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: 811-05088

THE AB PORTFOLIOS

(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: July 31, 2021

Date of reporting period: January 31, 2021

ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.

JAN    ^01.31.21

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB GROWTH FUND

As of January 1, 2021, as permitted by new regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are no longer sent by mail, unless you specifically requested paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports are made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper form free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you can call the Fund at (800) 221 5672. Your election to receive reports in paper form will apply to all funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you invest directly, to all AB Mutual Funds you hold.

Investment Products Offered •  Are Not FDIC Insured • May Lose Value • Are Not Bank Guaranteed

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

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

You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit 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 Fund’s Forms N-PORT may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC 0330. AB publishes full portfolio holdings for the Fund monthly at www.abfunds.com.

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.

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.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Shareholder,

We’re pleased to provide this report for the AB Growth Fund (the “Fund”). Please review the discussion of Fund performance, the market conditions during the reporting period and the Fund’s investment strategy.

As always, AB strives to keep clients ahead of what’s next by:

⁺  Transforming uncommon insights into uncommon knowledge with a global research scope

⁺  Navigating markets with seasoned investment experience and sophisticated solutions

⁺  Providing thoughtful investment insights and actionable ideas

Whether you’re an individual investor or a multi-billion-dollar institution, we put knowledge and experience to work for you.

AB’s global research organization connects and collaborates across platforms and teams to deliver impactful insights and innovative products. Better insights lead to better opportunities—anywhere in the world.

For additional information about AB’s range of products and shareholder resources, please log on to www.abfunds.com.

Thank you for your investment in the AB Mutual Funds.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Keith

President and Chief Executive Officer, AB Mutual Funds

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    1

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

March 5, 2021

This report provides management’s discussion of fund performance for the AB Growth Fund for the semi-annual reporting period ended January 31, 2021.

The Fund’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital.

NAV RETURNS AS OF JANUARY 31, 2021 (unaudited)

	6 Months		12 Months
AB GROWTH FUND
Class A Shares		13.47%		31.41%
Class C Shares		13.04%		30.43%
Advisor Class Shares1		13.61%		31.73%
Class R Shares1		13.26%		30.93%
Class K Shares1		13.43%		31.32%
Class I Shares1		13.66%		31.86%
Russell 3000 Growth Index		17.62%		35.01%

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

Please keep in mind that high, double-digit returns are highly unusual and cannot be sustained. Investors should also be aware that these returns were primarily achieved during favorable market conditions.

INVESTMENT RESULTS

The table above shows the Fund’s performance compared to its benchmark, the Russell 3000 Growth Index, for the six- and 12-month periods ended January 31, 2021.

All share classes of the Fund underperformed the benchmark for both periods, before sales charges. During the six-month period, security and sector selection detracted from performance, relative to the benchmark. Security selection within the health-care and consumer-discretionary sectors detracted most, while selection within consumer staples and financials contributed. An underweight to technology and an overweight to communication services were negative, but underweights to the real estate and financials sectors added to returns.

During the 12-month period, security and sector selection were negative. Security selection within consumer discretionary and technology detracted most, while selection within health care and consumer staples contributed.

2    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

An underweight to the technology sector and an overweight to communication services detracted, but were partially offset by contributions from underweights to industrials and real estate.

The Fund did not utilize derivatives during the six- or 12-month periods.

MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

US equity markets continued to recover from lows triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and recorded positive returns for the six-month period ended January 31, 2021. Global economies rebounded sharply in the third quarter from record GDP contractions, supported by extensive monetary and fiscal stimulus, expedited vaccine development, and improving economic data. Favorable news about the efficacy of coronavirus vaccination candidates helped offset market volatility that was prompted by an inability to control the spread of the virus in many countries, a potentially contested US presidential election and lack of additional US fiscal stimulus. Later in the period—despite persistently high infection rates and the emergence of seemingly more transmissible strains of the virus—optimism over the start of vaccine distribution, clarity following the US elections, and passage of both a US relief package and a post-Brexit trade deal fueled a broad-based global rally. As the six-month period drew to a close, equity markets were roiled and temporarily gave back some gains due to a retail-driven short squeeze and broader concerns about the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, small-cap stocks outperformed large-cap stocks significantly, while to a lesser extent, value stocks outperformed growth stocks in both the large- and small-cap categories.

The Fund continues to be built from companies that exhibit strong fundamentals—attractive earnings growth, exceptional profit prospects and strong balance sheets. As the Fund’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) looks for the most compelling opportunities and idiosyncratic optionality, consistent with its growth philosophy, the Team has looked to increase the footprint of companies with a market capitalization below $100 billion as a handful of mega-cap companies now have market capitalizations in excess of $1 trillion, leading to greater concentration of market indices such as the Russell 3000 Growth.

INVESTMENT POLICIES

The Fund invests primarily in domestic equity securities of companies selected by the Fund’s Adviser for their growth potential within various market sectors. When selecting securities, the Adviser looks for companies that have experienced management teams, strong market positions, and the potential to deliver greater-than-expected earnings growth rates.

(continued on next page)

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    3

In managing the Fund, the Adviser allocates investments among broad sector groups and selects specific investments based on the fundamental company research conducted by the Adviser’s internal research staff, assessing the current and forecast investment opportunities and conditions, as well as diversification and risk considerations. The Adviser’s research focus is on companies with high sustainable growth prospects, high or improving return on invested capital, transparent business models and competitive advantages.

The Fund has the flexibility to invest across the capitalization spectrum. The Fund is designed for those seeking exposure to companies of various sizes, and typically has substantial investments in both large-capitalization companies and mid-capitalization companies, and may also invest in small-capitalization companies.

The Fund may enter into derivatives transactions, such as options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps. The Fund 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. 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 Fund’s portfolio from a decline in value.

4    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

DISCLOSURES AND RISKS

Benchmark Disclosure

The Russell 3000^® Growth Index is unmanaged and does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The Russell 3000 Growth Index represents the performance of 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 Fund.

A Word About Risk

Market Risk: The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock 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), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as growth, 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 Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”).

Sector Risk: The Fund may have more risk because it may invest to a significant extent in one or more particular market sectors, such as the information-technology 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 Fund’s investments.

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

Management Risk: The Fund 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 Fund, 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 Fund’s prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    5

DISCLOSURES AND RISKS (continued)

An Important Note About Historical Performance

The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund 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. You may obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end by visiting www.abfunds.com. Class B shares are no longer being offered. Effective November 7, 2019, all outstanding Class B shares were converted to Class A shares. Please see Note A for more information.

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

6    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF JANUARY 31, 2021 (unaudited)

	NAV Returns		SEC Returns (reflects applicable sales charges)
CLASS A SHARES
1 Year		31.41%		25.83%
5 Years		21.02%		19.98%
10 Years		16.11%		15.60%
CLASS C SHARES
1 Year		30.43%		29.43%
5 Years		20.12%		20.12%
10 Years		15.25%		15.25%
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1
1 Year		31.73%		31.73%
5 Years		21.33%		21.33%
10 Years		16.42%		16.42%
CLASS R SHARES1
1 Year		30.93%		30.93%
5 Years		20.60%		20.60%
10 Years		15.78%		15.78%
CLASS K SHARES1
1 Year		31.32%		31.32%
5 Years		20.97%		20.97%
10 Years		16.15%		16.15%
CLASS I SHARES1
1 Year		31.86%		31.86%
5 Years		21.46%		21.46%
10 Years		16.57%		16.57%

The Fund’s current prospectus fee table shows the Fund’s total annual expense ratios as 1.18%, 1.93%, 0.93%, 1.56%, 1.26% and 0.83% for Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I 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.

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

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    7

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE (continued)

SEC AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS

AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR QUARTER-END

DECEMBER 31, 2020 (unaudited)

	SEC Returns (reflects applicable sales charges)
CLASS A SHARES
1 Year		30.16%
5 Years		19.16%
10 Years		16.25%
CLASS C SHARES
1 Year		33.92%
5 Years		19.30%
10 Years		15.89%
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1
1 Year		36.28%
5 Years		20.50%
10 Years		17.07%
CLASS R SHARES1
1 Year		35.42%
5 Years		19.77%
10 Years		16.43%
CLASS K SHARES1
1 Year		35.83%
5 Years		20.15%
10 Years		16.80%
CLASS I SHARES1
1 Year		36.38%
5 Years		20.64%
10 Years		17.23%

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

8    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

EXPENSE EXAMPLE

(unaudited)

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

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

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information, 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 under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

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 hypothetical example 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 August 1, 2020		Ending Account Value January 31, 2021		Expenses Paid During Period*		Annualized Expense Ratio*
Class A
Actual	$	1,000	$	1,134.70	$	6.08		1.13	%
Hypothetical**	$	1,000	$	1,019.51	$	5.75		1.13	%

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    9

EXPENSE EXAMPLE (continued)

	Beginning Account Value August 1, 2020		Ending Account Value January 31, 2021		Expenses Paid During Period*		Annualized Expense Ratio*
Class C
Actual	$	1,000	$	1,130.40	$	10.15		1.89	%
Hypothetical**	$	1,000	$	1,015.68	$	9.60		1.89	%
Advisor Class
Actual	$	1,000	$	1,136.10	$	4.74		0.88	%
Hypothetical**	$	1,000	$	1,020.77	$	4.48		0.88	%
Class R
Actual	$	1,000	$	1,132.60	$	8.12		1.51	%
Hypothetical**	$	1,000	$	1,017.59	$	7.68		1.51	%
Class K
Actual	$	1,000	$	1,134.30	$	6.67		1.24	%
Hypothetical**	$	1,000	$	1,018.95	$	6.31		1.24	%
Class I
Actual	$	1,000	$	1,136.60	$	4.36		0.81	%
Hypothetical**	$	1,000	$	1,021.12	$	4.13		0.81	%

* 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.

10    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

PORTFOLIO SUMMARY

January 31, 2021 (unaudited)

PORTFOLIO STATISTICS

Net Assets ($mil): $1,449.7

TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS²

Company	U.S. $ Value		Percent of Net Assets
Alphabet, Inc. – Class C	$	101,766,083		7.0	%
Amazon.com, Inc.		85,028,424		5.9
Visa, Inc. – Class A		60,090,701		4.1
Facebook, Inc. – Class A		55,039,790		3.8
QUALCOMM, Inc.		51,431,748		3.6
Monster Beverage Corp.		46,872,397		3.2
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.		45,340,193		3.1
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.		39,941,172		2.8
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.		37,999,790		2.6
PayPal Holdings, Inc.		36,910,854		2.6
	$	560,421,152		38.7	%

1 All data are as of January 31, 2021. The Fund’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time.

2 Long-term investments.

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 Fund’s prospectus.

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    11

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

January 31, 2021 (unaudited)

Company	Shares		U.S. $ Value
COMMON STOCKS – 96.4%
Information Technology – 31.0%
Communications Equipment – 0.7%
Arista Networks, Inc.(a)		34,290	$	10,546,232
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 4.8%
Cognex Corp.		225,550		18,524,422
Dolby Laboratories, Inc. – Class A		172,710		15,203,661
IPG Photonics Corp.(a)		92,630		20,696,321
Novanta, Inc.(a)		118,760		14,835,499
				69,259,903
IT Services – 6.8%
EPAM Systems, Inc.(a)		5,453		1,878,177
PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)		157,530		36,910,854
Visa, Inc. – Class A(b)		310,948		60,090,701
				98,879,732
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 8.7%
ASML Holding NV ADR		37,610		20,089,758
NVIDIA Corp.		32,820		17,052,944
QUALCOMM, Inc.		329,100		51,431,748
Xilinx, Inc.		281,522		36,758,327
				125,332,777
Software – 10.0%
Adobe, Inc.(a)		79,270		36,366,698
Autodesk, Inc.(a)		72,520		20,119,224
Fair Isaac Corp.(a)		39,130		17,612,804
Fortinet, Inc.(a)		139,430		20,182,492
Manhattan Associates, Inc.(a)		185,260		20,976,990
PTC, Inc.(a)		114,950		15,278,005
Tyler Technologies, Inc.(a)		35,170		14,869,524
				145,405,737
				449,424,381
Health Care – 21.0%
Biotechnology – 4.0%
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)		40,400		20,355,136
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)		165,880		37,999,790
				58,354,926
Health Care Equipment & Supplies – 10.3%
ABIOMED, Inc.(a)		59,050		20,564,162
Align Technology, Inc.(a)		61,030		32,063,941
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)		308,170		25,448,679
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(a)		17,174		8,220,850
Insulet Corp.(a)		54,470		14,553,295
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)		53,423		39,941,172
iRhythm Technologies, Inc.(a)		49,580		8,350,264
				149,142,363

12    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

Company	Shares		U.S. $ Value
Health Care Providers & Services – 3.1%
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.		135,920	$	45,340,193
Health Care Technology – 1.1%
Veeva Systems, Inc. – Class A(a)		58,490		16,168,976
Life Sciences Tools & Services – 0.9%
Illumina, Inc.(a)		29,350		12,516,014
Pharmaceuticals – 1.6%
Zoetis, Inc.		152,200		23,476,850
				304,999,322
Consumer Discretionary – 15.7%
Diversified Consumer Services – 1.1%
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.(a)		45,620		6,932,871
Chegg, Inc.(a)(b)		98,560		9,388,826
				16,321,697
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 1.7%
Domino’s Pizza, Inc.		41,800		15,497,768
Planet Fitness, Inc.(a)		127,090		9,150,480
				24,648,248
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail – 6.8%
Amazon.com, Inc.(a)		26,520		85,028,424
Etsy, Inc.(a)		66,770		13,293,239
				98,321,663
Specialty Retail – 3.8%
Home Depot, Inc. (The)		135,990		36,828,812
National Vision Holdings, Inc.(a)		384,051		17,808,445
				54,637,257
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 2.3%
NIKE, Inc. – Class B		256,830		34,309,920
				228,238,785
Communication Services – 15.7%
Entertainment – 4.2%
Electronic Arts, Inc.		229,022		32,795,950
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)		142,220		28,507,999
				61,303,949
Interactive Media & Services – 11.5%
Alphabet, Inc. – Class C(a)		55,436		101,766,083
Cargurus, Inc.(a)		319,030		9,331,627
Facebook, Inc. – Class A(a)		213,060		55,039,790
				166,137,500
				227,441,449
Consumer Staples – 5.7%
Beverages – 3.3%
Monster Beverage Corp.(a)		539,818		46,872,397

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    13

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

Company	Shares		U.S. $ Value
Food & Staples Retailing – 2.4%
Costco Wholesale Corp.		99,950	$	35,225,379
				82,097,776
Industrials – 4.8%
Building Products – 1.7%
Allegion PLC		117,050		12,525,521
Trex Co., Inc.(a)(b)		137,320		12,601,856
				25,127,377
Commercial Services & Supplies – 1.2%
Copart, Inc.(a)		153,610		16,858,698
Industrial Conglomerates – 1.4%
Roper Technologies, Inc.		52,030		20,443,107
Machinery – 0.5%
IDEX Corp.		38,780		7,220,448
				69,649,630
Financials – 1.5%
Capital Markets – 1.5%
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.		39,180		21,186,977
Materials – 1.0%
Chemicals – 1.0%
Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)		20,940		14,486,291
Total Common Stocks (cost $785,082,631)				1,397,524,611
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 3.9%
Investment Companies – 3.9%
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – AB Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 0.01%(c)(d)(e) (cost $56,867,324)		56,867,324		56,867,324
Total Investments – 100.3% (cost $841,949,955)				1,454,391,935
Other assets less liabilities – (0.3)%				(4,741,441	)
Net Assets – 100.0%			$	1,449,650,494

(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.

14    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES

January 31, 2021 (unaudited)

Assets
Investments in securities, at value
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $785,082,631)	$	1,397,524,611	(a)
Affiliated issuers (cost $56,867,324)		56,867,324
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $1,003)		927
Receivable for investment securities sold		1,660,567
Receivable for shares of beneficial interest sold		1,606,359
Unaffiliated dividends receivable		45,817
Affiliated dividends receivable		1,005
Total assets		1,457,706,610
Liabilities
Payable for investment securities purchased		5,083,726
Payable for shares of beneficial interest redeemed		1,480,908
Advisory fee payable		949,220
Distribution fee payable		291,760
Transfer Agent fee payable		102,467
Trustees’ fees payable		2,605
Accrued expenses		145,430
Total liabilities		8,056,116
Net Assets	$	1,449,650,494
Composition of Net Assets
Shares of beneficial interest, at par	$	151
Additional paid-in capital		782,615,891
Distributable earnings		667,034,452
	$	1,449,650,494

Net Asset Value Per Share—unlimited shares authorized, $.00001 par value

Class	Net Assets		Shares Outstanding		Net Asset Value
A	$	1,095,192,340		10,939,036	$	100.12	*
C	$	54,104,480		1,424,962	$	37.97
Advisor	$	226,488,972		2,014,278	$	112.44
R	$	9,042,000		94,478	$	95.70
K	$	2,593,410		25,127	$	103.21
I	$	62,229,292		554,793	$	112.17

(a) Includes securities on loan with a value of $68,027,977 (see Note E).

* The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $104.56 which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%.

See notes to financial statements.

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    15

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Six Months Ended January 31, 2021 (unaudited)

Investment Income
Dividends
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $7,874)	$	3,702,425
Affiliated issuers		12,438
Securities lending income		51,484		$	3,766,347
Expenses
Advisory fee (see Note B)		5,343,271
Distribution fee—Class A		1,338,513
Distribution fee—Class C		269,607
Distribution fee—Class R		22,913
Distribution fee—Class K		3,097
Transfer agency—Class A		527,343
Transfer agency—Class C		27,164
Transfer agency—Advisor Class		110,642
Transfer agency—Class R		10,341
Transfer agency—Class K		2,478
Transfer agency—Class I		6,379
Custody and accounting		86,219
Registration fees		55,017
Printing		47,028
Audit and tax		22,839
Legal		19,503
Trustees’ fees		18,817
Miscellaneous		24,522
Total expenses		7,935,693
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)		(23,267	)
Net expenses					7,912,426
Net investment loss					(4,146,079	)
Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investment and Foreign Currency Transactions
Net realized gain on investment transactions					82,223,590
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:
Investments					98,957,409
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities					27
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions					181,181,026
Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations				$	177,034,947

See notes to financial statements.

16    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

	Six Months Ended January 31, 2021 (unaudited)			Year Ended July 31, 2020
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations
Net investment loss	$	(4,146,079	)	$	(7,964,021	)
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions		82,223,590			90,290,053
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities		98,957,436			169,016,080
Net increase in net assets from operations		177,034,947			251,342,112
Distributions to Shareholders
Class A		(62,282,274	)		(65,924,656	)
Class C		(7,467,270	)		(7,058,386	)
Advisor Class		(11,674,492	)		(15,049,601	)
Class R		(548,787	)		(336,603	)
Class K		(139,950	)		(148,711	)
Class I		(3,221,801	)		(3,233,316	)
Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest
Net increase		18,871,045			3,887,114
Total increase		110,571,418			163,477,953
Net Assets
Beginning of period		1,339,079,076			1,175,601,123
End of period	$	1,449,650,494		$	1,339,079,076

See notes to financial statements.

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    17

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

January 31, 2021 (unaudited)

NOTE A

Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Portfolios (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open end management investment company. The Trust, which is a Massachusetts Business Trust, operates as a series company currently comprised of six series. Each series is considered to be a separate entity for financial reporting and tax purposes. This report relates only to AB Growth Fund (the “Fund”). The Fund offers Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares. Class B and Class T shares have been authorized but currently are not offered. Effective August 2, 2019, sales of Class B shares were suspended. On November 7, 2019, all remaining outstanding Class B shares of the Fund were converted to Class A shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A shares redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase, and 0% after the first year of purchase. Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares ten years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Class R and Class K shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge. Advisor Class and Class I shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All eight classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“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 Fund 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 Fund.

1. Security Valuation

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

18    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

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

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

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    19

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

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

20    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

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 Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of January 31, 2021:

Investments in Securities:

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Assets:

Common Stocks(a)

$

1,397,524,611

$

– 0

–

$

– 0

–

$

1,397,524,611

Short-Term Investments

56,867,324

– 0

–

– 0

–

56,867,324

Total Investments in Securities

1,454,391,935

– 0

–

– 0

–

1,454,391,935

Other Financial Instruments(b)

– 0

–

– 0

–

– 0

–

– 0

–

Total

$

1,454,391,935

$

– 0

–

$

– 0

–

$

1,454,391,935

(a) See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications.

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

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 Fund’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.

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    21

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

4. Taxes

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

In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Fund’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 Fund’s financial statements.

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income. The Fund 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 Fund are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Trust are charged proportionately to each series 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

22    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

NOTE B

Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

The Fund compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. ABIS may make payments to intermediaries that provide omnibus account services, sub-accounting services and/or networking services. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $303,660 for the six months ended January 31, 2021.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor has advised the Fund that it has retained front-end sales charges of $10,177 from the sale of Class A shares and received $1,040 and $6,230 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A and Class C shares, respectively, for the six months ended January 31, 2021.

The Fund 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, 2021. In connection with the investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended January 31, 2021, such waiver amounted to $23,227.

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    23

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended January 31, 2021 is as follows:

Fund	Market Value 7/31/20 (000)			Purchases at Cost (000)		Sales Proceeds (000)		Market Value 1/31/21 (000)			Dividend Income (000)
Government Money Market Portfolio	$	92,806		$	109,325	$	145,264	$	56,867		$	12
Government Money Market Portfolio*		– 0	–		1,665		1,665		– 0	–		0	**
Total								$	56,867		$	12

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

** Amount is less than $500.

During the second quarter of 2018, AXA S.A. (“AXA”), a French holding company for the AXA Group, completed the sale of a minority stake in its subsidiary, AXA Equitable Holdings, Inc. (now named Equitable Holdings, Inc.)(“Equitable”), through an initial public offering. Equitable is the holding company for a diverse group of financial services companies, including an approximate 65% economic interest in the Adviser and a 100% interest in AllianceBernstein Corporation, the general partner of the Adviser. Since the initial sale, AXA has completed additional offerings, most recently during the fourth quarter of 2019. As a result, AXA currently owns less than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Equitable, and no longer owns a controlling interest in Equitable. AXA previously announced its intention to sell its entire interest in Equitable over time, subject to market conditions and other factors (the “Plan”). Most of AXA’s remaining Equitable shares are to be delivered on redemption of AXA bonds mandatorily exchangeable into Equitable shares and maturing in May 2021. AXA retains sole discretion to determine the timing of any future sales of its remaining shares of Equitable common stock.

Sales under the Plan that were completed on November 13, 2019 resulted in the indirect transfer of a “controlling block” of voting securities of the Adviser (a “Change of Control Event”) and may have been deemed to have been an “assignment” causing a termination of the Fund’s investment advisory and administration agreements. In order to ensure that investment advisory and administration services could continue uninterrupted in the event of a Change of Control Event, the Board previously approved new investment advisory and administration agreements with the Adviser, and shareholders of the Fund subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

24    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE C

Distribution Services Agreement

The Fund has adopted a Distribution Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Agreement, the Fund pays distribution and servicing fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .30% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares, .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares and .25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class K shares. There are no distribution and servicing fees on the Advisor Class and Class I shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. Payments under the Agreement in respect of Class A shares are currently limited to an annual rate of .25% of Class A shares’ average daily net assets. The Fund is not obligated under the Agreement to pay any distribution services fee in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Agreement is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Fund’s shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Agreement during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Agreement is characterized by the staff of the Securities Exchange Commission as being a “compensation” plan.

In the event that the Agreement is terminated or not continued, no distribution services fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Fund to the Distributor with respect to the relevant class. The Agreement also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.

NOTE D

Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended January 31, 2021 were as follows:

	Purchases			Sales
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)	$	244,571,699		$	285,550,454
U.S. government securities		– 0	–		– 0	–

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

Gross unrealized appreciation	$	613,051,338
Gross unrealized depreciation		(609,358	)
Net unrealized appreciation	$	612,441,980

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    25

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Fund 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 Fund did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended January 31, 2021.

2. Currency Transactions

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

NOTE E

Securities Lending

The Fund may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Fund’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 Fund 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 Fund 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 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 Fund receives non-cash collateral, the Fund will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Fund 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 Fund amounts equal

26    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

to any income or other distributions from the securities; however, these distributions will not be afforded the same preferential tax treatment as qualified dividends. The Fund 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 Fund, 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 Fund 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 Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Fund’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Fund 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 Fund in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Fund’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the six months ended January 31, 2021 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
$	68,027,977	$	– 0	–	$	70,765,881	$	51,438	$	46	$	40

* As of January 31, 2021.

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    27

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE F

Shares of Beneficial Interest

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:

	Shares						Amount
	Six Months Ended January 31, 2021 (unaudited)			Year Ended July 31, 2020			Six Months Ended January 31, 2021 (unaudited)			Year Ended July 31, 2020
Class A
Shares sold		235,698			483,120		$	23,641,606		$	38,478,149
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions		564,228			764,302			56,388,910			59,653,801
Shares converted from Class B		– 0	–		108,339			– 0	–		8,848,935
Shares converted from Class C		15,820			40,081			1,591,116			3,237,112
Shares redeemed		(577,523	)		(1,376,132	)		(57,445,518	)		(110,099,163	)
Net increase		238,223			19,710		$	24,176,114		$	118,834
Class B
Shares sold		– 0	–		971		$	– 0	–	$	35,395
Shares converted to Class A		– 0	–		(239,696	)		– 0	–		(8,848,935	)
Shares redeemed		– 0	–		(8,058	)		– 0	–		(295,043	)
Net decrease		– 0	–		(246,783	)	$	– 0	–	$	(9,108,583	)
Class C
Shares sold		111,335			401,626		$	4,456,132		$	13,690,282
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions		187,288			199,779			7,105,751			6,512,794
Shares converted to Class A		(39,476	)		(91,339	)		(1,591,116	)		(3,237,112	)
Shares redeemed		(172,907	)		(295,767	)		(6,980,329	)		(10,144,237	)
Net increase		86,240			214,299		$	2,990,438		$	6,821,727
Advisor Class
Shares sold		348,966			1,180,192		$	38,464,966		$	104,988,657
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions		86,351			144,797			9,688,574			12,578,493
Shares redeemed		(469,454	)		(1,493,328	)		(51,666,991	)		(127,375,432	)
Net decrease		(34,137	)		(168,339	)	$	(3,513,451	)	$	(9,808,282	)

28    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

	Shares						Amount
	Six Months Ended January 31, 2021 (unaudited)			Year Ended July 31, 2020			Six Months Ended January 31, 2021 (unaudited)			Year Ended July 31, 2020
Class R
Shares sold		10,044			76,704		$	966,471		$	5,919,110
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions		5,742			4,481			548,778			336,594
Shares redeemed		(19,613	)		(22,965	)		(1,851,545	)		(1,732,078	)
Net increase (decrease)		(3,827	)		58,220		$	(336,296	)	$	4,523,626
Class K
Shares sold		2,903			5,288		$	298,349		$	432,390
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions		1,358			1,850			139,944			148,705
Shares redeemed		(3,475	)		(7,951	)		(343,114	)		(672,653	)
Net increase (decrease)		786			(813	)	$	95,179		$	(91,558	)
Class I
Shares sold		52,504			184,335		$	5,837,682		$	16,438,420
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions		28,773			37,295			3,219,978			3,229,040
Shares redeemed		(122,175	)		(93,613	)		(13,598,599	)		(8,236,110	)
Net increase (decrease)		(40,898	)		128,017		$	(4,540,939	)	$	11,431,350

NOTE G

Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund

Market Risk—The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the stock 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), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as growth, 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 Fund’s net asset value, or NAV.

Sector Risk—The Fund may have more risk because it may invest to a significant extent in one or more particular market sectors, such as the

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    29

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

information technology 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 Fund’s investments.

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

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Fund may invest in 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 July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, will cease publishing certain LIBOR benchmarks at the end of 2021. Although certain LIBOR rates are intended to be published until June 2023, banks are strongly encouraged to cease entering into agreements with counterparties referencing LIBOR by the end of 2021. Although financial regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, such as the European Interbank Offer Rate, the Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate and the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, global consensus on alternative rates is lacking and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition away from LIBOR is underway but remains incomplete. 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 Fund’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 away 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 Fund’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. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.

Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s

30    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Fund has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

Management Risk—The Fund 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 Fund, 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 Fund, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended January 31, 2021.

NOTE I

Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending July 31, 2021 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2020 and July 31, 2019 were as follows:

	2020			2019
Distributions paid from:
Ordinary income	$	– 0	–	$	6,536,596
Net long-term capital gains		91,751,273			120,155,971
Total taxable distributions paid	$	91,751,273		$	126,692,567

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    31

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

As of July 31, 2020, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

Undistributed capital gains	$	75,245,529
Other losses		(12,434,810	)(a)
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)		512,523,360	(b)
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)	$	575,334,079

(a) As of July 31, 2020, the Fund had a post-October short term capital loss deferral of $7,089,652 and a qualified late-year ordinary loss deferral of $5,345,158.

(b) 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 July 31, 2020, the Fund did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE J

Subsequent Events

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

32    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

	Class A
	Six Months Ended January 31, 2021 (unaudited)			Year Ended July 31,
				2020			2019			2018			2017			2016
Net asset value, beginning of period		$  93.49			$  81.99			$  83.19			$  71.87			$  61.79			$  66.15
Income From Investment Operations
Net investment loss(a)(b)		(.30	)		(.56	)		(.43	)		(.45	)		(.31	)†		(.30	)
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions		12.88			18.31			9.80			18.50			11.01			1.64
Contributions from Affiliates		– 0	–		– 0	–		– 0	–		.07			– 0	–		– 0	–
Capital contributions		– 0	–		– 0	–		– 0	–		.04			– 0	–		.12
Net increase in net asset value from operations		12.58			17.75			9.37			18.16			10.70			1.46
Less: Distributions
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions		(5.95	)		(6.25	)		(10.57	)		(6.84	)		(.62	)		(5.82	)
Net asset value, end of period		$  100.12			$  93.49			$  81.99			$  83.19			$  71.87			$  61.79
Total Return
Total investment return based on net asset value(c)*		13.47	%		23.15	%		13.58	%		26.56	%		17.48	%†		2.40	%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)		$1,095,193			$1,000,469			$875,776			$806,980			$672,808			$581,533
Ratio to average net assets of:
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡		1.13	%^		1.16	%		1.18	%		1.19	%		1.24	%		1.28	%
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡		1.14	%^		1.17	%		1.18	%		1.20	%		1.25	%		1.28	%
Net investment loss(b)		(.60	)%^		(.70	)%		(.55	)%		(.58	)%		(.49	)%†		(.50	)%
Portfolio turnover rate		18	%		38	%		49	%		46	%		54	%		47	%
‡  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying
portfolios		.00	%^		.01	%		.01	%		.01	%		.01	%		.00	%

See footnote summary on page 39.

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    33

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

	Class C
	Six Months Ended January 31, 2021 (unaudited)			Year Ended July 31,
				2020			2019			2018			2017			2016
Net asset value, beginning of period		$  38.86			$  37.89			$  44.64			$  41.69			$  36.37			$  41.61
Income From Investment Operations
Net investment loss(a)(b)		(.27	)		(.51	)		(.49	)		(.57	)		(.45	)†		(.46	)
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions		5.33			7.73			4.31			10.30			6.39			.92
Contributions from Affiliates		– 0	–		– 0	–		– 0	–		.04			– 0	–		– 0	–
Capital contributions		– 0	–		– 0	–		– 0	–		.02			– 0	–		.12
Net increase in net asset value from operations		5.06			7.22			3.82			9.79			5.94			.58
Less: Distributions
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions		(5.95	)		(6.25	)		(10.57	)		(6.84	)		(.62	)		(5.82	)
Net asset value, end of period		$  37.97			$  38.86			$  37.89			$  44.64			$  41.69			$  36.37
Total Return
Total investment return based on net asset value(c)*		13.04	%		22.21	%		12.74	%		25.62	%		16.60	%†		1.64	%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)		$54,104			$52,025			$42,599			$30,223			$25,188			$70,221
Ratio to average net assets of:
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡		1.89	%^		1.91	%		1.93	%		1.94	%		2.01	%		2.03	%
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡		1.89	%^		1.92	%		1.94	%		1.95	%		2.02	%		2.03	%
Net investment loss(b)		(1.36	)%^		(1.45	)%		(1.31	)%		(1.34	)%		(1.20	)%†		(1.26	)%
Portfolio turnover rate		18	%		38	%		49	%		46	%		54	%		47	%
‡  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying
portfolios		.00	%^		.01	%		.01	%		.01	%		.01	%		.00	%

See footnote summary on page 39.

34    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

	Advisor Class
	Six Months Ended January 31, 2021 (unaudited)			Year Ended July 31,
				2020			2019			2018			2017			2016
Net asset value, beginning of period		$  104.23			$  90.49			$  90.46			$  77.43			$  66.36			$  70.45
Income From Investment Operations
Net investment loss(a)(b)		(.20	)		(.40	)		(.26	)		(.28	)		(.19	)†		(.16	)
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions		14.36			20.39			10.86			20.03			11.88			1.77
Contributions from Affiliates		– 0	–		– 0	–		– 0	–		.08			– 0	–		– 0	–
Capital contributions		– 0	–		– 0	–		– 0	–		.04			– 0	–		.12
Net increase in net asset value from operations		14.16			19.99			10.60			19.87			11.69			1.73
Less: Distributions
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions		(5.95	)		(6.25	)		(10.57	)		(6.84	)		(.62	)		(5.82	)
Net asset value, end of period		$  112.44			$  104.23			$  90.49			$  90.46			$  77.43			$  66.36
Total Return
Total investment return based on net asset value(c)*		13.61	%		23.51	%		13.87	%		26.87	%+		17.80	%†		2.63	%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)		$226,489			$213,499			$200,593			$100,538			$39,856			$22,489
Ratio to average net assets of:
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡		.88	%^		.91	%		.93	%		.93	%		.99	%		1.03	%
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡		.89	%^		.92	%		.94	%		.94	%		1.00	%		1.03	%
Net investment loss(b)		(.35	)%^		(.44	)%		(.31	)%		(.33	)%		(.27	)%†		(.25	)%
Portfolio turnover rate		18	%		38	%		49	%		46	%		54	%		47	%
‡  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying
portfolios		.00	%^		.01	%		.01	%		.01	%		.01	%		.00	%

See footnote summary on page 39.

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    35

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

	Class R
	Six Months Ended January 31, 2021 (unaudited)			Year Ended July 31,
				2020			2019			2018			2017			2016
Net asset value, beginning of period		$  89.77			$  79.25			$  81.05			$  70.42			$  60.75			$  65.33
Income From Investment Operations
Net investment loss(a)(b)		(.47	)		(.87	)		(.71	)		(.71	)		(.51	)†		(.49	)
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions		12.35			17.64			9.48			18.07			10.80			1.61
Contributions from Affiliates		– 0	–		– 0	–		– 0	–		.07			– 0	–		– 0	–
Capital contributions		– 0	–		– 0	–		– 0	–		.04			– 0	–		.12
Net increase in net asset value from operations		11.88			16.77			8.77			17.47			10.29			1.24
Less: Distributions
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions		(5.95	)		(6.25	)		(10.57	)		(6.84	)		(.62	)		(5.82	)
Net asset value, end of period		$  95.70			$  89.77			$  79.25			$  81.05			$  70.42			$  60.75
Total Return
Total investment return based on net asset value(c)*		13.26	%		22.69	%		13.16	%		26.10	%+		17.11	%†		2.08	%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)		$9,042			$8,825			$3,177			$2,249			$2,611			$1,579
Ratio to average net assets of:
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡		1.51	%^		1.54	%		1.56	%		1.55	%		1.57	%		1.59	%
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡		1.51	%^		1.55	%		1.56	%		1.56	%		1.58	%		1.59	%
Net investment loss(b)		(.98	)%^		(1.12	)%		(.94	)%		(.95	)%		(.81	)%†		(.82	)%
Portfolio turnover rate		18	%		38	%		49	%		46	%		54	%		47	%
‡  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying
portfolios		.00	%^		.01	%		.01	%		.01	%		.01	%		.00	%

See footnote summary on page 39.

36    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

	Class K
	Six Months Ended January 31, 2021 (unaudited)			Year Ended July 31,
				2020			2019			2018			2017			2016
Net asset value, beginning of period		$  96.25			$  84.29			$  85.26			$  73.55			$  63.23			$  67.55
Income From Investment Operations
Net investment loss(a)(b)		(.36	)		(.65	)		(.50	)		(.51	)		(.29	)†		(.30	)
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions		13.27			18.86			10.10			18.95			11.23			1.68
Contributions from Affiliates		– 0	–		– 0	–		– 0	–		.07			– 0	–		– 0	–
Capital contributions		– 0	–		– 0	–		– 0	–		.04			– 0	–		.12
Net increase in net asset value from operations		12.91			18.21			9.60			18.55			10.94			1.50
Less: Distributions
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions		(5.95	)		(6.25	)		(10.57	)		(6.84	)		(.62	)		(5.82	)
Net asset value, end of period		$  103.21			$  96.25			$  84.29			$  85.26			$  73.55			$  63.23
Total Return
Total investment return based on net asset value(c)*		13.43	%		23.07	%		13.51	%		26.47	%		17.47	%†		2.39	%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)		$2,593			$2,343			$2,120			$1,524			$1,387			$2,455
Ratio to average net assets of:
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡		1.24	% ^		1.24	%		1.25	%		1.25	%		1.26	%		1.26	%
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡		1.24	%^		1.25	%		1.25	%		1.26	%		1.27	%		1.26	%
Net investment loss(b)		(.71	)%^		(.78	)%		(.62	)%		(.65	)%		(.44	)%†		(.49	)%
Portfolio turnover rate		18	%		38	%		49	%		46	%		54	%		47	%
‡  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying
portfolios		.00	%^		.01	%		.01	%		.01	%		.01	%		.00	%

See footnote summary on page 39.

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    37

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

	Class I
	Six Months Ended January 31, 2021 (unaudited)			Year Ended July 31,
				2020			2019			2018			2017			2016
Net asset value, beginning of period		$  103.94			$  90.17			$  90.09			$  77.05			$  65.93			$  69.98
Income From Investment Operations
Net investment loss(a)(b)		(.16	)		(.32	)		(.17	)		(.18	)		(.08	)†		(.10	)
Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions		14.34			20.34			10.82			19.94			11.82			1.75
Contributions from Affiliates		– 0	–		– 0	–		– 0	–		.08			– 0	–		– 0	–
Capital contributions		– 0	–		– 0	–		– 0	–		.04			– 0	–		.12
Net increase in net asset value from operations		14.18			20.02			10.65			19.88			11.74			1.77
Less: Distributions
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions		(5.95	)		(6.25	)		(10.57	)		(6.84	)		(.62	)		(5.82	)
Net asset value, end of period		$  112.17			$  103.94			$  90.17			$  90.09			$  77.05			$  65.93
Total Return
Total investment return based on net asset value(c)*		13.66	%		23.58	%		13.99	%		27.03	%		17.96	%†		2.73	%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)		$62,229			$61,918			$42,172			$18,961			$13,030			$34
Ratio to average net assets of:
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(d)‡		.81	%^		.81	%		.82	%		.82	%		.83	%		.94	%
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(d)‡		.81	%^		.82	%		.83	%		.83	%		.85	%		.94	%
Net investment loss(b)		(.28	)%^		(.36	)%		(.20	)%		(.22	)%		(.12	)%†		(.16	)%
Portfolio turnover rate		18	%		38	%		49	%		46	%		54	%		47	%
‡  Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying
portfolios		.00	%^		.01	%		.01	%		.01	%		.01	%		.00	%

See footnote summary on page 39.

38    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

(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. Initial sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges are not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

(d) In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund 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 Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years ended July 31, 2020, July 31, 2019, July 31, 2018 and July 31, 2017, such waiver amounted to .01%, .01%, .01% and .01%, respectively.

† For the year ended July 31, 2017, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows:

Net Investment Income Per Share	Net Investment Income Ratio	Total Return
$.01	.02%	.02%

* Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the years ended July 31, 2020, July 31, 2019, July 31, 2018, July 31, 2017 and July 31, 2016 by .07%, .03%, .04%, .05% and .04%, respectively.

Includes the impact of a reimbursement from the Adviser as a result of an error made by the Adviser in processing a claim for class action settlement, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the year ended July 31, 2018 by .09%.

Includes the impact of proceeds recorded and credited to the Fund resulting from regulatory settlements, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the years ended July 31, 2018 and July 31, 2016 by .05% and .22%, respectively.

+ The net asset value and total return include adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for financial reporting purposes. As such, the net asset value and total return for shareholder transactions may differ from financial statements.

^ Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    39

TRUSTEES

Marshall C. Turner, Jr⁽¹⁾,
Chairman Jorge A. Bermudez⁽¹⁾ Michael J. Downey⁽¹⁾ Nancy P. Jacklin⁽¹⁾ Robert M. Keith*, President and Chief Executive Officer Jeanette W. Loeb⁽¹⁾ Carol C. McMullen⁽¹⁾ Garry L. Moody⁽¹⁾ Earl D. Weiner⁽¹⁾

OFFICERS

Bruce K. Aronow⁽²⁾, Vice
President Frank V. Caruso⁽²⁾, Vice President John H. Fogarty⁽²⁾, Vice President Emilie D. Wrapp, Clerk Michael B. Reyes, Senior Analyst Joseph J. Mantineo, Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer Phyllis J. Clarke, Controller and
Chief Accounting Officer Vincent S. Noto, Chief
Compliance Officer

Custodian and Accounting Agent State Street Bank and Trust Company State Street Corporation CCB/5
1 Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210 Principal Underwriter AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105 Legal Counsel Seward & Kissel LLP
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, NY 10004 Transfer Agent AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 786003
San Antonio, TX 78278-6003
Toll-Free (800) 221-5672 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Ernst & Young LLP
5 Times Square
New York, NY 10036

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

2 The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund’s portfolio are made by the Adviser’s Growth Investment Team. Messrs. Aronow, Caruso and Fogarty are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

* Mr. Keith is expected to retire as President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Fund as of March 31, 2021 and from the Adviser effective June 30, 2021. Mr. Onur Erzan, Senior Vice President and Head of the Global Client Group of the Adviser, has been elected President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Fund, effective April 1, 2021.

40    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

Operation and Effectiveness of the Fund’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 Fund to designate an Administrator of the Fund’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Fund’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Fund’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 Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Fund’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2021, which covered the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

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

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Fund 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 Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Fund participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Fund is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Fund’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Fund’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 Fund’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended,

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    41

and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, beginning in March 2020, all financial markets experienced extreme levels of price volatility and relative illiquidity resulting from the COVID-19 impacts on the global economy. This extreme relative illiquidity resulted in significantly wider bid-ask spreads to transact in securities, including many of those securities held by the Fund, and in a diminished depth of liquidity in most markets, to varying degrees. Nonetheless, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Fund or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

42    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

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

The disinterested trustees (the “directors”) of The AB Portfolios (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Growth Fund (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on May 5-7, 2020 (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 Analyst for the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.

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

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

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    43

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 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 2018 and 2019 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s former Senior Officer/Independent Compliance Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund 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 certain classes of the Fund’s 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.

44    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

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 29, 2020 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 noted that it 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 Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and 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 previously discussed these matters with an independent fee consultant.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional clients, 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

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    45

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 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 directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

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

46    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

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.

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    47

This page is not part of the Shareholder Report or the Financial Statements.

AB FAMILY OF FUNDS

US EQUITY

CORE

Core Opportunities Fund

FlexFee^™ US Thematic Portfolio

Select US Equity Portfolio

GROWTH

Concentrated Growth Fund

Discovery Growth Fund

FlexFee^™ Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Growth Fund

Large Cap Growth Fund

Small Cap Growth Portfolio

VALUE

Discovery Value Fund

Equity Income Fund

Relative Value Fund

Small Cap Value Portfolio

Value Fund

INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY

CORE

Global Core Equity Portfolio

International Strategic Core Portfolio

Sustainable Global Thematic Fund

Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy

Wealth Appreciation Strategy

GROWTH

Concentrated International Growth Portfolio

Sustainable International Thematic Fund

VALUE

All China Equity Portfolio

International Value Fund

FIXED INCOME

MUNICIPAL

High Income Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio

Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio

Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy

Tax-Aware Fixed Income Opportunities Portfolio

National Portfolio

Arizona Portfolio

California Portfolio

Massachusetts Portfolio

Minnesota Portfolio

New Jersey Portfolio

New York Portfolio

Ohio Portfolio

Pennsylvania Portfolio

Virginia Portfolio

TAXABLE

Bond Inflation Strategy

FlexFee^™ High Yield Portfolio

Global Bond Fund

High Income Fund

Income Fund

Intermediate Duration Portfolio

Limited Duration High Income Portfolio

Short Duration Income Portfolio

Short Duration Portfolio

Total Return Bond Portfolio

ALTERNATIVES

All Market Real Return Portfolio

Global Real Estate Investment Fund

Select US Long/Short Portfolio

MULTI-ASSET

All Market Income Portfolio

All Market Total Return Portfolio

Conservative Wealth Strategy

Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Portfolio

Global Risk Allocation Fund

Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio

CLOSED-END FUNDS

AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund

AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund

We also offer Government Money Market Portfolio, which serves as the money market fund exchange vehicle for the AB mutual funds. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. The Fund may impose a fee upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

48    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

NOTES

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    49

NOTES

50    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

NOTES

abfunds.com AB GROWTH FUND    ^|    51

NOTES

52    ^|    AB GROWTH FUND abfunds.com

AB GROWTH FUND

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

800 221 5672

GRO-0152-0121                

ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Not applicable when filing a semi-annual report to shareholders.

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable to the registrant.

ITEM 6. 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 second fiscal quarter of the period that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 12. 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 (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): The AB Portfolios
By:	/s/ Onur Erzan
	Onur Erzan
	President
Date:	March 29, 2021

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 29, 2021
By:	/s/ Joseph J. Mantineo
	Joseph J. Mantineo
	Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Date:	March 29, 2021