0000950109-01-504477.txt : 20011030
0000950109-01-504477.hdr.sgml : 20011030
ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950109-01-504477
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 497
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1
FILED AS OF DATE: 20011026
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ALLIANCE VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000825316
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: []
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 497
SEC ACT: 1933 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 033-18647
FILM NUMBER: 1768110
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 500 PLAZA DRIVE
STREET 2: 1345 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS 31ST FL
CITY: NEW YORK
STATE: NY
ZIP: 10105
BUSINESS PHONE: 2013194105
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: ALLIANCE CAPITAL MANGEMENT LP
STREET 2: 1345 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
CITY: NEW YORK
STATE: NY
ZIP: 10105
497
1
d497.txt
VARIABLE PRODUCTS-B
Disclaimer:
This is filed pursuant to rule 497(e)
File #33-18647 and 811-05398
Class B Prospectus
ALLIANCE VARIABLE PRODUCTS
SERIES FUND, INC.
May 1, 2001
Global Bond Portfolio
Growth & Income Portfolio
This Prospectus describes the Portfolios that are available as underlying
investments through your variable contract. For information about your variable
contract, including information about insurance-related expenses, see the
prospectus for your variable contract which accompanies this Prospectus.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation
to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Investment Products Offered
(right triangle) Are Not FDIC Insured
(right triangle) May Lose Value
(right triangle) Are Not Bank Guaranteed
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY................................. 4
Summary of Principal Risks....................... 7
Principal Risks by Portfolio..................... 8
GLOSSARY............................................ 9
DESCRIPTION OF THE PORTFOLIOS....................... 11
Investment Objectives and Principal Policies..... 11
Description of Additional Investment Practices... 13
Additional Risk Considerations................... 18
MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS........................ 20
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES......................... 21
How The Portfolios Value Their Shares............ 21
How To Purchase and Sell Shares.................. 21
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES.................. 21
DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS........................... 21
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS................................ 22
APPENDIX A.......................................... 24
3
Alliance Variable Products Series Fund's investment adviser is Alliance Capital
Management L.P., a global investment manager providing diversified services to
institutions and individuals through a broad line of investments including more
than 100 mutual funds.
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
The following is a summary of certain key information about Alliance Variable
Products Series Fund. You will find additional information about each Portfolio
described in this Prospectus, including a detailed description of the risks of
an investment in each Portfolio, after this Summary.
The Risk/Return Summary describes the Portfolios' objectives, principal
investment strategies and principal risks. Each Portfolio's Summary Page
includes a short discussion of some of the principal risks of investing in that
Portfolio. A further discussion of these and other risks starts on page 7.
More detailed descriptions of the Portfolios, including the risks associated
with investing in the Portfolios, can be found further back in this Prospectus.
Please be sure to read this additional information BEFORE you invest. Each of
the Portfolios may at times use certain types of investment derivatives such as
options, futures, forwards and swaps. The use of these techniques involves
special risks that are discussed in this Prospectus.
The Risk/Return Summary includes a table for each Portfolio showing its average
annual returns and a bar chart showing its annual returns. The table and the
bar chart provide an indication of the historical risk of an investment in each
Portfolio by showing:
. how the Portfolio's average annual returns for one, five, and 10 years
(or over the life of the Portfolio if the Portfolio is less than 10
years old) compare to those of a broad-based securities market index;
and
. changes in the Portfolio's performance from year to year over 10 years
(or over the life of the Portfolio if the Portfolio is less than 10
years old).
If the Portfolio's returns reflected fees charged by your variable contract,
the returns shown in the table and bar charts for each Portfolio would be
lower.
A Portfolio's past performance, of course, does not necessarily indicate how it
will perform in the future. As with all investments, you may lose money by
investing in the Portfolios.
4
Global Bond Portfolio
Objective: The Portfolio's investment objective is to seek a high level of
return from a combination of current income and capital appreciation by
investing in a globally diversified portfolio of high-quality debt
securities denominated in the U.S. Dollar and a range of foreign currencies.
Principal Investment Strategies and Risks: The Portfolio primarily invests
in debt securities of U.S. or foreign governments, supranational entities,
and U.S. and non-U.S. companies. The Fund's foreign investments are
generally denominated in foreign currencies.
The Portfolio normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in debt
securities of at least three countries and invests approximately 25% of its
total assets in U.S. Dollar-denominated debt securities. The Portfolio seeks
to minimize investment risk by limiting its investments to high-quality debt
securities and normally invests in securities rated in the two highest
ratings categories. The average weighted maturity of the Portfolio's
investments in fixed-income securities is expected to vary between one year
or less and 10 years.
Among the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio are interest rate
risk, credit risk, market risk and leveraging risk. The Portfolio's
investments in foreign issuers have foreign risk and currency risk. The
Portfolio is "non-diversified", which means that it invests more of its
assets in a smaller number of issuers than many other funds. Changes in the
value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either
negative or positive, on the Portfolio's net asset value.
The table and bar chart provide an indication of the historical risk of an
investment in the Portfolio.
Performance Information and Bar Chart
PERFORMANCE TABLE
Since
1 Year Inception
------ ---------
Portfolio..................................................... 0.98% 2.15%
Salomon World Government Bond Index (unhedged in U.S. dollars) 1.59% 1.59%
The average annual total returns in the performance table are for periods ended
December 31, 2000. Since Inception return information is from July 16, 1999 for
the Portfolio and July 31, 1999 for the Index.
BAR CHART
91 N/A
92 N/A
93 N/A
94 N/A
95 N/A
96 N/A
97 N/A
98 N/A
99 N/A
00 1.0
You should consider an investment in the Portfolio as a long-term investment.
The Portfolio's returns will fluctuate over long and short periods. For
example, during the period shown in the bar chart, the Portfolio's:
Best quarter was up 4.60%, 4th quarter, 2000; and
Worst quarter was down -2.70%, 3rd quarter, 2000.
5
Growth and Income Portfolio
Objective: The Portfolio's investment objective is to seek reasonable
current income and reasonable opportunity for appreciation through
investments primarily in dividend-paying common stocks of good quality.
Principal Investment Strategies and Risks: The Portfolio invests primarily
in dividend-paying common stocks of large, well-established "blue-chip"
companies. The Portfolio also may invest in fixed-income and convertible
securities and in securities of foreign issuers.
Among the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio are market risk,
interest rate risk, and credit risk. The Portfolio's investments in foreign
securities have foreign risk and currency risk.
The table and bar chart provide an indication of the historical risk of an
investment in the Portfolio.
Performance Information and Bar Chart
PERFORMANCE TABLE
Since
1 Year Inception
------ ---------
Portfolio............... 13.59% 9.59%
Russell 1000 Value Index 7.01% 1.18%
The average annual total returns in the performance table are for periods ended
December 31, 2000. Since Inception return information is from June 1, 1999 for
the Portfolio and June 30, 1999 for the Index.
BAR CHART
90 N/A
91 N/A
92 N/A
93 N/A
94 N/A
95 N/A
96 N/A
97 N/A
98 N/A
99 N/A
00 13.6
You should consider an investment in the Portfolio as a long-term investment.
The Portfolio's returns will fluctuate over long and short periods. For
example, during the period shown in the bar chart, the Portfolio's:
Best quarter was up 5.82%, 3rd quarter, 2000; and
Worst quarter was down - 1.98%, 1st quarter, 2000.
6
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RISKS
The value of your investment in a Portfolio will change with changes in the
values of that Portfolio's investments. Many factors can affect those values.
In this Summary, we describe the principal risks that may affect a Portfolio's
investments as a whole. These risks and the Portfolios particularly subject to
these risks appear in a chart at the end of this section. All Portfolios could
be subject to additional principal risks because the types of investments made
by each Portfolio can change over time. This Prospectus has additional
descriptions of the types of investments that appear in bold type in the
discussions under "Description of Additional Investment Practices" or
"Additional Risk Considerations." These sections also include more information
about the Portfolios, their investments, and related risks.
. Market Risk This is the risk that the value of a Portfolio's investments
will fluctuate as the stock or bond markets fluctuate and that prices
overall will decline over shorter or longer-term periods. All of the
Portfolios are subject to this risk.
. Interest Rate Risk This is the risk that changes in interest rates will
affect the value of a Portfolio's investments in debt securities, such
as bonds, notes, and asset-backed securities, or other income-producing
securities. Debt securities are obligations of the issuer to make
payments of principal and/or interest on future dates. Interest rate
risk is particularly applicable to Portfolios that invest in
fixed-income securities. Increases in interest rates may cause the value
of a Portfolio's investments to decline.
Even Portfolios that invest a substantial portion of their assets in the
highest quality debt securities, including U.S. Government securities,
are subject to interest rate risk.
Interest rate risk is generally greater for Portfolios that invest in
debt securities with longer maturities. The value of these securities is
affected more by changes in interest rates because when interest rates
rise, the maturities of these types of securities tend to lengthen and
the value of the securities decreases more significantly. In addition,
these types of securities are subject to prepayment when interest rates
fall, which generally results in lower returns because the Portfolios
must reinvest their assets in debt securities with lower interest rates.
. Credit Risk This is the risk that the issuer or the guarantor of a debt
security, or the counterparty to a derivatives contract, will be unable
or unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal, or to
otherwise honor its obligations. The degree of risk for a particular
security may be reflected in its credit rating.
Credit risk is greater for Portfolios that invest in debt securities
issued in connection with corporate restructurings by highly leveraged
issuers and in debt securities not current in the payment of interest or
principal or are in default. Portfolios that invest in foreign
securities also are subject to increased credit risk because of the
difficulties of requiring foreign entities, to honor their contractual
commitments, and because a number of foreign governments and other
issuers are already in default.
. Foreign Risk This is the risk of investments in issuers located in
foreign countries. All of the Portfolios that invest in foreign
securities are subject to this risk. Investments in foreign securities
may experience more rapid and extreme changes in value than investments
in securities of U.S. companies. This is because the securities markets
of many foreign countries are relatively small, with a limited number of
companies representing a small number of industries. Additionally,
foreign Securities issuers are not usually subject to the same degree of
regulation as U.S. issuers. Reporting, accounting, and auditing
standards of foreign countries differ, in some cases significantly, from
U.S. standards. Also, nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory
taxation, currency blockage, political changes, or diplomatic
developments could adversely affect a Portfolio's investments in a
foreign country. In the event of nationalization, expropriation, or
other confiscation, a Portfolio could lose its entire investment.
7
. Currency Risk This is the risk that fluctuations in the exchange rates
between the U.S. Dollar and foreign currencies may negatively affect the
value of a Portfolio's investments. Portfolios with foreign investments
are subject to this risk.
. Focused Portfolio Risk Portfolios that invest in a limited number of
companies, may have more risk because changes in the value of a single
security may have a more significant effect, either negative or
positive, on the Portfolio's net asset value. Similarly, a Portfolio may
have more risk if it is "non-diversified" meaning that it can invest
more of its assets in a smaller number of companies than many other
funds.
. Leveraging Risk When the Portfolio borrows money or otherwise leverages
its portfolio, the value of an investment in the Portfolio will be more
volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. The Portfolio
may create leverage by using derivatives.
. Derivatives Risk The Portfolio may use derivatives, which are financial
contracts whose value depends on, or is derived from, the value of an
underlying asset, reference rate, or index. Alliance will sometimes use
derivatives as part of a strategy designed to reduce other risks.
Generally, however, the Portfolio uses derivatives as direct investments
to earn income, enhance yield, and broaden portfolio diversification,
which entail greater risk than if used solely for hedging purposes. In
addition to other risks such as the credit risk of the counterparty,
derivatives involve the risk of difficulties in pricing and valuation
and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not
correlate perfectly with relevant assets, rates, or indices.
. Liquidity Risk Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are
difficult to purchase or sell, possibly preventing the Portfolio from
selling out of these illiquid securities at an advantageous price. The
Portfolio may be subject to greater liquidity risk if it uses
derivatives or invests in securities having substantial interest rate
and credit risk. In addition, liquidity risk tends to increase to the
extent the Portfolio invests in securities whose sale may be restricted
by law or by contract.
. Management Risk Each Portfolio is subject to management risk because it
is an actively managed investment Portfolio. Alliance will apply its
investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions
for the Portfolios, but there can be no guarantee that its decisions
will produce the desired results. In some cases, derivative and other
investment techniques may be unavailable or Alliance may determine not
to use them, possibly even under market conditions where their use could
benefit a Portfolio.
PRINCIPAL RISKS BY PORTFOLIO
The following chart summarizes the principal risks of each Portfolio. Risks not
marked for a particular Portfolio may, however, still apply to some extent to
that Portfolio at various times.
Interest Focused
Market Rate Credit Foreign Currency Portfolio Leveraging Derivative Liquidity Management
PORTFOLIO Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk
--------- ------ -------- ------ ------- -------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Global Bond Portfolio...... X X X X X X X X X X
Growth and Income Portfolio X X X X X X
8
GLOSSARY
This Prospectus uses the following terms.
Types of Securities
Bonds are fixed, floating, and variable rate debt obligations.
Convertible securities are fixed-income securities that are convertible into
common and preferred stock.
Debt securities are bonds, debentures, notes, and bills.
Equity securities include (i) common stocks, partnership interests, business
trust shares and other equity or ownership interests in business enterprises,
and (ii) securities convertible into, and rights and warrants to subscribe for
the purchase of, such stocks, shares and interests.
Fixed-income securities are debt securities and preferred stocks, including
floating rate and variable rate instruments.
Foreign government securities are securities issued or guaranteed, as to
payment of principal and interest, by foreign governments, quasi-governmental
entities, or governmental agencies or other entities.
Qualifying bank deposits are certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, and
interest-bearing savings deposits of banks that have total assets of more than
$1 billion and are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Rule 144A securities are securities that may be resold under Rule 144A of the
Securities Act.
U.S. Government securities are securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
Rating Agencies, Rated Securities and Indexes
Fitch is Fitch, Inc., the international rating agency formed through the merger
of Fitch IBCA, Inc. and Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co.
Moody's is Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Prime commercial paper is commercial paper rated Prime 1 by Moody's or A-1 or
higher by S&P or, if not rated, issued by companies that have an outstanding
debt issue rated Aa or higher by Moody's or AA or higher by S&P.
S&P is Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.
S&P 500 Index is S&P's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, a widely recognized
unmanaged index of market activity.
Other
1940 Act is the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Code is the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
9
Commission is the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Exchange is the New York Stock Exchange.
Securities Act is the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
World Bank is the commonly used name for the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development.
10
DESCRIPTION OF THE PORTFOLIOS
This section of the Prospectus provides a more complete description of each
Portfolio's investment objectives, principal strategies and risks. Of course,
there can be no assurance that any Portfolio will achieve its investment
objective.
Please note that:
. Additional discussion of the Portfolios' investments, including the
risks of the investments, can be found in the discussion under
Description of Additional Investment Practices following this section.
. The description of the principal risks for a Portfolio may include risks
described in the Summary of Principal Risks above. Additional
information about the risks of investing in the Portfolios can be found
in the discussion under Additional Risk Considerations.
. Additional descriptions of each Portfolio's strategies, investments and
risks can be found in the Portfolio's Statement of Additional
Information or SAI.
. Except as noted, (i) the Portfolio's investment objectives are
"fundamental" and cannot be changed without a shareholder vote, and (ii)
the Portfolio's investment policies are not fundamental and thus can be
changed without a shareholder vote. Where an investment policy or
restriction has a percentage limitation, such limitation is applied at
the time of investment. Changes in the market value of securities in a
Portfolio's investments after they are purchased by the Portfolio will
not cause the Portfolio to be in violation of such limitation.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL POLICIES
Global Bond Portfolio
The Portfolio's investment objective is to seek a high level of return from a
combination of current income and capital appreciation by investing in a
globally diversified portfolio of high-quality debt securities denominated in
the U.S. Dollar and a range of foreign currencies. The Portfolio normally
invests approximately 25% of its total assets in U.S. Dollar-denominated debt
securities. The average weighted maturity of the Portfolio's investments in
fixed-income securities is expected to vary between one year or less and 10
years.
In the past, debt securities offered by certain foreign governments have
provided higher investment returns than U.S. government debt securities. The
relative performance of various countries' fixed-income markets historically
has reflected wide variations relating to the unique characteristics of each
country's economy. Year-to-year fluctuations in certain markets have been
significant, and negative returns have been experienced in various markets from
time to time. Alliance believes that investment in a composite of foreign
fixed-income markets and in the U.S. government and corporate bond market is
less risky than a portfolio invested exclusively in foreign debt securities,
and provides investors with more opportunities for attractive total return than
a portfolio invested exclusively in U.S. debt securities.
The Portfolio invests only in securities of issuers in countries whose
governments are deemed stable by Alliance. Its determination that a particular
country should be considered stable depends on its evaluation of political and
economic developments affecting the country as well as recent experience in the
markets for foreign government securities of the country. Alliance does not
believe that the credit risk inherent in the obligations of stable foreign
governments is significantly greater than that of U.S. government debt
securities.
The Portfolio intends to spread investment risk among the capital markets of a
number of countries and will invest in securities of the governments of, and
companies based in, at least three, and normally considerably more, of these
countries. The percentage of the Portfolio's assets invested in the debt
securities of the government of, or a company based in, a particular country or
denominated in a particular currency varies
11
depending on the relative yields of the securities, the economies of the
countries in which the investments are made and the countries' financial
markets, the interest rate climate of these countries and the relationship of
the countries' currencies to the U.S. Dollar. Currency is judged on the basis
of fundamental economic criteria (e.g., relative inflation levels and trends,
growth rate forecasts, balance of payments status, and economic policies) as
well as technical and political data.
The Portfolio expects to engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio
securities to achieve its principal investment strategies. A higher rate of
portfolio turnover increases brokerage and other transaction expenses, which
may negatively affect the Portfolio's performance.
The Portfolio seeks to minimize investment risk by limiting its portfolio
investments to high-quality debt securities and invests in:
. U.S. Government securities;
. foreign government or supranational organization debt securities;
. corporate debt obligations; and
. commercial paper of banks and bank holding companies.
The Portfolio expects to invest in debt securities denominated in the Euro. The
Portfolio also may engage in certain hedging strategies, including the purchase
and sale of forward foreign currency exchange contracts and other hedging
techniques.
The Portfolio also may:
. invest in futures contracts and options on futures contracts;
. make loans of portfolio securities of up to 20% of its assets; and
. invest up to 10% of its total assets in illiquid securities.
Growth and Income Portfolio
The Portfolio's investment objective is to seek reasonable current income and
reasonable opportunity for appreciation through investments primarily in
dividend-paying common stocks of good quality. The Portfolio also may invest in
fixed-income securities and convertible securities.
The Portfolio also may try to realize income by writing covered call options
listed on domestic securities exchanges. The Portfolio also invests in foreign
securities. Since the purchase of foreign securities entails certain political
and economic risks, the Portfolio restricts its investments in these securities
to issues of high quality.
The Portfolio also may:
. purchase and sell financial forward and futures contracts and options on
these securities for hedging purposes;
. make loans of portfolio securities up to 30% of its assets; and
. invest up to 10% of its total assets in illiquid securities.
12
DESCRIPTION OF ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES
This section describes the Portfolios' investment practices and associated
risks. Unless otherwise noted, a Portfolio's use of any of these practices was
specified in the previous section.
Derivatives. The Portfolios may use derivatives to achieve their investment
objectives. Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on, or is
derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index. These
assets, rates, and indices may include bonds, stocks, mortgages, commodities,
interest rates, currency exchange rates, bond indices, and stock indices.
Derivatives can be used to earn income or protect against risk, or both. For
example, one party with unwanted risk may agree to pass that risk to another
party who is willing to accept the risk, the second party being motivated, for
example, by the desire either to earn income in the form of a fee or premium
from the first party, or to reduce its own unwanted risk by attempting to pass
all or part of that risk to the first party.
Derivatives can be used by investors such as the Portfolios to earn income and
enhance returns, to hedge or adjust the risk profile of a portfolio, and either
to replace more traditional direct investments or to obtain exposure to
otherwise inaccessible markets. Each of the Portfolios is permitted to use
derivatives for one or more of these purposes, although most of the Portfolios
generally use derivatives primarily as direct investments in order to enhance
yields and broaden portfolio diversification. Each of these uses entails
greater risk than if derivatives were used solely for hedging purposes.
Derivatives are a valuable tool, which, when used properly, can provide
significant benefits to Portfolio shareholders. A Portfolio may take a
significant position in those derivatives that are within its investment
policies if, in Alliance's judgment, this represents the most effective
response to current or anticipated market conditions. Certain Portfolios will
generally make extensive use of carefully selected forwards and other
derivatives to achieve the currency hedging that is an integral part of their
investment strategy. Alliance's use of derivatives is subject to continuous
risk assessment and control from the standpoint of each Portfolio's investment
objectives and policies.
Derivatives may be (i) standardized, exchange-traded contracts or (ii)
customized, privately-negotiated contracts. Exchange-traded derivatives tend to
be more liquid and subject to less credit risk than those that are privately
negotiated.
There are four principal types of derivative instruments--options, futures,
forwards, and swaps--from which virtually any type of derivative transaction
can be created.
. Options--An option, which may be standardized and exchange-traded, or
customized and privately negotiated, is an agreement that, for a premium
payment or fee, gives the option holder (the buyer) the right but not
the obligation to buy or sell the underlying asset (or settle for cash
an amount based on an underlying asset, rate or index) at a specified
price (the exercise price) during a period of time or on a specified
date. A call option entitles the holder to purchase, and a put option
entitles the holder to sell, the underlying asset (or settle for cash an
amount based on an underlying asset, rate or index). Likewise, when an
option is exercised the writer of the option is obligated to sell (in
the case of a call option) or to purchase (in the case of a put option)
the underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount based on an
underlying asset, rate or index).
. Futures--A futures contract is an agreement that obligates the buyer to
buy and the seller to sell a specified quantity of an underlying asset
(or settle for cash the value of a contract based on an underlying
asset, rate or index) at a specific price on the contract maturity date.
Futures contracts are standardized, exchange-traded instruments and are
fungible (i.e., considered to be perfect substitutes for each other).
This fungibility allows futures contracts to be readily offset or
cancelled through the acquisition of equal but opposite positions, which
is the primary method in which futures contracts are liquidated. A
cash-settled futures contract does not require physical delivery of the
underlying asset but instead is settled for cash equal to the difference
between the values of the contract on the date it is entered into and
its maturity date.
13
. Forwards--A forward contract is an obligation by one party to buy, and
the other party to sell, a specific quantity of an underlying commodity
or other tangible asset for an agreed upon price at a future date.
Forward contracts are customized, privately negotiated agreements
designed to satisfy the objectives of each party. A forward contract
usually results in the delivery of the underlying asset upon maturity of
the contract in return for the agreed upon payment.
. Swaps--A swap is a customized, privately negotiated agreement that
obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified
intervals (payment dates) based upon or calculated by reference to
changes in specified prices or rates (interest rates in the case of
interest rate swaps, currency exchange rates in the case of currency
swaps) for a specified amount of an underlying asset (the "notional"
principal amount). The payment flows are netted against each other, with
the difference being paid by one party to the other. Except for currency
swaps, the notional principal amount is used solely to calculate the
payment streams but is not exchanged. With respect to currency swaps,
actual principal amounts of currencies may be exchanged by the
counterparties at the initiation, and again upon the termination, of the
transaction.
Debt instruments that incorporate one or more of these building blocks for the
purpose of determining the principal amount of and/or rate of interest payable
on the debt instruments are often referred to as "structured securities." An
example of this type of structured security is indexed commercial paper. The
term is also used to describe certain securities issued in connection with the
restructuring of certain foreign obligations. The term "derivative" also is
sometimes used to describe securities involving rights to a portion of the cash
flows from an underlying pool of mortgages or other assets from which payments
are passed through to the owner of, or that collateralize, the securities.
While the judicious use of derivatives by highly-experienced investment
managers such as Alliance can be quite beneficial, derivatives involve risks
different from, and, in certain cases, greater than, the risks presented by
more traditional investments. The following is a general discussion of
important risk factors and issues relating to the use of derivatives that
investors should understand before investing in a Portfolio.
. Market Risk--This is the general risk of all investments that the value
of a particular investment will change in a way detrimental to the
Portfolio's interest based on changes in the bond market generally.
. Management Risk--Derivative products are highly specialized instruments
that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from
those associated with stocks and bonds. The use of a derivative requires
an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the
derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of
the derivative under all possible market conditions. In particular, the
use and complexity of derivatives require the maintenance of adequate
controls to monitor the transactions entered into, the ability to assess
the risk that a derivative adds to a Portfolio, and the ability to
forecast price, interest rate, or currency exchange rate movements
correctly.
. Credit Risk--This is the risk that a loss may be sustained by a
Portfolio as a result of the failure of a derivative counterparty to
comply with the terms of the derivative contract. The credit risk for
exchange-traded derivatives is generally less than for privately
negotiated derivatives, since the clearing house, which is the issuer or
counterparty to each exchange-traded derivative, provides a guarantee of
performance. This guarantee is supported by a daily payment system
(i.e., margin requirements) operated by the clearing house in order to
reduce overall credit risk. For privately negotiated derivatives, there
is no similar clearing agency guarantee. Therefore, the Portfolios
consider the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a privately
negotiated derivative in evaluating potential credit risk.
. Liquidity Risk--Liquidity risk exists when a particular instrument is
difficult to purchase or sell. If a derivative transaction is
particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid (as is the case
with many privately negotiated derivatives), it may not be possible to
initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous price.
14
. Leverage Risk--Since many derivatives have a leverage component, adverse
changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, rate or index can
result in a loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the
derivative itself. In the case of swaps, the risk of loss generally is
related to a notional principal amount, even if the parties have not
made any initial investment. Certain derivatives have the potential for
unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.
. Other Risks--Other risks in using derivatives include the risk of
mispricing or improper valuation of derivatives and the inability of
derivatives to correlate perfectly with underlying assets, rates and
indices. Many derivatives, in particular privately negotiated
derivatives, are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper
valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to
counterparties or a loss of value to a Portfolio. Derivatives do not
always perfectly or even highly correlate or track the value of the
assets, rates or indices they are designed to closely track.
Consequently, a Portfolio's use of derivatives may not always be an
effective means of, and sometimes could be counterproductive to,
furthering the Portfolio's investment objective.
Derivatives Used by the Portfolios. The following describes specific
derivatives that one or more of the Portfolios may use.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. A Portfolio may purchase or sell
forward foreign currency exchange contracts ("forward contracts") to minimize
the risk from adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. Dollar and
other currencies. A Portfolio may enter into a forward contract, for example,
when it enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security
denominated in a foreign currency in order to "lock in" the U.S. Dollar price
of the security (a "transaction hedge"). When the Portfolio believes that a
foreign currency may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. Dollar, it
may enter into a forward sale contract to sell an amount of that foreign
currency approximating the value of some or all of the Portfolio's securities
denominated in such foreign currency, or when the Portfolio believes that the
U.S. Dollar may suffer a substantial decline against a foreign currency, it may
enter into a forward purchase contract to buy that foreign currency for a fixed
dollar amount (a "position hedge"). Instead of entering into a position hedge,
the Portfolio may, in the alternative, enter into a forward contract to sell a
different foreign currency for a fixed U.S. Dollar amount where the Portfolio
believes that the U.S. Dollar value of the currency to be sold pursuant to the
forward contract will fall whenever there is a decline in the U.S. Dollar value
of the currency in which portfolio securities of the Portfolio are denominated
(a "cross-hedge").
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. A Portfolio may buy and
sell futures contracts on fixed-income or other securities or foreign
currencies, and contracts based on interest rates or financial indices,
including any index of U.S. Government securities, foreign government
securities or corporate debt securities.
Options on futures contracts are options that call for the delivery of futures
contracts upon exercise. Options on futures contracts written or purchased by a
Portfolio will be traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges and will be used only for
hedging purposes.
Options on Securities. In purchasing an option on securities, a Portfolio would
be in a position to realize a gain if, during the option period, the price of
the underlying securities increased (in the case of a call) or decreased (in
the case of a put) by an amount in excess of the premium paid; otherwise the
Portfolio would experience a loss not greater than the premium paid for the
option. Thus, a Portfolio would realize a loss if the price of the underlying
security declined or remained the same (in the case of a call) or increased or
remained the same (in the case of a put) or otherwise did not increase (in the
case of a put) or decrease (in the case of a call) by more than the amount of
the premium. If a put or call option purchased by a Portfolio were permitted to
expire without being sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to
the Portfolio.
A Portfolio may write a put or call option in return for a premium, which is
retained by the Portfolio whether or not the option is exercised. Except with
respect to uncovered call options written for cross-hedging purposes, none of
the Portfolios will write uncovered call or put options on securities. A call
option written by a Portfolio is "covered" if the Portfolio owns the underlying
security, has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security upon
conversion or exchange of another security it holds, or holds a call option on
the underlying
15
security with an exercise price equal to or less than that of the call option
it has written. A put option written by a Portfolio is covered if the Portfolio
holds a put option on the underlying securities with an exercise price equal to
or greater than that of the put option it has written.
The risk involved in writing an uncovered call option is that there could be an
increase in the market value of the underlying security, and a Portfolio could
be obligated to acquire the underlying security at its current price and sell
it at a lower price. The risk of loss from writing an uncovered put option is
limited to the exercise price of the option.
A Portfolio may write a call option on a security that it does not own in order
to hedge against a decline in the value of a security that it owns or has the
right to acquire, a technique referred to as "cross-hedging." A Portfolio would
write a call option for cross-hedging purposes, instead of writing a covered
call option, when the premium to be received from the cross-hedge transaction
exceeds that to be received from writing a covered call option, while at the
same time achieving the desired hedge. The correlation risk involved in
cross-hedging may be greater than the correlation risk involved with other
hedging strategies.
Some of the Portfolios generally purchase or write privately negotiated options
on securities. A Portfolio that does so will effect such transactions only with
investment dealers and other financial institutions (such as commercial banks
or savings and loan institutions) deemed creditworthy by Alliance. Privately
negotiated options purchased or written by a Portfolio may be illiquid and it
may not be possible for the Portfolio to effect a closing transaction at an
advantageous time.
Convertible Securities. Prior to conversion, convertible securities have the
same general characteristics as non-convertible debt securities, which provide
a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of equity
securities of the same or similar issuers. The price of a convertible security
will normally vary with changes in the price of the underlying equity security,
although the higher yield tends to make the convertible security less volatile
than the underlying equity security. As with debt securities, the market value
of convertible securities tends to decrease as interest rates rise and increase
as interest rates decline. While convertible securities generally offer lower
interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar
quality, they enable investors to benefit from increases in the market price of
the underlying common stock. Convertible debt securities that are rated Baa or
lower by Moody's or BBB or lower by S&P or Fitch and comparable unrated
securities may share some or all of the risks of debt securities with those
ratings.
Depositary Receipts and Securities of Supranational Entities. Depositary
receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the
underlying securities into which they may be converted. In addition, the
issuers of the stock of unsponsored depositary receipts are not obligated to
disclose material information in the United States and, therefore, there may
not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the
depositary receipts. ADRs are depositary receipts typically issued by a U.S.
bank or trust company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued
by a foreign corporation. GDRs and other types of depositary receipts are
typically issued by foreign banks or trust companies and evidence ownership of
underlying securities issued by either a foreign or U.S. company. Generally,
depositary receipts in registered form are designed for use in the U.S.
securities markets, and depositary receipts in bearer form are designed for use
in foreign securities markets. For purposes of determining the country of
issuance, investments in depositary receipts of either type are deemed to be
investments in the underlying securities.
A supranational entity is an entity designated or supported by the national
government of one or more countries to promote economic reconstruction or
development. Examples of supranational entities include, among others, the
World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) and the
European Investment Bank. "Semi-governmental securities" are securities issued
by entities owned by either a national, state, or equivalent government or are
obligations of one of such government jurisdictions that are not backed by its
full faith and credit and general taxing powers.
Illiquid Securities. Illiquid securities generally include (i) direct
placements or other securities that are subject to legal or contractual
restrictions on resale or for which there is no readily available market (e.g.,
when trading
16
in the security is suspended or, in the case of unlisted securities, when
market makers do not exist or will not entertain bids or offers), including
many currency swaps and any assets used to cover currency swaps, (ii) over the
counter options and assets used to cover over the counter options, and (iii)
repurchase agreements not terminable within seven days.
A Portfolio that invests in illiquid securities may not be able to sell such
securities and may not be able to realize their full value upon sale. Alliance
will monitor each Portfolio's investments in illiquid securities. Rule 144A
securities will not be treated as "illiquid" for the purposes of the limit on
investments so long as the securities meet liquidity guidelines established by
the Board of Directors.
Loans of Portfolio Securities. A Portfolio may make secured loans of portfolio
securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions, provided that cash,
liquid high-grade debt securities or bank letters of credit equal to at least
100% of the market value of the securities loaned is deposited and maintained
by the borrower with the Portfolio. A principal risk in lending portfolio
securities, as with other collateralized extensions of credit, consists of
possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially.
In addition, the Portfolio will be exposed to the risk that the sale of any
collateral realized upon a borrower's default will not yield proceeds
sufficient to replace the loaned securities.
In determining whether to lend securities to a particular borrower, Alliance
will consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including the
creditworthiness of the borrower. While securities are on loan, the borrower
will pay the Portfolio any income earned from the securities. A Portfolio may
invest any cash collateral directly or indirectly in short-term, high-quality
debt instruments and earn additional income or receive an agreed-upon amount of
income from a borrower who has delivered equivalent collateral. Any such
investment of cash collateral will be subject to the Portfolio's investment
risks. The Portfolio will have the right to regain record ownership of loaned
securities to exercise beneficial rights such as voting rights, subscription
rights, and rights to dividends, interest or distributions. The Portfolio may
pay reasonable finders', administrative, and custodial fees in connection with
a loan.
Variable, Floating and Inverse Floating Rate Instruments. Fixed-income
securities may have fixed, variable or floating rates of interest. Variable and
floating rate securities pay interest at rates that are adjusted periodically,
according to a specified formula. A "variable" interest rate adjusts at
predetermined intervals (e.g., daily, weekly or monthly), while a "floating"
interest rate adjusts whenever a specified benchmark rate (such as the bank
prime lending rate) changes.
A Portfolio may invest in fixed-income securities that pay interest at a coupon
rate equal to a base rate, plus additional interest for a certain period of
time if short-term interest rates rise above a predetermined level or "cap."
The amount of such an additional interest payment typically is calculated under
a formula based on a short-term interest rate index multiplied by a designated
factor.
Leveraged inverse floating rate debt instruments are sometimes known as
"inverse floaters." The interest rate on an inverse floater resets in the
opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse
floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the
extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude
of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher degree of leverage
inherent in inverse floaters is associated with greater volatility in market
value, such that, during periods of rising interest rates, the market values of
inverse floaters will tend to decrease more rapidly than those of fixed rate
securities.
Future Developments. A Portfolio may, following written notice to its
shareholders, take advantage of other investment practices that are not
currently contemplated for use by the Portfolio, or are not available but may
yet be developed, to the extent such investment practices are consistent with
the Portfolio's investment objective and
17
legally permissible for the Portfolio. Such investment practices, if they
arise, may involve risks that are different from or exceed those involved in
the practices described above.
Portfolio Turnover. The portfolio turnover rate for each Portfolio is included
in the Financial Highlights section. Generally, the Portfolios are actively
managed and a Portfolio's turnover may exceed 100%, in some cases in response
to market condition or as otherwise described with respect to a specific
Portfolio. A higher rate of portfolio turnover increases brokerage and other
transaction expenses, which must be borne by the Portfolio and its
shareholders.
Temporary Defensive Position. For temporary defensive purposes, each Portfolio
may invest in certain types of short-term, liquid, high-grade or high-quality
(depending on the Portfolio) debt securities. These securities may include U.S.
Government securities, qualifying bank deposits, money market instruments,
prime commercial paper and other types of short-term debt securities, including
notes and bonds. For Portfolios that may invest in foreign countries, such
securities may also include short-term, foreign-currency denominated securities
of the type mentioned above issued by foreign governmental entities, companies
and supranational organizations. While the Portfolios are investing for
temporary defensive purposes, they may not meet their investment objective.
ADDITIONAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS
Investment in certain of the Portfolios involves the special risk
considerations described below. Certain of these risks may be heightened when
investing in emerging markets.
Currency Considerations. Those Portfolios that invest some portion of their
assets in securities denominated in, and receive revenues in, foreign
currencies will be adversely affected by reductions in the value of those
currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar. These changes will affect a Portfolio's
net assets, distributions and income. If the value of the foreign currencies in
which a Portfolio receives income falls relative to the U.S. Dollar between
receipt of the income and the making of Portfolio distributions, a Portfolio
may be required to liquidate securities in order to make distributions if the
Portfolio has insufficient cash in U.S. Dollars to meet the distribution
requirements that the Portfolio must satisfy to qualify as a regulated
investment company for federal income tax purposes. Similarly, if an exchange
rate declines between the time a Portfolio incurs expenses in U.S. Dollars and
the time cash expenses are paid, the amount of the currency required to be
converted into U.S. Dollars in order to pay expenses in U.S. Dollars could be
greater than the equivalent amount of such expenses in the currency at the time
they were incurred. In light of these risks, a Portfolio may engage in certain
currency hedging transactions, as described above, which involve certain
special risks.
Fixed-Income Securities. The value of each Portfolio's shares will fluctuate
with the value of its investments. The value of each Portfolio's investments
will change as the general level of interest rates fluctuates. During periods
of falling interest rates, the values of a Portfolio's securities will
generally rise, although if falling interest rates are viewed as a precursor to
a recession, the values of a Portfolio's securities may fall along with
interest rates. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the values
of a Portfolio's securities will generally decline. Changes in interest rates
have a greater effect on fixed-income securities with longer maturities and
durations than those with shorter maturities and durations.
In seeking to achieve a Portfolio's investment objective, there will be times,
such as during periods of rising interest rates, when depreciation and
realization of capital losses on securities in a Portfolio will be unavoidable.
Moreover, medium- and lower-rated securities and non-rated securities of
comparable quality may be subject to wider fluctuations in yield and market
values than higher-rated securities under certain market conditions. Such
fluctuations after a security is acquired do not affect the cash income
received from that security but will be reflected in the net asset value of a
Portfolio.
Foreign Securities. The securities markets of many foreign countries are
relatively small, with the majority of market capitalization and trading volume
concentrated in a limited number of companies representing a small number of
industries. Consequently, a Portfolio that invests in foreign securities,
including foreign fixed-income
18
securities, may experience greater price volatility and significantly lower
liquidity than a portfolio invested solely in securities of U.S. companies.
These markets may be subject to greater influence by adverse events generally
affecting the market, and by large investors trading significant blocks of
securities, than is usual in the United States.
Securities registration, custody and settlements may in some instances be
subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. Furthermore,
foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is
restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may
at times limit or preclude investment in certain securities and may increase
the cost and expenses of a Portfolio. In addition, the repatriation of
investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities from certain
of the countries is controlled under regulations, including in some cases the
need for certain advance government notification or authority, and if a
deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country could
impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances.
A Portfolio also could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to
grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the
application to it of other restrictions on investment. Investing in local
markets may require a Portfolio to adopt special procedures or seek local
governmental approvals or other actions, any of which may involve additional
costs to a Portfolio. These factors may affect the liquidity of a Portfolio's
investments in any country and Alliance will monitor the effect of any such
factor or factors on a Portfolio's investments. Furthermore, transaction costs
including brokerage commissions for transactions both on and off the securities
exchanges in many foreign countries are generally higher than in the U.S.
Issuers of securities in foreign jurisdictions are generally not subject to the
same degree of regulation as are U.S. issuers with respect to such matters as
insider trading rules, restrictions on market manipulation, shareholder proxy
requirements, and timely disclosure of information. The reporting, accounting,
and auditing standards of foreign countries may differ, in some cases
significantly, from U.S. standards in important respects, and less information
may be available to investors in foreign securities than to investors in U.S.
securities. Substantially less information is publicly available about certain
non-U.S. issuers than is available about most U.S. issuers.
The economies of individual foreign countries may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic
product or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment,
resource self-sufficiency, and balance of payments position. Nationalization,
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage, political changes,
government regulation, political or social instability, or diplomatic
developments could affect adversely the economy of a foreign country. In the
event of nationalization, expropriation or other confiscation, a Portfolio
could lose its entire investment in securities in the country involved. In
addition, laws in foreign countries governing business organizations,
bankruptcy and insolvency may provide less protection to security holders such
as the Portfolio than that provided by U.S. laws.
U.S. and Foreign Taxes. A Portfolio's investment in foreign securities may be
subject to taxes withheld at the source on dividend or interest payments.
Foreign taxes paid by a Portfolio may be creditable or deductible by U.S.
shareholders for U.S. income tax purposes. No assurance can be given that
applicable tax laws and interpretations will not change in the future.
Moreover, non-U.S. investors may not be able to credit or deduct such foreign
taxes.
19
MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Investment Adviser
Each Portfolio's Adviser is Alliance Capital Management, L.P., 1345 Avenue of
the Americas, New York, New York 10105. Alliance is a leading international
investment manager supervising client accounts with assets as of December 31,
2000, totaling more than $454 billion (of which more than $175 billion
represented the assets of investment companies). As of December 31, 2000,
Alliance managed retirement assets for many of the largest public and private
employee benefit plans (including 43 of the nation's FORTUNE 100 companies),
for public employee retirement funds in 41 states, for investment companies and
for foundations, endowments, banks and insurance companies worldwide. The 50
registered investment companies managed by Alliance, comprising 139 separate
portfolios, currently have more than 6.5 million shareholder accounts.
Alliance provides investment advisory services and order placement facilities
for the Portfolios. For these advisory services, for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2000 the Portfolios paid Alliance as a percentage of average net
assets:
Fee as a
percentage of
average
Portfolio net assets *
--------- -------------
Global Bond Portfolio...... .65%
Growth and Income Portfolio .63%
--------
* Fees are stated net of waivers and/or reimbursements in effect during the
Portfolio's fiscal year ended December 31, 2000.
Portfolio Managers
The following table lists the person or persons who are primarily responsible
for the day-to-day management of each Portfolio, the length of time that each
person has been primarily responsible for the Portfolio, and each person's
principal occupation during the past five years.
Employee; Time Period; Principal Occupation During
Portfolio Title With ACMC The Past Five Years
--------- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------
Global Bond Portfolio Douglas J. Peebles; since +
inception; Senior Vice President of
Alliance Capital Management
Corporation (ACMC)++
Growth and Income Frank Caruso; since 2001; Senior +
Portfolio Vice President of ACMC
Paul C. Rissman; since +
inception; Senior Vice President
of ACMC
--------
+ Unless indicated otherwise, persons associated with Alliance have been
employed in a substantially similar capacity to their current position.
++ The sole general partner of Alliance.
20
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES
How The Portfolios Value Their Shares
The Portfolios' net asset value or NAV is calculated at 4:00 p.m., Eastern
time, each day the Exchange is open for business. To calculate NAV, a
Portfolio's assets are valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the
balance, called net assets, is divided by the number of shares outstanding. The
Portfolios value their securities at their current market value determined on
the basis of market quotations or, if such quotations are not readily
available, such other methods as the Portfolios' Directors believe accurately
reflect fair market value. Some of the Portfolios invest in securities that are
primarily listed on foreign exchanges and trade on weekends or other days when
the fund does not price its shares. These Portfolios' NAVs may change on days
when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Portfolios'
shares.
Your order for purchase or sale of shares is priced at the next NAV calculated
after your order is received by the Portfolio.
How To Purchase and Sell Shares
The Portfolios offer their shares through the separate accounts of life
insurance companies. You may only purchase and sell shares through these
separate accounts. See the prospectus of the separate account of the
participating insurance company for information on the purchase and sale of the
Portfolios' shares.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The Portfolios declare dividends on their shares at least annually. The income
and capital gains distribution will be made in shares of each Portfolio.
See the prospectus of the separate account of the participating insurance
company for federal income tax information.
Investment income received by a Portfolio from sources within foreign countries
may be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source. Provided that
certain code requirements are met, a Portfolio may "pass-through" to its
shareholders credits or deductions to foreign income taxes paid.
DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS
This Prospectus offers Class B shares of the Portfolios. The Class B shares
have an asset-based sales charge or Rule 12b-1 fee. Each Portfolio has adopted
a plan under Commission Rule 12b-1 that allows the Portfolio to pay asset-based
sales charges or distribution fees for the distribution and sale of its shares.
The amount of these fees for the Class B shares as a percentage of average
daily net assets is 0.25%. Because these fees are paid out of a Portfolio's
assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of
your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales fees.
21
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the financial
performance of the Fund's Class B shares. For a Portfolio that had Class B
shares outstanding during the Fund's fiscal year ending December 31, 2000, the
information reflects the financial results of the Portfolio's Class B shares
for the period then ended. The total returns in the table represent the rate
than an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Class B
shares of the Portfolio (assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions).
The information has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent
auditors, whose report, along with each Portfolio's financial statements, is
included in each Portfolio's annual report, which is available upon request.
Global Bond Portfolio
July 16, 1999(a)
Year Ended to
December 31, December 31,
2000 1999
------------ ----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period....................................... $11.23 $10.98
------ ------
Income From Investment Operations
Net investment income(d)(e)................................................ .41 .21
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency
transactions............................................................. (.31) .04
------ ------
Net increase in net asset value from operations............................ .10 .25
------ ------
Less: Dividends
Dividends from net investment income....................................... (.41) -0-
------ ------
Net asset value, end of period............................................. $10.92 $11.23
------ ------
Total Return
Total investment return based on net asset value(b)........................ .98% 2.18%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted).................................. $6,145 $1,770
Ratios to average net assets of:
Expenses, net of waivers and reimbursements............................. 1.31% 1.20%(c)
Expenses, before waivers and reimbursements............................. 1.35% 1.34%(c)
Net investment income(e)................................................... 3.82% 3.96%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate.................................................... 372% 183%
--------
See footnotes on page 23.
22
Growth and Income Portfolio
July 14, 1999(a)
Year Ended to
December 31, December 31,
2000 1999
------------ ----------------
Net asset value, beginning of period.............................. $ 40.40 $ 35.72
-------- -------
Income From Investment Operations
Net investment loss(d)............................................ (.18) (.07)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions (6.18) 4.75
-------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations........ (6.36) 4.68
-------- -------
Less: Distributions
Distributions from net realized gains............................. (2.11) -0-
-------- -------
Net asset value, end of period.................................... $ 31.93 $ 40.40
======== =======
Total Return
Total investment return based on net asset value(b)............... (16.78)% 13.10%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)......................... $366,104 $27,124
Ratios to average net assets of:
Expenses....................................................... 1.30% 1.29%(c)
Net investment loss............................................ (.51)% (.53)%(c)
Portfolio turnover rate........................................... 41% 26%
--------
Footnotes:
(a)Commencement of distribution.
(b)Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at
the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and
redemption on the last day of the period. Total investment return calculated
for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(c)Annualized.
(d)Based on average shares outstanding.
(e)Net of expenses reimbursed or waived by Alliance.
23
APPENDIX A
BOND RATINGS
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Aaa--Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry
the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair
the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa--Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high
grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than the Aaa
securities.
A--Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.
Baa--Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba--Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B--Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa--Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca--Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
C--Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
Absence of Rating--When no rating has been assigned or where a rating has been
suspended or withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of the
issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:
1. An application for rating was not received or accepted.
2. The issue or issuer belongs to a group of securities or companies that
are unrated as a matter of policy.
3. There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or issuer.
4. The issue was privately placed, in which case the rating is not published
in Moody's publications.
24
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if: new and material circumstances arise,
the effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; there is no longer
available reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; or a
bond is called for redemption; or for other reasons.
Note--Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier
3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services
AAA--Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA--Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
A--Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB--Debt rated BBB normally exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead
to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this
category than in higher rated categories.
BB, B, CCC, CC, C--Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC or C is regarded as having
significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the lowest degree of
speculation and C the highest. While such debt will likely have some quality
and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or
major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB--Debt rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative debt.
However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business,
financial or economic conditions which could lead to an inadequate capacity to
pay interest and repay principal.
B--Debt rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than debt rated BB, but there
is capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Adverse business, financial or
economic conditions will likely impair the capacity or willingness to pay
principal or repay interest.
CCC--Debt rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent
upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions to pay interest and
repay principal. In the event of adverse business, financial or economic
conditions, there is not likely to be capacity to pay interest or repay
principal.
CC--Debt rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C--The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition
has been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments are being
continued.
D--The D rating, unlike other ratings, is not prospective; rather, it is used
only where a default has actually occurred.
Plus (+) or Minus (-)--The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
NR--Not rated.
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Fitch, Inc.
AAA--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit quality.
The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and repay
principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
AA--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated in the AAA
and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future
developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated F- 1+.
A--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions
and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds,
and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these
bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher
ratings.
BB--Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However,
business and financial alternatives can be identified which could assist the
obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B--Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued
timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin
of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout
the life of the issue.
CCC--Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied,
may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous
business and economic environment.
CC--Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
C--Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, D--Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments. Such
bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their
ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. DDD
represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and D represents
the lowest potential for recovery.
Plus (+) Minus (-)--Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and
minus signs, however, are not used in the AAA, DDD, DD or D categories.
NR--Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
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For more information about the Portfolios, the following documents are
available upon request:
Annual/Semi-annual Reports to Shareholders
The Portfolios' annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders contain
additional information on the Portfolios' investments. In the annual report,
you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies
that significantly affected a Portfolio's performance during its last fiscal
year.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
The Portfolios have an SAI, which contains more detailed information about the
Portfolios, including their operations and investment policies. The Portfolios'
SAI is incorporated by reference into (and is legally part of) this Prospectus.
You may request a free copy of the current annual/semi-annual report or the
SAI, or make shareholder inquiries of the Portfolios, by contacting your broker
or other financial intermediary, or by contacting Alliance:
By mail: c/o Alliance Global Investor Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, NJ 07096-1520
By phone: For Information: (800) 221-5672
For Literature: (800) 227-4618
Or you may view or obtain these documents from the Commission:
. Call the Commission at 1-202-942-8090 for information on the operation
of the Public Reference Room.
. Reports and other information about the Portfolios are available on the
EDGAR Database on the Commission's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
. Copies of the information may be obtained, after paying a fee, by
electronic request at publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the Commission's
Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102.
You also may find more information about Alliance and the Portfolios on the
internet at: www.Alliancecapital.com.
File No: 811-05398
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