chief Compliance Officer      Vice President of the Adviser** since 2020 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer (of all Funds since January 2023 and of the ETF Funds since 2022). Before joining the Adviser in 2020, she was Chief Compliance Officer at WestEnd Advisors, LLC from prior to 2018 until 2019.

 

 

 

 

*   The address for each of the Portfolio’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**   The Adviser, ABIS and ABI are affiliates of the Fund.

 

    The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) has additional information about the Fund’s Directors and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or the Adviser at (800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

58


 
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

OPERATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PORTFOLIO’S LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio to designate an Administrator of the Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Portfolio’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Portfolio’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”).

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2022, which covered the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Portfolio’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Portfolio will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner.

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Portfolio classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Portfolio’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Portfolio participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Portfolio is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Portfolio’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Portfolio’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, liquidity in all markets was significantly recovered and improved compared to the prior reporting period which included extreme levels of price volatility and relative illiquidity beginning in March 2020 with COVID-19 impacts. As such, the program operated in a relatively robust and benign liquidity environment experienced in markets during the Program Reporting Period. There were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

59


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held in-person on August 2-3, 2022 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Vice President for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund and the underlying funds advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests a portion of its assets.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2020 and 2021 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts

 

60


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund and the underlying funds fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended May 31, 2022 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review and their discussion with the Adviser of the reasons for the Fund’s underperformance in the periods reviewed, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable. The directors determined to continue to monitor the Fund’s performance closely.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees payable by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual advisory fee rate with a peer group median and noted that it was lower than the median. Taking into account the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year, the directors noted that the Adviser’s total rate of compensation was above the peer group median.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Vice President and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and for services to any sub-advised funds utilizing investment strategies similar to the those of Fund, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more

 

61


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The Adviser had agreed to cap the Fund’s expenses, but the directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was currently below the level of the Adviser’s cap. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund does not contain breakpoints and that they had previously discussed their strong preference for breakpoints in advisory contracts with the Adviser. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. The directors informed the Adviser that they would monitor the Fund’s asset level (which was well below the level at which they would anticipate adding an initial breakpoint) and its profitability to the Adviser and anticipated revisiting the question of breakpoints in the future if circumstances warranted doing so.

 

62


VPS-DAA-0151-1222


DEC    12.31.22

 

LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—  
MODERATE PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

LETTER TO INVESTORS

February 14, 2023

The following is an update of AB Variable Products Series Fund—Global Risk Allocation—Moderate Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) for the annual reporting period ended December 31, 2022.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

The Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital while seeking to limit volatility. In making decisions on the allocation of assets among “growth assets” and “safety assets,” the Adviser uses a risk-weighted allocation methodology based on the expected “tail risk” of each asset class. For purposes of the Portfolio, growth assets include global equities and, at times, high-yield fixed-income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”), and safety assets include government securities of developed countries. This strategy attempts to provide investors with favorable long-term total return while minimizing exposure to material or “tail” losses. To execute this strategy, the percentage loss that will constitute a tail loss is calculated for each asset class based on historical market behavior and on a forward-looking basis through options prices. Portfolio assets are then allocated among asset classes so that growth assets contribute the majority of the expected risk of tail loss (“tail risk”) of the Portfolio, and safety assets contribute a lesser amount of tail risk. The Adviser makes frequent adjustments to the Portfolio’s asset-class exposures based on these tail-risk determinations. To help limit tail risk, the Portfolio utilizes a risk-management strategy involving the purchase of put options and sale of call options on equity indices, equity index futures or exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). The Adviser will on a best-efforts basis seek to limit the volatility of the Portfolio to no more than 10% on an annualized basis. Actual results may vary.

The Adviser also assesses tail risk on a security, sector and country basis, and makes adjustments to the Portfolio’s allocations within each asset class when practicable. The Portfolio may invest in fixed-income securities with a range of maturities from short- to long-term. The Adviser expects that the Portfolio’s investments in high-yield fixed-income securities will not exceed 10% of the Portfolio’s net assets. The Portfolio’s investments in each asset class will generally be global in nature.

The Adviser expects to utilize a variety of derivatives in its management of the Portfolio, including futures contracts, options, swaps and forwards. Derivatives often provide more efficient and economical exposure to market segments than direct investments, and the Portfolio may utilize derivatives and ETFs to gain exposure to equity and fixed-income asset classes. Because derivatives transactions frequently require cash outlays that are only a small portion of the amount of exposure obtained through the derivative, a portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in cash or invested in cash equivalents to cover the Portfolio’s derivatives obligations, such as short-term US government and agency securities, repurchase agreements and money-market funds. At times, a combination of direct securities investments and derivatives will be used to gain asset-class exposure so that the Portfolio’s aggregate exposure will substantially exceed its net assets (i.e., so that the Portfolio is effectively leveraged).

Currency exchange-rate fluctuations can have a dramatic impact on returns. The Adviser may seek to hedge all or a portion of the currency exposure resulting from Portfolio investments through currency-related derivatives, or decide not to hedge this exposure. The Portfolio is “non-diversified.”

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table on page 5 shows the Portfolio’s performance compared with its primary benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) World Index (net, USD hedged) and a 60%/40% blend of the MSCI World Index (net, USD hedged) and the Bloomberg Global G7 Treasury Index (USD hedged), for the one- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022, and the period since the Portfolio’s inception on April 28, 2015.

For the annual period, all share classes of the Portfolio outperformed the primary benchmark and underperformed the blended benchmark. The Portfolio allocated most of its risk to global equity, with the balance allocated to government bonds. Over the period, the Portfolio’s underweight to fixed income contributed to relative performance. For global equity exposure, the Portfolio entered the year with a small overweight but then switched to an underweight position for most of the year. The overall equity underweight contributed positively for the annual period, which was partially offset by the initial overweight and an underweight during the fourth quarter. Tactical currency hedging decisions detracted from performance.

During the annual period, the Portfolio used derivatives for hedging and investment purposes. Forwards, purchased options, written options and variance swaps added to absolute returns, while futures detracted.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

US, international and emerging-market stocks declined during the annual period ended December 31, 2022. In response to persistently high inflation, central banks—led by the US Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)—took a hawkish

 

1


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

pivot, which raised concerns that rapidly rising borrowing costs would slow economic growth significantly and tip global economies into recession. Volatility increased and stocks pulled back after the Fed announced its first interest-rate hike in March 2022, which was followed by six additional rate raises, including four consecutive 0.75% increases. Equity markets rebounded briefly at the end of the period, after some early evidence of easing inflationary pressures raised hopes that the Fed and other key central banks would soon slow the pace of rate hikes. Optimism faded and equity markets gave back gains after the Fed downshifted to a 0.50% rate hike but strongly reaffirmed its higher-for-longer conviction. Both value- and growth-oriented stocks declined for the year. Value stocks significantly outperformed growth stocks, as growth stocks have been pressured more by rising interest rates throughout most of the year. Large-cap stocks narrowly outperformed small-cap stocks on a relative basis, but both declined in absolute terms.

Fixed-income government bond market yields rose sharply, and bond prices fell significantly in all major developed markets, as most central banks raised interest rates to combat high and persistent inflation. Lower-than-expected inflation numbers late in the period led to optimism that central bank policy rate increases would moderate. Longer-term bonds fell the most in the UK and eurozone, and by the least in Japan. Securitized assets generally outperformed other credit-risk sectors. Global investment-grade corporate bonds, which typically have longer maturities and are more sensitive to changes in yields than high-yield corporates, underperformed global treasuries—trailing US Treasury bonds in the US while outperforming eurozone treasuries in the euro bloc. Developed-market high-yield corporate bonds modestly outperformed global treasuries, trailing in the US and outperforming in the eurozone relative to respective treasury markets. Emerging-market sovereign bonds trailed as the US dollar gained on the vast majority of currencies. Emerging-market corporate bonds and local-currency bonds also fell sharply. Brent crude oil prices were extremely volatile and rose during the period.

The Portfolio began the year with a modest equity overweight motivated by the Portfolio’s Senior Investment Management Team’s (the “Team’s”) expectation that pent-up consumer and corporate demand, strong consumer and corporate quality metrics, and supportive policies would continue to support the global economic expansion. The Portfolio was underweight to bonds, primarily due to concerns that strong growth and higher inflation would lead markets to bring forward expectations for the end of extraordinary monetary policies, negatively impacting fixed-income investments.

The Portfolio moved to an equity underweight in the second quarter of the year. The omicron surge resulted in economies delaying their reopening schedules, which made the supply and demand imbalance persist longer than expected. When combined with the fact that inflation had largely surpassed central bank targets, the odds of a “policy mistake” increased, especially since some of the inflation drivers were not tied to policy measures. Additionally at this time, the Russia-Ukraine tensions were not only meaningful from a geopolitical tail-risk perspective, but also as it relates to the upside risks to commodity prices. The Team maintained an underweight to equities for the remainder of the year, as inflation continued to unsettle markets.

The Portfolio ended the period with an underweight to risk assets as markets remained volatile.

 

2


      
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Benchmark Disclosure

The MSCI World Index and Bloomberg Global G7 Treasury Index are unmanaged and do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The MSCI World Index (net, free float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted) represents the equity market performance of developed markets, hedged to the US dollar. The Bloomberg Global G7 Treasury Index tracks fixed-rate local-currency government debt of investment-grade G7 countries. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations, and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices, any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI. Net returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends after deduction of non-US withholding tax. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Portfolio.

A Word About Risk

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

Allocation Risk: The allocation of investments among asset classes may have a significant effect on the Portfolio’s net asset value (“NAV”) when the asset classes in which the Portfolio has invested more heavily perform worse than the asset classes invested in less heavily.

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

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

High-Yield Securities Risk: Investments in fixed-income securities with ratings below investment-grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, interest-rate sensitivity and negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally, and may be more difficult to trade than other types of securities.

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

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

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk: As with other investments, investments in other investment companies, including ETFs, are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, Contractholders of the Portfolio bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Portfolio (including management fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies in which the Portfolio invests (to the extent these expenses are not waived or reimbursed by the Adviser).

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio. Derivatives, especially over-the-counter derivatives, are also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable or unwilling to honor its contractual obligations to the Portfolio.

 

 

(Disclosures, Risks and Note About Historical Performance continued on next page)

 

3


      
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Leverage Risk: Because the Portfolio uses leveraging techniques, its NAV may be more volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of changes in interest rates and any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments.

Illiquid Investments Risk: Illiquid investments risk exists when certain investments are or become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling such investments may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Portfolio. Causes of illiquid investments risk may include low trading volumes and large positions. Foreign fixed-income securities may have more illiquid investments risk because secondary trading markets for these securities may be smaller and less well-developed and the securities may trade less frequently. Illiquid investments risk may be higher in a rising interest-rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally decline.

Non-Diversification Risk: The Portfolio may have more risk because it is “non-diversified”, meaning that it can invest more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers. Accordingly, changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s NAV.

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

These risks are fully discussed in the Variable Products prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Portfolio.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. Please contact your financial advisor or insurance agent representative at your financial institution to obtain Portfolio performance information current to the most recent month-end.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Portfolio carefully before investing. For additional copies of the Portfolio’s prospectus or summary prospectus, which contains this and other information, call your financial advisor or (800) 227 4618. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Portfolio have been deducted, but no adjustment has been made for insurance company separate account or annuity contract charges, which would reduce total return to a contract owner. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

There are additional fees and expenses associated with all Variable Products. These fees can include mortality and expense risk charges, administrative charges, and other charges that can significantly reduce investment returns. Those fees and expenses are not reflected in this annual report. You should consult your Variable Products prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses and speak to your insurance agent or financial representative if you have any questions. You should read the prospectus before investing or sending money.

 

4


      
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

            
THE PORTFOLIO VS. ITS BENCHMARKS    Net Asset Value Returns  
PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 (unaudited)    1 Year        5 Years1        Since Inception1,2  
Global Risk Allocation—Moderate Portfolio Class A3      -13.88%          2.16%          2.64%  
Global Risk Allocation—Moderate Portfolio Class B3      -14.07%          1.94%          2.40%  
Primary Benchmark: MSCI World Index (net, USD hedged)      -15.38%          7.61%          7.81%  
Blended Benchmark: 60% MSCI World Index (net, USD hedged)/ 40% Bloomberg Global G7 Treasury Index (USD hedged)      -13.56%          4.87%          5.22%  

1   Average annual returns.

    

    

2   Inception date: 4/28/2015.

    

    

3   Includes the impact of proceeds received by the Portfolio in connection with a trade-error reimbursement from the Adviser, which enhanced the performance of all share classes of the Portfolio for the annual period ended December 31, 2022, by 0.02%.

    

            

The Portfolio’s current prospectus fee table shows the Portfolio’s total annual operating expense ratios as 0.75% and 0.81% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT

4/28/20151 TO 12/31/2022 (unaudited)

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in Global Risk Allocation—Moderate Portfolio Class A shares (from 4/28/20151 to 12/31/2022) as compared with the performance of the Portfolio’s benchmarks. The chart assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

1   Inception date: 4/28/2015.

 

 

See Disclosures, Risks and Note About Historical Performance on pages 3-4.

 

5


      
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

     Beginning
Account Value
July 1, 2022
     Ending
Account Value
December 31, 2022
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
    Total
Expenses Paid
During Period+
     Total
Annualized
Expense Ratio+
 

Class A

                

Actual

   $   1,000      $ 996.70      $   2.67        0.53   $   2.87        0.57

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $   1,022.53      $ 2.70        0.53   $ 2.91        0.57
                

Class B

                

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 995.00      $ 4.02        0.80   $ 4.22        0.84

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $ 1,021.17      $ 4.08        0.80   $ 4.28        0.84

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**   Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

 

+   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fund fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees and expenses from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios acquired fund fees and expenses. The Portfolio’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Portfolio’s pro-rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

6


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN1  
December 31, 2022 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

Common Stocks

   $ 491,656,778          66.0

Inflation-Linked Securities

     6,461,004          0.8  

Options Purchased—Puts

     3,079,663          0.4  

Short-Term Investments

     244,271,081          32.8  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   745,468,526          100.0

COUNTRY BREAKDOWN2

December 31, 2022 (unaudited)

 

 

COUNTRY    U.S.$ VALUE        PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

United States

   $ 346,044,360          46.4

Japan

     39,583,306          5.3  

United Kingdom

     23,155,558          3.1  

France

     16,486,470          2.2  

Switzerland

     14,842,865          2.0  

Australia

     12,325,231          1.7  

Germany

     12,164,606          1.6  

Netherlands

     5,790,694          0.8  

Sweden

     4,496,565          0.6  

Denmark

     4,429,257          0.6  

Hong Kong

     3,758,554          0.5  

Spain

     3,634,137          0.5  

Italy

     2,927,750          0.4  

Other

     11,558,092          1.5  

Short-Term Investments

     244,271,081          32.8  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   745,468,526          100.0

 

 

 

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

 

2   The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. The Portfolio also enters into derivatives transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purpose (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). “Other” country weightings represent 0.3% or less in the following: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, China, Finland, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Luxembourg, Macau, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa and Taiwan.

 

7


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

COMMON STOCKS–61.5%

   
   

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–12.5%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.4%

   

Arista Networks, Inc.(a)

    2,650     $ 321,577  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    43,966       2,094,540  

F5, Inc.(a)

    641       91,990  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    3,475       111,061  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    1,790       461,301  

Nokia Oyj

    55,525       257,952  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson–Class B

    30,232       177,142  
   

 

 

 
      3,515,563  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–0.5%

   

Amphenol Corp.–Class A

    6,372       485,164  

Azbil Corp.

    1,243       31,208  

CDW Corp./DE

    1,450       258,941  

Corning, Inc.

    8,151       260,343  

Halma PLC

    4,008       95,450  

Hamamatsu Photonics KK

    1,510       72,069  

Hexagon AB–Class B

    20,161       211,390  

Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.

    326       40,887  

Ibiden Co., Ltd.

    1,205       43,455  

Keyence Corp.

    2,016       782,701  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.(a)

    1,915       327,599  

Kyocera Corp.

    3,322       164,893  

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    5,966       294,214  

Omron Corp.

    1,974       95,399  

Shimadzu Corp.

    2,386       67,548  

TDK Corp.

    4,060       132,086  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    3,406       391,009  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.(a)

    502       200,755  

Trimble, Inc.(a)

    2,641       133,529  

Venture Corp. Ltd.

    2,790       35,562  

Yaskawa Electric Corp.(b)

    2,574       82,125  

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

    2,300       36,503  

Zebra Technologies Corp.–Class A(a)

    553       141,795  
   

 

 

 
      4,384,625  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–2.2%

   

Accenture PLC–Class A

    6,747       1,800,370  

Adyen NV(a)(b)(c)

    225       312,356  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a)

    1,684       141,961  

Amadeus IT Group SA(a)

    4,712       244,448  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    4,442       1,061,016  

Bechtle AG

    825       29,162  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

    1,260       169,004  

Capgemini SE

    1,709       285,704  
                                                     

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.–Class A

    5,503     314,717  

Computershare Ltd.

    5,474       96,430  

DXC Technology Co.(a)

    2,463       65,270  

Edenred

    2,613       142,213  

EPAM Systems, Inc.(a)

    616       201,888  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    6,354       431,119  

Fiserv, Inc.(a)

    6,800       687,276  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.(a)

    790       145,107  

Fujitsu Ltd.

    2,052       273,568  

Gartner, Inc.(a)

    846       284,374  

Global Payments, Inc.

    2,895       287,531  

GMO Payment Gateway, Inc.

    481       39,778  

International Business Machines Corp.

    9,681       1,363,956  

Itochu Techno-Solutions Corp.

    967       22,430  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    781       137,112  

Mastercard, Inc.–Class A

    9,090       3,160,866  

NEC Corp.

    2,617       91,776  

Nexi SpA(a)(c)

    6,113       48,256  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

    3,384       80,451  

NTT Data Corp.

    6,358       92,653  

Obic Co., Ltd.(b)

    736       108,051  

Otsuka Corp.(b)

    1,148       36,185  

Paychex, Inc.

    3,435       396,949  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)

    12,207       869,383  

SCSK Corp.

    1,574       23,825  

TIS, Inc.

    2,330       61,237  

VeriSign, Inc.(a)

    988       202,975  

Visa, Inc.–Class A

    17,507       3,637,254  

Wix.com Ltd.(a)

    641       49,248  

Worldline SA/France(a)(c)

    2,518       98,611  
   

 

 

 
      17,494,510  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–2.7%

   

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)

    17,265       1,118,254  

Advantest Corp.

    2,002       128,225  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    5,507       903,313  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    9,212       897,065  

ASM International NV

    488       123,822  

ASML Holding NV

    4,211       2,296,055  

Broadcom, Inc.

    4,337       2,424,947  

Disco Corp.

    310       88,356  

Enphase Energy, Inc.(a)

    1,455       385,517  

Infineon Technologies AG

    13,527       411,111  

Intel Corp.

    44,191       1,167,968  

KLA Corp.

    1,517       571,954  

Lam Research Corp.

    1,460       613,638  

Lasertec Corp.(b)

    797       130,127  

 

8


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    5,889     $ 413,702  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    11,641       581,817  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    478       169,026  

NVIDIA Corp.

    26,662       3,896,385  

NXP Semiconductors NV

    2,775       438,533  

ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)

    4,630       288,773  

Qorvo, Inc.(a)

    1,086       98,435  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    12,003       1,319,610  

Renesas Electronics Corp.(a)

    11,966       105,759  

Rohm Co., Ltd.

    951       68,177  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    1,718       156,561  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.(a)

    599       169,679  

STMicroelectronics NV

    7,142       253,798  

SUMCO Corp.(b)

    3,351       44,396  

Teradyne, Inc.

    1,668       145,700  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    9,718       1,605,608  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    1,552       456,022  

Tower Semiconductor Ltd.(a)

    1,109       48,408  
   

 

 

 
      21,520,741  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–3.9%

   

Adobe, Inc.(a)

    4,978       1,675,246  

ANSYS, Inc.(a)

    933       225,404  

Autodesk, Inc.(a)

    2,311       431,857  

AVEVA Group PLC

    1,215       47,029  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(a)

    2,937       471,800  

Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.(a)

    1,645       105,527  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.(a)

    1,070       134,991  

CyberArk Software Ltd.(a)

    434       56,268  

Dassault Systemes SE

    6,957       250,171  

Fortinet, Inc.(a)

    6,943       339,443  

Intuit, Inc.

    3,018       1,174,666  

Microsoft Corp.

    79,821       19,142,672  

Nemetschek SE

    581       29,704  

Nice Ltd.(a)

    661       127,162  

NortonLifeLock, Inc.

    6,207       133,016  

Oracle Corp.

    16,456       1,345,114  

Oracle Corp.Japan

    387       25,163  

Paycom Software, Inc.(a)

    520       161,361  

PTC, Inc.(a)

    1,132       135,885  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    1,136       490,854  

Sage Group PLC (The)

    10,307       92,812  

Salesforce, Inc.(a)

    10,708       1,419,774  

SAP SE

    10,817       1,116,754  

ServiceNow, Inc.(a)

    2,163       839,828  

Synopsys, Inc.(a)

    1,637       522,678  

Temenos AG (REG)

    677       37,244  

Trend Micro, Inc./Japan(b)

    1,437       67,205  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.(a)

    446       143,795  

WiseTech Global Ltd.

    1,608       55,303  

Xero Ltd.(a)

    1,438       68,569  
   

 

 

 
      30,867,295  
   

 

 

 
                                                     

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–2.8%

   

Apple, Inc.

    160,120     20,804,392  

Brother Industries Ltd.

    2,377       35,925  

Canon, Inc.(b)

    10,295       222,825  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    3,723       186,155  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    13,778       219,897  

HP, Inc.

    9,479       254,701  

Logitech International SA (REG)(b)

    1,847       114,531  

NetApp, Inc.

    2,327       139,760  

Ricoh Co., Ltd.

    5,831       44,381  

Seagate Technology Holdings PLC

    2,056       108,166  

Seiko Epson Corp.

    2,818       40,999  

Western Digital Corp.(a)

    3,401       107, 302  
   

 

 

 
      22,279,034  
   

 

 

 
      100,061,768  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–9.3%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–1.3%

   

AbbVie, Inc.

    18,937       3,060,409  

Amgen, Inc.

    5,713       1,500,462  

Argenx SE(a)

    578       215,500  

Biogen, Inc.(a)

    1,542       427,011  

CSL Ltd.

    4,990       973,021  

Genmab A/S(a)

    690       291,728  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    13,430       1,152,965  

Grifols SA(a)(b)

    3,005       34,703  

Incyte Corp.(a)

    1,977       158,793  

Moderna, Inc.(a)

    3,538       635,495  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    1,147       827,549  

Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB(a)

    1,717       35,537  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    2,749       793,856  
   

 

 

 
      10,107,029  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.6%

   

Abbott Laboratories

    18,670       2,049,779  

Alcon, Inc.

    5,179       355,378  

Align Technology, Inc.(a)

    778       164,080  

Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.

    2,189       35,708  

Baxter International, Inc.

    5,398       275,136  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    3,054       776,632  

BioMerieux

    475       49,905  

Boston Scientific Corp.(a)

    15,337       709,643  

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

    450       56,562  

Cochlear Ltd.

    695       95,985  

Coloplast A/S–Class B

    1,240       145,269  

Cooper Cos., Inc. (The)

    528       174,594  

Demant A/S(a)

    964       26,882  

 

9


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.

    2,301     $ 73,264  

Dexcom, Inc.(a)

    4,136       468,361  

DiaSorin SpA

    292       40,858  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    6,620       493,918  

EssilorLuxottica SA

    3,013       545,151  

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp., Ltd.

    5,813       83,173  

Getinge AB–Class B

    2,304       47,902  

Hologic, Inc.(a)

    2,673       199,967  

Hoya Corp.

    3,772       361,277  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(a)

    887       361,861  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)

    3,784       1,004,084  

Koninklijke Philips NV

    8,984       135,184  

Medtronic PLC

    14,232       1,106,111  

Olympus Corp.

    12,545       221,263  

ResMed, Inc.

    1,569       326,556  

Siemens Healthineers AG(c)

    2,928       146,053  

Smith & Nephew PLC

    8,859       118,310  

Sonova Holding AG (REG)

    556       132,049  

STERIS PLC

    1,069       197,434  

Straumann Holding AG (REG)

    1,185       135,885  

Stryker Corp.

    3,606       881,631  

Sysmex Corp.

    1,777       107,279  

Teleflex, Inc.

    502       125,314  

Terumo Corp.

    6,668       189,042  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    2,247       286,492  
   

 

 

 
      12,703,972  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.6%

   

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    1,734       287,341  

Amplifon SpA

    1,254       37,444  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    2,807       215,774  

Centene Corp.(a)

    6,063       497,227  

Cigna Corp.

    3,274       1,084,807  

CVS Health Corp.

    14,070       1,311,183  

DaVita, Inc.(a)

    589       43,981  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    2,557       1,311,664  

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

    2,066       67,481  

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

    4,406       123,068  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    2,270       544,709  

Henry Schein, Inc.(a)

    1,451       115,891  

Humana, Inc.

    1,356       694,530  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings

    949       223,471  

McKesson Corp.

    1,518       569,432  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.(a)

    625       206,387  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    1,219       190,700  

Ramsay Health Care Ltd.(b)

    1,960       86,066  

Sonic Healthcare Ltd.

    4,591       93,432  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    10,005       5,304,451  

Universal Health Services, Inc.–Class B

    687       96,791  
   

 

 

 
      13,105,830  
   

 

 

 
                                                     

HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY–0.0%

   

M3, Inc.

    4,607     125,141  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–0.9%

   

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    3,170       474,390  

Bachem Holding AG (REG)(b)

    344       29,849  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.–Class A(a)

    231       97,133  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    1,681       139,321  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.(a)

    545       118,756  

Danaher Corp.

    7,015       1,861,921  

Eurofins Scientific SE

    1,409       101,164  

Illumina, Inc.(a)

    1,684       340,505  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.(a)

    1,989       407,526  

Lonza Group AG (REG)

    777       381,410  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(a)

    239       345,463  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    1,352       189,577  

QIAGEN NV(a)

    2,427       122,006  

Sartorius AG (Preference Shares)

    261       103,063  

Sartorius Stedim Biotech

    294       95,541  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    4,200       2,312,898  

Waters Corp.(a)

    636       217,881  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    793       186,633  
   

 

 

 
      7,525,037  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–3.9%

   

Astellas Pharma, Inc.

    18,758       285,227  

AstraZeneca PLC

    16,050       2,171,876  

Bayer AG (REG)

    10,176       523,759  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    22,767       1,638,086  

Catalent, Inc.(a)

    1,927       86,734  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    6,969       177,757  

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.

    18,161       584,543  

Eisai Co., Ltd.

    2,635       173,784  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    8,445       3,089,519  

GSK PLC

    42,130       728,143  

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC

    1,710       31,867  

Ipsen SA

    387       41,626  

Johnson & Johnson

    27,995       4,945,317  

Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.

    2,720       62,299  

Merck & Co., Inc.

    27,148       3,012,071  

Merck KGaA

    1,357       261,820  

Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd.

    495       28,091  

Novartis AG (REG)

    22,408       2,027,866  

Novo Nordisk A/S–Class B

    17,147       2,328,829  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    3,726       87,090  

Organon & Co.

    2,724       76,081  

Orion Oyj–Class B

    1,167       63,978  

Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd.

    4,092       133,451  

Pfizer, Inc.

    60,106       3,079,831  

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica SpA

    1,053     $ 43,771  

Roche Holding AG (BR)

    285       110,436  

Roche Holding AG (Genusschein)

    7,278       2,287,019  

Sanofi

    11,816       1,139,376  

Shionogi & Co., Ltd.

    2,770       138,204  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    15,635       488,542  

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sponsored ADR)(a)

    11,113       101,351  

UCB SA

    1,330       104,795  

Viatris, Inc.

    12,985       144,523  

Zoetis, Inc.

    4,991       731,431  
   

 

 

 
      30,929,093  
   

 

 

 
      74,496,102  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–8.5%

   

BANKS–3.4%

   

ABN AMRO Bank NV(c)

    3,859       53,439  

AIB Group PLC

    11,076       42,514  

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd.

    30,969       498,877  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

    62,845       378,532  

Banco Santander SA

    172,996       517,277  

Bank Hapoalim BM

    12,904       116,187  

Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM

    15,840       131,928  

Bank of America Corp.

    74,735       2,475,223  

Bank of Ireland Group PLC

    11,086       105,642  

Banque Cantonale Vaudoise (REG)

    312       29,914  

Barclays PLC

    166,502       316,822  

BNP Paribas SA

    11,526       656,280  

BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

    37,283       126,568  

CaixaBank SA

    44,667       175,130  

Chiba Bank Ltd. (The)

    5,340       38,961  

Citigroup, Inc.

    20,739       938,025  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    5,273       207,598  

Comerica, Inc.

    1,402       93,724  

Commerzbank AG(a)

    10,819       101,153  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia(b)

    17,625       1,224,141  

Concordia Financial Group Ltd.

    10,968       45,796  

Credit Agricole SA

    12,536       131,870  

Danske Bank A/S

    6,949       137,056  

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

    18,681       472,846  

DNB Bank ASA

    9,637       190,332  

Erste Group Bank AG

    3,629       116,111  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    7,350       241,153  

FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA

    6,144       102,028  

First Republic Bank/CA

    1,959       238,782  

Hang Seng Bank Ltd.

    7,704       127,782  

HSBC Holdings PLC

    206,829       1,281,830  
                                                     

Huntington Bancshares, Inc./OH

    15,448     217,817  

ING Groep NV

    39,021       475,321  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA

    173,045       383,365  

Israel Discount Bank Ltd.–Class A

    12,463       65,430  

Japan Post Bank Co., Ltd.(b)

    4,155       35,621  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    31,408       4,211,813  

KBC Group NV

    2,598       167,273  

KeyCorp

    9,990       174,026  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

    706,247       385,408  

M&T Bank Corp.

    1,848       268,071  

Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario SpA(b)

    5,771       55,454  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

    123,817       831,235  

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd.

    1,577       50,898  

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

    24,751       348,699  

National Australia Bank Ltd.

    32,757       665,085  

NatWest Group PLC

    54,918       175,146  

Nordea Bank Abp (Stockholm)

    34,511       369,680  

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd.

    34,743       316,023  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    4,319       682,143  

Regions Financial Corp.

    10,006       215,729  

Resona Holdings, Inc.

    22,172       121,778  

Shizuoka Financial Group, Inc.

    4,497       36,037  

Signature Bank/New York NY

    674       77,658  

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB–Class A

    16,397       188,776  

Societe Generale SA

    8,389       210,427  

Standard Chartered PLC

    25,642       191,251  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

    13,480       542,333  

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc.

    3,561       124,263  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    633       145,679  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB–Class A

    14,695       147,949  

Swedbank AB–Class A

    9,124       155,191  

Truist Financial Corp.

    14,207       611,327  

UniCredit SpA

    19,898       282,344  

United Overseas Bank Ltd.

    12,149       278,283  

US Bancorp

    14,478       631,386  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    40,802       1,684,715  

Westpac Banking Corp.

    36,265       574,130  

Zions Bancorp NA

    1,602       78,754  
   

 

 

 
      27,490,039  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–1.9%

   

3i Group PLC

    9,805       158,129  

Abrdn PLC(b)

    21,971       49,927  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    1,139       354,650  

Amundi SA(c)

    613       34,763  

 

11


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

ASX Ltd.(b)

    2,054     $ 94,599  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    7,876       358,515  

BlackRock, Inc.

    1,608       1,139,477  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    1,136       142,534  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    16,333       1,359,886  

CME Group, Inc.

    3,852       647,752  

Credit Suisse Group AG (REG)

    44,885       134,002  

Daiwa Securities Group, Inc.

    13,519       59,738  

Deutsche Bank AG (REG)

    21,407       240,648  

Deutsche Boerse AG

    1,973       339,731  

EQT AB(b)

    2,981       63,332  

Euronext NV(c)

    936       69,293  

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    408       163,694  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    3,042       80,248  

Futu Holdings Ltd. (ADR)(a)(b)

    656       26,666  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

    3,626       1,245,096  

Hargreaves Lansdown PLC

    3,584       36,908  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.

    12,530       538,417  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    5,981       613,591  

Invesco Ltd.

    4,870       87,611  

Japan Exchange Group, Inc.

    5,165       74,442  

Julius Baer Group Ltd.

    2,215       128,915  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    3,426       294,366  

Macquarie Group Ltd.

    3,803       429,315  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    403       112,393  

Moody’s Corp.

    1,687       470,032  

Morgan Stanley

    14,116       1,200,142  

MSCI, Inc.

    856       398,185  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    3,630       222,700  

Nomura Holdings, Inc.

    29,578       109,601  

Northern Trust Corp.

    2,232       197,510  

Partners Group Holding AG

    239       211,630  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    2,073       221,500  

S&P Global, Inc.

    3,566       1,194,396  

SBI Holdings, Inc./Japan(b)

    2,467       47,003  

Schroders PLC

    7,364       38,694  

Singapore Exchange Ltd.

    8,880       59,379  

St. James’s Place PLC

    5,443       71,703  

State Street Corp.

    3,929       304,773  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    2,393       260,981  

UBS Group AG (REG)

    34,683       644,626  
   

 

 

 
      14,731,493  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–0.2%

   

American Express Co.

    6,401       945,748  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    4,087       379,927  

Discover Financial Services

    2,926       286,251  

Synchrony Financial

    4,824       158,517  
   

 

 

 
      1,770,443  
   

 

 

 
                                                     

DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–0.9%

   

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.–Class B(a)

    19,292     5,959,299  

Eurazeo SE

    464       28,888  

EXOR NV(a)

    1,169       85,588  

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert NV

    1,033       82,555  

Industrivarden AB–Class A

    1,313       31,936  

Industrivarden AB–Class C

    1,637       39,718  

Investor AB–Class A

    5,024       93,470  

Investor AB–Class B

    18,694       338,379  

Kinnevik AB–Class B(a)

    2,439       33,571  

L E Lundbergforetagen AB–Class B

    765       32,614  

M&G PLC

    24,038       54,356  

Mitsubishi HC Capital, Inc.

    6,650       32,708  

ORIX Corp.

    12,381       198,178  

Sofina SA

    177       39,082  

Wendel SE

    270       25,220  
   

 

 

 
      7,075,562  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–2.1%

   

Admiral Group PLC

    1,781       45,720  

Aegon NV(b)

    18,038       91,393  

Aflac, Inc.

    6,059       435,884  

Ageas SA/NV

    1,677       74,412  

AIA Group Ltd.

    123,589       1,364,841  

Allianz SE (REG)

    4,231       903,562  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    2,840       385,104  

American International Group, Inc.

    7,956       503,137  

Aon PLC–Class A

    2,215       664,810  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.(a)

    3,961       248,672  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    2,258       425,723  

Assicurazioni Generali SpA

    11,505       204,588  

Assurant, Inc.

    566       70,784  

Aviva PLC

    28,121       149,172  

AXA SA

    19,360       539,283  

Baloise Holding AG (REG)

    490       75,561  

Brown & Brown, Inc.

    2,517       143,394  

Chubb Ltd.

    4,444       980,346  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    1,683       172,322  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.

    9,968       225,111  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    419       138,802  

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA

    2,015       39,522  

Globe Life, Inc.

    969       116,813  

Hannover Rueck SE

    641       126,474  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    3,406       258,277  

Insurance Australia Group Ltd.

    24,836       79,840  

Japan Post Holdings Co., Ltd.

    24,626       207,202  

Japan Post Insurance Co., Ltd.

    2,013       35,403  

Legal & General Group PLC

    61,865       185,479  

Lincoln National Corp.

    1,649       50,657  

Loews Corp.

    2,110       123,076  

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

    5,311     $ 878,864  

Medibank Pvt Ltd.

    27,747       55,356  

MetLife, Inc.

    7,057       510,715  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc.

    4,657       148,884  

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen (REG)

    1,452       469,679  

NN Group NV

    2,908       118,915  

Phoenix Group Holdings PLC

    7,768       56,904  

Poste Italiane SpA(c)

    5,263       51,348  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    2,437       204,513  

Progressive Corp. (The)

    6,265       812,633  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    3,940       391,872  

Prudential PLC

    28,209       384,638  

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

    14,876       134,951  

Sampo Oyj–Class A

    5,015       261,931  

Sompo Holdings, Inc.

    3,270       144,675  

Suncorp Group Ltd.

    12,721       103,661  

Swiss Life Holding AG (REG)

    326       168,040  

Swiss Re AG

    3,156       295,090  

T&D Holdings, Inc.

    5,340       76,441  

Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.

    19,081       407,616  

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

    2,509       470,412  

Tryg A/S

    3,627       86,198  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    1,159       283,468  

WR Berkley Corp.

    2,189       158,856  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

    1,559       745,322  
   

 

 

 
      16,486,346  
   

 

 

 
      67,553,883  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–6.5%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.1%

   

Airbus SE

    6,123       728,039  

BAE Systems PLC

    31,961       330,106  

Boeing Co. (The)(a)

    5,999       1,142,750  

Dassault Aviation SA

    258       43,755  

Elbit Systems Ltd.

    293       47,651  

General Dynamics Corp.

    2,411       598,193  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

    3,943       155,394  

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    427       98,500  

Kongsberg Gruppen ASA

    909       38,691  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

    2,039       424,540  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    2,498       1,215,252  

MTU Aero Engines AG

    564       121,336  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    1,549       845,150  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    15,741       1,588,582  

Rheinmetall AG

    452       89,982  

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC(a)

    84,306       94,168  
                                                     

Safran SA

    3,542     443,649  

Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd.

    15,730       39,361  

Textron, Inc.

    2,235       158,238  

Thales SA

    1,114       142,334  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    553       348,197  
   

 

 

 
      8,693,868  
   

 

 

 

AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS–0.4%

   

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    1,260       115,366  

Deutsche Post AG (REG)

    10,261       384,035  

DSV A/S

    1,952       308,684  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    1,704       177,080  

FedEx Corp.

    2,563       443,911  

Kuehne & Nagel International AG (REG)

    566       131,585  

Nippon Express Holdings, Inc.

    859       49,057  

SG Holdings Co., Ltd.

    2,929       40,612  

United Parcel Service, Inc.–Class B

    7,815       1,358,559  

Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd.(b)

    2,936       46,525  
   

 

 

 
      3,055,414  
   

 

 

 

AIRLINES–0.1%

   

Alaska Air Group, Inc.(a)

    1,358       58,312  

American Airlines Group, Inc.(a)

    6,959       88,518  

ANA Holdings, Inc.(a)

    1,610       34,096  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.(a)

    6,866       225,617  

Deutsche Lufthansa AG (REG)(a)

    6,022       49,640  

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.(a)

    1,453       29,594  

Qantas Airways Ltd.(a)

    9,311       37,688  

Singapore Airlines Ltd.(b)

    13,499       55,736  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    6,358       214,074  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.(a)

    3,501       131,988  
   

 

 

 
      925,263  
   

 

 

 

BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.4%

   

A O Smith Corp.

    1,358       77,732  

AGC, Inc.(b)

    1,947       64,613  

Allegion PLC

    941       99,050  

Assa Abloy AB–Class B

    10,352       222,664  

Carrier Global Corp.

    8,954       369,352  

Cie de Saint-Gobain

    5,097       249,349  

Daikin Industries Ltd.(b)

    2,604       395,062  

Geberit AG (REG)

    382       180,335  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    7,374       471,936  

Kingspan Group PLC

    1,616       87,496  

Lixil Corp.

    2,697       40,660  

Masco Corp.

    2,415       112,708  

 

13


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Nibe Industrier AB–Class B

    15,403     $ 143,768  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    4,461       349,341  

ROCKWOOL A/S–Class B

    103       24,113  

TOTO Ltd.(b)

    1,426       48,369  

Xinyi Glass Holdings Ltd.

    18,257       33,731  
   

 

 

 
      2,970,279  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.3%

   

Brambles Ltd.

    13,827       113,390  

Cintas Corp.

    924       417,297  

Copart, Inc.(a)

    4,589       279,424  

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.

    2,237       44,940  

Rentokil Initial PLC

    25,987       159,658  

Republic Services, Inc.

    2,199       283,649  

Rollins, Inc.

    2,478       90,546  

Secom Co., Ltd.

    2,191       125,014  

Securitas AB–Class B

    4,956       41,355  

TOPPAN, Inc.

    2,642       39,016  

Waste Management, Inc.

    4,000       627,520  
   

 

 

 
      2,221,809  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.2%

   

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA(b)

    2,313       66,183  

Bouygues SA

    2,312       69,341  

Eiffage SA

    896       88,134  

Epiroc AB–Class A

    6,819       124,168  

Epiroc AB–Class B

    3,929       63,207  

Ferrovial SA

    5,030       131,699  

Kajima Corp.

    4,067       47,329  

Obayashi Corp.

    6,542       49,416  

Quanta Services, Inc.

    1,530       218,025  

Shimizu Corp.

    5,561       29,673  

Skanska AB–Class B

    3,427       54,326  

Taisei Corp.

    1,922       61,975  

Vinci SA

    5,571       555,356  
   

 

 

 
      1,558,832  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.5%

   

ABB Ltd. (REG)

    16,281       496,204  

AMETEK, Inc.

    2,459       343,572  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    4,258       668,293  

Emerson Electric Co.

    6,332       608,252  

Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.

    1,278       48,231  

Generac Holdings, Inc.(a)

    678       68,248  

Legrand SA

    2,813       225,551  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

    19,641       194,621  

Nidec Corp.

    4,664       240,006  

Prysmian SpA

    2,709       100,654  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    1,230       316,811  

Schneider Electric SE

    5,620       789,242  

Siemens Energy AG(a)

    4,431       83,197  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    10,402       303,433  
   

 

 

 
      4,486,315  
   

 

 

 
                                                     

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–0.0%

   

First Solar, Inc.(a)

    1,062     159,077  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–0.7%

   

3M Co.

    5,919       709,806  

CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.

    27,053       162,070  

DCC PLC

    1,088       53,499  

General Electric Co.

    11,700       980,343  

Hitachi Ltd.

    10,053       505,830  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    7,199       1,542,746  

Investment AB Latour–Class B(b)

    1,491       28,198  

Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd.

    1,023       21,843  

Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd.

    1,634       83,123  

Keppel Corp., Ltd.

    14,674       79,580  

Lifco AB–Class B

    2,348       39,301  

Melrose Industries PLC

    40,856       65,823  

Siemens AG (REG)

    7,924       1,092,333  

Smiths Group PLC

    3,730       71,586  

Toshiba Corp.

    4,068       141,360  
   

 

 

 
      5,577,441  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–1.3%

   

Alfa Laval AB

    2,958       85,567  

Alstom SA

    3,393       83,015  

Atlas Copco AB–Class A

    27,822       329,646  

Atlas Copco AB–Class B

    15,724       167,770  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    5,572       1,334,828  

CNH Industrial NV

    10,624       170,430  

Cummins, Inc.

    1,510       365,858  

Daifuku Co., Ltd.

    1,118       52,115  

Daimler Truck Holding AG(a)

    4,757       146,238  

Deere & Co.

    2,941       1,260,983  

Dover Corp.

    1,503       203,521  

FANUC Corp.

    1,998       298,994  

Fortive Corp.

    3,788       243,379  

GEA Group AG

    1,545       62,831  

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

    1,083       24,136  

Hoshizaki Corp.(b)

    1,094       38,467  

Husqvarna AB–Class B

    4,217       29,618  

IDEX Corp.

    808       184,491  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    2,993       659,358  

Indutrade AB

    2,776       56,296  

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.

    4,336       226,556  

Knorr-Bremse AG

    820       44,610  

Komatsu Ltd.

    9,617       207,863  

Kone Oyj–Class B

    3,540       183,272  

Kubota Corp.

    10,350       141,396  

Kurita Water Industries Ltd.(b)

    1,130       46,674  

Makita Corp.(b)

    2,257       52,577  

MINEBEA MITSUMI, Inc.

    3,657       54,182  

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

MISUMI Group, Inc.

    2,864     $ 62,247  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

    3,370       133,171  

NGK Insulators Ltd.

    2,207       27,980  

Nordson Corp.

    576       136,927  

PACCAR, Inc.

    3,724       368,564  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    1,375       400,125  

Pentair PLC

    1,761       79,210  

Rational AG

    60       35,630  

Sandvik AB

    11,112       200,811  

Schindler Holding AG

    435       81,816  

Schindler Holding AG (REG)

    268       48,334  

SKF AB–Class B

    3,852       58,834  

SMC Corp.

    598       249,697  

Snap-on, Inc.

    569       130,011  

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

    782       99,885  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    1,584       118,990  

Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.

    13,862       153,963  

Toyota Industries Corp.

    1,574       85,509  

Trane Technologies PLC

    2,466       414,510  

VAT Group AG(c)

    291       79,885  

Volvo AB–Class A

    2,017       38,295  

Volvo AB–Class B

    15,630       282,334  

Wartsila OYJ Abp

    4,769       40,212  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    1,947       194,330  

Xylem, Inc./NY

    1,930       213,400  
   

 

 

 
      10,489,341  
   

 

 

 

MARINE–0.1%

   

AP Moller–Maersk A/S–Class A

    33       72,727  

AP Moller–Maersk A/S–Class B

    55       123,123  

Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd.(b)

    3,463       86,533  

Nippon Yusen KK(b)

    5,061       119,342  

SITC International Holdings Co., Ltd.

    13,511       29,946  

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.(b)

    853       14,663  
   

 

 

 
      446,334  
   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–0.4%

   

Adecco Group AG (REG)

    1,610       52,961  

Bureau Veritas SA

    2,962       78,061  

CoStar Group, Inc.(a)

    4,355       336,554  

Equifax, Inc.

    1,311       254,806  

Experian PLC

    9,591       324,831  

Intertek Group PLC

    1,729       84,120  

Jacobs Solutions, Inc.

    1,366       164,016  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    1,464       153,998  

Nihon M&A Center Holdings, Inc.

    3,051       37,542  

Persol Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,788       38,030  

Randstad NV(b)

    1,290       78,822  
                                                     

Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.

    14,972     468,653  

RELX PLC (London)

    19,883       549,726  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    1,162       85,790  

SGS SA (REG)

    68       158,395  

Teleperformance

    630       150,611  

Verisk Analytics, Inc.

    1,675       295,503  

Wolters Kluwer NV

    2,742       286,910  
   

 

 

 
      3,599,329  
   

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–0.5%

   

Aurizon Holdings Ltd.

    18,545       46,983  

Central Japan Railway Co.

    1,491       183,064  

CSX Corp.

    22,512       697,422  

East Japan Railway Co.(b)

    3,140       178,848  

Grab Holdings Ltd.–Class A(a)

    13,321       42,894  

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, Inc.

    2,305       68,292  

JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    887       154,657  

Keio Corp.(b)

    1,036       37,948  

Keisei Electric Railway Co., Ltd.(b)

    1,302       36,991  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd.(b)

    1,728       57,052  

MTR Corp., Ltd.

    15,600       82,506  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    2,479       610,875  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.(b)

    2,970       38,463  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    970       275,267  

Tobu Railway Co., Ltd.(b)

    1,902       44,364  

Tokyu Corp.(b)

    5,501       69,279  

Union Pacific Corp.

    6,583       1,363,142  

West Japan Railway Co.

    2,337       101,471  
   

 

 

 
      4,089,518  
   

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.4%

   

AerCap Holdings NV(a)

    1,441       84,039  

Ashtead Group PLC

    4,598       261,188  

Brenntag SE

    1,621       103,379  

Bunzl PLC

    3,534       117,577  

Fastenal Co.

    6,133       290,214  

ITOCHU Corp.

    12,312       386,261  

Marubeni Corp.

    15,764       180,592  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    13,031       423,048  

Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

    14,845       432,371  

MonotaRO Co., Ltd.(b)

    2,525       35,567  

Reece Ltd.(b)

    2,297       21,956  

Sumitomo Corp.

    11,667       193,942  

Toyota Tsusho Corp.

    2,273       83,611  

United Rentals, Inc.(a)

    742       263,722  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    482       268,112  
   

 

 

 
      3,145,579  
   

 

 

 

 

15


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE–0.1%

   

Aena SME SA(a)(c)

    788     $ 98,782  

Aeroports de Paris(a)

    305       40,861  

Auckland International Airport Ltd.(a)

    12,611       62,546  

Getlink SE

    4,433       70,986  

Transurban Group

    31,507       277,194  
   

 

 

 
      550,369  
   

 

 

 
      51,968,768  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–6.3%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–0.2%

   

Aisin Corp.

    1,484       39,348  

Aptiv PLC(a)

    2,901       270,170  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    2,507       100,907  

Bridgestone Corp.(b)

    5,879       208,158  

Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA

    6,988       194,667  

Continental AG

    1,197       71,358  

Denso Corp.

    4,542       222,739  

Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    2,104       31,367  

Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.

    7,148       80,761  

Valeo

    2,088       37,308  
   

 

 

 
      1,256,783  
   

 

 

 

AUTOMOBILES–1.1%

   

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

    3,452       305,623  

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (Preference Shares)

    653       55,107  

Dr Ing hc F Porsche AG (Preference Shares)(a)

    1,214       122,509  

Ferrari NV

    1,318       282,630  

Ford Motor Co.

    42,292       491,856  

General Motors Co.

    15,212       511,732  

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

    16,887       385,176  

Isuzu Motors Ltd.

    5,874       68,097  

Mazda Motor Corp.

    5,729       42,945  

Mercedes-Benz Group AG

    8,323       544,282  

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

    23,388       73,191  

Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Preference Shares)

    1,606       87,585  

Renault SA(a)

    2,081       69,440  

Stellantis NV (Milan)

    22,795       323,925  

Subaru Corp.

    6,199       93,853  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    3,856       123,497  

Tesla, Inc.(a)

    28,741       3,540,316  

Toyota Motor Corp.(b)

    109,844       1,498,551  

Volkswagen AG

    326       51,141  

Volkswagen AG (Preference Shares)

    1,935       240,036  

Volvo Car AB–Class B(a)(b)

    6,056       27,575  

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.(b)

    2,999       67,781  
   

 

 

 
      9,006,848  
   

 

 

 
                                                     

DISTRIBUTORS–0.1%

   

D’ieteren Group

    280     53,735  

Genuine Parts Co.

    1,509       261,827  

LKQ Corp.

    2,718       145,168  

Pool Corp.

    418       126,374  
   

 

 

 
      587,104  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–0.0%

   

IDP Education Ltd.(b)

    2,103       38,757  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–1.1%

   

Accor SA(a)

    1,714       42,760  

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd.

    6,281       129,425  

Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)

    415       836,341  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.(a)

    2,298       95,597  

Carnival Corp.(a)(b)

    10,723       86,427  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(a)

    297       412,085  

Compass Group PLC

    18,199       420,252  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    1,310       181,212  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    379       131,286  

Entain PLC

    5,908       94,085  

Evolution AB(c)

    1,922       187,211  

Expedia Group, Inc.(a)

    1,612       141,211  

Flutter Entertainment PLC(a)

    1,757       240,764  

Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.

    21,942       144,261  

Genting Singapore Ltd.

    60,925       43,480  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    2,896       365,939  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC

    1,927       110,569  

La Francaise des Jeux SAEM(c)

    1,096       44,101  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.(a)

    3,518       169,110  

Lottery Corp. Ltd. (The)(a)

    22,425       68,353  

Marriott International, Inc./MD–Class A

    2,881       428,952  

McDonald’s Corp.

    7,843       2,066,866  

McDonald’s Holdings Co. Japan Ltd.(b)

    929       35,308  

MGM Resorts International

    3,413       114,438  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.(a)

    4,512       55,227  

Oriental Land Co., Ltd./Japan(b)

    2,084       303,272  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.(a)

    2,350       116,161  

Sands China Ltd.(a)

    24,462       80,241  

Sodexo SA

    953       91,182  

Starbucks Corp.

    12,291       1,219,267  

Whitbread PLC

    2,035       62,919  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.(a)

    1,104       91,047  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    3,016       386,289  
   

 

 

 
      8,995,638  
   

 

 

 

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.3%

   

Barratt Developments PLC

    10,300     $ 49,196  

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

    1,131       51,562  

DR Horton, Inc.

    3,351       298,708  

Electrolux AB–Class B(b)

    2,277       30,764  

Garmin Ltd.

    1,642       151,540  

Iida Group Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,483       22,516  

Lennar Corp.–Class A

    2,728       246,884  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.(a)

    565       57,754  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    4,030       52,712  

NVR, Inc.(a)

    32       147,603  

Open House Group Co., Ltd.

    825       30,038  

Panasonic Holdings Corp.(b)

    22,877       191,458  

Persimmon PLC

    3,215       47,140  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    2,439       111,048  

SEB SA

    278       23,325  

Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

    3,800       52,966  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    6,208       110,062  

Sharp Corp./Japan(b)

    2,157       15,494  

Sony Group Corp.

    13,063       995,682  

Taylor Wimpey PLC

    32,673       40,015  

Whirlpool Corp.

    583       82,471  
   

 

 

 
      2,808,938  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–1.2%

   

Amazon.com, Inc.(a)

    95,036       7,983,024  

Delivery Hero SE(a)(c)

    1,764       84,654  

eBay, Inc.

    5,811       240,982  

Etsy, Inc.(a)

    1,346       161,224  

Just Eat Takeaway.com NV(a)(b)(c)

    1,820       38,738  

Prosus NV

    8,598       593,635  

Rakuten Group, Inc.(a)(b)

    8,758       39,473  

Zalando SE(a)(c)

    2,410       84,843  

ZOZO, Inc.

    1,255       30,993  
   

 

 

 
      9,257,566  
   

 

 

 

LEISURE PRODUCTS–0.0%

   

Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc.

    2,080       130,373  

Hasbro, Inc.

    1,390       84,804  

Shimano, Inc.(b)

    773       122,149  

Yamaha Corp.

    1,474       54,697  
   

 

 

 
      392,023  
   

 

 

 

MULTILINE RETAIL–0.4%

   

Cie Financiere Richemont SA (REG)

    5,407       701,071  

Dollar General Corp.

    2,415       594,694  

Dollar Tree, Inc.(a)

    2,254       318,806  

Next PLC

    1,339       93,825  

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp.

    3,794       70,470  

Target Corp.

    4,928       734,469  
                                                     

Wesfarmers Ltd.(b)

    11,748     366,388  
   

 

 

 
      2,879,723  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.2%

   

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    644       94,687  

AutoZone, Inc.(a)

    203       500,635  

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

    2,445       103,032  

Best Buy Co., Inc.

    2,145       172,050  

CarMax, Inc.(a)

    1,692       103,026  

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

    607       369,380  

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB–Class B(b)

    7,358       79,293  

Hikari Tsushin, Inc.

    211       29,699  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

    10,962       3,462,457  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

    11,213       297,829  

JD Sports Fashion PLC

    25,984       39,486  

Kingfisher PLC

    19,545       55,532  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    6,646       1,324,149  

Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd.(b)

    863       112,762  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(a)

    670       565,500  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    3,716       431,316  

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

    12,432       989,587  

Tractor Supply Co.

    1,183       266,140  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.(a)

    548       257,050  

USS Co., Ltd.

    1,906       30,243  
   

 

 

 
      9,283,853  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.7%

   

adidas AG

    1,795       243,270  

Burberry Group PLC

    4,080       99,193  

Hermes International

    329       509,243  

Kering SA

    776       394,928  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    2,849       2,073,195  

Moncler SpA

    2,183       115,998  

NIKE, Inc–Class B

    13,488       1,578,231  

Pandora A/S

    987       69,763  

Puma SE

    1,150       69,510  

Ralph Lauren Corp.

    440       46,495  

Swatch Group AG (The)

    313       88,961  

Swatch Group AG (The) (REG)

    530       27,558  

Tapestry, Inc.

    2,580       98,246  

VF Corp.

    3,537       97,657  
   

 

 

 
      5,512,248  
   

 

 

 
      50,019,481  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–5.0%

   

BEVERAGES–1.2%

   

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

    9,027       543,705  

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.(b)

    4,750       147,856  

Brown-Forman Corp-Class B

    1,958       128,601  

Budweiser Brewing Co. APAC Ltd.(c)

    17,346       54,224  

 

17


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Carlsberg AS–Class B

    1,039     $ 137,820  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    41,675       2,650,947  

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC

    2,174       120,266  

Coca-Cola HBC AG

    2,025       47,869  

Constellation Brands, Inc–Class A

    1,738       402,781  

Davide Campari-Milano NV

    5,266       53,462  

Diageo PLC

    23,586       1,032,403  

Heineken Holding NV

    1,092       84,336  

Heineken NV

    2,717       255,920  

Ito En Ltd.

    539       19,616  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

    9,099       324,470  

Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd.(b)

    8,287       126,306  

Molson Coors Beverage Co.–Class B

    2,013       103,710  

Monster Beverage Corp.(a)

    4,078       414,039  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    14,752       2,665,096  

Pernod Ricard SA

    2,138       420,593  

Remy Cointreau SA

    258       43,502  

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

    1,400       47,673  

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd.

    7,272       67,182  
   

 

 

 
      9,892,377  
   

 

 

 

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.9%

   

Aeon Co., Ltd.

    6,832       144,261  

Carrefour SA

    5,961       99,703  

Coles Group Ltd.

    13,439       152,339  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    4,739       2,163,353  

Endeavour Group Ltd./Australia(b)

    13,513       58,808  

HelloFresh SE(a)

    1,664       36,317  

J Sainsbury PLC

    17,625       46,227  

Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA

    2,853       61,726  

Kesko Oyj–Class B

    2,751       60,787  

Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd.

    1,597       46,027  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    10,902       313,446  

Kroger Co. (The)

    6,975       310,946  

Ocado Group PLC(a)(b)

    5,923       43,967  

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.

    7,835       335,779  

Sysco Corp.

    5,426       414,818  

Tesco PLC

    75,669       203,918  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    7,686       287,149  

Walmart, Inc.

    15,113       2,142,872  

Welcia Holdings Co., Ltd.

    950       22,145  

Woolworths Group Ltd.(b)

    12,455       284,415  
   

 

 

 
      7,229,003  
   

 

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–1.1%

   

Ajinomoto Co., Inc.(b)

    4,703       143,739  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    5,882       546,144  

Associated British Foods PLC

    3,589       68,043  

Barry Callebaut AG (REG)

    38       75,040  

Campbell Soup Co.

    2,151       122,069  
                                                     

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG

    11     112,090  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG (REG)

    2       205,767  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    5,132       198,608  

Danone SA

    6,663       351,178  

General Mills, Inc.

    6,355       532,867  

Hershey Co. (The)

    1,574       364,491  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    3,100       141,205  

JDE Peet’s NV

    1,011       29,243  

JM Smucker Co. (The)

    1,141       180,803  

Kellogg Co.

    2,741       195,269  

Kerry Group PLC–Class A

    1,652       149,226  

Kikkoman Corp.(b)

    1,552       81,692  

Kraft Heinz Co. (The)

    8,526       347,093  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    1,540       137,614  

McCormick & Co., Inc./MD

    2,683       222,394  

MEIJI Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,219       62,484  

Mondelez International, Inc.–Class A

    14,623       974,623  

Mowi ASA

    4,205       71,654  

Nestle SA (REG)

    28,485       3,290,284  

Nisshin Seifun Group, Inc.

    1,993       25,048  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.

    638       50,526  

Orkla ASA

    7,567       54,614  

Salmar ASA

    747       29,295  

Tyson Foods, Inc.–Class A

    3,101       193,037  

WH Group Ltd.(c)

    84,024       49,006  

Wilmar International Ltd.

    19,354       60,295  

Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

    1,381       89,900  
   

 

 

 
      9,155,341  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–0.8%

   

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

    2,611       210,473  

Clorox Co. (The)

    1,321       185,376  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    8,943       704,619  

Essity AB–Class B

    6,338       165,974  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

    1,131       72,683  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Preference Shares)

    1,875       129,961  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    3,614       490,601  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    25,374       3,845,683  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

    7,412       513,773  

Unicharm Corp.

    4,216       161,415  
   

 

 

 
      6,480,558  
   

 

 

 

PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.5%

   

Beiersdorf AG

    1,065       121,700  

Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The)–Class A

    2,476       614,320  

Haleon PLC(a)

    51,669       204,434  

Kao Corp.(b)

    4,903       194,651  

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.(b)

    537       36,807  

Kose Corp.

    385       41,832  

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

L’Oreal SA

    2,502     $ 895,960  

Shiseido Co., Ltd.(b)

    4,168       204,289  

Unilever PLC (London)

    26,365       1,331,111  
   

 

 

 
      3,645,104  
   

 

 

 

TOBACCO–0.5%

   

Altria Group, Inc.

    19,190       877,175  

British American Tobacco PLC

    22,128       875,343  

Imperial Brands PLC

    9,372       233,467  

Japan Tobacco, Inc.(b)

    12,430       250,591  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    16,599       1,679,985  
   

 

 

 
      3,916,561  
   

 

 

 
      40,318,944  
   

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.0%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.0%

   

AT&T, Inc.

    76,314       1,404,941  

Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication Corp., Ltd.

    21,484       36,856  

BT Group PLC

    70,623       95,360  

Cellnex Telecom SA(c)

    5,667       187,981  

Charter Communications, Inc.–Class A(a)

    1,150       389,965  

Comcast Corp.–Class A

    46,193       1,615,369  

Deutsche Telekom AG (REG)

    33,572       667,968  

Elisa Oyj

    1,530       81,098  

HKT Trust & HKT Ltd.

    38,163       46,716  

Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane SpA(c)

    3,386       34,159  

Koninklijke KPN NV

    34,215       105,904  

Lumen Technologies, Inc.

    10,192       53,202  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    12,381       353,088  

Orange SA

    20,664       205,031  

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.

    83,194       159,507  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

    18,834       64,483  

Swisscom AG (REG)

    269       147,361  

Telecom Italia SpA/Milano(a)

    100,391       23,266  

Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG

    10,489       25,761  

Telefonica SA

    52,536       190,186  

Telenor ASA

    7,049       65,859  

Telia Co. AB

    26,782       68,435  

Telstra Group Ltd.

    41,888       113,284  

United Internet AG (REG)

    977       19,701  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    44,971       1,771,857  

Washington H Soul Pattinson & Co., Ltd.(b)

    2,181       40,918  
   

 

 

 
      7,968,256  
   

 

 

 
                                                     

ENTERTAINMENT–0.7%

   

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    7,626     583,770  

Bollore SE

    8,908       49,781  

Capcom Co., Ltd.(b)

    1,774       56,627  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    2,808       343,081  

Embracer Group AB(a)(b)

    6,492       29,473  

Koei Tecmo Holdings Co., Ltd.(b)

    1,184       21,414  

Konami Group Corp.

    939       42,596  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.(a)

    1,529       106,633  

Netflix, Inc.(a)

    4,765       1,405,103  

Nexon Co., Ltd.(b)

    4,977       111,737  

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

    11,478       482,611  

Sea Ltd. (ADR)(a)

    3,730       194,072  

Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

    864       40,112  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)

    1,689       175,876  

Toho Co., Ltd./Tokyo(b)

    1,127       43,441  

Ubisoft Entertainment SA(a)

    945       26,697  

Universal Music Group NV

    7,524       181,950  

Walt Disney Co. (The)(a)

    19,521       1,695,985  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.(a)

    23,662       224,316  
   

 

 

 
      5,815,275  
   

 

 

 

INTERACTIVE MEDIA & SERVICES–1.8%

   

Adevinta ASA(a)

    2,936       19,441  

Alphabet, Inc.–Class A(a)

    63,957       5,642,926  

Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a)

    56,696       5,030,636  

Auto Trader Group PLC(c)

    9,578       59,646  

Kakaku.com, Inc.

    1,344       21,565  

Match Group, Inc.(a)

    2,991       124,097  

Meta Platforms, Inc.–Class A(a)

    24,078       2,897,547  

REA Group Ltd.(b)

    593       44,597  

Scout24 SE(c)

    842       42,381  

SEEK Ltd.(b)

    3,387       48,152  

Z Holdings Corp.

    26,998       67,428  
   

 

 

 
      13,998,416  
   

 

 

 

MEDIA–0.2%

   

CyberAgent, Inc.

    4,076       36,288  

Dentsu Group, Inc.(b)

    2,179       68,357  

DISH Network Corp.–Class A(a)

    2,691       37,782  

Fox Corp.–Class A

    3,239       98,368  

Fox Corp.–Class B

    1,492       42,447  

Hakuhodo DY Holdings, Inc.

    2,354       23,625  

Informa PLC

    14,350       107,048  

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)

    4,160       138,570  

News Corp.–Class A

    4,094       74,511  

News Corp.–Class B

    1,262       23,271  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    2,183       178,067  

Paramount Global–Class B

    5,408       91,287  

Pearson PLC

    6,861       77,473  

 

19


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Publicis Groupe SA

    2,394     $ 152,934  

Vivendi SE

    7,323       69,956  

WPP PLC

    11,311       111,752  
   

 

 

 
      1,331,736  
   

 

 

 

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.3%

   

KDDI Corp.

    16,730       507,369  

SoftBank Corp.

    29,471       333,425  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    12,521       529,550  

T-Mobile US, Inc.(a)

    6,395       895,300  

Tele2 AB–Class B

    5,769       47,062  

Vodafone Group PLC

    271,895       275,353  
   

 

 

 
      2,588,059  
   

 

 

 
      31,701,742  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–3.2%

   

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.2%

   

Baker Hughes Co.

    10,723       316,650  

Halliburton Co.

    9,723       382,600  

Schlumberger NV

    15,184       811,737  

Tenaris SA

    4,757       83,427  
   

 

 

 
      1,594,414  
   

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–3.0%

   

Aker BP ASA

    3,337       103,724  

Ampol Ltd.

    2,400       46,134  

APA Corp.

    3,443       160,719  

BP PLC

    194,895       1,124,533  

Chevron Corp.

    19,049       3,419,105  

ConocoPhillips

    13,343       1,574,474  

Coterra Energy, Inc.

    8,443       207,444  

Devon Energy Corp.

    7,000       430,570  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    1,885       257,830  

ENEOS Holdings, Inc.

    30,918       105,289  

Eni SpA

    25,897       368,241  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    6,290       814,681  

EQT Corp.

    3,930       132,952  

Equinor ASA

    9,844       353,796  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    44,098       4,864,009  

Galp Energia SGPS SA

    5,050       68,128  

Hess Corp.

    2,971       421,347  

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.(b)

    2,100       49,164  

Inpex Corp.(b)

    10,772       115,750  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    21,180       382,934  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    6,800       184,076  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    5,018       584,045  

Neste Oyj

    4,372       201,623  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    7,786       490,440  

OMV AG

    1,582       81,380  

ONEOK, Inc.

    4,786       314,440  

Phillips 66

    5,061       526,749  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    2,544       581,024  

Repsol SA

    14,284       227,359  

Santos Ltd.(b)

    32,417       159,433  
                                                     

Shell PLC

    75,245     2,121,218  

Targa Resources Corp.

    2,424       178,164  

TotalEnergies SE

    25,773       1,617,852  

Valero Energy Corp.

    4,128       523,678  

Williams Cos., Inc. (The)

    13,042       429,082  

Woodside Energy Group Ltd.(b)

    19,685       476,735  
   

 

 

 
      23,698,122  
   

 

 

 
      25,292,536  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–2.6%

   

CHEMICALS–1.4%

   

Air Liquide SA

    5,421       769,431  

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

    2,375       732,117  

Akzo Nobel NV

    1,888       126,690  

Albemarle Corp.

    1,254       271,942  

Arkema SA

    618       55,586  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    12,639       89,972  

BASF SE

    9,565       470,967  

Celanese Corp.

    1,068       109,192  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    2,101       179,005  

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

    1,143       82,219  

Clariant AG (REG)

    2,173       34,510  

Corteva, Inc.

    7,651       449,726  

Covestro AG(c)

    2,076       80,873  

Croda International PLC

    1,464       116,503  

Dow, Inc.

    7,536       379,739  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    5,319       365,043  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    1,285       104,650  

Ecolab, Inc.

    2,653       386,171  

EMS-Chemie Holding AG (REG)

    77       52,152  

Evonik Industries AG

    2,112       40,284  

FMC Corp.

    1,349       168,355  

Givaudan SA (REG)

    97       297,102  

ICL Group Ltd.

    7,263       52,479  

IMCD NV

    609       87,112  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    2,730       286,213  

Johnson Matthey PLC

    1,949       49,811  

JSR Corp.(b)

    1,839       36,010  

Koninklijke DSM NV

    1,834       225,205  

Linde PLC

    5,294       1,726,797  

LyondellBasell Industries NV–Class A

    2,720       225,842  

Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp.

    12,899       66,778  

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

    1,855       41,665  

Mosaic Co. (The)

    3,646       159,950  

Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.(b)

    8,359       65,652  

Nippon Sanso Holdings Corp.

    1,792       25,958  

Nissan Chemical Corp.

    1,313       57,256  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    1,516       87,314  

Novozymes A/S–Class B

    2,164       109,788  

OCI NV

    1,071       38,291  

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Orica Ltd.

    4,655     $ 47,595  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    2,517       316,488  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    2,525       599,258  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

    3,897       475,871  

Sika AG (REG)

    1,523       366,134  

Solvay SA

    809       81,795  

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

    15,011       53,824  

Symrise AG

    1,383       150,201  

Toray Industries, Inc.

    13,972       77,703  

Tosoh Corp.

    2,620       31,156  

Umicore SA

    2,129       78,304  

Yara International ASA

    1,775       77,953  
   

 

 

 
      11,060,632  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS–0.1%

   

CRH PLC

    7,783       309,531  

HeidelbergCement AG

    1,499       84,941  

Holcim AG

    5,743       297,276  

James Hardie Industries PLC

    4,484       80,704  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    665       224,750  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    1,423       249,182  
   

 

 

 
      1,246,384  
   

 

 

 

CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–0.1%

   

Amcor PLC

    15,944       189,893  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    867       156,927  

Ball Corp.

    3,361       171,881  

International Paper Co.

    3,808       131,871  

Packaging Corp. of America

    991       126,759  

Sealed Air Corp.

    1,549       77,264  

SIG Group AG

    3,105       67,848  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    2,618       97,024  

Westrock Co.

    2,723       95,741  
   

 

 

 
      1,115,208  
   

 

 

 

METALS & MINING–0.9%

   

Anglo American PLC

    13,176       515,970  

Antofagasta PLC

    3,973       74,166  

ArcelorMittal SA

    5,404       142,569  

BHP Group Ltd.

    52,472       1,625,422  

BlueScope Steel Ltd.

    4,518       51,493  

Boliden AB

    2,899       108,893  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.(b)

    17,540       245,159  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    15,305       581,590  

Glencore PLC

    101,163       674,620  

IGO Ltd.

    7,059       64,571  

JFE Holdings, Inc.

    4,952       57,461  

Mineral Resources Ltd.(b)

    1,825       95,733  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

    8,969       125,766  

Newmont Corp. (New York)

    8,499       401,153  

Nippon Steel Corp.

    8,210       142,453  

Norsk Hydro ASA

    13,549       101,243  

Northern Star Resources Ltd.(b)

    12,068       90,309  
                                                     

Nucor Corp.

    2,747     362,082  

Pilbara Minerals Ltd.(a)

    26,278       66,542  

Rio Tinto Ltd.

    3,876       305,916  

Rio Tinto PLC

    11,647       819,762  

South32 Ltd.

    46,987       128,821  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    1,786       174,492  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.

    2,644       92,907  

voestalpine AG

    1,169       30,966  
   

 

 

 
      7,080,059  
   

 

 

 

PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS–0.1%

   

Holmen AB–Class B

    954       37,917  

Mondi PLC

    4,892       82,728  

Oji Holdings Corp.

    8,176       33,023  

Stora Enso Oyj–Class R

    5,601       78,971  

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA–Class B

    6,104       77,305  

UPM-Kymmene Oyj

    5,520       206,566  
   

 

 

 
      516,510  
   

 

 

 
      21,018,793  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–2.0%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–1.3%

   

Acciona SA

    276       50,793  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    2,688       148,405  

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    5,502       522,415  

BKW AG

    219       29,964  

Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.

    6,491       67,120  

CK Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.

    5,927       30,927  

CLP Holdings Ltd.

    16,545       120,540  

Constellation Energy Corp.

    3,502       301,907  

Duke Energy Corp.

    8,246       849,256  

Edison International

    4,089       260,142  

EDP–Energias de Portugal SA

    27,968       139,415  

Electricite de France SA

    6,038       77,518  

Elia Group SA/NV

    363       51,605  

Endesa SA

    3,200       60,309  

Enel SpA

    83,453       448,822  

Entergy Corp.

    2,179       245,138  

Evergy, Inc.

    2,458       154,682  

Eversource Energy

    3,730       312,723  

Exelon Corp.

    10,641       460,010  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    5,816       243,923  

Fortum Oyj

    4,474       74,510  

HK Electric Investments & HK Electric Investments Ltd.–Class SS(c)

    26,708       17,659  

Iberdrola SA

    62,603       730,795  

Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (The)(b)

    7,093       68,879  

Mercury NZ Ltd.

    6,864       24,249  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    21,278       1,778,841  

 

21


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

NRG Energy, Inc.

    2,467     $ 78,500  

Origin Energy Ltd.

    17,744       92,871  

Orsted AS(c)

    2,009       181,625  

PG&E Corp.(a)

    17,240       280,322  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    1,211       92,084  

Power Assets Holdings Ltd.

    13,977       76,391  

PPL Corp.

    7,884       230,371  

Red Electrica Corp. SA(b)

    4,124       71,709  

Southern Co. (The)

    11,657       832,426  

SSE PLC

    10,988       225,990  

Terna–Rete Elettrica Nazionale

    14,175       104,685  

Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings, Inc.(a)

    15,381       55,393  

Verbund AG

    742       62,372  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    5,860       410,845  
   

 

 

 
      10,066,131  
   

 

 

 

GAS UTILITIES–0.1%

   

APA Group(b)

    11,887       86,887  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    1,498       167,881  

Enagas SA

    2,507       41,688  

Hong Kong & China Gas Co., Ltd.

    112,802       106,982  

Naturgy Energy Group SA

    1,478       38,412  

Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.

    3,778       60,875  

Snam SpA

    20,316       98,509  

Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.

    4,034       78,985  
   

 

 

 
      680,219  
   

 

 

 

INDEPENDENT POWER AND RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PRODUCERS–0.1%

   

AES Corp. (The)

    7,152       205,692  

Corp. ACCIONA Energias Renovables SA

    682       26,353  

EDP Renovaveis SA

    2,903       63,969  

Meridian Energy Ltd.

    12,972       43,147  

RWE AG

    6,698       296,103  
   

 

 

 
      635,264  
   

 

 

 

MULTI-UTILITIES–0.5%

   

Ameren Corp.

    2,768       246,130  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    6,741       202,163  

CMS Energy Corp.

    3,108       196,830  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    3,800       362,178  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    8,923       547,158  

DTE Energy Co.

    2,075       243,875  

E.ON SE

    23,255       231,201  

Engie SA

    18,918       270,642  

National Grid PLC

    37,911       454,149  

NiSource, Inc.

    4,349       119,249  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    5,343       327,366  

Sempra Energy

    3,366       520,182  

United Utilities Group PLC

    6,870       82,085  

Veolia Environnement SA

    6,977       179,270  
                                                     

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    3,378     316,721  
   

 

 

 
      4,299,199  
   

 

 

 

WATER UTILITIES–0.0%

   

American Water Works Co., Inc.

    1,947       296,762  

Severn Trent PLC

    2,521       80,541  
   

 

 

 
      377,303  
   

 

 

 
      16,058,116  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–1.6%

   

EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITs)–1.3%

   

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    1,599       232,926  

American Tower Corp.

    4,986       1,056,334  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    1,498       241,957  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    1,527       103,195  

British Land Co. PLC (The)

    8,871       42,117  

Camden Property Trust

    1,141       127,655  

CapitaLand Ascendas REIT

    33,812       69,249  

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust

    53,735       81,957  

Covivio

    524       31,104  

Crown Castle, Inc.

    4,637       628,963  

Daiwa House REIT Investment Corp.

    25       55,742  

Dexus

    10,836       56,890  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    3,079       308,731  

Equinix, Inc.

    991       649,135  

Equity Residential

    3,642       214,878  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    693       146,861  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    1,434       211,056  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    783       79,114  

Gecina SA

    518       52,774  

GLP J-REIT

    46       52,977  

Goodman Group

    17,530       206,159  

GPT Group (The)(b)

    19,300       55,044  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    5,756       144,303  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    7,656       122,879  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    6,219       184,331  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    3,113       155,183  

Japan Metropolitan Fund Invest

    77       61,255  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    13       57,100  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    6,622       140,254  

Klepierre SA

    2,286       52,762  

Land Securities Group PLC

    7,097       53,023  

Link REIT

    21,874       160,059  

Mapletree Logistics Trust

    31,227       37,132  

Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust

    21,757       27,184  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    1,236       194,040  

 

22


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Mirvac Group

    39,723     $ 57,468  

Nippon Building Fund, Inc.(b)

    16       71,549  

Nippon Prologis REIT, Inc.

    25       58,614  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund, Inc.

    46       56,989  

Prologis, Inc.

    9,884       1,114,223  

Public Storage

    1,693       474,362  

Realty Income Corp.

    6,715       425,933  

Regency Centers Corp.

    1,649       103,063  

SBA Communications Corp.

    1,156       324,038  

Scentre Group

    52,294       101,793  

Segro PLC

    12,114       111,597  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    3,501       411,298  

Stockland

    24,051       59,234  

UDR, Inc.

    3,277       126,918  

Ventas, Inc.

    4,280       192,814  

VICI Properties, Inc.

    10,313       334,141  

Vicinity Centres(b)

    38,985       52,641  

Vornado Realty Trust

    1,725       35,897  

Warehouses De Pauw CVA

    1,696       48,585  

Welltower, Inc.

    5,060       331,683  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    7,880       244,280  
   

 

 

 
      10,831,443  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT– 0.3%

   

Aroundtown SA

    10,065       23,446  

Azrieli Group Ltd.

    427       28,476  

Capitaland Investment Ltd./Singapore

    26,947       74,473  

CBRE Group, Inc.–Class A(a)

    3,383       260,356  

City Developments Ltd.

    4,093       25,161  

CK Asset Holdings Ltd.

    20,190       123,829  

Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd.

    659       67,470  

Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd.

    6,094       140,383  

ESR Group Ltd.(c)

    19,958       41,723  

Fastighets AB Balder–Class B(a)

    6,354       29,656  

Hang Lung Properties Ltd.

    20,399       39,737  

Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd.

    14,633       50,940  

Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.

    10,310       47,434  

Hulic Co., Ltd.

    3,868       30,374  

LEG Immobilien SE

    808       52,697  

Lendlease Corp., Ltd.(b)

    6,939       36,833  

Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.(b)

    12,273       158,979  

Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.

    9,241       168,897  

New World Development Co., Ltd.

    15,213       42,675  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings, Inc.

    1,195       25,552  

Sagax AB–Class B

    1,934       43,941  
                                                     

Sino Land Co., Ltd.

    33,532     41,824  

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd.

    3,117       73,461  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

    14,726       201,148  

Swire Pacific Ltd.–Class A

    5,016       43,970  

Swire Properties Ltd.

    11,788       29,858  

Swiss Prime Site AG (REG)

    814       70,552  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield(a)

    1,282       66,736  

UOL Group Ltd.

    4,678       23,520  

Vonovia SE

    7,349       173,116  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd.

    16,824       97,985  
   

 

 

 
      2,335,202  
   

 

 

 
      13,166,645  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (cost $556,917,497)

      491,656,778  
   

 

 

 
          Principal
Amount
(000)
       
                                                       

INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–0.8%

     

JAPAN–0.8%

     

Japanese Government CPI Linked Bond Series 22 0.10%, 03/10/2027 (cost $7,537,371)

    JPY       811,607       6,461,004  
     

 

 

 
          Notional
Amount
       

OPTIONS
PURCHASED–
PUTS–0.4%

     

OPTIONS ON INDICES–0.4%

     

Euro STOXX 50 Index Expiration: Jan 2023; Contracts: 553; Exercise Price: EUR 3,700.00; Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.(a)

    EUR       20,461,000       221,392  

FTSE 100 Index Expiration: Jan 2023; Contracts: 84; Exercise Price: GBP 7,150.00; Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.(a)

    GBP       6,006,000       15,741  

 

23


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Notional
Amount
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                       

Nikkei 225 Index Expiration: Jan 2023; Contracts: 78; Exercise Price: JPY 27,250.00; Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co.,
Inc.(a)

    JPY       2,125,500,000     $ 892,685  

S&P 500 Index Expiration: Jan 2023; Contracts: 271; Exercise Price: USD 3,840.00; Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co.,
Inc. (a)

    USD       104,064,000       1,949,845  
     

 

 

 

Total Options Purchased–Puts (premiums paid $2,372,599)

        3,079,663  
     

 

 

 
    Shares        
                                                     

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–30.6%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–30.6%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 4.12%(d)(e)(f) (cost $244,271,081)

    244,271,081     $ 244,271,081  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SECURITY LENDING COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–93.3%
(cost $811,098,548)

      745,468,526  
   

 

 

 
                                                     

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–0.0%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.0%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 4.12%(d)(e)(f) (cost $63,804)

    63,804     63,804  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–93.3%
(cost $811,162,352)

      745,532,330  

Other assets less liabilities–6.7%

      53,869,304  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $   799,401,634  
   

 

 

 

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

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

Purchased Contracts

           

10 Yr Canadian Bond Futures

     43        March 2023      $ 3,891,913      $ (76,596

10 Yr Mini Japan Government Bond Futures

     93        March 2023          10,308,374          (178,999

Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures

     100        March 2023        4,051,651        (23,694

Euro-BTP Futures

     139        March 2023        16,206,477          (1,285,492

Euro-Bund Futures

     39        March 2023        5,549,499        (345,720

Euro-OAT Futures

     72        March 2023        9,811,312        (678,352

 

24


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

Purchased Contracts (continued)

           

FTSE 100 Index Futures

     16        March 2023      $ 1,444,163      $ 29,805  

Hang Seng Futures

     8        January 2023        1,020,569        7,442  

Japan 10 Yr Bond (OSE) Futures

     31        March 2023        34,358,885        (597,763

Long Gilt Futures

     159        March 2023        19,203,084        (745,925

MSCI EAFE Futures

     6        March 2023        584,820        (4,711

MSCI Emerging Markets Futures

     566        March 2023        27,151,020        (452,959

Nikkei 225 (CME) Futures

     22        March 2023        2,834,700        (224,320

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

     1        March 2023        193,050        (6,835

S&P Mid 400 E-Mini Futures

     5        March 2023        1,221,300        (35,889

S&P/TSX 60 Index Futures

     66        March 2023        11,405,229        (406,832

TOPIX Index Futures

     6        March 2023        864,752        (22,206

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

     284        March 2023        30,652,031        (9,346

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

     805        March 2023          90,398,984        (242,531

U.S. Ultra Bond (CBT) Futures

     79        March 2023        10,610,688        22,739  

Sold Contracts

           

Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures

     218        March 2023        8,832,600        400,042  

FTSE 100 Index Futures

     62        March 2023        5,596,133        23,194  

MSCI Singapore IX ETS Futures

     78        January 2023        1,692,019        15,866  

Nikkei 225 (CME) Futures

     62        March 2023        7,988,700        560,813  

OMXS 30 Index Futures

     49        January 2023        958,883        56,088  

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

     194        March 2023        37,451,700        938,521  

SPI 200 Futures

     38        March 2023        4,522,479        113,766  
           

 

 

 
            $   (3,169,894
           

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

Counterparty     

Contracts to
Deliver

(000)

       In Exchange
For
(000)
       Settlement
Date
       Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Bank of America, NA

       GBP        19,204          USD        22,827          01/18/2023        $ (398,339

Bank of America, NA

       USD        825          AUD        1,214          01/19/2023          2,414  

Bank of America, NA

       EUR        9,409          USD        9,907          02/27/2023          (202,352

BNP Paribas SA

       CHF        2,246          USD        2,407          03/01/2023          (36,969

Citibank, NA

       CHF        7,597          USD        8,154          03/01/2023          (112,685

Deutsche Bank AG

       USD        2,226          CAD        3,010          01/19/2023          (2,294

Deutsche Bank AG

       SEK        37,573          USD        3,551          02/03/2023          (55,460

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       AUD        3,319          USD        2,223          01/19/2023          (37,932

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       USD        4,676          AUD        7,198          01/19/2023          227,741  

HSBC Bank USA

       AUD        15,661          USD        9,883          01/19/2023          (785,853

HSBC Bank USA

       CAD        11,235          USD        8,237          01/19/2023          (61,386

HSBC Bank USA

       JPY        3,733,900          USD        27,039          02/09/2023            (1,543,307

HSBC Bank USA

       EUR        36,560          USD        38,591          02/27/2023          (687,875

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

       USD        1,649          CAD        2,246          01/19/2023          10,443  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

       USD        827          JPY        112,241          02/09/2023          32,071  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        1,607          AUD        2,381          01/19/2023          15,488  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        1,606          CAD        2,167          01/19/2023          (5,244

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        2,422          JPY        321,155          02/09/2023          36,119  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       CNH        16,765          USD        2,417          02/16/2023          (13,839

 

25


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Counterparty     

Contracts to
Deliver

(000)

       In Exchange
For
(000)
       Settlement
Date
       Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        5,795          EUR        5,468          02/27/2023        $ 79,023  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       NOK        3,521          USD        354          02/03/2023          (5,481

UBS AG

       USD        1,650          GBP        1,341          01/18/2023          (27,648

UBS AG

       USD        2,318          EUR        2,191          02/27/2023          35,869  
                         

 

 

 
                          $   (3,537,496
                         

 

 

 

PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)

 

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

Euro STOXX 50 Index(g)

    Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.       553       EUR       3,525.00       January 2023       EUR       19,493     $ 128,007     $ (53,868

FTSE 100 Index(g)

    Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.       84       GBP       6,800.00       January 2023       GBP       5,712       20,833       (5,840

Nikkei 225 Index(h)

    Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.       78       JPY       26,000.00       January 2023       JPY       2,028,000       70,462       (205,044

S&P 500 Index(i)

    Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.       271       USD       3,640.00       January 2023       USD       98,644         573,963       (453,925
               

 

 

   

 

 

 
                $ 793,265     $   (718,677
               

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration. At December 31, 2022, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $2,181,610 or 0.3% of net assets.

 

(d)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

 

(g)   One contract relates to 10 shares.

 

(h)   One contract relates to 1000 shares.

 

(i)   One contract relates to 100 shares.

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

CNH—Chinese Yuan Renminbi (Offshore)

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

JPY—Japanese Yen

NOK—Norwegian Krone

SEK—Swedish Krona

USD—United States Dollar

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

BTP—Buoni del Tesoro Poliennali

CBT—Chicago Board of Trade

CME—Chicago Mercantile Exchange

CPI—Consumer Price Index

EAFE—Europe, Australia, and Far East

 

26


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ETS—Emission Trading Scheme

FTSE—Financial Times Stock Exchange

MSCI—Morgan Stanley Capital International

OAT—Obligations Assimilables du Trésor

OMXS—Stockholm Stock Exchange

OSE—Osaka Securities Exchange

REG—Registered Shares

REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust

SPI—Share Price Index

TOPIX—Tokyo Price Index

TSX—Toronto Stock Exchange

See notes to financial statements.

 

27


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $566,827,467)

   $ 501,197,445 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $244,334,885—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $63,804)

     244,334,885  

Cash

     2,034  

Cash collateral due from broker

     45,229,113  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $13,273,160)

     13,071,898  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     838,892  

Unaffiliated dividends and interest receivable

     598,666  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     439,168  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     89,409  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     805,801,510  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Options written, at value (premiums received $793,265)

     718,677  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     3,976,664  

Payable for variation margin on futures

     701,826  

Advisory fee payable

     300,843  

Distribution fee payable

     173,163  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     162,407  

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     63,804  

Administrative fee payable

     24,067  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     150  

Accrued expenses

     278,275  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     6,399,876  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 799,401,634  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 78,400  

Additional paid-in capital

     903,297,731  

Accumulated loss

     (103,974,497
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 799,401,634  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 11,331          1,100        $ 10.30  
B      $   799,390,303          78,398,629        $   10.20  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $9,147,976 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

28


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Year Ended December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $453,395)

   $ 10,567,755  

Affiliated issuers

     4,289,601  

Interest

     160,246  

Securities lending income

     24,287  
  

 

 

 
     15,041,889  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     4,200,975  

Distribution fee—Class B

     2,250,512  

Transfer agency—Class B

     2,193  

Custody and accounting

     309,681  

Administrative

     92,141  

Audit and tax

     85,465  

Legal

     71,320  

Directors’ fees

     29,074  

Printing

     27,834  

Miscellaneous

     63,410  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     7,132,605  

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

     (350,908
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     6,781,697  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     8,260,192  
  

 

 

 

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

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions

     (1,575,139

Forward currency exchange contracts

     13,616,826  

Futures

     (56,180,760

Written options

     3,430,685  

Swaps

     (15,806

Foreign currency transactions

     2,851,925  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

  

Investments

     (106,468,741

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (5,220,091

Futures

     (2,931,597

Written options

     (1,328,811

Swaps

     53,550  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (86,877
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (153,854,836
  

 

 

 

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

     242,720  
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (145,351,924
  

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

29


      
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment income

   $ 8,260,192     $ 517,926  

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

     (37,872,269     26,020,040  

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

     (115,982,567     29,986,430  

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

     242,720       1,736  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (145,351,924     56,526,132  

Distributions to Shareholders

    

Class A

     (400     –0 – 

Class B

     (27,864,579     –0 – 

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

    

Net increase (decrease)

     (93,224,440     919,608,907  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (266,441,343     976,135,039  

NET ASSETS

    

Beginning of period

     1,065,842,977       89,707,938  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 799,401,634     $ 1,065,842,977  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

30


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Global Risk Allocation—Moderate Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to generate income and price appreciation without assuming what AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) considers undue risk. The Portfolio is non-diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 10 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. At December 31, 2022 the Adviser was the sole shareholder of Class A shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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

 

31


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

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

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

 

32


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

             

Assets:

             

Common Stocks:

             

Information Technology

     $ 88,637,862      $ 11,423,906      $ –0 –     $ 100,061,768  

Health Care

       54,742,184        19,753,918        –0 –       74,496,102  

Financials

       40,653,708        26,900,175        –0 –       67,553,883  

Industrials

       30,072,664        21,896,104        –0 –       51,968,768  

Consumer Discretionary

       33,702,786        16,316,695        –0 –       50,019,481  

Consumer Staples

       24,893,497        15,425,447        –0 –       40,318,944  

Communication Services

       25,238,979        6,462,763        –0 –       31,701,742  

Energy

       17,988,750        7,303,786        –0 –       25,292,536  

Materials

       9,404,073        11,614,720        –0 –       21,018,793  

Utilities

       10,954,177        5,103,939        –0 –       16,058,116  

Real Estate

       9,387,537        3,779,108        –0 –       13,166,645  

Inflation-Linked Securities

       –0 –       6,461,004        –0 –       6,461,004  

Options Purchased—Puts

       –0 –       3,079,663        –0 –       3,079,663  

Short-Term Investments

       244,271,081        –0 –       –0 –       244,271,081  

Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund

       63,804        –0 –       –0 –       63,804  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       590,011,102        155,521,228        –0 –       745,532,330  

Other Financial Instruments(a):

             

Assets:

             

Futures

       2,168,276        –0 –       –0 –       2,168,276 (b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       439,168        –0 –       439,168  

Liabilities:

             

Futures

       (5,338,170      –0 –       –0 –       (5,338,170 )(b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       (3,976,664      –0 –       (3,976,664

Put Options Written

       –0 –       (718,677      –0 –       (718,677
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     $ 586,841,208      $ 151,265,055      $             –0 –     $ 738,106,263  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

3. Currency Translation

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

 

33


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .60% of the first $100 million, .45% of the excess over $100 million up to $1 billion and .40% of the excess over $1 billion of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. Prior to January 1, 2020, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .60% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses, to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses (excluding interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, expenses associated with securities sold short, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs), inclusive of the Portfolio’s proportionate share of fees and expenses of registered investment companies or series thereof in which the Portfolio invests (“Acquired Fund Expenses”) on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to .75% and 1.00% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B, respectively. The Expense Caps may not be terminated by the Adviser before May 1, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2022, there were no such operating expenses waived by the Adviser. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such waiver for Acquired Fund Expenses for both affiliated and unaffiliated underlying portfolios amounted to $350,446 and $0, respectively.

 

34


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Market Value
12/31/21
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
12/31/22
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

AB Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 443,533      $ 182,347      $ 381,609      $ 244,271      $ 4,290  

AB Government Money Market Portfolio*

     3,248        21,144        24,328        64        2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

            $ 244,335      $ 4,292  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021, the Adviser reimbursed the Portfolio $242,720 and $1,736, respectively, for trading losses incurred due to a trade entry error.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $92,141.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $1,773 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

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

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

       Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     $ 19,484,133      $ 9,896,876  

U.S. government securities

       –0 –       –0 – 

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

 

Cost

   $ 811,294,966  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 41,188,521  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (107,965,803
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized depreciation

   $ (66,777,282
  

 

 

 

 

35


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Futures

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

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

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

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

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Option Transactions

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

 

36


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

“Currency Transactions” and may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, for hedging and investment purposes.

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

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held purchased options for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held written options for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Swaps

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

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

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

 

37


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

since the clearinghouse, which is the issuer or counterparty to each centrally cleared swap, has robust risk mitigation standards, including the requirement to provide initial and variation margin. When the contract is closed, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the time it was closed.

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

Variance Swaps:

The Portfolio may enter into variance swaps to hedge equity market risk or adjust exposure to the equity markets. Variance swaps are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the difference between the stated level of variance and the actual variance realized on underlying asset(s) or index(es). Actual “variance” as used here is defined as the sum of the square of the returns on the reference asset(s) or index(es) (which in effect is a measure of its “volatility”) over the length of the contract term. So the parties to a variance swap can be said to exchange actual volatility for a contractually stated rate of volatility.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held variance swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

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

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

    

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

  

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

   Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

   Fair Value  

Interest rate contracts

   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures    $ 22,739   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures    $ 4,160,724

 

38


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

  

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

   Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

   Fair Value  

Equity contracts

   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures    $ 2,145,537   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures    $ 1,177,446

Foreign currency contracts

   Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts      439,168     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts      3,976,664  

Equity contracts

   Investments in securities, at value      3,079,663       

Equity contracts

        Options written, at value      718,677  
     

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

      $ 5,687,107        $ 10,033,511  
     

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

*   Only variation margin receivable/payable at period end is reported within the statement of assets and liabilities.

This amount reflects cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures and centrally cleared swaps as reported in the portfolio of investments.

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures    $ (43,945,405)     $ (2,841,911)  

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures      (12,235,355     (89,686

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of forward currency exchange contracts      13,616,826       (5,220,091

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments      428,649       3,450,696  

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on options written; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of options written      3,430,685       (1,328,811

Foreign exchange contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swaps      (15,806     53,550  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ (38,720,406     $(5,976,253)  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the year ended December 31, 2022:

 

Futures:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 412,495,957  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 44,322,584  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

 

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 50,240,969  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 167,713,639  

 

39


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Purchased Options:

 

Average notional amount

   $ 169,857,579  

Written Options:

 

Average notional amount

   $ 184,888,844  

Variance Swaps:

 

Average notional amount

   $ 342,500 (a) 

 

(a)   Positions were open for three months during the year.

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

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of December 31, 2022. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

   $ 2,414      $ (2,414   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ –0 – 

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     227,741        (37,932     –0 –      –0 –      189,809  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     42,514        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      42,514  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     130,630        (19,083     –0 –      –0 –      111,547  

UBS AG

     35,869        (27,648     –0 –      –0 –      8,221  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 439,168      $ (87,077   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 352,091
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

   $ 600,691      $ (2,414   $         –0 –    $         –0 –    $ 598,277  

BNP Paribas SA

     36,969        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      36,969  

Citibank, NA

     112,685        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      112,685  

Deutsche Bank AG

     57,754        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      57,754  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     37,932        (37,932     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

HSBC Bank USA

     3,078,421        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      3,078,421  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     19,083        (19,083     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     5,481        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      5,481  

UBS AG

     27,648        (27,648     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 3,976,664      $ (87,077   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 3,889,587
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

2. Currency Transactions

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

 

40


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Portfolio cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Portfolio receives non-cash collateral, the Portfolio will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any dividend income or other distributions from the securities; however, these distributions will not be afforded the same preferential tax treatment as qualified dividends. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and AB Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Portfolio earns net securities lending income from AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in AB Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of AB Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

Market Value of
Securities
on Loan*

   

Cash Collateral*

   

Market Value  of
Non-Cash
Collateral*

   

Income from
Borrowers

   

AB Government Money Market
Portfolio

 
 

Income
Earned

   

Advisory Fee
Waived

 
$ 9,147,976     $ 63,804     $ 9,581,365     $ 22,509     $ 1,778     $ 462  

 

*   As of December 31, 2022.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
          Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    1,710,854       86,522,189       $ 18,775,444     $ 1,011,606,507  

Shares issued on reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    2,584,840       –0 –        27,864,579       –0 – 

Shares redeemed

    (12,899,724     (7,720,431       (139,864,463     (91,997,600
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (8,604,030     78,801,758       $ (93,224,440   $ 919,608,907  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

41


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

There were no transactions in capital shares for Class A for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021.

At December 31, 2022, a shareholder of the Portfolio owned 97% of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholder, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

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

Allocation Risk—The allocation of investments among asset classes may have a significant effect on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV, when the asset classes in which the Portfolio has invested more heavily perform worse than the asset classes invested in less heavily.

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

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

High Yield Securities Risk—Investments in fixed-income securities with ratings below investment grade (commonly known as “junk bonds”) tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will default or fail to meet its payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, interest rate sensitivity and negative perceptions of the junk bond market generally, and may be more difficult to trade than other types of securities.

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

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

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk—As with other investments, investments in other investment companies, including ETFs, are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, Contractholders of the Portfolio bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Portfolio (including advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies in which the Portfolio invests (to the extent these expenses are not waived or reimbursed by the Adviser).

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

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

 

42


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.

Illiquid Investments Risk—Illiquid investments risk exists when certain investments are or become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling such investments may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Portfolio. Causes of illiquid investments risk may include low trading volumes and large positions. Foreign fixed-income securities may have more illiquid investments risk because secondary trading markets for these securities may be smaller and less well-developed and the securities may trade less frequently. Illiquid investments risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally decline.

Non-Diversification Risk—The Portfolio may have more risk because it is “non-diversified”, meaning that it can invest more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers. Accordingly, changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV.

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio may be exposed to debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. The FCA and LIBOR’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration, have since announced that most LIBOR settings (which reflect LIBOR rates quoted in different currencies over various time periods) will no longer be published after the end of 2021 but that the most widely used U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will continue to be published until June 30, 2023. However, banks were strongly encouraged to cease entering into agreements with counterparties referencing LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is possible that a subset of LIBOR settings will be published after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. Since 2018 the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has published the secured overnight funding rate (referred to as SOFR), which is intended to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities in the repurchase agreement (repo) market and has been used increasingly on a voluntary basis in new instruments and transactions. In addition, on March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate Act was signed into law. This law provides a statutory fallback mechanism to replace LIBOR with a benchmark rate that is selected by the Federal Reserve Board and based on SOFR for certain contracts that reference LIBOR without adequate fallback provisions.

The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect a Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, potentially adversely affecting a Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known.

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

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

 

43


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the year ended December 31, 2022.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

     2022      2021  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 5,569,110      $             –0 – 

Net long-term capital gains

     22,295,869        –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 27,864,979      $ –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 17,046,420  

Accumulated capital and other losses

     (54,182,072 )(a) 

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (66,838,845 )(b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings (deficit)

   $ (103,974,497
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   As of December 31, 2022, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $53,988,910. As of December 31, 2022, the cumulative deferred loss on straddles was $193,162.

 

(b)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments, the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, and the tax treatment of partnership investments.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2022, the Portfolio had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $20,444,327 and a net long-term capital loss carryforward of $33,544,583, which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.

During the current fiscal year, permanent differences primarily due to contributions from the Adviser and a prior year true-up resulted in a net decrease in accumulated loss and a net decrease in additional paid-in capital. These reclassifications had no effect on net assets.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848”. ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

44


      
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS A  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $12.36       $11.02       $11.27       $9.79       $10.83  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income (loss)(a)(b)

    .13       (.01     .03       .11       .09  

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

    (1.83     1.35       .23       1.61       (.55

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (c)      .00 (c)      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (1.70     1.34       .26       1.72       (.46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.08     –0 –      (.17     (.24     –0 – 

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.28     –0 –      (.34     –0 –      (.58
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.36     –0 –      (.51     (.24     (.58
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $10.30       $12.36       $11.02       $11.27       $9.79  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)

    (13.88 )%      12.16     2.72     17.61     (4.62 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $11       $14       $12       $12       $11  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)‡

    .49     .68     .69     .68     .67

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)‡

    .52     .72     .95     .95     .92

Net investment income (loss)(b)

    1.19     (.09 )%      .27     1.05     .88

Portfolio turnover rate

    2     18     31     29     67
         

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .04     .03     .06     .07     .08

 

 

See footnote summary on page 47.

 

45


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS B  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $12.25       $10.94       $11.19       $9.72       $10.78  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .10       .01       .00 (c)      .08       .07  

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

    (1.80     1.30       .23       1.60       (.55

Contributions from Affiliates

    .00 (c)      .00 (c)      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (1.70     1.31       .23       1.68       (.48
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.07     –0 –      (.14     (.21     –0 – 

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (.28     –0 –      (.34     –0 –      (.58
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.35     –0 –      (.48     (.21     (.58
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $10.20       $12.25       $10.94       $11.19       $9.72  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)

    (14.07 )%      11.97     2.45     17.32     (4.84 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $799,391       $1,065,829       $89,696       $95,350       $89,127  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)‡

    .75     .75     .94     .94     .92

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)(f)‡

    .79     .78     1.20     1.20     1.16

Net investment income(b)

    .92     .09     .01     .78     .64

Portfolio turnover rate

    2     18     31     29     67
         

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .04     .03     .06     .07     .08

 

 

See footnote summary on page 47.

 

46


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

(d)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(e)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years ended December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, such waiver amounted to .04%, .03%, .06%, .07% and .08%, respectively.

 

(f)   The expense ratios presented below exclude interest/bank overdraft expense:

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Class A

         

Net of waivers/reimbursements

    .49     .68     .69     .68     .67

Before waivers/reimbursements

    .52     .72     .95     .94     .92

Class B

         

Net of waivers/reimbursements

    .75     .75     .94     .93     .92

Before waivers/reimbursements

    .79     .78     1.20     1.19     1.16

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

47


      
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED  
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of AB Global Risk Allocation—Moderate Portfolio

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Global Risk Allocation - Moderate Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Portfolio (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Portfolio’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

February 14, 2023

 

48


 
 
2022 FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Portfolio during the taxable year ended December 31, 2022. For corporate shareholders, 46.93% of dividends paid qualify for the dividends received deduction. The Portfolio designates $22,295,869 of dividends paid as long-term capital gain dividends.

 

49


 
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—  
MODERATE PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS     

Garry L. Moody(1), Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Onur Erzan, President and
Chief Executive Officer

    

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

Jeanette W. Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1)

    
    
OFFICERS     

Daniel J. Loewy(2), Vice President

Leon Zhu(2), Vice President

Nancy E. Hay, Secretary

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Vice President

    

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller

Jennifer Friedland, Chief Compliance Officer

    
    

CUSTODIAN AND ACCOUNTING AGENT

State Street Bank and Trust Company

State Street Corporation CCB/5

1 Iron Street

Boston, MA 02210

    

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC

ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

One Manhattan West

New York, NY 10001

    

PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.

501 Commerce Street

Nashville, TN 37203

    

LEGAL COUNSEL

Seward & Kissel LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

    

TRANSFER AGENT

AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 786003

San Antonio, TX 78278

Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

    

 

 

 

 

(1)   Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

(2)   The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund are made by the Adviser’s Quantitative Investment Team. Messrs. Loewy and Zhu are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

50


 
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,

AGE,

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

  

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S)

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

   PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
     OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR
INTERESTED DIRECTOR      
        

Onur Erzan,#

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

47

(2021)

   Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”), Head of Global Client Group and Head of Private Wealth. He oversees AB’s entire private wealth management business and third-party institutional and retail franchise, where he is responsible for all client services, sales and marketing, as well as product strategy, management and development worldwide. Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the AB Mutual Funds as of April 1, 2021. He is also a member of the Equitable Holdings Management Committee. Prior to joining the firm in January 2021, he spent 19 years with McKinsey (management consulting firm), most recently as a senior partner and co-leader of its Wealth & Asset Management practice. In addition, he co-led McKinsey’s Banking & Securities Solutions (a portfolio of data, analytics, and digital assets and capabilities) globally.      73      None
        
DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS      
        

Garry L. Moody##

Chairman of the Board

70

(2015)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995–2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993–1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975–1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council, where he serves as Chairman of its Governance Committee. He is Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees since January 2023; he has served as a director or trustee since 2008, and served as Chairman of the Audit Committee of such funds from 2011–February 2023.      73      None
        

Jorge A. Bermudez,##

71

(2020)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016; and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Moody’s Corporation since December 2022. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.      73      Moody’s Corporation since April 2011

 

51


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,

AGE,

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

  

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S)

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

   PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
     OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR

DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS

(continued)

     
        

Michael J. Downey,##

79

(2015)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2018 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.      73     

None

        

Nancy P. Jacklin,##

74

(2015)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008–2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002–May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992–2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985–1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982–1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973–1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.      73      None
        

Jeanette W. Loeb,##

70

(2020)

   Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund, Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.      73     

Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011

        

 

52


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,

AGE,

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)

  

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S)

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
     OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR

DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS

(continued)

    
       

Carol C. McMullen,##

67

(2016)

   Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010–2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016, and serves as Chair of the Audit Committees of such funds since February 2023.     73      None
       

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.##

81

(2015)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (semi-conductor manufacturing equipment). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the board of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has served as both Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees from 2014 through December 2022.     73      None

 

 

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Directors is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal & Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Directors.

 

***

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to each Director’s qualifications to serve as a Director, which led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director for the Fund.

 

# 

Mr. Erzan is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the “1940 Act”, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

## 

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

53


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Fund’s Officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*
AND AGE
     POSITION(S) HELD
WITH FUND
     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

Onur Erzan

47

     President and Chief Executive Officer      See biography above.
         

Daniel J. Loewy

48

     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is also Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions and Chief Investment Officer for Dynamic Asset Allocation.
         

Leon Zhu

55

     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Nancy E. Hay

50

     Secretary      Vice President and Counsel of the Adviser**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018 and Assistant Secretary of ABI**.
         
Michael B. Reyes
46
     Senior Vice President      Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Joseph J. Mantineo

63

     Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer      Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Phyllis J. Clarke
62
     Controller      Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Jennifer Friedland

48

     Chief Compliance Officer      Vice President of the Adviser** since 2020 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer (of all Funds since January 2023 and of the ETF Funds since 2022). Before joining the Adviser in 2020, she was Chief Compliance Officer at WestEnd Advisors, LLC from prior to 2018 until 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

*   The address for each of the Fund’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**   The Adviser, ABI and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund.

 

       The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) has additional information about the Fund’s Directors and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or AB at (800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

54


      
      
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

OPERATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PORTFOLIO’S LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio to designate an Administrator of the Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Portfolio’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Portfolio’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”).

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2022, which covered the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Portfolio’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Portfolio will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner.

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Portfolio classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Portfolio’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Portfolio participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Portfolio is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Portfolio’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Portfolio’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, liquidity in all markets was significantly recovered and improved compared to the prior reporting period which included extreme levels of price volatility and relative illiquidity beginning in March 2020 with COVID-19 impacts. As such, the program operated in a relatively robust and benign liquidity environment experienced in markets during the Program Reporting Period. There were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

55


      
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Global Risk Allocation—Moderate Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held in-person on August 2-3, 2022 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Vice President for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund and the money market fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests a portion of its assets.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2020 and 2021 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts

 

56


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors noted that the Fund was not profitable to the Adviser in 2020. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund in 2021 was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund and the money market fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s recent profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods ended May 31, 2022 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees payable by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Vice President and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and for services to any sub-advised funds utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

57


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The Adviser had agreed to cap the Fund’s expenses, but the directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was currently below the level of the Adviser’s cap. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints and that the Fund’s net assets were higher than a breakpoint level. Accordingly, the Fund’s current effective advisory fee rate reflected a reduction due to the breakpoint and would be further reduced to the extent the net assets of the Fund increase. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s breakpoint arrangements were acceptable and provide a means for sharing any economies of scale.

 

58


VPS-GRA-0151-1222


DEC    12.31.22

 

LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

 

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

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


 
SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

LETTER TO INVESTORS

February 14, 2023

The following is an update of AB Variable Products Series Fund—Sustainable Global Thematic Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) for the annual reporting period ended December 31, 2022. Prior to May 1, 2022, the Portfolio was named Global Thematic Growth Portfolio.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio pursues opportunistic growth by investing in a global universe of companies whose business activities the Adviser believes position the company to benefit from certain sustainable investment themes that align with one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”). These themes principally include the advancement of climate, health and empowerment. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of issuers located throughout the world that satisfy the Portfolio’s sustainable thematic criteria. An issuer that derives at least 25% of its total revenues from activities consistent with the achievement of the SDGs meets such criteria, although many of the issuers in which the Portfolio invests will derive a much greater portion of their revenues from such activities.

The Adviser employs a combination of “top-down” and “bottom-up” investment processes with the goal of identifying, based on its internal research and analysis, securities of companies worldwide that fit into sustainable investment themes. First, the Adviser identifies through its “top-down” process the sustainable investment themes. In addition to this “top-down” thematic approach, the Adviser then uses a “bottom-up” analysis of individual companies that focuses on prospective earnings growth, valuation, and quality of company management and on evaluating a company’s risks, including those related to environmental, social and corporate governance (“ESG”) factors. ESG factors, which can vary across companies and industries, may include environmental impact, corporate governance, ethical business practices, diversity and employee practices, product safety, supply-chain management and community impact. Eligible investments include securities of issuers that the Adviser believes will maximize total return while also contributing to positive societal impact aligned with one or more SDGs. While the Adviser emphasizes focusing on individual companies with favorable ESG attributes over the use of broad-based negative screens (e.g., disqualifying business activities) in assessing a company’s exposure to ESG factors, the Portfolio will not invest in companies that derive revenue from direct involvement in alcohol, coal, gambling, pornography, prisons, tobacco or weapons.

The Adviser considers a large universe of companies worldwide for investment. The Portfolio typically invests primarily in mid- to large-capitalization companies and invests, to a lesser degree, in small-capitalization companies.

The Portfolio invests in securities issued by US and non-US companies from multiple industry sectors in an attempt to maximize opportunity, which should also tend to reduce risk. The Portfolio invests in both developed- and emerging-market countries. Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests significantly (at least 40%—unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Adviser) in securities of non-US companies. In addition, the Portfolio invests, under normal circumstances, in the equity securities of companies located in at least three countries. The percentage of the Portfolio’s assets invested in securities of companies in a particular country or denominated in a particular currency varies in accordance with the Adviser’s assessment of the appreciation potential of such securities.

Currency exposures can have a dramatic impact on equity returns, significantly adding to returns in some years and greatly diminishing them in others. The Adviser may seek to hedge the currency exposure resulting from a securities position when it finds the currency exposure unattractive. To hedge all or a portion of its currency risk, the Portfolio, from time to time, invests in currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, swaps and options. Decisions regarding portfolio investments and whether or not to hedge foreign currency exposures are evaluated separately by the Adviser. The Adviser may also seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table on page 5 shows the Portfolio’s performance compared with its benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World Index (“MSCI ACWI”) (net), for the one-, five- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

All share classes of the Portfolio underperformed the benchmark for the annual period. Security selection drove underperformance, relative to the benchmark. Selection within the health care and financials sectors detracted the most, while selection within technology and consumer staples contributed. Sector allocation was positive. Underweights to communication services and consumer discretionary helped offset losses from an underweight to energy and an overweight to technology. Country selection (a result of bottom-up security analysis driven by fundamental research) was positive; losses from an underweight to Australia detracted most

 

1


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

but were offset by an overweight to Denmark, which contributed. From a theme perspective, Health detracted most, followed by Empowerment and Climate.

The Climate theme consists of companies that improve overall resource efficiency and provide environmentally positive solutions in fields such as energy production, manufacturing, construction, transportation, agriculture and sanitation. The Health theme consists of companies that develop innovative health treatments and therapies, broaden access to high-quality and affordable care, ensure a steady supply of nutritious food and clean water, and promote overall physical and emotional well-being. The Empowerment theme consists of companies that provide the physical, financial and technological infrastructure and services that allow more people to gain control of their lives by enabling sustainable economic development, employment growth, poverty eradication, knowledge sharing and social inclusion.

The Portfolio used derivatives in the form of currency forwards for hedging purposes, which had no material impact on absolute returns for the annual period.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

US, international and emerging-market stocks declined during the annual period ended December 31, 2022. In response to persistently high inflation, central banks—led by the US Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)—took a hawkish pivot, which raised concerns that rapidly rising borrowing costs would slow economic growth significantly and tip global economies into recession. Volatility increased and stocks pulled back after the Fed announced its first interest-rate hike in March 2022, which was followed by six additional rate raises, including four consecutive 0.75% increases. Equity markets rebounded briefly at the end of the period, after some early evidence of easing inflationary pressures raised hopes that the Fed and other key central banks would soon slow the pace of rate hikes. Optimism faded and equity markets gave back gains after the Fed downshifted to a 0.50% rate hike but strongly reaffirmed its higher-for-longer conviction. Both value- and growth-oriented stocks declined for the year. Value stocks significantly outperformed growth stocks, as growth stocks have been pressured more by rising interest rates throughout most of the year. Large-cap stocks narrowly outperformed small-cap stocks on a relative basis, but both declined in absolute terms.

The Portfolio’s exposures remain focused on secular growth themes, particularly those related to providing solutions to some of the world’s largest and most persistent sustainability challenges. This has helped the Portfolio’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) to identify financially strong companies that the Team believes are less dependent on overall macroeconomic strength for success, leading to more resilient earnings growth. The Team also believes higher quality attributes like lower leverage, durable earnings growth and profitability are more likely to hold up well during challenging economic periods. The Portfolio is positioned particularly well in this regard.

 

2


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Benchmark Disclosure

The MSCI ACWI is unmanaged and does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The MSCI ACWI (net, free float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted) represents the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations, and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices, any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI. Net returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends after deduction of non-US withholding tax. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Portfolio.

A Word About Risk

Market Risk: The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing may underperform the market generally.

Sector Risk: The Portfolio may have more risk than a more diversified portfolio because it may invest to a significant extent in one or more particular market sectors, such as the information technology or health care sector. To the extent it does so, market or economic factors affecting the relevant sector(s) could have a major effect on the value of the Portfolio’s investments.

ESG Risk: Applying ESG and sustainability criteria to the investment process may exclude securities of certain issuers for non-investment reasons and, therefore, the Portfolio may forgo some market opportunities available to funds that do not use ESG or sustainability criteria. Securities of companies with ESG practices may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and the Portfolio’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of funds that do not use ESG or sustainability criteria. Furthermore, “sustainability” is not a uniformly defined characteristic, and the Portfolio’s sustainability criteria may differ from those used by other funds. In addition, in evaluating an investment, the investment adviser is dependent upon information and data that may be incomplete, inaccurate or unavailable, which could adversely affect the analysis of the ESG and sustainability factors relevant to a particular investment.

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

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

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

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

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

Focused Portfolio Risk: Investments in a limited number of companies may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value (“NAV”), than would be the case if the Portfolio were invested in a larger number of companies.

 

 

(Disclosures, Risks and Note About Historical Performance continued on next page)

 

3


    
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

These risks are fully discussed in the Variable Products prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Portfolio.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. Please contact your financial advisor or insurance agent representative at your financial institution to obtain Portfolio performance information current to the most recent month-end.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Portfolio carefully before investing. For additional copies of the Portfolio’s prospectus or summary prospectus, which contains this and other information, call your financial advisor or (800) 227 4618. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Portfolio have been deducted, but no adjustment has been made for insurance company separate account or annuity contract charges, which would reduce total return to a contract owner. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

There are additional fees and expenses associated with all Variable Products. These fees can include mortality and expense risk charges, administrative charges, and other charges that can significantly reduce investment returns. Those fees and expenses are not reflected in this annual report. You should consult your Variable Products prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses and speak to your insurance agent or financial representative if you have any questions. You should read the prospectus before investing or sending money.

 

4


    
SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

            
THE PORTFOLIO VS. ITS BENCHMARK    Net Asset Value Returns  
PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 (unaudited)    1 Year        5 Years1        10 Years1  
Sustainable Global Thematic Portfolio Class A      -26.98%          7.99%          10.27%  
Sustainable Global Thematic Portfolio Class B      -27.17%          7.72%          9.99%  
MSCI ACWI (net)      -18.36%          5.23%          7.98%  

1   Average annual returns.

            
            

The Portfolio’s current prospectus fee table shows the Portfolio’s total annual operating expense ratios as 0.93% and 1.18% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Contractual fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements reduced the Portfolio’s total annual operating expense ratios to 0.88% and 1.13% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. These waivers/reimbursements may not be terminated before May 1, 2023, and may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms. Absent reimbursements or waivers, performance would have been lower. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT

12/31/2012 TO 12/31/2022 (unaudited)

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in Sustainable Global Thematic Portfolio Class A shares (from 12/31/2012 to 12/31/2022) as compared with the performance of the Portfolio’s benchmark. The chart assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

 

See Disclosures, Risks and Note About Historical Performance on pages 3-4.

 

5


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

     Beginning
Account Value
July 1, 2022
     Ending
Account Value
December 31, 2022
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
    Total
Expenses Paid
During Period+
     Total
Annualized
Expense Ratio+
 

Class A

        

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,038.00      $   4.78        0.93   $   4.83        0.94

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $ 1,020.52      $ 4.74        0.93   $ 4.79        0.94
                

Class B

        

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,036.70      $ 6.06        1.18   $ 6.11        1.19

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $ 1,019.26      $ 6.01        1.18   $ 6.06        1.19

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**   Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

 

+   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Portfolio’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

6


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
December 31, 2022 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF NET ASSETS  

Deere & Co.

   $ 4,944,461          3.2

Flex Ltd.

     4,547,889          3.0  

Waste Management, Inc.

     4,371,461          2.9  

Danaher Corp.

     4,068,889          2.7  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

     3,755,479          2.5  

MSCI, Inc.

     3,719,964          2.4  

Microsoft Corp.

     3,597,060          2.4  

Visa, Inc.—Class A

     3,470,215          2.3  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

     3,456,954          2.3  

Aflac, Inc.

     3,399,525          2.2  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   39,331,897          25.9

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

December 31, 2022 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Information Technology

   $ 45,554,264          30.0

Health Care

     26,815,081          17.6  

Financials

     25,312,550          16.7  

Industrials

     23,415,243          15.4  

Consumer Staples

     8,348,362          5.5  

Utilities

     8,064,584          5.3  

Materials

     4,529,062          3.0  

Consumer Discretionary

     4,354,255          2.9  

Short-Term Investments

     5,497,349          3.6  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   151,890,750          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

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

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

7


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN1  
December 31, 2022 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

COUNTRY    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

United States

   $ 86,343,784          56.8

United Kingdom

     9,287,759          6.1  

India

     7,711,307          5.1  

Germany

     6,190,490          4.1  

Switzerland

     5,285,881          3.5  

Netherlands

     4,685,017          3.1  

Denmark

     4,651,938          3.1  

Japan

     3,977,719          2.6  

Taiwan

     3,578,750          2.4  

Austria

     3,381,829          2.2  

Hong Kong

     2,769,680          1.8  

France

     2,578,055          1.7  

Norway

     2,289,392          1.5  

Other

     3,661,800          2.4  

Short-Term Investments

     5,497,349          3.6  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   151,890,750          100.0

 

 

 

1   The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. The Portfolio also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). “Other” country weightings represent 1.4% or less in the following: China and Ireland.

 

8


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                 

COMMON STOCKS–95.6%

   
   

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–29.8%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–3.4%

   

Calix, Inc.(a)

    38,575     $ 2,639,687  

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.(a)

    49,045       2,558,678  
   

 

 

 
      5,198,365  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–5.4%

   

Flex Ltd.(a)

    211,924       4,547,889  

Keyence Corp.

    3,900       1,514,153  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.(a)

    12,909       2,208,343  
   

 

 

 
      8,270,385  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–4.3%

   

Accenture PLC–Class A

    11,896       3,174,329  

Visa, Inc.–Class A

    16,703       3,470,215  
   

 

 

 
      6,644,544  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–8.7%

   

ASML Holding NV

    4,631       2,525,060  

Infineon Technologies AG

    82,432       2,505,264  

MediaTek, Inc.

    75,000       1,516,419  

NXP Semiconductors NV

    16,494       2,606,547  

ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)

    33,619       2,096,817  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    142,000       2,062,331  
   

 

 

 
      13,312,438  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–6.8%

   

Adobe, Inc.(a)

    6,682       2,248,694  

Dassault Systemes SE

    71,693       2,578,055  

Intuit, Inc.

    4,882       1,900,172  

Microsoft Corp.

    14,999       3,597,060  
   

 

 

 
      10,323,981  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–1.2%

   

Dell Technologies, Inc.–Class C

    44,867       1,804,551  
   

 

 

 
      45,554,264  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–17.5%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–1.3%

   

Abcam PLC (Sponsored ADR)(a)

    124,004       1,929,502  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–5.6%

   

Alcon, Inc.

    31,751       2,178,721  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    13,594       3,456,954  

STERIS PLC

    16,241       2,999,550  
   

 

 

 
      8,635,225  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.6%

   

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.

    45,306     $ 2,447,377  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–9.0%

   

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.–Class A(a)

    5,368       2,257,190  

Bruker Corp.

    32,467       2,219,119  

Danaher Corp.

    15,330       4,068,889  

Gerresheimer AG

    15,676       1,048,652  

ICON PLC(a)

    10,894       2,116,159  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    8,893       2,092,968  
      13,802,977  
   

 

 

 
      26,815,081  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–16.5%

   

BANKS–5.3%

   

Erste Group Bank AG

    105,698       3,381,829  

HDFC Bank Ltd.

    164,934       3,238,617  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    6,427       1,479,110  
   

 

 

 
      8,099,556  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–7.2%

   

Deutsche Boerse AG

    15,312       2,636,574  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    18,390       1,580,091  

MSCI, Inc.

    7,997       3,719,964  

Partners Group Holding AG

    3,509       3,107,160  
   

 

 

 
      11,043,789  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–4.0%

   

Aflac, Inc.

    47,255       3,399,525  

AIA GROUP LTD.

    250,800       2,769,680  
      6,169,205  
   

 

 

 
      25,312,550  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–15.3%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.5%

   

Hexcel Corp.

    39,659       2,333,932  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–6.5%

   

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    21,986       3,192,147  

TOMRA Systems ASA

    135,738       2,289,392  

Waste Management, Inc.

    27,865       4,371,461  
   

 

 

 
      9,853,000  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–6.1%

   

Deere & Co.

    11,532       4,944,461  

SMC Corp.

    5,900       2,463,565  

Xylem, Inc./NY

    17,609       1,947,027  
   

 

 

 
      9,355,053  
   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–1.2%

   

Experian PLC

    55,310       1,873,258  
   

 

 

 
      23,415,243  
   

 

 

 

 

9


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                 

CONSUMER STAPLES–5.4%

   

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–1.6%

   

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    15,955     $ 2,418,140  
   

 

 

 

PERSONAL PRODUCTS–3.8%

   

Dabur India Ltd.

    298,907       2,025,313  

Haleon PLC(a)

    395,234       1,563,789  

Unilever PLC (London)

    46,370       2,341,120  
   

 

 

 
      5,930,222  
   

 

 

 
      8,348,362  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–5.3%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–4.0%

   

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    44,922       3,755,479  

Orsted AS(b)

    25,251       2,282,833  
   

 

 

 
      6,038,312  
   

 

 

 

WATER UTILITIES–1.3%

   

American Water Works Co., Inc.

    13,294       2,026,272  
   

 

 

 
      8,064,584  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–3.0%

   

CHEMICALS–3.0%

   

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

    32,935       2,369,106  

Koninklijke DSM NV

    17,590       2,159,956  
   

 

 

 
      4,529,062  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–2.8%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–1.0%

   

Aptiv PLC(a)

    16,475     $ 1,534,317  
   

 

 

 

AUTOMOBILES–1.0%

   

BYD Co., Ltd.–Class H

    63,000       1,545,640  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.8%

 

 

TopBuild Corp.(a)

    8,143       1,274,298  
   

 

 

 
      4,354,255  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $127,678,558)

      146,393,401  
   

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–3.6%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–3.6%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB,
4.12%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $5,497,349)

    5,497,349       5,497,349  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.2%
(cost $133,175,907)

      151,890,750  

Other assets less
liabilities–0.8%

      1,166,960  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $   153,057,710  
   

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Bank of America, NA

       USD        1,692          KRW        2,418,517          01/30/2023        $ 229,179  

Bank of America, NA

       NOK        12,593          USD        1,266          02/03/2023          (20,870

Bank of America, NA

       USD        1,132          SEK        11,865          02/03/2023          6,808  

Bank of America, NA

       USD        617          JPY        83,181          02/09/2023          19,868  

Bank of America, NA

       CHF        1,525          USD        1,646          03/01/2023          (13,108

Bank of America, NA

       USD        278          TWD        8,419          03/16/2023          (1,969

Barclays Bank PLC

       CNH        2,386          USD        331          02/16/2023          (15,289

Barclays Bank PLC

       INR        26,276          USD        316          03/16/2023          342  

Citibank, NA

       USD        2,643          AUD        4,165          01/19/2023            194,807  

Citibank, NA

       USD        4,284          CAD        5,847          01/19/2023          34,161  

Citibank, NA

       USD        3,789          JPY        523,446          02/09/2023          217,647  

Citibank, NA

       USD        692          CNH        4,835          02/16/2023          9,357  

Citibank, NA

       EUR        610          USD        653          02/27/2023          (1,899

Citibank, NA

       INR        376,828          USD        4,533          03/16/2023          (888

Deutsche Bank AG

       CNH        1,734          USD        241          02/16/2023          (10,194

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       BRL        7,702          USD        1,470          01/04/2023          10,995  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        710          BRL        3,851          01/04/2023          19,476  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        738          BRL        3,851          01/04/2023          (8,674

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       HKD        9,037          USD        1,153          01/12/2023          (4,846

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       GBP        934          USD        1,123          01/18/2023        $ (6,166

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        728          BRL        3,851          02/02/2023          (2,292

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       CNH        8,391          USD        1,196          02/16/2023          (20,787

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        375          CNH        2,586          02/16/2023          (463

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        1,089          EUR        1,018          02/27/2023          5,171  

Natwest Markets PLC

       GBP        759          USD        927          01/18/2023          8,634  

Natwest Markets PLC

       USD        4,672          CNH        33,426          02/16/2023          173,873  

Standard Chartered Bank

       USD        520          ZAR        9,091          02/16/2023          13,518  

Standard Chartered Bank

       INR        36,876          USD        443          03/16/2023          (684

Standard Chartered Bank

       TWD        46,611          USD        1,551          03/16/2023          23,125  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       HKD        3,140          USD        401          01/12/2023          (1,370

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        283          HKD        2,217          01/12/2023          1,454  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       GBP        955          USD        1,152          01/18/2023          (2,558

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        343          CAD        468          01/19/2023          2,661  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       NOK        3,671          USD        374          02/03/2023          (1,586

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        398          NOK        3,907          02/03/2023          1,123  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       JPY        123,833          USD        933          02/09/2023          (14,934

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        798          JPY        104,823          02/09/2023          4,774  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        1,564          EUR        1,473          02/27/2023          18,355  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        333          CHF        309          03/01/2023          3,373  

UBS AG

       EUR        8,929          USD        9,426          02/27/2023            (167,345
                         

 

 

 
     $ 702,779  
                         

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. This security is considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration. At December 31, 2022, the market value of this security amounted to $2,282,833 or 1.5% of net assets.

 

(c)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

 

11


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

BRL—Brazilian Real

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

CNH—Chinese Yuan Renminbi (Offshore)

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

HKD—Hong Kong Dollar

INR—Indian Rupee

JPY—Japanese Yen

KRW—South Korean Won

NOK—Norwegian Krone

SEK—Swedish Krona

TWD—New Taiwan Dollar

USD—United States Dollar

ZAR—South African Rand

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

See notes to financial statements.

 

12


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $127,678,558)

   $ 146,393,401  

Affiliated issuers (cost $5,497,349)

     5,497,349  

Cash

     16  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $1,131,165)

     1,135,940  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     998,701  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     204,792  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     40,389  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     19,309  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     14,316  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     154,304,213  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     342,141  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     295,922  

Foreign capital gains tax payable

     215,571  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     106,482  

Advisory fee payable

     93,204  

Administrative fee payable

     24,126  

Distribution fee payable

     22,054  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     150  

Accrued expenses

     146,853  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,246,503  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 153,057,710  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 5,244  

Additional paid-in capital

     125,116,470  

Distributable earnings

     27,935,996  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 153,057,710  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
      

Net Asset

Value

 
A      $ 52,543,325          1,727,344        $ 30.42  
B      $   100,514,385          3,516,211        $   28.59  

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

13


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $179,028)

   $ 1,727,052  

Affiliated issuers

     110,632  

Securities lending income

     4,601  
  

 

 

 
     1,842,285  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     1,255,015  

Distribution fee—Class B

     278,659  

Transfer agency—Class A

     1,842  

Transfer agency—Class B

     3,674  

Administrative

     91,480  

Custody and accounting

     72,890  

Audit and tax

     64,955  

Legal

     64,878  

Directors’ fees

     19,619  

Printing

     10,658  

Miscellaneous

     15,968  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,879,638  

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

     (89,822
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     1,789,816  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     52,469  
  

 

 

 

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

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions(a)

     9,448,327  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     50,351  

Foreign currency transactions

     (249,154

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

  

Investments(b)

     (68,899,094

Forward currency exchange contracts

     487,656  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (5,204
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (59,167,118
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (59,114,649
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Net of foreign realized capital gains taxes of $147,256.

 

(b)   Net of decrease in accrued foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized gains of $146,087.

See notes to financial statements.

 

14


    
SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 52,469     $ (792,836

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     9,249,524       18,109,516  

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

     (68,416,642     24,070,256  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (59,114,649     41,386,936  

Distributions to Shareholders

    

Class A

     (5,619,793     (7,534,996

Class B

     (11,762,309     (17,177,009

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net increase

     9,023,323       18,478,020  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (67,473,428     35,152,951  

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     220,531,138       185,378,187  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 153,057,710     $ 220,531,138  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

15


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Sustainable Global Thematic Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) (formerly known as AB Global Thematic Growth Portfolio) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 10 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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

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

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

       Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

            

Assets:

 

Common Stocks:

            

Information Technology

     $ 32,852,982      $ 12,701,282     $         –0 –     $ 45,554,264  

Health Care

       21,140,331        5,674,750       –0 –       26,815,081  

Financials

       8,598,599        16,713,951       –0 –       25,312,550  

Industrials

       16,789,028        6,626,215       –0 –       23,415,243  

Consumer Staples

       2,418,140        5,930,222       –0 –       8,348,362  

Utilities

       5,781,751        2,282,833       –0 –       8,064,584  

Materials

       –0 –       4,529,062       –0 –       4,529,062  

Consumer Discretionary

       2,808,615        1,545,640       –0 –       4,354,255  

Short-Term Investments

       5,497,349        –0 –      –0 –       5,497,349  
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       95,886,795        56,003,955 (a)      –0 –       151,890,750  

 

17


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Other Financial Instruments(b):

             

Assets:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     $ –0 –     $ 998,701      $ –0 –     $ 998,701  

Liabilities:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       (295,922      –0 –       (295,922
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     $ 95,886,795      $ 56,706,734      $ –0 –     $ 152,593,529  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)   A significant portion of the Portfolio’s foreign equity investments are categorized as Level 2 investments since they are valued using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available, see Note A.1.

 

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

3. Currency Translation

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

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

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

6. Class Allocations

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

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or bear expenses of the Portfolio in order to reduce the Portfolio’s total operating expenses by an amount equal to .05% on an annual basis of the average net assets for Class A and Class B. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such reimbursements/waivers amounted to $83,668. This fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement agreement extends through May 1, 2023 and then may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $91,480.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $1,773 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2023. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such waiver amounted to $6,154.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

  Market Value
12/31/21
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Market Value
12/31/22
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $ 6,674     $ 44,295     $ 45,472     $ 5,497     $ 111  

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

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

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

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

 

19


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

       Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     $ 70,761,004      $ 78,697,707  

U.S. government securities

       –0 –       –0 – 

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

 

Cost

   $ 133,537,167  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 30,940,706  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (12,570,729
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 18,369,977  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

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

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes.

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

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

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

   Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

   Fair Value  

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts    $ 998,701     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts    $ 295,922  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     $ 998,701        $ 295,922  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of forward currency exchange contracts    $ 50,351      $ 487,656  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      $ 50,351      $ 487,656  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the year ended December 31, 2022:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 32,307,454  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 31,069,858  

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

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of December 31, 2022. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

   $ 255,855      $ (35,947   $           –0 –    $           –0 –    $ 219,908  

Barclays Bank PLC

     342        (342     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Citibank, NA

     455,972        (2,787     –0 –      –0 –      453,185  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     35,642        (35,642     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Natwest Markets PLC

     182,507        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      182,507  

Standard Chartered Bank

     36,643        (684     –0 –      –0 –      35,959  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     31,740        (20,448     –0 –      –0 –      11,292  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 998,701      $ (95,850   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 902,851
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

   $ 35,947      $ (35,947   $           –0 –    $           –0 –    $ –0 – 

Barclays Bank PLC

     15,289        (342     –0 –      –0 –      14,947  

Citibank, NA

     2,787        (2,787     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Deutsche Bank AG

     10,194        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      10,194  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     43,228        (35,642     –0 –      –0 –      7,586  

 

21


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Counterparty

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

Standard Chartered Bank

   $ 684      $ (684   $           –0 –    $           –0 –    $ –0 – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     20,448        (20,448     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

UBS AG

     167,345        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      167,345  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 295,922      $ (95,850   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 200,072
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

2. Currency Transactions

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

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Portfolio cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Portfolio receives non-cash collateral, the Portfolio will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any dividend income or other distributions from the securities; however, these distributions will not be afforded the same preferential tax treatment as qualified dividends. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Portfolio earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

 

22


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

                       

  Government Money Market  
Portfolio

 

Market Value of
Securities

on Loan*

   

Cash Collateral*

   

Market Value of
Non-Cash
Collateral*

   

Income from
Borrowers

   

Income

Earned

   

Advisory Fee
Waived

 
$ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 4,601     $ –0 –    $ –0 – 

 

*   As of December 31, 2022.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
          Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    203,270       168,391       $ 7,169,402     $ 7,542,892  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    170,090       173,059         5,619,793       7,534,996  

Shares redeemed

    (176,800     (186,103       (6,064,541     (8,388,232
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    196,560       155,347       $ 6,724,654     $ 6,689,656  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    342,113       519,440       $ 11,115,948     $ 22,261,300  

Shares issued on reinvestment of distributions

    378,453       415,707         11,762,309       17,177,009  

Shares redeemed

    (624,992     (649,032       (20,579,588     (27,649,945
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    95,574       286,115       $ 2,298,669     $ 11,788,364  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2022, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 58% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Market Risk—The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing may underperform the market generally.

Sector Risk—The Portfolio may have more risk than a more diversified portfolio because it may invest to a significant extent in one or more particular market sectors, such as the information technology or health care sector. To the extent it does so, market or economic factors affecting the relevant sector(s) could have a major effect on the value of the Portfolio’s investments.

ESG Risk—Applying ESG and sustainability criteria to the investment process may exclude securities of certain issuers for non-investment reasons and, therefore, the Portfolio may forgo some market opportunities available to funds that do not use ESG or sustainability criteria. Securities of companies with ESG practices may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and the Portfolio’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of funds that do not use ESG or sustainability criteria. Furthermore, “sustainability” is not a uniformly defined characteristic, and the Portfolio’s sustainability criteria may differ from those used by other funds. In addition, in evaluating an investment, the investment adviser is dependent upon information and data that may be incomplete, inaccurate or unavailable, which could adversely affect the analysis of the ESG and sustainability factors relevant to a particular investment.

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

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

 

23


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

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

Focused Portfolio Risk—Investments in a limited number of companies may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV, than would be the case if the Portfolio were invested in a larger number of companies.

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio may be exposed to debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. The FCA and LIBOR’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration, have since announced that most LIBOR settings (which reflect LIBOR rates quoted in different currencies over various time periods) will no longer be published after the end of 2021 but that the most widely used U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will continue to be published until June 30, 2023. However, banks were strongly encouraged to cease entering into agreements with counterparties referencing LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is possible that a subset of LIBOR settings will be published after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. Since 2018 the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has published the secured overnight funding rate (referred to as SOFR), which is intended to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities in the repurchase agreement (repo) market and has been used increasingly on a voluntary basis in new instruments and transactions. In addition, on March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate Act was signed into law. This law provides a statutory fallback mechanism to replace LIBOR with a benchmark rate that is selected by the Federal Reserve Board and based on SOFR for certain contracts that reference LIBOR without adequate fallback provisions.

The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect a Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, potentially adversely affecting a Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known.

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

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

 

24


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the year ended December 31, 2022.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

       2022        2021  

Distributions paid from:

         

Ordinary income

     $ 176,259        $ 1,797,950  

Net long-term capital gains

       17,205,843          22,914,055  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

     $ 17,382,102        $ 24,712,005  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 186,160  

Undistributed capital gains

     9,594,126  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     18,155,710 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings (deficit)

   $ 27,935,996  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments and the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2022, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

During the current fiscal year, there were no permanent differences that resulted in adjustments to distributable earnings or additional paid-in capital.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)—Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848”. ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

25


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS A  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $46.20       $42.40       $33.52       $27.35       $30.32  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income (loss)(a)(b)

    .07       (.10     (.10     .08       .11  

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

    (12.25     9.46       12.64       8.00       (3.08
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (12.18     9.36       12.54       8.08       (2.97
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      –0 –      (.24     (.13     –0 – 

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (3.60     (5.56     (3.42     (1.78     –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (3.60     (5.56     (3.66     (1.91     –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $30.42       $46.20       $42.40       $33.52       $27.35  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset
value(c)

    (26.98 )%      22.87     39.41     30.16     (9.79 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $52,543       $70,723       $58,316       $43,237       $35,799  

Ratio to average net assets of:

 

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    .90     .88     .94     .99     .99

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    .96     .93     1.00     1.04     1.01

Net investment income (loss)(b)

    .20     (.22 )%      (.29 )%      .27     .37

Portfolio turnover rate

    43     24     44     43     32
         

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .00     .00     .01     .00     .00

 

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 27.

 

26


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS B  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $43.80       $40.54       $32.19       $26.33       $29.25  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income (loss)(a)(b)

    (.02     (.20     (.18     .01       .04  

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

    (11.59     9.02       12.11       7.68       (2.96
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (11.61     8.82       11.93       7.69       (2.92
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      –0 –      (.16     (.05     –0 – 

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (3.60     (5.56     (3.42     (1.78     –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (3.60     (5.56     (3.58     (1.83     –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $28.59       $43.80       $40.54       $32.19       $26.33  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset
value(c)

    (27.17 )%      22.57     39.08     29.78     (9.98 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $100,515       $149,808       $127,062       $93,645       $80,949  

Ratio to average net assets of:

 

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    1.15     1.13     1.19     1.24     1.24

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    1.21     1.18     1.25     1.29     1.25

Net investment income (loss)(b)

    (.05 )%      (.47 )%      (.54 )%      .02     .13

Portfolio turnover rate

    43     24     44     43     32
         

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .00     .00     .01     .00     .00

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(d)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the year ended December 31, 2020, such waiver amounted to .01%.

See notes to financial statements.

 

27


      
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED  
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of AB Sustainable Global Thematic Portfolio

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Sustainable Global Thematic Portfolio (formerly known as AB Global Thematic Growth Portfolio) (the “Portfolio”) (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Portfolio (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Portfolio’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

February 14, 2023

 

28


 
 
2022 FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Portfolio during the taxable year ended December 31, 2022. For corporate shareholders, 100% of dividends paid qualify for the dividends received deduction. The Portfolio designates $17,205,843 of dividends paid as long-term capital gain dividends.

 

29


 
SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS     

Garry L. Moody(1), Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Onur Erzan, President and
Chief Executive Officer

    

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

Jeanette W. Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1)

    
OFFICERS     

Daniel C. Roarty(2), Vice President

Nancy E. Hay, Secretary

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Vice President

    

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller

Jennifer Friedland, Chief Compliance Officer

    
CUSTODIAN AND ACCOUNTING AGENT      LEGAL COUNSEL
State Street Bank and Trust Company      Seward & Kissel LLP

State Street Corporation CCB/5

1 Iron Street

Boston, MA 02210

    

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

    
DISTRIBUTOR      TRANSFER AGENT
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.      AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.

501 Commerce Street

Nashville, TN 37203

    

P.O. Box 786003

San Antonio, TX 78278

Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

    
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC     
ACCOUNTING FIRM     
Ernst & Young LLP     

One Manhattan West

New York, NY 10001

    

 

 

 

 

(1)   Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

(2)   The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Portfolio’s portfolio are made by the Adviser’s Sustainable Thematic Equities Investment Team. Mr. Roarty is the investment professional with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio’s portfolio.

 

30


      
SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Board of Directors Information

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Directors is set forth below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR
INTERESTED DIRECTOR    
     

Onur Erzan,#

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

47

(2021)

  Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”), Head of Global Client Group and Head of Private Wealth. He oversees AB’s entire private wealth management business and third-party institutional and retail franchise, where he is responsible for all client services, sales and marketing, as well as product strategy, management and development worldwide. Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the AB Mutual Funds as of April 1, 2021. He is also a member of the Equitable Holdings Management Committee. Prior to joining the firm in January 2021, he spent 20 years with McKinsey (management consulting firm), most recently as a senior partner and co-leader of its Wealth & Asset Management practice. In addition, he co-led McKinsey’s Banking & Securities Solutions (a portfolio of data, analytics, and digital assets and capabilities) globally.     73     None
     
DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS    
     

Garry L. Moody##

Chairman of the Board

70

(2008)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council, where he serves as Chairman of its Governance Committee. He is Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees since January 2023; he has served as a director or trustee since 2008, and served as Chairman of the Audit Committee of such funds from 2011-February 2023.     73     None
     

Jorge A. Bermudez,##

71

(2020)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016; and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Moody’s Corporation since December 2022. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.     73     Moody’s Corporation since April 2011

 

31


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR
DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS
(continued)
   
     

Michael J. Downey,##

79

(2005)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2018 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.     73     None
     

Nancy P. Jacklin,##

74

(2006)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008–2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002–May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992–2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985–1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982–1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973–1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.     73     None
     
Jeanette W. Loeb,##
70
(2020)
  Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund, Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.     73    

Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011

     

Carol C. McMullen,##

67

(2016)

  Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010–2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016, and serves as Chair of the Audit Committees of such funds since February 2023.     73     None

 

32


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR
DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS
(continued)
   
     

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.##

81

(2005)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (semi-conductor manufacturing equipment). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the board of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has served as both Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees from 2014 through December 2022.     73     None

 

 

 

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Directors is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal & Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Directors.

 

***

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to each Director’s qualifications to serve as a Director, which led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director for the Fund.

 

# 

Mr. Erzan is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the “1940 Act”, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

##

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

33


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Portfolio’s Officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS,*

AGE

     PRINCIPAL POSITION(S)
HELD WITH FUND
     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

Onur Erzan

47

     President and Chief
Executive Officer
     See biography above.
         
Daniel C. Roarty
51
     Vice President
     Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is also Chief Investment Officer of Sustainable Thematic Equities.
         
Nancy E. Hay
50
     Secretary      Vice President and Counsel of the Adviser**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018 and Assistant Secretary of ABI**.
         
Michael B. Reyes
46
     Senior Vice President      Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Joseph J. Mantineo
63
     Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer
     Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Phyllis J. Clarke
62
     Controller      Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Jennifer Friedland
48
     Chief Compliance Officer      Vice President of the Adviser** since 2020 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer (of all Funds since January 2023 and of the ETF Funds since 2022). Before joining the Adviser in 2020, she was Chief Compliance Officer at WestEnd Advisors, LLC from prior to 2018 until 2019.

 

 

 

*   The address for each of the Portfolio’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**   The Adviser, ABI and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund.

 

     The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) has additional information about the Fund’s Directors and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or the Adviser at (800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

34


 
SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

OPERATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PORTFOLIO’S LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio to designate an Administrator of the Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Portfolio’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Portfolio’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”).

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2022, which covered the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Portfolio’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Portfolio will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner.

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Portfolio classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Portfolio’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Portfolio participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Portfolio is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Portfolio’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Portfolio’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, liquidity in all markets was significantly recovered and improved compared to the prior reporting period which included extreme levels of price volatility and relative illiquidity beginning in March 2020 with COVID-19 impacts. As such, the program operated in a relatively robust and benign liquidity environment experienced in markets during the Program Reporting Period. There were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

35


 
SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Sustainable Global Thematic Portfolio (formerly AB Global Thematic Growth Portfolio) (the “Fund”) at a meeting held in-person on May 3-5, 2022 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Vice President for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2020 and 2021 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is

 

36


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2022. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and the directors took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Vice President and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and for services to any sub-advised funds utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another fund advised by the Adviser utilizing similar investment strategies.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the

 

37


SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians, after giving effect to a voluntary waiver by the Adviser. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

38


VPS-SGT-0151-1222


DEC    12.31.22

 

LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO

 

 

 


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
 
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

LETTER TO INVESTORS

February 14, 2023

The following is an update of AB Variable Products Series Fund—Growth and Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) for the annual reporting period ended December 31, 2022.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio invests primarily in the equity securities of US companies that the Adviser believes are trading at attractive valuations that have strong or improving business models.

The Portfolio may enter into derivatives transactions, such as options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps. The Portfolio may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, including on individual securities and stock indices, futures contracts (including futures contracts on individual securities and stock indices) or shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). These transactions may be used, for example, in an effort to earn extra income, to adjust exposure to individual securities or markets, or to protect all or a portion of the Portfolio’s portfolio from a decline in value, sometimes within certain ranges.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table on page 3 shows the Portfolio’s performance compared with its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index, for the one-, five- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

All share classes of the Portfolio outperformed the benchmark for the annual period. Security selection drove outperformance, relative to the benchmark. Selection within the materials and industrials sectors contributed the most, while selection within utilities and real estate detracted. Overall sector selection detracted from performance. Losses from an underweight to energy and an overweight to consumer discretionary offset gains from underweights to communication services and real estate.

The Portfolio did not use derivatives during the annual period.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

US, international and emerging-market stocks declined during the annual period ended December 31, 2022. In response to persistently high inflation, central banks—led by the US Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)—took a hawkish pivot, which raised concerns that rapidly rising borrowing costs would slow economic growth significantly and tip global economies into recession. Volatility increased and stocks pulled back after the Fed announced its first interest-rate hike in March 2022, which was followed by six additional rate raises, including four consecutive 0.75% increases. Equity markets rebounded briefly at the end of the period, after some early evidence of easing inflationary pressures raised hopes that the Fed and other key central banks would soon slow the pace of rate hikes. Optimism faded and equity markets gave back gains after the Fed downshifted to a 0.50% rate hike but strongly reaffirmed its higher-for-longer conviction. Both value- and growth-oriented stocks declined for the year. Value stocks significantly outperformed growth stocks, as growth stocks have been pressured more by rising interest rates throughout most of the year. Large-cap stocks narrowly outperformed small-cap stocks on a relative basis, but both declined in absolute terms.

The Portfolio’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) remains committed to using bottom-up research to build a Portfolio composed of well-managed companies that are attractively valued relative to their long-term earnings power. The Team’s objective is to find companies that stand out and deploy capital wisely, allowing these companies to grow dividends and enhance the long-term value of their shares.

 

1


 
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Benchmark Disclosure

The Russell 1000® Value Index is unmanaged and does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The Russell 1000 Value Index represents the performance of large-cap value companies within the US. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Portfolio.

A Word About Risk

Market Risk: The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s value approach, may be underperforming the market generally.

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

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio. Derivatives, especially over-the-counter derivatives, are also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable or unwilling to honor its contractual obligations to the Portfolio.

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

These risks are fully discussed in the Variable Products prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Portfolio.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. Please contact your financial advisor or insurance agent representative at your financial institution to obtain Portfolio performance information current to the most recent month-end.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Portfolio carefully before investing. For additional copies of the Portfolio’s prospectus or summary prospectus, which contains this and other information, call your financial advisor or (800) 227 4618. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Portfolio have been deducted, but no adjustment has been made for insurance company separate account or annuity contract charges, which would reduce total return to a contract owner. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

There are additional fees and expenses associated with all Variable Products. These fees can include mortality and expense risk charges, administrative charges, and other charges that can significantly reduce investment returns. Those fees and expenses are not reflected in this annual report. You should consult your Variable Products prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses and speak to your insurance agent or financial representative if you have any questions. You should read the prospectus before investing or sending money.

 

2


 
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

            
THE PORTFOLIO VS. ITS BENCHMARK    Net Asset Value Returns  
PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 (unaudited)    1 Year        5 Years1        10 Years1  
Growth and Income Portfolio Class A      -4.19%          8.09%          11.37%  
Growth and Income Portfolio Class B      -4.42%          7.82%          11.09%  
Russell 1000 Value Index      -7.54%          6.67%          10.29%  

1   Average annual returns.

    

    
            

The Portfolio’s current prospectus fee table shows the Portfolio’s total annual operating expense ratios as 0.59% and 0.85% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT

12/31/2012 to 12/31/2022 (unaudited)

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in Growth and Income Portfolio Class A shares (from 12/31/2012 to 12/31/2022) as compared with the performance of the Portfolio’s benchmark. The chart assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

 

See Disclosures, Risks and Note About Historical Performance on page 2.

 

3


 
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

     Beginning
Account Value
July 1, 2022
     Ending
Account Value
December 31, 2022
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
    Total
Expenses Paid
During Period+
     Total
Annualized
Expense Ratio+
 

Class A

                

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,090.40      $   3.00        0.57   $   3.06        0.58

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $ 1,022.33      $ 2.91        0.57   $ 2.96        0.58
                

Class B

                

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,089.10      $ 4.32        0.82   $ 4.37        0.83

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $ 1,021.07      $ 4.18        0.82   $ 4.23        0.83

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**   Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

 

+   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Portfolio’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

4


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
December 31, 2022 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF NET ASSETS  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

   $ 35,842,307          4.3

Elevance Health, Inc.

     34,854,773          4.2  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.—Class B

     31,785,192          3.8  

Wells Fargo & Co.

     31,150,539          3.7  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     29,520,372          3.5  

Mastercard, Inc.—Class A

     26,894,482          3.2  

Roche Holding AG (Sponsored ADR)

     24,651,776          3.0  

Amgen, Inc.

     23,784,153          2.8  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

     20,216,247          2.4  

Cigna Corp.

     19,836,332          2.4  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   278,536,173          33.3

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

December 31, 2022 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Health Care

   $   164,328,339          19.5

Financials

     140,976,092          16.8  

Information Technology

     131,457,676          15.6  

Industrials

     122,456,425          14.5  

Consumer Discretionary

     82,497,732          9.8  

Consumer Staples

     42,830,668          5.1  

Energy

     42,555,320          5.1  

Real Estate

     27,724,310          3.3  

Communication Services

     26,367,949          3.1  

Materials

     10,265,763          1.2  

Utilities

     4,977,062          0.6  

Short-Term Investments

     45,582,768          5.4  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ 842,020,104          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

5


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

COMMON STOCKS–95.4%

   
   

HEALTH CARE–19.7%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–6.6%

   

Amgen, Inc.

    90,558     $ 23,784,153  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    185,907       15,960,116  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    21,637       15,610,879  
   

 

 

 
      55,355,148  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–8.1%

   

Cigna Corp.

    59,867       19,836,332  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    67,947       34,854,773  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    81,380       12,731,087  
   

 

 

 
      67,422,192  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–1.3%

   

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    74,221       10,407,269  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–3.7%

 

Pfizer, Inc.

    126,697       6,491,954  

Roche Holding AG (Sponsored ADR)

    629,675       24,651,776  
   

 

 

 
      31,143,730  
   

 

 

 
      164,328,339  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–16.9%

   

BANKS–8.3%

   

Bank OZK

    204,704       8,200,442  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    220,137       29,520,372  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    754,433       31,150,539  
   

 

 

 
      68,871,353  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–3.2%

   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

    31,614       10,855,615  

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

    73,790       6,431,536  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    107,639       6,603,653  

Northern Trust Corp.

    35,796       3,167,588  
   

 

 

 
      27,058,392  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–3.8%

   

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.–Class B(a)

    102,898       31,785,192  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–1.6%

 

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

    119,458       6,471,040  

MetLife, Inc.

    93,825       6,790,115  
   

 

 

 
      13,261,155  
   

 

 

 
      140,976,092  
   

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–15.7%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–1.6%

   

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    280,569       13,366,307  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–3.0%

   

IPG Photonics Corp.(a)

    82,156     $ 7,777,709  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.(a)

    65,345       11,178,569  

Littelfuse, Inc.

    14,297       3,148,199  

Zebra Technologies Corp.–Class A(a)

    13,915       3,567,945  
   

 

 

 
      25,672,422  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–8.5%

   

Accenture PLC–Class A

    27,588       7,361,582  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.–Class A

    72,769       4,161,659  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.(a)

    53,421       9,812,369  

Mastercard, Inc.–Class A

    77,343       26,894,482  

Maximus, Inc.

    109,682       8,042,981  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)

    204,331       14,552,454  
   

 

 

 
      70,825,527  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–2.6%

   

MKS Instruments, Inc.(b)

    86,074       7,293,050  

NXP Semiconductors NV

    43,575       6,886,157  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Sponsored ADR)

    99,533       7,414,213  
   

 

 

 
      21,593,420  
   

 

 

 
      131,457,676  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–14.7%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–3.5%

   

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    34,188       5,709,054  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    117,166       11,824,393  

Textron, Inc.

    170,376       12,062,621  
   

 

 

 
      29,596,068  
   

 

 

 

AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS–0.4%

   

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.(b)

    29,705       3,086,944  
   

 

 

 

AIRLINES–1.9%

 

Alaska Air Group, Inc.(a)

    169,566       7,281,164  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    260,512       8,771,439  
   

 

 

 
      16,052,603  
   

 

 

 

BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.9%

   

Builders FirstSource, Inc.(a)

    108,992       7,071,401  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.7%

   

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    38,511       5,703,864  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–1.9%

   

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    26,543       4,395,786  

 

6


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Emerson Electric Co.

    121,038     $ 11,626,910  
   

 

 

 
      16,022,696  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–2.6%

   

Middleby Corp. (The)(a)

    23,209       3,107,685  

PACCAR, Inc.

    132,648       13,128,173  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    51,405       5,130,733  
   

 

 

 
      21,366,591  
   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–0.9%

   

Robert Half International, Inc.

    101,997       7,530,438  
   

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–1.3%

   

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    213,024       11,164,588  
   

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.6%

   

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.–Class A

    59,501       4,861,232  
   

 

 

 
      122,456,425  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–9.9%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–0.9%

   

BorgWarner, Inc.

    183,170       7,372,592  
   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTORS–1.4%

   

LKQ Corp.

    220,668       11,785,878  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–1.8%

   

Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)

    4,099       8,260,633  

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

    58,417       6,580,091  
   

 

 

 
      14,840,724  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.7%

   

DR Horton, Inc.

    64,669       5,764,595  
   

 

 

 

MULTILINE RETAIL–1.9%

   

Target Corp.

    109,754       16,357,736  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–3.2%

   

AutoZone, Inc.(a)

    2,662       6,564,971  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    65,252       13,000,809  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.(a)

    14,519       6,810,427  
   

 

 

 
      26,376,207  
   

 

 

 
      82,497,732  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–5.1%

   

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.8%

   

Kroger Co. (The)

    156,760       6,988,361  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

TOBACCO–4.3%

   

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    354,138     $ 35,842,307  
   

 

 

 
      42,830,668  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–5.1%

   

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.8%

   

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    139,445       6,912,288  
   

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–4.3%

   

Chevron Corp.

    33,039       5,930,170  

ConocoPhillips

    43,697       5,156,246  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    86,483       11,201,278  

Phillips 66

    128,318       13,355,338  
   

 

 

 
      35,643,032  
   

 

 

 
      42,555,320  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–3.3%

   

EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITs)–2.4%

   

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    652,137       20,216,247  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–0.9%

   

CBRE Group, Inc.–Class A(a)

    97,558       7,508,063  
   

 

 

 
      27,724,310  
   

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION SERVICES–3.2%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.0%

   

Comcast Corp.–Class A

    464,351       16,238,355  
   

 

 

 

INTERACTIVE MEDIA & SERVICES–1.2%

   

Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a)

    114,162       10,129,594  
   

 

 

 
      26,367,949  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–1.2%

   

CHEMICALS–0.8%

   

Mosaic Co. (The)

    149,219       6,546,238  
   

 

 

 

METALS & MINING–0.4%

   

BHP Group Ltd. (Sponsored ADR)(b)

    59,944       3,719,525  
   

 

 

 
      10,265,763  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–0.6%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–0.6%

   

IDACORP, Inc.

    46,148       4,977,062  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $679,888,468)

      796,437,336  
   

 

 

 

 

7


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–5.5%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–5.5%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 4.12%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $45,582,768)

    45,582,768     $ 45,582,768  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.9%
(cost $725,471,236)

      842,020,104  

Other assets less liabilities–(0.9)%

      (7,185,016
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 834,835,088  
   

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust

See notes to financial statements.

 

8


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $679,888,468)

   $ 796,437,336 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $45,582,768)

     45,582,768  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     1,483,999  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     156,694  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     127,096  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     843,787,893  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     7,382,732  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     724,738  

Advisory fee payable

     391,515  

Distribution fee payable

     145,731  

Administrative fee payable

     23,089  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     150  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     284,850  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     8,952,805  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 834,835,088  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 29,318  

Additional paid-in capital

     647,147,805  

Distributable earnings

     187,657,965  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 834,835,088  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $   157,647,607          5,436,367        $   29.00  
B      $ 677,187,481          23,881,652        $ 28.36  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $1,620,446 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

9


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Year Ended December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $94,474)

   $ 15,987,681  

Affiliated issuers

     688,899  

Non-Cash Dividend Income

     933,527  

Securities lending income

     25,397  
  

 

 

 
     17,635,504  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     4,641,978  

Distribution fee—Class B

     1,716,417  

Transfer agency—Class A

     1,763  

Transfer agency—Class B

     7,675  

Administrative

     89,929  

Legal

     65,025  

Custody and accounting

     55,909  

Audit and tax

     46,713  

Printing

     30,360  

Directors’ fees

     28,391  

Miscellaneous

     30,712  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     6,714,872  

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

     (37,881
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     6,676,991  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     10,958,513  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     64,196,924  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

     (115,477,318
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment transactions

     (51,280,394
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (40,321,881
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

10


 
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income

   $ 10,958,513     $ 9,759,874  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     64,196,924       232,012,332  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

     (115,477,318     23,259,079  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (40,321,881     265,031,285  

Distributions to Shareholders

 

Class A

     (27,285,764     (1,352,804

Class B

     (119,514,169     (6,060,547

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net increase (decrease)

     99,205,085       (346,850,196
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease

     (87,916,729     (89,232,262

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     922,751,817       1,011,984,079  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 834,835,088     $ 922,751,817  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

11


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Growth and Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 10 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

 

13


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

             

Assets:

             

Common Stocks:

             

Health Care

     $ 139,676,563      $ 24,651,776      $             –0 –     $ 164,328,339  

Financials

       140,976,092        –0 –       –0 –       140,976,092  

Information Technology

       131,457,676        –0 –       –0 –       131,457,676  

Industrials

       122,456,425        –0 –       –0 –       122,456,425  

Consumer Discretionary

       82,497,732        –0 –       –0 –       82,497,732  

Consumer Staples

       42,830,668        –0 –       –0 –       42,830,668  

Energy

       42,555,320        –0 –       –0 –       42,555,320  

Real Estate

       27,724,310        –0 –       –0 –       27,724,310  

Communication Services

       26,367,949        –0 –       –0 –       26,367,949  

Materials

       10,265,763        –0 –       –0 –       10,265,763  

Utilities

       4,977,062        –0 –       –0 –       4,977,062  

Short-Term Investments

       45,582,768        –0 –       –0 –       45,582,768  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       817,368,328        24,651,776        –0 –       842,020,104  

Other Financial Instruments(a)

       –0 –       –0 –       –0 –       –0 – 
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     $ 817,368,328      $ 24,651,776      $ –0 –     $ 842,020,104  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

3. Currency Translation

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

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

4. Taxes

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

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

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $89,929.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $1,773 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2023. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such waiver amounted to $37,371.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Market Value
12/31/21
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
12/31/22
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 16,507      $ 355,703      $ 326,627      $ 45,583     $ 689  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

     6,838        61,090        67,928        –0 –      2  
           

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

            $ 45,583     $ 691  
           

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

 

15


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

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

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

       Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     $ 534,442,552      $ 593,094,147  

U.S. government securities

       –0 –       –0 – 

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

 

Cost

   $ 731,958,706  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 134,581,248  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (24,519,850
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 110,061,398  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the year ended December 31, 2022.

2. Currency Transactions

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

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Portfolio cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Portfolio receives non-cash collateral, the Portfolio will receive a fee from the

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any dividend income or other distributions from the securities; however, these distributions will not be afforded the same preferential tax treatment as qualified dividends. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Portfolio earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

                       

    Government Money Market    
Portfolio

 

Market Value of
Securities

on Loan*

   

Cash Collateral*

   

Market Value of
Non-Cash
Collateral*

   

Income from
Borrowers

   

Income

Earned

   

Advisory Fee
Waived

 
$ 1,620,446     $ –0–     $ 1,695,640     $ 23,153     $ 2,244     $ 510  

 

*   As of December 31, 2022.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
          Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    726,184       519,539       $ 22,884,961     $ 17,715,000  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    968,955       38,563         27,285,764       1,352,804  

Shares redeemed

    (879,980     (881,629       (28,582,107     (29,886,720
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    815,159       (323,527     $ 21,588,618     $ (10,818,916
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    2,020,177       1,732,963       $ 62,982,072     $ 57,304,403  

Shares issued on reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    4,336,508       175,974         119,514,169       6,060,547  

Shares redeemed

    (3,311,067     (11,625,535       (104,879,774     (399,396,230
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    3,045,618       (9,716,598     $ 77,616,467     $ (336,031,280
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2022, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 49% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

 

17


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Market Risk—The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s value approach, may be underperforming the market generally.

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

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

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio may be exposed to debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. The FCA and LIBOR’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration, have since announced that most LIBOR settings (which reflect LIBOR rates quoted in different currencies over various time periods) will no longer be published after the end of 2021 but that the most widely used U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will continue to be published until June 30, 2023. However, banks were strongly encouraged to cease entering into agreements with counterparties referencing LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is possible that a subset of LIBOR settings will be published after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. Since 2018 the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has published the secured overnight funding rate (referred to as SOFR), which is intended to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities in the repurchase agreement (repo) market and has been used increasingly on a voluntary basis in new instruments and transactions. In addition, on March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate Act was signed into law. This law provides a statutory fallback mechanism to replace LIBOR with a benchmark rate that is selected by the Federal Reserve Board and based on SOFR for certain contracts that reference LIBOR without adequate fallback provisions.

The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect a Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, potentially adversely affecting a Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known.

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

Management Risk—The Portfolio is subject to management risk because it is an actively-managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Portfolio, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results. Some of these techniques may incorporate, or rely upon,

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

quantitative models, but there is no guarantee that these models will generate accurate forecasts, reduce risk or otherwise perform as expected.

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the year ended December 31, 2022.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

     2022      2021  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 21,194,171      $ 7,413,351  

Net long-term capital gains

     125,605,762        –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 146,799,933      $ 7,413,351  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 10,956,957  

Undistributed capital gains

     66,639,610  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     110,061,398 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings (deficit)

   $ 187,657,965  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2022, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

During the current fiscal year, there were no permanent differences that resulted in adjustments to distributable earnings or additional paid-in capital.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)—Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848”. ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

19


 
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS A  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $36.83       $28.97       $30.30       $27.78       $33.35  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .48       .38       .40       .43       .41  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    (2.21     7.76       .13       5.84       (1.84
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (1.73     8.14       .53       6.27       (1.43
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.49     (.28     (.42     (.39     (.34

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (5.61     –0 –      (1.44     (3.36     (3.80
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (6.10     (.28     (1.86     (3.75     (4.14
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $29.00       $36.83       $28.97       $30.30       $27.78  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset
value(c)*

    (4.19 )%      28.15     2.72     23.91     (5.61 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $157,648       $170,190       $143,269       $155,765       $133,188  

Ratio to average net assets of:

 

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    .59     .59     .61     .61     .59

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    .59     .59     .62     .62     .60

Net investment income(b)

    1.50     1.13     1.53     1.43     1.28

Portfolio turnover rate

    66     51     54     66     96
         

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .00     .00     .01     .01     .01

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 21.

 

20


      
      
       AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS B  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $36.12       $28.43       $29.76       $27.34       $32.88  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .39       .29       .33       .35       .33  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    (2.16     7.61       .13       5.74       (1.81
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (1.77     7.90       .46       6.09       (1.48
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.38     (.21     (.35     (.31     (.26

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (5.61     –0 –      (1.44     (3.36     (3.80
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (5.99     (.21     (1.79     (3.67     (4.06
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $28.36       $36.12       $28.43       $29.76       $27.34  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset
value(c)*

    (4.42 )%      27.84     2.47     23.61     (5.84 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $677,187       $752,562       $868,715       $922,603       $772,904  

Ratio to average net assets of:

 

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    .84     .84     .86     .86     .84

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    .84     .85     .87     .87     .85

Net investment income(b)

    1.25     .87     1.28     1.18     1.03

Portfolio turnover rate

    66     51     54     66     96
         

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .00     .00     .01     .01     .01

 

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(d)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, such waiver amounted to .01%, .01% and .01%, respectively.

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 by .15% and .02%, respectively.

See notes to financial statements.

 

21


 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of AB Growth and Income Portfolio

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Growth and Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Portfolio (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Portfolio’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

February 14, 2023

 

22


 
 
2022 FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Portfolio during the taxable year ended December 31, 2022. For corporate shareholders, 78.00% of dividends paid qualify for the dividends received deduction. The Portfolio designates $125,605,762 of dividends paid as long-term capital gain dividends.

 

23


 
 
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS     

Garry L. Moody(1), Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Onur Erzan, President and Chief Executive Officer

    

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

Jeanette W. Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1)

    
OFFICERS     

Frank V. Caruso(2), Vice President

John H. Fogarty(2), Vice President

Vinay Thapar(2), Vice President

Nancy E. Hay, Secretary

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Vice President

    

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller

Jennifer Friedland, Chief Compliance Officer

    

CUSTODIAN AND ACCOUNTING AGENT

State Street Bank and Trust Company

State Street Corporation CCB/5

1 Iron Street

Boston, MA 02210

    

LEGAL COUNSEL

Seward & Kissel LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

    

DISTRIBUTOR

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.

501 Commerce Street

Nashville, TN 37203

    

TRANSFER AGENT

AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 786003
San Antonio, TX 78278

Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

    

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

One Manhattan West

New York, NY 1000

    

 

 

 

(1)   Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

(2)   The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Portfolio’s portfolio are made by the Adviser’s Relative Value Investment Team. Messrs. Caruso, Fogarty and Thapar are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio’s portfolio.

 

24


 
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Board of Directors Information

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Directors is set forth below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
   PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
   PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
     OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR
INTERESTED DIRECTOR      
        

Onur Erzan,#

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

47

(2021)

   Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”), Head of Global Client Group and Head of Private Wealth. He oversees AB’s entire private wealth management business and third-party institutional and retail franchise, where he is responsible for all client services, sales and marketing, as well as product strategy, management and development worldwide. Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the AB Mutual Funds as of April 1, 2021. He is also a member of the Equitable Holdings Management Committee. Prior to joining the firm in January 2021, he spent 19 years with McKinsey (management consulting firm), most recently as a senior partner and co-leader of its Wealth & Asset Management practice. In addition, he co-led McKinsey’s Banking & Securities Solutions (a portfolio of data, analytics, and digital assets and capabilities) globally.      73      None
        
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS      
        

Garry L. Moody,##

Chairman of the Board

70

(2008)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council, where he serves as Chairman of its Governance Committee. He is Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees since January 2023; he has served as a director or trustee since 2008, and served as Chairman of the Audit Committee of such funds from 2011 - February 2023.      73      None

 

25


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
   PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
   PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
     OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
(continued)
     
        

Jorge A. Bermudez,##

71

(2020)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016; and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Moody’s Corporation since December 2022. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.      73      Moody’s Corporation since April 2011
        

Michael J. Downey,##

79

(2005)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2018 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.      73      None
        

Nancy P. Jacklin,##

74

(2006)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008-2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002-May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992-2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985-1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982-1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973-1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.      73      None
        

 

26


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
   PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
   PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
     OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
(continued)
     
        

Jeanette W. Loeb,##

70

(2020)

   Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund, Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.      73      Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011
        

Carol C. McMullen,##

67

(2016)

   Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010-2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016, and serves as Chair of the Audit Committees of such funds since February 2023.      73      None
        

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.##

81

(2005)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (semi-conductor manufacturing equipment). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the board of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has served as both Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees from 2014 through December 2022.      73      None

 

27


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Directors is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal & Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Directors.

 

***

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to each Director’s qualifications to serve as a Director, which led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director for the Fund.

 

# 

Mr. Erzan is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the “1940 Act”, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

## 

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

28


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Portfolio’s Officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS,*

AND AGE

     PRINCIPAL POSITION(S)
HELD WITH FUND
     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
Onur Erzan
47
     President and Chief
Executive Officer
     See biography above.
         
Frank V. Caruso
66
     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is also Chief Investment Officer of US Growth Equities.
         
John H. Fogarty
53
     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is also Co-Chief Investment Officer—US Growth Equites.
         
Vinay Thapar
44
     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is also Co-Chief Investment Officer—US Growth Equities.
         
Nancy E. Hay
50
     Secretary      Vice President and Counsel of the Adviser**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018 and Assistant Secretary of ABI**.
         
Michael B. Reyes
46
     Senior Vice President      Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Joseph J. Mantineo
63
     Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer      Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Phyllis J. Clarke
62
     Controller      Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Jennifer Friedland
48
     Chief Compliance Officer      Vice President of the Adviser** since 2020 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer (of all Funds since January 2023 and of the ETF Funds since 2022). Before joining the Adviser in 2020, she was Chief Compliance Officer at WestEnd Advisors, LLC from prior to 2018 until 2019.

 

 

 

*   The address for each of the Portfolio’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**   The Adviser, ABIS and ABI are affiliates of the Fund.

 

     The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) has additional information about the Fund’s Directors and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or the Adviser at (800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

29


 
 
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

OPERATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PORTFOLIO’S LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio to designate an Administrator of the Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Portfolio’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Portfolio’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”).

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2022, which covered the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Portfolio’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Portfolio will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner.

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Portfolio classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Portfolio’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Portfolio participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Portfolio is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Portfolio’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Portfolio’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, liquidity in all markets was significantly recovered and improved compared to the prior reporting period which included extreme levels of price volatility and relative illiquidity beginning in March 2020 with COVID-19 impacts. As such, the program operated in a relatively robust and benign liquidity environment experienced in markets during the Program Reporting Period. There were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

30


 
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Growth and Income Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held in-person on May 3-5, 2022 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Vice President for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2020 and 2021 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the

 

31


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Fund’s profitability to the Adviser would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2022 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Vice President and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and for services to any sub-advised funds utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another fund advised by the Adviser utilizing similar investment strategies.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

 

32


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

33


VPS-GI-0151-1222


DEC    12.31.22

 

LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL  
THEMATIC PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

LETTER TO INVESTORS

February 14, 2023

The following is an update of AB Variable Products Series Fund—Sustainable International Thematic Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) for the annual reporting period ended December 31, 2022. Prior to May 1, 2022, the Portfolio was named International Growth Portfolio.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio invests primarily in a focused international portfolio of equity securities of companies whose business activities the Adviser believes position the company to benefit from certain sustainable investment themes that align with one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”). These themes principally include the advancement of climate, health and empowerment. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of issuers located outside of the United States that satisfy the Portfolio’s sustainability thematic criteria and in derivative instruments related to such securities. An issuer that derives at least 25% of its total revenues from activities consistent with the achievement of the SDGs meets such criteria, although many of the issuers in which the Portfolio invests will derive a much greater portion of their revenues from such activities.

The Adviser employs a combination of “top-down” and “bottom-up” investment processes with the goal of identifying, based on its internal research and analysis, securities of companies worldwide that fit into sustainable investment themes. First, the Adviser identifies through its “top-down” process the sustainable investment themes. In addition to this “top-down” thematic approach, the Adviser then uses a “bottom-up” analysis of individual companies that focuses on prospective earnings growth, valuation, and quality of company management and on evaluating a company’s risks, including those related to environmental, social and corporate governance (“ESG”) factors. ESG factors, which can vary across companies and industries, may include environmental impact, corporate governance, ethical business practices, diversity and employee practices, product safety, supply-chain management and community impact. Eligible investments include securities of issuers that the Adviser believes will maximize total return while also contributing to positive societal impact aligned with one or more SDGs. While the Adviser emphasizes focusing on individual companies with favorable ESG attributes over the use of broad-based negative screens (e.g., disqualifying business activities) in assessing a company’s exposure to ESG factors, the Portfolio will not invest in companies that derive revenue from direct involvement in alcohol, coal, gambling, pornography, prisons, tobacco or weapons.

The Adviser normally considers a large universe of mid- to large-capitalization companies worldwide for investment, but may invest in companies of any size. The Portfolio invests, under normal circumstances, in the equity securities of companies located in at least three countries (and normally substantially more) other than the United States. The Portfolio invests in securities of companies in both developed- and emerging-market countries, with the stock selection process determining the geographic distribution of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio also invests in the equity securities of companies located in the United States with exposure to international markets. The Portfolio may sell securities that no longer meet the investment criteria described above.

Currency exposures can have a dramatic impact on equity returns, significantly adding to returns in some years and greatly diminishing them in others. The Adviser may seek to hedge the currency exposure resulting from a securities position when it finds the currency exposure unattractive. To hedge all or a portion of its currency risk, the Portfolio may, from time to time, invest in currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, swaps and options. Equity positions and whether to hedge currency exposure are evaluated separately by the Adviser.

The Portfolio may enter into other derivatives transactions, such as options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps. The Portfolio may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, including on individual securities and stock indices or futures contracts (including futures contracts on individual securities and stock indices). These transactions may be used, for example, in an effort to earn extra income, to adjust exposure to individual securities or markets, or to protect all or a portion of the Portfolio’s portfolio from a decline in value, sometimes within certain ranges.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table on page 5 shows the Portfolio’s performance compared with its primary benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World Index (“MSCI ACWI”) ex USA (net), and the Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) World Index ex USA (net), for the one-, five- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

All share classes of the Portfolio underperformed the primary benchmark and the MSCI ACWI ex USA (net)

 

1


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

for the annual period. Overall security selection detracted, relative to the primary benchmark, especially within the health care and industrials sectors. Regarding sector allocation, an overweight to technology and an underweight to energy detracted, but were partially offset by gains from an overweight to health care and an underweight to communication services. Country selection (a result of bottom-up security analysis driven by fundamental research) detracted, mainly because of overweights to the US and Ireland, while underweights to China and Russia contributed. From a theme perspective, Health detracted most, followed by Climate and Empowerment.

The Climate theme consists of companies that improve overall resource efficiency and provide environmentally positive solutions in fields such as energy production, manufacturing, construction, transportation, agriculture and sanitation. The Health theme consists of companies that develop innovative health treatments and therapies, broaden access to high-quality and affordable care, ensure a steady supply of nutritious food and clean water, and promote overall physical and emotional well-being. The Empowerment theme consists of companies that provide the physical, financial and technological infrastructure and services that allow more people to gain control of their lives by enabling sustainable economic development, employment growth, poverty eradication, knowledge sharing and social inclusion.

The Portfolio used derivatives in the form of currency forwards for hedging purposes, which had no material impact on absolute returns for the annual period.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

US, international and emerging-market stocks declined during the annual period ended December 31, 2022. In response to persistently high inflation, central banks—led by the US Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)—took a hawkish pivot, which raised concerns that rapidly rising borrowing costs would slow economic growth significantly and tip global economies into recession. Volatility increased and stocks pulled back after the Fed announced its first interest-rate hike in March 2022, which was followed by six additional rate raises, including four consecutive 0.75% increases. Equity markets rebounded briefly at the end of the period, after some early evidence of easing inflationary pressures raised hopes that the Fed and other key central banks would soon slow the pace of rate hikes. Optimism faded and equity markets gave back gains after the Fed downshifted to a 0.50% rate hike but strongly reaffirmed its higher-for-longer conviction. Both value- and growth-oriented stocks declined for the year. Value stocks significantly outperformed growth stocks, as growth stocks have been pressured more by rising interest rates throughout most of the year. Large-cap stocks narrowly outperformed small-cap stocks on a relative basis, but both declined in absolute terms.

The Portfolio’s exposures remain focused on secular growth themes, particularly those related to providing solutions to some of the world’s largest and most persistent sustainability challenges. This has helped the Portfolio’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) to identify financially strong companies that the Team believes are less dependent on overall macroeconomic strength for success, leading to more resilient earnings growth. The Team also believes higher quality attributes like lower leverage, durable earnings growth and profitability are more likely to hold up well during challenging economic periods. The Portfolio is positioned particularly well in this regard.

 

2


 
SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Benchmark Disclosure

All indices are unmanaged and do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The MSCI ACWI ex USA (net, free float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted) represents the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets, excluding the US. The MSCI World Index ex USA (net, free float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted) represents the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the US. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations, and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices, any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI. Net returns include the reinvestment of dividends after deduction of non-US withholding tax. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Portfolio.

A Word About Risk

Market Risk: The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s growth approach, may underperform the market generally.

Focused Portfolio Risk: Investments in a limited number of companies may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value (“NAV”), than would be the case if the Portfolio were invested in a larger number of companies.

Sector Risk: The Portfolio may have more risk because it may invest to a significant extent in one or more particular market sectors, such as the information technology or financial services sector. To the extent it does so, market or economic factors affecting the relevant sector(s) could have a major effect on the value of the Portfolio’s investments.

ESG Risk: Applying ESG and sustainability criteria to the investment process may exclude securities of certain issuers for non-investment reasons and, therefore, the Portfolio may forgo some market opportunities available to funds that do not use ESG or sustainability criteria. Securities of companies with ESG practices may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and the Portfolio’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of funds that do not use ESG or sustainability criteria. Furthermore, “sustainability” is not a uniformly defined characteristic, and the Portfolio’s sustainability criteria may differ from those used by other funds. In addition, in evaluating an investment, the investment adviser is dependent upon information and data that may be incomplete, inaccurate or unavailable, which could adversely affect the analysis of the ESG and sustainability factors relevant to a particular investment.

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

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

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

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

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio. Derivatives, especially over-the-counter derivatives, are also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable or unwilling to honor its contractual obligations to the Portfolio.

Management Risk: The Portfolio is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Portfolio, but there is

 

3


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results. Some of these techniques may incorporate, or rely upon, quantitative models, but there is no guarantee that these models will generate accurate forecasts, reduce risk or otherwise perform as expected.

These risks are fully discussed in the Variable Products prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Portfolio.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. Please contact your financial advisor or insurance agent representative at your financial institution to obtain Portfolio performance information current to the most recent month-end.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Portfolio carefully before investing. For additional copies of the Portfolio’s prospectus or summary prospectus, which contains this and other information, call your financial advisor or (800) 227 4618. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Portfolio have been deducted, but no adjustment has been made for insurance company separate account or annuity contract charges, which would reduce total return to a contract owner. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

There are additional fees and expenses associated with all Variable Products. These fees can include mortality and expense risk charges, administrative charges, and other charges that can significantly reduce investment returns. Those fees and expenses are not reflected in this annual report. You should consult your Variable Products prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses and speak to your insurance agent or financial representative if you have any questions. You should read the prospectus before investing or sending money.

 

4


 
SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

            
THE PORTFOLIO VS. ITS BENCHMARKS    Net Asset Value Returns  
PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 (unaudited)    1 Year        5 Years1        10 Years1  
Sustainable International Thematic Portfolio Class A      -27.61%          1.41%          4.04%  
Sustainable International Thematic Portfolio Class B      -27.81%          1.16%          3.78%  
Primary Benchmark: MSCI ACWI ex USA (net)      -16.00%          0.88%          3.80%  
MSCI World Index ex USA (net)      -14.29%          1.79%          4.59%  

1   Average annual returns.

 

    

The Portfolio’s current prospectus fee table shows the Portfolio’s total annual operating expense ratios as 1.28% and 1.53% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Contractual fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements reduced the Portfolio’s total annual operating expense ratios to 1.23% and 1.48% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. These waivers/reimbursements may not be terminated before May 1, 2023, and may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms. Absent reimbursements or waivers, performance would have been lower. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT

12/31/2012 TO 12/31/2022 (unaudited)

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in Sustainable International Thematic Portfolio Class A shares (from 12/31/2012 to 12/31/2022) as compared with the performance of the Portfolio’s benchmarks. The chart assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

 

See Disclosures, Risks and Note About Historical Performance on pages 3-4.

 

5


 
SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

     Beginning
Account Value
July 1, 2022
     Ending
Account Value
December 31, 2022
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
    Total
Expenses Paid
During Period+
     Total
Annualized
Expense Ratio+
 

Class A

                

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,015.80      $ 8.89        1.75   $ 8.94        1.76

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $ 1,016.38      $ 8.89        1.75   $ 8.94        1.76
                

Class B

                

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,014.90      $   10.11        1.99   $   10.16        2.00

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $ 1,015.17      $ 10.11        1.99   $ 10.16        2.00

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).
**   Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.
+   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Portfolio’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

6


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
December 31, 2022 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF NET ASSETS  

HDFC Bank Ltd.

   $ 1,156,335          3.0

Partners Group Holding AG

     1,048,412          2.7  

Aflac, Inc.

     1,026,943          2.6  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB—Class A

     1,025,686          2.6  

Erste Group Bank AG

     1,025,606          2.6  

Nestle SA (REG)

     973,628          2.5  

STERIS PLC

     960,573          2.5  

STMicroelectronics NV

     958,087          2.5  

ASML Holding NV

     928,018          2.4  

NXP Semiconductors NV

     902,351          2.3  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   10,005,639            25.7

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

December 31, 2022 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Information Technology

   $ 8,889,451          23.2

Financials

     8,854,911          23.1  

Health Care

     7,043,158          18.4  

Consumer Staples

     3,862,169          10.1  

Industrials

     2,928,174          7.6  

Materials

     2,684,429          7.0  

Consumer Discretionary

     971,871          2.5  

Utilities

     807,503          2.1  

Energy

     755,534          2.0  

Communication Services

     387,971          1.0  

Short-Term Investments

     1,144,871          3.0  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   38,330,042            100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

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

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

7


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN1  
December 31, 2022 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

COUNTRY    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

United States

   $ 5,110,351          13.3

Switzerland

     4,488,937          11.7  

United Kingdom

     4,349,535          11.3  

France

     3,258,165          8.5  

India

     2,524,586          6.6  

Ireland

     1,982,613          5.2  

Sweden

     1,972,754          5.1  

Germany

     1,828,930          4.8  

Netherlands

     1,532,904          4.0  

Denmark

     1,511,437          3.9  

Finland

     1,378,189          3.6  

Japan

     1,259,245          3.3  

Taiwan

     1,254,998          3.3  

Other

     4,732,527          12.4  

Short-Term Investments

     1,144,871          3.0  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   38,330,042          100.0

 

 

 

 

1   The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represent 2.7% or less in the following: Austria, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Norway and Spain. The Portfolio also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details).

 

8


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                            

COMMON STOCKS–95.6%

   

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–22.9%

   

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–4.1%

   

Flex Ltd.(a)

    21,216     $ 455,295  

Halma PLC

    27,876       663,865  

Keyence Corp.

    1,200       465,894  
   

 

 

 
      1,585,054  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–4.4%

   

Accenture PLC–Class A

    3,280       875,235  

Edenred

    15,405       838,423  
   

 

 

 
      1,713,658  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–12.4%

   

ASML Holding NV

    1,702       928,018  

Infineon Technologies AG

    25,102       762,897  

MediaTek, Inc.

    24,000       485,254  

NXP Semiconductors NV

    5,710       902,351  

STMicroelectronics NV

    26,961       958,087  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    53,000       769,744  
   

 

 

 
      4,806,351  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–2.0%

 

Dassault Systemes SE

    21,813       784,388  
   

 

 

 
      8,889,451  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–22.8%

   

BANKS–10.4%

   

Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT

    1,272,500       811,466  

Erste Group Bank AG

    32,055       1,025,606  

HDFC Bank Ltd.

    58,889       1,156,335  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB–Class A

    101,876       1,025,686  
   

 

 

 
      4,019,093  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–6.8%

 

Deutsche Boerse AG

    4,564       785,876  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    9,556       821,063  

Partners Group Holding AG

    1,184       1,048,412  
   

 

 

 
      2,655,351  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–5.6%

 

Aflac, Inc.

    14,275       1,026,943  

AIA Group Ltd.

    74,800       826,045  

Prudential PLC

    24,017       327,479  
   

 

 

 
      2,180,467  
   

 

 

 
      8,854,911  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–18.1%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–1.5%

   

Abcam PLC (Sponsored ADR)(a)

    37,467       582,987  
   

 

 

 
Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                            

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–5.7%

   

Alcon, Inc.

    11,522     $ 790,627  

ConvaTec Group PLC(b)

    169,882       475,783  

STERIS PLC

    5,201       960,573  
   

 

 

 
      2,226,983  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–2.2%

   

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.

    15,755       851,067  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–6.5%

   

Danaher Corp.

    3,353       889,953  

Gerresheimer AG

    4,188       280,158  

ICON PLC(a)

    2,758       535,741  

Tecan Group AG (REG)

    1,810       810,231  
   

 

 

 
      2,516,083  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–2.2%

   

Roche Holding AG (Genusschein)

    2,756       866,038  
   

 

 

 
      7,043,158  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–9.9%

   

FOOD PRODUCTS–6.0%

   

Danone SA

    12,850       677,268  

Kerry Group PLC–Class A

    7,682       693,917  

Nestle SA (REG)

    8,429       973,628  
   

 

 

 
      2,344,813  
   

 

 

 

PERSONAL PRODUCTS–3.9%

   

Dabur India Ltd.

    76,329       517,185  

Haleon PLC(a)

    100,745       398,609  

Unilever PLC (London)

    11,915       601,562  
   

 

 

 
      1,517,356  
   

 

 

 
      3,862,169  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–7.5%

   

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–1.7%

   

TOMRA Systems ASA

    39,968       674,110  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–1.6%

   

WSP Global, Inc.(c)

    5,299       614,786  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–3.0%

   

Husqvarna AB–Class B

    52,359       367,740  

SMC Corp.

    1,900       793,351  
   

 

 

 
      1,161,091  
   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–1.2%

   

Experian PLC

    14,119       478,187  
   

 

 

 
      2,928,174  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–6.9%

   

CHEMICALS–3.4%

   

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

    9,786       703,934  

Koninklijke DSM NV

    4,926       604,886  
   

 

 

 
      1,308,820  
   

 

 

 

 

9


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                            

CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–3.5%

   

Huhtamaki Oyj

    18,176     $ 622,654  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    20,317       752,955  
   

 

 

 
      1,375,609  
   

 

 

 
      2,684,429  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–2.5%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–1.5%

   

Autoliv, Inc.

    7,565       579,328  
   

 

 

 

AUTOMOBILES–1.0%

   

BYD Co., Ltd.–Class H

    16,000       392,543  
   

 

 

 
      971,871  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–2.1%

 

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–2.1%

   

Orsted AS(b)

    8,932       807,503  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–1.9%

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–1.9%

   

Neste Oyj

    16,383       755,534  
   

 

 

 
Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                            

COMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.0%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.0%

   

Cellnex Telecom SA(b)

    11,696     $ 387,971  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $34,531,589)

      37,185,171  
   

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–3.0%

   

INVESTMENT
COMPANIES–3.0%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB,
4.12%(d)(e)(f)
(cost $1,144,871)

    1,144,871       1,144,871  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL
INVESTMENTS–98.6%

(cost $35,676,460)

      38,330,042  

Other assets less liabilities–1.4%

      556,976  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 38,887,018  
   

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Bank of America, NA

       USD        1,065          KRW        1,522,219          01/30/2023        $ 144,246  

Bank of America, NA

       SEK        5,516          USD        526          02/03/2023          (3,165

Bank of America, NA

       CNH        1,466          USD        204          02/16/2023          (8,221

Bank of America, NA

       USD        221          CNH        1,553          02/16/2023          3,940  

Bank of America, NA

       CHF        1,875          USD        2,024          03/01/2023          (16,116

Barclays Bank PLC

       KRW        79,617          USD        61          01/30/2023          (2,155

Barclays Bank PLC

       USD        227          CNH        1,615          02/16/2023          6,882  

Barclays Bank PLC

       INR        12,352          USD        149          03/16/2023          161  

Citibank, NA

       USD        1,718          AUD        2,707          01/19/2023          126,613  

Citibank, NA

       USD        2,223          CAD        3,034          01/19/2023               17,726  

Citibank, NA

       USD        3,845          JPY        531,139          02/09/2023          220,846  

Citibank, NA

       CNH        823          USD        118          02/16/2023          (868

Citibank, NA

       USD        135          CNH        945          02/16/2023          1,829  

Citibank, NA

       INR        55,594          USD        669          03/16/2023          (131

Deutsche Bank AG

       CNH        610          USD        85          02/16/2023          (3,586

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       BRL        344          USD        65          01/04/2023          (329

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       USD        66          BRL        344          01/04/2023          (775

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

       KRW        86,032          USD        67          01/30/2023          (1,356

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       BRL        6,026          USD        1,150          01/04/2023          8,887  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        587          BRL        3,185          01/04/2023          16,108  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        544          BRL        2,841          01/04/2023          (6,399

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        537          BRL        2,841          02/02/2023          (1,691

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       CNH        3,338          USD        477          02/16/2023          (7,116

 

10


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        164          CNH        1,173          02/16/2023        $ 5,693  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        107          CNH        740          02/16/2023          (132

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       TWD        2,097          USD        69          03/16/2023          437  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        85          TWD        2,538          03/16/2023          (1,493

Natwest Markets PLC

       USD        82          KRW        115,652          01/30/2023               10,174  

Natwest Markets PLC

       USD        3,068          CNH        21,949          02/16/2023          114,173  

Standard Chartered Bank

       CNH        370          USD        52          02/16/2023          (1,767

Standard Chartered Bank

       INR        11,010          USD        132          03/16/2023          (204

Standard Chartered Bank

       USD        188          TWD        5,648          03/16/2023          (2,802

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       GBP        399          USD        489          01/18/2023          6,013  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       GBP        560          USD        676          01/18/2023          (1,372

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        495          GBP        399          01/18/2023          (12,936

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       AUD        106          USD        71          01/19/2023          (1,249

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       CAD        295          USD        220          01/19/2023          1,978  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       CAD        322          USD        237          01/19/2023          (1,197

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        172          AUD        260          01/19/2023          5,130  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        161          CAD        219          01/19/2023          1,020  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        395          CAD        526          01/19/2023          (6,311

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        173          ILS        602          01/19/2023          (1,734

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        212          MXN        4,137          01/19/2023          (209

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       NOK        965          USD        99          02/03/2023          708  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       NOK        2,686          USD        270          02/03/2023          (4,385

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        86          NOK        842          02/03/2023          93  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        62          SEK        630          02/03/2023          (1,502

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       JPY        58,787          USD        439          02/09/2023          (10,923

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        617          JPY        81,882          02/09/2023          9,927  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        159          CNH        1,113          02/16/2023          2,582  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        340          ZAR        5,981          02/16/2023          11,070  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       EUR        186          USD        199          02/27/2023          (482

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        649          EUR        611          02/27/2023          7,473  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        362          EUR        336          02/27/2023          (610

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       CHF        81          USD        88          03/01/2023          (378

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        182          CHF        168          03/01/2023          558  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        284          SGD        384          03/02/2023          3,007  

UBS AG

       USD        117          KRW        155,929          01/30/2023          6,396  

UBS AG

       EUR        3,869          USD        4,084          02/27/2023          (72,512
                         

 

 

 
                          $ 559,564  
                         

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration. At December 31, 2022, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $1,671,257 or 4.3% of net assets.

 

(c)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(d)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

 

11


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

BRL—Brazilian Real

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

CNH—Chinese Yuan Renminbi (Offshore)

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

ILS—Israeli Shekel

INR—Indian Rupee

JPY—Japanese Yen

KRW—South Korean Won

MXN—Mexican Peso

NOK—Norwegian Krone

SEK—Swedish Krona

SGD—Singapore Dollar

TWD—New Taiwan Dollar

USD—United States Dollar

ZAR—South African Rand

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

REG—Registered Shares

See notes to financial statements.

 

12


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $34,531,589)

   $ 37,185,171 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $1,144,871)

     1,144,871  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $245,090)

     246,417  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     733,670  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     102,602  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     10,990  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     4,544  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     492  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     39,428,757  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     174,106  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     89,054  

Foreign capital gains tax payable

     68,740  

Audit and tax fee payable

     54,371  

Custody and accounting fees payable

     48,895  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     36,559  

Administrative fee payable

     24,126  

Advisory fee payable

     23,646  

Distribution fee payable

     4,546  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     150  

Accrued expenses

     17,546  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     541,739  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 38,887,018  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 2,398  

Additional paid-in capital

     34,957,901  

Distributable earnings

     3,926,719  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 38,887,018  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $   18,149,478          1,102,846        $   16.46  
B      $ 20,737,540          1,294,699        $ 16.02  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $602,488 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

13


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Year Ended December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $95,541)

   $ 671,122  

Affiliated issuers

     34,073  

Interest (net of foreign taxes withheld of $219)

     1,785  

Securities lending income

     5,643  
  

 

 

 
     712,623  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     323,977  

Distribution fee—Class B

     57,886  

Transfer agency—Class A

     1,820  

Transfer agency—Class B

     2,102  

Administrative

     91,479  

Legal

     75,355  

Audit and tax

     70,830  

Custody and accounting

     64,747  

Printing

     23,261  

Directors’ fees

     18,013  

Miscellaneous

     14,939  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     744,409  

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

     (23,666
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     720,743  
  

 

 

 

Net investment loss

     (8,120
  

 

 

 

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

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions(a)

     1,389,544  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (1,018,247

Foreign currency transactions

     (23,468

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

  

Investments(b)

     (16,535,160

Forward currency exchange contracts

     460,815  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (3,847
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (15,730,363
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (15,738,483
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Net of foreign realized capital gains taxes of $43,495.

 

(b)   Net of decrease in accrued foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized gains of $37,430.

See notes to financial statements.

 

14


 
SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment loss

   $ (8,120   $ (131,178

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     347,829       7,230,514  

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

     (16,078,192     (2,427,956
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (15,738,483     4,671,380  

Distributions to Shareholders

 

Class A

     (3,231,780     (2,543,196

Class B

     (3,834,063     (3,008,549

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net increase (decrease)

     4,146,604       (1,053,333
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease

     (18,657,722     (1,933,698

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     57,544,740       59,478,438  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 38,887,018     $ 57,544,740  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

15


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Sustainable International Thematic Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) (formerly known as AB International Growth Portfolio) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 10 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1     Level 2      Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities:

         

Assets:

         

Common Stocks:

         

Information Technology

   $ 2,232,881     $ 6,656,570      $ –0 –    $ 8,889,451  

Financials

     1,026,943       7,827,968        –0 –      8,854,911  

Health Care

     2,969,254       4,073,904        –0 –      7,043,158  

Consumer Staples

     –0 –      3,862,169        –0 –      3,862,169  

Industrials

     614,786       2,313,388        –0 –      2,928,174  

 

17


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Materials

   $ –0 –    $ 2,684,429     $ –0 –    $ 2,684,429  

Consumer Discretionary

     579,328       392,543       –0 –      971,871  

Utilities

     –0 –      807,503       –0 –      807,503  

Energy

     –0 –      755,534       –0 –      755,534  

Communication Services

     –0 –      387,971       –0 –      387,971  

Short-Term Investments

     1,144,871       –0 –      –0 –      1,144,871  

Total Investments in Securities

     8,568,063       29,761,979 (a)      –0 –      38,330,042  

Other Financial Instruments(b):

        

Assets:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     –0 –      733,670       –0 –      733,670  

Liabilities:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     –0 –      (174,106     –0 –      (174,106
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 8,568,063     $ 30,321,543     $             –0 –    $ 38,889,606  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)   A significant portion of the Portfolio’s foreign equity investments are categorized as Level 2 investments since they are valued using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available, see Note A.1.

 

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

3. Currency Translation

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

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

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or bear expenses of the Portfolio in order to reduce the Portfolio’s total operating expenses by an amount equal to 0.05% on an annual basis of the average net assets for Class A and Class B. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such reimbursements/waivers amounted to $21,599. This fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement agreement extends through May 1, 2023 and then may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $91,479.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $1,773 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2023. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such waiver amounted to $2,011.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Market Value
12/31/21
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
12/31/22
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 2,635      $ 11,481      $ 12,971      $ 1,145     $ 34  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

     1,024        5,811        6,835        –0 –      0 ** 
           

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

            $ 1,145     $ 34  
           

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

**   Amount is less than $500.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

 

19


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

       Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     $ 16,035,989      $ 18,675,829  

U.S. government securities

       –0 –       –0 – 

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

 

Cost

   $ 35,778,456  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 6,558,692  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (4,007,957
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 2,550,735  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

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

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes.

The Portfolio typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) with its OTC derivative contract counterparties in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to OTC counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Portfolio typically may offset with the OTC counterparty

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default or termination. In the event of a default by an OTC counterparty, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Portfolio’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

   Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

   Fair Value  

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts    $ 733,670     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts    $ 174,106  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     $ 733,670        $ 174,106  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

Derivative Type

  

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

   Realized Gain or
(Loss) on

Derivatives
    Change in Unrealized
Appreciation or

(Depreciation)
 

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of forward currency exchange contracts    $ (1,018,247   $ 460,815  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        $(1,018,247)     $ 460,815  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the year ended December 31, 2022:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 21,897,415  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 14,505,568  

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

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of December 31, 2022. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

   $ 148,186      $ (27,502   $             –0   $             –0 –    $ 120,684  

Barclays Bank PLC/Barclays Capital

     7,043        (2,155     –0 –      –0 –      4,888  

Citibank, NA

     367,014        (999     –0 –      –0 –      366,015  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     31,125        (16,831     –0 –      –0 –      14,294  

Natwest Markets PLC

     124,347        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      124,347  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     49,559        (43,288     –0 –      –0 –      6,271  

UBS AG

     6,396        (6,396     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 733,670      $ (97,171   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 636,499
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

21


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

   $ 27,502      $ (27,502   $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ –0 – 

Barclays Bank PLC/Barclays Capital

     2,155        (2,155     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Citibank, NA

     999        (999     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Deutsche Bank AG

     3,586        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      3,586  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     1,104        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      1,104  

JPMorgan Chase Bank

     1,356        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      1,356  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     16,831        (16,831     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Standard Chartered Bank

     4,773        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      4,773  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     43,288        (43,288     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

UBS AG

     72,512        (6,396     –0 –      –0 –      66,116  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 174,106      $ (97,171   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 76,935
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

2. Currency Transactions

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

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Portfolio cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Portfolio receives non-cash collateral, the Portfolio will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any dividend income or other distributions from the securities; however, these distributions will not be afforded the same preferential tax treatment as qualified dividends. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Portfolio earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the

 

22


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

                Government Money Market
Portfolio
Market Value of
Securities
on Loan*
  Cash Collateral*   Market Value of
Non-Cash
Collateral*
  Income from
Borrowers
  Income
Earned
  Advisory Fee
Waived
$602,488   $–0–   $631,470   $5,440   $203   $56

 

*   As of December 31, 2022.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
          Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    46,298       25,160       $ 910,370     $ 699,611  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    182,587       93,984         3,231,780       2,543,196  

Shares redeemed

    (108,658     (131,186       (2,111,779     (3,650,448
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    120,227       (12,042     $ 2,030,371     $ (407,641
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    80,711       69,412       $ 1,510,744     $ 1,884,980  

Shares issued on reinvestment of distributions

    222,393       113,359         3,834,063       3,008,549  

Shares redeemed

    (171,634     (202,023       (3,228,574     (5,539,221
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    131,470       (19,252     $ 2,116,233     $ (645,692
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2022, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 78% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Market Risk—The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s growth approach, may underperform the market generally.

Focused Portfolio Risk—Investments in a limited number of companies may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV, than would be the case if the Portfolio were invested in a larger number of companies.

Sector Risk—The Portfolio may have more risk than a more diversified portfolio because it may invest to a significant extent in one or more particular market sectors, such as the information technology or financial services sector. To the extent it does so, market or economic factors affecting the relevant sector(s) could have a major effect on the value of the Portfolio’s investments.

ESG Risk—Applying ESG and sustainability criteria to the investment process may exclude securities of certain issuers for non-investment reasons and, therefore, the Portfolio may forgo some market opportunities available to funds that do not use ESG or sustainability criteria. Securities of companies with ESG practices may shift into and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, and the Portfolio’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of

 

23


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

funds that do not use ESG or sustainability criteria. Furthermore, “sustainability” is not a uniformly defined characteristic, and the Portfolio’s sustainability criteria may differ from those used by other funds. In addition, in evaluating an investment, the investment adviser is dependent upon information and data that may be incomplete, inaccurate or unavailable, which could adversely affect the analysis of the ESG and sustainability factors relevant to a particular investment.

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

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

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

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

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

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio may be exposed to debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. The FCA and LIBOR’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration, have since announced that most LIBOR settings (which reflect LIBOR rates quoted in different currencies over various time periods) will no longer be published after the end of 2021 but that the most widely used U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will continue to be published until June 30, 2023. However, banks were strongly encouraged to cease entering into agreements with counterparties referencing LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is possible that a subset of LIBOR settings will be published after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. Since 2018 the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has published the secured overnight funding rate (referred to as SOFR), which is intended to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities in the repurchase agreement (repo) market and has been used increasingly on a voluntary basis in new instruments and transactions. In addition, on March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate Act was signed into law. This law provides a statutory fallback mechanism to replace LIBOR with a benchmark rate that is selected by the Federal Reserve Board and based on SOFR for certain contracts that reference LIBOR without adequate fallback provisions.

The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect a Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, potentially adversely affecting a Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known.

 

24


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the year ended December 31, 2022.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

     2022      2021  

Distributions paid from:

     

Net long-term capital gains

   $ 7,065,843      $ 5,551,745  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 7,065,843      $ 5,551,745  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed capital gains

   $ 1,447,149  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     2,479,570 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings (deficit)

   $ 3,926,719  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments and the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2022, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

During the current fiscal year, permanent differences primarily due to the disallowance of a net operating loss resulted in a net increase in distributable earnings and a net decrease in additional paid-in capital. These reclassifications had no effect on net assets.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848”. ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

25


 
SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS A  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $27.11       $27.56       $23.49       $18.99       $23.15  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income (loss)(a)(b)

    .02       (.02     (.10     .08       .15  

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

    (7.27     2.29       6.65       5.08       (4.16
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (7.25     2.27       6.55       5.16       (4.01
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      –0 –      (.34     (.13     (.15

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (3.40     (2.72     (2.14     (.53     –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (3.40     (2.72     (2.48     (.66     (.15
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $16.46       $27.11       $27.56       $23.49       $18.99  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(c)

    (27.61 )%      8.25     29.94     27.53     (17.41 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $18,149       $26,641       $27,410       $24,123       $21,522  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    1.53     1.23     1.31     1.36     1.27

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    1.59     1.28     1.37     1.41     1.29

Net investment income (loss)(b)

    .12     (.09 )%      (.42 )%      .40     .69

Portfolio turnover rate

    38     25     34     49     33
         

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .01     .00     .00     .00     .00

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 27.

 

26


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS B  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $26.57       $27.12       $23.15       $18.71       $22.80  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income (loss)(a)(b)

    (.03     (.09     (.15     .03       .09  

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

    (7.12     2.26       6.54       5.00       (4.09
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (7.15     2.17       6.39       5.03       (4.00
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      –0 –      (.28     (.06     (.09

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (3.40     (2.72     (2.14     (.53     –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (3.40     (2.72     (2.42     (.59     (.09
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $16.02       $26.57       $27.12       $23.15       $18.71  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(c)

    (27.81 )%      8.01     29.60     27.23     (17.60 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $20,738       $30,904       $32,068       $29,756       $28,169  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    1.78     1.48     1.56     1.61     1.52

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    1.84     1.53     1.62     1.66     1.54

Net investment income (loss)(b)

    (.14 )%      (.34 )%      (.67 )%      .15     .43

Portfolio turnover rate

    38     25     34     49     33
         

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .01     .00     .00     .00     .00

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(d)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the year ended December 31, 2022, such waiver amounted to .01%.

See notes to financial statements.

 

27


 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED  
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of AB Sustainable International Thematic Portfolio

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Sustainable International Thematic Portfolio (formerly known as AB International Growth Portfolio) (the “Portfolio”) (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Portfolio (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Portfolio’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

February 14, 2023

 

28


 
 
2022 TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the earnings of the Portfolio for the taxable year ended December 31, 2022. For Corporate shareholders, 47.07% of dividends paid qualify for the dividends received deduction. The Portfolio designates $7,065,843 of dividends paid as long-term capital gain dividends.

The portfolio intends to make an election to pass through foreign taxes to its shareholders. For the taxable year ended December 31, 2022, $110,510 of foreign taxes may be passed through and the associated foreign source income for information reporting purposes is $714,585.

 

29


 
SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS     

Garry L. Moody(1), Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Onur Erzan, President and
Chief Executive Officer

    

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

Jeanette W. Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1)

    
    
OFFICERS     

Daniel C. Roarty(2), Vice President

William Johnston(2), Vice President

Nancy E. Hay, Secretary

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Vice President

    

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller

Jennifer Friedland, Chief Compliance Officer

    
    

CUSTODIAN AND ACCOUNTING AGENT

State Street Bank and Trust Company

State Street Corporation CCB/5

1 Iron Street

Boston, MA 02210

    

LEGAL COUNSEL

Seward & Kissel LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

    
    

DISTRIBUTOR

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.

501 Commerce Street

Nashville, TN 37203

    

TRANSFER AGENT

AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 786003

San Antonio, TX 78278

Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

    
    

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC

ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

One Manhattan West

New York, NY 10001

    

 

 

 

 

(1)   Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

(2)   The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Portfolio’s portfolio are made by the Adviser’s Sustainable Thematic Equities Investment Team. Messrs. Roarty and Johnston are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio’s portfolio.

 

30


 
SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Board of Directors Information

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Directors is set forth below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
   PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR
      
INTERESTED DIRECTOR    
      

Onur Erzan,#
1345 Avenue of the Americas

47

New York, NY 10105

(2021)

   Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”), Head of Global Client Group and Head of Private Wealth. He oversees AB’s entire private wealth management business and third-party institutional and retail franchise, where he is responsible for all client services, sales and marketing, as well as product strategy, management and development worldwide. Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the AB Mutual Funds as of April 1, 2021. He is also a member of the Equitable Holdings Management Committee. Prior to joining the firm in January 2021, he spent 19 years with McKinsey (management consulting firm), most recently as a senior partner and co-leader of its Wealth & Asset Management practice. In addition, he co-led McKinsey’s Banking & Securities Solutions (a portfolio of data, analytics, and digital assets and capabilities) globally.     73     None
      
DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS    
      
Garry L. Moody,##
Chairman of the Board
70
(2008)
   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council, where he serves as Chairman of its Governance Committee. He is Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees since January 2023; he has served as a director or trustee since 2008, and served as Chairman of the Audit Committee of such funds from 2011 - February 2023.     73     None
      

 

31


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
   PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR
DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS
(continued)
   
      
Jorge A. Bermudez,##
71
(2020)
   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016; and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Moody’s Corporation since December 2022. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.     73     Moody’s Corporation since April 2011
      
Michael J. Downey,##
79
(2005)
   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2018 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.     73     None
      
Nancy P. Jacklin,##
74
(2006)
   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008–2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002–May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992–2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985–1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982–1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973–1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.     73     None
      

 

32


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
   PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR
DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS
(continued)
   
      
Jeanette W. Loeb,##
70
(2020)
   Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund, Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.     73     Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011
      
Carol C. McMullen,##
67
(2016)
   Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010–2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016, and serves as Chair of the Audit Committees of such funds since February 2023.     73     None
      

Marshall C. Turner, Jr. ##

81
(2005)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (semi-conductor manufacturing equipment). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the board of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has served as both Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees from 2014 through December 2022.     73     None

 

33


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

*

The address for the Portfolio’s disinterested Directors is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal & Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Directors.

 

***

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes and skills relevant to each Director’s qualifications to serve as a Director, which led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director for the Fund.

 

# 

Mr. Erzan is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the “1940 Act”, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

##

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

34


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Portfolio’s Officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*
AND AGE
     PRINCIPAL POSITION(S)
HELD WITH FUND
     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
Onur Erzan
47
     President and Chief Executive Officer      See biography above.
         
Daniel C. Roarty
51
     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is also Chief Investment Officer of Sustainable Thematic Equities.
         

William Johnston

62

     Vice President      Senior Vice President and Director of Quantitative Research of the Adviser** with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is a Senior Research Analyst for the Sustainable Thematic Equities Portfolios.
         

Nancy E. Hay

50

     Secretary      Vice President and Counsel of the Adviser**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018 and Assistant Secretary of ABI**.
         

Michael B. Reyes

46

     Senior Vice President      Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Joseph J. Mantineo
63
     Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer      Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Phyllis J. Clarke
62
     Controller      Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Jennifer Friedland

48

     Chief Compliance Officer      Vice President of the Adviser** since 2020 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer (of all Funds since January 2023 and of the ETF Funds since 2022). Before joining the Adviser in 2020, she was Chief Compliance Officer at WestEnd Advisors, LLC from prior to 2018 until 2019.

 

 

 

 

*   The address for each of the Portfolio’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**   The Adviser, ABIS and ABI are affiliates of the Fund.

 

     The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) has additional information about the Fund’s Directors and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or the Adviser at (800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

35


 
SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

OPERATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PORTFOLIO’S LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio to designate an Administrator of the Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Portfolio’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Portfolio’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”).

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2022, which covered the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Portfolio’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Portfolio will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner.

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Portfolio classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Portfolio’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Portfolio participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Portfolio is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Portfolio’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Portfolio’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, liquidity in all markets was significantly recovered and improved compared to the prior reporting period which included extreme levels of price volatility and relative illiquidity beginning in March 2020 with COVID-19 impacts. As such, the program operated in a relatively robust and benign liquidity environment experienced in markets during the Program Reporting Period. There were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

36


    
SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Sustainable International Thematic Portfolio (formerly AB International Growth Portfolio) (the “Fund”) at a meeting held in-person on May 3-5, 2022 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Vice President for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2020 and 2021 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts

 

37


SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL THEMATIC PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2022 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median. Taking into account the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year, the directors noted that the Adviser’s total rate of compensation was above the median.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Vice President and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another fund advised by the Adviser utilizing similar investment strategies.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

38


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians, after giving effect to a voluntary waiver by the Adviser. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

39


VPS-SIT-0151-1222


DEC    12.31.22

 

LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

LETTER TO INVESTORS

February 14, 2023

The following is an update of AB Variable Products Series Fund—International Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) for the annual reporting period ended December 31, 2022.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of established companies selected from more than 40 industries and more than 40 developed- and emerging-market countries. These countries currently include the developed nations in Europe and the Far East, Canada, Australia and emerging-market countries worldwide. Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests significantly, at least 40%—unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Adviser—in securities of non-US companies. In addition, the Portfolio invests, under normal circumstances, in the equity securities of companies located in at least three countries.

The Portfolio invests in companies that are determined by the Adviser to be undervalued, using a fundamental value approach. In selecting securities for the Portfolio, the Adviser uses its fundamental and quantitative research to identify companies whose stocks are priced low in relation to their perceived long-term earnings power.

Currency exposures can have a dramatic impact on equity returns, significantly adding to returns in some years and greatly diminishing them in others. The Adviser may seek to hedge the currency exposure resulting from a securities position when it finds the currency exposure unattractive. To hedge all or a portion of its currency risk, the Portfolio, from time to time, invests in currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, swaps and options. Decisions regarding portfolio investments and whether or not to hedge foreign currency exposures are evaluated separately by the Adviser. The Adviser may also seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives.

The Portfolio may enter into other derivatives transactions, such as options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps. The Portfolio may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, including on individual securities and stock indices, futures contracts (including futures contracts on individual securities and stock indices) or shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). These transactions may be used, for example, in an effort to earn extra income, to adjust exposure to individual securities or markets, or to protect all or a portion of the Portfolio’s portfolio from a decline in value, sometimes within certain ranges.

The Portfolio may, at times, invest in shares of ETFs in lieu of making direct investments in equity securities. ETFs may provide more efficient and economical exposure to the type of companies and geographic locations in which the Portfolio seeks to invest than direct investments. The Portfolio may invest in depositary receipts, instruments of supranational entities denominated in the currency of any country, securities of multinational companies and “semi-governmental securities,” and enter into forward commitments.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table on page 5 shows the Portfolio’s performance compared with its benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia and the Far East (“MSCI EAFE”) Index (net), for the one-, five- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

During the annual period, all share classes of the Portfolio outperformed the benchmark. Sector selection drove outperformance, relative to the benchmark. Gains from an underweight to the technology sector and an overweight to energy contributed most, while an overweight to consumer discretionary and an underweight to health care detracted. Overall security selection was also positive. Selection within industrials and consumer staples contributed, offsetting losses from selection within consumer discretionary and materials. In terms of country positioning (a result of bottom-up security analysis driven by fundamental research), an overweight to South Korea detracted, while an underweight to Germany contributed.

The Portfolio used derivatives in the form of forwards for hedging purposes, which added to absolute returns during the annual period.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

US, international and emerging-market stocks declined during the annual period ended December 31, 2022. In response to persistently high inflation, central banks—led by the US Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)—took a hawkish pivot, which raised concerns that rapidly rising borrowing costs would slow economic growth significantly and tip global economies into recession. Volatility increased and stocks pulled back after the Fed announced its first interest-rate hike in March 2022, which was followed by six additional rate raises, including four consecutive 0.75% increases. Equity markets rebounded briefly at the end of the period, after some early evidence of easing inflationary pressures raised hopes that the Fed and other key central banks would soon slow the pace of rate hikes. Optimism

 

1


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

faded and equity markets gave back gains after the Fed downshifted to a 0.50% rate hike but strongly reaffirmed its higher-for-longer conviction. Both value- and growth-oriented stocks declined for the year. Value stocks significantly outperformed growth stocks, as growth stocks have been pressured more by rising interest rates throughout most of the year. Large-cap stocks narrowly outperformed small-cap stocks on a relative basis, but both declined in absolute terms.

The Portfolio’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) has continued to identify opportunities against a changing market backdrop. The Team has flexibility to adjust the Portfolio’s positions in real time when warranted, and to maintain conviction through short-term volatility. As markets face new uncertainties, the Team believes that this disciplined approach is the best way to capture the long-term potential for equities.

 

2


 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Benchmark Disclosure

The MSCI EAFE Index is unmanaged and does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The MSCI EAFE Index (net, free float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted) represents the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the US and Canada. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations, and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices, any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI. Net returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends after the deduction of non-US withholding tax. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Portfolio.

A Word About Risk

Market Risk: The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s value approach, may underperform the market generally.

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

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

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

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio. Derivatives, especially over-the-counter derivatives, are also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable or unwilling to honor its contractual obligations to the Portfolio.

Leverage Risk: When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its portfolio, its net asset value (“NAV”) may be more volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of changes in interest rates and any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase agreements, forward commitments, or by borrowing money.

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

These risks are fully discussed in the Variable Products prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Portfolio.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. Please contact your financial advisor or insurance agent representative at your financial institution to obtain Portfolio performance information current to the most recent month-end.

 

 

 

(Disclosures, Risks and Note About Historical Performance continued on next page)

 

3


 
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Portfolio carefully before investing. For additional copies of the Portfolio’s prospectus or summary prospectus, which contains this and other information, call your financial advisor or (800) 227 4618. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Portfolio have been deducted, but no adjustment has been made for insurance company separate account or annuity contract charges, which would reduce total return to a contract owner. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

There are additional fees and expenses associated with all Variable Products. These fees can include mortality and expense risk charges, administrative charges, and other charges that can significantly reduce investment returns. Those fees and expenses are not reflected in this annual report. You should consult your Variable Products prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses and speak to your insurance agent or financial representative if you have any questions. You should read the prospectus before investing or sending money.

 

4


 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

            

THE PORTFOLIO VS. ITS BENCHMARK

   Net Asset Value Returns  
PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 (unaudited)    1 Year        5  Years1        10  Years1  
International Value Portfolio Class A2      -13.61%          -2.32%          2.76%  
International Value Portfolio Class B2      -13.80%          -2.55%          2.51%  
MSCI EAFE Index (net)      -14.45%          1.54%          4.67%  

1   Average annual returns.

    

2   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class-action settlements, which enhanced the performance of all share classes of the Portfolio for the annual period ended December 31, 2022, by 0.01%.

    

            

The Portfolio’s current prospectus fee table shows the Portfolio’s total annual operating expense ratios as 0.90% and 1.15% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT

12/31/2012 TO 12/31/2022 (unaudited)

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in International Value Portfolio Class A shares (from 12/31/2012 to 12/31/2022) as compared with the performance of the Portfolio’s benchmark. The chart assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

 

See Disclosures, Risks and Note About Historical Performance on pages 3-4.

 

5


 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

     Beginning
Account Value
July 1, 2022
     Ending
Account Value
December 31, 2022
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

        

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,052.70      $   4.55        0.88

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $ 1,020.77      $ 4.48        0.88
           

Class B

        

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,052.00      $ 5.84        1.13

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $ 1,019.51      $ 5.75        1.13

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**   Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

 

6


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
December 31, 2022 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF NET ASSETS  

Nestle SA (REG)

   $ 9,745,524          3.7

Roche Holding AG (Genusschein)

     9,417,693          3.6  

Shell PLC

     7,142,933          2.7  

Sanofi

     6,806,749          2.6  

Airbus SE

     5,849,998          2.2  

NatWest Group PLC

     5,758,250          2.2  

British American Tobacco PLC

     5,615,676          2.1  

Repsol SA

     5,610,509          2.1  

EDP—Energias de Portugal SA

     5,564,508          2.1  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

     5,506,729          2.1  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   67,018,569          25.4

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

December 31, 2022 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Financials

   $ 49,678,889          19.0

Industrials

     44,930,204          17.2  

Consumer Discretionary

     35,197,873          13.5  

Consumer Staples

     27,943,923          10.7  

Materials

     24,858,181          9.5  

Health Care

     21,292,640          8.2  

Communication Services

     15,682,227          6.0  

Energy

     15,100,751          5.8  

Utilities

     9,671,203          3.7  

Information Technology

     7,438,692          2.9  

Real Estate

     4,095,311          1.6  

Short-Term Investments

     4,933,775          1.9  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   260,823,669          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

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

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

7


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN1  
December 31, 2022 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COUNTRY    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Japan

   $ 60,118,760          23.1

United Kingdom

     44,791,688          17.2  

France

     35,554,475          13.6  

Switzerland

     19,163,217          7.4  

Netherlands

     10,794,571          4.1  

Spain

     10,103,985          3.9  

Ireland

     8,745,150          3.4  

Italy

     7,375,636          2.8  

United States

     7,191,616          2.8  

Portugal

     5,564,508          2.1  

South Korea

     5,063,501          1.9  

Belgium

     5,006,599          1.9  

Australia

     4,805,841          1.8  

Other

     31,610,347          12.1  

Short-Term Investments

     4,933,775          1.9  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   260,823,669          100.0

 

 

 

1   The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. The Portfolio also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). “Other” country weightings represent 1.5% or less in the following: Austria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Luxembourg, Macau, Norway, South Africa and Sweden.

 

8


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

COMMON STOCKS–97.2%

   
   

FINANCIALS–18.9%

   

BANKS–15.5%

   

ABN AMRO Bank NV(a)

    381,850     $ 5,287,842  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

    746,020       4,493,476  

Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM

    344,190       2,866,692  

Bank of Ireland Group PLC

    363,601       3,464,868  

BNP Paribas SA

    95,180       5,419,467  

Erste Group Bank AG

    125,600       4,018,598  

KBC Group NV

    77,760       5,006,599  

NatWest Group PLC

    1,805,530       5,758,250  

Resona Holdings, Inc.

    830,800       4,563,097  
   

 

 

 
      40,878,889  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–1.0%

   

ORIX Corp.

    161,900       2,591,477  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–2.4%

   

SCOR SE

    60,877       1,402,682  

Suncorp Group Ltd.(b)

    589,760       4,805,841  
   

 

 

 
      6,208,523  
   

 

 

 
      49,678,889  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–17.1%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–5.3%

   

Airbus SE

    49,200       5,849,998  

Saab AB–Class B

    81,880       3,226,689  

Safran SA

    38,390       4,808,494  
   

 

 

 
      13,885,181  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–2.6%

   

Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.

    97,200       3,668,256  

Prysmian SpA

    87,980       3,268,941  
   

 

 

 
      6,937,197  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–3.0%

   

Hitachi Ltd.

    74,000       3,723,405  

Melrose Industries PLC

    2,572,770       4,144,999  
   

 

 

 
      7,868,404  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–4.4%

   

Alstom SA

    100,686       2,463,443  

Amada Co., Ltd.

    579,100       4,509,654  

Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.

    200,300       4,649,272  
   

 

 

 
      11,622,369  
   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–1.8%

   

Dip Corp.

    71,700       2,050,504  

UT Group Co., Ltd.

    149,900       2,566,549  
   

 

 

 
      4,617,053  
   

 

 

 
      44,930,204  
   

 

 

 
                                                   

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–13.4%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–0.9%

   

Faurecia SE (Paris)(c)

    159,364     $ 2,412,029  
   

 

 

 

AUTOMOBILES–3.3%

   

Stellantis NV (Paris)

    339,008       4,816,424  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    115,600       3,702,359  
   

 

 

 
      8,518,783  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–2.7%

   

Entain PLC

    253,830       4,042,257  

Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.

    478,000       3,142,683  
   

 

 

 
      7,184,940  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–2.4%

   

Persimmon PLC

    129,540       1,899,396  

Sony Group Corp.

    58,000       4,420,851  
   

 

 

 
      6,320,247  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.2%

   

Kingfisher PLC

    1,095,390       3,112,248  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–2.9%

   

Burberry Group PLC

    200,300       4,869,724  

Pandora A/S

    39,330       2,779,902  
   

 

 

 
      7,649,626  
   

 

 

 
      35,197,873  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–10.6%

   

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–2.1%

   

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    191,530       5,506,729  
   

 

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–6.4%

   

Morinaga & Co., Ltd./Japan

    59,200       1,766,331  

Nestle SA (REG)

    84,370       9,745,524  

Nomad Foods Ltd.(c)

    155,760       2,685,302  

Salmar ASA

    66,920       2,624,361  
   

 

 

 
      16,821,518  
   

 

 

 

TOBACCO–2.1%

   

British American Tobacco PLC

    141,960       5,615,676  
   

 

 

 
      27,943,923  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–9.4%

   

CHEMICALS–3.8%

   

Arkema SA

    43,620       3,923,393  

Tosoh Corp.

    339,000       4,031,265  

Zeon Corp.

    219,200       2,205,770  
   

 

 

 
      10,160,428  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS–2.0%

   

CRH PLC

    132,770       5,280,281  
   

 

 

 

 

9


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

METALS & MINING–3.6%

   

Anglo American PLC

    90,750     $ 3,553,759  

ArcelorMittal SA

    121,640       3,209,123  

Endeavour Mining PLC

    125,513       2,654,590  
   

 

 

 
      9,417,472  
   

 

 

 
      24,858,181  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–8.1%

   

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.1%

   

ConvaTec Group PLC(a)

    1,023,439       2,866,313  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–7.0%

   

Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd.

    38,800       2,201,885  

Roche Holding AG (Genusschein)

    29,970       9,417,693  

Sanofi

    70,590       6,806,749  
   

 

 

 
      18,426,327  
   

 

 

 
      21,292,640  
   

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION SERVICES–6.0%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.9%

   

Deutsche Telekom AG (REG)

    193,060       3,841,232  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    132,900       3,790,109  
   

 

 

 
      7,631,341  
   

 

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT–2.1%

   

GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc.(b)

    136,400       2,203,139  

Konami Group Corp.

    74,500       3,379,526  
   

 

 

 
      5,582,665  
   

 

 

 

MEDIA–1.0%

   

Criteo SA (Sponsored ADR)(c)

    94,713       2,468,221  
   

 

 

 
      15,682,227  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–5.7%

   

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–2.7%

   

Shell PLC

    251,890       7,142,933  
   

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–3.0%

   

Cameco Corp.(b)

    103,560       2,347,309  

Repsol SA

    352,485       5,610,509  
      7,957,818  
   

 

 

 
      15,100,751  
   

 

 

 
                                                   

UTILITIES–3.7%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–3.7%

   

EDP–Energias de Portugal SA

    1,116,294     5,564,508  

Enel SpA

    763,590       4,106,695  
   

 

 

 
      9,671,203  
   

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–2.8%

   

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–1.8%

   

NXP Semiconductors NV

    15,030       2,375,191  

SK Hynix, Inc.

    39,520       2,357,921  
   

 

 

 
      4,733,112  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–1.0%

   

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

    61,640       2,705,580  
   

 

 

 
      7,438,692  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–1.5%

   

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–1.5%

   

Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd.

    40,000       4,095,311  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $258,853,802)

      255,889,894  
   

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.9%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–1.9%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 4.12%(d)(e)(f)
(cost $4,933,775)

    4,933,775       4,933,775  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.1%
(cost $263,787,577)

      260,823,669  

Other assets less
liabilities–0.9%

      2,433,200  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $   263,256,869  
   

 

 

 

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Bank of America, NA

       KRW        6,113,486          USD        4,277          01/30/2023        $ (579,315

Bank of America, NA

       USD        270          KRW        354,715          01/30/2023          12,284  

Bank of America, NA

       USD        793          NOK        7,891          02/03/2023          13,078  

Bank of America, NA

       USD        6,428          SEK        67,367          02/03/2023          38,653  

Bank of America, NA

       USD        859          JPY        112,538          02/09/2023          2,531  

Bank of America, NA

       EUR        797          USD        843          02/27/2023          (13,730

BNP Paribas SA

       USD        1,155          MXN        22,560          01/19/2023          (5

Citibank, NA

       GBP        1,678          USD        1,999          01/18/2023          (30,624

Citibank, NA

       CAD        2,354          USD        1,725          01/19/2023          (13,753

Citibank, NA

       USD        14,398          AUD        22,693          01/19/2023          1,061,404  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       USD        759          AUD        1,126          01/19/2023          8,327  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       JPY        95,131          USD        704          02/09/2023          (24,287

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       BRL        12,100          USD        2,309          01/04/2023          17,274  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        1,115          BRL        6,050          01/04/2023          30,598  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        1,160          BRL        6,050          01/04/2023          (13,627

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       HKD        6,833          USD        872          01/12/2023          (3,665

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       GBP        697          USD        844          01/18/2023          1,382  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        842          GBP        713          01/18/2023          20,492  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       ILS        4,967          USD        1,424          01/19/2023          10,304  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        1,143          BRL        6,050          02/02/2023          (3,601

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       SEK        7,216          USD        686          02/03/2023          (7,049

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       JPY        253,730          USD        1,839          02/09/2023          (103,533

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        756          EUR        713          02/27/2023          9,879  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        5,627          CHF        5,206          03/01/2023          36,919  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        3,602          SGD        4,849          03/02/2023          21,722  

Natwest Markets PLC

       KRW        817,459          USD        574          01/30/2023          (74,994

Natwest Markets PLC

       USD        1,238          CNH        8,856          02/16/2023          46,067  

Standard Chartered Bank

       USD        336          KRW        425,607          01/30/2023          2,276  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       JPY        23,913          USD        177          02/09/2023          (5,549

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        1,273          JPY        171,331          02/09/2023          38,191  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        999          EUR        938          02/27/2023          9,076  

UBS AG

       HKD        5,498          USD        701          01/12/2023          (3,601

UBS AG

       USD        779          GBP        646          01/18/2023          2,452  

UBS AG

       JPY        284,524          USD        2,128          02/09/2023          (49,717

UBS AG

       EUR        18,606          USD        19,640          02/27/2023          (348,701
                         

 

 

 
     $ 107,158  
                         

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration. At December 31, 2022, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $8,154,155 or 3.1% of net assets.

 

(b)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)   Non-income producing security.

 

(d)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

 

11


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

BRL—Brazilian Real

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

CNH—Chinese Yuan Renminbi (Offshore)

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

HKD—Hong Kong Dollar

ILS—Israeli Shekel

JPY—Japanese Yen

KRW—South Korean Won

MXN—Mexican Peso

NOK—Norwegian Krone

SEK—Swedish Krona

SGD—Singapore Dollar

USD—United States Dollar

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

REG—Registered Shares

See notes to financial statements.

 

12


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $258,853,802)

   $ 255,889,894 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $4,933,775)

     4,933,775  

Cash collateral due from broker

     360,000  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $2,023,750)

     2,042,204  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     1,382,909  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     1,072,882  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     8,282  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     2,301  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     265,692,247  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     1,275,751  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     430,000  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     269,580  

Advisory fee payable

     167,853  

Distribution fee payable

     47,518  

Administrative fee payable

     23,813  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     150  

Accrued expenses

     220,713  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     2,435,378  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 263,256,869  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 20,400  

Additional paid-in capital

     284,174,959  

Accumulated loss

     (20,938,490
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 263,256,869  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class    Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A    $ 40,196,730          3,103,568        $ 12.95  
B    $   223,060,139          17,296,836        $   12.90  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $2,758,071 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

13


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Year Ended December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $1,174,473)

   $ 9,404,597  

Affiliated issuers

     70,079  

Foreign withholding tax reclaims (see Note A.4)

     2,207,208  

Securities lending income

     90,171  
  

 

 

 
     11,772,055  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     2,146,146  

Distribution fee—Class B

     615,141  

Transfer agency—Class A

     814  

Transfer agency—Class B

     4,958  

Custody and accounting

     96,290  

Administrative

     91,560  

Audit and tax

     67,598  

Legal

     39,021  

Printing

     35,943  

Directors’ fees

     21,124  

Miscellaneous

     30,417  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     3,149,012  

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

     (5,407
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     3,143,605  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     8,628,450  
  

 

 

 

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

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions(a)

     (8,719,745

Forward currency exchange contracts

     1,088,349  

Foreign currency transactions

     (194,850

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

  

Investments

     (49,024,681

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (169,906

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (26,033
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (57,046,866
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (48,418,416
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Net of foreign realized capital gains taxes of $77,257.

See notes to financial statements.

 

14


 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment income

   $ 8,628,450     $ 7,387,127  

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

     (7,826,246     30,673,480  

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

     (49,220,620     (2,073,096
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (48,418,416     35,987,511  

Distributions to Shareholders

    

Class A

     (1,768,399     (884,118

Class B

     (9,099,819     (5,171,597

Return of capital

    

Class A

     (100,200     –0 – 

Class B

     (515,610     –0 – 

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

    

Net decrease

     (26,752,504     (21,428,971
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (86,654,948     8,502,825  

NET ASSETS

    

Beginning of period

     349,911,817       341,408,992  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 263,256,869     $ 349,911,817  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

15


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB International Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 10 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

       Level 1      Level 2        Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

               

Assets:

               

Common Stocks:

               

Financials

     $             –0 –     $ 49,678,889        $             –0 –     $ 49,678,889  

Industrials

       –0 –       44,930,204          –0 –       44,930,204  

Consumer Discretionary

       –0 –       35,197,873          –0 –       35,197,873  

 

17


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

       Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Consumer Staples

     $ 2,685,302      $ 25,258,621     $             –0 –     $ 27,943,923  

Materials

       –0 –       24,858,181       –0 –       24,858,181  

Health Care

       –0 –       21,292,640       –0 –       21,292,640  

Communication Services

       2,468,221        13,214,006       –0 –       15,682,227  

Energy

       2,347,309        12,753,442       –0 –       15,100,751  

Utilities

       –0 –       9,671,203       –0 –       9,671,203  

Information Technology

       2,375,191        5,063,501       –0 –       7,438,692  

Real Estate

       –0 –       4,095,311       –0 –       4,095,311  

Short-Term Investments

       4,933,775        –0 –      –0 –       4,933,775  
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       14,809,798        246,013,871 (a)      –0 –       260,823,669  

Other Financial Instruments(b):

            

Assets:

            

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       1,382,909       –0 –       1,382,909  

Liabilities:

            

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       (1,275,751     –0 –       (1,275,751
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     $ 14,809,798      $ 246,121,029     $ –0 –     $ 260,930,827  
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)   A significant portion of the Portfolio’s foreign equity investments are categorized as Level 2 investments since they are valued using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available, see Note A.1.

 

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

3. Currency Translation

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

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

4. Taxes

It is the Portfolio’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Portfolio may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned. The Portfolio files withholding tax reclaims in certain jurisdictions to recover a portion of amounts previously withheld. The Portfolio may record a reclaim receivable based on, among other things, a jurisdiction’s legal obligation to pay reclaims as well as payment history and market convention.

In consideration of recent decisions rendered by the European courts, the Portfolio filed reclaims to recover taxes withheld on dividends earned from certain European Union countries during calendar years 2009 through 2012. These filings are subject to various administrative and judicial proceedings within these countries. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio successfully recovered taxes withheld by France and is reflected in the statement of operations. No other amounts for additional tax reclaims are disclosed in the financial statements due to the uncertainty as to the ultimate resolution of proceedings, the likelihood of receipt of these reclaims, and the potential timing of payment.

 

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to 1.20% and 1.45% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2022, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $91,560.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $1,773 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2023. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such waiver amounted to $4,573.

 

19


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

  Market Value
12/31/21
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Market Value
12/31/22
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $ 2,076     $ 78,281     $ 75,423     $ 4,934     $ 70  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

    3,295       62,488       65,783       –0 –      4  
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        $ 4,934     $ 74  
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

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

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

       Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     $ 105,047,217      $ 137,792,748  

U.S. government securities

       –0 –       –0 – 

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

 

Cost

   $ 266,672,496  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 24,072,483  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (29,906,853
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized depreciation

   $ (5,834,370
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

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

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes.

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

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

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $ 1,382,909     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $ 1,275,751  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    $ 1,382,909       $ 1,275,751  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of forward currency exchange contracts    $ 1,088,349      $ (169,906
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      $ 1,088,349      $ (169,906
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

21


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the year ended December 31, 2022:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 74,821,126  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 72,054,174  

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

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of December 31, 2022. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

  $ 66,546     $ (66,546   $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ –0 – 

Citibank, NA

    1,061,404       (44,377     –0 –      –0 –      1,017,027  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

    8,327       (8,327     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

    148,570       (131,475     –0 –      –0 –      17,095  

Natwest Markets PLC

    46,067       (46,067     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Standard Chartered Bank

    2,276       –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      2,276  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    47,267       (5,549     –0 –      –0 –      41,718  

UBS AG

    2,452       (2,452     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 1,382,909     $ (304,793   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 1,078,116
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

  $ 593,045     $ (66,546   $ (360,000   $ –0 –    $ 166,499  

BNP Paribas SA

    5       –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      5  

Citibank, NA

    44,377       (44,377     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

    24,287       (8,327     –0 –      –0 –      15,960  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

    131,475       (131,475     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Natwest Markets PLC

    74,994       (46,067     –0 –      –0 –      28,927  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    5,549       (5,549     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

UBS AG

    402,019       (2,452     –0 –      –0 –      399,567  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 1,275,751     $ (304,793   $ (360,000     –0 –    $ 610,958
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

2. Currency Transactions

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

 

22


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Portfolio cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Portfolio receives non-cash collateral, the Portfolio will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any dividend income or other distributions from the securities; however, these distributions will not be afforded the same preferential tax treatment as qualified dividends. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Portfolio earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

                       

  Government Money Market  
Portfolio

 

Market Value of
Securities

on Loan*

   

Cash Collateral*

   

Market Value of
Non-Cash
Collateral*

   

Income from
Borrowers

   

Income

Earned

   

Advisory Fee
Waived

 
$ 2,758,071     $ –0 –    $ 2,895,075     $ 86,604     $ 3,567     $ 834  

 

*   As of December 31, 2022.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
          Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    459,051       303,835       $ 6,374,956     $ 4,730,676  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    143,446       57,915         1,868,599       884,118  

Shares redeemed

    (372,951     (394,359       (5,083,971     (6,206,137
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    229,546       (32,609     $ 3,159,584     $ (591,343
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

23


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
          Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    1,107,715       1,373,223       $ 14,215,373     $ 21,413,712  

Shares issued on reinvestment of dividends

    741,725       342,454         9,615,429       5,171,597  

Shares redeemed

    (4,064,954     (3,078,043       (53,742,890     (47,422,937
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (2,215,514     (1,362,366     $ (29,912,088   $ (20,837,628
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2022, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 56% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Market Risk—The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s value approach, may underperform the market generally.

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

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

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

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

Leverage Risk—When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages its investments, its performance may be volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Portfolio’s investments. The Portfolio may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase arrangements, forward currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, dollar rolls or futures or by borrowing money. The use of other types of derivative instruments by the Portfolio, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio may be exposed to debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. The FCA and LIBOR’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration, have since announced that most LIBOR settings (which reflect LIBOR rates quoted in different currencies over various time periods) will no longer be published after the end of 2021 but that the most widely used U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will continue to be published until June 30, 2023. However, banks were strongly encouraged to cease entering into agreements with counterparties referencing LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is possible that a subset of LIBOR settings will be published after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. Since 2018 the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has published the secured

 

24


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

overnight funding rate (referred to as SOFR), which is intended to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities in the repurchase agreement (repo) market and has been used increasingly on a voluntary basis in new instruments and transactions. In addition, on March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate Act was signed into law. This law provides a statutory fallback mechanism to replace LIBOR with a benchmark rate that is selected by the Federal Reserve Board and based on SOFR for certain contracts that reference LIBOR without adequate fallback provisions.

The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect a Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, potentially adversely affecting a Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known.

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

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

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the year ended December 31, 2022.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

       2022        2021  

Distributions paid from:

         

Ordinary income

     $ 10,868,218        $ 6,055,715  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

     $ 10,868,218        $ 6,055,715  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Return of Capital

       615,810          –0 – 
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Distribution Paid

     $ 11,484,028          –0 – 
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Accumulated capital and other losses

     (15,063,122 )(a) 

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (5,875,368 )(b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings (deficit)

   $ (20,938,490
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   As of December 31, 2022, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $15,063,122.

 

(b)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments, the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), and the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

 

25


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2022, the Fund had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $12,222,950 and a net long-term capital loss carryforward of $2,840,172, which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.

During the current fiscal year, permanent differences primarily due to the tax treatment of refunded EU foreign tax reclaims, resulted in a net decrease in distributable earnings and a net increase in additional paid-in capital. These reclassifications had no effect on net assets.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)—Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848”. ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

26


 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS A  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $15.72       $14.45       $14.37       $12.38       $16.30  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .44       .37       .18       .28       .25  

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

    (2.58     1.22       .14       1.84       (3.94
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (2.14     1.59       .32       2.12       (3.69
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.60     (.32     (.24     (.13     (.23

Return of capital

    (.03     –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.63     (.32     (.24     (.13     (.23
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $12.95       $15.72       $14.45       $14.37       $12.38  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset
value(c)*

    (13.61 )%      11.08     2.46     17.14     (22.79 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $40,197       $45,175       $41,994       $54,042       $57,234  

Ratio to average net assets of:

 

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    .88     .90     .91     .90     .86

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    .89     .90     .92     .90     .87

Net investment income(b)

    3.24     2.34     1.47     2.10     1.65

Portfolio turnover rate

    37     43     54     44     42

 

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 28.

 

27


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS B  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $15.62       $14.34       $14.24       $12.29       $16.15  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .40       .32       .14       .24       .23  

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

    (2.56     1.23       .15       1.82       (3.92
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (2.16     1.55       .29       2.06       (3.69
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.53     (.27     (.19     (.11     (.17

Return of capital

    (.03     –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (.56     (.27     (.19     (.11     (.17
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $12.90       $15.62       $14.34       $14.24       $12.29  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset
value(c)*

    (13.80 )%      10.86     2.21     16.79     (22.98 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $223,060       $304,737       $299,415       $323,582       $309,576  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.13     1.15     1.16     1.15     1.11

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.14     1.15     1.17     1.15     1.11

Net investment income(b)

    2.98     2.08     1.18     1.84     1.50

Portfolio turnover rate

    37     43     54     44     42

 

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2022, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 by .01%, .04% and .18%, respectively.

See notes to financial statements.

 

28


 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED  
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of AB International Value Portfolio

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB International Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Portfolio (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Portfolio’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

February 14, 2023

 

29


 
 
2022 TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the earnings of the Portfolio for the taxable year ended December 31, 2022.

The Portfolio intends to make an election to pass through foreign taxes to its shareholders. For the taxable year ended December 31, 2022, $647,242 of foreign taxes may be passed through and the associated foreign source income for information reporting purposes is $10,579,068.

 

30


 
 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS   

Garry L. Moody(1), Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Onur Erzan, President and
Chief Executive Officer

  

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

Jeanette W. Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1)

  
  
OFFICERS   

Justin Moreau(2), Vice President

Avi Lavi(2), Vice President

Nancy E. Hay, Secretary

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Vice President

  

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller

Jennifer Friedland, Chief Compliance Officer

  
  

CUSTODIAN AND ACCOUNTING AGENT

State Street Bank and Trust Company

State Street Corporation CCB/5

1 Iron Street

Boston, MA 02210

  

LEGAL COUNSEL

Seward & Kissel LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

  

DISTRIBUTOR

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.

501 Commerce Street

Nashville, TN 37203

  

TRANSFER AGENT

AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 786003

San Antonio, TX 78278

Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

  

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

One Manhattan West

New York, NY 10001

  

 

 

 

(1)   Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

(2)   The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Portfolio’s portfolio are made by the Adviser’s International Value Senior Investment Management Team. Messrs. Moreau and Lavi are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio’s portfolio.

 

31


 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Board of Directors Information

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Directors is set forth below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,

AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED)**

  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

DIRECTOR

   

OTHER PUBLIC

COMPANY

DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENTLY

HELD BY

DIRECTOR

INTERESTED DIRECTOR      
     

Onur Erzan,#
1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

47

(2021)

  Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”), Head of Global Client Group and Head of Private Wealth. He oversees AB’s entire private wealth management business and third-party institutional and retail franchise where he is responsible for all client services, sales and marketing, as well as product strategy, management and development worldwide. Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the AB Mutual Funds as of April 1, 2021. He is also a member of the Equitable Holdings Management Committee. Prior to joining the firm in January 2021, he spent 19 years with McKinsey (management consulting firm), most recently as a senior partner and co-leader of its Wealth & Asset Management practice. In addition, he co-led McKinsey’s Banking & Securities Solutions (a portfolio of data, analytics, and digital assets and capabilities) globally.     73     None
     
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS    
     

Garry L. Moody##

Chairman of the Board
70
(2008)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995–2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993–1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975–1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council, where he serves as Chairman of its Governance Committee. He is Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees since January 2023; he has served as a director or trustee since 2008, and served as Chairman of the Audit Committee of such Funds from 2011–February 2023.     73     None
     

 

32


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,

AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED)**

  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

DIRECTOR

   

OTHER PUBLIC

COMPANY

DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENTLY

HELD BY

DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

(continued)

     

Jorge A. Bermudez,##
71

(2020)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016; and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Moody’s Corporation since December 2022. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.     73     Moody’s Corporation since April 2011
     

Michael J. Downey,##
79

(2005)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2018 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.     73     None
     

Nancy P. Jacklin,##
74

(2006)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008–2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002–May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992–2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985–1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982–1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973–1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.     73     None
     
Jeanette W. Loeb,##
70
(2020)
  Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund, Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.     73     Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011
     

 

33


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,

AGE AND

(YEAR FIRST ELECTED)**

  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
 

PORTFOLIOS

IN AB FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN BY

DIRECTOR

   

OTHER PUBLIC

COMPANY

DIRECTORSHIPS

CURRENTLY

HELD BY

DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

(continued)

     

Carol C. McMullen,##
67

(2016)

  Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010–2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016, and serves as Chair of the Audit Committees of such Funds since February 2023.     73     None
     

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.##
81

(2005)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (semi-conductor manufacturing equipment). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the board of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has served as both Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees from 2014 through December 2022.     73     None
     

 

 

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Directors is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal and Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Directors.

 

***

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes and skills relevant to each Director’s qualifications to serve as a Director, which led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director for the Fund.

 

# 

Mr. Erzan is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the “1940 Act”, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

## 

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

34


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Portfolio’s Officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*
AND AGE
     PRINCIPAL POSITION(S)
HELD WITH FUND
     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
Onur Erzan
47
     President and Chief Executive Officer      See biography above.
         
Justin Moreau
37
     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Avi Lavi
56
     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is also Chief Investment Officer of Global and International Value Equities.
         
Nancy E. Hay
50
     Secretary      Vice President and Counsel of the Adviser**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018 and Assistant Secretary of ABI**.
         
Michael B. Reyes
46
     Senior Vice President      Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Joseph J. Mantineo
63
     Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer
     Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Phyllis J. Clarke
62
     Controller      Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Jennifer Friedland
48
     Chief Compliance Officer      Vice President of the Adviser** since 2020 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer (of all Funds since January 2023 and of the ETF Funds since 2022). Before joining the Adviser in 2020, she was Chief Compliance Officer at WestEnd Advisors, LLC from prior to 2018 until 2019.

 

 

 

 

*   The address for each of the Portfolio Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**   The Adviser, ABI and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund.

 

     The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) has additional information about the Fund’s Directors and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or the Adviser at (800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

35


 
 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

OPERATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PORTFOLIO’S LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio to designate an Administrator of the Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Portfolio’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Portfolio’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”).

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2022, which covered the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Portfolio’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Portfolio will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner.

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Portfolio classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Portfolio’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Portfolio participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Portfolio is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Portfolio’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Portfolio’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, liquidity in all markets was significantly recovered and improved compared to the prior reporting period which included extreme levels of price volatility and relative illiquidity beginning in March 2020 with COVID-19 impacts. As such, the program operated in a relatively robust and benign liquidity environment experienced in markets during the Program Reporting Period. There were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

36


 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB International Value Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held in-person on May 3-5, 2022 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Vice President for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2020 and 2021 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous

 

37


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2022 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review and their discussion with the Adviser of the reasons for the Fund’s underperformance in the periods reviewed, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median. Taking into account the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year, the directors noted that the Adviser’s total compensation was equal to the median.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Vice President and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and for services to any sub-advised funds utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with those for two other funds advised by the Adviser utilizing similar investment strategies.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the

 

38


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The Adviser had agreed to cap the Fund’s expenses, but the directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was currently below the level of the Adviser’s cap. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above a median. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

39


VPS-IV-0151-1222


DEC    12.31.22

 

LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

LETTER TO INVESTORS

February 14, 2023

The following is an update of AB Variable Products Series Fund—Large Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) for the annual reporting period ended December 31, 2022.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities of a limited number of large, carefully selected, high-quality US companies. The Portfolio invests primarily in the domestic equity securities of companies selected by the Adviser for their growth potential within various market sectors. The Portfolio emphasizes investments in large, seasoned companies. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets in common stocks of large-capitalization companies.

The Adviser expects that normally the Portfolio’s portfolio will tend to emphasize investments in securities issued by US companies, although it may invest in foreign securities. The Adviser’s research focus is on companies with high sustainable growth prospects, high or improving return on invested capital, transparent business models, and strong and lasting competitive advantages.

The Portfolio may, at times, invest in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) in lieu of making direct investments in securities. ETFs may provide more efficient and economical exposure to the types of companies and geographic locations in which the Portfolio seeks to invest than direct investments.

The Portfolio may enter into derivatives transactions, such as options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps. The Portfolio may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, including on individual securities and stock indices, futures contracts (including futures contracts on individual securities and stock indices) or shares of ETFs. These transactions may be used, for example, in an effort to earn extra income, to adjust exposure to individual securities or markets, or to protect all or a portion of the Portfolio’s portfolio from a decline in value, sometimes within certain ranges.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table on page 3 shows the Portfolio’s performance compared with its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index, as well as the broad market as measured by the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index, for the one-, five- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

All share classes of the Portfolio outperformed the primary benchmark and underperformed the S&P 500 Index for the annual period. Sector selection contributed, relative to the benchmark, especially an overweight to health care and an underweight to consumer discretionary. Underweights to energy and industrials detracted. Overall security selection was negative. Contributions from selection within consumer discretionary and communication services were offset by losses within health care and technology.

The Portfolio did not use derivatives during the annual period.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

US, international and emerging-market stocks declined during the annual period ended December 31, 2022. In response to persistently high inflation, central banks—led by the US Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)—took a hawkish pivot, which raised concerns that rapidly rising borrowing costs would slow economic growth significantly and tip global economies into recession. Volatility increased and stocks pulled back after the Fed announced its first interest-rate hike in March 2022, which was followed by six additional rate raises, including four consecutive 0.75% increases. Equity markets rebounded briefly at the end of the period, after some early evidence of easing inflationary pressures raised hopes that the Fed and other key central banks would soon slow the pace of rate hikes. Optimism faded and equity markets gave back gains after the Fed downshifted to a 0.50% rate hike but strongly reaffirmed its higher-for-longer conviction. Both value- and growth-oriented stocks declined for the year. Value stocks significantly outperformed growth stocks, as growth stocks have been pressured more by rising interest rates throughout most of the year. Large-cap stocks narrowly outperformed small-cap stocks on a relative basis, but both declined in absolute terms.

The Portfolio’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) follows a bottom-up stock-picking methodology that seeks to identify companies that meet its investment criteria of healthy balance sheets, competitive advantages, strong cash-flow generation, transparent business models and sustainable growth. The Portfolio is conservatively positioned amid the current uncertainty in the global macro environment. The Team remains laser-focused on identifying companies that generate high return on assets with high reinvestment-rate opportunities.

 

1


 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Benchmark Disclosure

The Russell 1000® Growth Index and the S&P 500® Index are unmanaged and do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The Russell 1000 Growth Index represents the performance of large-cap growth companies within the US. The S&P 500 Index includes 500 US stocks and is a common representation of the performance of the overall US stock market. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Portfolio.

A Word About Risk

Market Risk: The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s growth approach, may underperform the market generally.

Focused Portfolio Risk: Investments in a limited number of companies may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value (“NAV”), than would be the case if the Portfolio were invested in a larger number of companies.

Sector Risk: The Portfolio may have more risk than a more diversified portfolio because it may invest to a significant extent in one or more particular market sectors, such as the information technology or health care sector. To the extent it does so, market or economic factors affecting the relevant sector(s) could have a major effect on the value of the Portfolio’s investments.

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

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio. Derivatives, especially over-the-counter derivatives, are also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable or unwilling to honor its contractual obligations to the Portfolio.

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

These risks are fully discussed in the Variable Products prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Portfolio.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. Please contact your financial advisor or insurance agent representative at your financial institution to obtain Portfolio performance information current to the most recent month-end.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Portfolio carefully before investing. For additional copies of the Portfolio’s prospectus or summary prospectus, which contains this and other information, call your financial advisor or (800) 227 4618. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Portfolio have been deducted, but no adjustment has been made for insurance company separate account or annuity contract charges, which would reduce total return to a contract owner. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

There are additional fees and expenses associated with all Variable Products. These fees can include mortality and expense risk charges, administrative charges, and other charges that can significantly reduce investment returns. Those fees and expenses are not reflected in this annual report. You should consult your Variable Products prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses and speak to your insurance agent or financial representative if you have any questions. You should read the prospectus before investing or sending money.

 

2


 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

            
THE PORTFOLIO VS. ITS BENCHMARKS    Net Asset Value Returns  
PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 (unaudited)    1 Year        5 Years1        10  Years1  
Large Cap Growth Portfolio Class A      -28.51%          11.54%          15.08%  
Large Cap Growth Portfolio Class B      -28.69%          11.26%          14.79%  
Primary Benchmark: Russell 1000 Growth Index      -29.14%          10.96%          14.10%  
S&P 500 Index      -18.11%          9.42%          12.56%  

1   Average annual returns.

            
            

The Portfolio’s current prospectus fee table shows the Portfolio’s total annual operating expense ratios as 0.65% and 0.90% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT

12/31/2012 TO 12/31/2022 (unaudited)

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in Large Cap Growth Portfolio Class A shares (from 12/31/2012 to 12/31/2022) as compared with the performance of the Portfolio’s benchmarks. The chart assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

 

See Disclosures, Risks and Note About Historical Performance on page 2.

 

3


 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

     Beginning
Account Value
July 1, 2022
     Ending
Account Value
December 31, 2022
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
    Total
Expenses Paid
During Period+
     Total
Annualized
Expense Ratio+
 

Class A

        

Actual

   $   1,000      $ 999.30      $ 3.28        0.65   $ 3.33        0.66

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $   1,021.93      $   3.31        0.65   $   3.36        0.66
                

Class B

        

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 998.00      $ 4.53        0.90   $ 4.58        0.91

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $ 1,020.67      $ 4.58        0.90   $ 4.63        0.91

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**   Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

 

+   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Portfolio’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

4


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
December 31, 2022 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF NET ASSETS  

Microsoft Corp.

   $ 53,182,963          9.0

Visa, Inc.—Class A

     32,686,258          5.5  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     32,589,634          5.5  

Alphabet, Inc.—Class C

     28,360,770          4.8  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

     22,757,019          3.9  

Monster Beverage Corp.

     21,201,393          3.6  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

     20,135,443          3.4  

Zoetis, Inc.

     20,124,832          3.4  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

     18,737,043          3.2  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.

     18,595,728          3.1  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   268,371,083          45.4

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

December 31, 2022 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Information Technology

   $ 240,144,867          40.5

Health Care

     147,180,943          24.8  

Consumer Discretionary

     69,549,827          11.7  

Consumer Staples

     39,938,436          6.7  

Communication Services

     28,360,770          4.8  

Industrials

     25,288,363          4.3  

Financials

     8,217,228          1.4  

Materials

     6,396,281          1.1  

Short-Term Investments

     27,716,890          4.7  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   592,793,605          100.0

 

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

5


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company   Shares         
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                   

COMMON STOCKS–95.6%

 

   

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–40.6%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–3.5%

   

Arista Networks, Inc.(a)

    106,625     $ 12,938,944  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    30,123       7,762,998  
   

 

 

 
      20,701,942  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–2.4%

   

Amphenol Corp.–Class A

    100,376       7,642,629  

Cognex Corp.

    56,506       2,661,998  

Zebra Technologies Corp.–Class A(a)

    13,967       3,581,278  
   

 

 

 
      13,885,905  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–8.7%

   

EPAM Systems, Inc.(a)

    36,206       11,866,154  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)

    100,515       7,158,678  

Visa, Inc.–Class A(b)

    157,327       32,686,258  
   

 

 

 
      51,711,090  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–6.1%

   

ASML Holding NV (REG)

    10,275       5,614,260  

Entegris, Inc.

    62,842       4,121,807  

NVIDIA Corp.

    78,291       11,441,447  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    135,197       14,863,558  
   

 

 

 
      36,041,072  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–19.9%

   

Adobe, Inc.(a)

    27,589       9,284,526  

Autodesk, Inc.(a)

    29,964       5,599,373  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(a)

    27,186       4,367,159  

Fortinet, Inc.(a)

    270,500       13,224,745  

Manhattan Associates, Inc.(a)

    21,380       2,595,532  

Microsoft Corp.

    221,762       53,182,963  

Paycom Software, Inc.(a)

    3,480       1,079,879  

PTC, Inc.(a)

    34,002       4,081,600  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    25,174       10,877,433  

ServiceNow, Inc.(a)

    5,651       2,194,114  

Synopsys, Inc.(a)

    16,955       5,413,562  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.(a)

    18,312       5,903,972  
   

 

 

 
      117,804,858  
   

 

 

 
      240,144,867  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–24.9%

 

BIOTECHNOLOGY–4.3%

   

Genmab A/S (Sponsored ADR)(a)

    63,492       2,690,791  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    78,804       22,757,019  
   

 

 

 
      25,447,810  
   

 

 

 
                                                   

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–8.1%

   

Align Technology, Inc.(a)

    10,074     2,124,607

Contra Abiomed, Inc.(a)(c)(d)

    11,373       –0 – 

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    195,953       14,620,053  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(a)

    30,784       12,558,641  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)

    70,080       18,595,728  
   

 

 

 
      47,899,029  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–5.5%

   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    61,469       32,589,634  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY–1.9%

   

Veeva Systems, Inc.–Class A(a)

    69,134       11,156,845  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–1.7%

   

Illumina, Inc.(a)

    11,706       2,366,953  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(a)

    5,255       7,595,840  
   

 

 

 
      9,962,793  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–3.4%

 

Zoetis, Inc.

    137,324       20,124,832  
   

 

 

 
      147,180,943  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–11.8%

   

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–1.0%

   

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(a)

    4,102       5,691,484  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–3.7%

   

Amazon.com, Inc.(a)

    203,960       17,132,640  

Etsy, Inc.(a)

    38,045       4,557,030  
   

 

 

 
      21,689,670  
   

 

 

 

MULTILINE RETAIL–1.3%

   

Dollar General Corp.

    31,280       7,702,700  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–4.2%

   

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

    63,748       20,135,443  

Tractor Supply Co.

    22,113       4,974,762  
   

 

 

 
      25,110,205  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–1.6%

   

NIKE, Inc.–Class B

    79,957       9,355,768  
   

 

 

 
      69,549,827  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–6.7%

   

BEVERAGES–3.6%

 

Monster Beverage Corp.(a)

    208,819       21,201,393  
   

 

 

 

 

6


 
 
           AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company   Shares         
    
    
U.S. $ Value
 
                                                   

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–3.1%

   

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    41,045     $ 18,737,043  
   

 

 

 
      39,938,436  
   

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.8%

   

INTERACTIVE MEDIA & SERVICES–4.8%

   

Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a)

    319,630       28,360,770  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–4.3%

 

BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.3%

   

Trex Co., Inc.(a)

    45,206       1,913,570  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–1.9%

   

Copart, Inc.(a)

    184,839       11,254,846  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–1.1%

   

AMETEK, Inc.

    44,226       6,179,257  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–1.0%

   

IDEX Corp.

    26,018       5,940,690  
   

 

 

 
      25,288,363  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–1.4%

   

CAPITAL MARKETS–1.4%

   

MSCI, Inc.

    17,665       8,217,228  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–1.1%

   

CHEMICALS–1.1%

   

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    26,951       6,396,281  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $377,522,061)

      565,076,715  
   

 

 

 
                                                   

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–4.7%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–4.7%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 4.12%(e)(f)(g)
(cost $27,716,890)

    27,716,890     27,716,890  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.3%
(cost $405,238,951)

      592,793,605  

Other assets less liabilities–(0.3)%

      (1,710,358
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 591,083,247  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)   Fair valued by the Adviser.

 

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

 

(e)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $377,522,061)

   $ 565,076,715 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $27,716,890)

     27,716,890  

Cash

     1,040,367  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     183,457  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     98,970  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     64,902  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     594,181,301  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     2,373,286  

Advisory fee payable

     307,727  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     153,873  

Distribution fee payable

     72,315  

Administrative fee payable

     23,089  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     150  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     167,614  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     3,098,054  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 591,083,247  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 10,608  

Additional paid-in capital

     358,321,859  

Distributable earnings

     232,750,780  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 591,083,247  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $   260,596,141          4,424,636        $   58.90  
B      $ 330,487,106          6,183,424        $ 53.45  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $977,926 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

8


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Year Ended December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $9,261)

   $ 3,350,259  

Affiliated issuers

     418,029  

Interest

     258  

Securities lending income

     28,551  
  

 

 

 
     3,797,097  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     3,952,591  

Distribution fee—Class B

     920,082  

Transfer agency—Class A

     3,730  

Transfer agency—Class B

     4,727  

Administrative

     89,930  

Custody and accounting

     69,053  

Legal

     62,135  

Audit and tax

     43,369  

Directors’ fees

     26,080  

Printing

     24,560  

Miscellaneous

     26,310  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     5,222,567  

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

     (25,357
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     5,197,210  
  

 

 

 

Net investment loss

     (1,400,113
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     45,381,893  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

     (289,990,519
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment transactions

     (244,608,626
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (246,008,739
  

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

9


 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2022
    Year Ended
December 31, 2021
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment loss

   $ (1,400,113   $ (2,891,775

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     45,381,893       83,376,380  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

     (289,990,519     123,567,078  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (246,008,739     204,051,683  

Distributions to Shareholders

 

Class A

     (34,080,651     (24,139,212

Class B

     (47,132,006     (32,992,991

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net increase (decrease)

     39,142,914       (12,320,424
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (288,078,482     134,599,056  

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     879,161,729       744,562,673  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 591,083,247     $ 879,161,729  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

10


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Large Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 10 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but

 

11


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities:

            

Assets:

            

Common Stocks(a)

     $ 565,076,715      $             –0 –     $             0 (b)    $ 565,076,715  

Short-Term Investments

       27,716,890        –0 –       –0 –      27,716,890  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       592,793,605        –0 –       0 (b)      592,793,605  

Other Financial Instruments(c)

       –0 –       –0 –       –0 –      –0 – 
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     $ 592,793,605      $ –0 –     $ 0 (b)    $ 592,793,605  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)   See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications.

 

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

 

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

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

3. Currency Translation

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

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

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .60% of the first $2.5 billion, .50% of the next $2.5 billion and .45% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $89,930.

 

13


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $1,773 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2023. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such waiver amounted to $25,357.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Market Value
12/31/21
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
12/31/22
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 40,409     $ 156,250      $ 168,942      $ 27,717     $ 418  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

     –0 –      129        129        –0 –      –0 – 
          

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

           $ 27,717     $ 418  
          

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

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

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

     Purchases     Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 219,071,511     $ 248,997,796  

U.S. government securities

     –0 –      –0 – 

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

 

Cost

   $ 408,594,554  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 211,272,444  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (27,073,393
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 184,199,051  
  

 

 

 

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the year ended December 31, 2022.

2. Currency Transactions

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

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Portfolio cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Portfolio receives non-cash collateral, the Portfolio will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any dividend income or other distributions from the securities; however, these distributions will not be afforded the same preferential tax treatment as qualified dividends. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Portfolio earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

Market Value of
Securities

on Loan*

   

Cash Collateral*

   

Market Value  of
Non-Cash
Collateral*

   

Income from
Borrowers

   

  Government Money Market  
Portfolio

 
 

Income

Earned

   

Advisory Fee
Waived

 
$ 977,926     $ –0–     $ 1,000,093     $ 28,551     $ –0–     $ 0 ** 

 

*   As of December 31, 2022.

 

**   Amount is less than $.50.

 

15


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

    Shares           Amount  
    Year Ended
December 31, 2022
    Year Ended
December 31, 2021
          Year Ended
December 31, 2022
    Year Ended
December 31, 2021
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    292,422       286,696       $ 18,985,921     $ 24,946,001  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    510,954       275,153         34,080,651       24,139,212  

Shares redeemed

    (558,038     (681,760       (39,512,597     (58,481,060
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    245,338       (119,911     $ 13,553,975     $ (9,395,847
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    614,151       433,548       $ 38,755,142     $ 33,926,340  

Shares issued on reinvestment of distributions

    777,885       408,228         47,132,006       32,992,991  

Shares redeemed

    (929,554     (897,846       (60,298,209     (69,843,908
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    462,482       (56,070     $ 25,588,939     $ (2,924,577
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2022, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 67% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Market Risk—The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s growth approach, may underperform the market generally.

Focused Portfolio Risk—Investments in a limited number of companies may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV, than would be the case if the Portfolio were invested in a larger number of companies.

Sector Risk—The Portfolio may have more risk than a more diversified portfolio because it may invest to a significant extent in one or more particular market sectors, such as the information technology or health care sector. To the extent it does so, market or economic factors affecting the relevant sector(s) could have a major effect on the value of the Portfolio’s investments.

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

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

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio may be exposed to debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. The FCA and LIBOR’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration, have since announced that most LIBOR settings (which reflect LIBOR rates quoted in different currencies over various time periods) will no longer be published after the end of 2021 but that the most widely used

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will continue to be published until June 30, 2023. However, banks were strongly encouraged to cease entering into agreements with counterparties referencing LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is possible that a subset of LIBOR settings will be published after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. Since 2018 the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has published the secured overnight funding rate (referred to as SOFR), which is intended to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities in the repurchase agreement (repo) market and has been used increasingly on a voluntary basis in new instruments and transactions. In addition, on March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate Act was signed into law. This law provides a statutory fallback mechanism to replace LIBOR with a benchmark rate that is selected by the Federal Reserve Board and based on SOFR for certain contracts that reference LIBOR without adequate fallback provisions.

The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect a Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, potentially adversely affecting a Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known.

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

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

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the year ended December 31, 2022.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

     2022     2021  

Distributions paid from:

    

Ordinary income

   $ –0 –    $ 830,314  

Net long-term capital gains

     81,212,657       56,301,889  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 81,212,657     $ 57,132,203  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

17


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

As of December 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed capital gains

   $ 48,551,729  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     184,199,051 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings (deficit)

   $ 232,750,780  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2022, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

During the current fiscal year, permanent differences primarily due to the disallowance of a net operating loss resulted in a net increase in distributable earnings and a net decrease in additional paid-in capital. These reclassifications had no effect on net assets.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)—Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848”. ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

18


 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    Class A  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $93.09       $77.09       $61.26       $51.75       $56.34  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income (loss)(a)(b)

    (.05     (.19     (.06     .05       .02  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    (25.48     22.16       21.18       17.18       2.09  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (25.53     21.97       21.12       17.23       2.11  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Distributions

         

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (8.66     (5.97     (5.29     (7.72     (6.70
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $58.90       $93.09       $77.09       $61.26       $51.75  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset
value(c)*

    (28.51 )%      28.98     35.49     34.70     2.58
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $260,596       $389,051       $331,436       $264,234       $190,899  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    .65     .65     .66     .67     .68

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    .65     .65     .67     .68     .68

Net investment income (loss)(b)

    (.07 )%      (.22 )%      (.08 )%      .09     .04

Portfolio turnover rate

    34     17     33     38     46
         

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .00     .00     .01     .01     .00

 

 

See footnote summary on page 20.

 

19


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    Class B  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $85.67       $71.51       $57.28       $48.91       $53.70  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment loss(a)(b)

    (.20     (.37     (.21     (.09     (.12

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    (23.36     20.50       19.73       16.18       2.03  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (23.56     20.13       19.52       16.09       1.91  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Distributions

         

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (8.66     (5.97     (5.29     (7.72     (6.70
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $53.45       $85.67       $71.51       $57.28       $48.91  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset
value(c)*

    (28.69 )%      28.65     35.15     34.37     2.32
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $330,487       $490,111       $413,127       $322,688       $218,027  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    .90     .90     .91     .92     .93

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡

    .90     .90     .92     .93     .93

Net investment loss(b)

    (.32 )%      (.47 )%      (.33 )%      (.16 )%      (.21 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    34     17     33     38     46
         

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .00     .00     .01     .01     .00

 

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(d)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, such waiver amounted to .01% and .01%, respectively.

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the year ended December 31, 2019 by .04%.

See notes to financial statements.

 

20


 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED  
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of AB Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Large Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Portfolio (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Portfolio’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

February 14, 2023

 

21


 
 
2022 TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Portfolio during the taxable year ended December 31, 2022. The Portfolio designates $81,212,657 of dividends paid as long-term capital gain dividends.

 

22


 
 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS     

Garry L. Moody(1), Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Onur Erzan, President and
Chief Executive Officer

    

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

Jeanette W. Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1)

    
    
OFFICERS     

Frank V. Caruso(2), Vice President

John H. Fogarty(2), Vice President

Vinay Thapar(2), Vice President

Nancy E. Hay, Secretary

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Vice President

    

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller

Jennifer Friedland, Chief Compliance Officer

    
    

CUSTODIAN AND ACCOUNTING AGENT

State Street Bank and Trust Company

State Street Corporation CCB/5

1 Iron Street

Boston, MA 02210

    

LEGAL COUNSEL

Seward & Kissel LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

    

DISTRIBUTOR

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.

501 Commerce Street

Nashville, TN 37203

    

TRANSFER AGENT

AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 786003

San Antonio, TX 78278

Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

    

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

One Manhattan West

New York, NY 10001

    

 

 

 

(1)   Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

(2)   The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Portfolio’s portfolio are made by the Adviser’s U.S. Large Cap Growth Investment Team. Messrs. Caruso, Fogarty and Thapar are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio’s portfolio.

 

23


 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Board of Directors Information

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Directors is set forth below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED)**
  

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR
INTERESTED DIRECTOR    
      

Onur Erzan,#

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

47

(2021)

   Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”), Head of Global Client Group and Head of Private Wealth. He oversees AB’s entire private wealth management business and third-party institutional and retail franchise, where he is responsible for all client services, sales and marketing, as well as product strategy, management and development worldwide. Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the AB Mutual Funds as of April 1, 2021. He is also a member of the Equitable Holdings Management Committee. Prior to joining the firm in January 2021, he spent 19 years with McKinsey (management consulting firm), most recently as a senior partner and co-leader of its Wealth & Asset Management practice. In addition, he co-led McKinsey’s Banking & Securities Solutions (a portfolio of data, analytics, and digital assets and capabilities) globally.     73     None
      
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS    
      
Garry L. Moody##
Chairman of the Board
70
(2008)
   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council, where he serves as Chairman of its Governance Committee. He is Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees since January 2023; he has served as a director or trustee since 2008, and served as Chairman of the Audit Committee of such funds from 2011-February 2023.     73     None
      

 

24


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED)**
  

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
  OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

(continued)

     
        

Jorge A. Bermudez,##
71

(2020)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007; and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016; and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Moody’s Corporation since December 2022. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.       73     Moody’s Corporation since April 2011
        

Michael J. Downey,##
79

(2005)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2018 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.       73     None
        

Nancy P. Jacklin,##
74

(2006)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008-2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002-May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992-2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985-1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982-1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973-1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.       73     None
        

 

25


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED)**
  

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION(S),

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND OTHER INFORMATION***

  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
  OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

(continued)

     
        
Jeanette W. Loeb,##
70
(2020)
   Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund, Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.       73     Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011
        

Carol C. McMullen,##
67

(2016)

   Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010-2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016, and serves as Chair of the Audit Committees of such funds since February 2023.       73     None
        

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.##

81

(2005)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (semi-conductor manufacturing equipment). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the board of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has served as both Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees from 2014 through December 2022.       73     None
        

 

26


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Directors is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal and Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Directors.

 

***

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to each Director’s qualifications to serve as a Director, which led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director for the Fund.

 

# 

Mr. Erzan is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the “1940 Act”, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

## 

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

27


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Portfolio Officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*
AND AGE
     PRINCIPAL POSITION(S)
HELD WITH FUND
     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

Onur Erzan

47

     President and Chief Executive Officer      See biography above.
         

Frank V. Caruso

66

     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is also Chief Investment Officer of US Growth Equities.
         

John H. Fogarty

53

     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is also Co-Chief Investment Officer—US Growth Equites.
         

Vinay Thapar

44

     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he was associated since prior to 2018. He is also Co-Chief Investment Officer—US Growth Equites.
         

Nancy E. Hay

50

     Secretary      Vice President and Counsel of the Adviser**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018 and Assistant Secretary of ABI**.
         

Michael B. Reyes

46

     Senior Vice President      Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Joseph J. Mantineo

63

     Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer      Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Phyllis J. Clarke

62

     Controller      Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Jennifer Friedland

48

     Chief Compliance Officer      Vice President of the Adviser** since 2020 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer (of all Funds since January 2023 and of the ETF Funds since 2022). Before joining the Adviser in 2020, she was Chief Compliance Officer at WestEnd Advisors, LLC from prior to 2018 until 2019.
         

 

 

 

*   The address for each of the Portfolio’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**   The Adviser, ABI and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund.

 

     The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) has additional information about the Fund’s Directors and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or the Adviser at (800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

28


 
 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

OPERATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PORTFOLIO’S LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio to designate an Administrator of the Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Portfolio’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Portfolio’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”).

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2022, which covered the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Portfolio’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Portfolio will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner.

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Portfolio classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Portfolio’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Portfolio participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Portfolio is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Portfolio’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Portfolio’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, liquidity in all markets was significantly recovered and improved compared to the prior reporting period which included extreme levels of price volatility and relative illiquidity beginning in March 2020 with COVID-19 impacts. As such, the program operated in a relatively robust and benign liquidity environment experienced in markets during the Program Reporting Period. There were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

29


 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Large Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held in-person on May 3-5, 2022 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Vice President for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2020 and 2021 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the

 

30


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2022 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Vice President and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and for services to any sub-advised funds utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another funds advised by the Adviser utilizing similar investment strategies.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

31


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

32


VPS-LCG-0151-1222


DEC    12.31.22

 

LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

LETTER TO INVESTORS

February 14, 2023

The following is an update of AB Variable Products Series Fund—Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) for the annual reporting period ended December 31, 2022.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities with relatively smaller capitalizations as compared to the overall US market. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of smaller companies. For these purposes, “smaller companies” are those that, at the time of investment, fall within the lowest 20% of the total US equity market capitalization (excluding, for purposes of this calculation, companies with market capitalizations of less than $10 million). Because the Portfolio’s definition of smaller companies is dynamic, the limits on market capitalization will change with the markets.

The Portfolio may invest in any company and industry and in any type of equity security with potential for capital appreciation. It invests in well-known and established companies and in new and less-seasoned companies. The Portfolio’s investment policies emphasize investments in companies that are demonstrating improving financial results and a favorable earnings outlook. The Portfolio may invest in foreign securities.

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities but may also invest in other types of securities, such as preferred stocks. The Portfolio invests, at times, in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) in lieu of making direct investments in securities. ETFs may provide more efficient and economical exposure to the types of companies and geographic locations in which the Portfolio seeks to invest than direct investments. The Portfolio may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in rights or warrants.

The Portfolio may enter into derivatives transactions, such as options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps. The Portfolio may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, including on individual securities and stock indices, futures contracts (including futures contracts on individual securities and stock indices) or shares of ETFs. These transactions may be used, for example, in an effort to earn extra income, to adjust exposure to individual securities or markets, or to protect all or a portion of the Portfolio’s portfolio from a decline in value, sometimes within certain ranges.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table on page 3 shows the Portfolio’s performance compared with its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Growth Index, for the one-, five- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

All share classes of the Portfolio underperformed the benchmark for the annual period. Security selection drove underperformance, relative to the benchmark, led by selection within health care and technology. Security selection within the energy sector contributed. Sector selection was also negative, as overweights to energy and technology detracted from returns and offset gains from underweights to real estate and communication services.

The Portfolio did not use derivatives during the annual period.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

US, international and emerging-market stocks declined during the annual period ended December 31, 2022. In response to persistently high inflation, central banks—led by the US Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)—took a hawkish pivot, which raised concerns that rapidly rising borrowing costs would slow economic growth significantly and tip global economies into recession. Volatility increased and stocks pulled back after the Fed announced its first interest-rate hike in March 2022, which was followed by six additional rate raises, including four consecutive 0.75% increases. Equity markets rebounded briefly at the end of the period, after some early evidence of easing inflationary pressures raised hopes that the Fed and other key central banks would soon slow the pace of rate hikes. Optimism faded and equity markets gave back gains after the Fed downshifted to a 0.50% rate hike but strongly reaffirmed its higher-for-longer conviction. Both value- and growth-oriented stocks declined for the year. Value stocks significantly outperformed growth stocks, as growth stocks have been pressured more by rising interest rates throughout most of the year. Large-cap stocks narrowly outperformed small-cap stocks on a relative basis, but both declined in absolute terms.

The Portfolio continues to be built from the bottom up, with an emphasis on companies that can deliver fundamental outperformance. The Portfolio remains overweight in secular growth companies that have unique drivers or company-specific initiatives to support their future earnings growth, regardless of the macro backdrop. At the end of the reporting period, technology reflected the Portfolio’s largest overweight, with health care the largest underweight.

 

1


 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Benchmark Disclosure

The Russell 2000® Growth Index is unmanaged and does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The Russell 2000 Growth Index represents the performance of small-cap growth companies within the US. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Portfolio.

A Word About Risk

Market Risk: The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s growth approach, may underperform the market generally.

Sector Risk: The Portfolio may have more risk than a more diversified portfolio because it may invest to a significant extent in one or more particular market sectors, such as the information technology or health care sector. To the extent it does so, market or economic factors affecting the relevant sector(s) could have a major effect on the value of the Portfolio’s investments.

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

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

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

These risks are fully discussed in the Variable Products prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Portfolio.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. Please contact your financial advisor or insurance agent representative at your financial institution to obtain Portfolio performance information current to the most recent month-end.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Portfolio carefully before investing. For additional copies of the Portfolio’s prospectus or summary prospectus, which contains this and other information, call your financial advisor or (800) 227 4618. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Portfolio have been deducted, but no adjustment has been made for insurance company separate account or annuity contract charges, which would reduce total return to a contract owner. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

There are additional fees and expenses associated with all Variable Products. These fees can include mortality and expense risk charges, administrative charges, and other charges that can significantly reduce investment returns. Those fees and expenses are not reflected in this annual report. You should consult your Variable Products prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses and speak to your insurance agent or financial representative if you have any questions. You should read the prospectus before investing or sending money.

 

2


 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

            

THE PORTFOLIO VS. ITS BENCHMARK

   Net Asset Value Returns  
PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 (unaudited)    1 Year        5 Years1        10 Years1  
Small Cap Growth Portfolio Class A      -39.09%          6.77%          10.84%  
Small Cap Growth Portfolio Class B      -39.26%          6.51%          10.56%  
Russell 2000 Growth Index      -26.36%          3.51%          9.20%  

1   Average annual returns.

    

            

The Portfolio’s current prospectus fee table shows the Portfolio’s total annual operating expense ratios as 1.08% and 1.31% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Contractual fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements limited the Portfolio’s annual operating expense ratios (excluding expenses associated with acquired fund fees and expenses other than the advisory fees of any AB mutual funds in which the Portfolio may invest, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs) to 0.90% and 1.15% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. These waivers/reimbursements may not be terminated before May 1, 2023, and may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms. Absent reimbursements or waivers, performance would have been lower. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT

12/31/2012 to 12/31/2022 (unaudited)

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in Small Cap Growth Portfolio Class A shares (from 12/31/2012 to 12/31/2022) as compared with the performance of the Portfolio’s benchmark. The chart assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

 

See Disclosures, Risks and Note About Historical Performance on page 2.

 

3


 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

     Beginning
Account Value
July 1, 2022
     Ending
Account Value
December 31, 2022
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $   1,000      $ 997.80      $ 4.53        0.90

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $   1,020.67      $   4.58        0.90
           

Class B

           

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 996.70      $ 5.79        1.15

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $ 1,019.41      $ 5.85        1.15

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**   Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

 

4


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
December 31, 2022 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF NET ASSETS  

ChampionX Corp.

   $ 950,524          1.9

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

     929,509          1.9  

Herc Holdings, Inc.

     881,914          1.8  

Novanta, Inc.

     842,666          1.7  

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.

     834,314          1.7  

Saia, Inc.

     831,591          1.7  

Matador Resources Co.

     827,862          1.7  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.

     822,393          1.7  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp.—Class A

     814,067          1.6  

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

     785,399          1.6  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   8,520,239          17.3

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

December 31, 2022 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Information Technology

   $   11,505,505          23.1

Health Care

     9,675,172          19.4  

Industrials

     9,545,913          19.1  

Consumer Discretionary

     7,711,518          15.5  

Energy

     4,684,079          9.4  

Financials

     3,985,935          8.0  

Consumer Staples

     1,597,768          3.2  

Materials

     470,230          0.9  

Short-Term Investments

     707,221          1.4  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $ 49,883,341          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

5


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                              

COMMON STOCKS–99.0%

   
   

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–23.2%

   

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–4.1%

   

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.(a)

    20,721     $ 622,045  

Littelfuse, Inc.

    2,647       582,869  

Novanta, Inc.(a)

    6,202       842,666  
   

 

 

 
      2,047,580  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–3.3%

   

DigitalOcean Holdings, Inc.(a)

    12,400       315,828  

Flywire Corp.(a)

    24,760       605,877  

Shift4 Payments, Inc.–Class A(a)

    12,412       694,203  
   

 

 

 
      1,615,908  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–6.4%

   

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.(a)

    9,810       636,473  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.(a)

    13,058       822,393  

Onto Innovation, Inc.(a)

    7,734       526,608  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.(a)

    4,908       665,868  

Universal Display Corp.

    4,740       512,110  
   

 

 

 
      3,163,452  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–9.4%

   

Blackline, Inc.(a)

    9,090       611,484  

Braze, Inc.–Class A(a)

    14,238       388,413  

Elastic NV(a)

    6,100       314,150  

Enfusion, Inc.–Class A(a)

    8,262       79,894  

Five9, Inc.(a)

    8,340       565,952  

Instructure Holdings, Inc.(a)

    17,080       400,355  

Manhattan Associates, Inc.(a)

    5,781       701,813  

Monday.com Ltd.(a)

    3,666       447,252  

Smartsheet, Inc.–Class A(a)

    13,816       543,798  

SPS Commerce, Inc.(a)

    4,870       625,454  
   

 

 

 
      4,678,565  
   

 

 

 
      11,505,505  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–19.5%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–9.2%

   

ADC Therapeutics SA(a)

    13,090       50,266  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    11,139       451,798  

Ascendis Pharma A/S (ADR)(a)

    2,165       264,411  

Blueprint Medicines Corp.(a)

    6,830       299,222  

Coherus Biosciences, Inc.(a)

    27,778       220,002  

Erasca, Inc.(a)

    8,000       34,480  

Insmed, Inc.(a)

    16,309       325,854  

Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    7,442       259,651  

IVERIC bio, Inc.(a)

    18,970       406,148  

Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    2,660       522,690  

Legend Biotech Corp. (ADR)(a)

    5,524       275,758  

Natera, Inc.(a)

    9,587       385,110  

Relay Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    11,133       166,327  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.(a)

    5,268       244,066  
                                              

Vir Biotechnology, Inc.(a)

    9,789     247,760  

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    7,510       219,367  

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    10,347       208,388  
   

 

 

 
      4,581,298  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–6.2%

   

AtriCure, Inc.(a)

    15,728       698,009  

iRhythm Technologies, Inc.(a)

    5,314       497,762  

Lantheus Holdings, Inc.(a)

    13,410       683,374  

Silk Road Medical, Inc.(a)

    11,686       617,605  

Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.(a)

    25,352       582,842  
   

 

 

 
      3,079,592  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.8%

   

Guardant Health, Inc.(a)

    9,850       267,920  

Inari Medical, Inc.(a)

    9,562       607,761  
   

 

 

 
      875,681  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–1.3%

   

Repligen Corp.(a)

    3,865       654,383  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–1.0%

   

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.(a)

    9,150       484,218  
   

 

 

 
      9,675,172  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–19.2%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–3.8%

   

Axon Enterprise, Inc.(a)

    3,363       558,022  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    3,830       639,572  

Hexcel Corp.

    11,920       701,492  
   

 

 

 
      1,899,086  
   

 

 

 

BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.8%

   

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

    5,560       381,360  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–1.3%

   

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    4,502       653,645  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.8%

   

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

    3,600       414,288  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–1.2%

   

Shoals Technologies Group, Inc.–Class A(a)

    23,949       590,822  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–3.9%

   

Esab Corp.

    12,320       578,054  

ITT, Inc.

    8,895       721,385  

Middleby Corp. (The)(a)

    4,875       652,763  
   

 

 

 
      1,952,202  
   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–2.8%

   

FTI Consulting, Inc.(a)

    3,970       630,436  

Insperity, Inc.

    6,721       763,506  
   

 

 

 
      1,393,942  
   

 

 

 

 

6


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                              

ROAD & RAIL–1.7%

   

Saia, Inc.(a)

    3,966     $ 831,591  
   

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–2.9%

   

Herc Holdings, Inc.

    6,703       881,914  

SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc.(a)

    4,663       547,063  
   

 

 

 
      1,428,977  
   

 

 

 
      9,545,913  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–15.5%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–1.5%

   

Fox Factory Holding Corp.(a)

    8,201       748,177  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–0.5%

   

European Wax Center, Inc.–Class A

    21,436       266,878  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–7.1%

   

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.(a)

    21,648       834,314  

Life Time Group Holdings, Inc.(a)

    37,897       453,248  

Planet Fitness, Inc.–Class A(a)

    9,913       781,145  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

    10,220       929,509  

Wingstop, Inc.

    3,870       532,589  
   

 

 

 
      3,530,805  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–1.5%

   

Lovesac Co. (The)(a)

    10,291       226,505  

Skyline Champion Corp.(a)

    9,615       495,269  
   

 

 

 
      721,774  
   

 

 

 

MULTILINE RETAIL–1.4%

   

Driven Brands Holdings, Inc.(a)

    24,942       681,166  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–3.5%

   

Five Below, Inc.(a)

    3,107       549,535  

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.–Class A(a)

    322       22,421  

Lithia Motors, Inc.

    2,315       473,973  

National Vision Holdings, Inc.(a)

    18,493       716,789  
   

 

 

 
      1,762,718  
   

 

 

 
      7,711,518  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–9.4%

   

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–4.8%

   

ChampionX Corp.

    32,788       950,524  
                                              

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    15,240     755,447  

TechnipFMC PLC(a)

    56,710       691,295  
   

 

 

 
      2,397,266  
   

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–4.6%

   

DTE Midstream LLC

    11,670       644,884  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp.–Class A

    34,715       814,067  

Matador Resources Co.

    14,463       827,862  
   

 

 

 
      2,286,813  
   

 

 

 
      4,684,079  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–8.0%

   

BANKS–1.3%

   

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    19,721       678,402  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–4.6%

   

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

    9,011       785,399  

P10, Inc.–Class A

    22,451       239,552  

StepStone Group, Inc.–Class A

    24,006       604,471  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    11,084       646,973  
   

 

 

 
      2,276,395  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–2.1%

   

RLI Corp.

    790       103,704  

Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc.(a)(b)

    14,420       598,574  

Trupanion, Inc.(a)(b)

    6,919       328,860  
   

 

 

 
      1,031,138  
   

 

 

 
      3,985,935  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–3.2%

   

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–2.7%

   

Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (The)(a)

    20,381       678,280  

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.(a)

    22,060       643,931  
   

 

 

 
      1,322,211  
   

 

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–0.5%

   

Vital Farms, Inc.(a)

    18,469       275,557  
   

 

 

 
      1,597,768  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–1.0%

   

CHEMICALS–1.0%

   

Element Solutions, Inc.

    25,851       470,230  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $47,840,896)

      49,176,120  
   

 

 

 

 

7


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                              

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.4%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–1.4%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 4.12%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $707,221)

    707,221     $ 707,221  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.4%
(cost $48,548,117)

      49,883,341  

Other assets less
liabilities–(0.4)%

      (179,620
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 49,703,721  
   

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

See notes to financial statements.

 

8


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $47,840,896)

   $ 49,176,120 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $707,221)

     707,221  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     39,210  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     18,248  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     11,552  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     4,251  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     49,956,602  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     84,979  

Custody and accounting fees payable

     50,320  

Audit and tax fee payable

     41,538  

Advisory fee payable

     24,337  

Administrative fee payable

     24,159  

Distribution fee payable

     7,045  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     4,910  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     150  

Accrued expenses

     15,443  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     252,881  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 49,703,721  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 6,693  

Additional paid-in capital

     58,983,103  

Accumulated loss

     (9,286,075
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 49,703,721  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $   17,212,519          1,892,450        $   9.10  
B      $ 32,491,202          4,800,585        $ 6.77  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $918,088 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

9


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Year Ended December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers

   $ 232,091  

Affiliated issuers

     24,549  

Securities lending income

     17,549  
  

 

 

 
     274,189  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     430,112  

Distribution fee—Class B

     91,770  

Transfer agency—Class A

     1,406  

Transfer agency—Class B

     2,505  

Administrative

     91,828  

Custody and accounting

     51,159  

Audit and tax

     44,549  

Legal

     27,102  

Printing

     23,720  

Directors’ fees

     18,198  

Miscellaneous

     9,364  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     791,713  

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

     (184,795
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     606,918  
  

 

 

 

Net investment loss

     (332,729
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized loss on investment transactions

     (9,386,634

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

     (23,397,350
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment transactions

     (32,783,984
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (33,116,713
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

10


 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment loss

   $ (332,729   $ (923,010

Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions

     (9,386,634     27,157,393  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

     (23,397,350     (16,424,739
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (33,116,713     9,809,644  

Distributions to Shareholders

    

Class A

     (8,363,912     (6,896,383

Class B

     (17,518,976     (12,934,512

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

    

Net increase (decrease)

     22,329,390       (22,734,728
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease

     (36,670,211     (32,755,979

NET ASSETS

    

Beginning of period

     86,373,932       119,129,911  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 49,703,721     $ 86,373,932  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

11


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 10 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

The Portfolio may (i) make additional exceptions that, in the Adviser’s judgment, do not adversely affect the Adviser’s ability to manage the Portfolio; (ii) reject any investment or refuse any exception, including those detailed above, that the Adviser believes will adversely affect its ability to manage the Portfolio; and (iii) close and/or reopen the Portfolio to new or existing Contractholders at any time.

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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

 

12


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

broker-dealers or counterparties. Open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.

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

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

           

Assets:

           

Common Stocks(a)

   $ 49,176,120      $             –0 –     $             –0 –     $ 49,176,120  

Short-Term Investments

     707,221        –0 –       –0 –       707,221  

Total Investments in Securities

     49,883,341        –0 –       –0 –       49,883,341  

Other Financial Instruments(b)

     –0 –       –0 –       –0 –       –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 49,883,341      $ –0 –     $ –0 –     $ 49,883,341  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)   See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications.

 

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

 

13


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

3. Currency Translation

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

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

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses (excluding expenses associated with acquired fund fees and expenses other than the advisory fees of any AB mutual funds in which the Portfolio may invest, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs) on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to .90% and 1.15% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such

 

14


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

reimbursements/waivers amounted to $183,246. This fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement agreement extends through May 1, 2023 and then may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $91,828.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $1,773 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2023. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such waiver amounted to $1,475.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Market Value
12/31/21
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
12/31/22
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 540     $ 18,289      $ 18,122      $ 707     $ 25  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

     –0 –      5,936        5,936        –0 –      1  
          

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

           $ 707     $ 26  
          

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

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

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 38,321,533      $ 42,327,850  

U.S. government securities

     –0 –       –0 – 

 

15


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

Cost

   $ 50,687,829  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 6,976,189  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (7,780,677
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized depreciation

   $ (804,488
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the year ended December 31, 2022.

2. Currency Transactions

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

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Portfolio cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Portfolio receives non-cash collateral, the Portfolio will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any dividend income or other distributions from the securities; however, these distributions will not be afforded the same preferential tax treatment as qualified dividends. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Portfolio earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

 

16


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

                       

Government Money Market
Portfolio

 

Market Value of
Securities

on Loan*

   

Cash Collateral*

   

Market Value of
Non-Cash
Collateral*

   

Income from
Borrowers

   

Income

Earned

   

Advisory Fee
Waived

 
$ 918,088     $ –0–     $ 941,487     $ 16,177     $ 1,372     $ 74  

 

*   As of December 31, 2022.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
          Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

Class A

         

Shares sold

    108,682       66,661       $ 1,527,332     $ 1,842,053  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    801,909       276,519         8,363,912       6,896,383  

Shares redeemed

    (303,311     (251,156       (4,515,651     (7,040,357
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

    607,280       92,024       $ 5,375,593     $ 1,698,079  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    977,425       739,631       $ 10,088,393     $ 18,335,639  

Shares issued on reinvestment of distributions

    2,254,695       609,831         17,518,976       12,934,512  

Shares redeemed

    (964,903     (2,160,255       (10,653,572     (55,702,958
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    2,267,217       (810,793     $ 16,953,797     $ (24,432,807
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2022, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 66% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Market Risk—The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s growth approach, may underperform the market generally.

Sector Risk—The Portfolio may have more risk than a more diversified portfolio because it may invest to a significant extent in one or more particular market sectors, such as the information technology or health care sector. To the extent it does so, market or economic factors affecting the relevant sector(s) could have a major effect on the value of the Portfolio’s investments.

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

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

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio may be exposed to debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. The FCA and LIBOR’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration, have since announced that most LIBOR settings (which reflect LIBOR rates quoted in different

 

17


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

currencies over various time periods) will no longer be published after the end of 2021 but that the most widely used U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will continue to be published until June 30, 2023. However, banks were strongly encouraged to cease entering into agreements with counterparties referencing LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is possible that a subset of LIBOR settings will be published after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. Since 2018 the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has published the secured overnight funding rate (referred to as SOFR), which is intended to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities in the repurchase agreement (repo) market and has been used increasingly on a voluntary basis in new instruments and transactions. In addition, on March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate Act was signed into law. This law provides a statutory fallback mechanism to replace LIBOR with a benchmark rate that is selected by the Federal Reserve Board and based on SOFR for certain contracts that reference LIBOR without adequate fallback provisions.

The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect a Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, potentially adversely affecting a Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known.

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

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

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the year ended December 31, 2022.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

     2022        2021  

Distributions paid from:

       

Ordinary income

   $ 3,792,639        $ 2,673,240  

Net long-term capital gains

     22,090,249          17,157,655  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 25,882,888        $ 19,830,895  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

18


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

As of December 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Accumulated capital and other losses

   $ (8,487,162 )(a) 

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (798,913 )(b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings (deficit)

   $ (9,286,075
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   As of December 31, 2022, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $8,487,162.

 

(b)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) and the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2022, the Portfolio had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $6,456,756 and a net long-term capital loss carryforward of $2,030,406, which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.

During the current fiscal year, permanent differences primarily due to the disallowance of a net operating loss and taxable overdistributions resulted in a net decrease in accumulated loss and a net decrease in additional paid-in capital. These reclassifications had no effect on net assets.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)—Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848”. ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

19


 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS A  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $25.13       $28.76       $19.92       $16.58       $17.53  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment loss(a)(b)

    (.06     (.20     (.13     (.08     (.13

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    (8.86     2.87       10.49       6.02       .14 (c) 

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      .00 (d)      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (8.92     2.67       10.36       5.94       .01  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Distributions

         

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (7.11     (6.30     (1.52     (2.60     (.96
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  9.10       $25.13       $28.76       $19.92       $16.58  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset
value(e)*

    (39.09 )%      9.46     53.98     36.40     (.89 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $17,213       $32,295       $34,314       $27,167       $22,724  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(f)(g)

    .90     .91     .90     .90     1.06

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(f)(g)

    1.22     1.08     1.09     1.16     1.15

Net investment loss(b)

    (.42 )%      (.71 )%      (.60 )%      (.39 )%      (.65 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    67     67     103     69     73

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 22.

 

20


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS B  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $21.35       $25.36       $17.75       $15.03       $16.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment loss(a)(b)

    (.07     (.24     (.16     (.11     (.16

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    (7.40     2.53       9.29       5.43       .15 (c) 

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      .00 (d)      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (7.47     2.29       9.13       5.32       (.01
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Distributions

         

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (7.11     (6.30     (1.52     (2.60     (.96
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $  6.77       $21.35       $25.36       $17.75       $15.03  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset
value(e)*

    (39.26 )%      9.20     53.64     36.01     (1.11 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $32,491       $54,079       $84,816       $50,978       $40,096  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(f)(g)

    1.15     1.15     1.15     1.15     1.30

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(f)(g)

    1.47     1.31     1.33     1.42     1.40

Net investment loss(b)

    (.67 )%      (.96 )%      (.84 )%      (.64 )%      (.88 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    67     67     103     69     73

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 22.

 

21


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)   Due to timing of sales and repurchase of capital shares, the net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share is not in accordance with the Portfolio’s change in net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions for the period.

 

(d)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

(e)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(f)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the year ended December 31, 2018, such waiver amounted to .01%.

 

(g)   The expense ratios presented below exclude interest/bank overdraft expense:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2022      2021      2020      2019      2018  

Class A

              

Net of waivers/reimbursements

     .90      .90      .90      .90      1.06

Before waivers/reimbursements

     1.22      1.07      1.09      1.16      1.15

Class B

              

Net of waivers/reimbursements

     1.15      1.15      1.15      1.15      1.30

Before waivers/reimbursements

     1.47      1.31      1.33      1.42      1.40

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2018 by .03% and .05%, respectively.

See notes to financial statements.

 

22


 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED  
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Portfolio (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Portfolio’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

February 14, 2023

 

23


 
 
2022 FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Portfolio during the taxable year ended December 31, 2022. For corporate shareholders, 4.62% of dividends paid qualify for the dividends received deduction. The Portfolio designates $22,090,249 of dividends paid as long-term capital gain dividends.

 

24


 
 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS     

Garry L. Moody(1), Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Onur Erzan*, President and
Chief Executive Officer

    

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

Jeanette W. Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1)

    
    
OFFICERS     

Bruce K. Aronow(2)*, Vice President

Esteban Gomez(2), Vice President

Samantha S. Lau(2), Vice President

Heather Pavlak(2), Vice President

Wen-Tse Tseng(2), Vice President

    

Nancy E. Hay, Secretary

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Vice President

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller

Jennifer Friedland, Chief Compliance Officer

    
CUSTODIAN AND ACCOUNTING AGENT      LEGAL COUNSEL

State Street Bank and Trust Company

State Street Corporation CCB/5

1 Iron Street

Boston, MA 02210

    

Seward & Kissel LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

    
DISTRIBUTOR      TRANSFER AGENT

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.

501 Commerce Street

Nashville, TN 37203

    

AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 786003

San Antonio, TX 78278

Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

    
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC     
ACCOUNTING FIRM     

Ernst & Young LLP

One Manhattan West

New York, NY 10001

    

 

 

 

 

(1)   Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

(2)   The management of, and investment decisions for, the Portfolio’s portfolio are made by the Adviser’s Small Cap Growth Investment Team. Messrs. Aronow, Gomez and Tseng, and Mses. Lau and Pavlak are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio’s portfolio.

 

*   Mr. Aronow is expected to retire from the Adviser effective December 31, 2023.

 

25


 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Board of Directors Information

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Directors is set forth below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR
INTERESTED DIRECTOR    
     

Onur Erzan,#

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

47

(2021)

  Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”), Head of Global Client Group and Head of Private Wealth. He oversees AB’s entire private wealth management business and third-party institutional and retail franchise, where he is responsible for all client services, sales and marketing, as well as product strategy, management and development worldwide. Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the AB Mutual Funds as of April 1, 2021. He is also a member of the Equitable Holdings Management Committee. Prior to joining the firm in January 2021, he spent 19 years with McKinsey (management consulting firm), most recently as a senior partner and co-leader of its Wealth & Asset Management practice. In addition, he co-led McKinsey’s Banking & Securities Solutions (a portfolio of data, analytics, and digital assets and capabilities) globally.     73     None
     
DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS    
     

Garry L. Moody##

Chairman of the Board

70

(2008)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council, where he serves as Chairman of its Governance Committee. He is Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees since January 2023; he has served as a director or trustee since 2008, and served as Chairman of the Audit Committee of such funds from 2011 - February 2023.     73     None
     

 

26


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR

DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS

(continued)

   

Jorge A. Bermudez,##

71

(2020)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016; and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Moody’s Corporation since December 2022. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.     73     Moody’s Corporation
since April 2011
     

Michael J. Downey,##

79

(2005)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2018 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.     73     None
     

Nancy P. Jacklin,##

74

(2006)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008-2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002-May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992-2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985-1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982-1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973-1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.     73     None
     

Jeanette W. Loeb,##

70

(2020)

  Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund, Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.     73     Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011

 

27


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE,
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED**)
  PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
  PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
    OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR

DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS

(continued)

   
     

Carol C. McMullen,##

67

(2016)

  Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010-2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016, and serves as Chair of the Audit Committees of such funds since February 2023.     73     None
     

Marshall C. Turner, Jr. ##

81

(2005)

  Private Investor since prior to 2018. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (semi-conductor manufacturing equipment). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the board of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has served as both Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees from 2014 through December 2022.     73     None

 

 

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Directors is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal & Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Directors.

 

***

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes, and skills relevant to each Director’s qualifications to serve as a Director, which led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director for the Fund.

 

# 

Mr. Erzan is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the “1940 Act”, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

## 

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

28


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Portfolio’s Officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*
AND AGE
     PRINCIPAL POSITION(S)
HELD WITH FUND
     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

Onur Erzan

47

     President and Chief Executive Officer      See biography above.
         

Bruce K. Aronow#

56

     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is also Co-Chief Investment Officer of Small and SMID Cap Growth Equities.
         

Esteban Gomez

39

     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Samantha S. Lau

50

     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018. She is also Co-Chief Investment Officer of US Small and SMID Cap Growth Equities.
         

Heather Pavlak

39

     Vice President      Vice President of the Adviser**, with which she has been associated since 2018. Before joining the Adviser in 2018, she spent four years at Schroders Investment Management as an equity research analyst.
         

Wen-Tse Tseng

57

     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Nancy E. Hay

50

     Secretary      Vice President and Counsel of the Adviser**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018 and Assistant Secretary of ABI**.
         

Michael B. Reyes

46

     Senior Vice President      Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Joseph J. Mantineo

63

     Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer
     Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Phyllis J. Clarke

62

     Controller      Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Jennifer Friedland

48

     Chief Compliance Officer      Vice President of the Adviser** since 2020 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer (of all Funds since January 2023 and of the ETF Funds since 2022). Before joining the Adviser in 2020, she was Chief Compliance Officer at WestEnd Advisors, LLC from prior to 2018 until 2019.

 

 

 

*   The address for each of the Portfolio’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**   The Adviser, ABI and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund.

 

     The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (SAI) has additional information about the Fund’s Directors and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or the Adviser at (800) 227-4618, or visit www. abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

#    Mr. Aronow is expected to retire from the Adviser effective December 31, 2023.

 

29


 
 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

OPERATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PORTFOLIO’S LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio to designate an Administrator of the Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Portfolio’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Portfolio’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”).

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2022, which covered the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Portfolio’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Portfolio will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner.

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Portfolio classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Portfolio’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Portfolio participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Portfolio is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Portfolio’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Portfolio’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, liquidity in all markets was significantly recovered and improved compared to the prior reporting period which included extreme levels of price volatility and relative illiquidity beginning in March 2020 with COVID-19 impacts. As such, the program operated in a relatively robust and benign liquidity environment experienced in markets during the Program Reporting Period. There were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

30


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held in-person on May 3-5, 2022 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Vice President for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2020 and 2021 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous

 

31


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2022 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median. Taking into account the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year, the directors noted that the Adviser’s total rate of compensation was equal to the median.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Vice President and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and for services to any sub-advised funds utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with those for two other funds advised by the Adviser utilizing similar investment strategies.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

32


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year and the directors considered the Adviser’s expense cap for the Fund. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above a median. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanation for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

33


VPS-SCG 0151-1222


DEC    12.31.22

 

LOGO

 

ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

 

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

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


 
 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

LETTER TO INVESTORS

February 14, 2023

The following is an update of AB Variable Products Series Fund—Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) for the annual reporting period ended December 31, 2022.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of small- to mid-capitalization US companies. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets in securities of small- to mid-capitalization companies. Because the Portfolio’s definition of small- to mid-capitalization companies is dynamic, the lower and upper limits on market capitalization will change with the markets.

The Portfolio invests in companies that are determined by the Adviser to be undervalued, using the Adviser’s fundamental value approach. In selecting securities for the Portfolio’s portfolio, the Adviser uses its fundamental and quantitative research to identify companies whose long-term earnings power is not reflected in the current market price of their securities.

The Portfolio may enter into derivatives transactions, such as options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps. The Portfolio may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, including on individual securities and stock indices, futures contracts (including futures contracts on individual securities and stock indices) or shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). These transactions may be used, for example, in an effort to earn extra income, to adjust exposure to individual securities or markets, or to protect all or a portion of the Portfolio from a decline in value, sometimes within certain ranges.

The Portfolio may invest in securities issued by non-US companies.

The Portfolio may, at times, invest in shares of ETFs in lieu of making direct investments in equity securities. ETFs may provide more efficient and economical exposure to the type of companies and geographic locations in which the Portfolio seeks to invest than direct investments.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table on page 3 shows the Portfolio’s performance compared with its primary benchmark, the Russell 2500 Value Index, as well as the Russell 2500 Index, which represents small-/mid-cap stocks, for the one-, five- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

All share classes of the Portfolio underperformed the primary benchmark and outperformed the Russell 2500 Index for the annual period. Security selection within consumer staples and industrials detracted most, relative to the primary benchmark, while selection within technology and consumer discretionary contributed. Overall sector selection also detracted from performance. An underweight to energy and an overweight to consumer discretionary detracted the most, while underweights to real estate and communication services contributed.

The Portfolio did not use derivatives during the annual period.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

US, international and emerging-market stocks declined during the annual period ended December 31, 2022. In response to persistently high inflation, central banks—led by the US Federal Reserve (the “Fed”)—took a hawkish pivot, which raised concerns that rapidly rising borrowing costs would slow economic growth significantly and tip global economies into recession. Volatility increased and stocks pulled back after the Fed announced its first interest-rate hike in March 2022, which was followed by six additional rate raises, including four consecutive 0.75% increases. Equity markets rebounded briefly at the end of the period, after some early evidence of easing inflationary pressures raised hopes that the Fed and other key central banks would soon slow the pace of rate hikes. Optimism faded and equity markets gave back gains after the Fed downshifted to a 0.50% rate hike but strongly reaffirmed its higher-for-longer conviction. Both value- and growth-oriented stocks declined for the year. Value stocks significantly outperformed growth stocks, as growth stocks have been pressured more by rising interest rates throughout most of the year. Large-cap stocks narrowly outperformed small-cap stocks on a relative basis, but both declined in absolute terms.

The Portfolio’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) seeks to invest opportunistically in what it believes are undervalued companies with solid fundamentals, without sacrificing the Portfolio’s deep-value discipline. The Team remains focused on attractively valued opportunities, which the Team believes are widespread across most industry sectors and regions. The Portfolio’s emphasis continues to be at the stock-specific level, as the Team looks for companies that offer compelling valuation, strong free cash flow and significant company-level catalysts.

 

1


 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Benchmark Disclosure

The Russell 2500® Value Index and the Russell 2500 Index are unmanaged and do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The Russell 2500 Value Index represents the performance of small- to mid-cap value companies within the US. The Russell 2500 Index represents the performance of 2,500 small- to mid-cap companies within the US. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Portfolio.

A Word About Risk

Market Risk: The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s value approach, may underperform the market generally.

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

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

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

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio. Derivatives, especially over-the-counter derivatives, are also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty (the party on the other side of the transaction) on a derivative transaction will be unable or unwilling to honor its contractual obligations to the Portfolio.

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

These risks are fully discussed in the Variable Products prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Portfolio.

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. Please contact your financial advisor or insurance agent representative at your financial institution to obtain Portfolio performance information current to the most recent month-end.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Portfolio carefully before investing. For additional copies of the Portfolio’s prospectus or summary prospectus, which contains this and other information, call your financial advisor or (800) 227 4618. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Portfolio have been deducted, but no adjustment has been made for insurance company separate account or annuity contract charges, which would reduce total return to a contract owner. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.

There are additional fees and expenses associated with all Variable Products. These fees can include mortality and expense risk charges, administrative charges, and other charges that can significantly reduce investment returns. Those fees and expenses are not reflected in this annual report. You should consult your Variable Products prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses and speak to your insurance agent or financial representative if you have any questions. You should read the prospectus before investing or sending money.

 

2


 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

            
THE PORTFOLIO VS. ITS BENCHMARKS    Net Asset Value Returns  
PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 (unaudited)    1 Year        5 Years1        10 Years1  
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio Class A      -15.63%          3.88%          9.33%  
Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio Class B      -15.82%          3.62%          9.06%  
Primary Benchmark: Russell 2500 Value Index      -13.08%          4.75%          8.93%  
Russell 2500 Index      -18.37%          5.89%          10.03%  

1   Average annual returns.

    

            

The Portfolio’s current prospectus fee table shows the Portfolio’s total annual operating expense ratios as 0.80% and 1.05% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT

12/31/2012 TO 12/31/2022 (unaudited)

 

 

LOGO

This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio Class A shares (from 12/31/2012 to 12/31/2022) as compared with the performance of the Portfolio’s benchmarks. The chart assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

 

 

See Disclosures, Risks and Note About Historical Performance on page 2.

 

3


 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

     Beginning
Account Value
July 1, 2022
     Ending
Account Value
December 31, 2022
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

        

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,051.20      $ 4.14        0.80

Hypothetical**

   $ 1,000      $ 1,021.17      $ 4.08        0.80
           

Class B

        

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,049.80      $ 5.42        1.05

Hypothetical**

   $   1,000      $   1,019.91      $   5.35        1.05

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

**   Assumes 5% annual return before expenses.

 

4


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
December 31, 2022 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF NET ASSETS  

Berry Global Group, Inc.

   $ 12,417,156          1.9

IDACORP, Inc.

     11,116,531          1.7  

First Citizens BancShares, Inc./NC—Class A

     11,109,974          1.7  

Comerica, Inc.

     10,564,172          1.6  

Zions Bancorp NA

     10,428,704          1.6  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.

     10,137,456          1.5  

Tapestry, Inc.

     10,032,557          1.5  

Envista Holdings Corp.

     10,026,252          1.5  

Vertiv Holdings Co.

     9,992,700          1.5  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

     9,985,193          1.5  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   105,810,695          16.0

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

December 31, 2022 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Financials

   $ 156,326,095          23.7

Industrials

     140,989,162          21.4  

Consumer Discretionary

     104,963,469          15.9  

Information Technology

     63,450,554          9.6  

Real Estate

     41,423,224          6.3  

Health Care

     40,092,301          6.1  

Materials

     39,549,805          6.0  

Energy

     29,552,079          4.5  

Utilities

     16,188,835          2.4  

Consumer Staples

     15,623,066          2.4  

Communication Services

     7,267,326          1.1  

Short-Term Investments

     4,206,385          0.6  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   659,632,301          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

5


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

COMMON STOCKS–99.4%

 

   

FINANCIALS–23.7%

 

BANKS–12.7%

 

Comerica, Inc.

    158,028     $ 10,564,172  

First BanCorp./Puerto Rico

    675,820       8,596,430  

First Citizens BancShares, Inc./NC–Class A

    14,650       11,109,974  

First Hawaiian, Inc.

    374,740       9,758,229  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    228,332       8,573,867  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.(a)

    147,122       8,872,928  

Webster Financial Corp.

    129,552       6,132,992  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    118,140       9,985,193  

Zions Bancorp NA

    212,138       10,428,704  
   

 

 

 
      84,022,489  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–3.4%

   

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    53,460       6,707,626  

Moelis & Co.–Class A

    165,797       6,361,631  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    154,997       9,047,175  
   

 

 

 
      22,116,432  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–6.7%

   

American Financial Group, Inc./OH

    52,440       7,198,963  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    22,257       7,373,076  

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (The)

    60,410       8,163,203  

Kemper Corp.

    129,070       6,350,244  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

    54,157       7,695,168  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    83,465       7,395,834  
   

 

 

 
      44,176,488  
   

 

 

 

THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–0.9%

   

BankUnited, Inc.

    176,941       6,010,686  
   

 

 

 
      156,326,095  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–21.4%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.4%

 

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc.–Class A

    307,220       9,093,712  
   

 

 

 

AIRLINES–1.1%

   

Alaska Air Group, Inc.(a)

    175,080       7,517,935  
   

 

 

 

BUILDING PRODUCTS–1.1%

   

Masonite International Corp.(a)

    89,759       7,235,473  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–4.9%

   

AECOM

    105,400       8,951,622  

Arcosa, Inc.

    152,487       8,286,144  

Dycom Industries, Inc.(a)

    86,905       8,134,308  

Fluor Corp.(a)

    200,070       6,934,426  
   

 

 

 
      32,306,500  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–3.9%

   

Regal Rexnord Corp.

    78,740       9,447,225  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   
   

Sensata Technologies Holding PLC

    160,740     $ 6,490,681  

Vertiv Holdings Co.

    731,530       9,992,700  
   

 

 

 
      25,930,606  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–2.1%

   

Oshkosh Corp.

    67,350       5,939,597  

Timken Co. (The)

    106,930       7,556,743  
   

 

 

 
      13,496,340  
   

 

 

 

MARINE–1.0%

   

Star Bulk Carriers Corp.(b)

    322,910       6,209,559  
   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–1.6%

   

Korn Ferry

    85,230       4,314,343  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    84,145       6,212,425  
   

 

 

 
      10,526,768  
   

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–2.9%

   

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    183,979       9,642,340  

RXO, Inc.(a)

    56,671       974,741  

XPO, Inc.(a)

    259,420       8,636,092  
   

 

 

 
      19,253,173  
   

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–1.4%

   

Herc Holdings, Inc.

    71,590       9,419,096  
   

 

 

 
      140,989,162  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–15.9%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–1.7%

 

Dana, Inc.

    320,205       4,844,702  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)(a)

    637,200       6,467,580  
   

 

 

 
      11,312,282  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–1.2%

   

ADT, Inc.

    882,033       8,000,039  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–3.2%

   

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

    99,760       6,444,496  

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.(a)

    202,510       7,804,735  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    85,782       7,060,717  
   

 

 

 
      21,309,948  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–3.3%

   

KB Home

    197,480       6,289,738  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    214,820       9,780,754  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp.(a)

    178,739       5,424,729  
   

 

 

 
      21,495,221  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–2.8%

   

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

    155,110       6,536,335  

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.(a)

    442,040       5,534,341  

 

6


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.(b)

    54,089     $ 6,215,908  
   

 

 

 
      18,286,584  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–3.7%

   

Carter’s, Inc.(b)

    70,990       5,296,564  

Ralph Lauren Corp.(b)

    87,350       9,230,274  

Tapestry, Inc.

    263,460       10,032,557  
   

 

 

 
      24,559,395  
   

 

 

 
      104,963,469  
   

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–9.6%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.8%

   

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.(a)

    95,630       4,989,017  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–2.0%

   

Avnet, Inc.

    174,990       7,276,084  

Belden, Inc.

    80,954       5,820,593  
   

 

 

 
      13,096,677  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–1.0%

   

Genpact Ltd.

    146,591       6,790,095  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–2.4%

   

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.(b)

    125,988       5,576,229  

ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)

    52,230       3,257,585  

Synaptics, Inc.(a)

    73,507       6,994,926  
   

 

 

 
      15,828,740  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–3.4%

   

ACI Worldwide, Inc.(a)

    333,970       7,681,310  

CommVault Systems, Inc.(a)

    131,016       8,233,045  

NortonLifeLock, Inc.

    318,790       6,831,670  
   

 

 

 
      22,746,025  
   

 

 

 
      63,450,554  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–6.3%

   

EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)–6.3%

   

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc.–Class A

    356,621       5,780,826  

Camden Property Trust

    71,003       7,943,816  

Cousins Properties, Inc.

    182,340       4,611,379  

CubeSmart

    215,162       8,660,271  

Physicians Realty Trust

    545,291       7,890,361  

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    202,308       6,536,571  
   

 

 

 
      41,423,224  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–6.1%

   

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–3.1%

   

Envista Holdings Corp.(a)

    297,780       10,026,252  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.(a)

    180,800     $ 10,137,456  
   

 

 

 
      20,163,708  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–2.3%

   

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.(a)

    114,270       9,406,707  

Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc.(a)

    401,570       5,967,330  
   

 

 

 
      15,374,037  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–0.7%

   

Syneos Health, Inc.(a)

    124,170       4,554,556  
   

 

 

 
      40,092,301  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–6.0%

   

CHEMICALS–2.0%

 

Huntsman Corp.

    321,740       8,841,415  

Innospec, Inc.

    41,140       4,231,661  
   

 

 

 
      13,073,076  
   

 

 

 

CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–1.9%

   

Berry Global Group, Inc.

    205,480       12,417,156  
   

 

 

 

METALS & MINING–2.1%

   

ATI, Inc.(a)

    291,691       8,709,893  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    26,426       5,349,680  
   

 

 

 
      14,059,573  
   

 

 

 
      39,549,805  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–4.5%

   

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–1.2%

   

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    152,310       7,550,007  
   

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–3.3%

   

Cameco Corp.

    300,030       6,801,680  

HF Sinclair Corp.

    134,085       6,957,670  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp.–Class A

    351,502       8,242,722  
   

 

 

 
      22,002,072  
   

 

 

 
      29,552,079  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–2.4%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–1.7%

   

IDACORP, Inc.

    103,074       11,116,531  
   

 

 

 

GAS UTILITIES–0.7%

   

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    81,970       5,072,304  
   

 

 

 
      16,188,835  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–2.4%

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–2.4%

 

Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (The)(a)

    358,554       5,801,404  

Nomad Foods Ltd.(a)

    569,702       9,821,662  
   

 

 

 
      15,623,066  
   

 

 

 

 

7


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

COMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.1%

   

MEDIA–1.1%

   

Criteo SA (Sponsored ADR)(a)

    278,869     $ 7,267,326  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $624,537,339)

      655,425,916  
   

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–0.6%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.6%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 4.12%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $4,206,385)

    4,206,385       4,206,385  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SECURITY LENDING COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–100.0%
(cost $628,743,724)

      659,632,301  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–0.0%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.0%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 4.12%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $206,550)

    206,550     $ 206,550  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.0%
(cost $628,950,274)

      659,838,851  

Other assets less liabilities–0.0%

      (166,987
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 659,671,864  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust

See notes to financial statements.

 

8


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $624,537,339)

   $ 655,425,916 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $4,412,935—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $206,550)

     4,412,935  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     739,270  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     163,097  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     155,068  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     15,479  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     660,911,765  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Advisory fee payable

     424,914  

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     206,550  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     190,308  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     142,445  

Distribution fee payable

     92,689  

Custody and accounting fees payable

     69,045  

Administrative fee payable

     23,813  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     150  

Accrued expenses

     89,987  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,239,901  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 659,671,864  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 40,049  

Additional paid-in capital

     568,717,304  

Distributable earnings

     90,914,511  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 659,671,864  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 228,585,755          13,749,893        $ 16.62  
B      $   431,086,109          26,299,199        $   16.39  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $23,023,521 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

9


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Year Ended December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $28,414)

   $ 12,751,544  

Affiliated issuers

     53,295  

Interest

     436  

Securities lending income

     88,417  
  

 

 

 
     12,893,692  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     5,377,044  

Distribution fee—Class B

     1,179,028  

Transfer agency—Class A

     2,212  

Transfer agency—Class B

     4,246  

Administrative

     91,559  

Custody and accounting

     89,619  

Legal

     61,595  

Audit and tax

     53,170  

Directors’ fees

     26,753  

Printing

     17,429  

Miscellaneous

     26,234  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     6,928,889  

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

     (3,799
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     6,925,090  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     5,968,602  
  

 

 

 

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

  

Net realized gain on:

  

Investment transactions

     56,175,509  

Foreign currency transactions

     523  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

     (192,080,807
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (135,904,775
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (129,936,173
  

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

10


 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income

   $ 5,968,602     $ 6,457,732  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     56,176,032       128,124,776  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments

     (192,080,807     91,844,970  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (129,936,173     226,427,478  

Distributions to Shareholders

 

Class A

     (39,063,484     (2,074,675

Class B

     (74,247,640     (3,152,352

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net increase (decrease)

     52,787,833       (26,229,493
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (190,459,464     194,970,958  

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     850,131,328       655,160,370  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 659,671,864     $ 850,131,328  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

11


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
December 31, 2022   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 10 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2022:

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities:

        

Assets:

 

Common Stocks(a)

   $ 655,425,916     $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 655,425,916  

Short-Term Investments

     4,206,385       –0 –      –0 –      4,206,385  

Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund

     206,550       –0 –      –0 –      206,550  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     659,838,851       –0 –      –0 –      659,838,851  

Other Financial Instruments(b)

     –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 659,838,851     $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 659,838,851  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)   See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications.

 

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

 

13


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

3. Currency Translation

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

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

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to 1.20% and 1.45% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2022, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $91,559.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $1,773 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2023. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended December 31, 2022, such waiver amounted to $3,653.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Market Value
12/31/21
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
12/31/22
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 1,852      $ 168,981      $ 166,627      $ 4,206      $ 53  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

     20        24,456        24,269        207        8  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

            $ 4,413      $ 61  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

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

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

     Purchases     Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 303,830,385     $ 353,349,848  

U.S. government securities

     –0 –      –0 – 

 

15


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

Cost

   $ 631,636,084  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 90,632,053  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (62,429,286
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 28,202,767  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the year ended December 31, 2022.

2. Currency Transactions

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

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Portfolio cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Portfolio receives non-cash collateral, the Portfolio will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any dividend income or other distributions from the securities; however, these distributions will not be afforded the same preferential tax treatment as qualified dividends. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Portfolio earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

               

Government Money Market
Portfolio

Market Value of
Securities

on Loan*
  Cash Collateral*   Market Value of
Non-Cash
Collateral*
  Income from
Borrowers
  Income
Earned
  Advisory Fee
Waived
$23,023,521   $206,550   $23,471,669   $80,371   $8,046   $146

 

*   As of December 31, 2022.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
          Year Ended
December 31,
2022
    Year Ended
December 31,
2021
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    914,008       1,695,215       $ 18,069,372     $ 36,964,186  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    2,264,550       95,343         39,063,484       2,074,675  

Shares redeemed

    (1,637,209     (2,370,503       (32,043,197     (50,998,841
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    1,541,349       (579,945     $ 25,089,659     $ (11,959,980
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    1,801,924       5,030,121       $ 35,459,120     $ 108,632,675  

Shares issued on reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    4,359,814       146,485         74,247,640       3,152,352  

Shares redeemed

    (4,193,215     (6,011,642       (82,008,586     (126,054,540
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    1,968,523       (835,036     $ 27,698,174     $ (14,269,513
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2022, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 71% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Market Risk—The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s value approach, may underperform the market generally.

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

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

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

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

 

17


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio may be exposed to debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. The FCA and LIBOR’s administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration, have since announced that most LIBOR settings (which reflect LIBOR rates quoted in different currencies over various time periods) will no longer be published after the end of 2021 but that the most widely used U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will continue to be published until June 30, 2023. However, banks were strongly encouraged to cease entering into agreements with counterparties referencing LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is possible that a subset of LIBOR settings will be published after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. Since 2018 the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has published the secured overnight funding rate (referred to as SOFR), which is intended to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities in the repurchase agreement (repo) market and has been used increasingly on a voluntary basis in new instruments and transactions. In addition, on March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate Act was signed into law. This law provides a statutory fallback mechanism to replace LIBOR with a benchmark rate that is selected by the Federal Reserve Board and based on SOFR for certain contracts that reference LIBOR without adequate fallback provisions.

The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect a Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, potentially adversely affecting a Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known.

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

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

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

     2022      2021  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 53,540,355      $ 5,227,027  

Net long-term capital gains

     59,770,769        –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 113,311,124      $ 5,227,027  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 10,056,569  

Undistributed capital gains

     52,655,176  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     28,202,767 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings (deficit)

   $ 90,914,512  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2022, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

During the current fiscal year, there were no permanent differences that resulted in adjustments to distributable earnings or additional paid-in capital.

NOTE J:

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)—Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848”. ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

19


 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS A  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $23.46       $17.39       $17.91       $16.93       $21.68  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .19       .21       .17       .16       .13  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    (3.74     6.03       .20       3.04       (3.04
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (3.55     6.24       .37       3.20       (2.91
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.22     (.17     (.16     (.11     (.11

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (3.07     –0 –      (.73     (2.11     (1.73
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (3.29     (.17     (.89     (2.22     (1.84
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $16.62       $23.46       $17.39       $17.91       $16.93  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(c)*

    (15.63 )%      35.95     3.37     20.10     (15.03 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $228,586       $286,390       $222,441       $211,046       $188,052  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    .80     .80     .83     .82     .81

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    .80     .80     .83     .83     .81

Net investment income(b)

    1.00     .98     1.17     .90     .61

Portfolio turnover rate

    42     54     58     33     39

 

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 21.

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS B  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $23.17       $17.19       $17.72       $16.75       $21.48  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Income From Investment Operations

         

Net investment income(a)(b)

    .14       .16       .13       .12       .07  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    (3.68     5.95       .18       3.02       (3.02
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (3.54     6.11       .31       3.14       (2.95
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Less: Dividends and Distributions

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (.17     (.13     (.11     (.06     (.05

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    (3.07     –0 –      (.73     (2.11     (1.73
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    (3.24     (.13     (.84     (2.17     (1.78
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $16.39       $23.17       $17.19       $17.72       $16.75  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Total Return

         

Total investment return based on net asset value(c)*

    (15.82 )%      35.60     3.05     19.90     (15.29 )% 
         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

         

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

    $431,086       $563,741       $432,719       $423,246       $374,941  

Ratio to average net assets of:

         

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.05     1.05     1.08     1.07     1.06

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.05     1.05     1.08     1.08     1.06

Net investment income(b)

    .74     .73     .91     .65     .36

Portfolio turnover rate

    42     54     58     33     39

 

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the year ended December 31, 2018 by .07%.

See notes to financial statements.

 

21


 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED  
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of AB Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2022, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Portfolio (one of the portfolios constituting AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.) at December 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Portfolio’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.

New York, New York

February 14, 2023

 

22


 
 
2022 TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Portfolio during the taxable year ended December 31, 2022. For corporate shareholders, 22.67% of dividends paid qualify for the dividends received deduction. The Portfolio designates $59,770,769 of dividends paid as long-term capital gain dividends.

 

23


 
 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS     

Garry L. Moody(1), Chairman

Jorge A. Bermudez(1)

Michael J. Downey(1)

Onur Erzan, President and
Chief Executive Officer

    

Nancy P. Jacklin(1)

Jeanette W. Loeb(1)

Carol C. McMullen(1)

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1)

    
    
OFFICERS     

James W. MacGregor(2), Vice President

Erik A. Turenchalk(2), Vice President

Nancy E. Hay, Secretary

Michael B. Reyes, Senior Vice President

    

Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer

Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller

Jennifer Friedland, Chief Compliance Officer

    
    
CUSTODIAN AND ACCOUNTING AGENT      LEGAL COUNSEL

State Street Bank and Trust Company

State Street Corporation CCB/5

1 Iron Street

Boston, MA 02210

    

Seward & Kissel LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

    

DISTRIBUTOR

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.

501 Commerce Street

Nashville, TN 37203

    

TRANSFER AGENT

AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 786003

San Antonio, TX 78278

Toll-Free (800) 221-5672

    

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

One Manhattan West

New York, NY 10001

    

 

 

 

 

(1)   Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

(2)   The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Portfolio’s portfolio are made by the Small/Mid-Cap Value Senior Investment Management Team. Messrs. MacGregor and Turenchalk are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio’s portfolio.

 

24


 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Board of Directors Information

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Directors is set forth below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED)**
   PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
   PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
     OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR
INTERESTED DIRECTOR      
        

Onur Erzan,#

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

47
(2021)

   Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”), Head of Global Client Group and Head of Private Wealth. He oversees AB’s entire private wealth management business and third-party institutional and retail franchise, where he is responsible for all client services, sales and marketing, as well as product strategy, management and development worldwide. Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the AB Mutual Funds as of April 1, 2021. He is also a member of the Equitable Holdings Management Committee. Prior to joining the firm in January 2021, he spent 19 years with McKinsey (management consulting firm), most recently as a senior partner and co-leader of its Wealth & Asset Management practice. In addition, he co-led McKinsey’s Banking & Securities Solutions (a portfolio of data, analytics, and digital assets and capabilities) globally.      73      None
        
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS      
        
Garry L. Moody##
Chairman of the Board
70
(2008)
   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995–2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993–1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975–1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council’s Governing Council, where he serves as Chairman of its Governance Committee. He is Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees since January 2023; he has served as a director or trustee since 2008, and served as Chairman of the Audit Committee of such funds from 2011–February 2023.      73      None
        

 

25


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED)**
   PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
   PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
     OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

(continued)

     
        

Jorge A. Bermudez,##
71

(2020)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016; and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Moody’s Corporation since December 2022. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since January 2020.      73      Moody’s Corporation since April 2011
        

Michael J. Downey,##
79

(2005)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2018 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005.      73      None
        

Nancy P. Jacklin,##
74

(2006)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008–2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002–May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992–2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985–1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982–1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973–1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014.      73      None
        

 

26


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NAME, ADDRESS*,
AGE AND
(YEAR FIRST ELECTED)**
   PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S),
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
AND OTHER INFORMATION***
   PORTFOLIOS
IN AB FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
DIRECTOR
     OTHER PUBLIC
COMPANY
DIRECTORSHIPS
CURRENTLY
HELD BY
DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

(continued)

     
        

Jeanette W. Loeb,##

70

(2020)

   Chief Executive Officer of PetCareRx (e-commerce pet pharmacy) from 2002 to 2011 and 2015 to present. Director of New York City Center since 2005. She was a director of AB Multi-Manager Alternative Fund, Inc. (fund of hedge funds) from 2012 to 2018. Formerly, affiliated with Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (financial services) from 1977 to 1994, including as a partner thereof from 1986 to 1994. She has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since April 2020.      73      Apollo Investment Corp. (business development company) since August 2011
        

Carol C. McMullen,##
67

(2016)

   Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and a member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010–2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016, and serves as Chair of the Audit Committees of such funds since February 2023.      73      None
        

Marshall C. Turner, Jr.##
81

(2005)

   Private Investor since prior to 2018. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (semi-conductor manufacturing equipment). He was a Director of Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors and adaptable, intelligent computing) from 2007 through August 2020, and is a former director of 33 other companies and organizations. He has extensive operating leadership and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the board of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has served as both Chairman of the AB Funds and Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees from 2014 through December 2022.      73      None

 

27


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

*

The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Directors is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal and Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**

There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Directors.

 

***

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes and skills relevant to each Director’s qualifications to serve as a Director, which led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director for the Fund.

 

# 

Mr. Erzan is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the “1940 Act”, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser.

 

## 

Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee.

 

28


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Officer Information

Certain information concerning the Portfolio’s Officers is listed below.

 

NAME, ADDRESS*
AND AGE
     PRINCIPAL POSITION(S)
HELD WITH FUND
     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
Onur Erzan
47
     President and Chief Executive Officer      See biography above.
         
James W. MacGregor
55
     Vice President      Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of US Small and Mid-Cap Value Equities of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018. He is also Head - US Value Equities since 2019.
         
Erik A. Turenchalk
50
     Vice President      Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Nancy E. Hay
50
     Secretary      Vice President and Counsel of the Adviser**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018 and Assistant Secretary of ABI**.
         
Michael B. Reyes
46
     Senior Vice President      Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Joseph J. Mantineo
63
     Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer      Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2018.
         
Phyllis J. Clarke
62
     Controller      Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2018.
         

Jennifer Friedland

48

     Chief Compliance Officer      Vice President of the Adviser** since 2020 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer (of all Funds since January 2023 and of the ETF Funds since 2022). Before joining the Adviser in 2020, she was Chief Compliance Officer at WestEnd Advisors, LLC from prior to 2018 until 2019.

 

 

 

 

*   The address for each of the Portfolio’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105.

 

**   The Adviser, ABIS and ABI are affiliates of the Fund.

 

    The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) has additional information about the Fund’s Directors and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or the Adviser at (800) 227-4618 or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.

 

29


 
 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

OPERATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PORTFOLIO’S LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio to designate an Administrator of the Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Portfolio’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Portfolio’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”).

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2022, which covered the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Portfolio’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Portfolio will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner.

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Portfolio classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Portfolio’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Portfolio participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Portfolio is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Portfolio’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Portfolio’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, liquidity in all markets was significantly recovered and improved compared to the prior reporting period which included extreme levels of price volatility and relative illiquidity beginning in March 2020 with COVID-19 impacts. As such, the program operated in a relatively robust and benign liquidity environment experienced in markets during the Program Reporting Period. There were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

30


 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held in person on May 3-5, 2022 (the “Meeting”).

Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Vice President for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2020 and 2021 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous

 

31


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2022 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median. Taking into account the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year, the directors noted that the Adviser’s total rate of compensation was equal to the median.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Vice President and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and for services to any sub-advised funds utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another fund advised by the Adviser utilizing similar investment strategies.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

32


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The Adviser had agreed to cap the Fund’s expenses, but the directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was currently below the level of the Adviser’s cap. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

33


VPS-SMCV-0151-1222


ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

(a) The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. A copy of the registrant’s code of ethics is filed herewith as Exhibit 12(a)(1).

(b) During the period covered by this report, no material amendments were made to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above.

(c) During the period covered by this report, no implicit or explicit waivers to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above were granted.

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

The registrant’s Board of Directors has determined that independent directors Garry L. Moody, Marshall C. Turner, Jr. and Jorge A. Bermudez qualify as audit committee financial experts.

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

(a) - (c) The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by the independent auditor Ernst & Young LLP, for the Fund’s last two fiscal years for professional services rendered for: (i) the audit of the Fund’s annual financial statements included in the Fund’s annual report to stockholders; (ii) assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Fund’s financial statements and are not reported under (i), which include multi-class distribution testing, advice and education on accounting and auditing issues, and consent letters; and (iii) tax compliance, tax advice and tax return preparation.

 

            Audit Fees      Audit-Related
Fees
     Tax Fees  

AB Balanced Hedged Allocation Portfolio

     2021        72,197        —          34,220  
     2022        75,807        —          13,457  

AB Sustainable Global Thematic Portfolio

     2021        41,926        —          24,819  
     2022        44,022        —          1,816  

AB Growth & Income Portfolio

     2021        31,404        —          19,713  
     2022        32,974        —          2,648  

AB Sustainable International Thematic Portfolio

     2021        41,926        —          28,698  
     2022        44,022        —          3,551  

AB International Value Portfolio

     2021        41,926        —          26,898  
     2022        44,022        —          20,557  

AB Large Cap Growth Portfolio

     2021        31,404        —          17,925  
     2022        32,974        —          1,831  

AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio

     2021        31,404        —          17,664  
     2022        32,974        —          2,696  

AB Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio

     2021        35,613        —          22,877  
     2022        37,394        —          6,897  

AB Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio

     2021        85,147        —          37,771  
     2022        89,404        —          16,219  

AB Global Risk Allocation-Moderate Portfolio

     2021        36,029        —          22,497  
     2022        58,830        —          14,577  

(d) Not applicable.

(e) (1) Beginning with audit and non-audit service contracts entered into on or after May 6, 2003, the Fund’s Audit Committee policies and procedures require the pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services provided to the Fund by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Fund’s Audit Committee policies and procedures also require pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services provided to the Adviser and Service Affiliates to the extent that these services are directly related to the operations or financial reporting of the Fund.


(e) (2) All of the amounts for Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees and Tax Fees in the table under Item 4 (a) – (c) are for services pre-approved by the Fund’s Audit Committee.

(f) Not applicable.

(g) The following table sets forth the aggregate non-audit services provided to the Fund, the Fund’s Adviser and entities that control, are controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provide ongoing services to the Fund:

 

            All Fees for
Non-Audit Services
Provided to the
Portfolio, the  Adviser
and Service Affiliates
     Total Amount of
Foregoing Column Pre-
approved by the Audit
Committee
(Portion Comprised of
Audit Related Fees)
(Portion Comprised of
Tax Fees)
 

AB Balanced Hedged Allocation Portfolio

     2021      $ 1,153,105      $ 34,220  
           —    
         $ (34,220
     2022      $ 1,998,140      $ 13,457  
           —    
           (13,457

AB Sustainable Global Thematic Portfolio

     2021      $ 1,143,703      $ 24,819  
           —    
         $ (24,819
     2022      $ 1,986,499      $ 1,816  
           —    
           (1,816

AB Growth & Income Portfolio

     2021      $ 1,138,598      $ 19,713  
         $ —    
         $ (19,713
     2022      $ 1,987,331      $ 2,648  
           —    
           (2,648

AB Sustainable International Thematic Portfolio

     2021      $ 1,147,583      $ 28,698  
           —    
         $ (28,698
     2022      $ 1,988,234      $ 3,551  
           —    
           (3,551

AB International Value Portfolio

     2021      $ 1,145,783      $ 26,898  
           —    
         $ (26,898
     2022      $ 2,005,240      $ 20,557  
           —    
           (20,557

AB Large Cap Growth Portfolio

     2021      $ 1,136,810      $ 17,925  
           —    
         $ (17,925
     2022      $ 1,986,514      $ 1,831  
           —    
           (1,831

AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio

     2021      $ 1,136,549      $ 17,664  
           —    
         $ (17,664
     2022      $ 1,987,379      $ 2,696  
           —    
           (2,696

AB Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio

     2021      $ 1,141,762      $ 22,877  
           —    
         $ (22,877
     2022      $ 1,991,580      $ 6,897  
           —    
           (6,897

AB Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio

     2021      $ 1,156,656      $ 37,771  
           —    
         $ (37,771
     2022      $ 2,000,902      $ 16,219  
           —    
           (16,219

AB Global Risk Allocation-Moderate Portfolio

     2021      $ 1,141,382      $ 22,497  
           —    
         $ (22,497
     2022      $ 1,999,260      $ 14,577  
           —    
           (14,577

(h) The Audit Committee of the Fund has considered whether the provision of any non-audit services not pre-approved by the Audit Committee provided by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to the Adviser and Service Affiliates is compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence.

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS.

Please see Schedule of Investments contained in the Report to Shareholders included under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.


ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Fund’s Board of Directors since the Fund last provided disclosure in response to this item.

ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective at the reasonable assurance level based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this document.

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 12. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable to the registrant.


ITEM 13. EXHIBITS.

The following exhibits are attached to this Form N-CSR:

 

EXHIBIT NO.

 

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT

12 (a) (1)   Code of ethics that is subject to the disclosure of Item 2 hereof
12 (b) (1)   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
12 (b) (2)   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
12 (c)   Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

(Registrant): AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.

 

By:  

/s/ Onur Erzan

  Onur Erzan
  President

Date: March 3, 2023

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:  

/s/ Onur Erzan

  Onur Erzan
  President
Date: March 3, 2023
By:  

/s/ Joseph J. Mantineo

  Joseph J. Mantineo
  Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Date: March 3, 2023