N-CSRS 1 d173996dncsrs.htm AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC. AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-05398

 

 

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

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

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

Joseph J. Mantineo

Alliance Bernstein L.P.

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10105

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

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

Date of fiscal year end: December 31, 2021

Date of reporting period: June 30, 2021

 

 

 


ITEM 1.

REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.


JUN    06.30.21

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO

 

As of May 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, you may not be receiving paper copies of the Portfolio’s shareholder reports from the insurance company that offers your contract unless you specifically requested paper copies from the insurance company or from your financial intermediary. Instead of delivering paper copies of the reports, the insurance company may choose to make the reports available on a website, and will notify you by mail each time a report is posted and provide you with a website link to access the report. Instructions for requesting paper copies will be provided by your insurance company.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge from the insurance company. You can inform the insurance company or your financial intermediary that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by following the instructions provided by the insurance company or by contacting your financial intermediary. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all portfolio companies available under your contract with the insurance company.


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

     Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2021
    Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2021
    Expenses Paid
During Period*
    Annualized
Expense Ratio*
    Total
Expenses Paid
During Period+
    Total
Annualized
Expense Ratio+
 

Class A

           

Actual

  $   1,000     $   1,091.40     $   2.85       0.55   $   3.94       0.76

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

  $ 1,000     $ 1,022.07     $ 2.76       0.55   $ 3.81       0.76
           

Class B

           

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,088.80     $ 4.14       0.80   $ 5.23       1.01

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

  $ 1,000     $ 1,020.83     $ 4.01       0.80   $ 5.06       1.01

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

+   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Portfolio’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

SECURITY    U.S. $  VALUE                         PERCENT OF NET ASSETS  

Bernstein Fund, Inc.—International Strategic Equities Portfolio—Class Z

   $     43,223,839        17.2

U.S. Treasury Bonds & Notes

     9,683,931        3.9  

Bernstein Fund, Inc.—International Small Cap Portfolio—Class Z

     8,387,219        3.3  

Microsoft Corp.

     5,574,580        2.2  

Italy Buoni Poliennali Del Tesoro

     4,983,427        2.0  

Alphabet, Inc.—Class C

     4,170,516        1.7  

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

     3,992,686        1.6  

Apple, Inc.

     3,363,464        1.3  

AB Discovery Growth Fund, Inc.—Class Z

     3,296,145        1.3  

Bernstein Fund, Inc.—Small Cap Core Portfolio—Class Z

     3,218,424        1.3  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $ 89,894,231          35.8

SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2021 (unaudited)

 

 

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

Common Stocks

   $ 103,182,048        41.2

Investment Companies

     65,280,227        26.1  

Governments—Treasuries

     35,422,380        14.1  

Corporates—Investment Grade

     17,864,304        7.1  

Corporates—Non-Investment Grade

     5,284,681        2.1  

Quasi-Sovereigns

     3,968,996        1.6  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

     3,501,878        1.4  

Inflation-Linked Securities

     3,245,065        1.3  

Mortgage Pass-Throughs

     2,972,216        1.2  

Collateralized Loan Obligations

     2,106,041        0.8  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

     2,022,063        0.8  

Emerging Markets—Corporate Bonds

     894,809        0.4  

Emerging Markets—Sovereigns

     725,190        0.3  

Other3

     1,565,016        0.6  

Short-Term Investments

     2,610,465        1.0  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   250,645,379        100.0

 

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments. Table shown includes investments of Underlying Portfolios.

 

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

 

3   “Other” represents less than 0.2% weightings in the following security types: Asset-Backed Securities, Governments—Sovereign Agencies, Governments—Sovereign Bonds and Local Governments—Provincial Bonds.

 

2


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN1  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COUNTRY    U.S. $  VALUE      PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

United States

   $ 183,081,686        73.0

Japan

     9,200,513        3.7  

China

     6,450,434        2.6  

United Kingdom

     6,310,503        2.5  

Italy

     6,258,472        2.5  

Germany

     5,014,272        2.0  

Canada

     3,802,719        1.5  

France

     3,768,050        1.5  

Australia

     3,508,365        1.4  

Spain

     2,596,451        1.0  

Netherlands

     2,257,658        0.9  

Switzerland

     2,234,942        0.9  

Mexico

     2,116,348        0.8  

Other

     11,434,501        4.7  

Short-Term Investments

     2,610,465        1.0  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   250,645,379        100.0

 

 

 

 

 

1   All data are as of June 30, 2021. The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. Table shown includes investments of Underlying Portfolios. “Other” country weightings represent 0.7% or less in the following: Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Ivory Coast, Luxembourg, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand and United Arab Emirates.

 

3


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

COMMON STOCKS–41.1%

   
   

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–9.0%

   

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS &
COMPONENTS–0.3%

   

Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a)

    814     $ 92,658  

CDW Corp./DE

    3,770       658,430  
   

 

 

 
      751,088  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–1.7%

   

Accenture PLC–Class A

    229       67,507  

EPAM Systems, Inc.(a)

    208       106,280  

Gartner, Inc.(a)

    105       25,431  

Genpact Ltd.

    14,637       664,959  

International Business Machines Corp.

    202       29,611  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)

    3,644       1,062,153  

Visa, Inc.–Class A(b)

    9,342       2,184,346  

Western Union Co. (The)–Class W

    2,576       59,171  
   

 

 

 
      4,199,458  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–1.8%

   

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)

    284       26,676  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    864       123,034  

ASML Holding NV

    201       138,754  

Broadcom, Inc.

    76       36,240  

KLA Corp.

    29       9,402  

Lam Research Corp.

    32       20,822  

NVIDIA Corp.

    1,279       1,023,328  

NXP Semiconductors NV

    4,860       999,799  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    8,401       1,200,755  

STMicroelectronics NV

    1,641       59,678  

Teradyne, Inc.

    194       25,988  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    4,373       840,928  
   

 

 

 
      4,505,404  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–3.5%

   

Adobe, Inc.(a)

    1,137       665,873  

Autodesk, Inc.(a)

    22       6,422  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(a)

    264       36,120  

Citrix Systems, Inc.

    4,648       545,071  

Constellation Software, Inc./Canada

    36       54,523  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc.–Class A(a)

    88       22,115  

Dropbox, Inc.–Class A(a)

    1,871       56,710  

Fair Isaac Corp.(a)

    67       33,679  

Intuit, Inc.

    42       20,587  

Microsoft Corp.

    20,578       5,574,580  

NortonLifeLock, Inc.

    27,909       759,683  

Oracle Corp.

    11,426       889,400  

ServiceNow, Inc.(a)

    165       90,676  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

Trend Micro, Inc./Japan

    800     $ 41,891  
   

 

 

 
      8,797,330  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–1.7%

   

Apple, Inc.

    24,558       3,363,464  

NetApp, Inc.

    710       58,092  

Western Digital Corp.(a)

    11,152       793,688  
   

 

 

 
      4,215,244  
   

 

 

 
      22,468,524  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–5.0%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–0.4%

   

Aisin Corp.

    2,200       94,330  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    426       20,678  

Lear Corp.

    235       41,191  

Magna International, Inc.–Class A (Canada)

    530       49,071  

Magna International, Inc.–Class A (United States)

    8,793       814,584  
   

 

 

 
      1,019,854  
   

 

 

 

AUTOMOBILES–0.3%

   

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.(a)

    9,000       44,835  

Stellantis NV(b)

    26,715       526,553  

Tesla, Inc.(a)

    81       55,056  
   

 

 

 
      626,444  
   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTORS–0.2%

   

LKQ Corp.(a)

    11,319       557,121  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–0.1%

   

Chegg, Inc.(a)

    3,767       313,075  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.1%

   

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd.

    800       25,826  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.–Class A(a)

    39       60,463  

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd.

    274       24,777  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    20       9,330  

La Francaise des Jeux SAEM(c)

    411       24,174  
   

 

 

 
      144,570  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.0%

   

Electrolux AB–Class B

    3,467       96,077  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–1.7%

   

Amazon.com, Inc.(a)

    905       3,113,345  

eBay, Inc.

    9,314       653,936  

Etsy, Inc.(a)

    1,874       385,744  

HelloFresh SE(a)

    985       95,751  

Zalando SE(a)(d)(e)

    337       40,816  

Zalando SE(a)(c)

    123       14,876  
   

 

 

 
      4,304,468  
   

 

 

 

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

MULTILINE RETAIL–0.0%

   

Next PLC(a)

    608     $ 66,171  

Target Corp.

    103       24,899  
   

 

 

 
      91,070  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.4%

   

AutoZone, Inc.(a)

    639       953,529  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

    5,649       1,801,409  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    22       4,267  

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

    10,997       741,418  
   

 

 

 
      3,500,623  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.8%

   

Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)

    1,761       676,347  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    61       47,986  

NIKE, Inc.–Class B

    7,636       1,179,686  

Pandora A/S

    744       100,376  
   

 

 

 
      2,004,395  
   

 

 

 
      12,657,697  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–4.5%

   

DIVERSIFIED REAL ESTATE ACTIVITIES–0.3%

   

Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.

    3,800       61,422  

Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.

    11,000       254,361  

New World Development Co., Ltd.

    18,000       93,347  

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd.

    1,300       46,494  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

    11,000       163,481  

UOL Group Ltd.

    7,700       41,875  
   

 

 

 
      660,980  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED REITS–0.3%

   

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

    3,260       59,723  

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc.

    1,660       38,861  

Cofinimmo SA

    270       41,129  

Daiwa House REIT Investment Corp.

    33       97,108  

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.

    4,184       113,135  

Fibra Uno Administracion SA de CV

    13,590       14,658  

ICADE

    570       49,186  

Land Securities Group PLC

    6,570       61,316  

LondonMetric Property PLC

    14,720       47,087  

Merlin Properties Socimi SA

    7,690       79,567  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund, Inc.

    22       35,209  

Stockland

    40,300       140,335  
   

 

 

 
      777,314  
   

 

 

 

EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)–1.3%

   

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    11,816       552,044  

American Tower Corp.

    1,943       524,882  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    5,691     $ 958,478  

Orix JREIT, Inc.

    37       71,029  

Prologis, Inc.

    9,092       1,086,767  

VICI Properties, Inc.(b)

    772       23,948  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    2,160       74,347  
   

 

 

 
      3,291,495  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE REITS–0.3%

   

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    6,680       134,268  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    2,637       95,697  

Physicians Realty Trust

    5,803       107,181  

Welltower, Inc.

    3,410       283,371  
   

 

 

 
      620,517  
   

 

 

 

HOTEL & RESORT REITS–0.1%

   

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    3,240       49,442  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.(a)

    4,100       84,501  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    5,596       85,227  
   

 

 

 
      219,170  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL REITS–0.3%

   

Americold Realty Trust

    3,497       132,361  

Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust

    24,600       54,059  

Dream Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust

    7,055       86,964  

GLP J-Reit

    38       65,537  

Industrial & Infrastructure Fund Investment Corp.

    30       57,180  

Mitsui Fudosan Logistics Park, Inc.

    9       47,959  

Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc.

    1,112       22,262  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    1,851       105,414  

Segro PLC

    10,786       163,282  

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    3,269       122,359  
   

 

 

 
      857,377  
   

 

 

 

OFFICE REITS–0.3%

   

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    1,137       206,866  

alstria office REIT-AG

    3,910       72,242  

Cousins Properties, Inc.

    3,382       124,390  

Daiwa Office Investment Corp.

    6       41,709  

Japan Prime Realty Investment Corp.

    11       43,036  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    1,339       93,248  

Nippon Building Fund, Inc.

    17       105,919  

True North Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust

    3,060       18,292  
   

 

 

 
      705,702  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT–0.0%

   

CIFI Holdings Group Co., Ltd.

    38,000       29,641  

Instone Real Estate Group AG(c)

    2,115       63,679  
   

 

 

 
      93,320  
   

 

 

 

 

5


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–0.0%

   

FirstService Corp.

    117     $ 20,067  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE OPERATING COMPANIES–0.3%

   

ADLER Group SA(c)

    2,920       76,796  

Aroundtown SA

    12,810       99,946  

CA Immobilien Anlagen AG

    1,378       57,579  

CTP NV(a)(c)

    2,463       49,708  

Fastighets AB Balder–Class B(a)

    1,520       95,285  

Hulic Co., Ltd.

    3,800       42,689  

LEG Immobilien SE

    770       110,847  

Shurgard Self Storage SA

    770       37,202  

Swire Properties Ltd.

    16,000       47,659  

TAG Immobilien AG

    2,630       83,362  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd.

    6,000       34,878  
   

 

 

 
      735,951  
   

 

 

 

RESIDENTIAL REITS–0.5%

   

American Homes 4 Rent–Class A(b)

    3,453       134,149  

Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc.

    1,800       18,306  

Comforia Residential REIT, Inc.

    15       47,252  

Daiwa Securities Living Investments Corp.

    45       48,877  

Equity Residential

    310       23,870  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    622       186,606  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

    6,097       111,148  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    3,580       133,498  

Killam Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust

    6,151       100,582  

Minto Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust(c)

    2,790       53,883  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    1,138       195,053  

UDR, Inc.

    3,110       152,328  
   

 

 

 
      1,205,552  
   

 

 

 

RETAIL REITS–0.4%

   

AEON REIT Investment Corp.

    25       36,953  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    6,284       143,841  

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust

    52,980       82,485  

Eurocommercial Properties NV

    2,427       60,531  

Link REIT

    13,768       133,210  

Mercialys SA

    3,169       38,375  

NETSTREIT Corp.

    2,644       60,971  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    1,330       23,488  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    2,049       267,353  

SITE Centers Corp.

    8,215       123,718  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

Vicinity Centres

    81,346     $ 93,789  
   

 

 

 
      1,064,714  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALIZED REITS–0.4%

   

CubeSmart

    3,086       142,944  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    1,830       275,342  

EPR Properties(a)

    1,820       95,878  

Equinix, Inc.

    120       96,312  

MGM Growth Properties LLC–Class A

    2,660       97,409  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

    2,842       143,691  

Public Storage

    480       144,331  

Safestore Holdings PLC

    6,050       79,254  
   

 

 

 
      1,075,161  
   

 

 

 
      11,327,320  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–4.4%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–0.5%

   

AbbVie, Inc.

    875       98,560  

Amgen, Inc.

    100       24,375  

Horizon Therapeutics PLC(a)

    113       10,581  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    850       474,759  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    3,545       714,779  
   

 

 

 
      1,323,054  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.2%

   

Abbott Laboratories

    420       48,690  

ABIOMED, Inc.(a)

    45       14,045  

Align Technology, Inc.(a)

    66       40,326  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    7,483       775,014  

Medtronic PLC

    11,651       1,446,239  

ResMed, Inc.

    109       26,871  

Sonova Holding AG

    48       18,079  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    3,995       642,476  
   

 

 

 
      3,011,740  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.3%

   

AmerisourceBergen Corp.–Class A

    681       77,968  

Anthem, Inc.

    2,261       863,250  

Humana, Inc.

    100       44,272  

McKesson Corp.

    142       27,156  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.(a)

    404       102,236  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    5,475       2,192,409  
   

 

 

 
      3,307,291  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY–0.1%

   

Cerner Corp.

    1,009       78,863  

Veeva Systems, Inc.– Class A(a)

    107       33,272  
   

 

 

 
      112,135  
   

 

 

 

 

6


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–0.1%

   

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.–Class A(a)

    124     $ 79,892  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(a)

    65       90,047  

Sartorius Stedim Biotech

    117       55,375  

Waters Corp.(a)

    91       31,450  
   

 

 

 
      256,764  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–1.2%

   

Eli Lilly & Co.

    584       134,040  

Johnson & Johnson

    3,331       548,749  

Merck & Co., Inc.

    641       49,851  

Novo Nordisk A/S–Class B

    418       34,990  

Pfizer, Inc.

    1,632       63,909  

Roche Holding AG (Sponsored ADR)

    27,571       1,295,561  

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd.

    300       6,292  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    2,000       67,121  

Zoetis, Inc.

    4,607       858,561  
   

 

 

 
      3,059,074  
   

 

 

 
      11,070,058  
   

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.3%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.6%

   

Comcast Corp.–Class A

    26,300       1,499,626  

Telenor ASA

    1,727       29,126  
   

 

 

 
      1,528,752  
   

 

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT–0.4%

   

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    5,577       802,140  

Netflix, Inc.(a)

    238       125,714  

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

    100       57,867  
   

 

 

 
      985,721  
   

 

 

 

INTERACTIVE MEDIA & SERVICES–2.9%

   

Alphabet, Inc.–Class A(a)

    54       131,857  

Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a)

    1,664       4,170,516  

Facebook, Inc.–Class A(a)

    8,305       2,887,732  
   

 

 

 
      7,190,105  
   

 

 

 

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.4%

   

Softbank Corp.

    1,800       23,535  

T-Mobile US, Inc.(a)

    6,434       931,836  
   

 

 

 
      955,371  
   

 

 

 
      10,659,949  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–3.7%

   

BANKS–2.0%

   

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA(a)

    4,110       25,494  

Bank of America Corp.

    40,250       1,659,508  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

BNP Paribas SA

    431     $ 27,049  

Citigroup, Inc.

    12,645       894,634  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    703       32,247  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

    222       16,624  

Danske Bank A/S

    1,531       26,962  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    1,724       65,908  

ING Groep NV

    1,894       25,142  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    828       128,787  

Mebuki Financial Group, Inc.

    21,000       44,404  

National Bank of Canada

    598       44,753  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    3,618       690,170  

Societe Generale SA

    3,208       94,897  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    175       97,375  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    27,902       1,263,682  
   

 

 

 
      5,137,636  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–1.2%

   

CME Group, Inc.–Class A

    2,857       607,627  

EQT AB

    425       15,438  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

    4,356       1,653,233  

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.

    3,438       464,061  

Moody’s Corp.

    152       55,080  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    743       96,516  
   

 

 

 
      2,891,955  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–0.0%

   

Ally Financial, Inc.

    1,114       55,522  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    245       37,899  
   

 

 

 
      93,421  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–0.1%

   

Industrivarden AB

    596       23,180  

Investor AB

    1,119       25,794  

Kinnevik AB(a)

    1,722       68,956  

M&G PLC

    24,177       76,590  
   

 

 

 
      194,520  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–0.4%

   

Aviva PLC

    2,165       12,154  

CNP Assurances

    4,769       81,280  

iA Financial Corp., Inc.

    766       41,705  

Manulife Financial Corp.

    1,020       20,077  

MetLife, Inc.

    1,474       88,219  

Progressive Corp. (The)

    5,445       534,754  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    993       101,753  
   

 

 

 
      879,942  
   

 

 

 
      9,197,474  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–3.3%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–0.3%

   

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    18       3,794  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

    3,788       818,776  
   

 

 

 
      822,570  
   

 

 

 

 

7


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS–0.0%

   

Kuehne & Nagel International AG

    284     $ 97,202  
   

 

 

 

AIRLINES–0.2%

   

Southwest Airlines Co.(a)

    9,145       485,508  
   

 

 

 

BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.1%

   

Carrier Global Corp.

    1,332       64,735  

Cie de Saint-Gobain

    710       46,857  

Masco Corp.

    826       48,660  

Owens Corning

    244       23,888  

Xinyi Glass Holdings Ltd.

    10,000       40,744  
   

 

 

 
      224,884  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.3%

   

AECOM(a)

    11,197       708,994  

Shimizu Corp.

    6,700       51,489  
   

 

 

 
      760,483  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.7%

   

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    521       97,443  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    6,175       915,011  

Prysmian SpA

    1,361       48,841  

Regal Beloit Corp.

    4,309       575,295  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    370       105,827  
   

 

 

 
      1,742,417  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–0.2%

   

CNH Industrial NV

    2,057       34,121  

Deere & Co.

    203       71,600  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

    600       17,713  

Snap-on, Inc.

    409       91,383  

Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.

    5,500       95,848  

Volvo AB–Class B

    3,843       92,614  
   

 

 

 
      403,279  
   

 

 

 

MARINE–0.0%

   

AP Moller–Maersk A/S–Class B

    3       8,637  

Nippon Yusen KK

    600       30,449  
   

 

 

 
      39,086  
   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–0.5%

   

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

    4,107       349,834  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    10,187       906,338  
   

 

 

 
      1,256,172  
   

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–0.7%

   

CSX Corp.

    31,461       1,009,269  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    14,267       648,578  
   

 

 

 
      1,657,847  
   

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.3%

   

United Rentals, Inc.(a)

    1,753       559,224  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

WW Grainger, Inc.

    221     $ 96,798  
   

 

 

 
      656,022  
   

 

 

 
      8,145,470  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–2.4%

   

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.1%

   

Baker Hughes Co.–Class A

    893       20,423  

Subsea 7 SA

    11,870       113,923  
   

 

 

 
      134,346  
   

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–2.3%

   

Aker BP ASA

    5,368       171,095  

BP PLC

    121,953       534,811  

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

    671       24,359  

Cheniere Energy, Inc.(a)

    999       86,653  

Chevron Corp.

    11,194       1,172,460  

ENEOS Holdings, Inc.

    41,400       173,499  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    11,859       989,514  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    3,783       238,632  

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.

    900       21,745  

LUKOIL PJSC (Sponsored ADR)

    1,350       124,200  

OMV AG

    1,616       92,221  

Parkland Corp./Canada

    1,016       32,834  

PetroChina Co., Ltd.–Class H

    548,000       268,361  

Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Preference Shares)

    34,800       205,912  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    203       32,992  

Repsol SA

    17,792       223,513  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC–Class A

    1,579       31,656  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC–Class B

    56,449       1,095,833  

TotalEnergies SE

    8,219       372,335  

Valero Energy Corp.

    330       25,766  
   

 

 

 
      5,918,391  
   

 

 

 
      6,052,737  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–2.0%

   

CHEMICALS–0.7%

   

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    1,585       81,548  

Corteva, Inc.

    3,020       133,937  

Covestro AG(c)

    1,080       69,831  

Daicel Corp.

    2,600       21,393  

Evonik Industries AG

    2,148       72,116  

Kuraray Co., Ltd.

    1,800       17,296  

LANXESS AG

    507       34,795  

Linde PLC

    2,355       680,831  

LyondellBasell Industries NV–Class A

    5,321       547,371  

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

    3,600       30,290  

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

    1,300       44,938  

Sika AG

    68       22,279  

Umicore SA

    725       44,354  
   

 

 

 
      1,800,979  
   

 

 

 

 

8


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS–0.1%

   

Breedon Group PLC(a)

    28,900     $ 43,096  

Buzzi Unicem SpA

    2,280       60,571  

Fletcher Building Ltd.

    8,770       46,089  

Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua SAB de CV

    3,320       26,693  
   

 

 

 
      176,449  
   

 

 

 

CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–0.0%

   

Sealed Air Corp.

    1,017       60,257  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    469       25,506  
   

 

 

 
      85,763  
   

 

 

 

METALS & MINING–1.1%

   

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

    4,226       255,551  

Alcoa Corp.(a)

    3,460       127,466  

Anglo American PLC

    7,365       293,084  

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd.

    7,069       131,211  

Antofagasta PLC

    2,060       40,965  

APERAM SA

    2,450       125,822  

ArcelorMittal SA

    5,743       176,810  

Barrick Gold Corp.

    5,170       106,916  

BHP Group Ltd.

    756       27,504  

Evraz PLC

    11,134       91,346  

First Quantum Minerals Ltd.

    4,901       112,957  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

    3,114       54,398  

Glencore PLC(a)

    88,873       381,451  

Industrias Penoles SAB de CV(a)

    1,909       26,430  

Lundin Mining Corp.

    6,005       54,159  

MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC (ADR)

    2,130       72,250  

Northern Star Resources Ltd.

    4,630       34,003  

Orocobre Ltd.(a)

    5,420       26,239  

OZ Minerals Ltd.

    2,685       45,140  

Regis Resources Ltd.

    19,455       34,442  

Rio Tinto PLC

    3,936       325,064  

St. Barbara Ltd.

    23,750       30,385  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    125       7,450  

Vale SA (Sponsored ADR)–Class B

    12,586       287,087  
   

 

 

 
      2,868,130  
   

 

 

 

PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS–0.1%

   

Suzano SA(a)

    9,200       110,630  
   

 

 

 

PAPER PRODUCTS–0.0%

   

Stora Enso Oyj–Class R

    4,300       78,522  
   

 

 

 
      5,120,473  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–1.6%

   

BEVERAGES–0.2%

   

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    9,683       523,947  

Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd.

    2,100       40,983  
   

 

 

 
      564,930  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.6%

   

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    1,203     $ 475,991  

Kroger Co. (The)

    2,459       94,204  

Walmart, Inc.

    7,258       1,023,523  
   

 

 

 
      1,593,718  
   

 

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–0.2%

   

Bunge Ltd.

    1,123       87,763  

Hershey Co. (The)

    591       102,940  

Kellogg Co.

    727       46,768  

Mowi ASA

    5,160       131,371  

Nestle SA

    543       67,683  

Tyson Foods, Inc.–Class A

    490       36,143  
   

 

 

 
      472,668  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–0.5%

   

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    9,033       1,218,823  
   

 

 

 

TOBACCO–0.1%

   

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    1,035       102,579  
   

 

 

 
      3,952,718  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–0.8%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–0.8%

   

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    9,460       800,222  

Enel SpA

    20,518       190,671  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    12,360       905,741  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    998       40,219  
   

 

 

 
      1,936,853  
   

 

 

 

GAS UTILITIES–0.0%

   

UGI Corp.

    2,074       96,047  
   

 

 

 

INDEPENDENT POWER AND RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PRODUCERS–0.0%

   

EDP Renovaveis SA

    3,550       82,252  
   

 

 

 
      2,115,152  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DURABLES & APPAREL–0.1%

   

HOMEBUILDING–0.1%

   

Persimmon PLC

    1,350       55,301  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    1,250       68,213  
   

 

 

 
      123,514  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER SERVICES–0.0%

   

HOTELS, RESORTS & CRUISE LINES–0.0%

   

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.(a)

    1,250       51,737  
   

 

 

 

LEISURE FACILITIES–0.0%

   

Planet Fitness, Inc.(a)

    285       21,446  
   

 

 

 

RESTAURANTS–0.0%

   

Dine Brands Global, Inc.(a)

    290       25,883  
   

 

 

 
      99,066  
   

 

 

 

 

9


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

TRANSPORTATION–0.0%

   

HIGHWAYS & RAILTRACKS–0.0%

   

Transurban Group(a)

    7,998     $ 85,299  
   

 

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.0%

   

INTEGRATED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.0%

   

Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane SpA(c)

    4,130       46,638  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL GOODS–0.0%

   

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS & EQUIPMENT–0.0%

   

Vertiv Holdings Co.

    1,190       32,487  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE & SERVICES–0.0%

   

INTERNET SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE–0.0%

   

GDS Holdings Ltd. (ADR)(a)

    350       27,472  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $64,854,558)

      103,182,048  
   

 

 

 

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–26.0%

   

FUNDS AND INVESTMENT TRUSTS–26.0%(f)(g)

   

AB Discovery Growth Fund, Inc.–Class Z(a)

    200,740       3,296,145  

AB Trust–AB Discovery Value Fund–Class Z

    123,464       3,161,914  

Bernstein Fund, Inc.–International Small Cap Portfolio–Class Z

    623,585       8,387,219  

Bernstein Fund, Inc.–International Strategic Equities Portfolio–Class Z

    3,129,894       43,223,839  

Bernstein Fund, Inc.–Small Cap Core Portfolio–Class Z

    208,853       3,218,424  

Sanford C. Bernstein Fund, Inc.–Emerging Markets Portfolio–Class Z

    111,590       3,992,686  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies
(cost $57,756,926)

      65,280,227  
   

 

 

 
    Principal
Amount
(000)
       

GOVERNMENTS–
TREASURIES–14.1%

     

AUSTRALIA–0.9%

     

Australia Government Bond
Series 145
2.75%, 06/21/2035(c)

    AUD       802       673,389  

Series 150
3.00%, 03/21/2047(c)

      920       790,660  
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Series 160
1.00%, 12/21/2030(c)

    AUD       320     $ 230,593  

Series 161
0.25%, 11/21/2025(c)

      350       257,784  

Series 164
0.50%, 09/21/2026(c)

      475       350,078  
     

 

 

 
        2,302,504  
     

 

 

 

AUSTRIA–0.2%

     

Republic of Austria Government Bond 0.50%, 02/20/2029(c)

    EUR       449       560,773  
     

 

 

 

BELGIUM–0.1%

     

Kingdom of Belgium Government Bond
Series 76
1.90%, 06/22/2038(c)

      180       262,378  
     

 

 

 

CANADA–0.1%

     

Canadian Government Bond
0.25%, 03/01/2026

    CAD       425       331,494  
     

 

 

 

CHINA–0.8%

     

China Government Bond
Series INBK
2.68%, 05/21/2030

    CNY       3,670       545,980  

3.27%, 11/19/2030

      2,800       438,386  

3.39%, 03/16/2050

      7,870       1,149,629  
     

 

 

 
        2,133,995  
     

 

 

 

COLOMBIA–0.1%

     

Colombian TES
Series B
5.75%, 11/03/2027

    COP       1,050,100       267,531  
     

 

 

 

FINLAND–0.1%

     

Finland Government Bond
0.50%, 09/15/2028(c)

    EUR       115       144,052  
     

 

 

 

GERMANY–0.8%

     

Bundesrepublik Deutschland Bundesanleihe
Zero Coupon, 08/15/2030–08/15/2050(c)

      1,239       1,473,685  

Series 3
4.75%, 07/04/2034(c)

      250       488,114  
     

 

 

 
        1,961,799  
     

 

 

 

ITALY–2.0%

     

Italy Buoni Poliennali Del Tesoro
0.25%, 03/15/2028(c)

      1,310       1,537,551  

0.50%, 07/15/2028(c)

      955       1,135,664  

0.95%, 09/15/2027(c)

      1,715       2,112,037  

1.50%, 04/30/2045(c)

      172       198,175  
     

 

 

 
        4,983,427  
     

 

 

 

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

JAPAN–2.9%

     

Japan Government Ten Year Bond
Series 358
0.10%, 03/20/2030

    JPY       205,850     $ 1,869,614  

Series 359
0.10%, 06/20/2030

      277,550       2,517,874  

Series 360
0.10%, 09/20/2030

      55,900       506,645  

Japan Government Thirty Year Bond
Series 62
0.50%, 03/20/2049

      63,600       551,668  

Series 65
0.40%, 12/20/2049

      62,950       528,152  

Series 68
0.60%, 09/20/2050

      69,900       616,280  

Japan Government Twenty Year Bond
Series 169
0.30%, 06/20/2039

      31,650       280,960  

Series 171
0.30%, 12/20/2039

      44,850       396,514  
     

 

 

 
        7,267,707  
     

 

 

 

MALAYSIA–0.1%

     

Malaysia Government Bond
Series 0310
4.498%, 04/15/2030

    MYR       1,088       285,442  
     

 

 

 

MEXICO–0.5%

     

Mexican Bonos
Series M
7.75%, 05/29/2031

    MXN       22,192       1,175,548  
     

 

 

 

SOUTH KOREA–0.7%

     

Korea Treasury Bond
Series 2603
1.25%, 03/10/2026

    KRW       2,024,830       1,756,590  
     

 

 

 

SPAIN–0.5%

     

Spain Government Bond
1.20%, 10/31/2040(c)

    EUR       865       1,041,500  

4.20%, 01/31/2037(c)

      114       201,983  
     

 

 

 
        1,243,483  
     

 

 

 

THAILAND–0.1%

     

Thailand Government Bond
2.00%, 12/17/2031

    THB       7,680       243,576  
     

 

 

 

UNITED KINGDOM–0.3%

     

United Kingdom Gilt
1.75%, 09/07/2037(c)

    GBP       541       818,150  
     

 

 

 

UNITED STATES–3.9%

     

U.S. Treasury Bonds
1.125%, 08/15/2040

    U.S.$       2,315       1,993,432  

1.875%, 02/15/2051

      820       783,100  

4.50%, 08/15/2039

      200       281,969  
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

U.S. Treasury Notes
0.25%, 05/31/2025

    U.S.$       1,435     $ 1,411,457  

0.50%, 02/28/2026

      255       251,255  

1.625%, 10/31/2026

      2,905       3,010,306  

2.125%, 05/31/2026

      1,840       1,952,412  
     

 

 

 
        9,683,931  
     

 

 

 

Total Governments–Treasuries
(cost $36,055,284)

        35,422,380  
     

 

 

 

CORPORATES–INVESTMENT GRADE–7.1%

 

   

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–3.4%

 

   

BANKING–2.4%

     

ABN AMRO Bank NV
1.542%, 06/16/2027(c)

      200       198,874  

American Express Co.
Series B
3.584% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.43%), 08/15/2021(h)(i)

      8       8,020  

Series C
3.404% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.29%), 09/15/2021(h)(i)

      17       17,046  

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.
4.40%, 05/19/2026(c)

      215       242,036  

Bank of America Corp.
1.776%, 05/04/2027(c)

    EUR       248       316,468  

BNP Paribas SA
2.219%, 06/09/2026(c)

    U.S.$       200       206,210  

BPCE SA
4.625%, 07/11/2024(c)

      200       219,736  

CaixaBank SA
0.375%, 11/18/2026(c)

    EUR       200       237,508  

Capital One Financial Corp.
Series E
3.935% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.80%), 09/01/2021(h)(i)

    U.S.$       53       53,118  

Citigroup, Inc.
1.50%, 07/24/2026(c)

    EUR       155       193,490  

5.95%, 01/30/2023(i)

    U.S.$       90       94,730  

Credit Suisse Group AG
4.194%, 04/01/2031(c)

      250       280,950  

Danske Bank A/S
3.244%, 12/20/2025(c)

      350       372,519  

 

11


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

DNB Bank ASA
6.50%, 03/26/2022(c)(i)

    U.S.$       210     $ 217,772  

Fifth Third Bancorp
Series L
4.50%, 09/30/2025(i)

      41       44,498  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)
1.25%, 05/01/2025(c)

    EUR       190       232,966  

HSBC Holdings PLC
6.375%, 03/30/2025(i)

    U.S.$       200       222,948  

ING Groep NV
6.50%, 04/16/2025(i)

      232       258,297  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
1.09%, 03/11/2027(c)

    EUR       170       209,879  

Series I
3.656% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.47%), 07/30/2021(h)(i)

    U.S.$       34       34,073  

Series V
3.465% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.32%), 10/01/2021(h)(i)

      17       17,006  

Series Z
3.976% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.80%), 08/01/2021(h)(i)

      31       31,085  

Morgan Stanley
0.406%, 10/29/2027

    EUR       160       190,390  

Series G
1.375%, 10/27/2026

      100       125,920  

Series H
3.794% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.61%), 10/15/2021(h)(i)

    U.S.$       9       9,037  

Natwest Group PLC
0.78%, 02/26/2030(c)

    EUR       200       237,228  

Series U 2.467% (LIBOR 3 Month + 2.32%), 09/30/2027(h)(i)

    U.S.$       200       198,346  

Nordea Bank Abp
6.125%, 09/23/2024(c)(i)

      200       220,180  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)
Series O
6.75%, 08/01/2021(i)

      17       17,082  

Societe Generale SA
4.25%, 04/14/2025(c)

      205       222,718  

Standard Chartered PLC
1.696% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.51%), 01/30/2027(c)(h)(i)

      200       192,664  

Truist Financial Corp.
Series Q
5.10%, 03/01/2030(i)

      75       84,590  

UBS Group AG
7.125%, 08/10/2021(c)(i)

      230       231,203  
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

UniCredit SpA
3.127%, 06/03/2032(c)

    U.S.$       245     $ 246,252  

Wells Fargo & Co.
1.375%, 10/26/2026(c)

    EUR       215       269,432  
     

 

 

 
        5,954,271  
     

 

 

 

BROKERAGE–0.1%

     

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)
Series I
4.00%, 06/01/2026(i)

    U.S.$       201       209,623  
     

 

 

 

FINANCE–0.4%

     

Air Lease Corp.
2.875%, 01/15/2026

      46       48,381  

3.25%, 03/01/2025

      11       11,721  

3.625%, 04/01/2027

      14       15,072  

4.625%, 10/01/2028

      20       22,602  

Aircastle Ltd.
2.85%, 01/26/2028(c)

      79       79,464  

4.25%, 06/15/2026

      3       3,256  

4.40%, 09/25/2023

      67       71,748  

5.25%, 08/11/2025(c)

      72       80,869  

Aviation Capital Group LLC
1.95%, 01/30/2026(c)

      13       13,000  

2.875%, 01/20/2022(c)

      11       11,113  

3.50%, 11/01/2027(c)

      18       18,903  

3.875%, 05/01/2023(c)

      44       46,081  

4.125%, 08/01/2025(c)

      2       2,159  

4.375%, 01/30/2024(c)

      13       13,949  

4.875%, 10/01/2025(c)

      23       25,480  

5.50%, 12/15/2024(c)

      47       53,173  

GE Capital European Funding Unlimited Co.
4.625%, 02/22/2027

    EUR       100       147,039  

GE Capital Funding LLC
4.40%, 05/15/2030

    U.S.$       200       233,122  

Synchrony Financial
3.95%, 12/01/2027

      25       27,819  
     

 

 

 
        924,951  
     

 

 

 

INSURANCE–0.2%

     

Alleghany Corp.
3.625%, 05/15/2030

      79       87,169  

Centene Corp.
4.25%, 12/15/2027

      28       29,538  

4.625%, 12/15/2029

      37       40,730  

CNP Assurances
2.50%, 06/30/2051(c)

    EUR       100       126,834  

4.50%, 06/10/2047(c)

      100       142,202  

Voya Financial, Inc.
5.65%, 05/15/2053

    U.S.$       153       163,803  
     

 

 

 
        590,276  
     

 

 

 

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

REITS–0.3%

     

CyrusOne LP/CyrusOne Finance Corp. 1.45%, 01/22/2027

    EUR       100     $ 120,911  

Digital Euro Finco LLC 2.50%, 01/16/2026(c)

      220       286,662  

Essential Properties LP 2.95%, 07/15/2031

    U.S.$       124       123,949  

Host Hotels & Resorts LP Series D 3.75%, 10/15/2023

      10       10,539  

Vornado Realty LP 3.40%, 06/01/2031

      105       108,270  

WPC Eurobond BV 2.125%, 04/15/2027

    EUR       148       189,923  
     

 

 

 
        840,254  
     

 

 

 
        8,519,375  
     

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL–3.3%

     

BASIC–0.2%

     

Alpek SAB de CV
3.25%, 02/25/2031(c)

    U.S.$       200       201,475  

Inversiones CMPC SA
3.85%, 01/13/2030(c)

      200       213,225  

Suzano Austria GmbH 3.75%, 01/15/2031

      32       33,440  
     

 

 

 
        448,140  
     

 

 

 

CAPITAL GOODS–0.1%

 

   

Wabtec Transportation Netherlands BV
1.25%, 12/03/2027

    EUR       199       238,050  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–
MEDIA–0.4%

 

   

Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital
4.80%, 03/01/2050

    U.S.$       17       19,586  

5.125%, 07/01/2049

      28       33,446  

5.375%, 05/01/2047

      35       42,917  

Discovery Communications LLC
4.65%, 05/15/2050

      33       38,624  

5.20%, 09/20/2047

      100       124,565  

5.30%, 05/15/2049

      46       58,008  

Fox Corp.
4.709%, 01/25/2029

      215       252,608  

Prosus NV
3.832%, 02/08/2051(c)

      200       185,000  

Weibo Corp.
3.375%, 07/08/2030

      200       207,478  
     

 

 

 
        962,232  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–
TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.3%

 

AT&T, Inc.
3.50%, 09/15/2053(c)

      250       250,730  

Series B
2.875%, 03/02/2025(i)

    EUR       100       120,789  
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

British Telecommunications PLC
9.625%, 12/15/2030

    U.S.$       77     $ 119,405  

Sprint Spectrum Co. LLC/Sprint Spectrum Co. II LLC/Sprint Spectrum Co. III LLC 4.738%, 03/20/2025(c)

      188       200,857  
     

 

 

 
        691,781  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–
AUTOMOTIVE–0.1%

     

Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc.
0.90%, 11/19/2024(c)

    EUR       100       121,211  

3.35%, 06/08/2025(c)

    U.S.$       50       53,487  
     

 

 

 
        174,698  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–
OTHER–0.2%

 

   

Las Vegas Sands Corp.
3.50%, 08/18/2026

      89       94,614  

3.90%, 08/08/2029

      100       106,552  

MDC Holdings, Inc.
6.00%, 01/15/2043

      133       171,505  
     

 

 

 
        372,671  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–RETAILERS–0.0%

 

   

Ross Stores, Inc. 4.70%, 04/15/2027

      24       27,813  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–0.4%

     

Altria Group, Inc. 3.125%, 06/15/2031

    EUR       270       368,653  

Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc. 5.55%, 01/23/2049

    U.S.$       145       199,369  

BAT Capital Corp. 4.906%, 04/02/2030

      55       63,209  

BAT Netherlands Finance BV
3.125%, 04/07/2028(c)

    EUR       100       134,993  

Imperial Brands Finance Netherlands BV
1.75%, 03/18/2033(c)

      169       202,404  
     

 

 

 
        968,628  
     

 

 

 

ENERGY–0.9%

 

 

Boardwalk Pipelines LP
4.80%, 05/03/2029

    U.S.$       125       144,966  

BP Capital Markets PLC
3.625%,
03/22/2029(c)(i)

    EUR       155       200,116  

Cenovus Energy, Inc.
4.40%, 04/15/2029

    U.S.$       157       177,848  

 

13


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Devon Energy Corp.
5.60%, 07/15/2041

    U.S.$       171     $ 212,117  

Enbridge Energy Partners LP
7.375%, 10/15/2045

      130       205,176  

Energy Transfer LP
6.25%, 04/15/2049

      225       295,882  

Eni SpA
Series NC9
3.375%, 07/13/2029(c)(i)

    EUR       155       195,236  

ONEOK, Inc.
4.55%, 07/15/2028

    U.S.$       104       118,585  

5.20%, 07/15/2048

      7       8,586  

6.35%, 01/15/2031

      116       150,028  

Plains All American Pipeline LP/PAA Finance Corp.
3.55%, 12/15/2029

      16       16,875  

3.80%, 09/15/2030

      42       44,979  

4.50%, 12/15/2026

      29       32,581  

Suncor Energy, Inc.
6.50%, 06/15/2038

      44       62,101  

6.85%, 06/01/2039

      94       137,244  

TotalEnergies SE
2.625%, 02/26/2025(c)(i)

    EUR       100       125,342  

TransCanada PipeLines Ltd.
7.625%, 01/15/2039

    U.S.$       134       208,094  

Valero Energy Corp.
6.625%, 06/15/2037

      32       43,833  
     

 

 

 
        2,379,589  
     

 

 

 

SERVICES–0.1%

 

 

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
2.125%, 02/09/2031

      204       199,946  

IHS Markit Ltd.
4.25%, 05/01/2029

      36       41,622  

4.75%, 08/01/2028

      11       12,956  
     

 

 

 
        254,524  
     

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY–0.4%

     

Baidu, Inc.
3.075%, 04/07/2025

      205       217,011  

Broadcom, Inc.
4.11%, 09/15/2028

      149       167,510  

5.00%, 04/15/2030

      35       41,370  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.
1.00%, 12/03/2028

    EUR       165       201,301  

Fiserv, Inc.
1.125%, 07/01/2027

      200       247,680  

Oracle Corp.
3.95%, 03/25/2051

    U.S.$       140       152,978  

VeriSign, Inc.
2.70%, 06/15/2031

      68       69,010  
     

 

 

 
        1,096,860  
     

 

 

 
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

TRANSPORTATION–
AIRLINES–0.0%

     

Delta Air Lines, Inc.
7.00%, 05/01/2025(c)

    U.S.$       99     $ 115,519  
     

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION–
SERVICES–0.2%

     

ENA Master Trust
4.00%, 05/19/2048(c)

      200       201,288  

FedEx Corp.
0.45%, 05/04/2029

    EUR       120       141,759  

Heathrow Funding Ltd.
6.75%, 12/03/2026(c)

    GBP       135       236,029  
     

 

 

 
        579,076  
     

 

 

 
        8,309,581  
     

 

 

 

UTILITY–0.4%

     

ELECTRIC–0.4%

     

E.ON International Finance BV
1.25%, 10/19/2027(c)

    EUR       109       137,507  

EDP Finance BV
0.375%, 09/16/2026(c)

      170       203,636  

Enel Finance International NV
2.65%, 09/10/2024(c)

    U.S.$       308       323,585  

Iberdrola International BV
Series NC6
1.45%, 11/09/2026(c)(i)

    EUR       100       119,669  

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc.
1.90%, 06/15/2028

    U.S.$       48       48,543  

SSE PLC
1.375%, 09/04/2027(c)

    EUR       160       202,408  
     

 

 

 
        1,035,348  
     

 

 

 

Total Corporates–Investment Grade
(cost $17,134,051)

        17,864,304  
     

 

 

 

CORPORATES–NON-INVESTMENT GRADE–2.1%

     

INDUSTRIAL–1.7%

     

BASIC–0.3%

     

Axalta Coating Systems LLC
3.375%, 02/15/2029(c)

    U.S.$       150       146,625  

INEOS Quattro Finance 2 PLC
2.50%, 01/15/2026(c)

    EUR       100       119,650  

Ingevity Corp.
3.875%, 11/01/2028(c)

    U.S.$       88       87,815  

SPCM SA
4.875%, 09/15/2025(c)

      200       204,720  

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

WEPA Hygieneprodukte GmbH
2.875%, 12/15/2027(c)

    EUR       120     $ 140,536  
     

 

 

 
        699,346  
     

 

 

 

CAPITAL GOODS–0.2%

     

Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance USA LLC/Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance PLC
2.00%, 09/01/2028(c)

      135       160,473  

TransDigm, Inc.
6.25%, 03/15/2026(c)

    U.S.$       110       116,029  

Vertical Midco GmbH
4.375%, 07/15/2027(c)

    EUR       140       173,532  
     

 

 

 
        450,034  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–
MEDIA–0.2%

     

Cable One, Inc.
4.00%, 11/15/2030(c)

    U.S.$       53       53,228  

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.
4.50%, 08/15/2030– 06/01/2033(c)

      112       114,973  

CSC Holdings LLC
6.75%, 11/15/2021

      45       45,900  

Netflix, Inc. 3.625%, 05/15/2027

    EUR       147       200,437  
     

 

 

 
        414,538  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–
TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.2%

 

 

Lumen Technologies, Inc.
4.50%, 01/15/2029(c)

    U.S.$       103       100,309  

T-Mobile USA, Inc.
2.625%, 04/15/2026

      73       74,643  

2.875%, 02/15/2031

      48       47,603  

3.375%, 04/15/2029

      78       80,656  

Telecom Italia SpA/Milano
1.625%, 01/18/2029(c)

    EUR       140       163,251  
     

 

 

 
        466,462  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–
AUTOMOTIVE–0.1%

 

 

Allison Transmission, Inc.
3.75%, 01/30/2031(c)

    U.S.$       105       103,030  

Clarios Global LP/Clarios US Finance Co.
4.375%, 05/15/2026(c)

    EUR       120       147,337  

Ford Motor Co.
8.50%, 04/21/2023

    U.S.$       108       120,523  
     

 

 

 
        370,890  
     

 

 

 
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–
ENTERTAINMENT–0.1%

 

   

Carnival PLC
1.00%, 10/28/2029

    EUR       200     $ 194,499  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–RESTAURANTS–0.0%

 

   

1011778 BC ULC/New Red Finance, Inc.
3.50%, 02/15/2029(c)

    U.S.$       116       114,658  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–
RETAILERS–0.0%

     

Levi Strauss & Co. 3.50%, 03/01/2031(c)

      55       54,816  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–0.4%

 

   

Albertsons Cos., Inc./Safeway, Inc./New Albertsons LP/Albertsons LLC
3.50%, 02/15/2023(c)

      61       62,696  

Avantor Funding, Inc.
2.625%, 11/01/2025(c)

    EUR       102       123,837  

Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH
3.50%, 02/11/2027(c)

      120       143,872  

Grifols SA
1.625%, 02/15/2025(c)

      100       119,627  

IQVIA, Inc.
1.75%, 03/15/2026(c)

      170       203,603  

Newell Brands, Inc.
4.70%, 04/01/2026

    U.S.$       81       90,309  

4.875%, 06/01/2025

      20       22,160  

Paysafe Finance PLC/Paysafe Holdings US Corp.
3.00%, 06/15/2029(c)

    EUR       135       157,667  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.
4.625%, 07/15/2024

    U.S.$       102       103,494  
     

 

 

 
        1,027,265  
     

 

 

 

OTHER INDUSTRIAL–0.0%

 

 

H&E Equipment Services, Inc.
3.875%, 12/15/2028(c)

      118       116,006  
     

 

 

 

SERVICES–0.1%

     

Square, Inc.
2.75%, 06/01/2026(c)

      155       157,697  
     

 

 

 

 

15


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

TECHNOLOGY–0.0%

     

Dell International LLC/EMC Corp.
7.125%, 06/15/2024(c)

    U.S.$       14     $ 14,359  
     

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION–SERVICES–0.1%

 

   

Chicago Parking Meters LLC
4.93%, 12/30/2025(e)

      200       220,360  
     

 

 

 
        4,300,930  
     

 

 

 

FINANCIAL
INSTITUTIONS–0.4%

 

 

BANKING–0.3%

     

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA
Series 9
6.50%, 03/05/2025(i)

      200       218,072  

Banco Santander SA
6.75%, 04/25/2022(c)(i)

    EUR       200       247,264  

Credit Suisse Group AG
7.50%, 12/11/2023(c)(i)

    U.S.$       200       221,984  

Discover Financial Services
Series D
6.125%, 06/23/2025(i)

      117       131,306  
     

 

 

 
        818,626  
     

 

 

 

FINANCE–0.1%

 

 

SLM Corp.
4.20%, 10/29/2025

      96       103,179  
     

 

 

 

REITS–0.0%

     

MGM Growth Properties Operating Partnership LP/MGP Finance Co-Issuer, Inc.
4.625%, 06/15/2025(c)

      58       61,946  
     

 

 

 
        983,751  
     

 

 

 

Total Corporates–Non-Investment Grade
(cost $5,169,710)

        5,284,681  
     

 

 

 

QUASI-SOVEREIGNS–1.6%

 

   

QUASI-SOVEREIGN
BONDS–1.6%

 

   

CHINA–1.3%

     

China Development Bank
Series 1805
4.88%, 02/09/2028

    CNY       14,390       2,410,749  

Series 1910
3.65%, 05/21/2029

      2,040       318,335  

Series 2004
3.43%, 01/14/2027

      1,780       276,092  
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Series 2009
3.39%, 07/10/2027

    CNY       1,140     176,354  
     

 

 

 
        3,181,530  
     

 

 

 

INDONESIA–0.1%

     

Indonesia Asahan Aluminium Persero PT
4.75%, 05/15/2025(c)

    U.S.$       200       219,736  
     

 

 

 

MEXICO–0.1%

     

Comision Federal de Electricidad
3.348%, 02/09/2031(c)

      200       198,188  

Petroleos Mexicanos
5.95%, 01/28/2031

      39       37,742  

7.69%, 01/23/2050

      120       115,050  
     

 

 

 
        350,980  
     

 

 

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES–0.1%

     

DP World Crescent Ltd.
3.875%, 07/18/2029(c)

      200       216,750  
     

 

 

 

Total Quasi-Sovereigns
(cost $3,689,467)

        3,968,996  
     

 

 

 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS–1.4%

     

RISK SHARE FLOATING RATE–1.0%

     

Bellemeade Re Ltd.
Series 2019-1A, Class M1B
1.842% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.75%), 03/25/2029(c)(h)

      220       220,000  

Series 2019-2A, Class M2
3.192% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.10%), 04/25/2029(c)(h)

      150       152,007  

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust
Series 2019-R02, Class 1M2
2.392% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.30%), 08/25/2031(c)(h)

      33       32,864  

Series 2019-R03, Class 1M2
2.242% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.15%), 09/25/2031(c)(h)

      23       22,913  

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Series 2019-R04, Class 2M2
2.192% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.10%), 06/25/2039(c)(h)

    U.S.$       35     $ 34,786  

Series 2019-R05, Class 1M2
2.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.00%), 07/25/2039(c)(h)

      20       20,178  

Series 2019-R06, Class 2M2
2.192% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.10%), 09/25/2039(c)(h)

      46       46,008  

Series 2019-R07, Class 1M2
2.192% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.10%), 10/25/2039(c)(h)

      31       31,266  

Eagle RE Ltd.
Series 2018-1, Class M1
1.792% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.70%), 11/25/2028(c)(h)

      56       55,817  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes
Series 2014-DN3, Class M3
4.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 08/25/2024(h)

      92       93,878  

Series 2014-HQ3, Class M3
4.842% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.75%), 10/25/2024(h)

      28       28,598  

Series 2019-DNA3, Class M2
2.142% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.05%), 07/25/2049(c)(h)

      20       20,625  

Series 2019-HQA1, Class M2
2.442% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.35%), 02/25/2049(c)(h)

      46       46,077  

Federal National Mortgage Association Connecticut Avenue Securities
Series 2015-C01, Class 1M2
4.392% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.30%), 02/25/2025(h)

      36       37,239  
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Series 2015-C02, Class 1M2
4.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 05/25/2025(h)

    U.S.$       53     $ 53,737  

Series 2015-C02, Class 2M2
4.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 05/25/2025(h)

      19       18,935  

Series 2015-C03, Class 1M2
5.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 07/25/2025(h)

      25       25,653  

Series 2015-C03, Class 2M2
5.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 07/25/2025(h)

      29       29,487  

Series 2015-C04, Class 1M2
5.792% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.70%), 04/25/2028(h)

      34       35,592  

Series 2015-C04, Class 2M2
5.642% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.55%), 04/25/2028(h)

      118       125,098  

Series 2016-C01, Class 1M2
6.842% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.75%), 08/25/2028(h)

      39       42,031  

Series 2016-C02, Class 1M2
6.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.00%), 09/25/2028(h)

      73       76,867  

Series 2016-C05, Class 2M2
4.542% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.45%), 01/25/2029(h)

      137       143,394  

Series 2016-C06, Class 1M2
4.342% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.25%), 04/25/2029(h)

      86       89,915  

Series 2017-C01, Class 1M2
3.642% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.55%), 07/25/2029(h)

      57       59,493  

Series 2017-C02, Class 2M2
3.742% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.65%), 09/25/2029(h)

      122       126,690  

 

17


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Series 2017-C05, Class 1M2
2.292% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.20%), 01/25/2030(h)

    U.S.$       107     $ 108,923  

JPMorgan Madison Avenue Securities Trust
Series 2014-CH1, Class M2
4.342% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.25%), 11/25/2024 (h)(j)

      11       11,163  

PMT Credit Risk Transfer Trust
Series 2019-1R, Class A
2.096% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.00%), 03/27/2024(c)(h)

      62       61,459  

Series 2019-2R, Class A
2.846% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.75%), 05/27/2023(c)(h)

      106       104,552  

Radnor Re Ltd.
Series 2019-1, Class M1B
2.042% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.95%), 02/25/2029(c)(h)

      140       140,855  

STACR Trust
Series 2018-DNA3, Class M2
2.192% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.10%), 09/25/2048(c)(h)

      174       176,288  

Triangle Re Ltd.
Series 2021-1, Class M1B
3.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.00%), 08/25/2033(c)(h)

      149       150,422  

Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust
Series 2015-WF1, Class 1M2
5.342% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.25%), 11/25/2025(h)(j)

      58       56,074  

Series 2015-WF1, Class 2M2
5.592% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.50%), 11/25/2025(h)(j)

      16       15,509  
     

 

 

 
        2,494,393  
     

 

 

 
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

AGENCY FLOATING RATE–0.2%

     

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. REMICs
Series 4416, Class BS
6.027% (6.10%–LIBOR 1 Month), 12/15/2044(h)(k)

    U.S.$       351     $ 74,819  

Series 4693, Class SL
6.077% (6.15%–LIBOR 1 Month), 06/15/2047(h)(k)

      367       88,397  

Series 4719, Class JS
6.077% (6.15%–LIBOR 1 Month), 09/15/2047(h)(k)

      243       46,538  

Federal National Mortgage Association REMICs
Series 2011-131, Class ST
6.449% (6.54%–LIBOR 1 Month), 12/25/2041(h)(k)

      184       38,976  

Series 2016-106, Class ES
5.909% (6.00%–LIBOR 1 Month), 01/25/2047(h)(k)

      340       67,878  

Series 2017-81, Class SA 6.
109% (6.20%–LIBOR 1 Month), 10/25/2047(h)(k)

      376       88,989  

Series 2017-97, Class LS
6.109% (6.20%–LIBOR 1 Month), 12/25/2047(h)(k)

      314       79,239  

Government National Mortgage Association
Series 2017-65, Class ST
6.057% (6.15%–LIBOR 1 Month), 04/20/2047(h)(k)

      342       75,045  

Series 2017-134, Class SE
6.107% (6.20%–LIBOR 1 Month), 09/20/2047(h)(k)

      213       41,842  
     

 

 

 
        601,723  
     

 

 

 

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE–0.1%

     

Alternative Loan Trust
Series 2005-20CB, Class 3A6
5.50%, 07/25/2035

    U.S.$       16     $ 14,407  

Series 2006-24CB, Class A16
5.75%, 08/25/2036

      84       65,317  

Series 2006-28CB, Class A14
6.25%, 10/25/2036

      62       46,006  

Series 2006-J1, Class 1A13
5.50%, 02/25/2036

      38       34,619  

Chase Mortgage Finance Trust
Series 2007-S5, Class 1A17
6.00%, 07/25/2037

      28       19,007  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust
Series 2006-10, Class 1A8
6.00%, 05/25/2036

      37       26,264  

Series 2006-13, Class 1A19
6.25%, 09/25/2036

      19       12,778  

First Horizon Alternative Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2006-FA3, Class A9
6.00%, 07/25/2036

      74       49,679  
     

 

 

 
        268,077  
     

 

 

 

NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE–0.1%

     

Deutsche Alt-A Securities Mortgage Loan Trust
Series 2006-AR4, Class A2
0.472% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.38%), 12/25/2036(h)

      200       94,766  

HomeBanc Mortgage Trust
Series 2005-1, Class A1
0.592% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.50%), 03/25/2035(h)

      47       42,919  
     

 

 

 
        137,685  
     

 

 

 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(cost $3,520,622)

        3,501,878  
     

 

 

 
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–1.3%

     

FRANCE–0.7%

 

   

French Republic Government Bond OAT
Series OATE
0.10%, 03/01/2026(c)

    EUR       1,258     $ 1,623,095  
     

 

 

 

GERMANY–0.6%

     

Deutsche Bundesrepublik Inflation Linked Bond
0.10%, 04/15/2026(c)

      1,250       1,621,970  
     

 

 

 

Total Inflation-Linked Securities
(cost $3,276,536)

        3,245,065  
     

 

 

 

MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGHS–1.2%

     

AGENCY FIXED RATE 30-YEAR–1.2%

     

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
Series 2019
3.50%, 09/01/2049-10/01/2049

    U.S.$       434       463,540  

Series 2020
2.50%, 07/01/2050

      132       138,128  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Gold
Series 2019
4.50%, 02/01/2049

      138       151,833  

Federal National Mortgage Association
Series 2012
3.50%, 11/01/2042

      258       279,155  

Series 2013
3.50%, 04/01/2043

      167       181,139  

Series 2018
3.50%, 02/01/2048

      118       123,889  

4.50%, 09/01/2048

      275       299,406  

Series 2019
3.50%, 11/01/2049

      133       142,140  

Series 2020
2.50%, 07/01/2050

      742       779,049  

Uniform Mortgage-Backed Security
Series 2021
2.50%, 07/01/2051, TBA

      400       413,937  
     

 

 

 

Total Mortgage Pass-Throughs
(cost $2,936,103)

        2,972,216  
     

 

 

 

 

19


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

COLLATERALIZED LOAN OBLIGATIONS–0.8%

 

   

CLO–FLOATING RATE–0.8%

     

AGL CLO 12 Ltd.
Series 2021-12A, Class A1
1.29% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.16%), 07/20/2034(c)(h)

    U.S.$       250     $ 250,112  

Ballyrock CLO 16 Ltd.
Series 2021-16A, Class A1
1.265% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.13%), 07/20/2034(c)(h)

      250       250,101  

ICG US CLO Ltd.
Series 2015-1A, Class A1R
1.33% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.14%), 10/19/2028(c)(h)

      286       285,760  

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 42 Ltd.
Series 2021-42A, Class B
1.741% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.60%), 07/16/2035(c)(h)

      250       250,000  

Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 43 Ltd.
Series 2021-43A, Class A
Zero Coupon (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.13%), 07/17/2035(c)(h)

      250       250,000  

Octagon Loan Funding Ltd.
Series 2014-1A, Class ARR
1.335% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.18%), 11/18/2031(c)(h)

      320       320,056  

Pikes Peak CLO 8
Series 2021-8A, Class B 1.87% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.75%), 07/20/2034(c)(d)(h)

      250       250,000  

TIAA CLO IV Ltd.
Series 2018-1A, Class A1A
1.418% (LIBOR 3 Month + 1.23%), 01/20/2032(c)(h)

      250       250,012  
     

 

 

 

Total Collateralized Loan Obligations
(cost $2,105,752)

        2,106,041  
     

 

 

 
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES–0.8%

 

   

NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE CMBS–0.6%

 

   

Ashford Hospitality Trust
Series 2018-KEYS, Class A
1.073% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.00%), 06/15/2035(c)(h)

    U.S.$       200     $ 200,157  

BAMLL Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2017-SCH, Class AF
1.073% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.00%), 11/15/2033(c)(h)

      375       366,897  

BHMS
Series 2018-ATLS, Class A
1.323% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.25%), 07/15/2035(c)(h)

      158       158,142  

BX Trust
Series 2018-EXCL, Class A
1.161% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.09%), 09/15/2037(c)(h)

      149       147,436  

DBWF Mortgage Trust
Series 2018-GLKS, Class A
1.123% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.03%), 12/19/2030(c)(h)

      166       165,849  

Invitation Homes Trust
Series 2018-SFR4, Class A
1.182% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.10%), 01/17/2038(c)(h)

      209       209,786  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust
Series 2015-XLF2, Class SNMA
2.023% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.95%), 11/15/2026 (h)(j)

      80       73,509  

Starwood Retail Property Trust
Series 2014-STAR, Class A
1.543% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.47%), 11/15/2027(c)(h)

      176       131,364  
     

 

 

 
        1,453,140  
     

 

 

 

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE CMBS–0.2%

     

GS Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2013-G1, Class A2
3.557%, 04/10/2031(c)

    U.S.$       276     $ 275,631  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2012-C6, Class E
5.313%, 05/15/2045(c)

      119       83,873  

LSTAR Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2016-4, Class A2
2.579%, 03/10/2049(c)

      140       141,732  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2015-SG1, Class C
4.611%, 09/15/2048

      73       67,687  
     

 

 

 
        568,923  
     

 

 

 

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
(cost $2,118,353)

        2,022,063  
     

 

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS–CORPORATE BONDS–0.4%

 

   

INDUSTRIAL–0.4%

     

BASIC–0.0%

     

Volcan Cia Minera SAA
4.375%, 02/11/2026(c)

      24       23,640  
     

 

 

 

CAPITAL GOODS–0.1%

     

Embraer Netherlands Finance BV
6.95%, 01/17/2028(c)

      200       228,250  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–
MEDIA–0.1%

     

Globo Comunicacao e Participacoes SA
4.875%, 01/22/2030(c)

      200       206,350  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER NON-
CYCLICAL–0.1%

     

BRF GmbH
4.35%, 09/29/2026(c)

      200       210,412  
     

 

 

 

ENERGY–0.0%

     

Leviathan Bond Ltd. 6.125%, 06/30/2025(c)

      46       50,589  
     

 

 

 
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

TRANSPORTATION–
SERVICES–0.1%

     

InPost SA
2.25%, 07/15/2027(c)

    EUR       135     $ 161,146  
     

 

 

 
        880,387  
     

 

 

 

UTILITY–0.0%

     

ELECTRIC–0.0%

     

Terraform Global Operating LLC
6.125%, 03/01/2026(j)

    U.S.$       14       14,422  
     

 

 

 

Total Emerging Markets–Corporate Bonds
(cost $876,998)

        894,809  
     

 

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS–
SOVEREIGNS–0.3%

 

   

BAHRAIN–0.1%

     

Bahrain Government International Bond
5.25%, 01/25/2033(c)

      200       194,750  
     

 

 

 

EGYPT–0.1%

     

Egypt Government International Bond
5.875%, 02/16/2031(b)(c)

      200       193,438  
     

 

 

 

IVORY COAST–0.0%

     

Ivory Coast Government International Bond
5.875%, 10/17/2031(c)

    EUR       100       127,527  
     

 

 

 

OMAN–0.1%

     

Oman Government International Bond
4.875%, 02/01/2025(c)

    U.S.$       200       209,475  
     

 

 

 

Total Emerging Markets–Sovereigns
(cost $706,137)

        725,190  
     

 

 

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS–PROVINCIAL BONDS–0.3%

 

   

Province of Quebec Canada
2.75%, 09/01/2027

    CAD       465       403,397  

Province of Ontario Canada
2.60%, 06/02/2027

      235       201,483  
     

 

 

 

Total Local Governments–Provincial Bonds
(cost $606,326)

        604,880  
     

 

 

 

 

21


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

GOVERNMENTS–SOVEREIGN
BONDS–0.2%

 

   

INDONESIA–0.1%

     

Indonesia Government International Bond
3.375%, 07/30/2025(c)

    EUR       180     $ 238,754  
     

 

 

 

MEXICO–0.1%

     

Mexico Government International Bond
4.75%, 04/27/2032

    U.S.$       280       320,565  
     

 

 

 

Total Governments–Sovereign Bonds
(cost $563,631)

        559,319  
     

 

 

 

GOVERNMENTS–SOVEREIGN AGENCIES–0.1%

 

   

CANADA–0.1%

     

Canada Housing Trust No. 1
1.80%, 12/15/2024(c)

    CAD       200       166,380  

1.95%, 12/15/2025(c)

      195       162,904  
     

 

 

 

Total Governments–Sovereign Agencies
(cost $324,068)

        329,284  
     

 

 

 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES–0.0%

     

AUTOS–FIXED RATE–0.0%

     

Flagship Credit Auto Trust Series 2016-4, Class D 3.89%, 11/15/2022(c)
(cost $71,086)

    U.S.$       71       71,533  
     

 

 

 
        
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–1.1%

     

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–1.1%

     

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.01%(f)(g)(l)
(cost $2,610,465)

      2,610,465     $ 2,610,465  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned–99.9%
(cost $204,376,073)

        250,645,379  
     

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–0.0%

     

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.0%

     

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.01%(f)(g)(l)
(cost $95,175)

      95,175       95,175  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.9%
(cost $204,471,248)

        250,740,554  

Other assets less liabilities–0.1%

        209,456  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

      $ 250,950,010  
 

 

 

 

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

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

Purchased Contracts

 

Euro-Bund Futures

     13        September 2021      $     2,660,740      $         376  

Euro-Schatz Futures

     3        September 2021        398,910        (75

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

     19        September 2021        4,186,086        (23

Sold Contracts

           

10 Yr Canadian Bond Futures

     8        September 2021        939,142        (10,951

Euro-BOBL Futures

     37        September 2021        5,885,530        4,331  

U.S. 10 Yr Ultra Futures

     3        September 2021        441,609        (7,738
           

 

 

 
   $ (14,080
           

 

 

 

 

22


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

       AUD        3,000          USD        2,325          08/25/2021        $ 74,411  

Bank of America, NA

       BRL        6,134          USD        1,211          07/02/2021          (22,623

Bank of America, NA

       EUR        1,641          USD        1,997          08/03/2021          50,041  

Bank of America, NA

       USD        1,226          BRL        6,134          07/02/2021          7,002  

Barclays Bank PLC

       IDR        5,791,289          USD        392          07/15/2021          (5,794

BNP Paribas SA

       BRL        6,134          USD        1,234          08/03/2021          4,505  

BNP Paribas SA

       BRL        6,134          USD        1,226          07/02/2021          (7,002

BNP Paribas SA

       ZAR        5,590          USD        392          09/16/2021          3,783  

BNP Paribas SA

       USD        759          AUD        1,006          08/25/2021          (4,380

BNP Paribas SA

       USD        1,237          BRL        6,134          07/02/2021          (4,180

Citibank, NA

       IDR        5,735,317          USD        403          07/15/2021          9,561  

Citibank, NA

       COP        1,149,249          USD        306          07/15/2021          (114

Citibank, NA

       KRW        908,134          USD        812          07/22/2021          8,165  

Citibank, NA

       KRW        452,332          USD        399          07/22/2021          (1,574

Citibank, NA

       MXN        39,989          USD        1,972          08/27/2021          (20,405

Citibank, NA

       INR        30,839          USD        416          07/15/2021          2,232  

Citibank, NA

       CNY        26,011          USD        3,994          09/16/2021          (5,586

Citibank, NA

       THB        7,810          USD        248          07/15/2021          4,181  

Citibank, NA

       CAD        1,894          USD        1,513          07/16/2021          (14,850

Citibank, NA

       GBP        593          USD        827          08/26/2021          6,324  

Citibank, NA

       USD        384          CLP        274,095          07/15/2021          (10,563

Citibank, NA

       USD        804          IDR        11,495,117          07/15/2021          (15,406

Credit Suisse International

       CHF        717          USD        796          08/05/2021          21,145  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       USD        1,191          CHF        1,090          08/05/2021          (11,693

HSBC Bank USA

       EUR        17,488          USD        21,453          08/03/2021          702,824  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

       MXN        15,908          USD        800          08/27/2021          7,161  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

       SEK        6,927          USD        809          07/15/2021          (219

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

       ZAR        5,590          USD        391          09/16/2021          3,390  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

       USD        810          NOK        6,740          07/15/2021          (27,051

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

       USD        780          MXN        16,043          08/27/2021          19,482  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

       USD        815          RUB        60,601          07/28/2021          9,819  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

       USD        755          JPY        83,176          08/19/2021          (5,658

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       JPY        1,036,683          USD        9,526          08/19/2021          190,900  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       CLP        840,784          USD        1,183          07/15/2021          38,624  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       MYR        1,237          USD        299          09/23/2021          1,851  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        789          EUR        647          08/03/2021          (21,178

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        803          INR        60,973          07/15/2021          15,709  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        808          INR        59,999          07/15/2021          (2,055

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        1,587          JPY        174,863          08/19/2021          (12,190

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        392          CLP        287,857          07/15/2021          (92

Standard Chartered Bank

       KRW        1,990,813          USD        1,753          07/22/2021          (8,321

Standard Chartered Bank

       INR        29,823          USD        403          07/15/2021          2,834  

Standard Chartered Bank

       USD        1,213          KRW        1,361,106          07/22/2021          (8,809

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       JPY        53,472          USD        485          08/19/2021          3,251  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       SEK        2,078          USD        246          07/15/2021          3,323  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       MXN        632          USD        31          08/27/2021          (267

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       DKK        559          USD        90          07/15/2021          723  

 

23


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       CHF        372          USD        409          08/05/2021        $ 6,153  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       GBP        359          USD        505          08/26/2021          8,338  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       EUR        1,417          USD        1,715          08/03/2021          33,701  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       CAD        102          USD        82          07/16/2021          (767

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       NZD        49          USD        35          07/29/2021          1,216  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        30          CAD        37          07/16/2021          (138

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        1,081          EUR        894          08/03/2021          (19,525

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        168          GBP        119          08/26/2021          (2,881

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        69          CAD        86          07/16/2021          542  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        173          CHF        157          08/05/2021          (3,488

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        12          HKD        96          08/19/2021          1  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        98          SGD        131          08/19/2021          (903

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        108          AUD        140          08/25/2021          (3,349

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        150          SEK        1,274          07/15/2021          (1,530

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        205          GBP        148          08/26/2021          110  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        20          NOK        169          07/15/2021          (225

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        96          JPY        10,499          08/19/2021          (994

UBS AG

       RUB        30,922          USD        428          07/28/2021          7,424  

UBS AG

       USD        388          CLP        278,638          07/15/2021          (9,202
                         

 

 

 
     $   995,714  
                         

 

 

 

CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAPS (see Note D)

 

                   Rate Type                        
Notional
Amount (000)
     Termination
Date
     Payments
made
by the
Fund
    Payments
received
by the
Fund
    Payment
Frequency
Paid/
Received
  Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
CAD      3,780        05/22/2024        3 Month CDOR       1.980%     Semi-Annual   $ 84,893     $ 1     $ 84,892  
EUR      540        09/30/2050        0.122%       6 Month EURIBOR    

Annual/

Semi-Annual

    63,369       –0 –      63,369  
EUR      540        09/30/2050        6 Month EURIBOR       (0.017)%    

Semi-Annual/

Annual

    (88,886     –0 –      (88,886
EUR      550        11/10/2050        0.022%       6 Month EURIBOR    

Annual/

Semi-Annual

    84,034       –0 –      84,034  
EUR      550        11/10/2050        6 Month EURIBOR       (0.043)%    

Semi-Annual/

Annual

    (94,485     6,486       (100,971
              

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
               $   48,925     $   6,487     $   42,438  
              

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

24


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
   Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
     Implied
Credit
Spread at
June 30,
2021
    Notional
Amount
(000)
     Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sale Contracts

                   

Deutsche Bank AG

                   

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00     Monthly        10.00     USD        8      $   (2,113   $ (905   $   (1,208

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        9        (2,377     (499     (1,878

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        52        (13,732     (5,737)       (7,995

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        53        (13,997     (5,850     (8,147

Goldman Sachs International

 

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        4        (1,056     (346     (710

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        8        (2,112     (762     (1,350

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        8        (2,113     (705     (1,408

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        58        (15,312     (9,148     (6,164

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        53        (13,997     (5,449     (8,548

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        82        (21,648     (13,119     (8,529

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        75        (19,800     (11,125     (8,675

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        78        (20,598     (10,243     (10,355
               

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                  $  (128,855     $  (63,888     $  (64,967
               

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   Termination date

INFLATION (CPI) SWAPS (see Note D)

 

                      Rate Type                          
Swap Counterparty   Notional
Amount
(000)
    Termination
Date
    Payments
made
by the
Fund
    Payments
received
by the
Fund
    Payment
Frequency
Paid
Received
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Bank of America, NA

    USD       6,210       05/17/2032       2.532     CPI     Maturity     $   (110,685)     $         –0 –    $   (110,685)  

 

#   Variable interest rate based on the rate of inflation as determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

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

 

(c)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration. At June 30, 2021, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $36,807,294 or 14.7% of net assets.

 

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

 

25


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

(e)   Fair valued by the Adviser.

 

(f)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

(h)   Floating Rate Security. Stated interest/floor/ceiling rate was in effect at June 30, 2021.

 

(i)   Securities are perpetual and, thus, do not have a predetermined maturity date. The date shown, if applicable, reflects the next call date.

 

(j)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities, which represent 0.07% of net assets as of June 30, 2021, are considered illiquid and restricted. Additional information regarding such securities follows:

 

144A/Restricted & Illiquid Securities    Acquisition
Date
     Cost      Market
Value
     Percentage
of Net Assets
 

JPMorgan Madison Avenue Securities Trust
Series 2014-CH1, Class M2 4.342%, 11/25/2024

     11/06/2015      $   11,245      $   11,163        0.00

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust
Series 2015-XLF2, Class SNMA
2.023%, 11/15/2026

     11/16/2015        79,783        73,509        0.03

Terraform Global Operating LLC 6.125%, 03/01/2026

     02/08/2018        14,000        14,422        0.01

Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust Series 2015-WF1, Class 1M2 5.342%, 11/25/2025

     09/28/2015        57,665        56,074        0.02

Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust Series 2015-WF1, Class 2M2 5.592%, 11/25/2025

     09/28/2015        15,572        15,509        0.01

 

(k)   Inverse interest only security.

 

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

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

BRL—Brazilian Real

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

CLP—Chilean Peso

CNY—Chinese Yuan Renminbi

COP—Colombian Peso

DKK—Danish Krone

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

HKD—Hong Kong Dollar

IDR—Indonesian Rupiah

INR—Indian Rupee

JPY—Japanese Yen

KRW—South Korean Won

MXN—Mexican Peso

MYR—Malaysian Ringgit

NOK—Norwegian Krone

NZD—New Zealand Dollar

RUB—Russian Ruble

SEK—Swedish Krona

SGD—Singapore Dollar

THB—Thailand Baht

USD—United States Dollar

ZAR—South African Rand

 

26


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

BOBL—Bundesobligationen

CBT—Chicago Board of Trade

CDOR—Canadian Dealer Offered Rate

CDX-CMBX.NA—North American Commercial Mortgage-Backed Index

CLO—Collateralized Loan Obligations

CMBS—Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

EURIBOR—Euro Interbank Offered Rate

LIBOR—London Interbank Offered Rate

OAT—Obligations Assimilables du Trésor

PJSC—Public Joint Stock Company

REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust

REMICs—Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits

TBA—To Be Announced

See notes to financial statements.

 

27


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value

 

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $144,008,682)

   $ 182,754,687 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $60,462,566—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $95,175)

     67,985,867  

Cash

     520  

Cash collateral due from broker

     76,850  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $370,397)

     369,365  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     1,248,726  

Unaffiliated interest and dividends receivable

     579,629  

Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions

     7,819  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     6,341  

Receivable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

     1,894  

Receivable for variation margin on futures

     883  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     10  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     253,032,591  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency transactions

     974,604  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     253,012  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     174,536  

Market value on credit default swaps (net premiums received $63,888)

     128,855  

Unrealized depreciation on inflation swaps

     110,685  

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     95,175  

Advisory fee payable

     73,634  

Distribution fee payable

     46,941  

Foreign capital gains tax payable

     21,635  

Administrative fee payable

     20,555  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     129  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     182,820  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     2,082,581  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 250,950,010  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 21,981  

Additional paid-in capital

     187,489,450  

Distributable earnings

     63,438,579  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 250,950,010  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 23,204,735          2,004,230        $   11.58  
B      $   227,745,275          19,976,490        $   11.40  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $2,931,042 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

28


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $33,719)

   $ 986,947  

Affiliated issuers

     70  

Interest (net of foreign taxes withheld of $3)

     878,509  

Securities lending income

     1,659  

Other income

     362  
  

 

 

 
     1,867,547  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     673,717  

Distribution fee—Class B

     278,533  

Transfer agency—Class A

     273  

Transfer agency—Class B

     2,734  

Custody and accounting

     85,876  

Audit and tax

     41,964  

Administrative

     39,735  

Printing

     26,370  

Legal

     20,945  

Directors’ fees

     10,912  

Miscellaneous

     11,061  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,192,120  

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

     (240,505
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     951,615  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     915,932  
  

 

 

 

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

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

     333,450  

Investment transactions(a)

     8,091,481  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (250,392

Futures

     177,472  

Swaps

     22,940  

Foreign currency transactions

     785,160  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

  

Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

     6,017,441  

Investments(b)

     3,314,259  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     1,575,731  

Futures

     (25,639

Swaps

     165,283  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (29,192
  

 

 

 

Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     20,177,994  
  

 

 

 

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

     71  
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 21,093,997  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Net of foreign realized capital gains taxes of $2,009.

 

(b)   Net of decrease in accrued foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized gains of $10,994.

See notes to financial statements.

 

29


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income

   $ 915,932     $ 2,685,630  

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     9,160,111       2,990,934  

Net realized gain distributions from Underlying Portfolios

     –0 –      412,213  

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

     11,017,883       13,329,050  

Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B)

     71       –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     21,093,997       19,417,827  

Distributions to Shareholders

 

Class A

     –0 –      (1,115,680

Class B

     –0 –      (10,939,126

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net decrease

     (13,823,311     (19,101,220
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     7,270,686       (11,738,199

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     243,679,324       255,417,523  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 250,950,010     $ 243,679,324  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

30


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to maximize total return consistent with the determination of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) of reasonable risk. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 11 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

31


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

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

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

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

 

32


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2021:

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

             

Assets:

 

Common Stocks:

             

Information Technology

     $ 22,228,201      $ 240,323      $ –0 –     $ 22,468,524  

Consumer Discretionary

       11,981,702        635,179        40,816        12,657,697  

Real Estate

       8,213,000        3,114,320        –0 –       11,327,320  

Health Care

       10,888,201        181,857        –0 –       11,070,058  

Communication Services

       10,549,421        110,528        –0 –       10,659,949  

Financials

       8,633,510        563,964        –0 –       9,197,474  

Industrials

       7,580,955        564,515        –0 –       8,145,470  

Energy

       2,953,745        3,098,992        –0 –       6,052,737  

Materials

       2,734,629        2,385,844        –0 –       5,120,473  

Consumer Staples

       3,712,681        240,037        –0 –       3,952,718  

Utilities

       1,924,481        190,671        –0 –       2,115,152  

Consumer Durables & Apparel

       68,213        55,301        –0 –       123,514  

Consumer Services

       99,066        –0 –       –0 –       99,066  

Transportation

       –0 –       85,299        –0 –       85,299  

Telecommunication Services

       –0 –       46,638        –0 –       46,638  

Capital Goods

       32,487        –0 –       –0 –       32,487  

Software & Services

       27,472        –0 –       –0 –       27,472  

Investment Companies

       65,280,227        –0 –       –0 –       65,280,227  

Governments—Treasuries

       –0 –       35,422,380        –0 –       35,422,380  

Corporates—Investment Grade

       –0 –       17,864,304        –0 –       17,864,304  

Corporates—Non-Investment Grade

       –0 –       5,284,681        –0 –       5,284,681  

Quasi-Sovereigns

       –0 –       3,968,996        –0 –       3,968,996  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

       –0 –       3,501,878        –0 –       3,501,878  

Inflation-Linked Securities

       –0 –       3,245,065        –0 –       3,245,065  

Mortgage Pass-Throughs

       –0 –       2,972,216        –0 –       2,972,216  

Collateralized Loan Obligations

       –0 –       1,856,041        250,000        2,106,041  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

       –0 –       2,022,063        –0 –       2,022,063  

Emerging Markets—Corporate Bonds

       –0 –       894,809        –0 –       894,809  

Emerging Markets—Sovereigns

       –0 –       725,190        –0 –       725,190  

Local Governments—Provincial Bonds

       –0 –       604,880        –0 –       604,880  

Governments—Sovereign Bonds

       –0 –       559,319        –0 –       559,319  

Governments—Sovereign Agencies

       –0 –       329,284        –0 –       329,284  

Asset-Backed Securities

       –0 –       71,533        –0 –       71,533  

Short-Term Investments

       2,610,465        –0 –       –0 –       2,610,465  

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

       95,175        –0 –       –0 –       95,175  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       159,613,631        90,836,107        290,816        250,740,554  

Other Financial Instruments(a):

             

Assets:

             

Futures

       4,707        –0 –       –0 –       4,707 (b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       1,248,726        –0 –       1,248,726  

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

       –0 –       232,296        –0 –       232,296 (b) 

Liabilities:

             

Futures

       (18,787      –0 –       –0 –       (18,787 )(b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       (253,012      –0 –       (253,012

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

       –0 –       (183,371      –0 –       (183,371 )(b) 

Credit Default Swaps

       –0 –       (128,855      –0 –       (128,855

Inflation (CPI) Swaps

       –0 –       (110,685      –0 –       (110,685
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     $ 159,599,551      $ 91,641,206      $ 290,816      $ 251,531,573  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

33


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

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

3. Currency Translation

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

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

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily

 

34


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to .75% and 1.00% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $39,735.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $818 for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2022. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, such waiver amounted to $328.

In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in other AB mutual funds, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse the expenses payable to the Adviser by the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fees of AB mutual funds, as paid by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. These fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will remain in effect until May 1, 2022. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, such waivers and/or reimbursements amounted to $240,176.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

       Distributions  

Fund

   Market Value
12/31/20
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Realized
Gain
(Loss)
(000)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appr./(Depr.)
(000)
    Market Value
6/30/21
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
    Realized
Gains
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 1,673     $ 25,873     $ 24,936     $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 2,610      $ 0   $ –0 – 

AB Discovery Growth Fund, Inc.

     3,073       –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      223       3,296        –0 –      –0 – 

AB Trust—AB Discovery Value Fund

     3,151       –0 –      797       42       766       3,162        –0 –      –0 – 

Bernstein Fund, Inc.: International Small Cap Portfolio

     8,410       –0 –      1,003       14       966       8,387        –0 –      –0 – 

International Strategic Equities Portfolio

     42,917       –0 –      3,135       174       3,268       43,224        –0 –      –0 – 

Small Cap Core Portfolio

     3,105       –0 –      407       62       459       3,219        –0 –      –0 – 

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

     3,965       –0 –      348       41       335       3,993        –0 –      –0 – 

Government Money Market Portfolio**

     –0 –      2,334       2,239       –0 –      –0 –      95        0     –0 – 
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

         $ 333     $ 6,017     $ 67,986      $ 0   $ –0 – 
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   Amount is less than $500.

 

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

 

35


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Adviser reimbursed the Portfolio $71 for trading losses incurred due to a trade entry error.

Brokerage commissions paid on investment transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2021 amounted to $11,217, of which $434 and $0, respectively, was paid to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. LLC and Sanford C. Bernstein Limited, affiliates of the Adviser.

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 (and related transactions). As a result, as of May 20, 2021, AXA no longer owns shares of Equitable.

Sales 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 Portfolio’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 Portfolio subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

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

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 57,355,011      $ 72,056,874  

U.S. government securities

     19,251,770        12,921,561  

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

   $ 50,343,281  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (3,225,555
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 47,117,726  
  

 

 

 

 

36


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Futures

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

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Swaps

The Portfolio may enter into swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rates, credit risk or currencies. The Portfolio may also enter into swaps for non-hedging purposes as a means of gaining market exposures, making direct investments in foreign currencies, as described below under “Currency Transactions.” A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. The payment flows are usually

 

37


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

netted against each other, with the difference being paid by one party to the other. In addition, collateral may be pledged or received by the Portfolio in accordance with the terms of the respective swaps to provide value and recourse to the Portfolio or its counterparties in the event of default, bankruptcy or insolvency by one of the parties to the swap.

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

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

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

Interest Rate Swaps:

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

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

 

38


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held interest rate swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Inflation (CPI) Swaps:

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held inflation (CPI) swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Credit Default Swaps:

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

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held credit default swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

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

 

39


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

   Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Interest rate contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures    $ 4,707   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures   $ 18,787

Interest rate contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps      225,809   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps     183,371

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts      1,248,726     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts     253,012  

Interest rate contracts

       Unrealized depreciation on inflation swaps     110,685  

Credit contracts

       Market value on credit default swaps     128,855  
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

     $ 1,479,242       $ 694,710  
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

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

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures    $ 177,472     $ (25,639

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts      (250,392     1,575,731  

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps      46,524       128,561  

Credit contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps      (23,584     36,722  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ (49,980   $ 1,715,375  
        

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

40


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2021:

 

Futures:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 4,957,616  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 4,790,670  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 17,693,776  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 58,958,826  

Inflation Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 8,917,143  

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 7,730,191  

Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 569,429  

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

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2021. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

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

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

  $ 74,411     $ –0 –    $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 74,411  

Bank of America, NA

    57,043       (57,043     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

BNP Paribas SA

    8,288       (8,288     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Citibank, NA

    30,463       (30,463     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Credit Suisse International

    21,145       –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      21,145  

HSBC Bank USA

    702,824       –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      702,824  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

    39,852       (32,928     –0 –      –0 –      6,924  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

    247,084       (35,515     –0 –      –0 –      211,569  

Standard Chartered Bank

    2,834       (2,834     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    57,358       (34,067     –0 –      –0 –      23,291  

UBS AG

    7,424       (7,424     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 1,248,726     $ (208,562   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 1,040,164
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

  $ 133,308     $ (57,043   $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 76,265  

Barclays Bank PLC

    5,794       –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      5,794  

BNP Paribas SA

    15,562       (8,288     –0 –      –0 –      7,274  

Citibank, NA

    68,498       (30,463     –0 –      –0 –      38,035  

Deutsche Bank AG

    32,219       –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      32,219  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA/Goldman Sachs International

    108,329       –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      108,329  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

    32,928       (32,928     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

    35,515       (35,515     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Standard Chartered Bank

    17,130       (2,834     –0 –      –0 –      14,296  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    34,067       (34,067     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

UBS AG

    9,202       (7,424     –0 –      –0 –      1,778  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 492,552     $ (208,562   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 283,990
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

41


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

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

2. Currency Transactions

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

3. TBA and Dollar Rolls

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

The Portfolio may enter into certain TBA transactions known as dollar rolls. Dollar rolls involve sales by the Portfolio of securities for delivery in the current month and the Portfolio’s simultaneously contracting to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Portfolio forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities. The Portfolio is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Portfolio is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. Dollar rolls are speculative techniques. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio earned drop income of $4,252 which is included in interest income in the accompanying statement of operations.

NOTE E: Securities Lending

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

 

42


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the six months ended June 30, 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
 
$ 2,931,042     $ 95,175     $ 2,928,704     $ 1,645     $ 14     $ 1  

 

*   As of June 30, 2021.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

Class A

         

Shares sold

    146,608       77,220       $ 1,639,737     $ 757,635  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      114,782         –0 –      1,115,680  

Shares redeemed

    (144,498     (567,977       (1,610,149     (5,567,327
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    2,110       (375,975     $ 29,588     $ (3,694,012
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    555,712       1,282,047       $ 6,127,743     $ 11,968,828  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    –0 –      1,140,680         –0 –      10,939,126  

Shares redeemed

    (1,832,240     (4,048,921       (19,980,642     (38,315,162
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (1,276,528     (1,626,194     $ (13,852,899   $ (15,407,208
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2021, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 67% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

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

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

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

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

 

43


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

Interest Rate Risk—Changes in interest rates will affect the value of investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of existing investments in fixed-income securities tends to fall and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from new investments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. The current historically low interest rate environment heightens the risks associated with rising interest rates.

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

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

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

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk—As with other investments, investments in other investment companies are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, Contractholders invested in the Portfolio bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Portfolio (including management fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies in which the Portfolio invests (to the extent these expenses are not waived or reimbursed by the Adviser).

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

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

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio 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. 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 Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and

 

44


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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 Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. 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 Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

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

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

     2020      2019  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 5,219,650      $ 5,933,950  

Net long-term capital gains

     6,835,156        30,437,478  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 12,054,806      $ 36,371,428  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 2,491,465  

Undistributed capital gains

     3,784,545  

Other losses

     (40,119 )(a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     36,131,875 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 42,367,766 (c) 
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   As of December 31, 2020, the cumulative deferred loss on straddles was $40,119.

 

(b)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments, the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), the tax treatment of Treasury inflation-protected securities, the amortization on callable bonds, the tax treatment of swaps, and the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

 

(c)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) is attributable primarily to the accrual of foreign capital gains tax.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2020, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

 

45


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2020-04.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

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

 

46


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $10.61       $10.24       $10.10       $11.86       $10.54       $10.99  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)(b)

    .05       .13       .19       .23       .17       .19 † 

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

    .92       .78       1.58       (.87     1.48       .34  

Contributions from Affiliates

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .97       .91       1.77       (.64     1.65       .53  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.24     (.29     (.23     (.24     (.24

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (.30     (1.34     (.89     (.09     (.74
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.54     (1.63     (1.12     (.33     (.98
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $11.58       $10.61       $10.24       $10.10       $11.86       $10.54  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

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

    9.14     9.41     18.53     (6.17 )%      15.84     4.69 %† 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

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

    $23,205       $21,252       $24,347       $23,967       $29,328       $30,132  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

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

    .55 %^      .55     .55     .66     .73     .73

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

    .75 %^      .77     .75     .75     .73     .73

Net investment income (b)

    .98 %^      1.38     1.81     2.05     1.51     1.74 %† 

Portfolio turnover rate**

    31     66     63     150     108     106
           

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

  

portfolios

    .21 %^      .22     .22     .11     .00     .00

 

 

See footnote summary on page 49.

 

47


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $10.47       $10.10       $9.98       $11.73       $10.42       $10.87  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)(b)

    .04       .11       .16       .20       .14       .16 † 

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

    .89       .78       1.56       (.86     1.47       .33  

Contributions from Affiliates

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .93       .89       1.72       (.66     1.61       .49  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.22     (.26     (.20     (.21     (.20

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (.30     (1.34     (.89     (.09     (.74
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.52     (1.60     (1.09     (.30     (.94
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $11.40       $10.47       $10.10       $9.98       $11.73       $10.42  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

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

    8.88     9.25     18.20     (6.41 )%      15.62     4.44 %† 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

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

    $227,745       $222,427       $231,071       $220,274       $274,070       $272,733  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

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

    .80 %^      .80     .80     .91     .98     .98

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

    1.00 %^      1.02     1.00     1.00     .98     .98

Net investment income (b)

    .72 %^      1.14     1.57     1.79     1.26     1.49 %† 

Portfolio turnover rate**

    31     66     63     150     108     106
           

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

  

portfolios

    .21 %^      .22     .22     .11     .00     .00

 

 

See footnote summary on page 49.

 

48


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

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

 

(e)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the years ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, such waiver amounted to .20% (annualized), .20%, .20% and .09%, respectively.

 

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

 

       Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Class A

                  

Net of waivers/reimbursements

       .55 %^      .55      .54      .66      .73      .73

Before waivers/reimbursements

       .75 %^      .77      .75      .75      .73      .73

Class B

                  

Net of waivers/reimbursements

       .80 %^      .80      .79      .91      .98      .98

Before waivers/reimbursements

       1.00 %^      1.02      1.00      1.00      .98      .98

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, 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

$.001   .01%   .01%

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the year ended December 31, 2017 by .02%.

 

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

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

49


 
 
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

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

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2021, which covered the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

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

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

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

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

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, 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 Portfolio, and in a diminished depth of liquidity in most markets, to varying degrees. Nonetheless, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

50


      
BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Balanced Wealth Strategy Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on August 4-5, 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 underlying funds 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s former Senior Officer/Independent Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also 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

 

51


BALANCED WEALTH STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors noted that the Fund was not profitable to the Adviser in 2019. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund in 2018 was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

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

Investment Results

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

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended May 31, 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 took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The Adviser informed the directors that there were no institutional products managed by it that utilize investment strategies similar to those of the Fund.

The directors noted that the Fund may invest in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as these may be varied as a result of exemptive orders issued by the SEC. The directors also noted that ETFs pay advisory fees pursuant to their advisory contracts. The directors concluded, based on the Adviser’s explanation of how it uses ETFs when they are the most cost-effective way to obtain desired exposures, in some cases pending purchases of underlying securities, that the advisory fee for the Fund would be for services in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contracts of the ETFs.

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

 

52


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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 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.

 

53


VPS-BW-0152-0621


JUN    06.30.21

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO

 

As of May 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, you may not be receiving paper copies of the Portfolio’s shareholder reports from the insurance company that offers your contract unless you specifically requested paper copies from the insurance company or from your financial intermediary. Instead of delivering paper copies of the reports, the insurance company may choose to make the reports available on a website, and will notify you by mail each time a report is posted and provide you with a website link to access the report. Instructions for requesting paper copies will be provided by your insurance company.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge from the insurance company. You can inform the insurance company or your financial intermediary that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by following the instructions provided by the insurance company or by contacting your financial intermediary. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all portfolio companies available under your contract with the insurance company.


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


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

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

     Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2021
    Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2021
    Expenses Paid
During Period*
    Annualized
Expense Ratio*
    Total
Expenses Paid
During Period+
    Total
Annualized
Expense Ratio+
 

Class A

           

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,059.00     $ 4.08       0.80   $ 4.14       0.81

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

  $ 1,000     $ 1,020.83     $ 4.01       0.80   $ 4.06       0.81
           

Class B

           

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,057.20     $ 5.30       1.04   $ 5.36       1.05

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

  $   1,000     $   1,019.64     $   5.21       1.04   $   5.26       1.05

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

+   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Portfolio’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

SECURITY      U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  NET ASSETS  

U.S. Treasury Bonds & Notes

     $ 80,631,089          25.7

Vanguard Real Estate ETF

       7,786,325          2.5  

Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF

       7,757,678          2.5  

Apple, Inc.

       5,627,686          1.8  

Microsoft Corp.

       5,356,506          1.7  

Amazon.com, Inc.

       3,863,300          1.2  

Facebook, Inc.—Class A

       2,196,484          0.7  

Nestle SA

       1,952,471          0.6  

Alphabet, Inc.—Class A

       1,926,572          0.6  

Alphabet, Inc.—Class C

       1,867,208          0.6  
      

 

 

      

 

 

 
       $   118,965,319          37.9

PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2021 (unaudited)

 

 

ASSET CLASSES      ALLOCATION  

Equities

      

US Large Cap

       25.7

International Large Cap

       25.3  

Real Equities

       5.0  

Emerging Market Equities

       4.1  

US Mid-Cap

       2.8  

US Small-Cap

       2.8  
      

 

 

 

Sub-total

       65.7  
      

 

 

 

Fixed Income

      

U.S. Bonds

       30.2  

International Bonds

       4.1  
      

 

 

 

Sub-total

       34.3  
      

 

 

 

Total

       100.0

SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN3

June 30, 2021 (unaudited)

 

 

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

Common Stocks

   $ 187,035,051          61.3

Governments—Treasuries

     80,631,089          26.4  

Investment Companies

     15,544,003          5.1  

Rights

     2,934          0.0  

Short-Term Investments

     21,886,952          7.2  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   305,100,029          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   All data are as of June 30, 2021. The Portfolio breakdown is expressed as an approximate percentage of the Portfolio’s total investments inclusive of derivative exposure, based on the Adviser’s internal classification guidelines.

 

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

 

2


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

COMMON STOCKS–59.6%

   
   

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–11.1%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.4%

   

Arista Networks, Inc.(a)

    135     $ 48,912  

Cisco Systems, Inc./Delaware

    10,990       582,470  

F5 Networks, Inc.(a)

    180       33,599  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    760       20,786  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    425       92,161  

Nokia Oyj(a)

    29,314       157,057  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson–Class B

    15,869       199,536  
   

 

 

 
      1,134,521  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–0.7%

   

Amphenol Corp.–Class A

    1,520       103,983  

Azbil Corp.

    599       24,821  

CDW Corp./DE

    332       57,984  

Corning, Inc.

    1,965       80,369  

Halma PLC

    2,064       76,895  

Hamamatsu Photonics KK

    749       45,119  

Hexagon AB

    10,711       158,698  

Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.

    189       27,650  

Ibiden Co., Ltd.

    541       29,119  

IPG Photonics Corp.(a)

    73       15,386  

Keyence Corp.

    1,124       566,072  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.(a)

    428       66,087  

Kyocera Corp.

    1,759       108,672  

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    3,117       237,437  

Omron Corp.

    953       75,456  

Shimadzu Corp.

    1,278       49,383  

TDK Corp.

    754       91,275  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    860       116,281  

Trimble, Inc.(a)

    615       50,325  

Venture Corp., Ltd.

    1,462       20,915  

Yaskawa Electric Corp.

    1,238       60,458  

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

    1,234       18,455  

Zebra Technologies Corp.–Class A(a)

    162       85,777  
   

 

 

 
      2,166,617  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–2.1%

   

Accenture PLC–Class A

    1,625       479,034  

Adyen NV(a)(b)

    108       264,852  

Afterpay Ltd.(a)

    1,180       104,737  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a)

    405       47,223  

Amadeus IT Group SA–Class A(a)

    2,449       172,646  

Atos SE

    603       36,718  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    1,080       214,510  

Bechtle AG

    149       27,693  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

    319     $ 51,528  

Capgemini SE

    893       171,736  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.–Class A

    1,340       92,808  

Computershare Ltd.

    2,947       37,351  

DXC Technology Co.(a)

    618       24,065  

Edenred

    1,407       80,222  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    1,549       219,447  

Fiserv, Inc.(a)

    1,538       164,397  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.(a)

    261       66,832  

Fujitsu Ltd.

    1,051       196,641  

Gartner, Inc.(a)

    190       46,018  

Global Payments, Inc.

    727       136,342  

GMO Payment Gateway, Inc.

    264       34,287  

International Business Machines Corp.

    2,338       342,727  

Itochu Techno-Solutions Corp.

    455       14,076  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    147       24,036  

Mastercard, Inc.–Class A

    2,310       843,358  

NEC Corp.

    1,309       67,354  

Nexi SpA(a)(b)

    2,389       52,499  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

    1,854       61,231  

NTT Data Corp.

    3,422       53,420  

Obic Co., Ltd.

    421       78,297  

Otsuka Corp.

    630       33,025  

Paychex, Inc.

    795       85,303  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)

    3,135       913,790  

SCSK Corp.

    264       15,730  

TIS, Inc.

    1,194       30,472  

VeriSign, Inc.(a)

    225       51,230  

Visa, Inc.–Class A(c)

    4,450       1,040,499  

Western Union Co. (The)–Class W

    990       22,740  

Wix.com Ltd.(a)

    303       87,955  

Worldline SA/France(a)(b)

    1,333       124,908  
   

 

 

 
      6,611,737  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–2.7%

   

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)

    3,153       296,161  

Advantest Corp.

    1,077       96,700  

Analog Devices, Inc.(c)

    910       156,666  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    2,325       331,080  

ASM International NV

    258       85,095  

ASML Holding NV

    2,281       1,574,618  

Broadcom, Inc.

    1,109       528,816  

Disco Corp.

    156       47,432  

Enphase Energy, Inc.(a)

    363       66,658  

Infineon Technologies AG

    7,100       285,585  

 

3


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

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Intel Corp.

    10,510     $ 590,032  

KLA Corp.

    410       132,926  

Lam Research Corp.

    379       246,615  

Lasertec Corp.

    471       91,103  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

    675       71,118  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    645       96,582  

Micron Technology, Inc.(a)

    2,930       248,991  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    89       33,237  

NVIDIA Corp.

    1,665       1,332,167  

NXP Semiconductors NV

    734       150,999  

Qorvo, Inc.(a)

    318       62,217  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    2,914       416,498  

Renesas Electronics Corp.(a)

    6,717       72,492  

Rohm Co., Ltd.

    479       44,081  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    424       81,302  

STMicroelectronics NV

    3,823       139,029  

SUMCO Corp.

    1,434       35,127  

Teradyne, Inc.

    400       53,584  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    2,395       460,559  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    830       358,879  

Xilinx, Inc.

    585       84,614  
   

 

 

 
      8,270,963  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–3.2%

   

Adobe, Inc.(a)

    1,330       778,901  

ANSYS, Inc.(a)

    212       73,577  

Autodesk, Inc.(a)

    585       170,761  

AVEVA Group PLC

    625       32,079  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(a)

    714       97,689  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.(a)

    610       70,839  

Citrix Systems, Inc.

    230       26,972  

CyberArk Software Ltd.(a)

    211       27,487  

Dassault Systemes SE

    735       178,382  

Fortinet, Inc.(a)

    369       87,892  

Intuit, Inc.

    780       382,333  

Microsoft Corp.

    19,773       5,356,506  

Nemetschek SE

    314       24,036  

Nice Ltd.(a)

    341       84,170  

NortonLifeLock, Inc.

    1,425       38,789  

Oracle Corp.

    4,732       368,339  

Oracle Corp./Japan

    242       18,491  

Paycom Software, Inc.(a)

    134       48,705  

PTC, Inc.(a)

    269       37,999  

Sage Group PLC (The)

    5,960       56,455  

salesforce.com, Inc.(a)

    2,453       599,194  

SAP SE

    5,678       797,530  

ServiceNow, Inc.(a)

    579       318,189  

Sinch AB(a) (b)

    2,749       46,258  

Synopsys, Inc.(a)

    372       102,594  

TeamViewer AG(a)(b)

    874       32,825  

Temenos AG

    363       58,361  

Trend Micro, Inc./Japan

    689       36,078  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.(a)

    79       35,737  

WiseTech Global Ltd.

    794       18,974  

Xero Ltd.(a)

    718       73,853  
   

 

 

 
      10,079,995  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–2.0%

   

Apple, Inc.

    41,090     $ 5,627,686  

Brother Industries Ltd.

    1,185       23,669  

Canon, Inc.

    5,411       122,299  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    1,909       141,206  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    3,330       48,551  

HP, Inc.

    3,070       92,683  

Logitech International SA

    941       114,277  

NetApp, Inc.

    490       40,092  

Ricoh Co., Ltd.

    3,572       40,207  

Seagate Technology Holdings PLC

    450       39,569  

Seiko Epson Corp.

    1,492       26,226  

Western Digital Corp.(a)

    713       50,744  
   

 

 

 
      6,367,209  
   

 

 

 
      34,631,042  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–8.3%

   

BANKS–3.8%

   

ABN AMRO Bank NV (GDR)(a)(b)

    2,299       27,858  

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

    15,471       326,560  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA(a)

    36,252       224,870  

Banco Santander SA(a)

    94,280       360,626  

Bank Hapoalim BM(a)

    6,173       49,561  

Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM(a)

    7,899       60,022  

Bank of America Corp.

    19,756       814,540  

Bank of East Asia Ltd. (The)

    6,457       11,992  

Banque Cantonale Vaudoise

    164       14,737  

Barclays PLC

    94,389       223,992  

BNP Paribas SA

    6,177       387,666  

BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

    20,031       67,891  

CaixaBank SA

    24,169       74,409  

Chiba Bank Ltd. (The)

    2,814       17,008  

Citigroup, Inc.

    5,349       378,442  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    1,079       49,494  

Comerica, Inc.

    300       21,402  

Commerzbank AG(a)

    5,447       38,683  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

    9,646       722,318  

Concordia Financial Group Ltd.

    5,821       21,391  

Credit Agricole SA

    6,624       92,866  

Danske Bank A/S

    3,750       66,041  

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

    9,175       204,119  

DNB ASA

    5,057       110,213  

Erste Group Bank AG

    1,518       55,804  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    1,840       70,343  

FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA(a)

    3,314       57,834  

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

First Republic Bank/CA

    473     $ 88,531  

Hang Seng Bank Ltd.

    4,005       79,891  

HSBC Holdings PLC

    110,744       639,160  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc./OH

    3,795       54,155  

ING Groep NV

    21,207       281,509  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA

    89,796       248,406  

Israel Discount Bank Ltd.–Class A(a)

    6,328       30,146  

Japan Post Bank Co., Ltd.

    2,118       17,813  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    7,855       1,221,767  

KBC Group NV

    1,359       103,761  

KeyCorp

    2,515       51,935  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

    385,258       249,206  

M&T Bank Corp.

    265       38,507  

Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario SpA(a)

    3,376       39,500  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

    66,387       357,577  

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd.(a)

    762       23,473  

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

    13,054       187,096  

National Australia Bank Ltd.

    17,926       352,404  

Natwest Group PLC

    26,476       74,511  

Nordea Bank Abp

    17,615       196,159  

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd.

    17,327       154,414  

People’s United Financial, Inc.

    1,075       18,425  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    1,080       206,021  

Raiffeisen Bank International AG

    804       18,250  

Regions Financial Corp.

    2,465       49,744  

Resona Holdings, Inc.

    11,522       44,425  

Shizuoka Bank Ltd. (The)

    2,394       18,578  

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB–Class A

    8,848       114,370  

Societe Generale SA

    4,541       134,329  

Standard Chartered PLC

    14,586       93,085  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

    7,033       242,441  

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc.

    1,817       57,963  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    136       75,674  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB–Class A

    7,930       89,513  

Swedbank AB–Class A

    4,923       91,651  

Truist Financial Corp.

    3,498       194,139  

UniCredit SpA

    11,555       136,611  

United Overseas Bank Ltd.

    5,692       109,613  

US Bancorp

    3,505       199,680  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    10,808       489,494  

Westpac Banking Corp.

    19,945       385,972  

Zions Bancorp NA

    330       17,444  
   

 

 

 
      11,828,025  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

CAPITAL MARKETS–1.8%

   

3i Group PLC

    5,291     $ 85,867  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    345       85,864  

Amundi SA(b)

    375       33,075  

ASX Ltd.

    1,052       61,327  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    2,115       108,351  

BlackRock, Inc.–Class A

    433       378,862  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    246       29,286  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    3,842       279,736  

CME Group, Inc.–Class A

    900       191,412  

Credit Suisse Group AG

    13,308       139,307  

Daiwa Securities Group, Inc.

    7,763       42,647  

Deutsche Bank AG(a)

    11,236       146,491  

Deutsche Boerse AG

    1,033       180,306  

EQT AB

    1,295       47,042  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    690       22,073  

Futu Holdings Ltd. (ADR)(a)

    272       48,713  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

    938       355,999  

Hargreaves Lansdown PLC

    1,934       42,557  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.

    5,790       344,677  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    1,400       166,180  

Invesco Ltd.

    930       24,859  

Japan Exchange Group, Inc.

    2,688       59,878  

Julius Baer Group Ltd.

    1,217       79,486  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    1,765       195,051  

Macquarie Group Ltd.

    1,869       218,975  

Magellan Financial Group Ltd.

    749       30,250  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    160       74,174  

Moody’s Corp.

    445       161,255  

Morgan Stanley

    3,821       350,348  

MSCI, Inc.–Class A

    257       137,002  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    310       54,498  

Natixis SA

    5,978       28,400  

Nomura Holdings, Inc.

    16,621       84,592  

Northern Trust Corp.

    510       58,966  

Partners Group Holding AG

    124       187,977  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    309       40,139  

S&P Global, Inc.

    700       287,315  

SBI Holdings, Inc./Japan

    1,295       30,589  

Schroders PLC

    675       32,828  

Singapore Exchange Ltd.

    3,635       30,275  

St. James’s Place PLC

    2,926       59,827  

Standard Life Aberdeen PLC

    11,865       44,512  

State Street Corp.

    865       71,172  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    575       113,833  

UBS Group AG

    19,932       305,303  
   

 

 

 
      5,551,276  
   

 

 

 

 

5


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

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

CONSUMER FINANCE–0.2%

   

Acom Co., Ltd.

    2,074     $ 9,050  

American Express Co.

    1,700       280,891  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    1,203       186,092  

Discover Financial Services

    760       89,900  

Isracard Ltd.(a)

    –0 –      1  

Synchrony Financial

    1,378       66,860  
   

 

 

 
      632,794  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–0.7%

   

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.–Class B(a)

    4,993       1,387,655  

EXOR NV

    590       47,350  

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA

    614       68,750  

IHS Markit Ltd.

    911       102,633  

Industrivarden AB

    580       22,558  

Industrivarden AB–Class C

    868       31,774  

Investor AB

    9,905       228,314  

Kinnevik AB

    1,315       52,658  

L E Lundbergforetagen AB–Class B

    413       26,655  

M&G PLC

    14,135       44,778  

Mitsubishi HC Capital, Inc.

    3,523       18,892  

ORIX Corp.

    6,631       112,074  

Sofina SA

    84       36,293  

Tokyo Century Corp.

    140       7,527  

Wendel SE

    175       23,550  
   

 

 

 
      2,211,461  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–1.8%

   

Admiral Group PLC

    1,048       45,601  

Aegon NV

    9,728       40,460  

Aflac, Inc.

    1,590       85,319  

Ageas SA/NV

    952       52,904  

AIA Group Ltd.

    65,037       806,821  

Allianz SE

    2,242       559,506  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    750       97,830  

American International Group, Inc.

    2,233       106,291  

Aon PLC

    625       149,225  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    452       63,316  

Assicurazioni Generali SpA

    5,998       120,420  

Assurant, Inc.

    160       24,989  

Aviva PLC

    21,360       119,914  

Baloise Holding AG

    252       39,347  

Chubb Ltd.

    1,112       176,741  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    360       41,983  

CNP Assurances

    1,166       19,873  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.

    5,513       101,435  

Direct Line Insurance Group PLC

    7,419       29,262  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    94       23,689  

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA

    1,087       23,967  

Globe Life, Inc.

    202       19,240  

Hannover Rueck SE

    328       54,910  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    865       53,604  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Insurance Australia Group Ltd.

    13,402     $ 51,818  

Japan Post Holdings Co., Ltd.(a)

    8,467       69,546  

Japan Post Insurance Co., Ltd.

    1,192       22,056  

Legal & General Group PLC

    32,444       115,747  

Lincoln National Corp.

    390       24,508  

Loews Corp.

    540       29,511  

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

    1,320       185,698  

Medibank Pvt Ltd.

    14,973       35,498  

MetLife, Inc.

    1,890       113,116  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc.

    2,392       69,158  

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen

    762       208,834  

NN Group NV

    1,526       72,087  

Phoenix Group Holdings PLC

    3,259       30,507  

Poste Italiane SpA(b)

    2,840       37,589  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    590       37,282  

Progressive Corp. (The)

    1,465       143,878  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    955       97,859  

Prudential PLC

    14,187       269,919  

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

    8,020       64,718  

Sampo Oyj–Class A

    2,711       124,664  

SCOR SE(a)

    986       31,389  

Sompo Holdings, Inc.

    1,691       62,632  

Suncorp Group Ltd.

    6,962       57,960  

Swiss Life Holding AG

    174       84,643  

Swiss Re AG

    1,640       148,129  

T&D Holdings, Inc.

    2,896       37,581  

Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.

    3,404       156,789  

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

    590       88,329  

Tryg A/S

    1,957       48,069  

Unum Group

    490       13,916  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    287       66,016  

WR Berkley Corp.

    284       21,138  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

    818       328,562  
   

 

 

 
      5,805,793  
   

 

 

 
      26,029,349  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–7.6%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–0.8%

   

AbbVie, Inc.

    4,616       519,946  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    580       106,552  

Amgen, Inc.

    1,478       360,262  

Argenx SE(a)

    250       75,621  

Biogen, Inc.(a)

    365       126,389  

CSL Ltd.

    2,474       529,111  

Genmab A/S(a)

    357       146,278  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    3,275       225,517  

Grifols SA

    1,621       43,956  

 

6


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Incyte Corp.(a)

    490     $ 41,224  

PeptiDream, Inc.(a)

    441       21,552  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    302       168,679  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    667       134,487  
   

 

 

 
      2,499,574  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.8%

   

Abbott Laboratories

    4,576       530,496  

ABIOMED, Inc.(a)

    108       33,708  

Alcon, Inc.

    2,717       190,564  

Align Technology, Inc.(a)

    240       146,640  

Ambu A/S

    910       35,015  

Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.

    1,041       24,889  

Baxter International, Inc.

    1,240       99,820  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    788       191,634  

BioMerieux

    262       30,442  

Boston Scientific Corp.(a)

    3,660       156,502  

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

    219       42,334  

Cochlear Ltd.

    358       67,543  

Coloplast A/S–Class B

    646       106,062  

Cooper Cos., Inc. (The)

    111       43,986  

Danaher Corp.

    1,640       440,110  

Demant A/S(a)

    589       33,193  

DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.

    546       34,540  

DexCom, Inc.(a)

    259       110,593  

DiaSorin SpA

    137       25,923  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    1,570       162,605  

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp., Ltd.

    3,133       68,156  

GN Store Nord A/S

    696       60,865  

Hologic, Inc.(a)

    620       41,366  

Hoya Corp.

    2,048       270,890  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(a)

    283       178,729  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)

    355       326,472  

Koninklijke Philips NV

    4,953       245,838  

Medtronic PLC

    3,479       431,848  

Olympus Corp.

    6,280       124,915  

ResMed, Inc.

    366       90,226  

Sartorius AG (Preference Shares)

    143       74,433  

Siemens Healthineers AG(b)

    1,461       89,579  

Smith & Nephew PLC

    4,768       103,405  

Sonova Holding AG

    300       112,996  

STERIS PLC

    391       80,663  

Straumann Holding AG

    57       90,917  

Stryker Corp.

    865       224,666  

Sysmex Corp.

    891       105,703  

Teleflex, Inc.

    111       44,599  

Terumo Corp.

    3,451       139,774  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    231       82,952  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    525       84,430  
   

 

 

 
      5,580,021  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–0.9%

   

AmerisourceBergen Corp.–Class A

    335     $ 38,354  

Amplifon SpA

    677       33,473  

Anthem, Inc.

    610       232,898  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    665       37,965  

Centene Corp.(a)

    1,436       104,727  

Cigna Corp.

    911       215,971  

CVS Health Corp.

    3,389       282,778  

DaVita, Inc.(a)

    100       12,043  

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

    1,115       92,652  

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

    2,273       118,628  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    670       138,516  

Henry Schein, Inc.(a)

    290       21,515  

Humana, Inc.

    385       170,447  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

    225       62,066  

McKesson Corp.

    415       79,365  

Medipal Holdings Corp.

    933       17,838  

Orpea SA(a)

    313       39,849  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    300       39,591  

Ramsay Health Care Ltd.

    995       46,945  

Ryman Healthcare Ltd.

    2,310       21,198  

Sonic Healthcare Ltd.

    2,468       71,117  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    2,455       983,080  

Universal Health Services, Inc.–Class B

    150       21,964  
   

 

 

 
      2,882,980  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY–0.1%

   

Cerner Corp.

    730       57,057  

M3, Inc.

    2,430       177,046  
   

 

 

 
      234,103  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–0.6%

   

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    745       110,118  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.–Class A(a)

    96       61,852  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.(a)

    122       45,130  

Eurofins Scientific SE(a)

    762       87,157  

Illumina, Inc.(a)

    381       180,293  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.(a)

    546       132,307  

Lonza Group AG

    405       287,127  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(a)

    100       138,534  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    305       47,095  

QIAGEN NV(a)

    1,255       60,665  

Sartorius Stedim Biotech

    160       75,727  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    1,085       547,350  

Waters Corp.(a)

    195       67,394  
   

 

 

 
      1,840,749  
   

 

 

 

 

7


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

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

PHARMACEUTICALS–3.4%

   

Astellas Pharma, Inc.

    10,085     $ 175,748  

AstraZeneca PLC

    7,137       857,469  

Bayer AG

    5,341       324,707  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    5,815       388,558  

Catalent, Inc.(a)

    391       42,275  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    3,583       142,018  

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.

    9,158       197,566  

Eisai Co., Ltd.

    1,345       132,183  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    2,123       487,271  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

    27,353       537,735  

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC

    939       31,777  

Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc.

    255       12,590  

Ipsen SA

    243       25,286  

Johnson & Johnson

    6,895       1,135,882  

Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.

    1,405       49,969  

Merck & Co., Inc.

    6,635       516,004  

Merck KGaA

    703       134,889  

Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd.

    306       24,345  

Novartis AG

    12,072       1,101,287  

Novo Nordisk A/S–Class B

    9,362       783,680  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    1,994       44,467  

Organon & Co.(a)

    623       18,852  

Orion Oyj–Class B

    576       24,765  

Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd.

    2,078       86,283  

Perrigo Co. PLC

    272       12,471  

Pfizer, Inc.

    14,654       573,851  

Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica SpA

    568       32,491  

Roche Holding AG

    3,994       1,510,286  

Sanofi

    6,198       651,178  

Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    1,908       26,333  

Shionogi & Co., Ltd.

    1,359       70,826  

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd.

    895       18,772  

Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd.

    103       5,514  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    8,543       286,708  

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

    5,961       59,014  

UCB SA

    687       71,951  

Viatris, Inc.

    3,126       44,670  

Vifor Pharma AG

    265       34,335  

Zoetis, Inc.

    1,226       228,477  
   

 

 

 
      10,902,483  
   

 

 

 
      23,939,910  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–7.6%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–0.3%

   

Aisin Corp.

    743       31,858  

Aptiv PLC(a)

    691       108,715  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    570       27,668  

Bridgestone Corp.

    3,068       139,448  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA–Class B

    946     $ 150,977  

Continental AG(a)

    598       87,979  

Denso Corp.

    2,360       160,932  

Faurecia SE

    714       35,101  

Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    531       33,040  

Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.

    660       19,068  

Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.

    4,019       59,360  

Toyota Industries Corp.

    806       69,699  

Valeo SA

    1,372       41,384  
   

 

 

 
      965,229  
   

 

 

 

AUTOMOBILES–1.5%

   

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

    1,800       190,828  

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (Preference Shares)

    309       27,797  

Daimler AG

    4,653       415,786  

Ferrari NV

    686       141,622  

Ford Motor Co.(a)

    10,270       152,612  

General Motors Co.(a)

    3,286       194,433  

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

    8,823       283,776  

Isuzu Motors Ltd.

    2,912       38,641  

Mazda Motor Corp.(a)

    3,065       28,917  

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.(a)

    12,579       62,665  

Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Preference Shares)

    833       89,423  

Renault SA(a)

    1,137       46,091  

Stellantis NV

    11,025       216,899  

Subaru Corp.

    3,281       65,028  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    1,981       83,954  

Tesla, Inc.(a)

    2,100       1,427,370  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    11,494       1,004,737  

Volkswagen AG

    177       58,174  

Volkswagen AG (Preference Shares)

    1,009       252,988  

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

    1,495       40,607  
   

 

 

 
      4,822,348  
   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTORS–0.0%

   

Genuine Parts Co.

    310       39,206  

LKQ Corp.(a)

    714       35,143  

Pool Corp.

    81       37,151  
   

 

 

 
      111,500  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–1.1%

   

Accor SA(a)

    1,022       38,226  

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd.

    3,124       100,851  

Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)

    107       234,126  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.(a)

    528       54,780  

Carnival Corp.(a)

    2,005       52,852  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.–Class A(a)

    104       161,235  

Compass Group PLC(a)

    9,698       204,317  

 

8


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Crown Resorts Ltd.(a)

    2,024     $ 18,066  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    270       39,417  

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd.

    329       29,751  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    173       80,703  

Entain PLC(a)

    3,181       76,864  

Evolution AB(b)

    924       146,160  

Expedia Group, Inc.(a)

    382       62,537  

Flutter Entertainment PLC(a)

    905       164,100  

Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.(a)

    11,343       90,700  

Genting Singapore Ltd.

    32,869       20,473  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.(a)

    716       86,364  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC(a)

    993       66,184  

La Francaise des Jeux SAEM(b)

    586       34,467  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.(a)

    847       44,628  

Marriott International, Inc./MD–Class A(a)

    671       91,605  

McDonald’s Corp.

    2,000       461,980  

McDonald’s Holdings Co. Japan Ltd.

    392       17,274  

Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd. (ADR)(a)

    1,167       19,337  

MGM Resorts International

    990       42,223  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.(a)

    881       25,910  

Oriental Land Co., Ltd./Japan

    1,081       154,005  

Penn National Gaming, Inc.(a)(c)

    362       27,689  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.(a)(c)

    527       44,943  

Sands China Ltd.(a)

    12,620       53,120  

SJM Holdings Ltd.(a)

    10,697       11,677  

Sodexo SA(a)

    524       48,973  

Starbucks Corp.

    2,991       334,424  

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd.

    12,054       46,769  

Whitbread PLC(a)

    1,097       47,421  

Wynn Macau Ltd.(a)

    7,889       12,409  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.(a)

    210       25,683  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    715       82,246  
   

 

 

 
      3,354,489  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.5%

   

Barratt Developments PLC

    5,536       53,304  

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

    667       42,411  

Casio Computer Co., Ltd.

    1,030       17,283  

DR Horton, Inc.

    835       75,459  

Electrolux AB–Class B

    1,226       33,975  

Garmin Ltd.

    320       46,285  

Husqvarna AB–Class B

    2,273       30,209  

Iida Group Holdings Co., Ltd.

    711       18,288  

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

    275       14,248  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Lennar Corp.–Class A

    700     $ 69,545  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.(a)

    150       28,829  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    975       26,783  

NVR, Inc.(a)

    20       99,466  

Panasonic Corp.

    11,971       137,840  

Persimmon PLC

    1,734       71,031  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    665       36,289  

Rinnai Corp.

    221       21,035  

SEB SA

    172       31,115  

Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

    1,983       33,953  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    3,289       67,539  

Sharp Corp./Japan

    1,097       18,098  

Sony Group Corp.

    6,834       662,674  

Taylor Wimpey PLC

    19,820       43,619  

Whirlpool Corp.(c)

    200       43,604  
   

 

 

 
      1,722,882  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–1.6%

   

Amazon.com, Inc.(a)

    1,123       3,863,300  

Delivery Hero SE(a)(b)

    854       112,836  

eBay, Inc.

    1,615       113,389  

Etsy, Inc.(a)

    339       69,780  

HelloFresh SE(a)

    898       87,294  

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

    975       90,171  

Mercari, Inc.(a)

    468       24,740  

Ocado Group PLC(a)

    2,646       73,315  

Prosus NV(a)

    2,650       259,614  

Rakuten, Inc.

    4,613       52,086  

Zalando SE (Stockholm)(a)(d)(e)

    435       52,685  

Zalando SE (Frankfurt)(a)(b)

    902       109,088  

ZOZO, Inc.

    671       22,751  
   

 

 

 
      4,931,049  
   

 

 

 

LEISURE PRODUCTS–0.1%

   

Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc.

    1,079       74,677  

Hasbro, Inc.

    250       23,630  

Shimano, Inc.

    460       109,445  

Yamaha Corp.

    694       37,675  
   

 

 

 
      245,427  
   

 

 

 

MULTILINE RETAIL–0.3%

   

Dollar General Corp.

    610       131,998  

Dollar Tree, Inc.(a)

    538       53,531  

Next PLC(a)

    723       78,686  

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp.

    2,171       45,146  

Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.

    1,326       27,817  

Target Corp.

    1,315       317,888  

Wesfarmers Ltd.

    6,164       273,269  
   

 

 

 
      928,335  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–1.0%

   

ABC-Mart, Inc.

    194       11,158  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    181       37,130  

AutoZone, Inc.(a)

    105       156,683  

 

9


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

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Best Buy Co., Inc.

    500     $ 57,490  

CarMax, Inc.(a)

    420       54,243  

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd.

    10,000       22,848  

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

    319       239,788  

Gap, Inc. (The)

    505       16,993  

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB–Class B(a)

    3,970       94,285  

Hikari Tsushin, Inc.

    186       32,689  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

    2,820       899,270  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

    5,930       209,369  

JD Sports Fashion PLC

    2,804       35,683  

Kingfisher PLC

    11,476       57,921  

L Brands, Inc.

    525       37,832  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    1,860       360,784  

Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd.

    413       72,935  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(a)

    240       135,890  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    850       105,400  

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

    3,140       211,699  

Tractor Supply Co.

    315       58,609  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.(a)

    152       52,557  

USS Co., Ltd.

    1,153       20,155  

Yamada Holdings Co., Ltd.

    3,657       16,910  
   

 

 

 
      2,998,321  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–1.2%

   

adidas AG

    1,036       386,591  

Burberry Group PLC(a)

    2,200       62,918  

Cie Financiere Richemont SA

    2,838       344,047  

EssilorLuxottica SA

    1,574       290,770  

Hanesbrands, Inc.(c)

    847       15,813  

Hermes International

    175       255,380  

Kering SA

    413       361,878  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    1,515       1,191,785  

Moncler SpA

    1,053       71,381  

NIKE, Inc.–Class B

    3,300       509,817  

Pandora A/S

    544       73,393  

Puma SE

    574       68,507  

PVH Corp.(a)

    95       10,221  

Ralph Lauren Corp.

    90       10,603  

Swatch Group AG (The)

    158       54,260  

Swatch Group AG (The) (REG)

    286       18,885  

Tapestry, Inc.(a)

    730       31,740  

Under Armour, Inc.–Class A(a)

    427       9,031  

Under Armour, Inc.–Class C(a)

    454       8,431  

VF Corp.

    800       65,632  
   

 

 

 
      3,841,083  
   

 

 

 
      23,920,663  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

INDUSTRIALS–7.0%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–0.8%

   

Airbus SE(a)

    3,227     $ 415,808  

BAE Systems PLC

    17,506       126,499  

Boeing Co. (The)(a)

    1,480       354,549  

Dassault Aviation SA

    17       20,026  

Elbit Systems Ltd.

    144       18,655  

General Dynamics Corp.

    550       103,543  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.(a)

    1,016       35,021  

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    79       16,649  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

    557       120,396  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    610       230,793  

MTU Aero Engines AG

    290       71,904  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    420       152,641  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    3,920       334,415  

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC(a)

    45,494       62,282  

Safran SA

    1,885       261,606  

Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd.

    7,908       22,818  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.(a)

    105       43,977  

Textron, Inc.

    505       34,729  

Thales SA

    619       63,247  

TransDigm Group, Inc.(a)

    163       105,508  
   

 

 

 
      2,595,066  
   

 

 

 

AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS–0.5%

   

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    265       24,823  

Deutsche Post AG

    5,389       367,016  

DSV PANALPINA A/S

    1,126       262,851  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    420       53,172  

FedEx Corp.

    665       198,390  

InPost SA(a)

    1,087       21,816  

Kuehne & Nagel International AG

    294       100,624  

SG Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,652       43,380  

United Parcel Service, Inc.–Class B

    1,865       387,864  

Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,496       42,507  
   

 

 

 
      1,502,443  
   

 

 

 

AIRLINES–0.1%

   

Alaska Air Group, Inc.(a)

    243       14,655  

American Airlines Group, Inc.(a)

    1,582       33,554  

ANA Holdings, Inc.(a)

    795       18,684  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.(a)

    1,592       68,870  

Deutsche Lufthansa AG(a)

    1,624       18,263  

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.(a)

    758       16,413  

Qantas Airways Ltd.(a)

    5,024       17,539  

Singapore Airlines Ltd.(a)

    6,936       25,012  

Southwest Airlines Co.(a)

    1,505       79,901  

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.(a)

    772     $ 40,368  
   

 

 

 
      333,259  
   

 

 

 

BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.5%

   

A O Smith Corp.

    255       18,375  

AGC, Inc.

    1,022       42,812  

Allegion PLC

    185       25,770  

Assa Abloy AB–Class B

    5,449       164,276  

Carrier Global Corp.

    2,125       103,275  

Cie de Saint-Gobain

    2,810       185,448  

Daikin Industries Ltd.

    1,419       264,430  

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

    271       26,994  

Geberit AG

    202       151,737  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    1,792       122,985  

Kingspan Group PLC

    839       79,297  

Lixil Corp.

    1,372       35,504  

Masco Corp.

    635       37,408  

Nibe Industrier AB

    7,750       81,665  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    1,012       82,751  

ROCKWOOL International A/S

    47       22,890  

TOTO Ltd.

    761       39,430  

Xinyi Glass Holdings Ltd.

    9,186       37,428  
   

 

 

 
      1,522,475  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.2%

   

Brambles Ltd.

    7,993       68,596  

Cintas Corp.

    285       108,870  

Copart, Inc.(a)

    491       64,729  

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.

    1,166       24,674  

Rentokil Initial PLC

    10,081       69,047  

Republic Services, Inc.–Class A

    500       55,005  

Rollins, Inc.

    481       16,450  

Secom Co., Ltd.

    1,170       89,178  

Securitas AB–Class B

    1,702       26,886  

Sohgo Security Services Co., Ltd.

    336       15,308  

TOPPAN, inc.

    1,336       21,485  

Waste Management, Inc.

    1,015       142,212  
   

 

 

 
      702,440  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.3%

   

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA

    1,266       33,939  

Bouygues SA

    1,343       49,745  

Eiffage SA

    491       50,012  

Epiroc AB

    5,703       123,183  

Ferrovial SA

    2,611       76,733  

Kajima Corp.

    2,403       30,494  

Obayashi Corp.

    3,484       27,777  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Quanta Services, Inc.

    315     $ 28,530  

Shimizu Corp.

    2,917       22,417  

Skanska AB–Class B

    1,849       49,089  

Taisei Corp.

    1,000       32,820  

Vinci SA

    2,930       313,211  
   

 

 

 
      837,950  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.7%

   

ABB Ltd.

    9,430       320,381  

AMETEK, Inc.

    599       79,966  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    964       142,845  

Emerson Electric Co.

    1,540       148,210  

Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.

    630       29,407  

Generac Holdings, Inc.(a)

    180       74,727  

Legrand SA

    1,492       158,127  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

    9,858       143,111  

Nidec Corp.

    2,483       285,521  

Prysmian SpA

    1,384       49,666  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    330       94,387  

Schneider Electric SE

    2,954       465,682  

Siemens Energy AG(a)

    2,172       65,427  

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA(a)

    1,296       43,330  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    5,490       214,505  
   

 

 

 
      2,315,292  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–0.8%

   

3M Co.

    1,475       292,979  

CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.

    14,047       109,353  

DCC PLC

    536       43,906  

General Electric Co.

    22,979       309,298  

Hitachi Ltd.

    5,222       299,258  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    1,845       404,701  

Investment AB Latour–Class B

    804       26,397  

Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd.

    940       60,084  

Keppel Corp., Ltd.

    6,974       28,439  

Melrose Industries PLC

    26,414       56,857  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    295       138,709  

Siemens AG

    4,159       660,361  

Smiths Group PLC

    2,154       47,439  

Toshiba Corp.

    2,145       92,666  
   

 

 

 
      2,570,447  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–1.4%

   

Alfa Laval AB

    1,710       60,440  

Alstom SA(a)

    1,591       80,386  

Atlas Copco AB–Class A

    3,651       224,202  

Atlas Copco AB–Class B

    2,121       111,706  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    1,405       305,770  

CNH Industrial NV

    5,563       92,277  

Cummins, Inc.

    350       85,334  

Daifuku Co., Ltd.

    502       45,546  

Deere & Co.

    805       283,932  

Dover Corp.

    335       50,451  

FANUC Corp.

    1,108       265,696  

 

11


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

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Fortive Corp.

    870     $ 60,674  

GEA Group AG

    834       33,794  

Harmonic Drive Systems, Inc.

    186       10,222  

Hino Motors Ltd.

    1,559       13,790  

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

    558       17,089  

Hoshizaki Corp.

    251       21,323  

IDEX Corp.

    222       48,851  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    765       171,023  

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.(a)

    919       44,856  

KION Group AG

    392       41,850  

Knorr-Bremse AG

    395       45,447  

Komatsu Ltd.

    4,700       116,436  

Kone Oyj–Class B

    1,848       150,823  

Kubota Corp.

    5,551       112,295  

Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

    479       23,025  

Makita Corp.

    1,195       56,269  

MINEBEA MITSUMI, Inc.

    1,933       51,072  

MISUMI Group, Inc.

    1,530       51,778  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

    1,655       48,859  

Miura Co., Ltd.

    381       16,544  

Nabtesco Corp.

    603       22,749  

NGK Insulators Ltd.

    1,396       23,494  

NSK Ltd.

    2,092       17,695  

PACCAR, Inc.

    910       81,218  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    395       121,308  

Pentair PLC

    430       29,021  

Rational AG

    28       25,367  

Sandvik AB

    6,138       156,946  

Schindler Holding AG

    222       67,940  

Schindler Holding AG (REG)

    110       32,188  

SKF AB–Class B

    2,074       52,862  

SMC Corp.

    310       183,394  

Snap-on, Inc.

    120       26,812  

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

    401       75,527  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    415       85,071  

Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.

    7,244       126,241  

THK Co., Ltd.

    573       17,100  

Trane Technologies PLC

    575       105,881  

Volvo AB

    1,088       27,004  

Volvo AB–Class B

    7,772       187,301  

Wartsila Oyj Abp

    2,573       38,227  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    465       38,270  

Xylem, Inc./NY

    385       46,185  
   

 

 

 
      4,329,561  
   

 

 

 

MARINE–0.1%

   

AP Moller–Maersk A/S–Class A

    18       50,069  

AP Moller–Maersk A/S–Class B

    34       97,883  

Nippon Yusen KK

    863       43,795  
   

 

 

 
      191,747  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–0.5%

   

Adecco Group AG

    842     $ 57,291  

Bureau Veritas SA(a)

    1,721       54,493  

Equifax, Inc.

    355       85,026  

Experian PLC

    4,987       192,544  

Intertek Group PLC

    877       67,121  

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.

    265       35,356  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    295       29,825  

Nielsen Holdings PLC

    866       21,364  

Nihon M&A Center, Inc.

    1,597       41,363  

Persol Holdings Co., Ltd.

    881       17,397  

Randstad NV

    650       49,829  

Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.

    7,286       357,296  

RELX PLC (London)

    10,506       278,584  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    285       25,356  

SGS SA

    33       101,886  

Teleperformance

    330       134,010  

Verisk Analytics, Inc.–Class A

    400       69,888  

Wolters Kluwer NV

    1,455       146,248  
   

 

 

 
      1,764,877  
   

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–0.5%

   

Aurizon Holdings Ltd.

    10,083       28,085  

Central Japan Railway Co.

    784       119,129  

CSX Corp.

    5,940       190,555  

East Japan Railway Co.

    1,593       113,603  

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, Inc.

    1,238       38,214  

JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    153       24,931  

Kansas City Southern

    220       62,342  

Keio Corp.

    516       30,375  

Keisei Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

    651       20,812  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd.(a)

    928       32,618  

MTR Corp., Ltd.

    7,764       43,230  

Nippon Express Co., Ltd.

    441       33,628  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    620       164,554  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

    1,526       38,598  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    203       51,521  

Tobu Railway Co., Ltd.

    982       25,418  

Tokyu Corp.

    2,653       36,108  

Union Pacific Corp.

    1,690       371,682  

West Japan Railway Co.

    848       48,459  
   

 

 

 
      1,473,862  
   

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.5%

   

Ashtead Group PLC

    2,443       181,584  

Brenntag SE

    840       78,181  

Bunzl PLC

    1,832       60,605  

Fastenal Co.

    1,430       74,360  

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Ferguson PLC

    1,224     $ 170,292  

ITOCHU Corp.

    6,401       184,699  

Marubeni Corp.

    8,408       73,221  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    6,811       186,051  

Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

    8,331       187,661  

MonotaRO Co., Ltd.

    1,332       31,388  

Reece Ltd.

    1,580       27,980  

Sumitomo Corp.

    6,089       81,644  

Toyota Tsusho Corp.

    1,092       51,830  

United Rentals, Inc.(a)

    200       63,802  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    130       56,940  
   

 

 

 
      1,510,238  
   

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE–0.1%

   

Aena SME SA(a)(b)

    408       66,945  

Aeroports de Paris(a)

    189       24,670  

Atlantia SpA(a)

    2,693       48,900  

Auckland International Airport Ltd.(a)

    6,805       34,572  

Getlink SE

    2,646       41,323  

Sydney Airport(a)

    7,189       31,193  

Transurban Group

    14,886       158,760  
   

 

 

 
      406,363  
   

 

 

 
      22,056,020  
   

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.9%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.3%

   

AT&T, Inc.

    18,627       536,085  

BT Group PLC(a)

    48,527       130,409  

Cellnex Telecom SA(b)

    2,770       176,674  

Charter Communications, Inc.–Class A(a)(c)

    443       319,602  

Comcast Corp.–Class A

    12,002       684,354  

Deutsche Telekom AG

    18,121       383,259  

Elisa Oyj

    773       46,129  

Eurazeo SE

    260       22,669  

HKT Trust & HKT Ltd.–Class SS

    19,744       26,893  

Iliad SA

    106       15,531  

Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane SpA(b)

    1,827       20,631  

Koninklijke KPN NV

    18,280       57,173  

Lumen Technologies, Inc.

    2,562       34,818  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    6,967       182,153  

Orange SA

    11,182       127,618  

Proximus SADP

    827       15,985  

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.

    44,733       76,320  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

    10,068       33,795  

Swisscom AG

    141       80,566  

Telecom Italia SpA/Milano

    54,174       26,955  

Telecom Italia SpA/Milano (Savings Shares)

    32,772       17,384  

Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG

    5,660       14,941  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Telefonica SA

    30,649     $ 143,052  

Telenor ASA

    3,804       64,155  

Telia Co. AB

    14,452       64,188  

Telstra Corp., Ltd.

    22,632       63,831  

United Internet AG

    527       21,553  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    10,805       605,404  

Washington H Soul Pattinson & Co., Ltd.

    585       14,794  
   

 

 

 
      4,006,921  
   

 

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT–0.9%

   

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    2,015       192,312  

Bollore SA

    5,537       29,703  

Capcom Co., Ltd.

    868       25,370  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    665       95,647  

Embracer Group AB(a)

    1,394       37,692  

Koei Tecmo Holdings Co., Ltd.

    323       15,703  

Konami Holdings Corp.

    530       31,742  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.(a)(c)

    316       27,678  

Netflix, Inc.(a)

    1,192       629,626  

Nexon Co., Ltd.

    2,640       58,752  

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

    697       403,335  

Sea Ltd. (ADR)(a)

    75       20,595  

Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

    418       20,643  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)

    235       41,600  

Toho Co., Ltd./Tokyo

    596       24,574  

Ubisoft Entertainment SA(a)

    561       39,196  

Vivendi SE

    3,984       133,859  

Walt Disney Co. (The)(a)

    4,759       836,489  
   

 

 

 
      2,664,516  
   

 

 

 

INTERACTIVE MEDIA & SERVICES–2.0%

   

Adevinta ASA–Class B(a)

    1,489       28,563  

Alphabet, Inc.–Class A(a)

    789       1,926,572  

Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a)

    745       1,867,208  

Auto Trader Group PLC(a)

    5,252       45,997  

Facebook, Inc.–Class A(a)

    6,317       2,196,484  

Kakaku.com, Inc.

    696       20,939  

REA Group Ltd.

    287       36,366  

Scout24 AG(b)

    487       41,090  

SEEK Ltd.

    1,823       45,318  

Twitter, Inc.(a)

    2,036       140,097  

Z Holdings Corp.

    14,335       71,739  
   

 

 

 
      6,420,373  
   

 

 

 

MEDIA–0.2%

   

CyberAgent, Inc.

    2,104       45,061  

Dentsu Group, Inc.

    1,126       40,398  

Discovery, Inc.–
Class A(a)(c)

    385       11,812  

Discovery, Inc.–Class C(a)

    704       20,402  

DISH Network Corp.–Class A(a)(c)

    556       23,241  

 

13


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

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Fox Corp.–Class A

    800     $ 29,704  

Fox Corp.–Class B

    382       13,446  

Hakuhodo DY Holdings, Inc.

    1,181       18,393  

Informa PLC(a)

    8,167       56,759  

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)

    1,025       33,302  

News Corp.–Class A

    928       23,914  

News Corp.–Class B

    317       7,719  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    510       40,795  

Pearson PLC

    4,097       47,181  

Publicis Groupe SA

    1,273       81,466  

Schibsted ASA

    397       19,152  

Schibsted ASA–Class B

    529       22,032  

ViacomCBS, Inc.–Class B

    1,488       67,258  

WPP PLC

    6,662       90,056  
   

 

 

 
      692,091  
   

 

 

 

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.5%

   

KDDI Corp.

    8,768       273,173  

Softbank Corp.

    15,587       203,800  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    6,762       471,594  

T-Mobile US, Inc.(a)

    1,501       217,390  

Tele2 AB–Class B

    2,723       37,125  

Vodafone Group PLC

    145,896       244,526  
   

 

 

 
      1,447,608  
   

 

 

 
      15,231,509  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–4.8%

   

BEVERAGES–1.1%

   

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

    4,143       298,664  

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

    2,464       115,164  

Brown-Forman Corp.–Class B

    392       29,377  

Budweiser Brewing Co. APAC Ltd.(b)

    9,337       29,400  

Carlsberg AS–Class B

    560       104,505  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    10,120       547,593  

Coca-Cola European Partners PLC

    1,113       66,023  

Coca-Cola HBC AG(a)

    1,089       39,418  

Constellation Brands, Inc.–Class A

    470       109,928  

Davide Campari-Milano NV

    2,842       38,095  

Diageo PLC

    12,720       609,650  

Heineken Holding NV

    626       63,169  

Heineken NV

    1,409       171,052  

Ito En Ltd.

    276       16,381  

Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd.

    4,428       86,416  

Molson Coors Beverage Co.–Class B(a)

    400       21,476  

Monster Beverage Corp.(a)

    920       84,042  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    3,625       537,116  

Pernod Ricard SA

    1,158       257,380  

Remy Cointreau SA

    144       29,739  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

    738     $ 27,817  

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd.

    3,922       34,342  
   

 

 

 
      3,316,747  
   

 

 

 

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.8%

   

Aeon Co., Ltd.

    3,525       94,628  

Carrefour SA

    3,529       69,449  

Coles Group Ltd.

    7,252       92,896  

Cosmos Pharmaceutical Corp.

    178       26,154  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    1,165       460,956  

Etablissements Franz Colruyt NV

    296       16,552  

ICA Gruppen AB

    546       25,411  

J Sainsbury PLC

    9,070       34,138  

Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA

    1,368       24,948  

Kesko Oyj–Class B

    1,484       54,799  

Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd.

    696       21,928  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    5,685       169,297  

Kroger Co. (The)

    1,920       73,555  

Lawson, Inc.

    246       11,394  

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.

    4,012       192,178  

Sysco Corp.

    1,325       103,019  

Tesco PLC

    42,036       129,857  

Tsuruha Holdings, Inc.

    230       26,769  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    1,875       98,644  

Walmart, Inc.

    3,563       502,454  

Welcia Holdings Co., Ltd.

    440       14,387  

Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC

    13,101       44,708  

Woolworths Group Ltd.

    6,879       196,852  
   

 

 

 
      2,484,973  
   

 

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–1.2%

   

a2 Milk Co., Ltd. (The)(a)

    4,037       18,165  

Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

    2,458       63,858  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    1,375       83,325  

Associated British Foods PLC

    1,936       59,429  

Barry Callebaut AG

    20       46,481  

Campbell Soup Co.

    475       21,655  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG

    6       59,692  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG (REG)

    1       104,728  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    1,165       42,383  

Danone SA

    3,604       253,559  

General Mills, Inc.

    1,505       91,700  

Hershey Co. (The)

    350       60,963  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    650       31,037  

JDE Peet’s NV(a)

    407       14,773  

JM Smucker Co. (The)(c)

    195       25,266  

Kellogg Co.

    615       39,563  

Kerry Group PLC–Class A

    865       120,936  

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Kikkoman Corp.

    795     $ 52,429  

Kraft Heinz Co. (The)

    1,678       68,429  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    340       27,424  

McCormick & Co., Inc./MD

    600       52,992  

MEIJI Holdings Co., Ltd.

    620       37,153  

Mondelez International, Inc.–Class A

    3,645       227,594  

Mowi ASA

    2,389       60,823  

Nestle SA

    15,664       1,952,471  

NH Foods Ltd.

    433       16,832  

Nisshin Seifun Group, Inc.

    1,062       15,570  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.

    364       26,211  

Orkla ASA

    4,083       41,610  

Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd.

    390       15,032  

Tyson Foods, Inc.–Class A

    675       49,788  

WH Group Ltd.(b)

    51,359       46,100  

Wilmar International Ltd.

    10,113       33,906  

Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

    642       36,352  
   

 

 

 
      3,898,229  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–0.6%

   

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

    576       49,087  

Clorox Co. (The)

    270       48,576  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    2,180       177,343  

Essity AB–Class B

    3,308       109,727  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

    565       52,030  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Preference Shares)

    969       102,340  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    805       107,693  

Lion Corp.

    1,198       20,307  

Pigeon Corp.

    529       14,920  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    6,420       866,250  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

    3,875       342,357  

Unicharm Corp.

    2,194       88,375  
   

 

 

 
      1,979,005  
   

 

 

 

PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.7%

   

Beiersdorf AG

    548       66,147  

Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The)–Class A

    590       187,667  

Kao Corp.

    2,593       159,885  

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    238       20,350  

Kose Corp.

    196       30,791  

L’Oreal SA

    1,379       615,853  

Pola Orbis Holdings, Inc.

    416       10,969  

Shiseido Co., Ltd.

    2,163       159,540  

Unilever PLC

    14,295       835,307  
   

 

 

 
      2,086,509  
   

 

 

 

TOBACCO–0.4%

   

Altria Group, Inc.

    4,840       230,771  

British American Tobacco PLC

    11,850       460,083  

Imperial Brands PLC

    5,145       110,940  

Japan Tobacco, Inc.

    6,490       122,650  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    4,000     $ 396,440  

Swedish Match AB

    8,818       75,201  
   

 

 

 
      1,396,085  
   

 

 

 
      15,161,548  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–3.1%

   

CHEMICALS–1.6%

   

Air Liquide SA

    2,598       455,559  

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

    600       172,608  

Akzo Nobel NV

    1,036       128,278  

Albemarle Corp.

    261       43,968  

Arkema SA

    365       45,875  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    6,775       74,465  

BASF SE

    4,994       394,225  

Celanese Corp.–Class A

    308       46,693  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    550       28,297  

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

    574       51,805  

Clariant AG

    1,173       23,357  

Corteva, Inc.

    1,906       84,531  

Covestro AG(b)

    1,050       67,891  

Croda International PLC

    759       77,414  

Dow, Inc.

    1,956       123,776  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    1,392       107,755  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    280       32,690  

Ecolab, Inc.

    600       123,582  

EMS-Chemie Holding AG

    39       38,333  

Evonik Industries AG

    1,140       38,274  

FMC Corp.

    280       30,296  

FUCHS PETROLUB SE (Preference Shares)

    377       18,346  

Givaudan SA

    51       237,416  

ICL Group Ltd.

    3,829       25,982  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    609       90,985  

Johnson Matthey PLC

    1,052       44,790  

JSR Corp.

    1,012       30,742  

Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.

    878       22,412  

Koninklijke DSM NV

    937       175,156  

LANXESS AG

    452       31,020  

Linde PLC

    1,340       387,394  

LyondellBasell Industries NV–Class A

    599       61,619  

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

    6,905       58,099  

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc.

    807       17,100  

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

    940       32,494  

Mosaic Co. (The)

    810       25,847  

Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.

    3,822       51,704  

Nippon Sanso Holdings Corp.

    750       15,396  

Nissan Chemical Corp.

    597       29,181  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    814       60,619  

Novozymes A/S–Class B

    1,131       85,333  

Orica Ltd.

    2,212       21,999  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    550       93,373  

 

15


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

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    625     $ 170,281  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

    1,955       326,995  

Sika AG

    771       252,609  

Solvay SA

    403       51,295  

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

    8,072       42,902  

Symrise AG

    700       97,550  

Toray Industries, Inc.

    7,453       49,681  

Tosoh Corp.

    1,316       22,692  

Umicore SA

    1,071       65,522  

Yara International ASA

    947       49,902  
   

 

 

 
      4,936,108  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS–0.2%

   

CRH PLC

    4,268       215,838  

HeidelbergCement AG

    809       69,458  

Holcim Ltd.(a)

    2,846       171,068  

James Hardie Industries PLC

    2,414       81,912  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    177       62,270  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    365       63,536  
   

 

 

 
      664,082  
   

 

 

 

CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–0.1%

   

AMCOR PLC

    3,943       45,187  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    185       38,894  

Ball Corp.

    810       65,626  

International Paper Co.

    1,025       62,843  

Packaging Corp. of America

    225       30,469  

Sealed Air Corp.

    390       23,108  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    1,332       72,439  

Westrock Co.

    627       33,369  
   

 

 

 
      371,935  
   

 

 

 

METALS & MINING–1.1%

   

Anglo American PLC

    7,040       280,151  

Antofagasta PLC

    2,144       42,635  

ArcelorMittal SA

    3,897       119,977  

BHP Group Ltd.

    16,016       582,667  

BHP Group PLC

    11,483       339,793  

BlueScope Steel Ltd.

    2,739       45,007  

Boliden AB

    1,487       57,219  

Endeavour Group Ltd./Australia(a)

    6,879       32,450  

Evolution Mining Ltd.

    9,289       31,385  

Evraz PLC

    2,772       22,742  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

    9,207       160,836  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    3,745       138,977  

Glencore PLC(a)

    54,332       233,198  

Hitachi Metals Ltd.(a)

    1,110       21,212  

JFE Holdings, Inc.

    2,578       30,245  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

    4,439       84,180  

Newmont Corp.

    2,031       128,725  

Nippon Steel Corp.

    4,595       77,693  

Norsk Hydro ASA

    7,311       46,676  

Northern Star Resources Ltd.

    6,009       44,131  

Nucor Corp.

    710       68,110  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Rio Tinto Ltd.

    2,018     $ 191,317  

Rio Tinto PLC

    6,102       503,949  

South32 Ltd.

    25,992       57,000  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.

    1,272       49,469  

voestalpine AG

    630       25,697  
   

 

 

 
      3,415,441  
   

 

 

 

PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS–0.1%

   

Mondi PLC

    2,639       69,480  

Oji Holdings Corp.

    4,381       25,176  

Stora Enso Oyj–Class R

    3,162       57,741  

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA–Class B

    3,294       54,029  

UPM-Kymmene Oyj

    2,901       109,826  
   

 

 

 
      316,252  
   

 

 

 
      9,703,818  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–1.8%

   

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.1%

   

Baker Hughes Co.–Class A

    1,850       42,309  

Halliburton Co.

    2,300       53,176  

NOV, Inc.(a)

    925       14,171  

Schlumberger NV

    3,570       114,276  

Tenaris SA

    2,567       28,084  
   

 

 

 
      252,016  
   

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–1.7%

   

Ampol Ltd.

    1,295       27,410  

APA Corp.

    965       20,873  

BP PLC

    110,626       485,138  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

    1,040       18,158  

Chevron Corp.

    5,031       526,947  

ConocoPhillips

    3,481       211,993  

Devon Energy Corp.

    1,480       43,201  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    378       35,490  

ENEOS Holdings, Inc.

    16,637       69,722  

Eni SpA

    13,722       167,292  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    1,480       123,491  

Equinor ASA

    5,313       112,468  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    11,000       693,880  

Galp Energia SGPS SA

    2,725       29,628  

Hess Corp.

    690       60,251  

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.

    1,124       27,157  

Inpex Corp.

    5,518       41,299  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    5,049       92,043  

Koninklijke Vopak NV

    376       17,092  

Lundin Energy AB

    1,088       38,572  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    1,985       27,036  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    1,651       99,753  

Neste Oyj

    2,300       141,087  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    2,186       68,356  

Oil Search Ltd.

    10,732       30,660  

OMV AG

    800       45,654  

ONEOK, Inc.

    1,168       64,988  

Phillips 66

    1,140       97,835  

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    615     $ 99,950  

Repsol SA

    8,098       101,732  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC–Class A

    22,298       447,027  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC–Class B

    20,150       391,168  

Santos Ltd.

    10,192       54,135  

TotalEnergies SE

    13,666       619,094  

Valero Energy Corp.

    995       77,690  

Williams Cos., Inc. (The)

    3,178       84,376  

Woodside Petroleum Ltd.

    5,231       87,105  
   

 

 

 
      5,379,751  
   

 

 

 
      5,631,767  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–1.7%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–1.0%

   

Alliant Energy Corp.

    588       32,787  

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    1,285       108,698  

AusNet Services Ltd.

    10,333       13,543  

Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.

    3,439       42,075  

CK Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.

    2,903       17,293  

CLP Holdings Ltd.

    8,629       85,279  

Duke Energy Corp.

    1,942       191,714  

Edison International

    985       56,953  

EDP–Energias de Portugal SA

    15,092       79,992  

Electricite de France SA

    2,814       38,456  

Elia Group SA/NV

    168       17,733  

Endesa SA

    1,726       41,900  

Enel SpA

    44,220       410,931  

Entergy Corp.

    475       47,358  

Evergy, Inc.

    585       35,352  

Eversource Energy

    810       64,994  

Exelon Corp.

    2,517       111,528  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    1,375       51,164  

Fortum Oyj

    2,414       66,594  

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

    13,615       13,796  

Iberdrola SA

    31,405       382,973  

Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (The)

    3,771       35,982  

Mercury NZ Ltd.

    3,703       17,257  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    5,090       372,995  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    560       22,568  

Origin Energy Ltd.

    9,575       32,337  

Orsted AS(b)

    1,029       144,432  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    285       23,361  

Power Assets Holdings Ltd.

    7,358       45,149  

PPL Corp.

    2,015       56,360  

Red Electrica Corp. SA

    2,353       43,686  

Southern Co. (The)

    2,760       167,008  

SSE PLC

    5,666       117,676  

Terna SpA

    7,649       57,044  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc.

    2,307     $ 18,088  

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

    8,284       24,668  

Verbund AG

    370       34,085  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    1,330       87,620  
   

 

 

 
      3,211,429  
   

 

 

 

GAS UTILITIES–0.1%

   

APA Group

    6,415       42,805  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    342       32,870  

Enagas SA

    1,353       31,272  

Hong Kong & China Gas Co., Ltd.

    60,787       94,385  

Naturgy Energy Group SA

    1,581       40,689  

Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.

    1,940       36,198  

Snam SpA

    10,963       63,418  

Toho Gas Co., Ltd.

    358       17,576  

Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.

    1,950       36,780  
   

 

 

 
      395,993  
   

 

 

 

INDEPENDENT POWER AND RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PRODUCERS–0.1%

   

AES Corp. (The)

    1,725       44,971  

EDP Renovaveis SA

    1,566       36,283  

Meridian Energy Ltd.

    6,966       25,973  

Uniper SE

    497       18,311  
   

 

 

 
      125,538  
   

 

 

 

MULTI-UTILITIES–0.5%

   

AGL Energy Ltd.

    3,387       20,809  

Ameren Corp.

    660       52,826  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    1,505       36,903  

CMS Energy Corp.

    670       39,584  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    890       63,831  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    2,020       148,611  

DTE Energy Co.

    420       54,432  

E.ON SE

    12,206       141,219  

Engie SA

    10,212       140,033  

National Grid PLC

    19,296       245,439  

NiSource, Inc.

    1,005       24,623  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    1,245       74,376  

RWE AG

    3,492       126,610  

Sempra Energy

    750       99,360  

Suez SA

    2,045       48,653  

United Utilities Group PLC

    3,707       50,034  

Veolia Environnement SA

    3,062       92,567  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    768       68,314  
   

 

 

 
      1,528,224  
   

 

 

 

WATER UTILITIES–0.0%

   

American Water Works Co., Inc.

    421       64,889  

Severn Trent PLC

    1,298       44,934  
   

 

 

 
      109,823  
   

 

 

 
      5,371,007  
   

 

 

 

 

17


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

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

REAL ESTATE–1.7%

   

EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)–1.2%

   

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    332     $ 60,404  

American Tower Corp.

    1,175       317,414  

Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust

    16,639       36,565  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    395       82,433  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    300       34,377  

British Land Co. PLC (The)

    4,786       32,739  

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust

    24,350       37,911  

Covivio

    327       27,994  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    1,120       218,512  

Daiwa House REIT Investment Corp.

    18       52,968  

Dexus

    5,904       47,065  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    728       109,535  

Duke Realty Corp.

    928       43,941  

Equinix, Inc.

    230       184,598  

Equity Residential

    880       67,760  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    178       53,402  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    333       54,552  

Federal Realty Investment Trust(c)

    172       20,153  

Gecina SA

    275       42,133  

GLP J-Reit

    36       62,087  

Goodman Group

    9,039       143,048  

GPT Group (The)

    10,590       38,740  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    1,380       45,940  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.(a)

    1,820       31,104  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    748       31,655  

Japan Metropolitan Fund Invest

    62       67,206  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    12       73,698  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    1,110       23,144  

Klepierre SA

    1,268       32,668  

Land Securities Group PLC

    3,829       35,735  

Link REIT

    10,373       100,362  

Mapletree Commercial Trust

    11,196       18,009  

Mapletree Logistics Trust

    15,769       24,106  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    296       49,852  

Mirvac Group

    21,408       46,677  

Nippon Building Fund, Inc.

    14       87,228  

Nippon Prologis REIT, Inc.

    19       60,422  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund, Inc.

    38       60,817  

Orix JREIT, Inc.

    23       44,153  

Prologis, Inc.

    1,879       224,597  

Public Storage

    400       120,276  

Realty Income Corp.

    958       63,937  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Regency Centers Corp.

    383     $ 24,539  

SBA Communications Corp.

    290       92,423  

Scentre Group

    28,219       57,745  

Segro PLC

    6,478       98,066  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    856       111,691  

Stockland

    12,978       45,193  

UDR, Inc.

    778       38,106  

United Urban Investment Corp.

    26       37,552  

Ventas, Inc.

    961       54,873  

Vicinity Centres

    21,037       24,255  

Vornado Realty Trust(c)

    385       17,968  

Welltower, Inc.

    1,035       86,008  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    1,898       65,329  
   

 

 

 
      3,763,665  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–0.5%

   

Aroundtown SA

    5,431       42,374  

Azrieli Group Ltd.

    231       16,277  

CapitaLand Ltd.

    13,504       37,301  

CBRE Group, Inc.–Class A(a)

    865       74,156  

City Developments Ltd.

    2,050       11,133  

CK Asset Holdings Ltd.

    10,031       69,044  

Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd.

    383       41,786  

Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd.

    3,044       91,528  

Deutsche Wohnen SE

    1,858       113,687  

ESR Cayman Ltd.(a) (b)

    10,348       34,891  

Fastighets AB Balder–Class B(a)

    572       35,857  

Hang Lung Properties Ltd.

    10,030       24,326  

Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd.

    6,938       32,832  

Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.

    5,395       25,693  

Hulic Co., Ltd.

    1,401       15,739  

LEG Immobilien SE

    392       56,431  

Lendlease Corp Ltd.

    3,742       32,154  

Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.

    6,335       102,396  

Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.

    4,969       114,902  

New World Development Co., Ltd.

    7,625       39,543  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings, Inc.

    531       13,450  

Sino Land Co., Ltd.

    17,242       27,181  

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd.

    1,656       59,226  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

    6,616       98,327  

Swire Pacific Ltd.–Class A

    2,435       16,499  

Swire Properties Ltd.

    5,422       16,150  

Swiss Prime Site AG

    413       40,989  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield(a)

    678       58,780  

UOL Group Ltd.

    2,133       11,604  

Vonovia SE

    2,923       188,900  

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd.

    8,876     $ 51,597  
   

 

 

 
      1,594,753  
   

 

 

 
      5,358,418  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $90,999,263)

      187,035,051  
   

 

 

 
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
       

GOVERNMENTS–
TREASURIES–25.7%

   

UNITED STATES–25.7%

   

U.S. Treasury Bonds
1.25%, 05/15/2050

  $    306       249,733  

1.375%, 08/15/2050

    197       166,242  

1.625%, 11/15/2050

    1,062       954,051  

2.00%, 02/15/2050

    418       411,012  

2.25%, 08/15/2046-08/15/2049

    2,936       3,036,168  

2.375%, 11/15/2049-05/15/2051

    475       506,431  

2.50%, 02/15/2045-05/15/2046

    250       271,021  

2.75%, 08/15/2042-08/15/2047

    490       553,325  

2.875%, 05/15/2043-05/15/2049

    2,819       3,262,444  

3.00%, 05/15/2045-02/15/2049

    1,729       2,058,821  

3.125%, 11/15/2041-02/15/2043

    1,170       1,396,388  

3.50%, 02/15/2039

    4       4,378  

3.625%, 08/15/2043

    1,513       1,948,481  

3.75%, 08/15/2041-11/15/2043

    167       218,490  

3.875%, 08/15/2040

    119       156,466  

4.25%, 05/15/2039

    102       139,854  

4.375%, 11/15/2039-05/15/2041

    523       729,580  

4.50%, 08/15/2039

    132       186,663  

4.75%, 02/15/2037-02/15/2041

    475       679,840  

5.25%, 11/15/2028

    283       363,726  

5.375%, 02/15/2031

    270       366,436  

5.50%, 08/15/2028

    573       740,672  

6.00%, 02/15/2026

    1,181       1,458,534  

6.125%, 11/15/2027

    303       396,883  

6.25%, 08/15/2023-05/15/2030

    334       456,181  

6.875%, 08/15/2025

    355       443,764  

7.25%, 08/15/2022

    317       341,640  

7.625%, 02/15/2025

    123       153,480  

U.S. Treasury Notes
0.125%, 11/30/2022

    593       592,522  

0.25%, 06/30/2025-09/30/2025

    4,767       4,674,325  
    
    
    
Company
      
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

0.375%, 04/30/2025-01/31/2026

  $    3,909     $ 3,842,648  

0.50%, 03/31/2025-02/28/2026

    915       902,326  

0.625%, 05/15/2030-08/15/2030

    1,577       1,473,120  

0.75%, 04/30/2026-05/31/2026

    1,268       1,261,287  

0.875%, 11/15/2030

    1,538       1,463,938  

1.125%, 02/15/2031

    1,168       1,135,138  

1.25%, 08/31/2024

    825       843,953  

1.375%, 08/31/2023

    681       696,760  

1.50%, 09/30/2024-02/15/2030

    4,256       4,381,057  

1.625%, 11/15/2022-05/15/2031

    5,667       5,815,940  

1.75%, 06/30/2022-11/15/2029

    3,957       4,076,887  

1.875%, 08/31/2022-10/31/2022

    1,974       2,016,511  

2.00%, 07/31/2022-11/15/2026

    7,977       8,340,481  

2.125%, 11/30/2023-05/15/2025

    5,377       5,641,073  

2.25%, 04/30/2024-11/15/2027

    3,481       3,706,107  

2.375%, 08/15/2024-05/15/2029

    1,746       1,876,573  

2.50%, 08/15/2023-05/15/2024

    2,439       2,572,898  

2.625%, 02/15/2029

    340       372,821  

2.75%, 11/15/2023-02/15/2028

    1,410       1,495,536  

2.875%, 10/31/2023-05/15/2028

    947       1,019,307  

3.125%, 11/15/2028

    688       779,177  
   

 

 

 

Total Governments–Treasuries
(cost $76,008,389)

      80,631,089  
   

 

 

 
        
Shares
       

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–5.0%

   

FUNDS AND INVESTMENT TRUSTS–5.0%(f)

   

Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF

    132,928       7,757,678  

Vanguard Real Estate ETF(c)

    76,494       7,786,325  
   

 

 

 

Total Investment Companies
(cost $12,101,209)

      15,544,003  
   

 

 

 

RIGHTS–0.0%

   

INDUSTRIALS–0.0%

   

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA, expiring 07/06/2021(a)(g)
(cost $3,174)

    2,097       2,934  
   

 

 

 

 

19


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

 

    
    
    
Company
      
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–7.0%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–7.0%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.01%(f)(g)(h)
(cost $21,886,952)

    21,886,952     $ 21,886,952  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SECURITY LENDING COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–97.3%
(cost $200,998,987)

      305,100,029  
 

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
      
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–0.4%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.4%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.01%(f)(g)(h)
(cost $1,225,681)

    1,225,681     $ 1,225,681  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–97.7%
(cost $202,224,668)

      306,325,710  

Other assets less liabilities–2.3%

      7,240,590  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 313,566,300  
   

 

 

 

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
    

Expiration

Month

     Current
Notional
     Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Purchased Contracts

 

Australian 10 Yr Bond Futures

     50        September 2021      $ 5,294,235      $ 21,202  

Canadian 10 Yr Bond Futures

     41        September 2021        4,813,101        40,838  

E-Mini Russell 2000 Futures

     77        September 2021        8,885,030        (58,346

Long Gilt Futures

     5        September 2021        886,003        3,783  

MSCI EAFE Futures

     9        September 2021        1,036,845        (13,557

MSCI Emerging Market Futures

     187        September 2021        12,760,880        (91,160

S&P 400 E-Mini Futures

     33        September 2021        8,884,920        (109,387

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

     213        September 2021        28,222,500        60,112  

Sold Contracts

 

Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures

     148        September 2021        7,117,038        33,473  

FTSE 100 Index Futures

     13        September 2021        1,255,296        4,702  

Hang Seng Index Futures

     2        July 2021        368,739        6,842  

OMXS30 Index Futures

     22        July 2021        582,512        (2,083

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

     66        September 2021        14,152,380        (69,455

SPI 200 Futures

     8        September 2021        1,083,378        (6,276

TOPIX Index Futures

     21        September 2021        3,672,803        14,092  
           

 

 

 
            $   (165,220
           

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Bank of America, NA

     NOK        4,377          USD        514          07/15/2021        $ 5,173  

Bank of America, NA

     SEK        33,729          USD        3,965          07/15/2021          22,905  

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

Bank of America, NA

     CAD        4,628          USD        3,755          07/16/2021        $ 21,272  

Bank of America, NA

     CAD        333          USD        265          07/16/2021          (4,362

Bank of America, NA

     USD        1,649          CAD        2,042          07/16/2021          (1,349

Bank of America, NA

     NZD        1,189          USD        838          07/29/2021          7,156  

Bank of America, NA

     EUR        1,836          USD        2,238          08/03/2021          59,703  

Bank of America, NA

     CHF        1,794          USD        1,954          08/05/2021          13,876  

Bank of America, NA

     AUD        4,136          USD        3,133          08/25/2021          30,016  

Bank of America, NA

     GBP        3,885          USD        5,396          08/26/2021          21,455  

Barclays Bank PLC

     USD        232          CAD        280          07/16/2021          (6,266

BNP Paribas SA

     SEK        3,570          USD        418          07/15/2021          340  

BNP Paribas SA

     SEK        1,901          USD        221          07/15/2021          (1,193

BNP Paribas SA

     USD        5,767          SEK        49,144          07/15/2021          (23,786

BNP Paribas SA

     USD        327          CAD        406          07/16/2021          1,057  

BNP Paribas SA

     USD        1,163          CAD        1,424          07/16/2021          (13,273

BNP Paribas SA

     EUR        5,087          USD        6,174          08/03/2021          137,376  

BNP Paribas SA

     USD        807          JPY        89,249          08/19/2021          (3,432

Citibank, NA

     USD        582          SEK        4,913          07/15/2021          (7,421

Citibank, NA

     USD        240          CAD        288          07/16/2021          (6,800

Citibank, NA

     EUR        3,393          USD        4,033          08/03/2021          7,138  

Citibank, NA

     JPY        73,815          USD        675          08/19/2021          9,960  

Citibank, NA

     GBP        2,772          USD        3,903          08/26/2021          68,387  

Credit Suisse International

     USD        6,581          CAD        8,142          07/16/2021          (13,018

Credit Suisse International

     CHF        794          USD        887          08/05/2021          27,827  

Deutsche Bank AG

     USD        512          CAD        616          07/16/2021          (14,158

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     CAD        333          USD        264          07/16/2021          (4,606

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     USD        485          CAD        583          07/16/2021          (13,461

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     CHF        6,213          USD        6,818          08/05/2021          96,721  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     GBP        4,658          USD        6,573          08/26/2021          129,244  

HSBC Bank USA

     USD        2,188          SEK        18,362          07/15/2021          (42,321

HSBC Bank USA

     CAD        333          USD        264          07/16/2021          (4,964

HSBC Bank USA

     EUR        18,665          USD        22,427          08/03/2021          280,689  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     SEK        32,824          USD        3,817          07/15/2021          (18,792

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     USD        240          CAD        288          07/16/2021          (6,563

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     SEK        8,597          USD        1,041          07/15/2021          35,982  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     SEK        5,471          USD        639          07/15/2021          (93

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     USD        1,284          NOK        11,001          07/15/2021          (6,295

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     CAD        974          USD        804          07/16/2021          18,579  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     USD        239          CAD        288          07/16/2021          (6,468

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     CHF        1,768          USD        1,970          08/05/2021          57,125  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     JPY        2,223,312          USD        20,181          08/19/2021          160,151  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     AUD        6,874          USD        5,326          08/25/2021          169,401  

Natwest Markets PLC

     USD        1,630          NOK        13,361          07/15/2021          (78,098

Natwest Markets PLC

     USD        1,585          NZD        2,217          07/29/2021          (35,314

Natwest Markets PLC

     EUR        1,267          USD        1,507          08/03/2021          4,379  

Natwest Markets PLC

     GBP        546          USD        756          08/26/2021          660  

Standard Chartered Bank

     CAD        333          USD        266          07/16/2021          (3,230

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     NOK        3,785          USD        454          07/15/2021          14,582  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        2,489          SEK        21,108          07/15/2021          (22,451

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        20,783          EUR        17,396          08/03/2021          (142,480

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        6,102          CHF        5,598          08/05/2021          (46,519

 

21


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

 

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

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        14,503          JPY        1,605,745          08/19/2021        $ (43,382

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        5,187          AUD        6,874          08/25/2021          (30,112

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        8,773          GBP        6,282          08/26/2021          (81,853

UBS AG

     CAD        974          USD        804          07/16/2021          18,318  

UBS AG

     CHF        1,199          USD        1,305          08/05/2021          7,508  
                       

 

 

 
                        $   744,920  
                       

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration. At June 30, 2021, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $1,844,015 or 0.6% of net assets.

 

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

 

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

 

(e)   Fair valued by the Adviser.

 

(f)   To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Additionally, shareholder reports for AB funds can be obtained by calling AB at (800) 227-4618.

 

(g)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

JPY—Japanese Yen

NOK—Norwegian Krone

NZD—New Zealand Dollar

SEK—Swedish Krona

USD—United States Dollar

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

CBT—Chicago Board of Trade

EAFE—Europe, Australia, and Far East

ETF—Exchange Traded Fund

FTSE—Financial Times Stock Exchange

GDR—Global Depositary Receipt

MSC—Morgan Stanley Capital International

REG—Registered Shares

REIT–Real Estate Investment Trust

SPI—Share Price Index

TOPIX–Tokyo Price Index

See notes to financial statements.

 

22


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $179,112,035)

   $ 283,213,077 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $23,112,633—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $1,225,681)

     23,112,633  

Cash

     773  

Cash collateral due from broker

     3,153,215  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $350,642)

     349,036  

Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions

     4,778,302  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     1,426,980  

Unaffiliated dividends and interest receivable

     1,091,253  

Receivable for variation margin on futures

     57,926  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     3,380  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     302  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     317,186,877  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     1,225,681  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     901,459  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     682,060  

Advisory fee payable

     310,091  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     167,392  

Distribution fee payable

     111,237  

Administrative fee payable

     20,497  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     129  

Foreign capital gains tax payable

     46  

Accrued expenses

     201,985  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     3,620,577  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 313,566,300  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 21,490  

Additional paid-in capital

     149,791,002  

Distributable earnings

     163,753,808  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 313,566,300  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 368,340          25,033        $ 14.71  
B      $   313,197,960          21,465,341        $   14.59  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $9,464,713 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

23


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $250,097)

   $ 3,809,919  

Affiliated issuers

     750  

Interest

     1,751,830  

Securities lending income

     3,944  
  

 

 

 
     5,566,443  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     1,906,063  

Distribution fee—Class B

     680,293  

Transfer agency—Class B

     1,927  

Custody and accounting

     89,643  

Audit and tax

     48,464  

Administrative

     39,467  

Legal

     23,066  

Printing

     16,119  

Directors’ fees

     12,960  

Miscellaneous

     28,316  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     2,846,318  

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

     (3,602
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     2,842,716  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     2,723,727  
  

 

 

 

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

  

Net realized gain on:

  

Investment transactions

     63,032,594  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     481,828  

Futures

     1,630,128  

Foreign currency transactions

     83,635  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

  

Investments

     (35,639,862

Forward currency exchange contracts

     1,260,383  

Futures

     (1,489,349

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (185,299
  

 

 

 

Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     29,174,058  
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 31,897,785  
  

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

24


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

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment income

   $ 2,723,727     $ 4,934,873  

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

     65,228,185       (10,066,061

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

     (36,054,127     28,883,717  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     31,897,785       23,752,529  

Distributions to Shareholders

    

Class A

     –0 –      (6,470

Class B

     –0 –      (7,947,724

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net decrease

     (267,117,558     (36,380,539
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease

     (235,219,773     (20,582,204

NET ASSETS

    

Beginning of period

     548,786,073       569,368,277  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 313,566,300     $ 548,786,073  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

25


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to maximize total return consistent with AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) determination of reasonable risk. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 11 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

26


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

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

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

 

27


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

 

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2021:

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

             

Assets:

             

Common Stocks:

             

Information Technology

     $ 26,429,310      $ 8,201,732      $ –0 –     $ 34,631,042  

Financials

       10,869,275        15,160,074        –0 –       26,029,349  

Health Care

       12,630,997        11,308,913        –0 –       23,939,910  

Consumer Discretionary

       11,854,872        12,013,106        52,685        23,920,663  

Industrials

       7,886,969        14,169,051        –0 –       22,056,020  

Communication Services

       10,665,586        4,565,923        –0 –       15,231,509  

Consumer Staples

       5,796,168        9,365,380        –0 –       15,161,548  

Materials

       2,469,064        7,234,754        –0 –       9,703,818  

Energy

       2,670,243        2,961,524        –0 –       5,631,767  

Utilities

       2,352,325        3,018,682        –0 –       5,371,007  

Real Estate

       2,464,766        2,893,652        –0 –       5,358,418  

Governments—Treasuries

       –0 –       80,631,089        –0 –       80,631,089  

Investment Companies

       15,544,003        –0 –       –0 –       15,544,003  

Rights

       2,934        –0 –       –0 –       2,934  

Short-Term Investments

       21,886,952        –0 –       –0 –       21,886,952  

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

       1,225,681        –0 –       –0 –       1,225,681  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       134,749,145        171,523,880        52,685        306,325,710  

Other Financial Instruments(a):

             

Assets:

             

Futures

       185,044        –0 –       –0 –       185,044 (b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       1,426,980        –0 –       1,426,980  

Liabilities:

             

Futures

       (350,264      –0 –       –0 –       (350,264 )(b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       (682,060      –0 –       (682,060
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     $ 134,583,925      $ 172,268,800      $ 52,685      $ 306,905,410  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

3. Currency Translation

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

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

 

28


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .70% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to .85% and 1.10% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. The Expense Caps will remain in effect until May 1, 2022 and then may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $39,467.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $818 for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2022. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, such waiver amounted to $3,599.

 

29


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

 

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Market Value
12/31/20
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/21
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 4,201      $ 307,465      $ 289,779      $ 21,887      $ 1  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

     67        45,946        44,787        1,226        0 ** 
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

            $ 23,113      $ 1  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*   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 (and related transactions). As a result, as of May 20, 2021, AXA no longer owns shares of Equitable.

Sales 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 Portfolio’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 Portfolio subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

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

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

     Purchases        Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 20,990,801        $ 187,190,711  

U.S. government securities

     17,620,044          131,362,046  

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

   $ 109,180,849  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (4,500,107
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 104,680,742  
  

 

 

 

 

30


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Futures

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

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

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

 

31


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

 

return of collateral with market value in excess of the Portfolio’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Interest rate contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures   $ 125,935    

Equity contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures     59,109   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures   $ 350,264

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts     1,426,980     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts     682,060  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    $ 1,612,024       $ 1,032,324  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

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

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures    $ (1,452,115   $ 93,585  

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures      3,082,243       (1,582,934

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts      481,828       1,260,383  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ 2,111,956     $ (228,966
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2021:

 

Futures:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 103,117,130  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 46,277,854  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 62,017,218  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 97,737,179  

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

 

32


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2021. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

   $ 181,556      $ (5,711   $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 175,845  

BNP Paribas SA

     138,773        (41,684     –0 –      –0 –      97,089  

Citibank, NA

     85,485        (14,221     –0 –      –0 –      71,264  

Credit Suisse International

     27,827        (13,018     –0 –      –0 –      14,809  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     225,965        (18,067     –0 –      –0 –      207,898  

HSBC Bank USA

     280,689        (47,285     –0 –      –0 –      233,404  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     441,238        (12,856     –0 –      –0 –      428,382  

Natwest Markets PLC

     5,039        (5,039     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     14,582        (14,582     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

UBS AG

     25,826        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      25,826  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,426,980      $ (172,463   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 1,254,517
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

   $ 5,711      $ (5,711   $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ –0 – 

Barclays Bank PLC

     6,266        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      6,266  

BNP Paribas SA

     41,684        (41,684     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Citibank, NA

     14,221        (14,221     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Credit Suisse International

     13,018        (13,018     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Deutsche Bank AG

     14,158        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      14,158  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     18,067        (18,067     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

HSBC Bank USA

     47,285        (47,285     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     25,355        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      25,355  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     12,856        (12,856     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Natwest Markets PLC

     113,412        (5,039     –0 –      –0 –      108,373  

Standard Chartered Bank

     3,230        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      3,230  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     366,797        (14,582     –0 –      –0 –      352,215  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 682,060      $ (172,463   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 509,597
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

2. Currency Transactions

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

 

33


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

 

NOTE E: Securities Lending

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

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the six months ended June 30, 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

 
$ 9,464,713     $ 1,225,681     $ 8,554,632     $ 3,825     $ 119     $ 3  

 

*   As of June 30, 2021.

 

34


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

     SHARES            AMOUNT  
     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
           Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

Class A

           

Shares sold

     1,722       6,869        $ 24,401     $ 86,958  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     –0 –      502          –0 –      6,470  

Shares redeemed

     (2,889     (9,641        (40,949     (126,155
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (1,167     (2,270      $ (16,548   $ (32,727
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

           

Shares sold

     698,268       1,311,598        $ 9,900,207     $ 16,672,485  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

     –0 –      619,947          –0 –      7,947,724  

Shares redeemed

     (18,984,730     (4,763,950        (277,001,217     (60,968,021
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (18,286,462     (2,832,405      $ (267,101,010   $ (36,347,812
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2021, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 86% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

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

Interest Rate Risk—Changes in interest rates will affect the value of investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of existing investments in fixed-income securities tends to fall and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from new investments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. The current historically low interest rate environment heightens the risks associated with rising interest rates.

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

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

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

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

 

35


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

 

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

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

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

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

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

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

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

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio 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. 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 Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition 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 Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. 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 Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not

 

36


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

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

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

       2020     2019  

Distributions paid from:

      

Ordinary income

     $ 7,954,194     $ 10,014,238  

Net long-term capital gains

       –0 –      632,044  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

     $ 7,954,194     $ 10,646,282  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 5,046,295  

Accumulated capital and other losses

     (10,830,539 )(a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     137,640,267 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 131,856,023  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   As of December 31, 2020, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $9,767,499. As of December 31, 2020, the cumulative deferred loss on straddles was $1,063,040.

 

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

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2020, the Portfolio had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $7,544,796 and a net long-term capital loss carryforward of $2,222,703, which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2020-04.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

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

 

37


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $13.89       $13.46       $11.91       $13.07       $11.63       $11.33  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)(b)

    .09       .15       .23       .20       .17       .13 † 

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

    .73       .51       1.60       (1.11     1.52       .27  

Contributions from Affiliates

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .82       .66       1.83       (.91     1.69       .40  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.23     (.27     (.23     (.25     (.10

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      –0 –      (.01     (.02     –0 –      (.00 )(c) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.23     (.28     (.25     (.25     (.10
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $14.71       $13.89       $13.46       $11.91       $13.07       $11.63  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)

    5.90     5.02     15.51     (7.07 )%      14.67     3.59 %† 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

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

    $368       $364       $383       $355       $328       $303  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (e)‡

    .80 %^      .80     .80     .78     .77     .79

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (e)‡

    .80 %^      .80     .80     .79     .78     .81

Net investment income (b)

    1.27 %^      1.18     1.78     1.60     1.39     1.11 %† 

Portfolio turnover rate

    8     13     19     24     20     64
           

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

  

portfolios

    .01 %^      .01     .02     .03     .04     .04

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 40.

 

38


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $13.80       $13.36       $11.82       $12.98       $11.56       $11.26  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)(b)

    .07       .12       .19       .17       .14       .10 † 

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

    .72       .51       1.60       (1.11     1.50       .27  

Contributions from Affiliates

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    .79       .63       1.79       (.94     1.64       .37  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.19     (.24     (.20     (.22     (.07

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      –0 –      (.01     (.02     –0 –      (.00 )(c) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.19     (.25     (.22     (.22     (.07
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $14.59       $13.80       $13.36       $11.82       $12.98       $11.56  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)

    5.72     4.86     15.24     (7.35 )%      14.32     3.37 %† 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

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

    $313,198       $548,422       $568,985       $533,467       $604,703       $558,725  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (e)‡

    1.04 %^      1.05     1.05     1.03     1.03     1.05

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (e)‡

    1.05 %^      1.06     1.05     1.04     1.04     1.07

Net investment income (b)

    1.00 %^      .93     1.51     1.35     1.15     .89 %† 

Portfolio turnover rate

    8     13     19     24     20     64
           

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

  

portfolios

    .01 %^      .01     .02     .03     .04     .04

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 40.

 

39


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

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

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

 

(e)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, such waiver amounted to .01%, .01% and .02%, respectively.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, 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

$.001   0%   0%

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

40


 
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

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

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2021, which covered the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

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

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

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

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

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, 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 Portfolio, and in a diminished depth of liquidity in most markets, to varying degrees. Nonetheless, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

41


 
DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Dynamic Asset Allocation Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on August 4-5, 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s former Senior Officer/Independent Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also 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

 

42


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the 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 the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

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

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods ended May 31, 2020 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review and their discussion with the Adviser of the reasons for the Fund’s underperformance in the periods reviewed, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual advisory fee rate with a peer group median and noted that it was above the median. The directors also took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior 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 the those of Fund, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The 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, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the

 

43


DYNAMIC ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

The directors noted that the Fund invests in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as these may be varied as a result of exemptive orders issued by the SEC. The directors also noted that ETFs pay advisory fees pursuant to their advisory contracts, and that the Adviser had provided, and they had reviewed, information about the expense ratios of the relevant ETFs. The directors concluded, based on the Adviser’s explanation of how it uses ETFs when they are the most cost-effective way to obtain desired exposures, in some cases pending purchases of underlying securities, that the advisory fee for the Fund is for services that are in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contracts of the ETFs.

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

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund does not contain breakpoints and that they had previously discussed their strong preference for breakpoints in advisory contracts with the Adviser. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also 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 directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. The directors informed the Adviser that they would monitor the Fund’s asset level (which was well below the level at which they would anticipate adding an initial breakpoint) and its profitability to the Adviser and anticipated revisiting the question of breakpoints in the future if circumstances warranted doing so.

 

44


VPS-DAA-0152-0621


JUN    06.30.21

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO

 

As of May 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, you may not be receiving paper copies of the Portfolio’s shareholder reports from the insurance company that offers your contract unless you specifically requested paper copies from the insurance company or from your financial intermediary. Instead of delivering paper copies of the reports, the insurance company may choose to make the reports available on a website, and will notify you by mail each time a report is posted and provide you with a website link to access the report. Instructions for requesting paper copies will be provided by your insurance company.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge from the insurance company. You can inform the insurance company or your financial intermediary that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by following the instructions provided by the insurance company or by contacting your financial intermediary. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all portfolio companies available under your contract with the insurance company.


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

     Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2021
    Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2021
    Expenses Paid
During Period*
    Annualized
Expense Ratio*
    Total
Expenses Paid
During Period+
    Total
Annualized
Expense Ratio+
 

Class A

           

Actual

  $   1,000     $ 1,069.90     $   3.59       0.70   $   3.90       0.76

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

  $ 1,000     $   1,021.32     $ 3.51       0.70   $ 3.81       0.76
           

Class B

           

Actual

  $ 1,000     $ 1,068.60     $ 4.82       0.94   $ 5.13       1.00

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

  $ 1,000     $ 1,020.13     $ 4.71       0.94   $ 5.01       1.00

 

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

+   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fund fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees and expenses from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios acquired fund fees and expenses. The Portfolio’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Portfolio’s pro-rata share of the weighted average expense ratio of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios in which it invests, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
SECURITY TYPE BREAKDOWN1  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

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

Common Stocks

   $ 540,660,759          34.7

Inflation-Linked Securities

     7,202,864          0.4  

Options Purchased—Puts

     973,152          0.1  

Rights

     227          0.0  

Short-Term Investments

     1,008,596,205          64.8  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   1,557,433,207          100.0

COUNTRY BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2021 (unaudited)

 

 

COUNTRY    U.S.$ VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

United States

   $ 376,412,702          24.2

Japan

     45,507,368          2.9  

United Kingdom

     23,290,216          1.5  

France

     17,437,886          1.1  

Switzerland

     15,914,998          1.0  

Germany

     15,900,846          1.0  

Australia

     12,969,045          0.8  

Netherlands

     7,230,491          0.5  

Sweden

     5,813,209          0.4  

Hong Kong

     4,582,120          0.3  

Denmark

     4,269,946          0.3  

Spain

     4,059,735          0.3  

Italy

     3,404,423          0.2  

Other

     12,044,017          0.7  

Short-Term Investments

     1,008,596,205          64.8  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   1,557,433,207          100.0

 

 

 

1   All data are as of June 30, 2021. The Portfolio’s security type breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. The Portfolio also enters into derivatives transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purpose (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details).

 

2   All data are as of June 30, 2021. The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represent 0.1% or less in the following: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, China, Finland, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Luxembourg, Macau, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa and Taiwan.

 

2


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

COMMON STOCKS–49.5%

   
   

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–10.8%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.3%

   

Arista Networks, Inc.(a)

    570     $ 206,517  

Cisco Systems, Inc./Delaware

    43,630       2,312,390  

F5 Networks, Inc.(a)

    620       115,729  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    3,390       92,716  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    1,760       381,656  

Nokia Oyj(a)

    52,585       281,738  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson–Class B

    28,466       357,929  
   

 

 

 
      3,748,675  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–0.5%

   

Amphenol Corp.–Class A

    6,180       422,774  

Azbil Corp.

    1,203       49,848  

CDW Corp./DE

    1,450       253,243  

Corning, Inc.

    8,020       328,018  

Halma PLC

    3,702       137,919  

Hamamatsu Photonics KK

    1,368       82,407  

Hexagon AB

    19,214       284,682  

Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.

    316       46,229  

Ibiden Co., Ltd.

    1,030       55,438  

IPG Photonics Corp.(a)

    370       77,985  

Keyence Corp.

    1,897       955,373  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.(a)

    1,900       293,379  

Kyocera Corp.

    3,130       193,372  

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    5,602       426,731  

Omron Corp.

    1,810       143,310  

Shimadzu Corp.

    2,310       89,260  

TDK Corp.

    1,263       152,892  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    3,410       461,066  

Trimble, Inc.(a)

    2,590       211,940  

Venture Corp., Ltd.

    2,697       38,583  

Yaskawa Electric Corp.

    2,340       114,275  

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

    2,226       33,291  

Zebra Technologies Corp.–Class A(a)

    560       296,514  
   

 

 

 
      5,148,529  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–2.1%

   

Accenture PLC–Class A

    6,580       1,939,718  

Adyen NV(a)(b)(c)

    192       470,847  

Afterpay Ltd.(a)(c)

    2,116       187,817  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a)

    1,680       195,888  

Amadeus IT Group SA–Class A(a)

    4,393       309,692  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Atos SE

    965     $ 58,761  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    4,400       873,928  

Bechtle AG

    266       49,439  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

    1,200       193,836  

Capgemini SE

    1,563       300,586  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.–Class A

    5,460       378,160  

Computershare Ltd.

    5,287       67,008  

DXC Technology Co.(a)

    2,630       102,412  

Edenred

    2,404       137,068  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    6,420       909,521  

Fiserv, Inc.(a)

    6,160       658,442  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.(a)

    860       220,212  

Fujitsu Ltd.

    1,917       358,669  

Gartner, Inc.(a)

    890       215,558  

Global Payments, Inc.

    3,050       571,997  

GMO Payment Gateway, Inc.

    402       52,209  

International Business Machines Corp.

    9,250       1,355,957  

Itochu Techno-Solutions Corp.

    936       28,956  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    770       125,903  

Mastercard, Inc.–Class A

    9,060       3,307,715  

NEC Corp.

    2,394       123,182  

Nexi SpA(a)(b)

    4,285       94,164  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

    3,437       113,512  

NTT Data Corp.

    6,155       96,084  

Obic Co., Ltd.

    679       126,280  

Otsuka Corp.

    1,111       58,239  

Paychex, Inc.

    3,320       356,236  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)

    12,160       3,544,397  

SCSK Corp.

    508       30,269  

TIS, Inc.

    2,183       55,713  

VeriSign, Inc.(a)

    1,030       234,521  

Visa, Inc.–Class A

    17,520       4,096,526  

Western Union Co. (The)–Class W

    4,230       97,163  

Wix.com Ltd.(a)

    542       157,332  

Worldline
SA/France(a)(b)

    2,317       217,114  
   

 

 

 
      22,471,031  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR
EQUIPMENT–2.4%

   

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)

    12,580       1,181,639  

Advantest Corp.

    1,946       174,725  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    3,820       657,651  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    9,500       1,352,800  

 

3


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

ASM International NV

    461     $ 152,050  

ASML Holding NV

    4,091       2,824,096  

Broadcom, Inc.

    4,230       2,017,033  

Disco Corp.

    281       85,438  

Enphase Energy, Inc.(a)

    1,400       257,082  

Infineon Technologies AG

    12,736       512,284  

Intel Corp.

    41,810       2,347,214  

KLA Corp.

    1,590       515,494  

Lam Research Corp.

    1,480       963,036  

Lasertec Corp.

    735       142,167  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

    2,770       291,847  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    2,830       423,764  

Micron Technology, Inc.(a)

    11,610       986,618  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    450       168,053  

NVIDIA Corp.

    6,450       5,160,645  

NXP Semiconductors NV

    2,850       586,302  

Qorvo, Inc.(a)

    1,160       226,954  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    11,680       1,669,422  

Renesas Electronics Corp.(a)

    12,226       131,947  

Rohm Co., Ltd.

    853       78,500  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    1,710       327,893  

STMicroelectronics NV

    6,660       242,201  

SUMCO Corp.(c)

    2,697       66,066  

Teradyne, Inc.

    1,720       230,411  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    9,560       1,838,388  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    1,456       629,551  

Xilinx, Inc.

    2,540       367,386  
   

 

 

 
      26,608,657  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–3.3%

   

Adobe, Inc.(a)

    4,950       2,898,918  

ANSYS, Inc.(a)

    900       312,354  

Autodesk, Inc.(a)

    2,280       665,532  

AVEVA Group PLC

    1,121       57,536  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(a)

    2,880       394,042  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.(a)

    1,093       126,930  

Citrix Systems, Inc.

    1,280       150,106  

CyberArk Software Ltd.(a)

    377       49,112  

Dassault Systemes SE

    1,288       312,593  

Fortinet, Inc.(a)

    1,400       333,466  

Intuit, Inc.

    2,830       1,387,181  

Microsoft Corp.

    77,990       21,127,491  

Nemetschek SE

    563       43,096  

Nice Ltd.(a)

    611       150,815  

NortonLifeLock, Inc.

    6,000       163,320  

Oracle Corp.

    18,810       1,464,170  

Oracle Corp./Japan

    375       28,653  

Paycom Software, Inc.(a)

    510       185,370  

PTC, Inc.(a)

    1,080       152,561  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Sage Group PLC (The)

    10,691     $ 101,268  

salesforce.com, Inc.(a)

    9,590       2,342,549  

SAP SE

    10,184       1,430,441  

ServiceNow, Inc.(a)

    2,050       1,126,578  

Sinch AB(a)(b)

    4,932       82,992  

Synopsys, Inc.(a)

    1,580       435,748  

TeamViewer AG(a)(b)

    1,568       58,889  

Temenos AG

    651       104,664  

Trend Micro, Inc./Japan

    1,303       68,230  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.(a)

    420       189,995  

WiseTech Global Ltd.

    1,425       34,053  

Xero Ltd.(a)

    1,287       132,380  
   

 

 

 
      36,111,033  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–2.2%

   

Apple, Inc.

    162,420       22,245,043  

Brother Industries Ltd.

    2,301       45,959  

Canon, Inc.(c)

    9,756       220,505  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    3,513       259,851  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    13,520       197,121  

HP, Inc.

    12,430       375,261  

Logitech International SA

    1,688       204,995  

NetApp, Inc.

    2,300       188,186  

Ricoh Co., Ltd.

    6,538       73,592  

Seagate Technology Holdings PLC

    2,060       181,136  

Seiko Epson Corp.

    2,728       47,953  

Western Digital Corp.(a)

    3,170       225,609  
   

 

 

 
      24,265,211  
   

 

 

 
      118,353,136  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–6.4%

   

BANKS–2.8%

   

ABN AMRO Bank NV (GDR)(a)(b)(c)

    4,125       49,984  

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

    27,752       585,787  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA(a)

    65,031       403,386  

Banco Santander SA(a)

    169,123       646,905  

Bank Hapoalim BM(a)

    11,074       88,909  

Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM(a)

    14,170       107,674  

Bank of America Corp.

    78,080       3,219,238  

Bank of East Asia Ltd. (The)

    12,800       23,772  

Banque Cantonale Vaudoise

    293       26,329  

Barclays PLC

    169,320       401,809  

BNP Paribas SA

    10,970       688,473  

BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

    36,090       122,320  

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

CaixaBank SA

    43,355     $ 133,477  

Chiba Bank Ltd. (The)

    5,169       31,241  

Citigroup, Inc.

    21,400       1,514,050  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    4,410       202,287  

Comerica, Inc.

    1,440       102,730  

Commerzbank AG(a)

    9,771       69,390  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia(c)

    17,302       1,295,619  

Concordia Financial Group Ltd.

    10,617       39,015  

Credit Agricole SA

    11,378       159,515  

Danske Bank A/S

    6,727       118,469  

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

    17,585       391,219  

DNB ASA

    9,072       197,717  

Erste Group Bank AG

    2,724       100,138  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    7,280       278,314  

FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA(a)

    5,944       103,731  

First Republic Bank/CA

    1,820       340,649  

Hang Seng Bank Ltd.

    7,458       148,770  

HSBC Holdings PLC

    198,656       1,146,544  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc./OH

    15,270       217,903  

ING Groep NV

    38,043       504,996  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA

    161,079       445,599  

Israel Discount Bank Ltd.–Class A(a)

    11,352       54,079  

Japan Post Bank Co., Ltd.

    3,949       33,213  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    31,340       4,874,624  

KBC Group NV

    2,438       186,145  

KeyCorp

    10,040       207,326  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC

    691,089       447,035  

M&T Bank Corp.

    1,330       193,262  

Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario SpA(a)

    6,057       70,868  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

    119,218       642,139  

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd.(a)

    1,368       42,141  

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

    23,527       337,201  

National Australia Bank Ltd.

    32,156       632,149  

Natwest Group PLC

    47,493       133,658  

Nordea Bank Abp

    31,599       351,884  

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd.

    32,741       291,779  

People’s United Financial, Inc.

    4,420       75,759  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    4,400       839,344  

Raiffeisen Bank International AG

    1,443       32,754  

Regions Financial Corp.

    9,950       200,791  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Resona Holdings, Inc.

    20,824     $ 80,290  

Shizuoka Bank Ltd. (The)

    4,353       33,780  

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB–Class A

    15,873       205,176  

Societe Generale SA

    7,906       233,870  

Standard Chartered PLC

    26,164       166,973  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

    12,730       438,828  

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc.

    3,294       105,079  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    570       317,165  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB–Class A

    14,225       160,571  

Swedbank AB–Class A

    8,832       164,425  

Truist Financial Corp.

    13,920       772,560  

UniCredit SpA

    20,729       245,073  

United Overseas Bank Ltd.

    11,496       221,383  

US Bancorp

    14,030       799,289  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    42,800       1,938,412  

Westpac Banking Corp.

    35,779       692,388  

Zions Bancorp NA

    1,690       89,333  
   

 

 

 
      30,216,705  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–1.5%

   

3i Group PLC

    9,491       154,028  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    1,200       298,656  

Amundi SA(b)

    592       52,214  

ASX Ltd.(c)

    1,888       110,062  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    8,350       427,771  

BlackRock, Inc.–Class A

    1,470       1,286,206  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    1,100       130,955  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    15,530       1,130,739  

CME Group, Inc.–Class A

    3,720       791,170  

Credit Suisse Group AG

    23,872       249,890  

Daiwa Securities Group, Inc.

    14,087       77,388  

Deutsche Bank AG(a)

    20,157       262,801  

Deutsche Boerse AG

    1,853       323,434  

EQT AB

    2,323       84,385  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    2,810       89,892  

Futu Holdings Ltd. (ADR)(a)

    488       87,396  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

    3,520       1,335,946  

Hargreaves Lansdown PLC

    3,469       76,333  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.

    11,746       699,236  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    5,820       690,834  

Invesco Ltd.

    3,910       104,514  

 

5


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Japan Exchange Group, Inc.

    4,969     $ 110,689  

Julius Baer Group Ltd.

    2,182       142,513  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    3,166       349,876  

Macquarie Group Ltd.

    3,352       392,725  

Magellan Financial Group Ltd.(c)

    1,344       54,281  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    400       185,436  

Moody’s Corp.

    1,670       605,158  

Morgan Stanley

    15,410       1,412,943  

MSCI, Inc.–Class A

    860       458,449  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    1,190       209,202  

Natixis SA

    9,234       43,869  

Nomura Holdings, Inc.

    29,960       152,481  

Northern Trust Corp.

    2,150       248,583  

Partners Group Holding AG

    221       335,024  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    1,260       163,674  

S&P Global, Inc.

    2,500       1,026,125  

SBI Holdings, Inc./Japan

    2,374       56,075  

Schroders PLC

    1,212       58,944  

Singapore Exchange Ltd.

    7,838       65,282  

St. James’s Place PLC

    5,249       107,325  

Standard Life Aberdeen PLC

    21,284       79,847  

State Street Corp.

    3,600       296,208  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    2,350       465,230  

UBS Group AG

    35,755       547,667  
   

 

 

 
      16,031,456  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–0.2%

   

Acom Co., Ltd.

    3,892       16,982  

American Express Co.

    6,730       1,111,998  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    4,670       722,402  

Discover Financial Services

    3,150       372,614  

Synchrony Financial

    5,600       271,712  
   

 

 

 
      2,495,708  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–0.6%

   

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.–Class B(a)

    19,630       5,455,570  

EXOR NV

    1,057       84,828  

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA

    1,101       123,280  

IHS Markit Ltd.

    3,870       435,994  

Industrivarden AB

    1,042       40,527  

Industrivarden AB–Class C

    1,557       56,996  

Investor AB

    17,769       409,582  

Kinnevik AB(c)

    2,359       94,463  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

L E Lundbergforetagen AB–Class B

    741     $ 47,825  

M&G PLC

    25,356       80,325  

Mitsubishi HC Capital, Inc.

    6,438       34,524  

ORIX Corp.

    11,912       201,332  

Sofina SA

    150       64,808  

Tokyo Century Corp.

    359       19,301  

Wendel SE

    261       35,123  
   

 

 

 
      7,184,478  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–1.3%

   

Admiral Group PLC

    1,880       81,803  

Aegon NV(c)

    17,451       72,581  

Aflac, Inc.

    6,540       350,936  

Ageas SA/NV

    1,707       94,860  

AIA Group Ltd.

    117,962       1,463,386  

Allianz SE

    4,021       1,003,468  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    3,090       403,060  

American International Group, Inc.

    8,880       422,688  

Aon PLC

    2,340       558,698  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    2,120       296,970  

Assicurazioni Generali SpA

    10,759       216,005  

Assurant, Inc.

    620       96,832  

Aviva PLC

    38,316       215,104  

Baloise Holding AG

    452       70,574  

Chubb Ltd.

    4,650       739,071  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    1,550       180,761  

CNP Assurances

    1,674       28,531  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.

    9,937       182,833  

Direct Line Insurance Group PLC

    13,308       52,489  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    410       103,324  

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA

    1,950       42,994  

Globe Life, Inc.

    980       93,345  

Hannover Rueck SE

    588       98,436  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    3,690       228,669  

Insurance Australia Group Ltd.(c)

    24,042       92,957  

Japan Post Holdings Co., Ltd.(a)

    15,360       126,163  

Japan Post Insurance Co., Ltd.

    2,194       40,596  

Legal & General Group PLC

    58,199       207,630  

Lincoln National Corp.

    1,850       116,254  

Loews Corp.

    2,310       126,241  

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

    5,260       739,977  

Medibank Pvt Ltd.

    26,859       63,678  

MetLife, Inc.

    7,700       460,845  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc.

    4,341       125,508  

 

6


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen

    1,366     $ 374,367  

NN Group NV

    2,738       129,341  

Phoenix Group Holdings PLC

    6,334       59,293  

Poste Italiane SpA(b)

    5,095       67,435  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    2,610       164,926  

Progressive Corp. (The)

    6,050       594,170  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    4,070       417,053  

Prudential PLC

    25,450       484,206  

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

    14,387       116,097  

Sampo Oyj–Class A

    4,864       223,669  

SCOR SE(a)

    1,546       49,217  

Sompo Holdings, Inc.

    3,094       114,596  

Suncorp Group Ltd.

    12,489       103,974  

Swiss Life Holding AG

    312       151,773  

Swiss Re AG

    2,941       265,639  

T&D Holdings, Inc.

    5,247       68,090  

Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.

    6,161       283,777  

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

    2,600       389,246  

Tryg A/S

    3,511       86,240  

Unum Group

    2,110       59,924  

Willis Towers Watson PLC

    1,330       305,927  

WR Berkley Corp.

    1,450       107,923  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

    1,467       589,243  
   

 

 

 
      14,403,393  
   

 

 

 
      70,331,740  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–6.4%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–0.7%

   

AbbVie, Inc.

    18,280       2,059,059  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    2,290       420,696  

Amgen, Inc.

    5,950       1,450,313  

Argenx SE(a)

    447       135,211  

Biogen, Inc.(a)

    1,560       540,181  

CSL Ltd.

    4,437       948,934  

Genmab A/S(a)

    639       261,825  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    12,980       893,803  

Grifols SA

    2,909       78,883  

Incyte Corp.(a)

    1,930       162,371  

PeptiDream, Inc.(a)

    934       45,645  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    1,090       608,809  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    2,680       540,368  
   

 

 

 
      8,146,098  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–1.6%

   

Abbott Laboratories

    18,390       2,131,953  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

ABIOMED, Inc.(a)

    470     $ 146,692  

Alcon, Inc.

    4,873       341,780  

Align Technology, Inc.(a)

    750       458,250  

Ambu A/S

    1,633       62,835  

Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.

    2,034       48,630  

Baxter International, Inc.

    5,200       418,600  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    3,010       732,002  

BioMerieux

    404       46,941  

Boston Scientific Corp.(a)

    14,710       629,000  

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

    392       75,776  

Cochlear Ltd.(c)

    641       120,936  

Coloplast A/S–Class B

    1,158       190,124  

Cooper Cos., Inc. (The)

    510       202,098  

Danaher Corp.

    6,570       1,763,125  

Demant A/S(a)

    1,056       59,510  

DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.

    2,260       142,968  

DexCom, Inc.(a)

    1,000       427,000  

DiaSorin SpA

    245       46,358  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    6,430       665,955  

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp., Ltd.

    5,621       122,281  

GN Store Nord A/S

    1,248       109,137  

Hologic, Inc.(a)

    2,650       176,808  

Hoya Corp.

    3,636       480,935  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(a)

    890       562,079  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)

    1,230       1,131,157  

Koninklijke Philips NV

    8,885       440,999  

Medtronic PLC

    13,930       1,729,131  

Olympus Corp.

    11,364       226,040  

ResMed, Inc.

    1,510       372,245  

Sartorius AG (Preference Shares)

    255       132,729  

Siemens Healthineers AG(b)

    2,621       160,702  

Smith & Nephew PLC

    8,554       185,513  

Sonova Holding AG

    537       202,264  

STERIS PLC

    1,010       208,363  

Straumann Holding AG

    100       159,504  

Stryker Corp.

    3,390       880,485  

Sysmex Corp.

    1,633       193,730  

Teleflex, Inc.

    490       196,877  

Terumo Corp.

    6,296       255,004  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    770       276,507  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    2,160       347,371  
   

 

 

 
      17,260,394  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.0%

   

AmerisourceBergen Corp.–Class A

    1,530       175,170  

Amplifon SpA

    1,214       60,025  

Anthem, Inc.

    2,540       969,772  

 

7


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    3,000     $ 171,270  

Centene Corp.(a)

    6,030       439,768  

Cigna Corp.

    3,550       841,598  

CVS Health Corp.

    13,630       1,137,287  

DaVita, Inc.(a)

    720       86,710  

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

    1,999       166,109  

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

    4,078       212,830  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    2,720       562,333  

Henry Schein, Inc.(a)

    1,450       107,576  

Humana, Inc.

    1,340       593,245  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

    1,010       278,608  

McKesson Corp.

    1,640       313,634  

Medipal Holdings Corp.

    1,788       34,184  

Orpea SA(a)

    504       64,166  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    1,350       178,159  

Ramsay Health Care Ltd.

    1,785       84,218  

Ryman Healthcare Ltd.

    4,145       38,037  

Sonic Healthcare Ltd.

    4,427       127,566  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    9,770       3,912,299  

Universal Health Services, Inc.–Class B

    800       117,144  
   

 

 

 
      10,671,708  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY–0.1%

   

Cerner Corp.

    3,110       243,078  

M3, Inc.

    4,303       313,509  
   

 

 

 
      556,587  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–0.5%

   

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    3,140       464,123  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.–Class A(a)

    230       148,187  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.(a)

    520       192,358  

Eurofins Scientific SE(a)

    1,302       148,921  

Illumina, Inc.(a)

    1,510       714,547  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.(a)

    1,980       479,794  

Lonza Group AG

    726       514,702  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(a)

    240       332,482  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    1,160       179,116  

QIAGEN NV(a)

    2,251       108,810  

Sartorius Stedim Biotech

    269       127,315  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    4,070       2,053,193  

Waters Corp.(a)

    640       221,190  
   

 

 

 
      5,684,738  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–2.5%

 

 

Astellas Pharma, Inc.

    18,158       316,433  

AstraZeneca PLC

    12,802       1,538,085  

Bayer AG

    9,581       582,479  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    23,130       1,545,547  

Catalent, Inc.(a)

    1,760       190,291  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.(c)

    6,550       259,620  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.

    16,595     $ 358,005  

Eisai Co., Ltd.

    2,313       227,315  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    8,240       1,891,245  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

    49,067       964,612  

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC

    1,686       57,057  

Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc.

    498       24,588  

Ipsen SA

    367       38,189  

Johnson & Johnson

    27,260       4,490,812  

Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.

    2,633       93,644  

Merck & Co., Inc.

    26,210       2,038,352  

Merck KGaA

    1,260       241,764  

Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd.

    479       38,108  

Novartis AG

    21,655       1,975,511  

Novo Nordisk A/S–Class B

    16,794       1,405,802  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    3,607       80,437  

Organon & Co.(a)

    2,620       79,281  

Orion Oyj–Class B

    1,034       44,456  

Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd.(c)

    3,808       158,116  

Perrigo Co. PLC

    1,380       63,273  

Pfizer, Inc.

    57,960       2,269,714  

Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica SpA(c)

    1,019       58,289  

Roche Holding AG

    7,164       2,708,983  

Sanofi

    11,050       1,160,941  

Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    3,513       48,485  

Shionogi & Co., Ltd.

    2,583       134,616  

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd.

    1,746       36,621  

Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd.

    332       17,773  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    15,374       515,960  

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

    10,694       105,871  

UCB SA

    1,233       129,134  

Viatris, Inc.

    12,510       178,768  

Vifor Pharma AG

    475       61,545  

Zoetis, Inc.

    4,910       915,028  
   

 

 

 
      27,044,750  
   

 

 

 
      69,364,275  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–6.2%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–0.2%

   

Aisin Corp.

    1,436       61,572  

Aptiv PLC(a)

    2,800       440,524  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    2,480       120,379  

Bridgestone Corp.(c)

    5,568       253,079  

Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA–Class B

    1,652       263,652  

 

8


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Continental AG(a)

    1,072     $ 157,714  

Denso Corp.

    4,226       288,177  

Faurecia SE

    1,144       56,239  

Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    1,019       63,405  

Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.

    1,268       36,634  

Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.

    7,356       108,648  

Toyota Industries Corp.

    1,430       123,659  

Valeo SA

    2,239       67,536  
   

 

 

 
      2,041,218  
   

 

 

 

AUTOMOBILES–1.1%

   

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

    3,229       342,324  

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (Preference Shares)

    554       49,837  

Daimler AG

    8,347       745,876  

Ferrari NV

    1,229       253,722  

Ford Motor Co.(a)

    40,590       603,168  

General Motors Co.(a)

    13,210       781,636  

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

    15,900       511,396  

Isuzu Motors Ltd.

    5,378       71,364  

Mazda Motor Corp.(a)

    5,545       52,314  

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.(a)

    22,640       112,785  

Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Preference Shares)

    1,493       160,275  

Renault SA(a)

    1,874       75,967  

Stellantis NV

    19,778       389,100  

Subaru Corp.

    6,001       118,937  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    3,592       152,228  

Tesla, Inc.(a)

    7,980       5,424,006  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    20,685       1,808,159  

Volkswagen AG

    316       103,858  

Volkswagen AG (Preference Shares)

    1,810       453,824  

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.(c)

    2,731       74,180  
   

 

 

 
      12,284,956  
   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTORS–0.0%

   

Genuine Parts Co.

    1,490       188,440  

LKQ Corp.(a)

    2,870       141,262  

Pool Corp.

    420       192,637  
   

 

 

 
      522,339  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.9%

   

Accor SA(a)

    1,657       61,978  

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd.

    5,604       180,911  

Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)

    430       940,879  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.(a)

    2,160       224,100  

Carnival Corp.(a)

    8,260       217,734  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.–Class A(a)

    300       465,102  

Compass Group PLC(a)

    17,398       366,539  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Crown Resorts Ltd.(a)

    3,632     $ 32,419  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    1,350       197,086  

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd.(c)

    590       53,353  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    400       186,596  

Entain PLC(a)

    5,707       137,902  

Evolution AB(b)

    1,656       261,949  

Expedia Group, Inc.(a)

    1,460       239,017  

Flutter Entertainment PLC(a)

    1,623       294,292  

Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.(a)

    21,186       169,405  

Genting Singapore Ltd.

    58,976       36,734  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.(a)

    2,880       347,386  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC(a)

    1,781       118,705  

La Francaise des Jeux SAEM(b)

    931       54,759  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.(a)

    3,400       179,146  

Marriott International, Inc./MD–Class A(a)

    2,760       376,795  

McDonald’s Corp.

    7,730       1,785,553  

McDonald’s Holdings Co. Japan Ltd.

    778       34,284  

Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd. (ADR)(a)

    2,093       34,681  

MGM Resorts International

    4,210       179,556  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.(a)

    3,830       112,640  

Oriental Land Co., Ltd./Japan

    1,950       277,808  

Penn National Gaming, Inc.(a)(c)

    1,530       117,030  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.(a)

    2,260       192,733  

Sands China Ltd.(a)

    23,670       99,631  

SJM Holdings Ltd.(a)

    19,382       21,157  

Sodexo SA(a)

    862       80,562  

Starbucks Corp.

    12,200       1,364,082  

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd.

    21,623       83,896  

Whitbread PLC(a)

    1,968       85,073  

Wynn Macau Ltd.(a)

    15,232       23,958  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.(a)

    1,080       132,084  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    3,080       354,292  
   

 

 

 
      10,121,807  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–0.4%

   

Barratt Developments PLC

    9,931       95,622  

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

    1,197       76,111  

Casio Computer Co., Ltd.

    1,894       31,781  

DR Horton, Inc.

    3,390       306,354  

Electrolux AB–Class B

    2,199       60,939  

Garmin Ltd.

    1,550       224,192  

 

9


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Husqvarna AB–Class B

    4,078     $ 54,198  

Iida Group Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,435       36,911  

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

    1,370       70,980  

Lennar Corp.–Class A

    2,850       283,147  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.(a)

    600       115,314  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    3,910       107,408  

NVR, Inc.(a)

    40       198,932  

Panasonic Corp.

    21,536       247,977  

Persimmon PLC

    3,111       127,438  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    2,730       148,976  

Rinnai Corp.

    352       33,504  

SEB SA

    269       48,663  

Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

    3,717       63,642  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    6,009       123,393  

Sharp Corp./Japan

    2,088       34,447  

Sony Group Corp.

    12,299       1,192,600  

Taylor Wimpey PLC

    35,555       78,247  

Whirlpool Corp.

    650       141,713  
   

 

 

 
      3,902,489  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–1.6%

   

Amazon.com, Inc.(a)

    4,440       15,274,310  

Delivery Hero SE(a)(b)

    1,531       202,285  

eBay, Inc.

    6,700       470,407  

Etsy, Inc.(a)

    1,310       269,650  

HelloFresh SE(a)

    1,610       156,507  

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

    1,749       161,754  

Mercari, Inc.(a)

    996       52,652  

Ocado Group PLC(a)

    4,746       131,502  

Prosus NV(a)

    4,753       465,640  

Rakuten, Inc.(c)

    8,444       95,342  

Zalando SE(a)(b)

    1,618       195,681  

ZOZO, Inc.

    1,215       41,195  
   

 

 

 
      17,516,925  
   

 

 

 

LEISURE EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS–0.0%

   

Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc.

    1,948       134,820  

Hasbro, Inc.

    1,320       124,766  

Shimano, Inc.

    723       172,019  

Yamaha Corp.

    1,307       70,954  
   

 

 

 
      502,559  
   

 

 

 

MULTILINE RETAIL–0.3%

   

Dollar General Corp.

    2,440       527,992  

Dollar Tree, Inc.(a)

    2,400       238,800  

Next PLC(a)

    1,296       141,048  

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp.(c)

    4,019       83,575  

Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.

    2,464       51,690  

Target Corp.

    5,120       1,237,709  

Wesfarmers Ltd.

    11,058       490,235  
   

 

 

 
      2,771,049  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

SPECIALTY RETAIL–0.9%

   

ABC-Mart, Inc.

    322     $ 18,520  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    680       139,495  

AutoZone, Inc.(a)

    230       343,211  

Best Buy Co., Inc.

    2,300       264,454  

CarMax, Inc.(a)

    1,680       216,972  

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd.

    19,506       44,568  

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

    568       426,959  

Gap, Inc. (The)

    2,150       72,348  

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB–Class B(a)

    7,122       169,143  

Hikari Tsushin, Inc.

    204       35,852  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

    11,010       3,510,979  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

    10,638       375,594  

JD Sports Fashion PLC

    5,030       64,010  

Kingfisher PLC

    20,586       103,899  

L Brands, Inc.

    2,420       174,385  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    7,320       1,419,860  

Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd.

    781       137,922  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(a)

    720       407,671  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    3,690       457,560  

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

    12,480       841,402  

Tractor Supply Co.

    1,190       221,411  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.(a)

    570       197,089  

USS Co., Ltd.

    2,138       37,373  

Yamada Holdings Co., Ltd.

    6,598       30,510  
   

 

 

 
      9,711,187  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–0.8%

   

adidas AG

    1,856       692,580  

Burberry Group PLC(a)

    3,948       112,910  

Cie Financiere Richemont SA

    5,091       617,175  

EssilorLuxottica SA

    2,783       514,112  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    3,610       67,399  

Hermes International

    308       449,468  

Kering SA

    731       640,515  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    2,707       2,129,480  

Moncler SpA

    1,889       128,051  

NIKE, Inc.–Class B

    13,200       2,039,268  

Pandora A/S

    975       131,541  

Puma SE

    1,029       122,812  

PVH Corp.(a)

    730       78,541  

Ralph Lauren Corp.

    490       57,727  

Swatch Group AG (The)

    282       96,843  

Swatch Group AG (The) (REG)

    513       33,874  

Tapestry, Inc.(a)

    2,880       125,222  

Under Armour, Inc.–Class A(a)

    1,950       41,242  

Under Armour, Inc.–Class C(a)

    2,030       37,697  

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

VF Corp.

    3,320     $ 272,373  
   

 

 

 
      8,388,830  
   

 

 

 
      67,763,359  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–5.2%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–0.7%

   

Airbus SE(a)

    5,735       738,971  

BAE Systems PLC

    31,403       226,919  

Boeing Co. (The)(a)

    5,690       1,363,096  

Dassault Aviation SA

    24       28,272  

Elbit Systems Ltd.

    258       33,423  

General Dynamics Corp.

    2,370       446,176  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.(a)

    4,040       139,259  

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    420       88,515  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

    2,120       458,238  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    2,530       957,226  

MTU Aero Engines AG

    520       128,931  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    1,550       563,317  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    15,680       1,337,661  

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC(a)

    81,609       111,724  

Safran SA

    3,333       462,563  

Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd.

    15,226       43,933  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.(a)

    480       201,038  

Textron, Inc.

    2,330       160,234  

Thales SA

    1,040       106,264  

TransDigm Group, Inc.(a)

    570       368,955  
   

 

 

 
      7,964,715  
   

 

 

 

AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS–0.4%

   

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    1,370       128,328  

Deutsche Post AG

    9,667       658,368  

DSV PANALPINA A/S

    2,018       471,078  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    1,740       220,284  

FedEx Corp.

    2,530       754,775  

InPost SA(a)

    1,950       39,137  

Kuehne & Nagel International AG

    526       180,028  

SG Holdings Co., Ltd.

    3,122       81,981  

United Parcel Service, Inc.–Class B

    7,490       1,557,695  

Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd.

    2,842       80,753  
   

 

 

 
      4,172,427  
   

 

 

 

AIRLINES–0.1%

   

Alaska Air Group, Inc.(a)

    1,280       77,197  

American Airlines Group, Inc.(a)

    6,640       140,834  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

ANA Holdings, Inc.(a)

    1,558     $ 36,616  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.(a)

    6,620       286,381  

Deutsche Lufthansa AG(a)

    2,914       32,770  

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.(a)

    1,406       30,445  

Qantas Airways Ltd.(a)

    9,013       31,464  

Singapore Airlines Ltd.(a)

    13,067       47,121  

Southwest Airlines Co.(a)

    6,120       324,911  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.(a)

    3,350       175,172  
   

 

 

 
      1,182,911  
   

 

 

 

BUILDING PRODUCTS–0.3%

   

A O Smith Corp.

    1,390       100,163  

AGC, Inc.

    1,885       78,963  

Allegion PLC

    930       129,549  

Assa Abloy AB–Class B

    9,775       294,696  

Carrier Global Corp.

    8,450       410,670  

Cie de Saint-Gobain

    4,935       325,690  

Daikin Industries Ltd.

    2,429       452,643  

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

    1,430       142,442  

Geberit AG

    361       271,173  

Johnson Controls International PLC

    7,420       509,235  

Kingspan Group PLC

    1,505       142,242  

Lixil Corp.

    2,597       67,204  

Masco Corp.

    2,620       154,344  

Nibe Industrier AB

    13,903       146,501  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    4,170       340,981  

ROCKWOOL International A/S

    83       40,423  

TOTO Ltd.

    1,380       71,502  

Xinyi Glass Holdings Ltd.

    17,728       72,232  
   

 

 

 
      3,750,653  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–0.2%

   

Brambles Ltd.

    14,338       123,048  

Cintas Corp.

    920       351,440  

Copart, Inc.(a)

    2,150       283,435  

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.

    2,213       46,830  

Rentokil Initial PLC

    18,085       123,868  

Republic Services, Inc.–Class A

    2,180       239,822  

Rollins, Inc.

    2,290       78,318  

Secom Co., Ltd.

    2,047       156,023  

Securitas AB–Class B

    3,053       48,228  

Sohgo Security Services Co., Ltd.

    696       31,710  

Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.

    182       2,927  

Waste Management, Inc.

    4,020       563,242  
   

 

 

 
      2,048,891  
   

 

 

 

 

11


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.1%

   

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA

    162     $ 4,343  

Bouygues SA

    2,228       82,525  

Eiffage SA

    812       82,708  

Epiroc AB

    10,230       220,965  

Ferrovial SA

    4,684       137,655  

Kajima Corp.

    4,382       55,607  

Obayashi Corp.

    6,333       50,491  

Quanta Services, Inc.

    1,440       130,421  

Shimizu Corp.

    5,383       41,368  

Skanska AB–Class B

    3,317       88,063  

Taisei Corp.

    1,861       61,079  

Vinci SA

    5,192       555,013  
   

 

 

 
      1,510,238  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.5%

   

ABB Ltd.

    16,916       574,715  

AMETEK, Inc.

    2,390       319,065  

Eaton Corp. PLC

    4,120       610,502  

Emerson Electric Co.

    6,200       596,688  

Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.

    1,237       57,740  

Generac Holdings, Inc.(a)

    650       269,847  

Legrand SA

    2,608       276,404  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

    17,800       258,407  

Nidec Corp.

    4,361       501,472  

Prysmian SpA

    2,484       89,141  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    1,200       343,224  

Schneider Electric SE

    5,254       828,264  

Siemens Energy AG(a)

    3,897       117,390  

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA(a)(c)

    2,325       77,733  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    9,849       384,820  
   

 

 

 
      5,305,412  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–0.7%

   

3M Co.

    6,000       1,191,780  

CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.

    26,326       204,943  

DCC PLC

    961       78,720  

General Electric Co.

    90,890       1,223,379  

Hitachi Ltd.

    9,439       540,922  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    7,190       1,577,127  

Investment AB Latour–Class B

    1,443       47,377  

Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd.

    2,106       134,614  

Keppel Corp., Ltd.

    14,204       57,921  

Melrose Industries PLC

    47,382       101,991  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    1,090       512,518  

Siemens AG

    7,461       1,184,648  

Smiths Group PLC

    3,865       85,122  

Toshiba Corp.

    3,996       172,631  
   

 

 

 
      7,113,693  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

MACHINERY–1.0%

   

Alfa Laval AB

    3,068     $ 108,439  

Alstom SA(a)

    2,715       137,177  

Atlas Copco AB–Class A

    6,549       402,163  

Atlas Copco AB–Class B

    3,805       200,396  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    5,670       1,233,962  

CNH Industrial NV

    9,980       165,545  

Cummins, Inc.

    1,510       368,153  

Daifuku Co., Ltd.

    987       89,549  

Deere & Co.

    3,230       1,139,253  

Dover Corp.

    1,490       224,394  

FANUC Corp.

    1,870       448,422  

Fortive Corp.

    3,500       244,090  

GEA Group AG

    1,496       60,618  

Harmonic Drive Systems, Inc.(c)

    422       23,192  

Hino Motors Ltd.

    2,801       24,775  

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

    1,049       32,127  

Hoshizaki Corp.

    529       44,940  

IDEX Corp.

    790       173,840  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    2,980       666,209  

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.(a)

    3,860       188,407  

KION Group AG

    703       75,053  

Knorr-Bremse AG

    707       81,345  

Komatsu Ltd.

    8,539       211,541  

Kone Oyj–Class B

    3,314       270,469  

Kubota Corp.

    10,019       202,681  

Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

    963       46,290  

Makita Corp.

    2,184       102,838  

MINEBEA MITSUMI, Inc.

    3,540       93,532  

MISUMI Group, Inc.

    2,770       93,742  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

    3,125       92,257  

Miura Co., Ltd.

    855       37,127  

Nabtesco Corp.

    1,098       41,424  

NGK Insulators Ltd.

    2,514       42,310  

NSK Ltd.

    3,763       31,829  

PACCAR, Inc.

    3,590       320,407  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    1,340       411,527  

Pentair PLC

    1,720       116,083  

Rational AG

    49       44,393  

Sandvik AB

    11,010       281,522  

Schindler Holding AG

    397       121,496  

Schindler Holding AG (REG)

    196       57,353  

SKF AB–Class B

    3,722       94,867  

SMC Corp.

    558       330,110  

Snap-on, Inc.

    560       125,121  

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

    719       135,421  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    1,670       342,333  

Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.

    13,406       233,626  

THK Co., Ltd.

    1,174       35,035  

Trane Technologies PLC

    2,470       454,826  

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Volvo AB

    1,952     $ 48,448  

Volvo AB–Class B(c)

    13,943       336,018  

Wartsila Oyj Abp

    4,616       68,581  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    1,830       150,609  

Xylem, Inc./NY

    1,860       223,126  
   

 

 

 
      11,328,991  
   

 

 

 

MARINE–0.0%

   

AP Moller–Maersk A/S–Class A

    31       86,230  

AP Moller–Maersk A/S–Class B

    59       169,856  

Nippon Yusen KK

    1,575       79,928  
   

 

 

 
      336,014  
   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–0.4%

   

Adecco Group AG

    1,511       102,811  

Bureau Veritas SA(a)

    2,866       90,748  

Equifax, Inc.

    1,260       301,783  

Experian PLC

    8,946       345,397  

Intertek Group PLC

    1,574       120,465  

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.

    1,340       178,783  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    1,370       138,507  

Nielsen Holdings PLC

    3,710       91,526  

Nihon M&A Center, Inc.

    2,953       76,484  

Persol Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,731       34,181  

Randstad NV

    1,166       89,386  

Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.

    13,232       648,881  

RELX PLC (London)

    18,846       499,734  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    1,160       103,205  

SGS SA

    59       182,160  

Teleperformance

    572       232,283  

Verisk Analytics, Inc.–Class A

    1,680       293,530  

Wolters Kluwer NV

    2,609       262,240  
   

 

 

 
      3,792,104  
   

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–0.4%

   

Aurizon Holdings Ltd.

    18,088       50,381  

Central Japan Railway Co.

    1,406       213,642  

CSX Corp.

    22,220       712,818  

East Japan Railway Co.

    2,948       210,234  

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, Inc.

    2,232       68,897  

JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    860       140,137  

Kansas City Southern

    940       266,368  

Keio Corp.

    1,003       59,042  

Keisei Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

    1,261       40,312  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd.(a)

    1,673       58,804  

MTR Corp., Ltd.

    15,071       83,915  

Nippon Express Co., Ltd.

    749       57,115  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    2,590     $ 687,412  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

    2,875       72,720  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    980       248,724  

Tobu Railway Co., Ltd.

    1,841       47,653  

Tokyu Corp.

    4,875       66,349  

Union Pacific Corp.

    6,880       1,513,118  

West Japan Railway Co.

    1,586       90,632  
   

 

 

 
      4,688,273  
   

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.3%

   

Ashtead Group PLC

    4,382       325,707  

Brenntag SE

    1,506       140,167  

Bunzl PLC

    3,286       108,705  

Fastenal Co.

    5,940       308,880  

Ferguson PLC

    2,194       305,245  

ITOCHU Corp.

    11,593       334,513  

Marubeni Corp.

    15,255       132,847  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    12,316       336,427  

Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

    15,072       339,507  

MonotaRO Co., Ltd.

    2,444       57,592  

Reece Ltd.(c)

    2,835       50,204  

Sumitomo Corp.

    10,983       147,265  

Toyota Tsusho Corp.

    2,071       98,297  

United Rentals, Inc.(a)

    750       239,258  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    460       201,480  
   

 

 

 
      3,126,094  
   

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE–0.1%

   

Aena SME SA(a)(b)

    731       119,943  

Aeroports de Paris(a)

    289       37,724  

Atlantia SpA(a)

    4,832       87,739  

Auckland International Airport Ltd.(a)

    12,208       62,021  

Getlink SE

    4,291       67,013  

Sydney Airport(a)(c)

    12,897       55,960  

Transurban Group

    26,703       284,790  
   

 

 

 
      715,190  
   

 

 

 
      57,035,606  
   

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION SERVICES–4.6%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION
SERVICES–1.1%

   

AT&T, Inc.

    73,930       2,127,705  

BT Group PLC(a)

    87,050       233,934  

Cellnex Telecom SA(b)

    4,969       316,929  

Charter Communications, Inc.–Class A(a)

    1,430       1,031,673  

Comcast Corp.–Class A

    47,470       2,706,739  

Deutsche Telekom AG

    32,506       687,502  

Elisa Oyj

    1,387       82,770  

Eurazeo SE

    385       33,567  

HKT Trust & HKT Ltd.–Class SS

    36,943       50,319  

 

13


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Iliad SA

    144     $ 21,099  

Infrastrutture Wireless Italiane SpA(b)

    3,277       37,005  

Koninklijke KPN NV

    32,792       102,562  

Lumen Technologies, Inc.

    10,300       139,977  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    12,554       328,227  

Orange SA

    19,457       222,059  

Proximus SADP

    1,483       28,665  

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.

    80,533       137,399  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

    18,061       60,625  

Swisscom AG

    252       143,990  

Telecom Italia SpA/Milano

    97,180       48,354  

Telecom Italia SpA/Milano (Savings Shares)

    58,789       31,184  

Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG

    10,153       26,801  

Telefonica SA

    50,934       237,733  

Telenor ASA

    6,824       115,087  

Telia Co. AB

    25,926       115,149  

Telstra Corp., Ltd.

    40,598       114,502  

United Internet AG

    946       38,689  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    42,860       2,401,446  

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

    1,050       26,553  
   

 

 

 
      11,648,244  
   

 

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT–0.8%

   

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    8,040       767,338  

Bollore SA

    8,620       46,241  

Capcom Co., Ltd.

    1,717       50,185  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    2,960       425,737  

Embracer Group AB(a)

    2,501       67,623  

Koei Tecmo Holdings Co., Ltd.

    573       27,858  

Konami Holdings Corp.

    909       54,440  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.(a)

    1,490       130,509  

Netflix, Inc.(a)

    4,590       2,424,484  

Nexon Co., Ltd.(c)

    4,758       105,887  

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

    1,091       631,332  

Sea Ltd. (ADR)(a)

    134       36,796  

Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

    836       41,286  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)

    1,200       212,424  

Toho Co., Ltd./Tokyo

    1,091       44,984  

Ubisoft Entertainment SA(a)

    903       63,090  

Vivendi SE

    6,940       233,178  

Walt Disney Co. (The)(a)

    18,810       3,306,234  
   

 

 

 
      8,669,626  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

INTERACTIVE MEDIA & SERVICES–2.2%

   

Adevinta ASA–Class B(a)

    2,672     $ 51,257  

Alphabet, Inc.–Class A(a)

    3,120       7,618,385  

Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a)

    2,950       7,393,644  

Auto Trader Group PLC(a)

    9,422       82,518  

Facebook, Inc.–Class A(a)

    24,810       8,626,685  

Kakaku.com, Inc.

    1,310       39,410  

REA Group Ltd.

    515       65,255  

Scout24 AG(b)

    873       73,658  

SEEK Ltd.

    3,270       81,289  

Twitter, Inc.(a)

    8,260       568,371  

Z Holdings Corp.

    25,876       129,495  
   

 

 

 
      24,729,967  
   

 

 

 

MEDIA–0.2%

   

CyberAgent, Inc.

    3,945       84,490  

Dentsu Group, Inc.(c)

    2,109       75,666  

Discovery, Inc.–Class A(a)

    1,740       53,383  

Discovery, Inc.–Class C(a)

    3,110       90,128  

DISH Network Corp.–Class A(a)

    2,570       107,426  

Fox Corp.–Class A

    3,380       125,499  

Fox Corp.–Class B

    1,570       55,264  

Hakuhodo DY Holdings, Inc.(c)

    2,278       35,479  

Informa PLC(a)

    14,650       101,814  

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)

    4,070       132,234  

News Corp.–Class A

    4,050       104,369  

News Corp.–Class B

    1,260       30,681  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    2,220       177,578  

Pearson PLC

    7,350       84,642  

Publicis Groupe SA

    2,174       139,125  

Schibsted ASA

    713       34,396  

Schibsted ASA–Class B

    949       39,525  

ViacomCBS, Inc.–Class B

    6,270       283,404  

WPP PLC

    11,950       161,538  
   

 

 

 
      1,916,641  
   

 

 

 

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–0.3%

   

KDDI Corp.

    15,730       490,079  

Softbank Corp.

    28,013       366,269  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    12,229       852,873  

T-Mobile US, Inc.(a)

    6,060       877,670  

Tele2 AB–Class B(c)

    4,884       66,588  

Vodafone Group PLC

    261,715       438,642  
   

 

 

 
      3,092,121  
   

 

 

 
      50,056,599  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–3.6%

   

BEVERAGES–0.8%

   

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

    7,431       535,692  

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.(c)

    4,450     $ 207,987  

Brown-Forman Corp.–Class B

    1,890       141,637  

Budweiser Brewing Co. APAC Ltd.(b)

    16,791       52,871  

Carlsberg AS–Class B

    1,004       187,362  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    40,180       2,174,140  

Coca-Cola European Partners PLC

    1,996       118,403  

Coca-Cola HBC AG(a)

    1,954       70,728  

Constellation Brands, Inc.–Class A

    1,750       409,307  

Davide Campari-Milano NV

    5,098       68,335  

Diageo PLC

    22,819       1,093,680  

Endeavour Group Ltd./Australia(a)(c)

    878       4,142  

Heineken Holding NV(c)

    1,123       113,321  

Heineken NV(c)

    2,527       306,776  

Ito En Ltd.

    522       30,981  

Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd.

    8,022       156,556  

Molson Coors Beverage Co.–Class B(a)

    1,950       104,695  

Monster Beverage Corp.(a)

    3,830       349,870  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    14,300       2,118,831  

Pernod Ricard SA

    2,043       454,082  

Remy Cointreau SA

    221       45,641  

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

    1,356       51,111  

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd.

    7,036       61,609  
   

 

 

 
      8,857,757  
   

 

 

 

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.6%

   

Aeon Co., Ltd.

    6,377       171,189  

Carrefour SA

    5,980       117,683  

Coles Group Ltd.

    13,009       166,642  

Cosmos Pharmaceutical Corp.

    195       28,651  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    4,580       1,812,169  

Etablissements Franz Colruyt NV

    531       29,693  

ICA Gruppen AB

    980       45,610  

J Sainsbury PLC

    16,271       61,242  

Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA

    2,454       44,753  

Kesko Oyj–Class B

    2,663       98,335  

Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd.

    1,334       42,030  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    10,198       303,692  

Kroger Co. (The)

    7,830       299,967  

Lawson, Inc.

    489       22,649  

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.

    7,348       351,975  

Sysco Corp.

    5,290       411,297  

Tesco PLC

    75,407       232,946  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Tsuruha Holdings, Inc.

    385     $ 44,808  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    7,420       390,366  

Walmart, Inc.

    14,210       2,003,894  

Welcia Holdings Co., Ltd.

    920       30,083  

Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC

    23,501       80,200  

Woolworths Group Ltd.(c)

    12,341       353,155  
   

 

 

 
      7,143,029  
   

 

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–0.8%

   

a2 Milk Co., Ltd. (The)(a)(c)

    7,242       32,586  

Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

    4,552       118,259  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    5,780       350,268  

Associated British Foods PLC

    3,474       106,641  

Barry Callebaut AG

    34       79,019  

Campbell Soup Co.

    2,100       95,739  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG

    10       99,487  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG (REG)

    1       104,728  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    4,960       180,445  

Danone SA

    6,361       447,528  

General Mills, Inc.

    6,310       384,468  

Hershey Co. (The)

    1,510       263,012  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    2,910       138,952  

JDE Peet’s NV(a)(c)

    731       26,533  

JM Smucker Co. (The)

    1,130       146,414  

Kellogg Co.

    2,600       167,258  

Kerry Group PLC–Class A

    1,551       216,846  

Kikkoman Corp.

    1,418       93,515  

Kraft Heinz Co. (The)

    6,710       273,634  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    1,510       121,797  

McCormick & Co., Inc./MD

    2,570       226,982  

MEIJI Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,191       71,371  

Mondelez International, Inc.–Class A

    14,540       907,878  

Mowi ASA

    4,286       109,119  

Nestle SA

    28,098       3,502,333  

NH Foods Ltd.

    803       31,214  

Nisshin Seifun Group, Inc.

    1,929       28,280  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.

    618       44,500  

Orkla ASA

    7,325       74,650  

Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd.

    865       33,339  

Tyson Foods, Inc.–Class A

    3,050       224,968  

WH Group Ltd.(b)

    93,476       83,904  

Wilmar International Ltd.

    18,735       62,814  

Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

    1,251       70,835  
   

 

 

 
      8,919,316  
   

 

 

 

 

15


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–0.6%

   

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

    2,530     $ 215,607  

Clorox Co. (The)

    1,290       232,084  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    8,750       711,813  

Essity AB–Class B

    5,935       196,865  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

    1,013       93,286  

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Preference Shares)

    1,737       183,451  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    3,490       466,892  

Lion Corp.

    2,187       37,071  

Pigeon Corp.

    1,127       31,786  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    25,350       3,420,475  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

    6,951       614,122  

Unicharm Corp.(c)

    3,935       158,503  
   

 

 

 
      6,361,955  
   

 

 

 

PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.4%

   

Beiersdorf AG

    983       118,654  

Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The)–Class A

    2,400       763,392  

Kao Corp.(c)

    4,700       289,802  

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    520       44,462  

Kose Corp.

    325       51,057  

L’Oreal SA

    2,457       1,097,281  

Pola Orbis Holdings, Inc.

    893       23,547  

Shiseido Co., Ltd.(c)

    3,901       287,733  

Unilever PLC

    25,643       1,498,411  
   

 

 

 
      4,174,339  
   

 

 

 

TOBACCO–0.4%

   

Altria Group, Inc.

    19,160       913,549  

British American Tobacco PLC

    21,256       825,276  

Imperial Brands PLC

    9,230       199,024  

Japan Tobacco, Inc.(c)

    11,703       221,167  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    16,130       1,598,644  

Swedish Match AB

    15,819       134,906  
   

 

 

 
      3,892,566  
   

 

 

 
      39,348,962  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–2.1%

   

CHEMICALS–1.2%

   

Air Liquide SA

    4,619       809,942  

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

    2,290       658,787  

Akzo Nobel NV

    1,858       230,059  

Albemarle Corp.

    1,210       203,837  

Arkema SA

    598       75,159  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    12,235       134,477  

BASF SE

    8,957       707,063  

Celanese Corp.–Class A

    1,160       175,856  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    2,220       114,219  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

    1,028     $ 92,780  

Clariant AG

    2,104       41,895  

Corteva, Inc.

    7,630       338,391  

Covestro AG(b)

    1,884       121,817  

Croda International PLC

    1,360       138,712  

Dow, Inc.

    7,730       489,154  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    5,510       426,529  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    1,410       164,618  

Ecolab, Inc.

    2,570       529,343  

EMS-Chemie Holding AG

    68       66,838  

Evonik Industries AG

    2,045       68,658  

FMC Corp.

    1,330       143,906  

FUCHS PETROLUB SE (Preference Shares)

    677       32,946  

Givaudan SA

    90       418,969  

ICL Group Ltd.

    6,870       46,616  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    2,570       383,958  

Johnson Matthey PLC

    1,887       80,341  

JSR Corp.

    1,984       60,268  

Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.

    1,728       44,109  

Koninklijke DSM NV

    1,680       314,048  

LANXESS AG

    810       55,589  

Linde PLC

    5,390       1,558,249  

LyondellBasell Industries NV–Class A

    2,660       273,634  

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

    12,487       105,066  

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc.

    1,541       32,654  

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

    1,795       62,049  

Mosaic Co. (The)

    3,570       113,919  

Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.

    6,935       93,817  

Nippon Sanso Holdings Corp.

    1,478       30,340  

Nissan Chemical Corp.

    1,202       58,754  

Nitto Denko Corp.

    1,470       109,471  

Novozymes A/S–Class B

    2,029       153,087  

Orica Ltd.(c)

    3,968       39,463  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    2,450       415,937  

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    2,480       675,676  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

    3,454       577,718  

Sika AG

    1,382       452,795  

Solvay SA

    722       91,899  

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

    14,531       77,230  

Symrise AG

    1,254       174,753  

Toray Industries, Inc.

    13,525       90,157  

Tosoh Corp.

    2,536       43,728  

Umicore SA

    1,922       117,584  

Yara International ASA

    1,699       89,528  
   

 

 

 
      12,606,392  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS–0.1%

   

CRH PLC

    7,656       387,174  

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

HeidelbergCement AG

    1,451     $ 124,578  

Holcim Ltd.(a)

    5,106       306,912  

James Hardie Industries PLC

    4,331       146,960  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    650       228,676  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    1,370       238,476  
   

 

 

 
      1,432,776  
   

 

 

 

CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–0.1%

   

AMCOR PLC

    15,960       182,902  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    860       180,806  

Ball Corp.

    3,390       274,658  

International Paper Co.

    4,050       248,305  

Packaging Corp. of America

    980       132,712  

Sealed Air Corp.

    1,570       93,022  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    2,390       129,976  

Westrock Co.

    2,750       146,355  
   

 

 

 
      1,388,736  
   

 

 

 

METALS & MINING–0.6%

   

Anglo American PLC

    12,629       502,560  

Antofagasta PLC

    3,846       76,481  

ArcelorMittal SA

    6,991       215,232  

BHP Group Ltd.

    28,730       1,045,206  

BHP Group PLC

    20,599       609,544  

BlueScope Steel Ltd.

    4,913       80,729  

Boliden AB

    2,667       102,625  

Evolution Mining Ltd.

    16,664       56,303  

Evraz PLC

    4,973       40,799  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

    16,516       288,516  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    15,170       562,959  

Glencore PLC(a)

    97,464       418,324  

Hitachi Metals Ltd.(a)

    2,091       39,959  

JFE Holdings, Inc.

    4,794       56,243  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

    7,963       151,009  

Newmont Corp.

    8,290       525,420  

Nippon Steel Corp.

    8,341       141,031  

Norsk Hydro ASA

    13,116       83,738  

Northern Star Resources Ltd.

    10,779       79,162  

Nucor Corp.

    3,090       296,424  

Rio Tinto Ltd.

    3,620       343,196  

Rio Tinto PLC

    10,945       903,920  

South32 Ltd.

    46,626       102,250  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.

    2,410       93,727  

voestalpine AG

    1,131       46,133  
   

 

 

 
      6,861,490  
   

 

 

 

PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS–0.1%

   

Mondi PLC

    4,735       124,664  

Oji Holdings Corp.

    7,914       45,480  

Stora Enso Oyj–Class R

    5,673       103,594  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA–Class B

    5,909     $ 96,921  

UPM-Kymmene Oyj

    5,205       197,050  
   

 

 

 
      567,709  
   

 

 

 
      22,857,103  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–1.5%

   

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.1%

   

Baker Hughes Co.–Class A

    7,530       172,211  

Halliburton Co.

    9,210       212,935  

NOV, Inc.(a)

    4,040       61,893  

Schlumberger NV

    14,470       463,185  

Tenaris SA

    4,605       50,380  
   

 

 

 
      960,604  
   

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–1.4%

   

Ampol Ltd.

    2,324       49,189  

APA Corp.

    3,910       84,573  

BP PLC

    198,446       870,263  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

    4,130       72,110  

Chevron Corp.

    20,010       2,095,847  

ConocoPhillips

    13,970       850,773  

Devon Energy Corp.

    6,160       179,810  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    1,870       175,574  

ENEOS Holdings, Inc.

    29,929       125,426  

Eni SpA

    24,615       300,095  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    6,040       503,978  

Equinor ASA

    9,531       201,757  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    43,830       2,764,796  

Galp Energia SGPS SA

    4,888       53,146  

Hess Corp.

    2,840       247,989  

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.

    2,033       49,119  

Inpex Corp.(c)

    9,983       74,717  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    20,160       367,517  

Koninklijke Vopak NV

    674       30,639  

Lundin Energy AB

    1,952       69,203  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    8,160       111,139  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    6,590       398,168  

Neste Oyj

    4,126       253,097  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    8,690       271,736  

Oil Search Ltd.

    19,252       55,001  

OMV AG

    1,436       81,949  

ONEOK, Inc.

    4,610       256,500  

Phillips 66

    4,530       388,765  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    2,400       390,048  

Repsol SA(c)

    14,527       182,497  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC–Class A

    39,999       801,895  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC–Class B

    36,146       701,694  

Santos Ltd.

    18,284       97,116  

 

17


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

TotalEnergies SE

    24,366     $ 1,103,823  

Valero Energy Corp.

    4,230       330,278  

Williams Cos., Inc. (The)

    12,570       333,733  

Woodside Petroleum Ltd.

    9,384       156,260  
   

 

 

 
      15,080,220  
   

 

 

 
      16,040,824  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–1.4%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–0.8%

   

Alliant Energy Corp.

    2,590       144,418  

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    5,170       437,330  

AusNet Services Ltd.(c)

    18,536       24,295  

Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.

    6,283       76,870  

CK Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.

    6,463       38,500  

CLP Holdings Ltd.

    16,016       158,284  

Duke Energy Corp.

    7,960       785,811  

Edison International

    3,920       226,654  

EDP–Energias de Portugal SA

    27,074       143,500  

Electricite de France SA

    4,535       61,976  

Elia Group SA/NV

    301       31,773  

Endesa SA(c)

    3,097       75,182  

Enel SpA

    79,324       737,148  

Entergy Corp.

    2,070       206,379  

Evergy, Inc.

    2,370       143,219  

Eversource Energy

    3,550       284,852  

Exelon Corp.

    10,110       447,974  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    5,630       209,492  

Fortum Oyj

    4,331       119,477  

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

    25,853       26,198  

Iberdrola SA

    56,336       686,998  

Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (The)

    6,866       65,514  

Mercury NZ Ltd.

    6,643       30,959  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    20,300       1,487,584  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    2,530       101,959  

Origin Energy Ltd.

    17,177       58,010  

Orsted AS(b)

    1,844       258,826  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    1,160       95,085  

Power Assets Holdings Ltd.

    13,530       83,021  

PPL Corp.

    7,960       222,641  

Red Electrica Corp. SA(c)

    4,221       78,368  

Southern Co. (The)

    10,960       663,190  

SSE PLC

    10,164       211,094  

Terna SPA

    13,722       102,334  

Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc.

    4,168       32,679  

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

    14,889       44,336  

Verbund AG

    664       61,168  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    5,570       366,952  
   

 

 

 
      9,030,050  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

GAS UTILITIES–0.1%

   

APA Group(c)

    11,507     $ 76,782  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    1,350       129,748  

Enagas SA

    2,427       56,095  

Hong Kong & China Gas Co., Ltd.

    109,193       169,546  

Naturgy Energy Group SA

    2,836       72,989  

Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.

    3,657       68,235  

Snam SpA

    19,667       113,769  

Toho Gas Co., Ltd.

    720       35,348  

Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.

    3,667       69,166  
   

 

 

 
      791,678  
   

 

 

 

INDEPENDENT POWER AND RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PRODUCERS–0.0%

   

AES Corp. (The)

    6,890       179,622  

EDP Renovaveis SA

    2,810       65,107  

Meridian Energy Ltd.

    12,496       46,591  

Uniper SE

    892       32,864  
   

 

 

 
      324,184  
   

 

 

 

MULTI-UTILITIES–0.4%

   

AGL Energy Ltd.(c)

    6,076       37,330  

Ameren Corp.

    2,640       211,306  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    6,010       147,365  

CMS Energy Corp.

    2,990       176,649  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    3,540       253,889  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    8,350       614,310  

DTE Energy Co.

    2,000       259,200  

E.ON SE

    21,896       253,330  

Engie SA

    17,813       244,262  

National Grid PLC

    34,615       440,291  

NiSource, Inc.

    4,060       99,470  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    5,220       311,843  

RWE AG

    6,265       227,151  

Sempra Energy

    3,260       431,885  

Suez SA

    3,370       80,177  

United Utilities Group PLC

    6,650       89,756  

Veolia Environnement SA

    5,255       158,863  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    3,260       289,977  
   

 

 

 
      4,327,054  
   

 

 

 

WATER UTILITIES–0.1%

   

American Water Works Co., Inc.

    1,880       289,764  

Severn Trent PLC

    2,329       80,625  
   

 

 

 
      370,389  
   

 

 

 
      14,843,355  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–1.3%

   

EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
(REITS)–1.0%

   

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    1,420       258,355  

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

American Tower Corp.

    4,710     $ 1,272,359  

Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust

    31,372       68,941  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    1,440       300,514  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    1,470       168,447  

British Land Co. PLC (The)

    8,586       58,733  

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust

    44,195       68,808  

Covivio

    507       43,403  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    4,470       872,097  

Daiwa House REIT Investment Corp.

    19       55,911  

Dexus

    10,592       84,436  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    2,910       437,839  

Duke Realty Corp.

    3,880       183,718  

Equinix, Inc.

    930       746,418  

Equity Residential

    3,560       274,120  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    670       201,007  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    1,380       226,072  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    730       85,534  

Gecina SA

    447       68,486  

GLP J-REIT

    40       68,986  

Goodman Group

    16,216       256,629  

GPT Group (The)

    18,998       69,497  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    5,580       185,758  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.(a)

    7,310       124,928  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    2,980       126,114  

Japan Metropolitan Fund Invest

    68       73,710  

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp.

    12       73,698  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    4,480       93,408  

Klepierre SA

    2,012       51,837  

Land Securities Group PLC

    6,870       64,115  

Link REIT

    20,304       196,448  

Mapletree Commercial Trust

    21,022       33,815  

Mapletree Logistics Trust

    29,241       44,701  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    1,180       198,736  

Mirvac Group

    38,402       83,730  

Nippon Building Fund, Inc.

    14       87,228  

Nippon Prologis REIT, Inc.

    20       63,602  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund, Inc.

    41       65,618  

Orix JREIT, Inc.

    25       47,993  

Prologis, Inc.

    7,650       914,404  

Public Storage

    1,580       475,090  

Realty Income Corp.

    3,860       257,616  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Regency Centers Corp.

    1,630     $ 104,434  

SBA Communications Corp.

    1,130       360,131  

Scentre Group

    50,621       103,587  

Segro PLC

    11,621       175,922  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    3,400       443,632  

Stockland

    23,281       81,070  

UDR, Inc.

    3,070       150,369  

United Urban Investment Corp.

    28       40,440  

Ventas, Inc.

    3,880       221,548  

Vicinity Centres

    37,738       43,510  

Vornado Realty Trust

    1,620       75,605  

Welltower, Inc.

    4,320       358,992  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    7,750       266,755  
   

 

 

 
      11,558,854  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT &
DEVELOPMENT–0.3%

   

Aroundtown SA

    9,743       76,017  

Azrieli Group Ltd.

    413       29,101  

CapitaLand Ltd.

    25,733       71,080  

CBRE Group, Inc.–Class A(a)

    3,470       297,483  

City Developments Ltd.

    3,990       21,668  

CK Asset Holdings Ltd.

    19,561       134,639  

Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd.

    638       69,607  

Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd.

    5,523       166,068  

Deutsche Wohnen SE

    3,334       204,001  

ESR Cayman Ltd.(a)(b)

    19,397       65,402  

Fastighets AB Balder–Class B(a)(c)

    1,025       64,255  

Hang Lung Properties Ltd.

    19,740       47,875  

Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd.

    14,165       67,032  

Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.

    11,381       54,201  

Hulic Co., Ltd.

    2,629       29,534  

LEG Immobilien SE

    703       101,202  

Lendlease Corp Ltd.(c)

    6,713       57,683  

Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.

    11,534       186,431  

Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.

    8,943       206,795  

New World Development Co., Ltd.

    14,856       77,042  

Nomura Real Estate Holdings, Inc.

    1,129       28,596  

Sino Land Co., Ltd.

    32,155       50,690  

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd.

    3,018       107,938  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

    12,717       188,999  

Swire Pacific Ltd.–Class A

    4,855       32,896  

 

19


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                           

Swire Properties Ltd.

    11,411     $ 33,990  

Swiss Prime Site AG

    740       73,443  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield(a)

    1,215       105,156  

UOL Group Ltd.

    4,527       24,619  

Vonovia SE

    5,243       338,832  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd.

    16,286       94,671  
   

 

 

 
      3,106,946  
   

 

 

 
      14,665,800  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $540,170,213)

      540,660,759  
   

 

 

 
                                                             
          Principal
Amount
(000)
       

INFLATION-LINKED SECURITIES–0.7%

     

JAPAN–0.7%

     

Japanese Government CPI Linked Bond
Series 22
0.10%, 03/10/2027
(cost $7,363,316)

    JPY       781,448       7,202,864  
     

 

 

 
          Notional
Amount
       

OPTIONS PURCHASED–PUTS–0.1%

     

OPTIONS ON EQUITY INDICES–0.1%

     

Euro STOXX 50 Index
Expiration: Jul 2021; Contracts: 696; Exercise Price: EUR 4,025.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co.,
Inc.(a)

    EUR       28,014,000       292,562  

FTSE 100 Index
Expiration: Jul 2021; Contracts: 12; Exercise Price: GBP 6,900.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co.,
Inc.(a)

    GBP       828,000       6,723  

FTSE 100 Index
Expiration: Jul 2021; Contracts: 139; Exercise Price: GBP 6,950.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co.,
Inc.(a)

    GBP       9,660,500       99,024  
Company  

    
    
Notional

Amount

    U.S. $ Value  
                                                             

Nikkei 225 Index
Expiration: Jul 2021; Contracts: 82; Exercise Price: JPY 28,375.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co.,
Inc.(a)

    JPY       2,326,750,000     $ 90,418  

S&P 500 Index
Expiration: Jul 2021; Contracts: 35; Exercise Price: USD 4,090.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.(a)

    USD       14,315,000       23,625  

S&P 500 Index
Expiration: Jul 2021; Contracts: 360; Exercise Price: USD 4,190.00;
Counterparty: Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.(a)

    USD       150,840,000       460,800  
     

 

 

 

Total Options Purchased–Puts
(premiums paid $1,160,579)

        973,152  
   

 

 

 
          Shares        

RIGHTS–0.0%

     

INDUSTRIALS–0.0%

 

   

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–0.0%

     

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios SA, expiring 07/06/2021(a)
(cost $245)

      162       227  
     

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–92.4%

 

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–92.2%

     

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.01%(d)(e)(f)
(cost $1,005,962,251)

      1,005,962,251       1,005,962,251  
     

 

 

 

 

20


 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

U.S. TREASURY BILLS–0.2%

     

U.S. Treasury Bill
Zero Coupon, 07/15/2021
(cost $2,633,982)

  U.S.$         2,634     $ 2,633,954  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(cost $1,008,596,233)

        1,008,596,205  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SECURITY LENDING COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–142.7%
(cost $1,557,290,586)

        1,557,433,207  
     

 

 

 
Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                             

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–0.0%

     

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.0%

     

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.01%(d)(e)(f) (cost $150,570)

      150,570     $ 150,570  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL
INVESTMENTS–142.7%
(cost $1,557,441,156)

        1,557,583,777  

Other assets less
liabilities–(42.7)%

        (466,246,514
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

      $ 1,091,337,263  
     

 

 

 

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

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

Purchased Contracts

 

10 Yr Mini Japan Government Bond Futures

     359        September 2021      $ 49,040,767      $ 14,487  

Canadian 10 Yr Bond Futures

     47        September 2021        5,517,457        23,257  

Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures

     325        September 2021        15,628,631        (177,364

Euro-BOBL Futures

     95        September 2021        15,111,496        19,112  

Euro-BTP Futures

     131        September 2021        23,519,010        150,820  

Euro-Bund Futures

     76        September 2021        15,555,097        49,323  

Euro-OAT Futures

     166        September 2021        31,304,562        127,005  

FTSE 100 Index Futures

     137        September 2021        13,228,892        (115,954

Hang Seng Futures

     18        July 2021        3,318,651        (65,641

Japan 10 Yr Bond (OSE) Futures

     56        September 2021        76,462,847        (26,242

Long Gilt Futures

     359        September 2021        63,615,061        209,596  

MSCI EAFE Futures

     18        September 2021        2,073,690        5,416  

MSCI Emerging Market Futures

     66        September 2021        4,503,840        (3,813

MSCI Singapore IX ETS Futures

     119        July 2021        3,145,575        (8,896

Nikkei 225 (CME) Futures

     333        September 2021        47,927,025          (389,371

OMXS30 Index Futures

     31        July 2021        820,813        (160

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

     549        September 2021          117,722,070        340,645  

S&P Mid 400 E Mini Futures

     5        September 2021        1,346,200        (16,576

S&P/TSX 60 Index Futures

     95        September 2021        18,434,415        (43,639

SPI 200 Futures

     49        September 2021        6,635,690        (2,012

TOPIX Index Futures

     6        September 2021        1,049,372        (8,683

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

     227        September 2021        28,018,539        23,586  

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

     886        September 2021        117,395,000        375,843  

U.S. Ultra Bond (CBT) Futures

     60        September 2021        11,561,250        181,762  

 

21


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

Sold Contracts

 

Nikkei 225 (CME) Futures

     141        September 2021      $ 36,527,116      $ (13,606

SPI 200 Futures

     56        September 2021        7,583,646        936  
           

 

 

 
   $ 649,831  
           

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

Counterparty      Contracts to
Deliver
(000)
      

In Exchange
For
(000)

       Settlement
Date
       Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Bank of America, NA

       USD        914          CAD        1,124          07/16/2021        $ (7,407

Bank of America, NA

       EUR        1,654          USD        1,965          08/03/2021          2,863  

Bank of America, NA

       CHF        176          USD        191          08/05/2021          828  

Bank of America, NA

       GBP        263          USD        364          08/26/2021          (190

Barclays Bank PLC

       CHF        627          USD        699          08/05/2021          20,326  

Barclays Bank PLC

       GBP        322          USD        457          08/26/2021          11,415  

BNP Paribas SA

       EUR        743          USD        908          08/03/2021          26,141  

BNP Paribas SA

       GBP        454          USD        639          08/26/2021          11,243  

Citibank, NA

       USD        509          CAD        614          07/16/2021            (13,412

Citibank, NA

       SGD        1,908          USD        1,419          08/19/2021          (229

Citibank, NA

       AUD        614          USD        464          08/25/2021          3,390  

Citibank, NA

       USD        229          AUD        302          08/25/2021          (2,565

Credit Suisse International

       JPY        3,654,225          USD        32,988          08/19/2021          82,714  

Credit Suisse International

       AUD        15,976          USD        11,980          08/25/2021          (3,879

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       SEK        1,167          USD        137          07/15/2021          503  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       EUR        1,496          USD        1,827          08/03/2021          51,623  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        1,820          EUR        1,493          08/03/2021          (48,267

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        550          CHF        495          08/05/2021          (14,174

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       JPY        1,094,860          USD        10,055          08/19/2021          195,782  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       SEK        44,062          USD        5,151          07/15/2021          1,431  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        18          NOK        149          07/15/2021          (220

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        717          CAD        898          07/16/2021          7,550  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       EUR        1,271          USD        1,560          08/03/2021          51,516  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       EUR        45,195          USD        53,600          08/03/2021          (25,415

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       CHF        745          USD        818          08/05/2021          12,150  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       CHF        13,070          USD        14,135          08/05/2021          (4,016

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       GBP        12,150          USD        16,776          08/26/2021          (32,968

UBS AG

       CAD        987          USD        803          07/16/2021          7,157  

UBS AG

       USD        457          CAD        555          07/16/2021          (8,963

UBS AG

       USD        1,823          EUR        1,525          08/03/2021          (13,433

UBS AG

       JPY        161,284          USD        1,467          08/19/2021          14,725  

UBS AG

       USD        456          JPY        49,780          08/19/2021          (7,704
                         

 

 

 
                          $   318,515  
                         

 

 

 

 

22


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)

 

Description   Counterparty   Contracts     Exercise
Price
     Expiration
Month
     Notional
(000)
    Premiums
Received
    U.S. $ Value  

Nikkei 225 Index(g)

  Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.     77       JPY       30,125.00        July 2021        JPY       2,319,625     $   9,797     $   (4,505

PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)

 

Description   Counterparty     Contracts     Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Month
    Notional
(000)
    Premiums
Received
    U.S. $ Value  

Euro STOXX 50 Index(h)

    Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.       46       EUR       3,825.00       July 2021       EUR       1,760     $ 10,574     $ (4,963

Euro STOXX 50 Index(h)

    Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.       650       EUR       3,800.00       July 2021       EUR       24,700       46,192       (61,659

FTSE 100 Index(h)

    Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.       12       GBP       6,550.00       July 2021       GBP       786       4,707       (1,577

FTSE 100 Index(h)

    Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.       139       GBP       6,650.00       July 2021       GBP       9,244       19,126       (25,477

Nikkei 225 Index(g)

    Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.       5       JPY       27,250.00       July 2021       JPY       136,250       4,244       (1,058

S&P 500 Index(i)

    Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.       35       USD       3,890.00       July 2021       USD       13,615       60,304       (9,100

S&P 500 Index(i)

    Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.       360       USD       4,000.00       July 2021       USD       144,000       206,626       (149,400
               

 

 

   

 

 

 
                $   351,773     $   (253,234
               

 

 

   

 

 

 

VARIANCE SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Swap Counterparty &

Referenced Obligation

  Volatility
Strike
Rate
   Payment
Frequency
     Notional
Amount
(000)
     Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
(Paid)
Received
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sale Contracts

                 

Citibank, NA USD/JPY 04/19/2022*

  6.85%      Maturity        USD        343      $   (50,494   $     –0 –    $   (50,494

 

 

*   Termination date

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration. At June 30, 2021, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $3,287,322 or 0.3% of net assets.

 

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

 

(d)   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.

 

(e)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

(g)   One contract relates to 1000 shares.

 

(h)   One contract relates to 10 shares.

 

(i)   One contract relates to 100 shares.

 

23


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD–Australian Dollar

CAD–Canadian Dollar

CHF–Swiss Franc

EUR–Euro

GBP–Great British Pound

JPY–Japanese Yen

NOK–Norwegian Krone

SEK–Swedish Krona

SGD–Singapore Dollar

USD–United States Dollar

Glossary:

ADR–American Depositary Receipt

BOBL–Bundesobligationen

BTP–Buoni del Tesoro Poliennali

CBT–Chicago Board of Trade

CME–Chicago Mercantile Exchange

CPI–Consumer Price Index

EAFE–Europe, Australia, and Far East

ETS–Emission Trading Scheme

FTSE–Financial Times Stock Exchange

GDR–Global Depositary Receipt

MSCI–Morgan Stanley Capital International

OAT–Obligations Assimilables du Trésor

OSE–Osaka Securities Exchange

REG–Registered Shares

REIT–Real Estate Investment Trust

SPI–Share Price Index

TOPIX–Tokyo Price Index

TSX–Toronto Stock Exchange

See notes to financial statements.

 

24


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value

 

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $551,328,335)

   $ 551,470,956 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $1,006,112,821—including investment of cash collateral for securities
loaned of $150,570)

     1,006,112,821  

Cash

     32  

Cash collateral due from broker

     20,602,149  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $1,297,257)

     1,281,767  

Receivable for variation margin on futures

     5,379,273  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     725,214  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     501,357  

Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions

     74,121  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     39,879  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     1,058  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     1,586,188,627  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Options written, at value (premiums received $361,570)

     257,739  

Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency transactions

     493,485,930  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     510,554  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     182,842  

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     146,270  

Advisory fee payable

     63,831  

Unrealized depreciation on variance swaps

     50,494  

Distribution fee payable

     32,385  

Administrative fee payable

     20,554  

Collateral due to securities lending agent

     4,300  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     129  

Accrued expenses

     96,336  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     494,851,364  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 1,091,337,263  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 93,340  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,072,337,933  

Distributable earnings

     18,905,990  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 1,091,337,263  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 12,969          1,100        $ 11.79  
B      $   1,091,324,294          93,339,212        $   11.69  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $496,997 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

25


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $1,869)

   $ 164,364  

Affiliated issuers

     2,113  

Interest(a)

     (32,632

Securities lending income

     1,266  
  

 

 

 
     135,111  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     300,234  

Distribution fee—Class B

     125,457  

Transfer agency—Class B

     1,553  

Custody and accounting

     45,422  

Administrative

     39,735  

Audit and tax

     23,381  

Legal

     11,891  

Directors’ fees

     9,861  

Printing

     9,200  

Miscellaneous

     11,855  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     578,589  

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

     (105,104
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     473,485  
  

 

 

 

Net investment loss

     (338,374
  

 

 

 

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

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions

     17,543,841  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     741,803  

Futures

     381,038  

Options written

     567,716  

Foreign currency transactions

     (250,933

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

  

Investments

     (13,334,543

Forward currency exchange contracts

     459,955  

Futures

     416,014  

Options written

     33,202  

Swaps

     (50,494

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     20,491  
  

 

 

 

Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     6,528,090  
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 6,189,716  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   The negative interest income reflects coupon income adjusted for fluctuations in the inflation index related to inflation-indexed bonds and the amortization of premiums.

See notes to financial statements.

 

26


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June  30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (338,374   $ 12,563  

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

     18,983,465       (981,815

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

     (12,455,375     2,857,990  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     6,189,716       1,888,738  

Distributions to Shareholders

 

Class A

     –0 –      (565

Class B

     –0 –      (3,956,811

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net increase (decrease)

     995,439,609       (3,585,153
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     1,001,629,325       (5,653,791

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     89,707,938       95,361,729  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 1,091,337,263     $ 89,707,938  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

27


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Global Risk Allocation—Moderate Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to generate income and price appreciation without assuming what AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) considers undue risk. The Portfolio is non-diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 11 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. At June 30, 2021 the Adviser was the sole shareholder of Class A shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at 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 Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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

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

 

28


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

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

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

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

 

29


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2021:

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities:

        

Assets:

 

Common Stocks:

        

Information Technology

   $ 103,761,442     $ 14,591,694     $ –0 –    $ 118,353,136  

Financials

     42,979,025       27,352,715       –0 –      70,331,740  

Health Care

     49,090,300       20,273,975       –0 –      69,364,275  

Consumer Discretionary

     46,265,500       21,497,859       –0 –      67,763,359  

Industrials

     31,674,490       25,361,116       –0 –      57,035,606  

Communication Services

     41,995,308       8,061,291       –0 –      50,056,599  

Consumer Staples

     22,547,460       16,801,502       –0 –      39,348,962  

Materials

     9,869,508       12,987,595       –0 –      22,857,103  

Energy

     10,733,558       5,307,266       –0 –      16,040,824  

Utilities

     9,427,175       5,416,180       –0 –      14,843,355  

Real Estate

     9,855,625       4,810,175       –0 –      14,665,800  

Inflation-Linked Securities

     –0 –      7,202,864       –0 –      7,202,864  

Options Purchased—Puts

     –0 –      973,152       –0 –      973,152  

Rights

     227       –0 –      –0 –      227  

Short-Term Investments:

        

Investment Companies

     1,005,962,251       –0 –      –0 –      1,005,962,251  

U.S. Treasury Bills

     –0 –      2,633,954       –0 –      2,633,954  

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

     150,570       –0 –      –0 –      150,570  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     1,384,312,439       173,271,338       –0 –      1,557,583,777  

Other Financial Instruments(a):

        

Assets:

        

Futures

     1,521,788       –0 –      –0 –      1,521,788 (b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     –0 –      501,357       –0 –      501,357  

Liabilities:

        

Futures

     (871,957     –0 –      –0 –      (871,957 )(b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     –0 –      (182,842     –0 –      (182,842

Call Options Written

     –0 –      (4,505     –0 –      (4,505

Put Options Written

     –0 –      (253,234     –0 –      (253,234

Variance Swaps

     –0 –      (50,494     –0 –      (50,494
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $   1,384,962,270     $   173,281,620     $   –0 –    $   1,558,243,890  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

30


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

3. Currency Translation

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

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

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .60% of the first $100 million, .45% of the excess over $100 million up to $1 billion and .40% of the excess over $1 billion of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. Prior to January 1, 2020, the Portfolio paid the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .60% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses, to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses (excluding interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, expenses associated with securities sold short, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs), inclusive of the Portfolio’s proportionate share of fees and expenses of registered investment companies

 

31


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

or series thereof in which the Portfolio invests (“Acquired Fund Expenses”) on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to .75% and 1.00% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B, respectively. The Expense Caps may not be terminated by the Adviser before May 1, 2022. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the reimbursements/waivers, exclusive of Acquired Fund Expenses, amounted to $76,715. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, such waiver for Acquired Fund Expenses for both affiliated and unaffiliated underlying portfolios amounted to $12,216 and $16,161, respectively.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Market Value
12/31/20
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/21
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

AB Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 12,180     $ 1,041,557      $ 47,775      $ 1,005,962      $ 2  

AB Government Money Market Portfolio*

     –0 –      63,571        63,420        151        0 ** 
          

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           $ 1,006,113      $ 2  
          

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

 

**   Amount is less than $500.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $39,735.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $818 for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

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 (and related transactions). As a result, as of May 20, 2021, AXA no longer owns shares of Equitable.

Sales 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 Portfolio’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 Portfolio subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

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

 

32


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

     Purchases     Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 541,507,388     $ 48,721,070  

U.S. government securities

     –0 –      4,374,229  

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

   $ 4,092,573  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (2,928,269
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 1,164,304  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Futures

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

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

33


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Option Transactions

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

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held purchased options for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held written options for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

34


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

   

Swaps

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

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

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

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

Variance Swaps:

The Portfolio may enter into variance swaps to hedge equity market risk or adjust exposure to the equity markets. Variance swaps are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the difference between the stated level of variance and the actual variance realized on underlying asset(s) or index(es). Actual “variance” as used here is defined as the sum of the square of the returns on the reference asset(s) or index(es) (which in effect is a measure of its “volatility”) over the length of the contract term. So the parties to a variance swap can be said to exchange actual volatility for a contractually stated rate of volatility.

 

35


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held variance swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of

Assets and Liabilities

Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

Location

  Fair Value  

Interest rate contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures   $ 1,174,791   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures   $ 26,242

Equity contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures     346,997   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures     845,715

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts     501,357     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts     182,842  

Equity contracts

  Investments in securities, at value     973,152      

Equity contracts

      Options written, at value     257,739  

Foreign currency contracts

      Unrealized depreciation on variance swaps     50,494  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    $ 2,996,297       $ 1,363,032  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

Derivative Type

  

Location of Gain or (Loss) on

Derivatives Within Statement of Operations

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

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures    $ (792,915   $ 1,068,637  

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures      1,173,953       (652,623

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts      741,803       459,955  

 

36


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Derivative Type

  

Location of Gain or (Loss) on

Derivatives Within Statement of Operations

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

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments    $ (1,314,371   $ (46,238

Equity contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on options written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of options written      567,716       33,202  

Foreign exchange contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps      –0 –      (50,494
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ 376,186     $ 812,439  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2021:

 

Futures:

 

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 135,027,087  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 6,986,815  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

 

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 8,375,203  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 51,745,973  

Purchased Options:

 

Average notional amount

   $ 49,079,541  

Options Written:

 

Average notional amount

   $ 49,848,420  

Variance Swaps:

 

Average notional amount

   $ 342,500 (a) 

 

(a)   Positions were open for three months during the period.

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

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2021. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

   $ 3,691      $ (3,691   $         –0 –    $         –0 –    $ –0 – 

Barclays Bank PLC

     31,741        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      31,741  

BNP Paribas SA

     37,384        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      37,384  

Citibank, NA

     3,390        (3,390     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Credit Suisse International

     82,714        (3,879     –0 –      –0 –      78,835  

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc./Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     1,221,060        (66,946     –0 –      –0 –      1,154,114  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     72,647        (62,619     –0 –      –0 –      10,028  

UBS AG

     21,882        (21,882     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,474,509      $ (162,407     –0 –      –0 –    $ 1,312,102
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

37


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

   $ 7,597      $ (3,691   $         –0 –    $         –0 –    $ 3,906  

Citibank, NA

     66,700        (3,390     –0 –      –0 –      63,310  

Credit Suisse International

     3,879        (3,879     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc./Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     66,946        (66,946     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     62,619        (62,619     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

UBS AG

     30,100        (21,882     –0 –      –0 –      8,218  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 237,841      $ (162,407   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 75,434
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

2. Currency Transactions

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

NOTE E: Securities Lending

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

 

38


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

Market Value
of Securities

on Loan*

   

Cash
Collateral*

   

Market Value
of Non-Cash
Collateral*

   

Income from
Borrowers

    AB Government Money
Market Portfolio
 
 

Income

Earned

   

Advisory
Fee
Waived

 
$ 496,997     $ 150,570     $ 375,524     $ 1,206     $ 60     $ 12  

 

*   As of June 30, 2021.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

     Shares            Amount  
     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
           Six Months Ended
June  30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

Class B

 

Shares sold

     85,831,891       618,184        $ 1,003,333,891     $ 6,428,418  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     –0 –      383,737          –0 –      3,956,326  

Shares redeemed

     (693,580     (1,324,181        (7,894,282     (13,969,897
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     85,138,311       (322,260      $ 995,439,609     $ (3,585,153
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

There were no transactions in capital shares for Class A for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020.

At June 30, 2021, a shareholder of the Portfolio owned 97% of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholder, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

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

Allocation Risk—The allocation of investments among asset classes may have a significant effect on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV, when the asset classes in which the Portfolio has invested more heavily perform worse than the asset classes invested in less heavily.

Interest Rate Risk—Changes in interest rates will affect the value of investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of existing investments in fixed-income securities tends to fall and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from new investments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. The current historically low interest rate environment heightens the risks associated with rising interest rates.

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

 

 

39


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

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

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk—As with other investments, investments in other investment companies, including ETFs, are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, Contractholders of the Portfolio bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Portfolio (including advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies in which the Portfolio invests (to the extent these expenses are not waived or reimbursed by the Adviser).

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

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

Illiquid Investments Risk—Illiquid investments risk exists when certain investments are or become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling such investments may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Portfolio. Causes of illiquid investments risk may include low trading volumes and large positions. Foreign fixed-income securities may have more illiquid investments risk because secondary trading markets for these securities may be smaller and less well developed and the securities may trade less frequently. Illiquid investments risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally decline.

Non-Diversification Risk—The Portfolio may have more risk because it is “non-diversified”, meaning that it can invest more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers. Accordingly, changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV.

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio may 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. 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 Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition away from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations

 

40


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, potentially adversely affecting a Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. 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 Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

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

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

     2020      2019  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 1,703,669      $ 1,823,920  

Net long-term capital gains

     2,253,707        –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions

   $ 3,957,376      $ 1,823,920  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

Accumulated capital losses

   $ (715,878 )(a) 

Other losses

     (77 )(b) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     13,432,229 (c) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 12,716,274  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   As of December 31, 2020, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $715,878.

 

(b)   As of December 31, 2020, the cumulative deferred loss on straddles was $77.

 

(c)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments, the tax treatment of Treasury inflation-protected securities, and the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2020, the Portfolio had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $715,878, which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.

 

41


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2020-04.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

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

 

42


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

     Class A  
     Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
                               
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 11.02     $ 11.27     $ 9.79     $ 10.83     $ 9.78     $ 9.40  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            

Income From Investment Operations

            

Net investment income (loss)(a)(b)

     (.03     .03       .11       .09       .06       .04  

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

     .80       .23       1.61       (.55     1.09       .37  

Contributions from Affiliates

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

     .77       .26       1.72       (.46     1.15       .41  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            

Less: Dividends and Distributions

            

Dividends from net investment income

     –0 –      (.17     (.24     –0 –      (.05     (.03

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

     –0 –      (.34     –0 –      (.58     (.05     –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

     –0 –      (.51     (.24     (.58     (.10     (.03
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 11.79     $ 11.02     $ 11.27     $ 9.79     $ 10.83     $ 9.78  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            

Total Return

            

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)

     6.99     2.72     17.61     (4.62 )%      11.87     4.39
            

Ratios/Supplemental Data

            

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

   $ 13     $ 12     $ 12     $ 11     $ 12     $ 11  

Ratio to average net assets of:

            

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

     .70 %^      .69     .68     .67     .63     .63

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

     .94 %^      .95     .95     .92     .94     1.08

Net investment income (loss)(b)

     (.47 )%^      .27     1.05     .88     .55     .46

Portfolio turnover rate

     43     31     29     67     59     79
            

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

  

portfolios

     .06 %^      .06     .07     .08     .11     .12

 

 

 

 

 

See   footnote summary on page 45.

 

43


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION- MODERATE PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

     Class B  
     Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
                               
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.94     $ 11.19     $ 9.72     $ 10.78     $ 9.75     $ 9.39  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            

Income From Investment Operations

            

Net investment income (loss)(a)(b)

     (.04     0 (c)      .08       .07       .03       .02  

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

     .79       .23       1.60       (.55     1.09       .37  

Contributions from Affiliates

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

     .75       .23       1.68       (.48     1.12       .39  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            

Less: Dividends and Distributions

            

Dividends from net investment income

     –0 –      (.14     (.21     –0 –      (.04     (.03

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

     –0 –      (.34     –0 –      (.58     (.05     –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

     –0 –      (.48     (.21     (.58     (.09     (.03
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 11.69     $ 10.94     $ 11.19     $ 9.72     $ 10.78     $ 9.75  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

            

Total investment return based on net asset value(d)

     6.86     2.45     17.32     (4.84 )%      11.50     4.24
            

Ratios/Supplemental Data

            

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

   $ 1,091,324     $ 89,696     $ 95,350     $ 89,127     $ 98,502     $ 79,298  

Ratio to average net assets of:

            

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

     .94 %^      .94     .94     .92     .89     .88

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

     1.15 %^      1.20     1.20     1.16     1.17     1.33

Net investment income (loss)(b)

     (.67 )%^      .01     .78     .64     .31     .24

Portfolio turnover rate

     43     31     29     67     59     79
            

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

  

portfolios

     .06 %^      .06     .07     .08     .11     .12

 

 

 

 

 

See   footnote summary on page 45.

 

 

44


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

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

 

(e)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of affiliated/unaffiliated acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the six months ended June 30, 2021, and the years ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, such waiver amounted to .06%, .06%, .07%, .08%, .11% and .12%, respectively.

 

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

 

    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Class A

           

Net of waivers/reimbursements

    .70 %^      .69     .68     .67     .63     .63

Before waivers/reimbursements

    .94 %^      .95     .95     .92     .94     1.08

Class B

           

Net of waivers/reimbursements

    .94 %^      .94     .94     .92     .89     .88

Before waivers/reimbursements

    1.15 %^      1.20     1.20     1.16     1.17     1.33

 

  ^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

45


 
 
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

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

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2021, which covered the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

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

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

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

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

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, 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 Portfolio, and in a diminished depth of liquidity in most markets, to varying degrees. Nonetheless, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

46


 
GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Global Risk Allocation—Moderate Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on August 4-5, 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 research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s former Senior Officer/Independent Compliance Officer. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also 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

 

47


GLOBAL RISK ALLOCATION—MODERATE PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors noted that the Fund was not profitable to the Adviser in 2019. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund in 2018 was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

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

Investment Results

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

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods ended May 31, 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 took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior 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, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the

 

48


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

The directors noted that the Fund invests in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as these may be varied as a result of exemptive orders issued by the SEC. The directors also noted that ETFs pay advisory fees pursuant to their advisory contracts, and that the Adviser had provided, and they had reviewed, information about the expense ratios of the relevant ETFs. The directors concluded, based on the Adviser’s explanation of how it uses ETFs when they are the most cost-effective way to obtain desired exposures, in some cases pending purchases of underlying securities, that the advisory fee for the Fund is for services that are in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contracts of the ETFs.

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year and the directors considered the Adviser’s expense cap for the Class A Shares of the Fund. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

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

 

49


VPS-GRA-0152-0621


JUN    06.30.21

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO

 

As of May 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, you may not be receiving paper copies of the Portfolio’s shareholder reports from the insurance company that offers your contract unless you specifically requested paper copies from the insurance company or from your financial intermediary. Instead of delivering paper copies of the reports, the insurance company may choose to make the reports available on a website, and will notify you by mail each time a report is posted and provide you with a website link to access the report. Instructions for requesting paper copies will be provided by your insurance company.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge from the insurance company. You can inform the insurance company or your financial intermediary that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by following the instructions provided by the insurance company or by contacting your financial intermediary. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all portfolio companies available under your contract with the insurance company.


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2021
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2021
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,105.00      $   4.65        0.89

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,020.38      $ 4.46        0.89
           

Class B

           

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,103.60      $ 5.95        1.14

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,019.14      $ 5.71        1.14

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $  VALUE                   PERCENT OF NET ASSETS          

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings

   $ 5,823,469            2.9

SVB Financial Group

     5,241,571          2.6  

Waste Management, Inc.

     4,781,955          2.4  

MSCI, Inc.—Class A

     4,653,789          2.3  

Flex Ltd.

         4,585,621          2.3  

Danaher Corp.

     4,492,346          2.2  

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.

     4,392,296          2.2  

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.

     4,329,974          2.1  

Trex Co., Inc.

     4,317,350          2.1  

Aptiv PLC

     4,284,253          2.1  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   46,902,624          23.2

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2021 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Information Technology

   $ 60,852,820          30.2

Industrials

     40,688,358          20.2  

Health Care

     37,483,432          18.6  

Financials

     26,099,939          12.9  

Consumer Discretionary

     13,660,552          6.8  

Materials

     6,942,858          3.4  

Utilities

     6,682,212          3.3  

Consumer Staples

     2,129,195          1.1  

Short-Term Investments                      

     6,990,858          3.5  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   201,530,224          100.0

 

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

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

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

2


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN1  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

COUNTRY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

United States

   $ 120,480,997          59.8

Netherlands

     14,682,101          7.3  

Denmark

     8,531,424          4.2  

India

     7,964,230          4.0  

Switzerland

     7,026,415          3.5  

Japan

     6,680,328          3.3  

Germany

     6,019,529          3.0  

Austria

     4,247,775          2.1  

Norway

     3,910,696          1.9  

France

     3,805,476          1.9  

Hong Kong

     2,694,491          1.3  

United Kingdom

     2,314,354          1.1  

Sweden

     1,802,997          0.9  

Other

     4,378,553          2.2  

Short-Term Investments

     6,990,858          3.5  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   201,530,224          100.0

 

 

 

 

1   All data are as of June 30, 2021. The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represent 0.8% or less in the following: Argentina, China and United Arab Emirates.

 

3


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                 

COMMON STOCKS–96.5%

   

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–30.2%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–7.1%

   

Calix, Inc.(a)

    81,089     $ 3,851,728  

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.(a)(b)

    53,545       4,392,296  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    19,350       4,196,047  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson–Class B

    143,392       1,802,997  
   

 

 

 
      14,243,068  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–2.3%

   

Flex Ltd.(a)

    256,610       4,585,621  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–6.2%

   

Adyen NV(a)(c)

    1,305       3,200,290  

Network International Holdings PLC(a)(c)

    268,570       1,360,722  

Square, Inc.–Class A(a)

    11,479       2,798,580  

Twilio, Inc.–Class A(a)

    5,480       2,159,997  

Visa, Inc.–Class A(b)

    12,850       3,004,587  
   

 

 

 
      12,524,176  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–4.9%

   

Cree, Inc.(a)

    25,570       2,504,070  

Infineon Technologies AG

    90,350       3,634,171  

NXP Semiconductors NV

    18,000       3,702,960  
   

 

 

 
      9,841,201  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–8.0%

   

Adobe, Inc.(a)

    5,920       3,466,989  

Coinbase Global, Inc.(a)

    7,740       1,960,542  

Dassault Systemes SE

    15,680       3,805,476  

Microsoft Corp.

    14,160       3,835,944  

Zendesk, Inc.(a)

    21,060       3,039,800  
   

 

 

 
      16,108,751  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–1.7%

   

Apple, Inc.

    25,920       3,550,003  
   

 

 

 
      60,852,820  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–20.2%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–2.0%

   

Hexcel Corp.(a)

    64,520       4,026,048  
   

 

 

 

BUILDING PRODUCTS–2.2%

   

Trex Co., Inc.(a)

    42,240       4,317,350  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–5.4%

   

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    18,480       2,255,299  

TOMRA Systems ASA

    70,840       3,910,696  

Waste Management, Inc.

    34,130       4,781,955  
   

 

 

 
      10,947,950  
   

 

 

 
Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–5.4%

   

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    14,570     $ 4,167,311  

Schneider Electric SE

    18,630       2,936,918  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    95,970       3,749,741  
   

 

 

 
      10,853,970  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–3.4%

   

SMC Corp.

    5,100       3,017,132  

Xylem, Inc./NY

    32,200       3,862,712  
   

 

 

 
      6,879,844  
   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–1.8%

   

Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.

    74,700       3,663,196  
   

 

 

 
      40,688,358  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–18.6%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–1.2%

   

Abcam PLC(a)

    121,149       2,314,354  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–7.5%

   

Alcon, Inc.

    40,310       2,827,243  

Danaher Corp.

    16,740       4,492,346  

Koninklijke Philips NV

    84,450       4,191,605  

STERIS PLC

    17,771       3,666,157  
   

 

 

 
      15,177,351  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–5.0%

   

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.

    88,907       4,329,974  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

    21,111       5,823,469  
   

 

 

 
      10,153,443  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–4.9%

   

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.–Class A(a)

    6,630       4,271,643  

Bruker Corp.

    41,870       3,181,283  

Gerresheimer AG

    21,566       2,385,358  
   

 

 

 
      9,838,284  
   

 

 

 
      37,483,432  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–12.9%

   

BANKS–6.5%

   

Erste Group Bank AG

    115,550       4,247,775  

HDFC Bank Ltd.

    180,041       3,634,256  

SVB Financial Group(a)

    9,420       5,241,571  
   

 

 

 
      13,123,602  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–4.4%

   

MSCI, Inc.–Class A

    8,730       4,653,789  

Partners Group Holding AG

    2,770       4,199,172  
   

 

 

 
      8,852,961  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–0.7%

   

Lufax Holding Ltd. (ADR)(a)

    126,450       1,428,885  
   

 

 

 

 

4


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

INSURANCE–1.3%

   

AIA Group Ltd.

    217,200     $ 2,694,491  
   

 

 

 
      26,099,939  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–6.8%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–2.1%

   

Aptiv PLC(a)

    27,231       4,284,253  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–1.8%

   

TopBuild Corp.(a)

    17,893       3,538,878  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–0.8%

   

MercadoLibre, Inc.(a)

    1,020       1,588,946  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–2.1%

   

NIKE, Inc.–Class B

    27,500       4,248,475  
   

 

 

 
      13,660,552  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–3.4%

   

CHEMICALS–3.4%

   

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

    37,180       3,355,612  

Koninklijke DSM NV

    19,190       3,587,246  
   

 

 

 
      6,942,858  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–3.3%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–2.2%

   

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    41,210       3,019,869  

Orsted AS(c)

    10,160       1,426,071  
   

 

 

 
      4,445,940  
   

 

 

 

WATER UTILITIES–1.1%

   

American Water Works Co., Inc.

    14,509       2,236,272  
   

 

 

 
      6,682,212  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–1.1%

   

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–1.1%

   

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    15,780       2,129,195  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $124,698,545)

      194,539,366  
   

 

 

 
Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–3.5%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–3.5%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.01%(d)(e)(f)
(cost $6,990,858)

    6,990,858     $ 6,990,858  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SECURITY LENDING COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–100.0%
(cost $131,689,403)

      201,530,224  
   

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–0.0%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.0%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.01%(d)(e)(f)
(cost $29,324)

    29,324       29,324  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.0%
(cost $131,718,727)

      201,559,548  

Other assets less
liabilities–0.0%

      46,069  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 201,605,617  
   

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Bank of America, NA

       NOK        22,576          USD        2,655          07/15/2021        $ 32,963  

Bank of America, NA

       USD        646          RUB        47,981          07/28/2021          7,420  

Bank of America, NA

       EUR        13,117          USD        16,091          08/03/2021          527,490  

Barclays Bank PLC

       INR        68,568          USD        908          07/15/2021          (12,660

BNP Paribas SA

       HKD        8,795          USD        1,133          08/19/2021          (101

BNP Paribas SA

       USD        3,527          AUD        4,541          08/25/2021            (120,443

Citibank, NA

       USD        5,136          CAD        6,429          07/16/2021          50,410  

Citibank, NA

       GBP        448          USD        623          08/26/2021          2,937  

Citibank, NA

       USD        5,192          GBP        3,687          08/26/2021          (90,960

 

5


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

Citibank, NA

       USD        6,006          CNY        39,107          09/16/2021        $ 8,399  

Deutsche Bank AG

       BRL        5,081          USD        1,029          07/02/2021          6,990  

Deutsche Bank AG

       USD        1,016          BRL        5,081          07/02/2021          5,800  

Deutsche Bank AG

       INR        303,370          USD        4,076          07/15/2021          2,033  

Deutsche Bank AG

       USD        1,025          BRL        5,081          08/03/2021          (7,237

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       BRL        5,081          USD        1,016          07/02/2021          (5,800

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       USD        954          BRL        5,081          07/02/2021          67,679  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       USD        3,173          TWD        88,998          07/22/2021          18,493  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       USD        4,839          JPY        526,632          08/19/2021          (96,808

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       USD        835          ZAR        11,611          09/16/2021          (29,241

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

       USD        1,918          HKD        14,892          08/19/2021          (53

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       EUR        656          USD        803          08/03/2021          24,231  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        1,176          EUR        964          08/03/2021          (32,344

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       JPY        109,073          USD        984          08/19/2021          1,995  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        979          CNY        6,361          09/16/2021          (871

Natwest Markets PLC

       USD        430          INR        32,790          07/15/2021          10,496  

Standard Chartered Bank

       USD        3,180          KRW        3,545,961          07/22/2021          (42,376

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       NOK        5,578          USD        671          07/15/2021          23,305  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       CAD        444          USD        360          07/16/2021          1,788  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       EUR        594          USD        708          08/03/2021          2,952  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        1,393          EUR        1,159          08/03/2021          (17,475

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       CHF        1,683          USD        1,848          08/05/2021          27,819  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       HKD        14,512          USD        1,870          08/19/2021          368  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       JPY        112,864          USD        1,034          08/19/2021          17,195  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        291          HKD        2,263          08/19/2021          4  

UBS AG

       INR        25,198          USD        332          07/15/2021          (6,909

UBS AG

       JPY        65,982          USD        607          08/19/2021          12,532  
                         

 

 

 
     $   390,021  
                         

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

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

 

(c)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration. At June 30, 2021, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $5,987,083 or 3.0% of net assets.

 

(d)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

 

6


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

BRL—Brazilian Real

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

CNY—Chinese Yuan Renminbi

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

HKD—Hong Kong Dollar

INR—Indian Rupee

JPY—Japanese Yen

KRW—South Korean Won

NOK—Norwegian Krone

RUB—Russian Ruble

TWD—New Taiwan Dollar

USD—United States Dollar

ZAR—South African Rand

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $124,698,545)

   $ 194,539,366 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $7,020,182—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $29,324)

     7,020,182  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $201,727)

     199,296  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     853,299  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     170,768  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     21,659  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     20  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     202,804,590  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     463,278  

Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency transactions

     278,713  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     140,947  

Advisory fee payable

     113,519  

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     29,324  

Distribution fee payable

     27,705  

Administrative fee payable

     20,282  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     129  

Accrued expenses

     125,076  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,198,973  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 201,605,617  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 4,442  

Additional paid-in capital

     94,707,820  

Distributable earnings

     106,893,355  
  

 

 

 
NET ASSETS    $ 201,605,617  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 63,796,127          1,361,707        $   46.85  
B      $   137,809,490          3,080,391        $ 44.74  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $6,656,997 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

8


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $87,984)

   $ 805,077  

Affiliated issuers

     305  

Securities lending income

     2,682  
  

 

 

 
     808,064  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     718,996  

Distribution fee—Class B

     163,258  

Transfer agency—Class A

     1,031  

Transfer agency—Class B

     2,201  

Custody and accounting

     54,837  

Administrative

     39,336  

Printing

     27,575  

Audit and tax

     26,243  

Legal

     12,726  

Directors’ fees

     10,560  

Miscellaneous

     6,553  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,063,316  

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

     (49,229
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     1,014,087  
  

 

 

 

Net investment loss

     (206,023
  

 

 

 

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

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions(a)

     12,370,561  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     313,659  

Foreign currency transactions

     (24,255

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

  

Investments

     6,363,940  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     313,887  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     3,770  
  

 

 

 

Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     19,341,562  
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 19,135,539  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Net of foreign realized capital gains taxes of $8,337.

See notes to financial statements.

 

9


      
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment loss

   $ (206,023   $ (665,917

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     12,659,965       25,123,789  

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

     6,681,597       26,215,492  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     19,135,539       50,673,364  

Distributions to Shareholders

 

Class A

     –0 –      (4,560,500

Class B

     –0 –      (9,895,739

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (2,908,109     12,279,122  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase

     16,227,430       48,496,247  

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     185,378,187       136,881,940  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 201,605,617     $ 185,378,187  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

10


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Global Thematic Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 11 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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. Factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

11


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2021:

 

       Level 1        Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

               

Assets:

               

Common Stocks:

               

Information Technology

     $ 47,049,164        $ 13,803,656      $             –0 –     $ 60,852,820  

Industrials

       23,410,675          17,277,683        –0 –       40,688,358  

Health Care

       23,749,252          13,734,180        –0 –       37,483,432  

Financials

       11,324,245          14,775,694        –0 –       26,099,939  

Consumer Discretionary

       13,660,552          –0 –       –0 –       13,660,552  

Materials

       3,355,612          3,587,246        –0 –       6,942,858  

Utilities

       5,256,141          1,426,071        –0 –       6,682,212  

Consumer Staples

       2,129,195          –0 –       –0 –       2,129,195  

Short-Term Investments

       6,990,858          –0 –       –0 –       6,990,858  

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

       Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

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

     $ 29,324      $ –0 –    $ –0 –     $ 29,324  
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       136,955,018        64,604,530 (a)      –0 –       201,559,548  

Other Financial Instruments(b):

         

Assets:

            

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       853,299       –0 –       853,299  

Liabilities:

            

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       (463,278     –0 –       (463,278
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     $ 136,955,018      $ 64,994,551     $             –0 –     $ 201,949,569  
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)   A significant portion of the Portfolio’s foreign equity investments are categorized as Level 2 investments since they are valued using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available, see Note A.1.

 

(b)   Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on the instrument. Other financial instruments may also include swaps with upfront premiums, 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 Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific

 

13


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or bear expenses of the Portfolio in order to reduce the Portfolio’s total operating expenses by an amount equal to .05% on an annual basis of the average net assets for Class A and Class B. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, such reimbursements/waivers amounted to $47,933. This fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement agreement extends through May 1, 2022 and then may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $39,336.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $818 for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2022. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, such waiver amounted to $1,296.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Market Value
12/31/20
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/21
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 8,795     $ 19,995      $ 21,799      $ 6,991      $ 0

Government Money Market Portfolio**

     –0 –      2,883        2,854        29        0
          

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           $ 7,020      $ 0
          

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*   Amount is less than $500.

 

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

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 (and related transactions). As a result, as of May 20, 2021, AXA no longer owns shares of Equitable.

Sales 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 Portfolio’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

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

approved new investment advisory and administration agreements with the Adviser, and shareholders of the Portfolio subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

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

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

     Purchases     Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 32,191,271     $ 32,635,215  

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

   $ 72,379,782  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (2,148,940
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 70,230,842  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

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

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

 

15


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes.

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $ 853,299     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $ 463,278  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    $ 853,299       $ 463,278  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Derivative Type

  

Location of Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives

Within Statement of Operations

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

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts    $ 313,659      $ 313,887  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

      $ 313,659      $ 313,887  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2021:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 44,105,319  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 41,868,616  

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

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2021. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

  $ 567,873     $ –0 –    $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 567,873  

Citibank, NA

    61,746       (61,746     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Deutsche Bank AG

    14,823       (7,237     –0 –      –0 –      7,586  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

    86,172       (86,172     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

    26,226       (26,226     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Natwest Markets PLC

    10,496       –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      10,496  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    73,431       (17,475     –0 –      –0 –      55,956  

UBS AG

    12,532       (6,909     –0 –      –0 –      5,623  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 853,299     $ (205,765   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 647,534
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Counterparty

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

Barclays Bank PLC

  $ 12,660     $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 12,660  

BNP Paribas SA

    120,544       –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      120,544  

Citibank, NA

    90,960       (61,746     –0 –      –0 –      29,214  

Deutsche Bank AG

    7,237       (7,237     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

    131,849       (86,172     –0 –      –0 –      45,677  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

    53       –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      53  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

    33,215       (26,226     –0 –      –0 –      6,989  

Standard Chartered Bank

    42,376       –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      42,376  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    17,475       (17,475     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

UBS AG

    6,909       (6,909     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 463,278     $ (205,765   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 257,513
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

2. Currency Transactions

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

NOTE E: Securities Lending

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

 

17


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

                        Government Money Market
Portfolio
 

Market Value of
Securities

on Loan*

   

Cash
Collateral*

   

Market Value of

Non-Cash
Collateral*

   

Income from
Borrowers

   

Income

Earned

   

Advisory Fee
Waived

 
$ 6,656,997     $ 29,324     $ 6,867,368     $ 2,664     $ 18     $ –0–  

 

*As   of June 30, 2021.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    65,374       200,725       $ 2,890,920     $ 7,348,517  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      127,211         –0 –      4,560,500  

Shares redeemed

    (79,104     (242,399       (3,552,554     (8,398,976
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (13,730     85,537       $ (661,634   $ 3,510,041  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    245,693       515,559       $ 10,519,181     $ 18,322,349  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      288,421         –0 –      9,895,739  

Shares redeemed

    (299,824     (578,470       (12,765,656     (19,449,007
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (54,131     225,510       $ (2,246,475   $ 8,769,081  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2021, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 57% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Market Risk—The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s growth approach, may underperform the market generally.

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

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

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

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

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

Focused Portfolio Risk—Investments in a limited number of companies may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV.

Industry/Sector Risk—Investments in a particular sector, industry or group of related industries, such as the information technology or health care sector, may have more risk because market or economic factors affecting that sector or industry could have a significant effect on the value of the Portfolio’s investments.

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio 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. 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 Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition 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 Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.

 

19


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

     2020      2019  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 1,036,748      $ 316,132  

Net long-term capital gains

     13,419,491        7,254,229  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 14,456,239      $ 7,570,361  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 1,797,879  

Undistributed capital gains

     22,914,055  

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     63,045,882 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 87,757,816  
  

 

 

 

 

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

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2020, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2020-04.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

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

 

20


 
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

     Class A  
     Six  Months
Ended

June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $42.40       $33.52       $27.35       $30.32       $22.29       $22.43  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            

Income From Investment Operations

            

Net investment income (loss) (a)(b)

     (.01     (.10     .08       .11       .03       .04 † 

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

     4.46       12.64       8.00       (3.08     8.13       (.18
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

     4.45       12.54       8.08       (2.97     8.16       (.14
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            

Less: Dividends and Distributions

            

Dividends from net investment income

     –0 –      (.24     (.13     –0 –      (.13     –0 – 

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

     –0 –      (3.42     (1.78     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

     –0 –      (3.66     (1.91     –0 –      (.13     –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

     $46.85       $42.40       $33.52       $27.35       $30.32       $22.29  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            

Total Return

            

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

     10.50     39.41     30.16     (9.79 )%      36.66     (.62 )%† 
            

Ratios/Supplemental Data

            

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

     $63,796       $58,316       $43,237       $35,799       $40,121       $28,458  

Ratio to average net assets of:

            

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (d)‡

     .89 %^      .94     .99     .99     1.02     1.06

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (d)‡

     .94 %^      1.00     1.04     1.01     1.02     1.06

Net investment income (loss) (b)

     (.04 )%^      (.29 )%      .27     .37     .09     .17 %† 

Portfolio turnover rate

     17     44     43     32     40     54
            

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

  

portfolios

     .00 %^      .01     .00     .00     .00     .00

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 23.

 

21


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

     Class B  
     Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $40.54       $32.19       $26.33       $29.25       $21.52       $21.71  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            

Income From Investment Operations

            

Net investment income (loss) (a)(b)

     (.06     (.18     .01       .04       (.04     (.02 )† 

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

     4.26       12.11       7.68       (2.96     7.84       (.17
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

     4.20       11.93       7.69       (2.92     7.80       (.19
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            

Less: Dividends and Distributions

            

Dividends from net investment income

     –0 –      (.16     (.05     –0 –      (.07     –0 – 

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

     –0 –      (3.42     (1.78     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

     –0 –      (3.58     (1.83     –0 –      (.07     –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

     $44.74       $40.54       $32.19       $26.33       $29.25       $21.52  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            

Total Return

            

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

     10.36     39.08     29.78     (9.98 )%      36.30     (.87 )%† 
            

Ratios/Supplemental Data

            

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

     $137,810       $127,062       $93,645       $80,949       $106,331       $78,625  

Ratio to average net assets of:

            

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (d)‡

     1.14 %^      1.19     1.24     1.24     1.26     1.31

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (d)‡

     1.19 %^      1.25     1.29     1.25     1.27     1.31

Net investment income (loss) (b)

     (.29 )%^      (.54 )%      .02     .13     (.15 )%      (.07 )%† 

Portfolio turnover rate

     17     44     43     32     40     54
            

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

  

portfolios

     .00 %^      .01     .00     .00     .00     .00

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 23.

 

22


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

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

 

(d)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the year ended December 31, 2020, such waiver amounted to .01%.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, 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

$.004   .02%   .02%

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 by .04% and .28%, respectively.

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

23


 
 
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

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

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2021, which covered the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

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

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

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

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

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, 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 Portfolio, and in a diminished depth of liquidity in most markets, to varying degrees. Nonetheless, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

24


      
GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Global Thematic Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on May 3-5, 2021 (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.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

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

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2019 and 2020 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts

 

25


GLOBAL THEMATIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

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

Investment Results

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

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2021. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

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

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior 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 also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with those for two other funds advised by the Adviser utilizing similar investment strategies.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to funds such as the Fund, and the different

 

26


 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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 peer group median, after giving effect to a voluntary waiver by the Adviser. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

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

 

27


VPS-GTG-0152-0621


JUN    06.30.21

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO

 

As of May 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, you may not be receiving paper copies of the Portfolio’s shareholder reports from the insurance company that offers your contract unless you specifically requested paper copies from the insurance company or from your financial intermediary. Instead of delivering paper copies of the reports, the insurance company may choose to make the reports available on a website, and will notify you by mail each time a report is posted and provide you with a website link to access the report. Instructions for requesting paper copies will be provided by your insurance company.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge from the insurance company. You can inform the insurance company or your financial intermediary that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by following the instructions provided by the insurance company or by contacting your financial intermediary. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all portfolio companies available under your contract with the insurance company.


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2021
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2021
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,198.10      $   3.27        0.60

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,021.82      $ 3.01        0.60
           

Class B

           

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,196.60      $ 4.63        0.85

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,020.58      $ 4.26        0.85

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  NET ASSETS  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.—Class B

   $ 43,072,598          3.8

Comcast Corp.—Class A

     42,525,516          3.7  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

     40,950,270          3.6  

Wells Fargo & Co.

     40,671,824          3.6  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     32,375,255          2.8  

LKQ Corp.

     29,712,637          2.6  

Target Corp.

     29,219,114          2.6  

Allstate Corp. (The)

     27,380,661          2.4  

Anthem, Inc.

     26,264,022          2.3  

Cigna Corp.

     26,042,376          2.3  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   338,214,273          29.7

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2021 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Industrials

   $   223,993,193          19.7

Financials

     210,605,848          18.5  

Consumer Discretionary

     176,291,611          15.5  

Health Care

     146,635,489          12.9  

Information Technology

     112,500,895          9.9  

Communication Services

     74,900,771          6.6  

Consumer Staples

     62,769,871          5.5  

Energy

     36,328,338          3.2  

Real Estate

     24,507,635          2.2  

Materials

     18,831,797          1.7  

Short-Term Investments

     49,389,480          4.3  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   1,136,754,928          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

2


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

COMMON STOCKS–95.6%

   
   

INDUSTRIALS–19.7%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–3.6%

   

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    55,710     $ 6,616,120  

Hexcel Corp.(a)

    107,904       6,733,210  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    117,283       10,005,413  

Textron, Inc.

    253,250       17,416,002  
   

 

 

 
      40,770,745  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–1.7%

   

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    112,420       13,849,020  

Valmont Industries, Inc.

    22,132       5,224,258  
   

 

 

 
      19,073,278  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–3.8%

   

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    22,465       4,201,629  

Emerson Electric Co.

    267,615       25,755,267  

Hubbell, Inc.

    69,983       13,075,624  
   

 

 

 
      43,032,520  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–0.9%

   

3M Co.

    50,630       10,056,637  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–3.2%

   

Altra Industrial Motion Corp.

    84,912       5,520,978  

Flowserve Corp.

    244,330       9,851,386  

Middleby Corp. (The)(a)

    24,290       4,208,485  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    204,500       16,830,350  
   

 

 

 
      36,411,199  
   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–3.3%

   

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    196,505       19,866,655  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    203,370       18,093,829  
   

 

 

 
      37,960,484  
   

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–2.3%

   

Kansas City Southern

    34,740       9,844,274  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    368,388       16,746,918  
   

 

 

 
      26,591,192  
   

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.9%

   

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.–Class A

    112,528       10,097,138  
   

 

 

 
      223,993,193  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–18.5%

   

BANKS–7.0%

   

Citigroup, Inc.

    254,930       18,036,297  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    132,920       20,674,377  
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                        

Wells Fargo & Co.

    898,031     $ 40,671,824  
   

 

 

 
      79,382,498  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–3.7%

   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

    67,030       25,439,896  

Northern Trust Corp.

    140,450       16,238,829  
   

 

 

 
      41,678,725  
   

 

 

 
   

CONSUMER FINANCE–0.5%

   

Capital One Financial Corp.

    40,826       6,315,374  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–3.8%

   

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.–Class B(a)

    154,982       43,072,598  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–3.5%

   

Aflac, Inc.

    123,270       6,614,668  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    209,910       27,380,661  

Fidelity National Financial, Inc.

    141,770       6,161,324  
   

 

 

 
      40,156,653  
   

 

 

 
      210,605,848  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–15.5%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–1.8%

   

BorgWarner, Inc.

    208,300       10,110,882  

Gentex Corp.

    304,522       10,076,633  
   

 

 

 
      20,187,515  
   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTORS–2.6%

   

LKQ Corp.(a)

    603,670       29,712,637  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–2.7%

   

DR Horton, Inc.

    258,850       23,392,275  

Garmin Ltd.

    54,280       7,851,059  
   

 

 

 
      31,243,334  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–1.4%

   

eBay, Inc.

    221,740       15,568,365  
   

 

 

 

MULTILINE RETAIL–3.7%

   

Dollar General Corp.

    61,590       13,327,460  

Target Corp.

    120,870       29,219,114  
   

 

 

 
      42,546,574  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–2.1%

   

AutoZone, Inc.(a)

    11,460       17,100,841  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    48,920       6,524,461  
   

 

 

 
      23,625,302  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–1.2%

   

Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)

    34,910       13,407,884  
   

 

 

 
      176,291,611  
   

 

 

 

 

3


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

HEALTH CARE–12.9%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–4.2%

   

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    120,780     $ 22,188,494  

Amgen, Inc.

    105,320       25,671,750  
   

 

 

 
      47,860,244  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–5.1%

   

Anthem, Inc.

    68,790       26,264,022  

Cigna Corp.

    109,851       26,042,376  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    43,070       5,683,948  
   

 

 

 
      57,990,346  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–0.3%

   

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.–Class A(a)

    4,481       2,887,064  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–3.3%

   

Pfizer, Inc.

    428,176       16,767,372  

Roche Holding AG (Sponsored ADR)

    449,680       21,130,463  
   

 

 

 
      37,897,835  
   

 

 

 
      146,635,489  
   

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–9.9%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–3.8%

   

Ciena Corp.(a)

    175,617       9,990,851  

Cisco Systems, Inc./
Delaware

    341,190       18,083,070  

F5 Networks, Inc.(a)

    83,150       15,520,779  
   

 

 

 
      43,594,700  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–1.0%

   

Keysight Technologies, Inc.(a)

    47,050       7,264,991  

Littelfuse, Inc.

    14,041       3,577,506  
   

 

 

 
      10,842,497  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–4.3%

   

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.–Class A

    159,070       11,017,188  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.(a)

    66,132       16,933,760  

Maximus, Inc.

    240,315       21,140,511  
   

 

 

 
      49,091,459  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–0.8%

   

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    50,420       8,972,239  
   

 

 

 
      112,500,895  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

COMMUNICATION SERVICES–6.6%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–6.6%

   

Comcast Corp.–Class A

    745,800     $ 42,525,516  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    577,820       32,375,255  
   

 

 

 
      74,900,771  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–5.5%

   

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–1.9%

   

Walmart, Inc.

    154,727       21,819,601  
   

 

 

 

TOBACCO–3.6%

   

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    413,180       40,950,270  
   

 

 

 
      62,769,871  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–3.2%

   

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.7%

   

Cactus, Inc.–Class A

    99,197       3,642,514  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.(b)

    125,989       4,111,021  
   

 

 

 
      7,753,535  
   

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–2.5%

   

Chevron Corp.

    54,090       5,665,387  

ConocoPhillips

    95,940       5,842,746  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    129,960       10,843,862  

Phillips 66

    72,510       6,222,808  
   

 

 

 
      28,574,803  
   

 

 

 
      36,328,338  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–2.1%

   

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–2.1%

   

CBRE Group, Inc.–Class A(a)

    285,870       24,507,635  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–1.7%

   

METALS & MINING–1.7%

   

BHP Group Ltd. (Sponsored ADR)(b)

    138,570       10,092,053  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    146,640       8,739,744  
   

 

 

 
      18,831,797  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $776,937,449)

      1,087,365,448  
   

 

 

 

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–4.3%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–4.3%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.01%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $49,389,480)

    49,389,480     $ 49,389,480  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SECURITY LENDING COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–99.9%
(cost $826,326,929)

      1,136,754,928  
   

 

 

 
    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
   

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–0.9%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.9%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.01%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $10,220,208)

    10,220,208     $ 10,220,208  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.8% (cost $836,547,137)

      1,146,975,136  

Other assets less liabilities–(0.8)%

      (8,888,974
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 1,138,086,162  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

5


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $776,937,449)

   $ 1,087,365,448 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $59,609,688—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $10,220,208)

     59,609,688  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     7,152,922  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     1,386,583  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     43,605  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     457  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     1,155,558,703  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     10,220,208  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     5,393,230  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     769,413  

Advisory fee payable

     514,760  

Distribution fee payable

     200,410  

Administrative fee payable

     20,497  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     129  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     353,894  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     17,472,541  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 1,138,086,162  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 33,360  

Additional paid-in capital

     768,229,026  

Distributable earnings

     369,823,776  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 1,138,086,162  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $   166,523,386          4,798,145        $   34.71  
B      $ 971,562,776          28,562,073        $ 34.02  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $14,061,018 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

6


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $126,610)

   $ 9,153,636  

Affiliated issuers

     3,194  

Securities lending income

     29,470  
  

 

 

 
     9,186,300  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     2,987,941  

Distribution fee—Class B

     1,162,710  

Transfer agency—Class A

     688  

Transfer agency—Class B

     4,098  

Custody and accounting

     81,306  

Printing

     58,004  

Administrative

     39,467  

Legal

     35,402  

Audit and tax

     20,515  

Directors’ fees

     16,580  

Miscellaneous

     17,219  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     4,423,930  

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

     (14,710
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     4,409,220  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     4,777,080  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     87,518,614  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     101,660,892  
  

 

 

 

Net gain on investment transactions

     189,179,506  
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations

   $ 193,956,586  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


      
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment income

   $ 4,777,080     $ 12,028,926  

Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions

     87,518,614       (36,028,265

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     101,660,892       38,846,348  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     193,956,586       14,847,009  

Distributions to Shareholders

    

Class A

     –0 –      (9,106,244

Class B

     –0 –      (53,075,328

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net decrease

     (67,854,503     (19,049,810
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     126,102,083       (66,384,373

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     1,011,984,079       1,078,368,452  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 1,138,086,162     $ 1,011,984,079  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

8


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Growth and Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 11 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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. Factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

9


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2021:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

           

Assets:

           

Common Stocks(a)

   $ 1,087,365,448      $             –0 –     $             –0 –     $ 1,087,365,448  

Short-Term Investments

     49,389,480        –0 –       –0 –       49,389,480  

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

     10,220,208        –0 –       –0 –       10,220,208  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     1,146,975,136        –0 –       –0 –       1,146,975,136  

Other Financial Instruments(b)

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,146,975,136      $ –0 –     $ –0 –     $ 1,146,975,136  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

3. Currency Translation

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

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

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $39,467.

 

11


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $818 for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2022. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, such waiver amounted to $14,518.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Market Value
12/31/20
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/21
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 38,262      $ 206,669      $ 195,541      $ 49,390      $ 3  

Government Money Market Portfolio*

     13,101        31,253        34,134        10,220        1  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

            $ 59,610      $ 4  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

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 (and related transactions). As a result, as of May 20, 2021, AXA no longer owns shares of Equitable.

Sales 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 Portfolio’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 Portfolio subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

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

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

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

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

       Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     $ 242,126,593      $ 318,214,267  

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

   $ 312,397,188  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (1,969,189
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 310,427,999  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

2. Currency Transactions

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

NOTE E: Securities Lending

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

 

13


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the six months ended June 30, 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

 
$ 14,061,018     $ 10,220,208     $ 4,153,921     $ 28,807     $ 663     $ 192  

 

*   As of June 30, 2021.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

Class A

         

Shares sold

    287,953       711,385       $ 9,475,537     $ 18,355,193  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      361,798         –0 –      9,106,244  

Shares redeemed

    (434,543     (1,268,671       (14,092,728     (32,792,160
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (146,590     (195,488     $ (4,617,191   $ (5,330,723
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    1,150,581       2,404,541       $ 37,134,131     $ 60,446,536  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      2,145,887         –0 –      53,075,328  

Shares redeemed

    (3,141,140     (4,994,251       (100,371,443     (127,240,951
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (1,990,559     (443,823     $ (63,237,312   $ (13,719,087
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2021, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 60% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Market Risk—The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s value approach, may be underperforming the market generally.

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

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio 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. 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 Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition 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 Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. 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 Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

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

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

       2020        2019  

Distributions paid from:

         

Ordinary income

     $ 17,089,865        $ 32,357,161  

Net long-term capital gains

       45,091,707          90,759,885  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

     $ 62,181,572        $ 123,117,046  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

15


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 7,412,106  

Accumulated capital and other losses

     (35,158,323 )(a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     203,613,407 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 175,867,190  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   As of December 31, 2020, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $35,158,323.

 

(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 December 31, 2020, the Portfolio had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $28,209,154 and a net long-term capital loss carryforward of $6,949,169, which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)—Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2020-04.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

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

 

16


      
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS A  
    Six  Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $28.97       $30.30       $27.78       $33.35       $31.21       $30.12  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)(b)

    .18       .40       .43       .41       .31       .43 † 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    5.56       .13       5.84       (1.84     5.21       2.84  

Contributions from Affiliates

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    5.74       .53       6.27       (1.43     5.52       3.27  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.42     (.39     (.34     (.49     (.32

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (1.44     (3.36     (3.80     (2.89     (1.86
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (1.86     (3.75     (4.14     (3.38     (2.18
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $34.71       $28.97       $30.30       $27.78       $33.35       $31.21  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

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

    19.81     2.72     23.91     (5.61 )%      18.93     11.30 %† 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

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

    $166,523       $143,269       $155,765       $133,188       $159,324       $155,924  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (e)‡

    .60 %^      .61     .61     .59     .60     .61

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (e)‡

    .60 %^      .62     .62     .60     .60     .61

Net investment income (b)

    1.09 %^      1.53     1.43     1.28     .97     1.46 %† 

Portfolio turnover rate

    23     54     66     96     85     101
           

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

  

portfolios

    .00 %^      .01     .01     .01     .00     .00

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 19.

 

17


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS B  
    Six  Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $28.43       $29.76       $27.34       $32.88       $30.82       $29.78  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)(b)

    .13       .33       .35       .33       .23       .36 † 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    5.46       .13       5.74       (1.81     5.14       2.79  

Contributions from Affiliates

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    5.59       .46       6.09       (1.48     5.37       3.15  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.35     (.31     (.26     (.42     (.25

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (1.44     (3.36     (3.80     (2.89     (1.86
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (1.79     (3.67     (4.06     (3.31     (2.11
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $34.02       $28.43       $29.76       $27.34       $32.88       $30.82  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

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

    19.66     2.47     23.61     (5.84 )%      18.59     11.07 %† 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

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

    $971,563       $868,715       $922,603       $772,904       $906,790       $886,666  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (e)‡

    .85 %^      .86     .86     .84     .85     .86

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (e)‡

    .85 %^      .87     .87     .85     .85     .86

Net investment income (b)

    .84 %^      1.28     1.18     1.03     .72     1.21 %† 

Portfolio turnover rate

    23     54     66     96     85     101
           

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

  

portfolios

    .00 %^      .01     .01     .01     .00     .00

 

 

See footnote summary on page 19.

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

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

 

(e)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, such waiver amounted to .01%, .01% and .01%, respectively.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, 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

$.002   .01%   .01%

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 by .15%, .02%, .68% and .03%, 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 Portfolio’s performance for the year ended December 31, 2017 by .01%.

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

19


 
 
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

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

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2021, which covered the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

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

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

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

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

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, 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 Portfolio, and in a diminished depth of liquidity in most markets, to varying degrees. Nonetheless, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

20


      
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Growth and Income Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on May 3-5, 2021 (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.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

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

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2019 and 2020 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous

 

21


GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors noted that the Fund was not profitable to the Adviser in 2019 and concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund in 2020 was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

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

Investment Results

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

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2021 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

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

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior 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 also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another fund advised by the Adviser utilizing similar investment strategies.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

22


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

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

 

23


VPS-GI-0152-0621


JUN    06.30.21

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO

 

As of May 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, you may not be receiving paper copies of the Portfolio’s shareholder reports from the insurance company that offers your contract unless you specifically requested paper copies from the insurance company or from your financial intermediary. Instead of delivering paper copies of the reports, the insurance company may choose to make the reports available on a website, and will notify you by mail each time a report is posted and provide you with a website link to access the report. Instructions for requesting paper copies will be provided by your insurance company.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge from the insurance company. You can inform the insurance company or your financial intermediary that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by following the instructions provided by the insurance company or by contacting your financial intermediary. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all portfolio companies available under your contract with the insurance company.


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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.


 
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2021
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2021
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 988.20      $ 6.66        1.35

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,018.10      $ 6.76        1.35
           

Class B

           

Actual

   $   1,000      $ 986.20      $ 7.93        1.61

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $   1,016.81      $   8.05        1.61

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
TOP TEN SECTORS (including derivatives)1  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

Governments—Treasuries2

       43.9

Corporates—Investment Grade

       23.3  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

       17.4  

Mortgage Pass-Throughs

       13.7  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

       10.6  

Corporates—Non-Investment Grade

       5.5  

Inflation-Linked Securities

       4.6  

Asset-Backed Securities

       4.4  

Interest Rate Swaps3

       3.1  

Local Governments—US Municipal Bonds

       1.8  

SECTOR BREAKDOWN (excluding derivatives)4

June 30, 2021 (unaudited)

 

 

Corporates—Investment Grade

       22.1

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

       16.4  

Mortgage Pass-Throughs

       13.0  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

       10.1  

Governments—Treasuries

       8.2  

Inflation-Linked Securities

       4.4  

Corporates—Non-Investment Grade

       4.2  

Asset-Backed Securities

       4.2  

Local Governments—US Municipal Bonds

       1.7  

Emerging Markets—Corporate Bonds

       0.3  

Quasi-Sovereigns

       0.1  

Short-Term Investments

       15.3  

 

 

 

1   All data are as of June 30, 2021. The Portfolio’s sectors include derivative exposure and are expressed as approximate percentages of the Portfolio’s total net assets, based on the Adviser’s internal classification. The percentages will vary over time.

 

2   Includes Treasury Futures.

 

3   Represents the exposure of the Portfolio’s fixed-rate payments on the Interest Rate Swaps. Interest Rate Swaps involve the exchange by a fund with another party of payments calculated by reference to specified interest rates (e.g., an exchange of floating-rate payments for fixed-rate payments).

 

4   All data are as of June 30, 2021. The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. The Portfolio also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details).

 

2


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                              

CORPORATES–
INVESTMENT
GRADE–23.3%

     

INDUSTRIAL–13.1%

 

BASIC–0.6%

     

Alpek SAB de CV
4.25%, 09/18/2029(a)

  U.S.$     200     $ 216,663  

Suzano Austria GmbH
3.75%, 01/15/2031

      17       17,765  
     

 

 

 
        234,428  
     

 

 

 

CAPITAL GOODS–0.4%

   

General Electric Co.
3.45%, 05/01/2027

      107       117,707  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.
3.20%, 06/15/2025

      15       15,983  
     

 

 

 
        133,690  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–
MEDIA–0.7%

     

Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital

     

4.20%, 03/15/2028

      7       7,918  

4.80%, 03/01/2050

      15       17,282  

5.125%, 07/01/2049

      23       27,474  

Comcast Corp.
4.15%, 10/15/2028

      95       110,002  

Discovery Communications LLC

     

4.65%, 05/15/2050

      9       10,534  

5.20%, 09/20/2047

      15       18,685  

5.30%, 05/15/2049

      10       12,610  

Fox Corp. 5.576%, 01/25/2049

      43       58,067  
     

 

 

 
        262,572  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.3%

   

AT&T, Inc.

     

3.50%, 09/15/2053(a)

      55       55,160  

3.65%, 09/15/2059(a)

      74       74,971  
     

 

 

 
        130,131  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–AUTOMOTIVE–0.7%

   

General Motors Co.

     

6.125%, 10/01/2025

      25       29,595  

6.80%, 10/01/2027

      34       42,803  

General Motors Financial Co., Inc.

   

4.30%, 07/13/2025

      30       33,165  

5.25%, 03/01/2026

      21       24,261  

Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc.
3.35%, 06/08/2025(a)

      128       136,926  
     

 

 

 
        266,750  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–
OTHER–0.4%

   

Las Vegas Sands Corp.
3.90%, 08/08/2029

      85       90,569  
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                              

Marriott International, Inc./MD
Series EE
5.75%, 05/01/2025

  U.S.$     12     $ 13,856  

MDC Holdings, Inc.
6.00%, 01/15/2043

      38       49,002  
     

 

 

 
        153,427  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–
RETAILERS–0.6%

   

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
3.90%, 04/15/2030

      88       98,394  

Ross Stores, Inc.
4.70%, 04/15/2027

      113       130,950  
     

 

 

 
        229,344  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER NON-
CYCLICAL–2.2%

   

Altria Group, Inc.

     

3.40%, 05/06/2030

      85       90,063  

4.80%, 02/14/2029

      26       30,151  

Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc.
5.55%, 01/23/2049

      120       164,995  

BAT Capital Corp.

     

2.259%, 03/25/2028

      128       127,278  

2.726%, 03/25/2031

      50       49,249  

4.70%, 04/02/2027

      55       62,138  

Cigna Corp.
4.375%, 10/15/2028

      58       67,509  

CVS Health Corp.
4.30%, 03/25/2028

      8       9,190  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
4.40%, 11/26/2023

      200       217,108  
     

 

 

 
        817,681  
     

 

 

 

ENERGY–4.6%

   

BP Capital Markets America, Inc.
2.939%, 06/04/2051

      129       123,714  

Cenovus Energy, Inc.

     

4.25%, 04/15/2027

      12       13,418  

4.40%, 04/15/2029

      132       149,528  

5.375%, 07/15/2025

      30       34,322  

Chevron USA, Inc.

     

3.85%, 01/15/2028

      30       34,201  

5.25%, 11/15/2043

      60       81,578  

Devon Energy Corp.
5.60%, 07/15/2041

      50       62,022  

Enbridge Energy Partners LP
7.375%, 10/15/2045

      70       110,480  

Energy Transfer LP

     

4.75%, 01/15/2026

      175       197,003  

6.25%, 04/15/2049

      14       18,410  

Enterprise Products Operating LLC
3.70%, 02/15/2026

      161       178,322  

Marathon Oil Corp.
6.80%, 03/15/2032

      100       131,343  

 

3


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                              

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

     

5.125%, 12/15/2026

  U.S.$     30     $ 35,318  

6.50%, 03/01/2041

      18       25,022  

ONEOK, Inc.

     

4.00%, 07/13/2027

      87       96,140  

4.35%, 03/15/2029

      57       64,359  

5.20%, 07/15/2048

      5       6,133  

6.35%, 01/15/2031

      23       29,747  

Plains All American Pipeline LP/PAA Finance Corp.

     

3.55%, 12/15/2029

      8       8,437  

4.50%, 12/15/2026

      25       28,087  

4.65%, 10/15/2025

      57       63,779  

Suncor Energy, Inc.
6.80%, 05/15/2038

      59       84,781  

TransCanada PipeLines Ltd.
6.10%, 06/01/2040

      91       125,144  
     

 

 

 
        1,701,288  
     

 

 

 

SERVICES–0.4%

   

Booking Holdings, Inc.
4.625%, 04/13/2030

      104       124,411  

IHS Markit Ltd.

     

4.25%, 05/01/2029

      19       21,967  

4.75%, 08/01/2028

      7       8,245  
     

 

 

 
        154,623  
     

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY–1.9%

   

Broadcom, Inc.

     

4.11%, 09/15/2028

      72       80,945  

4.15%, 11/15/2030

      126       141,393  

5.00%, 04/15/2030

      46       54,372  

Dell International LLC/EMC Corp.
6.02%, 06/15/2026

      78       93,549  

Infor, Inc.
1.75%, 07/15/2025(a)

      34       34,715  

Micron Technology, Inc.
4.185%, 02/15/2027

      111       125,339  

Oracle Corp.

     

2.875%, 03/25/2031

      57       59,353  

3.95%, 03/25/2051

      68       74,304  

VeriSign, Inc.
2.70%, 06/15/2031

      33       33,490  
     

 

 

 
        697,460  
     

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION–
AIRLINES–0.3%

   

Delta Air Lines, Inc./SkyMiles IP Ltd.

     

4.50%, 10/20/2025(a)

      39       42,304  

4.75%, 10/20/2028(a)

      46       51,192  
     

 

 

 
        93,496  
     

 

 

 
        4,874,890  
     

 

 

 
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                              

FINANCIAL
INSTITUTIONS–10.2%

   

BANKING–7.2%

   

American Express Co.

     

Series B

     

3.584% (LIBOR
3 Month + 3.43%),
08/15/2021(b)(c)

  U.S.$     8     $ 8,020  

Series C

     

3.404% (LIBOR
3 Month + 3.29%),
09/15/2021(b)(c)

      32       32,087  

Banco de Credito del Peru
3.125%, 07/01/2030(a)

      87       86,099  

Banco Santander SA

     

2.749%, 12/03/2030

      200       198,218  

3.49%, 05/28/2030

      200       215,942  

Bank of America Corp.

     

2.687%, 04/22/2032

      56       57,684  

Series DD

     

6.30%, 03/10/2026(b)

      27       31,371  

Series L

     

3.95%, 04/21/2025

      124       136,161  

Series Z

     

6.50%, 10/23/2024(b)

      41       46,353  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)
Series G
4.70%, 09/20/2025(b)

      17       18,697  

Barclays Bank PLC
6.86%, 06/15/2032(a)(b)

      29       39,371  

BNP Paribas SA
2.871%, 04/19/2032(a)

      200       205,188  

Capital One Financial Corp.
Series E
3.935% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.80%), 09/01/2021(b)(c)

      83       83,184  

CIT Group, Inc.
5.25%, 03/07/2025

      56       63,025  

Citigroup, Inc.

     

3.98%, 03/20/2030

      37       41,988  

4.075%, 04/23/2029

      52       59,028  

5.95%, 01/30/2023(b)

      55       57,891  

Series W

     

4.00%, 12/10/2025(b)

      37       38,241  

Credit Suisse Group AG 3.80%, 06/09/2023

      265       280,645  

Fifth Third Bancorp
Series L
4.50%, 09/30/2025 (b)

      24       26,048  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)
2.615%, 04/22/2032

      78       79,771  

HSBC Holdings PLC
4.25%, 08/18/2025

      203       224,575  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     

2.58%, 04/22/2032

      116       119,177  

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                              

Series I

     

3.656% (LIBOR
3 Month + 3.47%), 07/30/2021(b)(c)

  U.S.$     36     $ 36,078  

Series V

     

3.465% (LIBOR
3 Month + 3.32%), 10/01/2021(b)(c)

      18       18,007  

Series Z

     

3.976% (LIBOR
3 Month + 3.80%), 08/01/2021(b)(c)

      51       51,140  

Morgan Stanley Series H
3.794% (LIBOR 3 Month + 3.61%), 10/15/2021(b)(c)

      10       10,041  

Santander Holdings USA, Inc.
4.40%, 07/13/2027

      41       45,998  

Standard Chartered PLC
1.696% (LIBOR
3 Month + 1.51%), 01/30/2027(a)(b)(c)

      100       96,332  

Truist Financial Corp.
Series Q
5.10%, 03/01/2030(b)

      81       91,357  

US Bancorp
Series J
5.30%, 04/15/2027(b)

      63       71,347  

Wells Fargo & Co.

     

2.188%, 04/30/2026

      62       64,368  

Series BB

     

3.90%, 03/15/2026(b)

      33       34,118  
     

 

 

 
        2,667,550  
     

 

 

 

BROKERAGE–0.3%

   

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

     

Series G

     

5.375%, 06/01/2025(b)

      44       48,738  

Series I

     

4.00%, 06/01/2026(b)

      72       75,089  
     

 

 

 
        123,827  
     

 

 

 

FINANCE–1.9%

   

Air Lease Corp.

     

2.875%, 01/15/2026

      15       15,776  

3.625%, 04/01/2027

      8       8,612  

4.25%, 02/01/2024

      17       18,414  

Aircastle Ltd.

     

2.85%, 01/26/2028(a)

      88       88,517  

4.125%, 05/01/2024

      18       19,220  

4.25%, 06/15/2026

      7       7,598  

4.40%, 09/25/2023

      41       43,906  

5.00%, 04/01/2023

      4       4,279  

5.25%, 08/11/2025(a)

      47       52,789  

Aviation Capital Group LLC

     

1.95%, 01/30/2026(a)

      46       45,999  

2.875%, 01/20/2022(a)

      10       10,103  

3.50%, 11/01/2027(a)

      17       17,853  

3.875%, 05/01/2023(a)

      38       39,797  

4.125%, 08/01/2025(a)

      2       2,159  
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                              

4.375%, 01/30/2024(a)

  U.S.$     14     $ 15,022  

4.875%, 10/01/2025(a)

      20       22,157  

5.50%, 12/15/2024(a)

      46       52,042  

GE Capital European Funding Unlimited Co.
4.625%, 02/22/2027

  EUR     50       73,520  

Synchrony Financial
4.50%, 07/23/2025

  U.S.$     147       164,609  
     

 

 

 
        702,372  
     

 

 

 

INSURANCE–0.6%

   

Alleghany Corp.
3.625%, 05/15/2030

      95       104,823  

Centene Corp.

     

4.25%, 12/15/2027

      14       14,769  

4.625%, 12/15/2029

      16       17,613  

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.
9.375%, 08/15/2039(a)

      35       60,631  

Voya Financial, Inc.
5.65%, 05/15/2053

      31       33,189  
     

 

 

 
        231,025  
     

 

 

 

REITS–0.2%

   

Host Hotels & Resorts LP
Series D
3.75%, 10/15/2023

      6       6,323  

Vornado Realty LP 3.40%, 06/01/2031

      48       49,495  
     

 

 

 
        55,818  
     

 

 

 
        3,780,592  
     

 

 

 

Total Corporates–Investment Grade
(cost $8,128,136)

        8,655,482  
     

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES–17.2%

   

NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE CMBS–13.2%

   

BAMLL Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2013-WBRK, Class D
3.652%, 03/10/2037(a)

      110       100,719  

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2015-UBS7, Class AS
3.989%, 09/15/2048

      100       109,183  

CCUBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2017-C1, Class A4
3.544%, 11/15/2050

      155       171,621  

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust

     

Series 2016-C4, Class A4

     

3.283%, 05/10/2058

      115       123,950  

Series 2016-C4, Class AM

     

3.691%, 05/10/2058

      45       48,493  

 

5


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

CGRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2013-VN05, Class A
3.369%, 03/13/2035(a)

  U.S.$     260     $ 269,340  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust

     

Series 2015-GC27, Class A5 3.137%, 02/10/2048

      144       153,275  

Series 2015-GC35, Class A4 3.818%, 11/10/2048

      55       60,686  

Series 2016-C1, Class A4 3.209%, 05/10/2049

      192       207,490  

Series 2016-GC36, Class A5 3.616%, 02/10/2049

      65       71,269  

Commercial Mortgage Trust

     

Series 2013-SFS, Class A1 1.873%, 04/12/2035(a)

      27       27,338  

Series 2014-UBS3, Class A4 3.819%, 06/10/2047

      130       140,291  

Series 2014-UBS5, Class A4 3.838%, 09/10/2047

      130       140,957  

Series 2014-UBS6, Class AM 4.048%, 12/10/2047

      45       48,501  

Series 2015-CR24, Class A5 3.696%, 08/10/2048

      65       71,099  

Series 2015-DC1, Class A5 3.35%, 02/10/2048

      80       85,770  

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust

     

Series 2015-C2, Class A4 3.504%, 06/15/2057

      100       107,997  

Series 2015-C3, Class A4 3.718%, 08/15/2048

      117       127,221  

Series 2015-C4, Class A4 3.808%, 11/15/2048

      215       236,795  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust

     

Series 2013-G1, Class A2 3.557%, 04/10/2031(a)

      136       136,320  

Series 2014-GC22, Class A5
3.862%, 06/10/2047

      77       83,105  

Series 2015-GC28, Class A5
3.396%, 02/10/2048

      95       102,341  

Series 2018-GS9, Class A4 3.992%, 03/10/2051

      75       85,477  

GSF

     

Series 2021-1, Class A1 1.433%, 08/15/2026(d)(e)

      19       18,939  

Series 2021-1, Class A2 2.435%, 08/15/2026(d)(e)

      21       21,421  

Series 2021-1, Class AS 2.638%, 08/15/2026(d)(e)

      4       4,089  
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

     

Series 2014-C21, Class A5 3.775%, 08/15/2047

  U.S.$     100     $ 108,079  

Series 2014-C22, Class XA 0.979%, 09/15/2047(f)

      2,481       54,701  

Series 2014-C24, Class C 4.55%, 11/15/2047

      110       107,448  

Series 2015-C30, Class A5 3.822%, 07/15/2048

      65       71,417  

Series 2015-C31, Class A3 3.801%, 08/15/2048

      195       212,934  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

     

Series 2012-C6, Class D 5.313%, 05/15/2045

      110       104,403  

Series 2012-C6, Class E 5.313%, 05/15/2045(a)

      132       92,920  

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2006-C6, Class AJ 5.452%, 09/15/2039

      24       12,628  

LSTAR Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2016-4, Class A2 2.579%, 03/10/2049(a)

      139       140,369  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust Series 2016-UB12, Class A4 3.596%, 12/15/2049

      100       109,795  

UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

     

Series 2018-C8, Class A4 3.983%, 02/15/2051

      100       113,180  

Series 2018-C9, Class A4 4.117%, 03/15/2051

      125       141,317  

Series 2018-C10, Class A4 4.313%, 05/15/2051

      125       143,480  

UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2012-C4, Class A5 2.85%, 12/10/2045

      112       114,831  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust

     

Series 2015-SG1, Class A4 3.789%, 09/15/2048

      95       102,363  

Series 2016-C35, Class XA 2.077%, 07/15/2048(f)

      875       67,472  

Series 2016-LC25, Class C 4.563%, 12/15/2059

      85       90,945  

Series 2016-NXS6, Class C 4.459%, 11/15/2049

      100       107,770  

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

     

Series 2013-C11, Class XA 1.281%, 03/15/2045(a)(f)

      1,016       14,186  

Series 2014-C19, Class A5 4.101%, 03/15/2047

      130       140,415  

Series 2014-C24, Class AS 3.931%, 11/15/2047

      110       116,165  
     

 

 

 
        4,920,505  
     

 

 

 

 

6


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE CMBS–4.0%

     

Ashford Hospitality Trust Series 2018-KEYS, Class A 1.073% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.00%), 06/15/2035(a)(c)

  U.S.$     100     $ 100,078  

Atrium Hotel Portfolio Trust Series 2018-ATRM, Class A 1.023% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.95%), 06/15/2035(a)(c)

      100       99,998  

BAMLL Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust Series 2017-SCH, Class AF 1.073% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.00%), 11/15/2033(a)(c)

      185       181,003  

BBCMS Mortgage Trust
Series 2020-BID, Class A 2.213% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.14%), 10/15/2037(a)(c)

      71       71,664  

Beneria Cowen & Pritzer Collateral Funding Corp. Series 2021-330N, Class A 0.899% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.80%), 06/15/2038(a)(c)

      21       20,851  

BFLD Trust
Series 2021-FPM, Class A 1.70% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.60%), 06/15/2038(a)(c)

      113       113,101  

BHMS
Series 2018-ATLS, Class A 1.323% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.25%), 07/15/2035(a)(c)

      81       81,099  

BX Trust
Series 2018-EXCL, Class A 1.161% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.09%), 09/15/2037(a)(c)

      79       77,814  

CLNY Trust
Series 2019-IKPR, Class D 2.098% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.03%), 11/15/2038(a)(c)

      65       64,714  

DBWF Mortgage Trust
Series 2018-GLKS, Class A 1.123% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.03%), 12/19/2030(a)(c)

      100       100,137  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
Series 2021-MN1, Class M1 2.018% (SOFR + 2.00%), 01/25/2051(a)(c)

      19       18,806  

Great Wolf Trust
Series 2019-WOLF, Class A 1.107% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.03%), 12/15/2036(a)(c)

      111       111,069  
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. Trust

     

Series 2019-BOCA, Class A 1.273% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.20%), 06/15/2038(a)(c)

  U.S.$     115     $ 115,214  

Series 2019-SMP, Class A 1.223% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.15%), 08/15/2032(a)(c)

      100       100,063  

Invitation Homes Trust
Series 2018-SFR2, Class C 1.353% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.28%), 06/17/2037(a)(c)

      100       100,144  

Starwood Retail Property Trust
Series 2014-STAR, Class A 1.543% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.47%), 11/15/2027(a)(c)

      174       129,858  
     

 

 

 
        1,485,613  
     

 

 

 

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
(cost $6,300,625)

        6,406,118  
     

 

 

 

MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGHS –13.7%

   

AGENCY FIXED RATE 30-YEAR –11.9%

     

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

     

Series 2019
3.50%, 10/01/2049-11/01/2049

      175       186,581  

Series 2020
3.50%, 01/01/2050

      86       92,515  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Gold

     

Series 2005
5.50%, 01/01/2035

      41       47,391  

Series 2007
5.50%, 07/01/2035

      13       15,460  

Series 2016
4.00%, 02/01/2046

      113       123,837  

Series 2017
4.00%, 07/01/2044

      84       91,831  

Series 2018
4.50%, 10/01/2048-11/01/2048

      170       185,076  

5.00%, 11/01/2048

      45       49,430  

Federal National Mortgage Association

     

Series 2003
5.50%, 04/01/2033-07/01/2033

      40       45,830  

Series 2004
5.50%, 04/01/2034-11/01/2034

      36       40,843  

Series 2005
5.50%, 02/01/2035

      41       47,190  

 

7


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

Series 2010
4.00%, 12/01/2040

  U.S.$     52     $ 56,758  

Series 2012
3.50%, 02/01/2042-01/01/2043

      158       171,325  

Series 2013
3.50%, 04/01/2043

      78       84,047  

4.00%, 10/01/2043

      203       221,277  

Series 2018
3.50%, 04/01/2048-05/01/2048

      621       663,094  

4.50%, 09/01/2048

      146       158,678  

Series 2019
3.50%, 09/01/2049-11/01/2049

      298       317,581  

Series 2020
3.50%, 01/01/2050

      79       84,731  

Government National Mortgage Association

     

Series 1994
9.00%, 09/15/2024

      0 **      217  

Series 2016
3.00%, 04/20/2046

      97       101,997  

Uniform Mortgage-Backed Security

     

Series 2021
2.00%, 07/01/2051, TBA

      415       419,539  

2.50%, 07/01/2051, TBA

      1,162       1,202,489  
     

 

 

 
        4,407,717  
     

 

 

 

AGENCY FIXED RATE
15-YEAR–1.8%

     

Federal National Mortgage Association Series 2016 2.50%, 07/01/2031-01/01/2032

      651       680,845  
     

 

 

 

Total Mortgage Pass-Throughs
(cost $4,914,789)

        5,088,562  
     

 

 

 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS–10.6%

     

RISK SHARE FLOATING RATE –8.2%

     

Bellemeade Re Ltd.

     

Series 2018-3A, Class M1B 1.942% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.85%), 10/25/2028(a)(c)

      82       82,075  

Series 2019-4A, Class M1B 2.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.00%), 10/25/2029(a)(c)

      150       150,094  

Series 2020-4A, Class M2A 2.692% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.60%), 06/25/2030(a)(c)

      114       113,966  

Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust

     

Series 2018-R07, Class 1M2 2.492% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.40%), 04/25/2031(a)(c)

      18       17,672  
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

Series 2019-HRP1, Class M2 2.242% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.15%), 11/25/2039(a)(c)

  U.S.$     80     $ 79,257  

Series 2019-R02, Class 1M2 2.392% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.30%), 08/25/2031(a)(c)

      22       22,098  

Series 2019-R03, Class 1M2 2.242% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.15%), 09/25/2031(a)(c)

      36       35,773  

Series 2019-R04, Class 2M2 2.192% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.10%), 06/25/2039(a)(c)

      32       31,858  

Series 2019-R05, Class 1M2 2.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.00%), 07/25/2039(a)(c)

      26       26,317  

Series 2019-R06, Class 2M2 2.192% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.10%), 09/25/2039(a)(c)

      47       46,868  

Series 2019-R07, Class 1M2 2.192% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.10%), 10/25/2039(a)(c)

      49       49,132  

Series 2020-R01, Class 1M2 2.142% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.05%), 01/25/2040(a)(c)

      102       102,347  

Series 2020-R02, Class 2M2 2.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.00%), 01/25/2040(a)(c)

      87       87,646  

Eagle Re Ltd.

     

Series 2020-1, Class M1A 0.992% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.90%), 01/25/2030(a)(c)

      150       149,637  

Series 2020-2, Class M1B 4.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 10/25/2030(a)(c)

      150       150,930  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes

     

Series 2019-DNA3, Class M2 2.142% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.05%), 07/25/2049(a)(c)

      75       75,480  

Series 2019-DNA4, Class M2 2.042% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.95%), 10/25/2049(a)(c)

      54       54,204  

Series 2019-FTR2, Class M2 2.242% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.15%), 11/25/2048(a)(c)

      115       114,892  

 

8


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

Series 2019-HQA1, Class M2 2.442% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.35%), 02/25/2049(a)(c)

  U.S.$     65     $ 65,824  

Series 2020-DNA1, Class M2 1.792% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.70%), 01/25/2050(a)(c)

      79       79,725  

Series 2020-DNA5, Class M2 2.818% (SOFR + 2.80%), 10/25/2050(a)(c)

      70       71,047  

Series 2021-DNA3, Class B1 3.518% (SOFR + 3.50%), 10/25/2033(a)(c)

      71       73,475  

Federal National Mortgage Association Connecticut Avenue Securities

     

Series 2014-C04, Class 1M2 4.992% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.90%), 11/25/2024(c)

      44       45,635  

Series 2014-C04, Class 2M2 5.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 11/25/2024(c)

      12       12,478  

Series 2015-C01, Class 2M2 4.642% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.55%), 02/25/2025(c)

      2       2,470  

Series 2015-C02, Class 1M2 4.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 05/25/2025(c)

      33       34,108  

Series 2015-C02, Class 2M2 4.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.00%), 05/25/2025(c)

      13       13,306  

Series 2015-C03, Class 1M2 5.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 07/25/2025(c)

      36       37,054  

Series 2015-C03, Class 2M2 5.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.00%), 07/25/2025(c)

      13       12,689  

Series 2015-C04, Class 1M2 5.792% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.70%), 04/25/2028(c)

      66       69,680  

Series 2016-C01, Class 1M2 6.842% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.75%), 08/25/2028(c)

      78       83,451  

Series 2016-C02, Class 1M2 6.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 6.00%), 09/25/2028(c)

      59       62,185  
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

Series 2016-C03, Class 2M2 5.992% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.90%), 10/25/2028(c)

  U.S.$     45     $ 47,334  

Series 2016-C05, Class 2M2 4.542% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.45%), 01/25/2029(c)

      51       53,049  

Series 2016-C06, Class 1M2 4.342% (LIBOR 1 Month + 4.25%), 04/25/2029(c)

      89       92,016  

Series 2017-C01, Class 1M2 3.642% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.55%), 07/25/2029(c)

      68       71,107  

Series 2017-C02, Class 2M2C 3.742% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.65%), 09/25/2029(c)

      68       70,381  

Series 2017-C04, Class 2M2 2.942% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.85%), 11/25/2029(c)

      38       39,123  

PMT Credit Risk Transfer Trust

     

Series 2019-1R, Class A 2.096% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.00%), 03/27/2024(a)(c)

      41       41,011  

Series 2019-2R, Class A 2.846% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.75%), 05/27/2023(a)(c)

      60       59,522  

Series 2019-3R, Class A 2.796% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.70%), 10/27/2022(a)(c)

      32       32,274  

Radnor Re Ltd.

     

Series 2020-1, Class M1A 1.042% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.95%), 01/25/2030(a)(c)

      150       150,016  

Series 2020-1, Class M2A 2.092% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.00%), 01/25/2030(a)(c)

      150       147,411  

STACR Trust
Series 2018-DNA3, Class M2 2.192% (LIBOR 1 Month + 2.10%), 09/25/2048(a)(c)

      31       30,979  

Triangle Re Ltd.
Series 2020-1, Class M1B 3.992% (LIBOR 1 Month + 3.90%), 10/25/2030(a)(c)

      150       150,750  

Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust

     

Series 2015-WF1, Class 1M2 5.342% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.25%), 11/25/2025(c)(e)

      19       18,692  

 

9


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

Series 2015-WF1, Class 2M2 5.592% (LIBOR 1 Month + 5.50%), 11/25/2025(c)(e)

  U.S.$     8     $ 7,811  
     

 

 

 
        3,064,849  
     

 

 

 

AGENCY FLOATING RATE–1.1%

     

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. REMICs
Series 4981, Class HS 6.009% (6.10%–LIBOR 1 Month), 06/25/2050(c)(g)

      368       65,606  

Federal National Mortgage Association REMICs

     

Series 2011-131, Class ST 6.449% (6.54%–LIBOR 1 Month), 12/25/2041(c)(g)

      97       20,571  

Series 2015-90, Class SL 6.059% (6.15%–LIBOR 1 Month), 12/25/2045(c)(g)

      193       39,741  

Series 2016-77, Class DS 5.909% (6.00%–LIBOR 1 Month), 10/25/2046(c)(g)

      159       31,342  

Series 2017-26, Class TS 5.859% (5.95%–LIBOR 1 Month), 04/25/2047(c)(g)

      192       46,561  

Series 2017-62, Class AS 6.059% (6.15%–LIBOR 1 Month), 08/25/2047(c)(g)

      180       37,417  

Series 2017-81, Class SA
6.109% (6.20%–LIBOR 1 Month), 10/25/2047(c)(g)

      194       45,955  

Series 2017-97, Class LS
6.109% (6.20%–LIBOR 1 Month), 12/25/2047(c)(g)

      211       53,306  

Government National Mortgage Association

     

Series 2017-134, Class SE
6.107% (6.20%–LIBOR 1 Month), 09/20/2047(c)(g)

      128       25,105  

Series 2017-65, Class ST
6.057% (6.15%–LIBOR 1 Month), 04/20/2047(c)(g)

      178       39,065  
     

 

 

 
        404,669  
     

 

 

 

NON-AGENCY FIXED RATE–0.6%

     

Alternative Loan Trust

     

Series 2005-20CB, Class 3A6
5.50%, 07/25/2035

      11       9,605  
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

Series 2006-24CB, Class A16
5.75%, 08/25/2036

  U.S.$     50     $ 38,776  

Series 2006-28CB, Class A14
6.25%, 10/25/2036

      36       27,186  

Series 2006-J1, Class 1A13
5.50%, 02/25/2036

      23       20,624  

Chase Mortgage Finance Trust
Series 2007-S5, Class 1A17
6.00%, 07/25/2037

      17       11,654  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust

     

Series 2006-10, Class 1A8
6.00%, 05/25/2036

      22       15,758  

Series 2006-13, Class 1A19
6.25%, 09/25/2036

      12       7,584  

First Horizon Alternative Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2006-FA3, Class A9
6.00%, 07/25/2036

      37       25,119  

JPMorgan Alternative Loan Trust
Series 2006-A3, Class 2A1
3.192%, 07/25/2036

      73       62,496  
     

 

 

 
        218,802  
     

 

 

 

AGENCY FIXED RATE–0.5%

 

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. REMICs

     

Series 5015, Class BI
4.00%, 09/25/2050(f)

      208       36,283  

Series 5049, Class CI
3.50%, 12/25/2050(f)

      223       31,061  

Federal National Mortgage Association Grantor Trust
Series 2004-T5, Class AB4
0.632%, 05/28/2035

      50       48,377  

Federal National Mortgage Association REMICs
Series 2020-89, Class KI 4.00%, 12/25/2050(f)

      443       70,283  
     

 

 

 
        186,004  
     

 

 

 

NON-AGENCY FLOATING RATE–0.2%

     

Deutsche Alt-A Securities
Mortgage Loan Trust
Series 2006-AR4, Class A2
0.472% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.38%), 12/25/2036(c)

      101       47,751  

HomeBanc Mortgage Trust
Series 2005-1, Class A1
0.592% (LIBOR 1 Month + 0.50%), 03/25/2035(c)

      24       21,569  
     

 

 

 
        69,320  
     

 

 

 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(cost $3,993,200)

        3,943,644  
     

 

 

 

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

GOVERNMENTS–
TREASURIES–8.6%

     

MALAYSIA–0.3%

     

Malaysia Government
Bond
Series 117
3.882%, 03/10/2022

  MYR     474     $ 115,802  
     

 

 

 

UNITED STATES–8.3%

     

U.S. Treasury Bonds

     

1.875%, 02/15/2051

  U.S.$     1,384       1,322,007  

5.375%, 02/15/2031

      175       237,673  

U.S. Treasury Notes

     

0.875%, 11/15/2030(h)

      579       550,750  

1.125%, 02/15/2031

      213       207,237  

1.625%, 05/15/2026

      756       783,581  
     

 

 

 
        3,101,248  
     

 

 

 

Total Governments–Treasuries
(cost $3,141,073)

        3,217,050  
     

 

 

 

INFLATION-LINKED
SECURITIES–4.6%

 

 

CANADA–0.6%

 

Canadian Government Real Return Bond
1.50%, 12/01/2044

  CAD     203       214,593  
     

 

 

 

UNITED STATES–4.0%

     

U.S. Treasury Inflation Index

     

0.125%, 01/15/2031(TIPS)

  U.S.$     82       90,381  

0.25%, 01/15/2025(TIPS)

      1,189       1,287,061  

0.75%, 07/15/2028(TIPS)

      96       109,903  
     

 

 

 
        1,487,345  
     

 

 

 

Total Inflation-Linked Securities
(cost $1,672,090)

        1,701,938  
     

 

 

 

CORPORATES–
NON-INVESTMENT
GRADE–4.5%

     

INDUSTRIAL–3.1%

 

BASIC–0.3%

     

Ingevity Corp.
3.875%, 11/01/2028(a)

      65       64,863  

Sealed Air Corp.
4.00%, 12/01/2027(a)

      47       49,985  
     

 

 

 
        114,848  
     

 

 

 

CAPITAL GOODS–0.3%

     

GFL Environmental, Inc.
3.50%, 09/01/2028(a)

      62       62,002  

TransDigm, Inc.
6.25%, 03/15/2026(a)

      50       52,740  
     

 

 

 
        114,742  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–
MEDIA– 0.8%

     

Cable One, Inc.
4.00%, 11/15/2030(a)

      37       37,160  
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.
4.50%, 08/15/2030-06/01/2033(a)

  U.S.$     75     $ 77,003  

CSC Holdings LLC
6.75%, 11/15/2021

      30       30,600  

Netflix, Inc.
5.875%, 11/15/2028

      83       101,962  

Sirius XM Radio, Inc.
4.00%, 07/15/2028(a)

      57       58,810  
     

 

 

 
        305,535  
     

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS–
TELECOMMUNICATIONS–0.4%

   

Lumen Technologies, Inc.
4.50%, 01/15/2029(a)

      60       58,432  

T-Mobile USA, Inc.

     

2.625%, 04/15/2026-02/15/2029

      27       27,261  

2.875%, 02/15/2031

      41       40,661  

3.375%, 04/15/2029

      7       7,239  
     

 

 

 
        133,593  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–
AUTOMOTIVE–0.2%

     

Allison Transmission, Inc.
3.75%, 01/30/2031(a)

      61       59,856  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–
ENTERTAINMENT–0.5%

     

Mattel, Inc.

     

3.375%, 04/01/2026(a)

      32       33,174  

3.75%, 04/01/2029(a)

      32       33,269  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

     

10.875%, 06/01/2023(a)

      43       49,027  

11.50%, 06/01/2025(a)

      73       84,220  
     

 

 

 
        199,690  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–
RESTAURANTS–0.2%

   

1011778 BC ULC/New Red Finance, Inc.
3.50%, 02/15/2029(a)

      77       76,109  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER CYCLICAL–
RETAILERS–0.1%

     

Levi Strauss & Co.
3.50%, 03/01/2031(a)

      42       41,860  
     

 

 

 

CONSUMER NON-CYCLICAL–0.2%

     

Albertsons Cos., Inc./Safeway, Inc./New Albertsons LP/Albertsons LLC
3.50%, 03/15/2029(a)

      41       40,513  

Newell Brands, Inc.

     

4.70%, 04/01/2026

      33       36,792  

4.875%, 06/01/2025

      8       8,864  

Spectrum Brands, Inc.
5.75%, 07/15/2025

      5       5,128  
     

 

 

 
        91,297  
     

 

 

 

 

11


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

ENERGY–0.1%

     

Transocean Poseidon Ltd.
6.875%, 02/01/2027(a)

  U.S.$     33     $ 33,164  
     

 

 

 
        1,170,694  
     

 

 

 

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS–1.2%

     

BANKING–1.0%

     

Credit Suisse Group AG
7.50%, 07/17/2023(a)(b)

      200       217,132  

Discover Financial Services
Series D 6.125%, 06/23/2025(b)

      127       142,528  
     

 

 

 
        359,660  
     

 

 

 

FINANCE–0.2%

     

SLM Corp.
4.20%, 10/29/2025

      68       73,085  
     

 

 

 
        432,745  
     

 

 

 

UTILITY–0.2%

     

ELECTRIC–0.2%

     

Vistra Operations Co. LLC 4.375%, 05/01/2029(a)

      58       58,306  
     

 

 

 

Total Corporates–Non-Investment Grade
(cost $1,603,033)

        1,661,745  
     

 

 

 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES–4.4%

     

OTHER ABS–FIXED RATE–2.5%

     

AB Issuer LLC
Series 2021-1, Class A2
3.734%, 07/30/2051(a)(d)

      80       80,610  

Affirm Asset Securitization Trust

     

Series 2020-A, Class A
2.10%, 02/18/2025(a)

      100       100,891  

Series 2021-A, Class C
1.66%, 08/15/2025(a)

      100       100,447  

Series 2021-Z1, Class A
1.07%, 08/15/2025(a)

      95       95,122  

Domino’s Pizza Master Issuer LLC
Series 2021-1A, Class A2I
2.662%, 04/25/2051(a)

      50       51,741  

GCI Funding I LLC
Series 2021-1, Class A
2.38%, 06/18/2046(a)(d)

      100       99,974  

Hardee’s Funding LLC

     

Series 2018-1A, Class A23
5.71%, 06/20/2048(a)

      37       41,025  

Series 2020-1A, Class A2
3.981%, 12/20/2050(a)

      85       89,624  

Marlette Funding Trust

     

Series 2019-3A, Class A
2.69%, 09/17/2029(a)

      9       8,711  

Series 2020-1A, Class A
2.24%, 03/15/2030(a)

      22       21,757  
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

Neighborly Issuer LLC
Series 2021-1A, Class A2 3.584%, 04/30/2051(a)

  U.S.$     33     $ 34,279  

Nelnet Student Loan Trust
Series 2021-BA, Class B
2.68%, 04/20/2062(a)

      100       99,944  

SoFi Consumer Loan Program LLC

     

Series 2017-4, Class B
3.59%, 05/26/2026(a)

      90       91,205  

Series 2017-5, Class A2
2.78%, 09/25/2026(a)

      4       4,461  
     

 

 

 
        919,791  
     

 

 

 

AUTOS–FIXED RATE –1.5%

     

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC
Series 2018-2A, Class A
4.00%, 03/20/2025(a)

      105       113,418  

Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust

     

Series 2017-1A, Class D
6.20%, 11/15/2023(a)

      93       94,288  

Series 2017-3A, Class C
3.68%, 07/17/2023(a)

      40       40,291  

First Investors Auto Owner Trust
Series 2020-1A, Class A 1.49%, 01/15/2025(a)

      21       21,446  

Flagship Credit Auto Trust
Series 2016-4, Class D 3.89%, 11/15/2022(a)

      89       89,416  

Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust Series 2021-1, Class D 2.31%, 10/17/2033(a)

      150       150,531  

Hertz Vehicle Financing II LP

     

Series 2017-1A, Class A
2.96%, 10/25/2021(a)

      12       11,978  

Series 2019-1A, Class A
3.71%, 03/25/2023(a)

      10       9,646  

Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC
Series 2018-2A, Class A
3.65%, 06/27/2022(a)

      12       12,061  
     

 

 

 
        543,075  
     

 

 

 

CREDIT CARDS–FIXED RATE–0.4%

     

World Financial Network Credit Card Master Trust

     

Series 2018-B, Class M
3.81%, 07/15/2025

      70       70,468  

Series 2019-B, Class M
3.04%, 04/15/2026

      80       81,703  
     

 

 

 
        152,171  
     

 

 

 

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

HOME EQUITY LOANS–FLOATING Rate–0.0%

     

ABFC Trust
Series 2003-WF1, Class A2 1.217% (LIBOR 1 Month + 1.13%), 12/25/2032 (c)

  U.S.$     12     $ 12,093  
     

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities (cost $1,603,765)

        1,627,130  
     

 

 

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS–
US MUNICIPAL BONDS –1.8%

     

UNITED STATES–1.8%

     

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

     

Series 2020A
1.086%, 07/01/2023

      50       50,636  

State Board of Administration Finance Corp.

     

Series 2020A
1.705%, 07/01/2027

      80       81,295  

State of California
5.70%, 11/01/2021

      65       66,181  

Series 2010
7.625%, 03/01/2040

      200       336,909  

Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority/WV

     

3.00%, 06/01/2035

      46       47,849  

University of California

     

Series 2021B
3.071%, 05/15/2051

      75       75,757  
     

 

 

 

Total Local Governments–
US Municipal Bonds
(cost $519,602)

        658,627  
     

 

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS–CORPORATE BONDS–0.3%

   

INDUSTRIAL–0.3%

     

BASIC–0.1%

     

Volcan Cia Minera SAA
4.375%, 02/11/2026(a)

      19       18,715  
     

 

 

 

CAPITAL GOODS–0.2%

     

Embraer Netherlands Finance BV
5.40%, 02/01/2027

      85       90,261  
     

 

 

 
        108,976  
     

 

 

 

UTILITY–0.0%

     

ELECTRIC–0.0%

     

Terraform Global Operating LLC
6.125%, 03/01/2026(e)

      5       5,150  
     

 

 

 

Total Emerging Markets–Corporate Bonds
(cost $109,109)

        114,126  
     

 

 

 
        
Principal
Amount
(000)
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                

QUASI-SOVEREIGNS–0.1%

   

QUASI-SOVEREIGN BONDS–0.1%

   

MEXICO–0.1%

     

Petroleos Mexicanos
6.75%, 09/21/2047
(cost $43,967)

  U.S.$     50     $ 43,875  
     

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM
INVESTMENTS–16.1%

   

U.S. TREASURY BILLS –15.1%

     

U.S. Treasury Bill Zero Coupon, 07/27/2021-11/26/2021
(cost $5,629,703)

      5,630       5,629,419  
     

 

 

 
         Shares        

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–1.0%

     

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.01%(i)(j)(k)
(cost $366,094)

      366,094       366,094  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(cost $5,995,797)

        5,995,513  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–105.2%
(cost $38,025,186)

        39,113,810  

Other assets less
liabilities–(5.2)%

        (1,941,747
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

      $ 37,172,063  
     

 

 

 

 

13


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

FUTURES (see Note D)

 

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

Purchased Contracts

 

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

     21        September 2021      $   4,626,726      $ (8,252

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

     7        September 2021        864,008        507  

U.S. Ultra Bond (CBT) Futures

     14        September 2021        2,697,625        96,394  

Sold Contracts

           

10 Yr Canadian Bond Futures

     6        September 2021        704,356        (8,213
           

 

 

 
            $   80,436  
           

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

    AUD       1,001       USD       775       08/25/2021     $ 24,816  

Bank of America, NA

    USD       384       RUB       28,540       07/28/2021       4,413  

Bank of America, NA

    CHF       716       USD       785       08/05/2021       11,021  

Citibank, NA

    CAD       1,348       USD       1,077       07/16/2021       (10,571

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

    USD       786       CHF       716       08/05/2021       (12,058

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

    MYR       497       USD       120       09/23/2021       744  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    SEK       3,074       USD       370       07/15/2021       11,239  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    USD       1       SEK       5       07/15/2021       (3

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    USD       131       CAD       158       07/16/2021       (3,145

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    EUR       123       USD       151       08/03/2021       4,876  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    USD       72       EUR       60       08/03/2021       (67

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    AUD       16       USD       12       08/25/2021       8  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    USD       16       AUD       21       08/25/2021       (440
           

 

 

 
            $   30,833  
           

 

 

 

INTEREST RATE SWAPTIONS WRITTEN (see Note D)

 

Description   Index     Counterparty     Strike
Rate
    Expiration
Date
   

Notional
Amount
(000)

    Premiums
Received
    Market
Value
 

Call

               

OTC–1 Year Interest Rate Swap

    3 Month LIBOR      
Morgan Stanley Capital
Services LLC
 
 
    1.60     08/26/2021       USD       954     $   12,641     $   (18,583)  

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Description    Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
     Implied
Credit
Spread at
June 30,
2021
    Notional
Amount
(000)
     Market
Value
     Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sale Contracts

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

                     

CDX-NAHY Series 34, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2025*

     5.00     Quarterly        2.36     USD        132      $ 13,147      $ 5,863      $ 7,284  

CDX-NAHY Series 36, 5 Year Index, 06/20/2026*

     5.00       Quarterly        2.74       USD        212        21,896        19,404        2,492  
               

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                $   35,043      $   25,267      $   9,776  
               

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*   Termination date

CENTRALLY CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAPS (see Note D)

 

                Rate Type                      

Notional

Amount (000)

    Termination
Date
    Payments
made
by the
Fund
  Payments
received
by the
Fund
  Payment
Frequency
Paid/
Received
  Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

SEK

    15,600       08/30/2024     3 Month STIBOR   (0.165)%  

Quarterly/

Annual

  $ (23,127   $ 10     $ (23,137

USD

    130       09/27/2029     1.593%   3 Month LIBOR  

Semi-Annual/

Quarterly

    (3,319     –0 –      (3,319

USD

    250       12/13/2029     1.764%   3 Month LIBOR  

Semi-Annual/

Quarterly

    (8,824     –0 –      (8,824

CAD

    78       03/03/2051     2.297%   3 Month CDOR   Semi-Annual     (1,407     3       (1,410

CAD

    240       03/04/2051     2.333%   3 Month CDOR   Semi-Annual     (5,957     –0 –      (5,957
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $   (42,634)     $   13     $   (42,647)  
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (see Note D)

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
   Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
     Implied
Credit
Spread at
June 30,
2021
    Notional
Amount
(000)
     Market
Value
     Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Buy Contracts

                     

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

                     

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 9, 09/17/2058*

     (3.00 )%      Monthly        5.05     USD        7      $ 542      $ 1,398      $ (856

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 9, 09/17/2058*

     (3.00     Monthly        5.05       USD        7        542        1,399        (857

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 9, 09/17/2058*

     (3.00     Monthly        5.05       USD        119        9,229        23,290        (14,061

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 9, 09/17/2058*

     (3.00     Monthly        5.05       USD        128        9,894        25,918        (16,024

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 9, 09/17/2058*

     (3.00     Monthly        5.05       USD        298        23,110        58,852        (35,742

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 9, 09/17/2058*

     (3.00     Monthly        5.05       USD        595        46,093        119,723        (73,630

 

15


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
   Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
     Implied
Credit
Spread at
June 30,
2021
    Notional
Amount
(000)
     Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Buy Contracts (continued)

                   

Goldman Sachs International

                   

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 9, 09/17/2058*

     (3.00 ) %       Monthly        5.05 %       USD        51      $ 3,951     $ 8,787     $ (4,836

JPMorgan Securities, LLC

                   

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 9, 09/17/2058*

     (3.00     Monthly        5.05       USD        68        5,256       13,627       (8,371

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC

                   

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 9, 09/17/2058*

     (3.00     Monthly        5.05       USD        27        2,092       5,204       (3,112

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 9, 09/17/2058*

     (3.00     Monthly        5.05       USD        54        4,183       10,949       (6,766

Sale Contracts

                   

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

                   

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        1        (264     (155     (109

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        1        (264     (124     (140

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        2        (529     (233     (296

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        3        (792     (367     (425

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        4        (1,056     (512     (544

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        4        (1,056     (415     (641

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        5        (1,320     (552     (768

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        6        (1,585     (759     (826

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        7        (1,848     (1,007     (841

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        6        (1,585     (735     (850

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        6        (1,585     (698     (887

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        8        (2,113     (1,048     (1,065

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        7        (1,848     (773     (1,075

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        8        (2,112     (979     (1,133

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        9        (2,376     (972     (1,404

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        9        (2,377     (953     (1,424

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        12        (3,169     (1,241     (1,928

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
   Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
     Implied
Credit
Spread at
June 30,
2021
    Notional
Amount
(000)
     Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sale Contracts (continued)

                   

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00 %       Monthly        10.00 %       USD        14      $ (3,697   $ (1,512   $ (2,185

Credit Suisse International

                   

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        28        (7,394     (1,868     (5,526

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        56        (14,784     (8,017     (6,767

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        94        (24,824     (5,868     (18,956

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        318        (84,026     (12,553     (71,473

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        350        (92,429     (19,546     (72,883

Deutsche Bank AG

                   

CDX-CMBX.NA.A Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     2.00       Monthly        10.08       USD        135        (11,397     (2,548     (8,849

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        8        (2,113     (905     (1,208

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        8        (2,113     (443     (1,670

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        27        (7,130     (2,979     (4,151

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        28        (7,395     (3,091     (4,304

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        51        (13,468     (6,201     (7,267

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        132        (34,859     (8,927     (25,932

Goldman Sachs International

                   

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        4        (1,056     (586     (470

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        4        (1,056     (346     (710

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        8        (2,112     (762     (1,350

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        8        (2,113     (705     (1,408

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        14        (3,698     (1,733     (1,965

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        16        (4,226     (1,667     (2,559

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        28        (7,392     (4,416     (2,976

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        39        (10,296     (6,239     (4,057

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        41        (10,827     (5,384     (5,443

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        49        (12,940     (4,086     (8,854

 

17


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Swap Counterparty &
Referenced Obligation
   Fixed
Rate
(Pay)
Receive
    Payment
Frequency
     Implied
Credit
Spread at
June 30,
2021
    Notional
Amount
(000)
     Market
Value
    Upfront
Premiums
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Sale Contracts (continued)

                   

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00 %       Monthly        10.00 %       USD        57      $ (15,053   $ (5,860   $ (9,193

JPMorgan Securities, LLC

                   

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        9        (2,376     (1,108     (1,268

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        18        (4,752     (2,149     (2,603

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        51        (13,464     (6,035     (7,429

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

                   

CDX-CMBX.NA.BBB- Series 6, 05/11/2063*

     3.00       Monthly        10.00       USD        35        (9,243     (2,382     (6,861
               

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                $ (327,220   $ 139,708     $ (466,928
               

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   Termination date

 

 

 

**   Principal amount less than 500.

 

(a)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration. At June 30, 2021, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $8,674,281 or 23.3% of net assets.

 

(b)   Securities are perpetual and, thus, do not have a predetermined maturity date. The date shown, if applicable, reflects the next call date.

 

(c)   Floating Rate Security. Stated interest/floor/ceiling rate was in effect at June 30, 2021.

 

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

 

(e)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities, which represent 0.20% of net assets as of June 30, 2021, are considered illiquid and restricted. Additional information regarding such securities follows:

 

144A/Restricted & Illiquid Securities    Acquisition
Date
     Cost      Market
Value
     Percentage
of Net Assets
 

GSF Series 2021-1, Class A1
1.433%, 08/15/2026

     02/25/2021      $   18,944      $   18,939        0.05

GSF Series 2021-1, Class A2
2.435%, 08/15/2026

     02/25/2021        21,609        21,421        0.06

GSF Series 2021-1, Class AS
2.638%, 08/15/2026

     02/25/2021        4,114        4,089        0.01

Terraform Global Operating LLC
6.125%, 03/01/2026

     02/08/2018        5,000        5,150        0.01

Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust Series 2015-WF1, Class 1M2
5.342%, 11/25/2025

     09/28/2015        19,222        18,692        0.05

Wells Fargo Credit Risk Transfer Securities Trust Series 2015-WF1, Class 2M2
5.592%, 11/25/2025

     09/28/2015        7,843        7,811        0.02

 

(f)   IO—Interest Only.

 

(g)   Inverse interest only security.

 

(h)   Position, or a portion thereof, has been segregated to collateralize OTC derivatives outstanding.

 

(i)   Affiliated investments.

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

(j)   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.

 

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

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

EUR—Euro

MYR—Malaysian Ringgit

RUB—Russian Ruble

SEK—Swedish Krona

USD—United States Dollar

Glossary:

ABS—Asset-Backed Securities

CBT—Chicago Board of Trade

CDOR—Canadian Dealer Offered Rate

CDX-CMBX.NA—North American Commercial Mortgage-Backed Index

CDX-NAHY—North American High Yield Credit Default Swap Index

CMBS—Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

LIBOR—London Interbank Offered Rate

REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust

REMICs—Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits

SOFR—Secured Overnight Financing Rate

STIBOR—Stockholm Interbank Offered Rate

TBA—To Be Announced

TIPS—Treasury Inflation Protected Security

See notes to financial statements.

 

19


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $37,659,092)

   $ 38,747,716  

Affiliated issuers (cost $366,094)

     366,094  

Cash

     323  

Cash collateral due from broker

     200,449  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $464)

     477  

Interest receivable

     178,043  

Market value on credit default swaps (net premiums paid $269,147)

     104,892  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     89,531  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     57,117  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     52,243  

Receivable for variation margin on futures

     11,069  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     3  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     39,807,957  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Swaptions written, at value (premiums received $12,641)

     18,583  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     1,775,404  

Market value on credit default swaps (net premiums received $129,439)

     432,112  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     226,067  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     26,284  

Administrative fee payable

     20,282  

Advisory fee payable

     13,930  

Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps

     3,265  

Foreign capital gains tax payable

     2,860  

Distribution fee payable

     2,186  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     129  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     114,792  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     2,635,894  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 37,172,063  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 3,436  

Additional paid-in capital

     34,281,868  

Distributable earnings

     2,886,759  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 37,172,063  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $   26,688,292          2,458,634        $   10.85  
B      $ 10,483,771          977,548        $ 10.72  

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

20


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

 

Interest

   $ 600,698  

Dividends—Affiliated issuers

     29  
  

 

 

 
     600,727  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     88,016  

Distribution fee—Class B

     13,359  

Transfer agency—Class A

     1,763  

Transfer agency—Class B

     663  

Custody and accounting

     62,758  

Administrative

     39,336  

Audit and tax

     38,665  

Printing

     10,947  

Legal

     10,131  

Directors’ fees

     9,523  

Miscellaneous

     3,291  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     278,452  

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

     (128
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     278,324  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     322,403  
  

 

 

 

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

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions

     288,223  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     66,299  

Futures

     (318,357

Swaps

     5,513  

Foreign currency transactions

     (109,229

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

  

Investments (a)

     (882,876

Forward currency exchange contracts

     59,600  

Futures

     150,113  

Swaps

     (114,431

Swaptions written

     (5,942

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (7,662
  

 

 

 

Net loss on investment and foreign currency transactions

     (868,749
  

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ (546,346
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Net of decrease in accrued foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized gains of $9,868.

See notes to financial statements.

 

21


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment income

   $ 322,403     $ 819,646  

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

     (67,551     1,348,708  

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

     (801,198     241,431  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (546,346     2,409,785  

Distributions to Shareholders

    

Class A

     –0 –      (1,056,131

Class B

     –0 –      (355,053

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

    

Net decrease

     (4,119,992     (3,575,324
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease

     (4,666,338     (2,576,723

NET ASSETS

    

Beginning of period

     41,838,401       44,415,124  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 37,172,063     $ 41,838,401  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

22


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Intermediate Bond Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is to generate income and price appreciation without assuming what AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) considers undue risk. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 11 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

23


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

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

   

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

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

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

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

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

 

24


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2021:

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

             

Assets:

             

Corporates—Investment Grade

     $ –0 –     $ 8,655,482      $ –0 –     $ 8,655,482  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

       –0 –       6,361,669        44,449        6,406,118  

Mortgage Pass-Throughs

       –0 –       5,088,562        –0 –       5,088,562  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

       –0 –       3,943,644        –0 –       3,943,644  

Governments—Treasuries

       –0 –       3,217,050        –0 –       3,217,050  

Inflation-Linked Securities

       –0 –       1,701,938        –0 –       1,701,938  

Corporates—Non-Investment Grade

       –0 –       1,661,745        –0 –       1,661,745  

Asset-Backed Securities

       –0 –       1,446,546        180,584        1,627,130  

Local Governments—US Municipal Bonds

       –0 –       658,627        –0 –       658,627  

Emerging Markets—Corporate Bonds

       –0 –       114,126        –0 –       114,126  

Quasi-Sovereigns

       –0 –       43,875        –0 –       43,875  

Short-Term Investments:

             

U.S. Treasury Bills

       –0 –       5,629,419        –0 –       5,629,419  

Investment Companies

       366,094        –0 –       –0 –       366,094  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       366,094        38,522,683        225,033        39,113,810  

Other Financial Instruments(a):

             

Assets:

             

Futures

       96,901        –0 –       –0 –       96,901 (b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       57,117        –0 –       57,117  

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps

       –0 –       35,043        –0 –       35,043 (b) 

Credit Default Swaps

       –0 –       104,892        –0 –       104,892  

Liabilities:

             

Futures

       (16,465      –0 –       –0 –       (16,465 )(b) 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       (26,284      –0 –       (26,284

Interest Rate Swaptions Written

       –0 –       (18,583      –0 –       (18,583

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps

       –0 –       (42,634      –0 –       (42,634 )(b) 

Credit Default Swaps

       –0 –       (432,112      –0 –       (432,112
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     $ 446,530      $ 38,200,122      $ 225,033      $ 38,871,685  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

3. Currency Translation

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

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

 

25


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .45% of the first $2.5 billion, .40% of the next $2.5 billion up to $5 billion, .35% of the excess over $5 billion up to $8 billion and .30% in excess of $8 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $39,336.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $818 for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2022. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, such waiver amounted to $128.

 

26


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Market Value
12/31/20
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/21
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 765      $ 15,882      $ 16,281      $ 366      $ 0

 

*   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 (and related transactions). As a result, as of May 20, 2021, AXA no longer owns shares of Equitable.

Sales 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 Portfolio’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 Portfolio subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

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

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 5,972,403      $ 11,633,576  

U.S. government securities

     21,589,432        22,935,137  

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

   $ 1,489,125  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (794,973
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 694,152  
  

 

 

 

 

27


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Futures

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

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held futures for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Option Transactions

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

 

28


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

The Portfolio may also invest in options on swap agreements, also called “swaptions”. A swaption is an option that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a swap on a future date in exchange for paying a market-based “premium”. A receiver swaption gives the owner the right to receive the total return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. A payer swaption gives the owner the right to pay the total return on a specified asset, reference rate, or index. Swaptions also include options that allow an existing swap to be terminated or extended by one of the counterparties. The Portfolio’s maximum payment for written put swaptions equates to the notional amount of the underlying swap. In certain circumstances maximum payout amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced assets and upfront premium received upon entering into the contract.

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held written swaptions for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

   

Swaps

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

Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap to comply with the terms of the swap. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interim payment to be received by the Portfolio, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, the Portfolio considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap in evaluating potential counterparty risk. This risk is mitigated by having a netting arrangement between the Portfolio and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Portfolio to cover the Portfolio’s exposure to the counterparty. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying securities. The Portfolio accrues for the interim payments on swaps on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of assets and liabilities, where applicable. Once the interim payments are

 

29


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

settled in cash, the net amount is recorded as realized gain/(loss) on swaps on the statement of operations, in addition to any realized gain/(loss) recorded upon the termination of swaps. Upfront premiums paid or received for swaps are recognized as cost or proceeds on the statement of assets and liabilities and are amortized on a straight line basis over the life of the contract. Amortized upfront premiums are included in net realized gain/(loss) from swaps on the statement of operations. Fluctuations in the value of swaps are recorded as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps on the statement of operations.

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

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

Interest Rate Swaps:

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held interest rate swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

Credit Default Swaps:

The Portfolio may enter into credit default swaps, including to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its risk exposure to defaults by corporate and sovereign issuers held by the Portfolio, or to create exposure to corporate or sovereign issuers to which it is not otherwise exposed. The Portfolio may purchase credit protection (“Buy Contract”) or provide credit protection (“Sale Contract”) on the referenced obligation of the credit default swap. During the term of the swap, the Portfolio receives/(pays) fixed payments from/(to) the respective counterparty, calculated at the agreed upon rate applied to the notional amount. If the Portfolio is a buyer/(seller) of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap, the Portfolio will either (i) receive from the seller/(pay to the buyer) of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap (the “Maximum Payout Amount”) and deliver/(take delivery of) the referenced obligation or (ii) receive/(pay) a net

 

30


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation. In certain circumstances Maximum Payout Amounts may be partially offset by recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront premium received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swaps entered into by the Portfolio for the same referenced obligations with the same counterparty.

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held credit default swaps for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

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

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

 

31


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

   Fair Value  

Interest rate contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures   $ 96,901   Receivable/Payable for variation margin on futures    $ 16,465

Credit contracts

  Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps     9,776     

Interest rate contracts

      Receivable/Payable for variation margin on centrally cleared swaps      42,647

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts     57,117     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts      26,284  

Interest rate contracts

      Swaptions written, at value      18,583  

Credit contracts

  Market value on credit default swaps     104,892     Market value on credit default swaps      432,112  
   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

    $ 268,686        $ 536,091  
   

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

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

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on futures; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures    $ (318,357   $ 150,113  

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts      66,299       59,600  

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaptions written; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaptions written      –0 –      (5,942

Interest rate contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps      (63,905     (11,460

Credit contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on swaps; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swaps      69,418       (102,971
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ (246,545   $ 89,340  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

32


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2021:

 

Futures:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 10,363,303  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 4,539,285  

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 3,781,674  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 6,133,189  

Swaptions Written:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 954,000 (a) 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swaps:

  

Average notional amount

   $ 5,520,879  

Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of buy contracts

   $ 1,394,286  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 1,737,900  

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps:

  

Average notional amount of sale contracts

   $ 452,309  

 

(a)   Positions were open for two months during the period.

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

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2021. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

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

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

   $ 24,816      $ –0 –    $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 24,816  

Bank of America, NA

     15,434        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      15,434  

Citibank, NA/Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

     89,410        (40,147     –0 –      –0 –      49,263  

Goldman Sachs International

     3,951        (3,951     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

JPMorgan Securities, LLC

     5,256        (5,256     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC/Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC/Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     7,019        (7,019     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     16,123        (3,655     –0 –      –0 –      12,468  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 162,009      $ (60,028   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 101,981
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

33


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Counterparty

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

Citibank, NA/Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

   $ 40,147      $ (40,147   $             –0 –    $ –0 –    $ –0 – 

Credit Suisse International

     223,457        –0 –      –0 –      (223,457     –0 – 

Deutsche Bank AG

     78,475        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      78,475  

Goldman Sachs International

     70,769        (3,951     –0 –      –0 –      66,818  

JPMorgan Securities, LLC

     20,592        (5,256     –0 –      –0 –      15,336  

Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC/Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC/Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     39,884        (7,019     –0 –      –0 –      32,865  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     3,655        (3,655     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 476,979      $ (60,028   $ –0 –    $ (223,457   $ 193,494
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

2. Currency Transactions

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

3. TBA and Dollar Rolls

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

The Portfolio may enter into certain TBA transactions known as dollar rolls. Dollar rolls involve sales by the Portfolio of securities for delivery in the current month and the Portfolio’s simultaneously contracting to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Portfolio forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities. The Portfolio is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Portfolio is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. Dollar rolls are speculative techniques. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio earned drop income of $17,360 which is included in interest income in the accompanying statement of operations.

 

34


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE E: Capital Stock

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

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

Class A

         

Shares sold

    102,639       137,413       $ 1,107,275     $ 1,476,072  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    –0 –      97,250         –0 –      1,056,131  

Shares redeemed

    (422,269     (509,318       (4,552,746     (5,519,329
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (319,630     (274,655     $ (3,445,471   $ (2,987,126
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

         

Shares sold

    79,820       132,767       $ 846,004     $ 1,411,697  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    –0 –      33,028         –0 –      355,053  

Shares redeemed

    (142,671     (222,779       (1,520,525     (2,354,948
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (62,851     (56,984     $ (674,521   $ (588,198
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2021, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 80% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE F: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

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

Interest Rate Risk—Changes in interest rates will affect the value of investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of existing investments in fixed-income securities tends to fall and this decrease in value may not be offset by higher income from new investments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. The current historically low interest rate environment heightens the risks associated with rising interest rates.

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

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

Duration Risk—Duration is a measure that relates the expected price volatility of a fixed-income security to changes in interest rates. The duration of a fixed-income security may be shorter than or equal to full maturity of a fixed-income security. Fixed-income securities with longer durations have more risk and will decrease in price as interest rates rise.

Inflation Risk—This is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the value of the Portfolio’s assets can decline as can the value of the Portfolio’s distributions. This risk is significantly greater if the Portfolio invests a significant portion of its assets in fixed-income securities with longer maturities.

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

 

35


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Mortgage-Related and/or Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk—Investments in mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are subject to certain additional risks. The value of these securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates. These risks include “extension risk”, which is the risk that, in periods of rising interest rates, issuers may delay the payment of principal, and “prepayment risk”, which is the risk that in periods of falling interest rates, issuers may pay principal sooner than expected, exposing the Portfolio to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. Mortgage-backed securities offered by nongovernmental issuers and other asset-backed securities may be subject to other risks, such as higher rates of default in the mortgages or assets backing the securities or risks associated with the nature and servicing of mortgages or assets backing the securities.

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

Illiquid Investments Risk—Illiquid investments risk exists when certain investments are or become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling such investments may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Portfolio. Causes of illiquid investments risk may include low trading volumes, large positions and heavy redemptions of Portfolio shares. lliquid investments risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally decline.

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio 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. 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 Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition 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 Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the

 

36


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

NOTE G: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

NOTE H: Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

       2020        2019  

Distributions paid from:

         

Ordinary income

     $ 1,411,184        $ 1,285,477  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

     $ 1,411,184        $ 1,285,477  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

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

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 1,363,985  

Undistributed capital gains

     198,097 (a) 

Other losses

     (9,819 )(b) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     1,880,842 (c) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 3,433,105  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   During the fiscal year, the Portfolio utilized $164,058 of capital loss carry forwards to offset current year net realized gains.

 

(b)   As of December 31, 2020, the cumulative deferred loss on straddles was $9,819.

 

(c)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments, the tax treatment of Treasury inflation-protected securities, the amortization on callable bonds, the tax treatment of swaps, and the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2020, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE I: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2020-04.

 

37


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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 Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

38


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $10.99       $10.73       $10.21       $10.56       $10.65       $10.63  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .09 (b)      .22 (b)      .26 (b)      .23 (b)      .23       .28 † 

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

    (.23     .41       .57       (.31     .14       .23  

Contributions from Affiliates

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (.14     .63       .83       (.08     .37       .51  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.37     (.31     (.13     (.36     (.35

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      (.14     (.10     (.14
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.37     (.31     (.27     (.46     (.49
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $10.85       $10.99       $10.73       $10.21       $10.56       $10.65  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

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

    (1.18 )%      5.96     8.20     (.72 )%      3.52     4.71 %† 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

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

    $26,688       $30,529       $32,763       $33,267       $38,172       $42,183  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.35 %^      1.27     1.26     1.16     1.11     1.06

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.36 %^      1.27     1.27     1.16     1.11     1.06

Net investment income

    1.72 %(b)^      1.99 %(b)      2.48 %(b)      2.20 %(b)      2.11     2.60 %† 

Portfolio turnover rate**

    72     89     75     155     216     156

 

 

See footnote summary on page 41.

 

39


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $10.87       $10.62       $10.10       $10.45       $10.54       $10.53  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

    .08 (b)      .19 (b)      .23 (b)      .20 (b)      .20       .25 † 

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

    (.23     .41       .58       (.31     .14       .22  

Contributions from Affiliates

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

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    (.15     .60       .81       (.11     .34       .47  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.35     (.29     (.10     (.33     (.32

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      (.14     (.10     (.14
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.35     (.29     (.24     (.43     (.46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $10.72       $10.87       $10.62       $10.10       $10.45       $10.54  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

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

    (1.38 )%      5.64     7.99     (1.01 )%      3.28     4.36 %† 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

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

    $10,484       $11,309       $11,652       $12,054       $14,786       $16,029  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.61 %^      1.52     1.51     1.41     1.36     1.32

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.61 %^      1.52     1.52     1.41     1.36     1.32

Net investment income

    1.46 %(b)^      1.74 %(b)      2.23 %(b)      1.95 %(b)      1.87     2.36 %† 

Portfolio turnover rate**

    72     89     75     155     216     156

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 41.

 

40


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

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

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, 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

$.03   .28%   .29%

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 by .03%, .03% and .03%, respectively.

 

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

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

41


 
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

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

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2021, which covered the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

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

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

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

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

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, 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 Portfolio, and in a diminished depth of liquidity in most markets, to varying degrees. Nonetheless, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

42


 
INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Intermediate Bond Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on November 3-5, 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 a portion of its assets.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

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

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2018 and 2019 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency and distribution services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to

 

43


INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund and the money market fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

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

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended July 31, 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 payable 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 took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior 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 directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another fund advised by the Adviser utilizing similar investment strategies.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

44


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians. After 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 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.

 

45


VPS-IB-0152-0621


JUN    06.30.21

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO

 

As of May 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, you may not be receiving paper copies of the Portfolio’s shareholder reports from the insurance company that offers your contract unless you specifically requested paper copies from the insurance company or from your financial intermediary. Instead of delivering paper copies of the reports, the insurance company may choose to make the reports available on a website, and will notify you by mail each time a report is posted and provide you with a website link to access the report. Instructions for requesting paper copies will be provided by your insurance company.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge from the insurance company. You can inform the insurance company or your financial intermediary that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by following the instructions provided by the insurance company or by contacting your financial intermediary. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all portfolio companies available under your contract with the insurance company.


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2021
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2021
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

        

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,046.40      $   6.24        1.23

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,018.70      $ 6.16        1.23
           

Class B

        

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,045.30      $ 7.51        1.48

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,017.46      $ 7.40        1.48

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $  VALUE                 PERCENT OF NET ASSETS          

Partners Group Holding AG

   $ 2,029,853          3.4

WSP Global, Inc.

     1,571,202          2.7  

Erste Group Bank AG

     1,505,010          2.5  

Koninklijke Philips NV

     1,448,027          2.4  

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.

     1,435,305          2.4  

HDFC Bank Ltd.

     1,418,490          2.4  

Halma PLC

     1,406,757          2.4  

NXP Semiconductors NV

     1,400,953          2.4  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB—Class A

     1,372,208          2.3  

Shenzhou International Group Holdings Ltd.

     1,335,873          2.3  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   14,923,678          25.2

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2021 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Financials

   $ 11,410,223          19.8

Industrials

     10,437,937          18.2  

Information Technology

     9,977,197          17.3  

Health Care

     7,981,437          13.9  

Consumer Discretionary

     4,588,098          8.0  

Materials

     4,126,699          7.2  

Consumer Staples

     3,991,270          6.9  

Communication Services

     1,315,697          2.3  

Utilities

     1,138,331          2.0  

Energy

     983,128          1.7  

Short-Term Investments

     1,549,082          2.7  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   57,499,099          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

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

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

2


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN1  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

COUNTRY    U.S.$  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

United States

   $ 7,570,537          13.2

United Kingdom

     4,951,896          8.6  

Netherlands

     4,929,265          8.6  

Switzerland

     4,583,780          8.0  

Japan

     3,785,903          6.6  

Denmark

     3,373,357          5.9  

Germany

     3,161,281          5.5  

France

     3,068,853          5.3  

India

     2,853,796          5.0  

Sweden

     2,656,564          4.6  

Canada

     2,308,997          4.0  

Finland

     2,063,631          3.6  

China

     1,869,345          3.2  

Other

     8,772,812          15.2  

Short-Term Investments

     1,549,082          2.7  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   57,499,099          100.0

 

 

 

 

1   All data are as of June 30, 2021. The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represent 2.6% or less in the following: Argentina, Austria, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Norway, Peru, Spain, Taiwan and United Arab Emirates.

 

3


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company           
        
         
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                            

COMMON STOCKS–94.6%

   
   

FINANCIALS–19.3%

   

BANKS–8.8%

   

Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT

    1,211,000     $ 493,720  

Credicorp Ltd.(a)

    3,720       450,529  

Erste Group Bank AG

    40,940       1,505,010  

HDFC Bank Ltd.

    70,272       1,418,490  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB–Class A

    121,564       1,372,208  
   

 

 

 
      5,239,957  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–5.6%

   

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    11,403       1,260,150  

Partners Group Holding AG

    1,339       2,029,853  
   

 

 

 
      3,290,003  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–0.9%

   

Lufax Holding Ltd. (ADR)(a)

    47,210       533,473  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–4.0%

   

Aflac, Inc.

    15,540       833,876  

AIA Group Ltd.

    78,000       967,635  

Prudential PLC

    28,660       545,279  
   

 

 

 
      2,346,790  
   

 

 

 
      11,410,223  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–17.6%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–2.2%

   

Hexcel Corp.(a)

    21,100       1,316,640  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–2.2%

   

TOMRA Systems ASA

    23,680       1,307,246  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–2.7%

   

WSP Global, Inc.(b)

    13,460       1,571,202  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–4.1%

   

Schneider Electric SE

    8,224       1,296,468  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    29,590       1,156,141  
   

 

 

 
      2,452,609  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–4.2%

   

FANUC Corp.

    3,200       767,353  

SMC Corp.

    1,700       1,005,711  

Xylem, Inc./NY

    5,778       693,129  
   

 

 

 
      2,466,193  
   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–2.2%

   

Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.(b)

    27,000       1,324,047  
   

 

 

 
      10,437,937  
   

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–16.9%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.9%

   

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson–Class B

    42,842       538,691  
   

 

 

 
Company           
        
         
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                            

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–3.9%

   

Flex Ltd.(a)

    48,450     $ 865,802  

Halma PLC

    37,760       1,406,757  
   

 

 

 
      2,272,559  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–3.6%

   

Adyen NV(a)(b)(c)

    400       980,932  

Network International Holdings PLC(a)(c)

    80,620       408,464  

Shopify, Inc.–Class A(a)

    505       737,795  
   

 

 

 
      2,127,191  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–6.4%

   

Infineon Technologies AG

    29,955       1,204,888  

NXP Semiconductors NV

    6,810       1,400,953  

STMicroelectronics NV

    32,177       1,170,167  
   

 

 

 
      3,776,008  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–2.1%

   

Dassault Systemes SE

    5,203       1,262,748  
   

 

 

 
      9,977,197  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–13.5%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–1.1%

   

Abcam PLC(a)

    33,598       641,835  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–7.9%

   

Alcon, Inc.

    17,670       1,239,330  

ConvaTec Group PLC(c)

    207,110       689,307  

Koninklijke Philips NV

    29,174       1,448,027  

STERIS PLC

    6,210       1,281,123  
   

 

 

 
      4,657,787  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–2.4%

   

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd.

    29,471       1,435,305  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–1.4%

   

Gerresheimer AG

    7,522       831,988  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–0.7%

   

Roche Holding AG

    1,100       414,522  
   

 

 

 
      7,981,437  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–7.8%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–2.2%

   

Aptiv PLC(a)

    8,158       1,283,498  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–1.4%

   

MercadoLibre, Inc.(a)

    542       844,322  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–4.2%

   

Puma SE

    9,421       1,124,405  

 

4


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company           
        
         
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                            

Shenzhou International Group Holdings Ltd.

    52,900     $ 1,335,873  
   

 

 

 
      2,460,278  
   

 

 

 
      4,588,098  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–7.0%

   

CHEMICALS–3.7%

   

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

    11,954       1,078,886  

Koninklijke DSM NV

    5,881       1,099,353  
   

 

 

 
      2,178,239  
   

 

 

 

CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–3.3%

   

Huhtamaki Oyj

    22,780       1,080,502  

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

    15,960       867,958  
   

 

 

 
      1,948,460  
   

 

 

 
      4,126,699  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–6.7%

   

FOOD PRODUCTS–3.6%

   

Danone SA

    9,039       635,938  

Kerry Group PLC–Class A

    4,379       612,231  

Nestle SA

    7,221       900,076  
   

 

 

 
      2,148,245  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS–2.4%

   

Essity AB–Class B

    22,480       745,665  

Unicharm Corp.(b)

    17,100       688,793  
   

 

 

 
      1,434,458  
   

 

 

 

PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.7%

   

Unilever PLC

    6,992       408,567  
   

 

 

 
      3,991,270  
   

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION SERVICES–2.2%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.5%

   

Cellnex Telecom SA(c)

    13,955       890,067  
   

 

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT–0.7%

   

Sea Ltd. (ADR)(a)

    1,550       425,630  
   

 

 

 
      1,315,697  
   

 

 

 
Company           
        
         
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                            

UTILITIES–1.9%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–1.9%

   

Orsted AS(c)

    8,110     $ 1,138,331  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–1.7%

   

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–1.7%

   

Neste Oyj

    16,026       983,128  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $36,930,456)

      55,950,017  
   

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–2.6%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–2.6%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB,
0.01%(d)(e)(f)
(cost $1,549,082)

    1,549,082       1,549,082  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SECURITY LENDING COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–97.2%
(cost $38,479,538)

      57,499,099  
   

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–1.7%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–1.7%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB,
0.01%(d)(e)(f)
(cost $1,007,754)

    1,007,754       1,007,754  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–98.9%
(cost $39,487,292)

      58,506,853  

Other assets less
liabilities–1.1%

      651,963  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 59,158,816  
   

 

 

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Bank of America, NA

     NOK        6,798          USD        800        07/15/2021      $ 9,926  

Bank of America, NA

     SEK        10,543          USD        1,233        07/15/2021        1,318  

Bank of America, NA

     USD        494          RUB        36,733        07/28/2021        5,680  

Barclays Bank PLC

     INR        23,888          USD        316        07/15/2021        (4,411

Barclays Bank PLC

     EUR        5,550          USD        6,806        08/03/2021          221,029  

BNP Paribas SA

     USD        2,608          AUD        3,358        08/25/2021        (89,066

Citibank, NA

     INR        13,792          USD        185        07/15/2021        92  

Citibank, NA

     USD        1,848          CAD        2,313        07/16/2021        18,136  

Citibank, NA

     USD        4,215          CNY        27,447        09/16/2021        5,895  

 

5


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

Citibank, NA

     USD        226          CNY        1,471        09/16/2021      $ (220

Deutsche Bank AG

     BRL        4,701          USD        952        07/02/2021        6,467  

Deutsche Bank AG

     USD        940          BRL        4,701        07/02/2021        5,366  

Deutsche Bank AG

     INR        52,460          USD        705        07/15/2021        351  

Deutsche Bank AG

     USD        949          BRL        4,701        08/03/2021        (6,696

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     BRL        4,232          USD        846        07/02/2021        (4,831

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     USD        794          BRL        4,232        07/02/2021        56,370  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     KRW        118,604          USD        106        07/22/2021        1,080  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     USD        2,414          TWD        67,713        07/22/2021        14,070  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     USD        4,363          JPY        474,862        08/19/2021        (87,291

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     USD        696          ZAR        9,683        09/16/2021        (24,384

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     BRL        469          USD        94        07/02/2021        (535

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     USD        91          BRL        469        07/02/2021        3,647  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     TWD        13,892          USD        499        07/22/2021        615  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     CNY        994          USD        152        09/16/2021        (467

Natwest Markets PLC

     USD        122          TWD        3,373        07/22/2021        (1,187

Standard Chartered Bank

     USD        2,458          KRW        2,740,911        07/22/2021        (32,755

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     NOK        2,884          USD        341        07/15/2021        6,249  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     SEK        1,405          USD        167        07/15/2021        2,893  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        277          INR        20,399        07/15/2021        (3,315

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        78          NOK        652        07/15/2021        (2,576

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        145          SEK        1,201        07/15/2021        (4,673

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     CAD        393          USD        322        07/16/2021        5,071  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        123          CAD        149        07/16/2021        (2,858

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     EUR        334          USD        399        08/03/2021        3,080  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        166          EUR        139        08/03/2021        (1,253

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     CHF        1,055          USD        1,158        08/05/2021        16,669  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        152          CHF        137        08/05/2021        (4,279

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     JPY        33,181          USD        304        08/19/2021        4,794  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        596          JPY        66,029        08/19/2021        (1,382

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     USD        264          MXN        5,349        08/27/2021        2,263  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     CNY        695          USD        107        09/16/2021        (10

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     ZAR        1,278          USD        88        09/16/2021        (520

UBS AG

     TWD        3,386          USD        122        07/22/2021        599  

UBS AG

     USD        96          TWD        2,671        07/22/2021        (236
                   

 

 

 
   $   118,715  
                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

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

 

(c)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration. At June 30, 2021, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $4,107,101 or 6.9% of net assets.

 

(d)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

 

6


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

BRL—Brazilian Real

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

CNY—Chinese Yuan Renminbi

EUR—Euro

INR—Indian Rupee

JPY—Japanese Yen

KRW—South Korean Won

MXN—Mexican Peso

NOK—Norwegian Krone

RUB—Russian Ruble

SEK—Swedish Krona

TWD—New Taiwan Dollar

USD—United States Dollar

ZAR—South African Rand

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $36,930,456)

   $ 55,950,017 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $2,556,836—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $1,007,754)

     2,556,836  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $1,620,006)

     1,619,144  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     391,660  

Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions

     147,433  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     106,696  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     6,782  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     15  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     60,778,583  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     1,007,754  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     272,945  

Foreign capital gains tax payable

     107,391  

Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency transactions

     36,669  

Advisory fee payable

     34,360  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     30,519  

Administrative fee payable

     20,282  

Distribution fee payable

     6,606  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     129  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     103,112  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,619,767  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 59,158,816  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 2,070  

Additional paid-in capital

     29,604,767  

Distributable earnings

     29,551,979  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 59,158,816  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $   27,398,619          950,005        $   28.84  
B      $ 31,760,197          1,120,390        $ 28.35  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $3,099,122 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

8


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $65,317)

   $ 444,182  

Affiliated issuers

     163  

Securities lending income

     3,437  
  

 

 

 
     447,782  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     221,533  

Distribution fee—Class B

     39,875  

Transfer agency—Class A

     1,139  

Transfer agency—Class B

     1,337  

Custody and accounting

     48,024  

Administrative

     39,336  

Audit and tax

     26,444  

Printing

     13,875  

Legal

     10,410  

Directors’ fees

     9,658  

Miscellaneous

     5,934  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     417,565  

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

     (15,541
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     402,024  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     45,758  
  

 

 

 

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

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions(a)

     5,044,732  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (101,490

Foreign currency transactions

     300,663  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

  

Investments(b)

     (2,495,731

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (121,925

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     5,747  
  

 

 

 

Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     2,631,996  
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 2,677,754  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Net of foreign realized capital gains taxes of $3,215.

 

(b)   Net of increase in accrued foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized gains of $52,193.

See notes to financial statements.

 

9


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 45,758     $ (287,752

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     5,243,905       5,175,567  

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

     (2,611,909     9,124,962  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     2,677,754       14,012,777  

Distributions to Shareholders

 

Class A

     –0 –      (2,359,331

Class B

     –0 –      (2,741,392

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net decrease

     (2,997,376     (3,312,483
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (319,622     5,599,571  

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     59,478,438       53,878,867  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 59,158,816     $ 59,478,438  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

10


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB International Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 11 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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. Factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

11


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

 

   

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

 

   

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

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2021:

 

       Level 1      Level 2        Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

               

Assets:

 

Common Stocks:

               

Financials

     $ 1,817,878      $ 9,592,345        $             –0 –     $ 11,410,223  

Industrials

       3,580,971        6,856,966          –0 –       10,437,937  

Information Technology

       3,004,550        6,972,647          –0 –       9,977,197  

Health Care

       2,612,265        5,369,172          –0 –       7,981,437  

Consumer Discretionary

       2,127,820        2,460,278          –0 –       4,588,098  

Materials

       1,078,886        3,047,813          –0 –       4,126,699  

Consumer Staples

       –0 –       3,991,270          –0 –       3,991,270  

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

       Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Communication Services

     $ 425,630      $ 890,067     $             –0 –     $ 1,315,697  

Utilities

       –0 –       1,138,331       –0 –       1,138,331  

Energy

       –0 –       983,128       –0 –       983,128  

Short-Term Investments

       1,549,082        –0 –      –0 –       1,549,082  

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

       1,007,754        –0 –      –0 –       1,007,754  
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       17,204,836        41,302,017 (a)      –0 –       58,506,853  

Other Financial Instruments(b):

            

Assets:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       391,660       –0 –       391,660  

Liabilities:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

       –0 –       (272,945     –0 –       (272,945
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     $ 17,204,836      $ 41,420,732     $ –0 –     $ 58,625,568  
    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)   A significant portion of the Portfolio’s foreign equity investments are categorized as Level 2 investments since they are valued using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available, see Note A.1.

 

(b)   Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on the instrument. Other financial instruments may also include swaps with upfront premiums, 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 Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

 

13


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or bear expenses of the Portfolio in order to reduce the Portfolio’s total operating expenses by an amount equal to 0.05% on an annual basis of the average net assets for Class A and Class B. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, such reimbursements/waivers amounted to $14,768. This fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement agreement extends through May 1, 2022 and then may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $39,336.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $818 for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2022. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, such waiver amounted to $760.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Market Value
12/31/20
(000)
     Purchases
at  Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/21
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 1,456      $ 8,032      $ 7,939      $ 1,549      $ 0

Government Money Market Portfolio**

     2,335        8,283        9,610        1,008        0
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

            $ 2,557      $ 0
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*   Amount is less than $500.

 

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

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 (and related transactions). As a result, as of May 20, 2021, AXA no longer owns shares of Equitable.

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Sales 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 Portfolio’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 Portfolio subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

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

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

     Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 8,813,841      $ 12,468,210  

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

   $ 20,061,966  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (923,690
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 19,138,276  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

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

A forward currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contract and the closing of such contract would be included in net realized gain or loss on forward currency exchange contracts. Fluctuations in

 

15


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

the value of open forward currency exchange contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation by the Portfolio. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes.

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $ 391,660     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $ 272,945  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    $ 391,660       $ 272,945  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts    $ (101,490   $ (121,925
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ (101,490   $ (121,925
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2021:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 26,107,914  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 18,331,300  

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

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2021. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

   $ 16,924      $ –0 –    $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 16,924  

Barclays Bank PLC

     221,029        (4,411     –0 –      –0 –      216,618  

Citibank, NA

     24,123        (220     –0 –      –0 –      23,903  

Deutsche Bank AG

     12,184        (6,696     –0 –      –0 –      5,488  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     71,520        (71,520     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     3,647        (535     –0 –      –0 –      3,112  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     615        (467     –0 –      –0 –      148  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     41,019        (20,866     –0 –      –0 –      20,153  

UBS AG

     599        (236     –0 –      –0 –      363  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 391,660      $ (104,951   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 286,709
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Counterparty

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

Barclays Bank PLC

   $ 4,411      $ (4,411   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ –0 – 

BNP Paribas SA

     89,066        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      89,066  

Citibank, NA

     220        (220     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Deutsche Bank AG

     6,696        (6,696     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     116,506        (71,520     –0 –      –0 –      44,986  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     535        (535     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     467        (467     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Natwest Markets PLC

     1,187        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      1,187  

Standard Chartered Bank

     32,755        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      32,755  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     20,866        (20,866     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

UBS AG

     236        (236     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 272,945      $ (104,951   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 167,994
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

2. Currency Transactions

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

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Portfolio cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized

 

17


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

               

Government Money Market
Portfolio

Market Value of
Securities

on Loan*

 

Cash
Collateral*

 

Market Value of
Non-Cash
Collateral*

 

Income from
Borrowers

 

Income

Earned

 

Advisory Fee Waived

$3,099,122   $1,007,754   $2,252,554   $3,366   $71   $13

 

*   As of June 30, 2021.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    15,339       19,172       $ 430,777     $ 434,740  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      102,313         –0 –      2,359,331  

Shares redeemed

    (59,995     (153,877       (1,692,101     (3,611,499
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (44,656     (32,392     $ (1,261,324   $ (817,428
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    46,860       108,028       $ 1,285,269     $ 2,392,079  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      120,660         –0 –      2,741,392  

Shares redeemed

    (108,951     (331,740       (3,021,321     (7,628,526
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (62,091     (103,052     $ (1,736,052   $ (2,495,055
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

At June 30, 2021, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 80% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Market Risk—The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s growth approach, may underperform the market generally.

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

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

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

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

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

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

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio may 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. 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 Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition 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 Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work

 

19


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

       2020        2019  

Distributions paid from:

         

Ordinary income

     $ 1,009,224        $ 211,048  

Net long-term capital gains

       4,091,499          1,272,118  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

     $ 5,100,723        $ 1,483,166  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

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

 

Undistributed capital gains

   $ 5,551,679  

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     21,322,546 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 26,874,225  
  

 

 

 

 

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

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2020, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2020-04.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

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

 

20


 
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $27.56       $23.49       $18.99       $23.15       $17.34       $18.62  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (loss) (a) (b)

    .04       (.10     .08       .15       .06       .11 † 

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

    1.24       6.65       5.08       (4.16     6.00       (1.39
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    1.28       6.55       5.16       (4.01     6.06       (1.28
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.34     (.13     (.15     (.25     –0 – 

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (2.14     (.53     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (2.48     (.66     (.15     (.25     –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $28.84       $27.56       $23.49       $18.99       $23.15       $17.34  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

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

    4.64     29.94     27.53     (17.41 )%      35.02     (6.87 )%† 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

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

    $27,399       $27,410       $24,123       $21,522       $30,318       $26,045  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.23 %^      1.31     1.36     1.27     1.24     1.27

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.28 %^      1.37     1.41     1.29     1.24     1.27

Net investment income (loss) (b)

    .29 %^      (.42 )%      .40     .69     .30     .60 %† 

Portfolio turnover rate

    16     34     49     33     52     52

 

 

 

 

 

See   footnote summary on page 22.

 

21


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $27.12       $23.15       $18.71       $22.80       $17.09       $18.39  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (loss) (a) (b)

    .01       (.15     .03       .09       .01       .07 † 

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

    1.22       6.54       5.00       (4.09     5.90       (1.37
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    1.23       6.39       5.03       (4.00     5.91       (1.30
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.28     (.06     (.09     (.20     –0 – 

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (2.14     (.53     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (2.42     (.59     (.09     (.20     –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $28.35       $27.12       $23.15       $18.71       $22.80       $17.09  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

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

    4.53     29.60     27.23     (17.60 )%      34.63     (7.07 )%† 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

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

    $31,760       $32,068       $29,756       $28,169       $41,007       $32,843  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.48 %^      1.56     1.61     1.52     1.49     1.52

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.53 %^      1.62     1.66     1.54     1.49     1.52

Net investment income (loss) (b)

    .04 %^      (.67 )%      .15     .43     .04     .37 %† 

Portfolio turnover rate

    16     34     49     33     52     52

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

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

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, 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

$.04   .22%   .23%

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 by .01% and .09%, respectively.

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

22


 
 
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

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

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2021, which covered the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

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

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

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

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

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, 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 Portfolio, and in a diminished depth of liquidity in most markets, to varying degrees. Nonetheless, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

23


      
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB International Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on May 3-5, 2021 (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.

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

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

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

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2019 and 2020 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts

 

24


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

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

Investment Results

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

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2021 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

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

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Analyst and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements. The directors also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another fund advised by the Adviser utilizing similar investment strategies.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

 

25


INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above a median, after giving effect to a voluntary waiver by the Adviser. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

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

 

26


VPS-IG-0152-0621


JUN    06.30.21

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO

 

As of May 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, you may not be receiving paper copies of the Portfolio’s shareholder reports from the insurance company that offers your contract unless you specifically requested paper copies from the insurance company or from your financial intermediary. Instead of delivering paper copies of the reports, the insurance company may choose to make the reports available on a website, and will notify you by mail each time a report is posted and provide you with a website link to access the report. Instructions for requesting paper copies will be provided by your insurance company.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge from the insurance company. You can inform the insurance company or your financial intermediary that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by following the instructions provided by the insurance company or by contacting your financial intermediary. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all portfolio companies available under your contract with the insurance company.


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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

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

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

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


 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

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

Actual Expenses

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

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2021
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2021
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

        

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,097.60      $   4.68        0.90

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,020.33      $ 4.51        0.90
           

Class B

        

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,096.90      $ 5.98        1.15

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,019.09      $ 5.76        1.15

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $  VALUE                     PERCENT OF NET ASSETS            

Roche Holding AG

   $   14,764,506          4.3

Bank of Ireland Group PLC

     7,729,815          2.2  

Stellantis NV

     7,656,038          2.2  

Airbus SE

     7,235,083          2.1  

SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.

     7,115,248          2.1  

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

     7,029,498          2.0  

EDP—Energias de Portugal SA

     6,823,366          2.0  

Suncorp Group Ltd.

     6,794,996          2.0  

Tosoh Corp.

     6,754,008          1.9  

Erste Group Bank AG

     6,717,771          1.9  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   78,620,329          22.7

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2021 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $ VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Consumer Discretionary

   $ 64,999,327          19.1

Financials

     64,369,386          18.9  

Health Care

     40,472,445          11.9  

Industrials

     40,054,230          11.7  

Consumer Staples

     29,230,292          8.6  

Information Technology

     25,134,631          7.4  

Materials

     23,863,384          7.0  

Communication Services

     20,296,013          6.0  

Energy

     13,295,004          3.9  

Utilities

     12,712,536          3.7  

Real Estate

     5,267,507          1.5  

Short-Term Investments

     1,110,375          0.3  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   340,805,130          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

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

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

2


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
COUNTRY BREAKDOWN1  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

COUNTRY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Japan

   $   68,906,283          20.2

United Kingdom

     50,647,413          14.9  

France

     35,134,410          10.3  

Netherlands

     20,288,519          6.0  

Germany

     20,277,398          5.9  

Italy

     19,291,145          5.7  

Switzerland

     18,719,048          5.5  

Ireland

     16,388,068          4.8  

South Korea

     10,411,161          3.1  

Sweden

     8,633,202          2.5  

Australia

     8,604,881          2.5  

Denmark

     7,802,064          2.3  

Canada

     7,548,285          2.2  

Other

     47,042,878          13.8  

Short-Term Investments

     1,110,375          0.3  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   340,805,130          100.0

 

 

 

 

1   All data are as of June 30, 2021. The Portfolio’s country breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time. “Other” country weightings represent 2.0% or less in the following: Austria, Belgium, Finland, Israel, Macau, Norway, Poland, Portugal and Spain.

 

3


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company

  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

COMMON STOCKS–98.1%

   

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–18.8%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–3.2%

   

Faurecia SE

    136,146     $ 6,692,971  

Pirelli & C SpA(a) (b)

    777,141       4,519,124  
   

 

 

 
      11,212,095  
   

 

 

 

AUTOMOBILES–3.6%

   

Stellantis NV

    389,288       7,656,038  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    114,400       4,848,224  
   

 

 

 
      12,504,262  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–1.7%

   

Benesse Holdings, Inc.

    231,400       5,746,788  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–4.3%

   

Entain PLC(c)

    231,010       5,582,036  

Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.(c)

    534,000       4,269,909  

Restaurant Brands International, Inc.

    78,420       5,052,763  
   

 

 

 
      14,904,708  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–2.6%

   

Persimmon PLC

    104,050       4,262,262  

Sony Group Corp.

    48,400       4,693,213  
   

 

 

 
      8,955,475  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–0.7%

   

Kingfisher PLC

    476,754       2,406,222  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–2.7%

   

HUGO BOSS AG

    95,160       5,183,236  

Pandora A/S

    30,290       4,086,541  
   

 

 

 
      9,269,777  
   

 

 

 
      64,999,327  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–18.6%

   

BANKS–13.0%

   

Bank Hapoalim BM(c)

    184,678       1,482,709  

Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM(c)

    465,060       3,533,862  

Bank of Ireland Group PLC(c)

    1,440,481       7,729,815  

Bank Polska Kasa Opieki SA(c)

    143,770       3,508,447  

BNP Paribas SA

    82,220       5,160,097  

Erste Group Bank AG

    182,740       6,717,771  

KBC Group NV

    81,190       6,198,963  

Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario SpA(c)

    452,770       5,297,476  

Nordea Bank Abp

    474,710       5,286,326  
   

 

 

 
      44,915,466  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–1.2%

   

Credit Suisse Group AG

    377,777       3,954,542  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–0.0%

   

Isracard Ltd.(c)

    1       4  
   

 

 

 

 

Company

  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–0.9%

   

ORIX Corp.

    192,800     $ 3,258,628  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–3.5%

   

NN Group NV

    115,280       5,445,750  

Suncorp Group Ltd.(a)

    816,190       6,794,996  
   

 

 

 
      12,240,746  
   

 

 

 
      64,369,386  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–11.7%

   

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–3.0%

   

ConvaTec Group PLC(b)

    1,560,619       5,194,083  

Smith & Nephew PLC

    241,770       5,243,320  
   

 

 

 
      10,437,403  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–8.7%

   

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

    357,570       7,029,498  

Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd.

    37,200       2,959,542  

Roche Holding AG

    39,180       14,764,506  

Sanofi

    50,270       5,281,496  
   

 

 

 
      30,035,042  
   

 

 

 
      40,472,445  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–11.6%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–3.1%

   

Airbus SE(c)

    56,150       7,235,083  

Saab AB–Class B

    124,200       3,297,326  
   

 

 

 
      10,532,409  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–2.8%

   

Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.

    127,300       5,941,996  

Prysmian SpA

    99,910       3,585,376  
   

 

 

 
      9,527,372  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.4%

   

Melrose Industries PLC

    2,295,130       4,940,316  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–1.6%

   

Alstom SA(c)

    112,240       5,671,009  
   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–0.8%

   

UT Group Co., Ltd.

    97,000       2,830,560  
   

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–1.0%

   

Sankyu, Inc.

    79,800       3,467,776  
   

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–0.9%

   

AerCap Holdings NV(c)

    60,238       3,084,788  
   

 

 

 
      40,054,230  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–8.4%

   

BEVERAGES–1.1%

   

Carlsberg AS–Class B

    19,910       3,715,523  
   

 

 

 

 

4


 
 
    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company

  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–1.0%

   

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    122,650     $ 3,652,462  
   

 

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–2.9%

   

Morinaga & Co., Ltd./Japan

    46,000       1,471,157  

Nichirei Corp.

    138,500       3,641,637  

Salmar ASA

    75,900       5,038,870  
   

 

 

 
      10,151,664  
   

 

 

 

TOBACCO–3.4%

   

British American Tobacco PLC

    164,190       6,374,767  

Swedish Match AB

    625,680       5,335,876  
   

 

 

 
      11,710,643  
   

 

 

 
      29,230,292  
   

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–7.2%

   

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–4.7%

   

NXP Semiconductors NV

    17,180       3,534,270  

SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.

    72,400       7,115,248  

SK Hynix, Inc.

    49,170       5,549,746  
   

 

 

 
      16,199,264  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–1.1%

   

Avast PLC(b)

    600,930       4,073,953  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–1.4%

   

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

    67,910       4,861,414  
   

 

 

 
      25,134,631  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–6.9%

   

CHEMICALS–4.0%

   

Evonik Industries AG

    131,970       4,430,680  

Tosoh Corp.

    391,700       6,754,008  

Zeon Corp.

    202,300       2,799,824  
   

 

 

 
      13,984,512  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS–1.6%

   

CRH PLC

    110,210       5,573,465  
   

 

 

 

METALS & MINING–1.3%

   

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

    41,268       2,495,522  

Northern Star Resources Ltd.

    246,440       1,809,885  
   

 

 

 
      4,305,407  
   

 

 

 
      23,863,384  
   

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION SERVICES–5.9%

   

DIVERSIFIED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES–3.1%

   

Deutsche Telekom AG

    264,930       5,603,270  

Orange SA

    446,320       5,093,755  
   

 

 

 
      10,697,025  
   

 

 

 

 

Company

  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                   

ENTERTAINMENT–1.9%

   

GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc.

    134,500     $ 2,671,228  

Konami Holdings Corp.(a)

    64,200       3,844,930  
   

 

 

 
      6,516,158  
   

 

 

 

INTERACTIVE MEDIA & SERVICES–0.9%

   

Dip Corp.

    100,000       3,082,830  
   

 

 

 
      20,296,013  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–3.8%

   

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–3.8%

   

ENEOS Holdings, Inc.

    852,200       3,571,399  

Repsol SA(a)

    332,945       4,182,650  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC (Euronext Amsterdam)–Class A(a)

    274,230       5,540,955  
   

 

 

 
      13,295,004  
   

 

 

 

UTILITIES–3.7%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–3.7%

   

EDP–Energias de Portugal SA

    1,287,354       6,823,366  

Enel SpA

    633,730       5,889,170  
   

 

 

 
      12,712,536  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–1.5%

   

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT–1.5%

   

Aroundtown SA

    648,560       5,060,212  

Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd.

    1,900       207,295  
   

 

 

 
      5,267,507  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $288,182,660)

      339,694,755  
   

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–0.3%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.3%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB,
0.01%(d)(e)(f)
(cost $1,110,375)

    1,110,375       1,110,375  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–98.4%
(cost $289,293,035)

      340,805,130  

Other assets less
liabilities–1.6%

      5,511,317  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 346,316,447  
   

 

 

 

 

5


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

FORWARD CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS (see Note D)

 

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

Bank of America, NA

       NOK        28,092          USD          3,304          07/15/2021        $ 41,017  

Bank of America, NA

       SEK        7,294          USD          871          07/15/2021          19,035  

Bank of America, NA

       USD        3,791          SEK          32,406          07/15/2021          (4,050

Bank of America, NA

       USD        1,508          RUB          112,289          07/28/2021          21,149  

Bank of America, NA

       USD        4,975          JPY          551,157          08/19/2021          (11,993

Barclays Bank PLC

       USD        1,667          KRW          1,857,615          07/22/2021          (23,576

Barclays Bank PLC

       EUR        19,653          USD          24,102          08/03/2021          782,680  

Barclays Bank PLC

       USD        567          JPY          62,795          08/19/2021          (1,292

BNP Paribas SA

       JPY        435,917          USD          3,949          08/19/2021          23,344  

BNP Paribas SA

       USD        3,637          SGD          4,849          08/19/2021          (31,120

BNP Paribas SA

       PLN        13,075          USD          3,453          09/17/2021          23,252  

BNP Paribas SA

       ILS        15,745          USD          4,824          09/30/2021          (10,547

Citibank, NA

       CAD        5,460          USD          4,362          07/16/2021          (42,812

Citibank, NA

       USD        814          NZD          1,124          07/29/2021          (27,912

Citibank, NA

       USD        7,097          CHF          6,386          08/05/2021          (188,965

Citibank, NA

       HKD        49,706          USD          6,402          08/19/2021          (517

Citibank, NA

       USD        5,604          GBP          3,980          08/26/2021          (98,189

Citibank, NA

       USD        2,716          CNY          17,687          09/16/2021          3,799  

Deutsche Bank AG

       BRL        7,454          USD          1,509          07/02/2021          10,254  

Deutsche Bank AG

       USD        1,490          BRL          7,454          07/02/2021          8,509  

Deutsche Bank AG

       USD        1,504          BRL          7,454          08/03/2021          (10,617

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       BRL        7,454          USD          1,490          07/02/2021          (8,509

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       USD        1,399          BRL          7,454          07/02/2021          99,287  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       JPY        78,919          USD          720          08/19/2021          9,822  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

       USD        14,533          JPY          1,581,569          08/19/2021          (290,731

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

       JPY        99,255          USD          908          08/19/2021          14,482  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       SEK        33,236          USD          3,923          07/15/2021          39,426  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       EUR        1,064          USD          1,302          08/03/2021          40,156  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        3,476          EUR          2,925          08/03/2021          (5,814

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        8,797          CHF          7,995          08/05/2021          (148,705

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       JPY        191,271          USD          1,736          08/19/2021          13,267  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       USD        681          HKD          5,287          08/19/2021          (277

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

       GBP        634          USD          876          08/26/2021          (859

Natwest Markets PLC

       CAD        828          USD          684          07/16/2021          16,357  

Natwest Markets PLC

       EUR        10,647          USD          12,747          08/03/2021          113,674  

Natwest Markets PLC

       USD        4,740          EUR          3,982          08/03/2021          (14,884

Natwest Markets PLC

       JPY        118,145          USD          1,074          08/19/2021          9,733  

Natwest Markets PLC

       USD        1,164          JPY          127,048          08/19/2021          (19,819

Natwest Markets PLC

       GBP        1,109          USD          1,551          08/26/2021          17,147  

Standard Chartered Bank

       CAD        831          USD          666          07/16/2021          (5,028

Standard Chartered Bank

       KRW        10,411,054          USD          9,337          07/22/2021          124,419  

Standard Chartered Bank

       KRW        1,801,203          USD          1,593          07/22/2021          (638

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       SEK        9,261          USD          1,095          07/15/2021          12,556  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        983          SEK          8,124          07/15/2021          (33,270

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       CAD        2,561          USD          2,061          07/16/2021          (4,448

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        426          CAD          522          07/16/2021          (4,508

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       EUR        35          USD          42          08/03/2021          1,278  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        1,614          EUR          1,351          08/03/2021          (11,276

 

6


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       JPY        750,376          USD          6,888          08/19/2021        $ 130,668  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        4,485          HKD          34,810          08/19/2021          (1,468

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       GBP        674          USD          932          08/26/2021          (61

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

       USD        261          ILS          846          09/30/2021          (1,102

UBS AG

       USD        16,278          AUD          21,015          08/25/2021          (514,368

UBS AG

       USD        1,679          MXN          33,905          08/27/2021          9,789  

UBS AG

       USD        790          ILS          2,567          09/30/2021          (2,170
                           

 

 

 
     $   65,575  
                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

(b)   Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration. At June 30, 2021, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $13,787,160 or 4.0% of net assets.

 

(c)   Non-income producing security.

 

(d)   Affiliated investments.

 

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

 

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

Currency Abbreviations:

AUD—Australian Dollar

BRL—Brazilian Real

CAD—Canadian Dollar

CHF—Swiss Franc

CNY—Chinese Yuan Renminbi

EUR—Euro

GBP—Great British Pound

HKD—Hong Kong Dollar

ILS—Israeli Shekel

JPY—Japanese Yen

KRW—South Korean Won

MXN—Mexican Peso

NOK—Norwegian Krone

NZD—New Zealand Dollar

PLN—Polish Zloty

RUB—Russian Ruble

SEK—Swedish Krona

SGD—Singapore Dollar

USD—United States Dollar

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $288,182,660)

   $ 339,694,755 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $1,110,375)

     1,110,375  

Foreign currencies, at value (cost $2,593,513)

     2,577,614  

Receivable for investment securities sold and foreign currency transactions

     4,111,601  

Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     1,585,100  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     1,160,805  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     109,535  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     40  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     350,349,825  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Payable for investment securities purchased and foreign currency transactions

     1,792,394  

Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts

     1,519,525  

Advisory fee payable

     221,414  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     104,288  

Foreign capital gains tax payable

     77,257  

Distribution fee payable

     64,311  

Administrative fee payable

     20,674  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     129  

Accrued expenses

     233,386  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     4,033,378  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 346,316,447  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 21,996  

Additional paid-in capital

     303,782,245  

Distributable earnings

     42,512,206  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 346,316,447  
  

 

 

 

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

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 44,104,394          2,780,510        $ 15.86  
B      $   302,212,053          19,215,083        $   15.73  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $9,926,018 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

8


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $608,345)

   $ 6,561,970  

Affiliated issuers

     209  

Securities lending income

     29,852  
  

 

 

 
     6,592,031  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     1,298,833  

Distribution fee—Class B

     377,632  

Transfer agency—Class A

     421  

Transfer agency—Class B

     2,867  

Custody and accounting

     78,554  

Printing

     67,078  

Administrative

     39,735  

Audit and tax

     27,620  

Legal

     18,177  

Directors’ fees

     11,575  

Miscellaneous

     19,715  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     1,942,207  

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

     (1,005
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     1,941,202  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     4,650,829  
  

 

 

 

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

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investment transactions

     24,778,812  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (726,614

Foreign currency transactions

     267,483  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of:

  

Investments

     3,541,560  

Forward currency exchange contracts

     (307,371

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

     (66,263
  

 

 

 

Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     27,487,607  
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 32,138,436  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See   notes to financial statements.

 

9


 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income

   $ 4,650,829     $ 3,805,022  

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

     24,319,681       (11,954,683

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

     3,167,926       13,751,888  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     32,138,436       5,602,227  

Distributions to Shareholders

 

Class A

     –0 –      (699,773

Class B

     –0 –      (4,157,435

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net decrease

     (27,230,981     (36,959,684
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     4,907,455       (36,214,665

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     341,408,992       377,623,657  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 346,316,447     $ 341,408,992  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

10


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB International Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 11 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

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

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

1. Security Valuation

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

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. Factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

11


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

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

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

 

   

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

 

   

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

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

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

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2021:

 

     Level 1     Level 2      Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities:

         

Assets:

         

Common Stocks:

         

Consumer Discretionary

   $ 5,052,763     $ 59,946,564      $             –0 –    $ 64,999,327  

Financials

     –0 –      64,369,386        –0 –      64,369,386  

Health Care

     5,194,083       35,278,362        –0 –      40,472,445  

Industrials

     3,084,788       36,969,442        –0 –      40,054,230  

Consumer Staples

     –0 –      29,230,292        –0 –      29,230,292  

Information Technology

     3,534,270       21,600,361        –0 –      25,134,631  

Materials

     2,495,522       21,367,862        –0 –      23,863,384  

Communication Services

     –0 –      20,296,013        –0 –      20,296,013  

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Energy

   $ –0 –    $ 13,295,004     $             –0 –    $ 13,295,004  

Utilities

     6,823,366       5,889,170       –0 –      12,712,536  

Real Estate

     –0 –      5,267,507       –0 –      5,267,507  

Short-Term Investments

     1,110,375       –0 –      –0 –      1,110,375  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     27,295,167       313,509,963 (a)      –0 –      340,805,130  

Other Financial Instruments(b):

        

Assets:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     –0 –      1,585,100       –0 –      1,585,100  

Liabilities:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

     –0 –      (1,519,525     –0 –      (1,519,525
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 27,295,167     $ 313,575,538     $ –0 –    $ 340,870,705  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)   A significant portion of the Portfolio’s foreign equity investments are categorized as Level 2 investments since they are valued using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available, see Note A.1.

 

(b)   Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on the instrument. Other financial instruments may also include swaps with upfront premiums, 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 Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

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

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

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

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

 

13


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

6. Class Allocations

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

7. Dividends and Distributions

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

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to 1.20% and 1.45% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $39,735.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $818 for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2022. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, such waiver amounted to $941.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Market Value
12/31/20
(000)
     Purchases at
Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/21
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 318      $ 45,061      $ 44,269      $ 1,110     $ 0

Government Money Market Portfolio**

     5,169        26,901        32,070        –0 –      0
           

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

            $ 1,110     $ 0
           

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   Amount is less than $500.

 

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

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 (and related transactions). As a result, as of May 20, 2021, AXA no longer owns shares of Equitable.

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Sales 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 Portfolio’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 Portfolio subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

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

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

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

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

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

     Purchases     Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 85,706,285     $ 110,148,374  

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

   $ 61,107,765  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (9,530,095
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 51,577,670  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

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

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

 

   

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

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

 

15


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes.

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

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

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Portfolio had entered into the following derivatives:

 

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 

Derivative Type

 

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value    

Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Location

  Fair Value  

Foreign currency contracts

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $ 1,585,100     Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $ 1,519,525  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    $ 1,585,100       $ 1,519,525  
   

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Derivative Type

  

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

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

Foreign currency contracts

   Net realized gain (loss) on forward currency exchange contracts; Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of forward currency exchange contracts    $ (726,614   $ (307,371
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ (726,614   $ (307,371
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Portfolio’s derivative transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2021:

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts:

  

Average principal amount of buy contracts

   $ 81,689,195  

Average principal amount of sale contracts

   $ 81,165,279  

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

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets and liabilities by OTC counterparty net of amounts available for offset under ISDA Master Agreements (“MA”) and net of the related collateral received/pledged by the Portfolio as of June 30, 2021. Exchange-traded derivatives and centrally cleared swaps are not subject to netting arrangements and as such are excluded from the table.

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

   $ 81,201      $ (16,043   $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 65,158  

Barclays Bank PLC

     782,680        (24,868     –0 –      –0 –      757,812  

BNP Paribas SA

     46,596        (41,667     –0 –      –0 –      4,929  

Citibank, NA

     3,799        (3,799     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Deutsche Bank AG

     18,763        (10,617     –0 –      –0 –      8,146  

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     109,109        (109,109     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

     14,482        –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      14,482  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     92,849        (92,849     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Natwest Markets PLC

     156,911        (34,703     –0 –      –0 –      122,208  

Standard Chartered Bank

     124,419        (5,666     –0 –      –0 –      118,753  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     144,502        (56,133     –0 –      –0 –      88,369  

UBS AG

     9,789        (9,789     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,585,100      $ (405,243   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 1,179,857
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Counterparty

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

Bank of America, NA

   $ 16,043      $ (16,043   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ –0 – 

Barclays Bank PLC

     24,868        (24,868     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

BNP Paribas SA

     41,667        (41,667     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Citibank, NA

     358,395        (3,799     –0 –      –0 –      354,596  

Deutsche Bank AG

     10,617        (10,617     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

     299,240        (109,109     –0 –      –0 –      190,131  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc.

     155,655        (92,849     –0 –      –0 –      62,806  

Natwest Markets PLC

     34,703        (34,703     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

Standard Chartered Bank

     5,666        (5,666     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

     56,133        (56,133     –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 

UBS AG

     516,538        (9,789     –0 –      –0 –      506,749  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,519,525      $ (405,243   $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 1,114,282
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

2. Currency Transactions

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

 

17


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE E: Securities Lending

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

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the six months ended June 30, 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

 
$ 9,926,018     $ –0–     $ 10,559,087     $ 29,692     $ 160     $ 64  

 

*   As of June 30, 2021.

 

18


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE F: Capital Stock

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

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    106,550       486,449       $ 1,638,921     $ 5,692,849  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    –0 –      54,029         –0 –      699,773  

Shares redeemed

    (232,671     (1,395,831       (3,645,953     (17,164,618
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (126,121     (855,353     $ (2,007,032   $ (10,771,996
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    266,921       2,131,892       $ 4,097,706     $ 23,010,244  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends

    –0 –      323,268         –0 –      4,157,435  

Shares redeemed

    (1,926,554     (4,300,841       (29,321,655     (53,355,367
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (1,659,633     (1,845,681     $ (25,223,949   $ (26,187,688
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2021, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 53% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Market Risk—The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s value approach, may underperform the market generally.

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

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

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

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

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

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio may 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. 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

 

19


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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 Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition 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 Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. 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 Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

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

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

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

 

     2020      2019  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 4,857,208      $ 3,001,856  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

   $ 4,857,208      $ 3,001,856  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 1,553,477  

Accumulated capital and other losses

     (37,298,260 )(a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     46,118,553 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 10,373,770  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   As of December 30, 2020, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $37,298,260.

 

(b)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the recognition for tax purposes of unrealized gains/losses on certain derivative instruments, the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), and the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 30, 2020, the Portfolio had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $1,878,991 and a net long-term capital loss carryforward of $35,419,269, which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2020-04.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

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

 

21


 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    Class A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $14.45       $14.37       $12.38       $16.30       $13.28       $13.52  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)(b)

    .22       .18       .28       .25       .31       .30 † 

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

    1.19       .14       1.84       (3.94     3.06       (.37
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    1.41       .32       2.12       (3.69     3.37       (.07
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.24     (.13     (.23     (.35     (.17
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $15.86       $14.45       $14.37       $12.38       $16.30       $13.28  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

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

    9.76     2.46     17.14     (22.79 )%      25.42      (.50 )% 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

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

    $44,104       $41,994       $54,042       $57,234       $53,014       $47,385  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    .90 %^      .91     .90     .86     .85     .86

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    .90 %^      .92     .90     .87     .86     .86

Net investment income (b)

    2.92 %^      1.47     2.10     1.65     2.05      2.27 % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    25     54     44     42     45     64

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 23.

 

22


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

 

    Class B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $14.34       $14.24       $12.29       $16.15       $13.16       $13.41  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)(b)

    .20       .14       .24       .23       .27       .27 † 

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

    1.19       .15       1.82       (3.92     3.02       (.38
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    1.39       .29       2.06       (3.69     3.29       (.11
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.19     (.11     (.17     (.30     (.14
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $15.73       $14.34       $14.24       $12.29       $16.15       $13.16  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

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

    9.69     2.21     16.79     (22.98 )%      25.09      (.80 )% 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

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

    $302,212       $299,415       $323,582       $309,576       $432,885       $460,086  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements

    1.15 %^      1.16     1.15     1.11     1.10     1.11

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.15 %^      1.17     1.15     1.11     1.11     1.11

Net investment income (b)

    2.65 %^      1.18     1.84     1.50     1.83      2.04 % 

Portfolio turnover rate

    25     54     44     42     45     64

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

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

 

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

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, 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

$.002   .01%   .01%

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 by .04%, .18%, .01% and .07%, respectively.

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

23


 
 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

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

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio to designate an Administrator of the Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Portfolio’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Portfolio’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”).

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2021, which covered the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Portfolio’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Portfolio will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner.

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Portfolio classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Portfolio’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Portfolio participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Portfolio is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Portfolio’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Portfolio’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, 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 Portfolio, and in a diminished depth of liquidity in most markets, to varying degrees. Nonetheless, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

24


 
INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB International Value Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on May 3-5, 2021 (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 withexperienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevantlegal 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.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2019 and 2020 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous fac-

 

25


INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)  

AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

tors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2021 and (in the case of comparisons with the broadbased securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review and their discussion with the Adviser of the reasons for the Fund’s underperformance in the periods reviewed, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable. The directors determined to continue to monitor the Fund’s performance closely.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior 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 also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with those for two other funds advised by the Adviser utilizing similar investment strategies.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the

 

26


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The Adviser had agreed to cap the Fund’s expenses, but the directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was currently below the level of the Adviser’s cap. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the peer group median. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

27


VPS-IV-0152-0621


JUN    06.30.21

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO

 

As of May 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, you may not be receiving paper copies of the Portfolio’s shareholder reports from the insurance company that offers your contract unless you specifically requested paper copies from the insurance company or from your financial intermediary. Instead of delivering paper copies of the reports, the insurance company may choose to make the reports available on a website, and will notify you by mail each time a report is posted and provide you with a website link to access the report. Instructions for requesting paper copies will be provided by your insurance company.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge from the insurance company. You can inform the insurance company or your financial intermediary that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by following the instructions provided by the insurance company or by contacting your financial intermediary. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all portfolio companies available under your contract with the insurance company.


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.

You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227 4618.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The 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.

The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.


 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Portfolio and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions. Therefore, the second line of each class’ table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

      Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2021
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2021
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,152.40      $   3.47        0.65

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,021.57      $ 3.26        0.65
           

Class B

           

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,151.00      $ 4.80        0.90

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,020.33      $ 4.51        0.90

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  NET ASSETS  

Alphabet, Inc.—Class C

   $ 69,675,696          8.5

Microsoft Corp.

     66,452,312          8.1  

Facebook, Inc.—Class A

     46,915,119          5.7  

Amazon.com, Inc.

     46,166,947          5.6  

Visa, Inc.—Class A

     40,580,864          5.0  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

     34,201,180          4.2  

Zoetis, Inc.

     27,361,934          3.3  

NIKE, Inc.—Class B

     25,904,265          3.2  

Adobe, Inc.

     24,948,850          3.1  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

     24,643,819          3.0  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   406,850,986          49.7

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2021 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Information Technology

   $ 275,954,048          33.6

Health Care

     159,083,077          19.4  

Communication Services

     132,518,161          16.2  

Consumer Discretionary

     120,513,025          14.7  

Consumer Staples

     42,318,752          5.2  

Industrials

     39,944,068          4.9  

Materials

     11,739,053          1.4  

Financials

     1,887,275          0.2  

Short-Term Investments

     35,948,552          4.4  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   819,906,011          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

2


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

COMMON STOCKS–95.8%

   

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–33.7%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–1.3%

   

Arista Networks, Inc.(a)

    18,470     $ 6,691,866  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    16,679       3,616,841  
   

 

 

 
      10,308,707  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS &
COMPONENTS–2.1%

   

Amphenol Corp.–Class A

    81,412       5,569,395  

Cognex Corp.

    47,742       4,012,715  

IPG Photonics Corp.(a)

    36,046       7,597,415  
   

 

 

 
      17,179,525  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–8.5%

   

EPAM Systems, Inc.(a)

    13,829       7,066,066  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)

    76,002       22,153,063  

Visa, Inc.–Class A(b)

    173,556       40,580,864  
   

 

 

 
      69,799,993  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–8.5%

   

ASML Holding NV ADR

    17,800       12,296,952  

NVIDIA Corp.

    23,049       18,441,505  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    147,522       21,085,320  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    25,530       4,909,419  

Xilinx, Inc.

    91,060       13,170,918  
   

 

 

 
      69,904,114  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–13.3%

   

Adobe, Inc.(a)

    42,601       24,948,850  

Fortinet, Inc.(a)

    52,731       12,559,997  

Microsoft Corp.

    245,302       66,452,312  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.(a)

    10,612       4,800,550  
   

 

 

 
      108,761,709  
   

 

 

 
      275,954,048  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–19.5%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–2.1%

   

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    5,618       3,137,878  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    70,469       14,208,664  
   

 

 

 
      17,346,542  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–8.2%

   

ABIOMED, Inc.(a)

    10,523       3,284,334  

Align Technology, Inc.(a)

    23,416       14,307,176  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a)

    148,908       15,422,402  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(a)

    15,448       9,756,184  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)

    26,203       24,097,327  
   

 

 

 
      66,867,423  
   

 

 

 
Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–4.2%

   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    85,409     $ 34,201,180  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY–0.7%

   

Veeva Systems, Inc.– Class A(a)

    17,617       5,478,006  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–1.0%

   

Illumina, Inc.(a)

    9,970       4,717,904  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(a)

    2,245       3,110,088  
   

 

 

 
      7,827,992  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–3.3%

   

Zoetis, Inc.

    146,823       27,361,934  
   

 

 

 
      159,083,077  
   

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION SERVICES–16.2%

   

ENTERTAINMENT–2.0%

   

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    65,582       9,432,659  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)

    36,689       6,494,687  
   

 

 

 
      15,927,346  
   

 

 

 

INTERACTIVE MEDIA & SERVICES–14.2%

   

Alphabet, Inc.–Class C(a)

    27,800       69,675,696  

Facebook, Inc.–Class A(a)

    134,926       46,915,119  
   

 

 

 
      116,590,815  
   

 

 

 
      132,518,161  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–14.7%

   

DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–0.6%

   

Chegg, Inc.(a)

    55,034       4,573,876  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–0.9%

   

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    16,800       7,837,032  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–6.6%

   

Amazon.com, Inc.(a)

    13,420       46,166,947  

Etsy, Inc.(a)

    38,598       7,945,013  
   

 

 

 
      54,111,960  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–3.4%

   

Burlington Stores, Inc.(a)

    10,690       3,442,073  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

    77,280       24,643,819  
   

 

 

 
      28,085,892  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–3.2%

   

NIKE, Inc.–Class B

    167,676       25,904,265  
   

 

 

 
      120,513,025  
   

 

 

 

 

3


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

CONSUMER STAPLES–5.2%

   

BEVERAGES–2.8%

   

Monster Beverage Corp.(a)

    248,138     $ 22,667,406  
   

 

 

 

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–2.4%

   

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    49,666       19,651,346  
   

 

 

 
      42,318,752  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–4.9%

   

BUILDING PRODUCTS–1.0%

   

Allegion PLC

    38,574       5,373,358  

Trex Co., Inc.(a)

    30,154       3,082,041  
   

 

 

 
      8,455,399  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–1.3%

   

Copart, Inc.(a)

    81,898       10,796,613  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–0.5%

   

AMETEK, Inc.

    30,430       4,062,405  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES–1.5%

   

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    26,005       12,227,551  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–0.6%

   

IDEX Corp.

    20,005       4,402,100  
   

 

 

 
      39,944,068  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–1.4%

   

CHEMICALS–1.4%

   

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    43,087       11,739,053  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–0.2%

   

CAPITAL MARKETS–0.2%

   

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    4,071       1,887,275  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $362,359,089)

      783,957,459  
   

 

 

 
Company       
    
    
Shares
    U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–4.4%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–4.4%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market
Portfolio–Class AB, 0.01%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $35,948,552)

    35,948,552     $ 35,948,552  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.2%
(cost $398,307,641)

      819,906,011  

Other assets less liabilities–(0.2)%

      (1,369,861
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 818,536,150  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

4


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $362,359,089)

   $ 783,957,459 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $35,948,552)

     35,948,552  

Cash

     13,887  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     1,209,214  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     327,514  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     74,331  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     223  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     821,531,180  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Payable for investment securities purchased

     1,235,540  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     1,077,378  

Advisory fee payable

     390,750  

Distribution fee payable

     90,760  

Administrative fee payable

     20,498  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     129  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     179,975  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     2,995,030  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 818,536,150  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 9,621  

Additional paid-in capital

     299,255,505  

Distributable earnings

     519,271,024  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 818,536,150  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $   362,403,104          4,079,317        $   88.84  
B      $ 456,133,046          5,541,877        $ 82.31  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $38,601,578 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

5


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $5,303)

   $ 1,685,205  

Affiliated issuers

     1,737  

Securities lending income

     22,671  
  

 

 

 
     1,709,613  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     2,249,122  

Distribution fee—Class B

     519,781  

Transfer agency—Class A

     2,000  

Transfer agency—Class B

     2,492  

Custody and accounting

     63,895  

Administrative

     39,467  

Printing

     30,166  

Legal

     24,679  

Audit and tax

     20,072  

Directors’ fees

     14,328  

Miscellaneous

     11,153  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     2,977,155  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B)

     (7,801
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     2,969,354  
  

 

 

 

Net investment loss

     (1,259,741
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     42,654,748  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     67,620,275  
  

 

 

 

Net gain on investment transactions

     110,275,023  
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 109,015,282  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

6


      
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment loss

   $ (1,259,741   $ (1,402,550

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     42,654,748       59,629,586  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     67,620,275       138,582,497  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     109,015,282       196,809,533  

Distributions to Shareholders

    

Class A

     –0 –      (21,647,747

Class B

     –0 –      (28,746,560

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

    

Net increase (decrease)

     (35,041,805     11,225,885  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase

     73,973,477       157,641,111  

NET ASSETS

    

Beginning of period

     744,562,673       586,921,562  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 818,536,150     $ 744,562,673  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Large Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 11 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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. Factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

8


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

   

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2021:

 

       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments in Securities:

             

Assets:

 

Common Stocks(a)

     $ 783,957,459      $             –0 –     $             –0 –     $ 783,957,459  

Short-Term Investments

       35,948,552        –0 –       –0 –       35,948,552  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

       819,906,011        –0 –       –0 –       819,906,011  

Other Financial Instruments(b)

       –0 –       –0 –       –0 –       –0 – 
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     $ 819,906,011      $ –0 –     $ –0 –     $ 819,906,011  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

9


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

3. Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

It is the Portfolio’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Portfolio may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income. The Portfolio accounts for distributions received from REIT investments or from regulated investment companies as dividend income, realized gain, or return of capital based on information provided by the REIT or the investment company.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .60% of the first $2.5 billion, .50% of the next $2.5 billion and .45% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $39,467.

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $818 for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2022. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, such waiver amounted to $7,801.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

  Market Value
12/31/20
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
    Sales
Proceeds
(000)
    Market Value
6/30/21
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

  $ 37,157     $ 61,383     $ 62,591     $ 35,949     $ 2  

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 (and related transactions). As a result, as of May 20, 2021, AXA no longer owns shares of Equitable.

Sales 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 Portfolio’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 Portfolio subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

 

11


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

       Purchases      Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

     $ 62,262,035      $ 100,589,868  

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

   $ 422,351,822  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (753,452
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 421,598,370  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.

The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Portfolio cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Portfolio receives non-cash collateral, the Portfolio will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any dividend income or other distributions from the securities; however, these distributions will not be afforded the same preferential tax treatment as qualified dividends. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Portfolio earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the six months ended June 30, 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

 
$ 38,601,578     $ –0–     $ 39,735,847     $ 22,671     $ –0–     $ –0–  

 

*   As of June 30, 2021.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    73,641       641,498       $ 5,922,147     $ 43,850,540  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    –0 –      313,269         –0 –      21,647,747  

Shares redeemed

    (293,533     (968,570       (23,679,220     (64,695,850
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (219,892     (13,803     $ (17,757,073   $ 802,437  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    222,061       588,384       $ 16,462,799     $ 36,577,399  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    –0 –      447,960         –0 –      28,746,560  

Shares redeemed

    (457,196     (892,446       (33,747,531     (54,900,511
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (235,135     143,898       $ (17,284,732   $ 10,423,448  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2021, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 66% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Market Risk—The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s growth approach, may underperform the market generally.

Focused Portfolio Risk—Investments in a limited number of companies may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Portfolio’s net asset value, or NAV.

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be more difficult to trade due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

 

13


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Industry/Sector Risk—Investments in a particular sector, industry or group of related industries, such as the information technology or health care sector, may have more risk because market or economic factors affecting that sector or industry could have a significant effect on the value of the Portfolio’s investments.

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio 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. 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 Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition 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 Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. 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 Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

Management Risk—The Portfolio is subject to management risk because it is an actively-managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Portfolio, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results. Some of these techniques may incorporate, or rely upon, quantitative models, but there is no guarantee that these models will generate accurate forecasts, reduce risk or otherwise perform as expected.

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2021 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

     2020      2019  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 2,813,054      $ 3,267,073  

Net long-term capital gains

     47,581,253        66,227,976  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions paid

     50,394,307        69,495,049  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

As of December 31, 2020, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 830,314  

Undistributed capital gains

     56,301,507  

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     353,123,921 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 410,255,742  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2020, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2020-04.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

15


      
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $77.09       $61.26       $51.75       $56.34       $45.22       $49.50  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (loss) (a)(b)

    (.08     (.06     .05       .02       .02       (.03 )† 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    11.83       21.18       17.18       2.09       14.10       1.44  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      .00 (c) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    11.75       21.12       17.23       2.11       14.12       1.41  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Distributions

           

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (5.29     (7.72     (6.70     (3.00     (5.69
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $88.84       $77.09       $61.26       $51.75       $56.34       $45.22  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)*

    15.24     35.49     34.70     2.58     31.98     2.63 %† 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $362,403       $331,436       $264,234       $190,899       $208,392       $178,136  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (e)‡

    .65 %^      .66     .67     .68     .70     .85

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (e)‡

    .66 %^      .67     .68     .68     .70     .85

Net investment income (loss) (b)

    (.20 )%^      (.08 )%      .09     .04     .03     (.07 )%† 

Portfolio turnover rate

    9     33     38     46     48     59
           

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .00 %^      .01     .01     .00     .00     .00

 

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 18.

 

16


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $71.51       $57.28       $48.91       $53.70       $43.32       $47.77  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment loss (a)(b)

    (.17     (.21     (.09     (.12     (.11     (.14 )† 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    10.97       19.73       16.18       2.03       13.49       1.38  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      .00 (c) 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    10.80       19.52       16.09       1.91       13.38       1.24  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Distributions

           

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (5.29     (7.72     (6.70     (3.00     (5.69
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $82.31       $71.51       $57.28       $48.91       $53.70       $43.32  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (d)*

    15.10     35.15     34.37     2.32     31.67     2.36 %† 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $456,133       $413,127       $322,688       $218,027       $220,934       $202,903  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (e)‡

    .90 %^      .91     .92     .93     .95     1.10

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (e)‡

    .91 %^      .92     .93     .93     .95     1.10

Net investment loss (b)

    (.45 )%^      (.33 )%      (.16 )%      (.21 )%      (.21 )%      (.32 )%† 

Portfolio turnover rate

    9     33     38     46     48     59
           

‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying

  

portfolios

    .00 %^      .01     .01     .00     .00     .00

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 18.

 

17


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

(d)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(e)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, such waiver amounted to .01% and .01%, respectively.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, 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

$.005   .01%   .01%

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 by .04%, .03% and .01%, respectively.

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

18


      
      
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

OPERATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PORTFOLIO’S LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio to designate an Administrator of the Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Portfolio’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Portfolio’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”).

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2021, which covered the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Portfolio’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Portfolio will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner.

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Portfolio classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Portfolio’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Portfolio participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Portfolio is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Portfolio’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Portfolio’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, 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 Portfolio, and in a diminished depth of liquidity in most markets, to varying degrees. Nonetheless, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

19


 
LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Large Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on May 3-5, 2021 (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.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2019 and 2020 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2021 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior 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 also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with those for two other funds advised by the Adviser utilizing similar investment strategies.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the

 

21


LARGE CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

22


VPS-LCG-0152-0621


JUN    06.30.21

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO

 

 

 

As of May 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, you may not be receiving paper copies of the Portfolio’s shareholder reports from the insurance company that offers your contract unless you specifically requested paper copies from the insurance company or from your financial intermediary. Instead of delivering paper copies of the reports, the insurance company may choose to make the reports available on a website, and will notify you by mail each time a report is posted and provide you with a website link to access the report. Instructions for requesting paper copies will be provided by your insurance company.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge from the insurance company. You can inform the insurance company or your financial intermediary that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by following the instructions provided by the insurance company or by contacting your financial intermediary. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all portfolio companies available under your contract with the insurance company.


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.

You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227 4618.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The 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.

The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.


 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Portfolio and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions. Therefore, the second line of each classes’ table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

     Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2021
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2021
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,081.40      $   4.64        0.90

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,020.33      $ 4.51        0.90
           

Class B

           

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,080.00      $ 5.93        1.15

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,019.09      $ 5.76        1.15

 

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $  VALUE                 PERCENT OF NET ASSETS          

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.

   $ 1,832,367          1.7

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.—Class A

     1,816,256          1.6  

Trupanion, Inc.

     1,812,710          1.6  

Synaptics, Inc.

     1,740,940          1.6  

SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc.

     1,692,261          1.5  

LHC Group, Inc.

     1,654,148          1.5  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

     1,620,799          1.5  

John Bean Technologies Corp.

     1,597,059          1.5  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.

     1,594,114          1.4  

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

     1,579,292          1.4  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   16,939,946          15.3

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2021 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR   U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Information Technology

  $ 28,840,809          26.0

Health Care

    26,542,077          23.9  

Consumer Discretionary

    18,380,680          16.6  

Industrials

    16,671,434          15.0  

Financials

    9,349,073          8.4  

Consumer Staples

    2,687,006          2.4  

Materials

    2,637,450          2.4  

Energy

    1,392,507          1.3  

Real Estate

    1,372,384          1.2  

Short-Term Investments

    3,157,596          2.8  
   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

  $   111,031,016          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

2


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                 

COMMON STOCKS–97.6%

   
   

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–26.1%

   

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–5.6%

   

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.(a)

    41,491     $ 1,149,301  

II-VI, Inc.(a)(b)

    18,620       1,351,626  

Littelfuse, Inc.

    4,910       1,251,019  

Novanta, Inc.(a)

    10,670       1,437,889  

Shoals Technologies Group, Inc.(a)

    27,460       974,830  
   

 

 

 
      6,164,665  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–3.3%

   

BigCommerce Holdings, Inc.(a)(b)

    18,219       1,182,778  

Digitalocean Holdings, Inc.(a)

    16,868       937,692  

Shift4 Payments, Inc.–Class A(a)

    16,013       1,500,738  
   

 

 

 
      3,621,208  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–8.7%

   

Ambarella, Inc.(a)

    8,672       924,695  

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.(a)

    32,616       1,832,367  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.(a)

    18,640       1,194,451  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    6,280       1,117,526  

Semtech Corp.(a)

    21,870       1,504,656  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.(a)

    8,834       1,353,811  

Synaptics, Inc.(a)

    11,190       1,740,940  
   

 

 

 
      9,668,446  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–7.9%

   

Anaplan, Inc.(a)

    2,109       112,410  

Blackline, Inc.(a)

    10,710       1,191,702  

Duck Creek Technologies, Inc.(a)(b)

    21,395       930,896  

Everbridge, Inc.(a)

    7,700       1,047,816  

Manhattan Associates, Inc.(a)

    10,570       1,530,959  

Rapid7, Inc.(a)

    13,120       1,241,546  

Smartsheet, Inc.–Class A(a)

    16,498       1,193,135  

Varonis Systems, Inc.(a)

    26,625       1,534,132  
   

 

 

 
      8,782,596  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–0.6%

   

ACV Auctions, Inc.(a)

    23,562       603,894  
   

 

 

 
          28,840,809  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–24.0%

   

BIOTECHNOLOGY–13.3%

   

ADC Therapeutics SA(a)

    20,173       491,213  

Allakos, Inc.(a)

    6,458       551,319  

Allogene Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    20,451       533,362  

Annexon, Inc.(a)

    18,955       426,677  

Ascendis Pharma A/S (Sponsored ADR)(a)

    3,791       498,706  

Beyondspring, Inc.(a)

    37,152     $ 387,867  

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Co., Ltd.(a)

    9,286       901,485  

Bioxcel Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)

    11,222       326,111  

Blueprint Medicines Corp.(a)

    9,417       828,319  

Coherus Biosciences, Inc.(a)

    29,701       410,765  

Insmed, Inc.(a)

    22,886       651,336  

Instil Bio, Inc.(a)

    25,859       499,596  

Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    8,000       1,295,280  

iTeos Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    16,589       425,508  

Legend Biotech Corp. ADR(a)

    12,612       517,723  

Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc.(a)

    17,614       321,984  

Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    15,900       580,350  

Relay Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    14,145       517,566  

Turning Point Therapeutics, Inc.–Class I(a)

    9,047       705,847  

Twist Bioscience Corp.(a)

    9,870       1,315,177  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.(a)

    8,053       767,853  

Vir Biotechnology, Inc.(a)(b)

    14,122       667,688  

Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    15,725       531,505  

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)

    10,746       571,687  
   

 

 

 
          14,724,924  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES–5.3%

   

AtriCure, Inc.(a)

    17,990       1,427,147  

Eargo, Inc.(a)

    17,235       687,849  

Figs, Inc.(a)

    19,266       965,227  

Outset Medical, Inc.(a)

    17,481       873,700  

Selectquote, Inc.(a)

    27,911       537,566  

Silk Road Medical, Inc.(a)

    15,112       723,260  

Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.(a)

    21,886       684,156  
   

 

 

 
      5,898,905  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–2.5%

   

Allovir, Inc.(a)

    15,860       313,076  

Certara, Inc.(a)

    28,518       807,915  

LHC Group, Inc.(a)

    8,260       1,654,148  
   

 

 

 
      2,775,139  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY–1.2%

   

Health Catalyst, Inc.(a)

    24,642       1,367,878  
   

 

 

 

LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES–1.1%

   

Repligen Corp.(a)

    5,890       1,175,762  
   

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS–0.6%

 

Revance Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

    20,225       599,469  
   

 

 

 
      26,542,077  
   

 

 

 

 

3


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–16.6%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–1.4%

   

Fox Factory Holding Corp.(a)

    10,241     $ 1,594,114  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–4.5%

   

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.(a)

    23,410       968,940  

Planet Fitness, Inc.(a)

    11,534       867,933  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.–Class A

    18,880       1,816,256  

Wingstop, Inc.

    8,206       1,293,512  
   

 

 

 
      4,946,641  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–3.4%

   

Installed Building Products, Inc.

    10,470       1,281,109  

Lovesac Co. (The)(a)

    13,910       1,109,879  

Skyline Champion Corp.(a)

    24,640       1,313,312  
   

 

 

 
      3,704,300  
   

 

 

 

INTERNET & DIRECT MARKETING RETAIL–0.7%

   

RealReal, Inc. (The)(a)

    41,825       826,462  
   

 

 

 

MULTILINE RETAIL–1.3%

   

Driven Brands Holdings, Inc.(a)

    45,132       1,395,481  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–5.3%

   

Five Below, Inc.(a)

    5,502       1,063,372  

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.–Class A(a)

    13,290       1,404,753  

Lithia Motors, Inc.–Class A

    4,198       1,442,601  

National Vision Holdings, Inc.(a)

    12,640       646,283  

Sleep Number Corp.(a)

    12,339       1,356,673  
   

 

 

 
      5,913,682  
   

 

 

 
          18,380,680  
   

 

 

 

INDUSTRIALS–15.1%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.1%

   

Axon Enterprise, Inc.(a)

    6,790       1,200,472  
   

 

 

 

BUILDING PRODUCTS–2.5%

   

AZEK Co., Inc. (The)(a)

    27,789       1,179,921  

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

    14,300       1,579,292  
   

 

 

 
      2,759,213  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–1.4%

   

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    12,860       1,569,434  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–1.2%

   

Hayward Holdings, Inc.(a)

    51,338       1,335,815  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–6.0%

   

Chart Industries, Inc.(a)

    8,768       1,282,934  

Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc.(a)

    17,883       1,057,064  

ITT, Inc.

    13,824     $ 1,266,140  

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    11,198       1,597,059  

Middleby Corp. (The)(a)

    7,830       1,356,626  
   

 

 

 
      6,559,823  
   

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–1.4%

   

Saia, Inc.(a)

    7,420       1,554,416  
   

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–1.5%

   

SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc.(a)

    9,998       1,692,261  
   

 

 

 
          16,671,434  
   

 

 

 

FINANCIALS–8.5%

   

BANKS–2.4%

   

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    32,990       1,620,799  

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.

    17,230       1,016,570  
   

 

 

 
      2,637,369  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–2.4%

   

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

    15,930       1,302,914  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    21,115       1,369,519  
   

 

 

 
      2,672,433  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–0.6%

   

Fisker, Inc.(a)

    30,370       585,534  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–3.1%

   

Inari Medical, Inc.(a)

    14,183       1,322,990  

Trean Insurance Group, Inc.(a)

    21,090       318,037  

Trupanion, Inc.(a)

    15,749       1,812,710  
   

 

 

 
      3,453,737  
   

 

 

 
      9,349,073  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–2.4%

   

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING–0.5%

   

Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (The)(a)

    18,302       582,553  
   

 

 

 

FOOD PRODUCTS–1.8%

   

Freshpet, Inc.(a)

    8,651       1,409,767  

Vital Farms, Inc.(a)

    27,589       550,676  
   

 

 

 
      1,960,443  
   

 

 

 

PERSONAL PRODUCTS–0.1%

   

Honest Co., Inc. (The)(a)

    8,895       144,010  
   

 

 

 
      2,687,006  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–2.4%

   

CHEMICALS–1.3%

   

Element Solutions, Inc.

    59,760       1,397,189  
   

 

 

 

CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–1.1%

   

Ranpak Holdings Corp.(a)

    49,551       1,240,261  
   

 

 

 
      2,637,450  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–1.3%

   

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–1.3%

   

Matador Resources Co.

    38,670       1,392,507  
   

 

 

 

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

    
    
    
Company
  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                 

REAL ESTATE–1.2%

   

EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITs)–1.2%

   

QTS Realty Trust, Inc.–Class A

    17,754     $ 1,372,384  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $73,657,288)

      107,873,420  
   

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–2.8%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–2.8%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB,
0.01%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $3,157,596)

    3,157,596       3,157,596  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SECURITY LENDING COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–100.4%
(cost $76,814,884)

        111,031,016  
   

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED–0.2%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.2%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.01%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $222,156)

    222,156     $ 222,156  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–100.6%
(cost $77,037,040)

      111,253,172  

Other assets less liabilities–(0.6)%

      (682,819
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $   110,570,353  
   

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)   Affiliated investments.

 

(d)   The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end.

 

(e)   To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust

See notes to financial statements.

 

5


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $73,657,288)

   $ 107,873,420 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $3,379,752—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $222,156)

     3,379,752  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     621,024  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     139,744  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     21,338  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     20  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     112,035,298  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

  

Payable for investment securities purchased

     998,346  

Payable for collateral received on securities loaned

     222,156  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     72,889  

Advisory fee payable

     51,290  

Administrative fee payable

     20,282  

Distribution fee payable

     15,039  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     129  

Accrued expenses

     84,814  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,464,945  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 110,570,353  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

  

Capital stock, at par

   $ 3,887  

Additional paid-in capital

     41,911,156  

Distributable earnings

     68,655,310  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 110,570,353  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class    Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A    $   34,518,019          1,109,922        $   31.10  
B    $ 76,052,334          2,776,587        $ 27.39  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $3,925,893 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

6


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers

   $ 109,588  

Affiliated issuers

     100  

Securities lending income

     7,114  
  

 

 

 
     116,802  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     440,256  

Distribution fee—Class B

     103,199  

Transfer agency—Class A

     740  

Transfer agency—Class B

     1,743  

Custody and accounting

     56,485  

Administrative

     39,336  

Audit and tax

     20,047  

Printing

     14,497  

Legal

     11,218  

Directors’ fees

     10,085  

Miscellaneous

     3,540  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     701,146  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E)

     (70,097
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     631,049  
  

 

 

 

Net investment loss

     (514,247
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     16,700,559  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     (6,941,181
  

 

 

 

Net gain on investment transactions

     9,759,378  
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 9,245,131  
  

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment loss

   $ (514,247   $ (673,231

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     16,700,559       20,283,029  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     (6,941,181     23,109,959  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     9,245,131       42,719,757  

Distributions to Shareholders

    

Class A

     –0 –      (1,828,600

Class B

     –0 –      (5,259,631

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

    

Net increase (decrease)

     (17,804,689     5,353,821  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease)

     (8,559,558     40,985,347  

NET ASSETS

    

Beginning of period

     119,129,911       78,144,564  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 110,570,353     $ 119,129,911  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

8


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 11 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The Portfolio may (i) make additional exceptions that, in the Adviser’s judgment, do not adversely affect the Adviser’s ability to manage the Portfolio; (ii) reject any investment or refuse any exception, including those detailed above, that the Adviser believes will adversely affect its ability to manage the Portfolio; and (iii) close and/or reopen the Portfolio to new or existing Contractholders at any time.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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. 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.

 

9


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

   

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2021:

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities:

        

Assets:

 

Common Stocks(a)

   $ 107,873,420     $             –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 107,873,420  

Short-Term Investments

     3,157,596       –0 –      –0 –      3,157,596  

Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund

     222,156       –0 –      –0 –      222,156  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     111,253,172       –0 –      –0 –      111,253,172  

Other Financial Instruments(b)

     –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 111,253,172     $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 111,253,172  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

3. Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

It is the Portfolio’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Portfolio may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income. The Portfolio accounts for distributions received from REIT investments or from regulated investment companies as dividend income, realized gain, or return of capital based on information provided by the REIT or the investment company.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses (excluding expenses associated with acquired fund fees and expenses other than the advisory fees of any AB mutual funds in which the Portfolio may invest, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs) on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to .90% and

 

11


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

1.15% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, such reimbursements/waivers amounted to $69,641. This fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement agreement extends through May 1, 2022 and then may be extended by the Adviser for additional one-year terms.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $39,336.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $818 for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2022. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, such waiver amounted to $440.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Market Value
12/31/20
(000)
     Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/21
(000)
     Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 2,072      $ 19,685      $ 18,599      $ 3,158      $ 0

Government Money Market Portfolio**

     1,351        9,466        10,595        222        0
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

            $ 3,380      $ 0
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*   Amount is less than $500.

 

**   Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

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 (and related transactions). As a result, as of May 20, 2021, AXA no longer owns shares of Equitable.

Sales 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 Portfolio’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 Portfolio subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

     Purchases     Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 44,005,096     $ 63,611,082  

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

   $ 35,206,889  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (990,757
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 34,216,132  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.

The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Portfolio cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Portfolio receives non-cash collateral, the Portfolio will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any dividend income or other distributions from the securities; however, these distributions will not be afforded the same preferential tax treatment as qualified dividends. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that

 

13


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Portfolio earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the six months ended June 30, 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
 
$ 3,925,893     $ 222,156     $ 3,827,224     $ 7,059      $ 55      $ 16  

 

*   As of June 30, 2021.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    29,451       90,208       $ 889,901     $ 1,939,754  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    –0 –      79,956         –0 –      1,828,600  

Shares redeemed

    (112,675     (341,056       (3,466,595     (7,601,528
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

    (83,224     (170,892     $ (2,576,694   $ (3,833,174)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    464,888       1,421,448       $ 12,249,493     $ 28,063,230  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    –0 –      260,507         –0 –      5,259,631  

Shares redeemed

    (1,032,462     (1,209,065       (27,477,488     (24,135,866
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (567,574     472,890       $ (15,227,995   $ 9,186,995  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2021, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 74% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Market Risk—The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s growth approach, may underperform the market generally.

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be more difficult to trade due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

Industry/Sector Risk—Investments in a particular sector, industry or group of related industries, such as the information technology or health care sector, may have more risk because market or economic factors affecting that sector or industry could have a significant effect on the value of the Portfolio’s investments.

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio 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. 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 Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition 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 Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. 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 Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

Management Risk—The Portfolio is subject to management risk because it is an actively-managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Portfolio, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results. Some of these techniques may incorporate, or rely upon, quantitative models, but there is no guarantee that these models will generate accurate forecasts, reduce risk or otherwise perform as expected.

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

 

15


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2021 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

       2020        2019  

Distributions paid from:

         

Net long-term capital gains

     $ 7,088,231        $ 9,906,666  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions

     $ 7,088,231        $ 9,906,666  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2020, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 2,673,240  

Undistributed capital gains

     17,157,435  

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     39,579,504 (a) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 59,410,179  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) and the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2020, the Portfolio did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)—Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2020-04.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

16


 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017      2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $28.76       $19.92       $16.58       $17.53       $13.07        $17.31  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
            
Income From Investment Operations

 

Net investment loss (a)(b)

    (.10     (.13     (.08     (.13     (.18      (.12 )† 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    2.44       10.49       6.02       .14 (c)      4.64        1.05  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      –0 –      .00 (d)      –0 –      –0 –       –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in net asset value from operations

    2.34       10.36       5.94       .01       4.46        .93  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
            
Less: Distributions

 

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (1.52     (2.60     (.96     –0 –       (5.17
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $31.10       $28.76       $19.92       $16.58       $17.53        $13.07  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
            
Total Return

 

Total investment return based on net asset value (e)*

    8.14     53.98     36.40     (.89 )%      34.12      6.46 %† 
            
Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $34,518       $34,314       $27,167       $22,724       $26,039        $22,405  

Ratio to average net assets of:

            

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (f)

    .90 %^      .90     .90     1.06     1.38      1.48

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (f)

    1.02 %^      1.09     1.16     1.15     1.38      1.49

Net investment loss (b)

    (.70 )%^      (.60 )%      (.39 )%      (.65 )%      (1.19 )%       (.83 )%† 

Portfolio turnover rate

    38     103     69     73     69      60
                                                  

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 18.

 

17


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017      2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $25.36       $17.75       $15.03       $16.00       $11.96        $16.30  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
            

Income From Investment Operations

            

Net investment loss (a)(b)

    (.13     (.16     (.11     (.16     (.20      (.15 )† 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment transactions

    2.16       9.29       5.43       .15 (c)      4.24        .98  

Contributions from Affiliates

    –0 –      –0 –      .00 (d)      –0 –      –0 –       –0 – 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    2.03       9.13       5.32       (.01     4.04        .83  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
            

Less: Distributions

            

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (1.52     (2.60     (.96     –0 –       (5.17
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $27.39       $25.36       $17.75       $15.03       $16.00        $11.96  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
            

Total Return

            

Total investment return based on net asset value (e)*

    8.00     53.64     36.01     (1.11 )%      33.78      6.22 %† 
            

Ratios/Supplemental Data

            

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $76,052       $84,816       $50,978       $40,096       $23,396        $15,094  

Ratio to average net assets of:

            

Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements (f)

    1.15 %^      1.15     1.15     1.30     1.61      1.73

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements (f)

    1.27 %^      1.33     1.42     1.40     1.62      1.74

Net investment loss (b)

    (.95 )%^      (.84 )%      (.64 )%      (.88 )%      (1.42 )%       (1.08 )%† 

Portfolio turnover rate

    38     103     69     73     69      60

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Due to timing of sales and repurchase of capital shares, the net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share is not in accordance with the Portfolio’s change in net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions for the period.

 

(d)   Amount is less than $.005.

 

(e)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

(f)   In connection with the Portfolio’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Portfolio incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, such waiver amounted to .01% and .01%, respectively.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, 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

$.004   .03%   .03%

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 by .05%, .03% and .08%, respectively.

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

18


 
 
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

OPERATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PORTFOLIO’S LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio to designate an Administrator of the Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Portfolio’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Portfolio’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”).

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2021, which covered the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Portfolio’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Portfolio will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner.

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Portfolio classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Portfolio’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Portfolio participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Portfolio is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Portfolio’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Portfolio’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, 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 Portfolio, and in a diminished depth of liquidity in most markets, to varying degrees. Nonetheless, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

19


      
SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on May 3-5, 2021 (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.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2019 and 2020 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous fac-tors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2021 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median. Taking into account the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year, the directors noted that the Adviser’s total rate of compensation was above the peer group median.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior 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 also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with those for two other funds advised by the Adviser utilizing similar investment strategies.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the

 

21


SMALL CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO

 

CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE

 

(continued)

 

AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

The directors noted that the Fund may invest in shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), subject to the restrictions and limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as these may be varied as a result of exemptive orders issued, and rules adopted, by the SEC. The directors also noted that ETFs pay advisory fees pursuant to their advisory contracts, and that the Adviser had provided, and they had received, information about the expense ratios of the relevant ETFs. The directors concluded, based on the Adviser’s explanation of how it uses ETFs when they are the most cost-effective way to obtain desired exposures, in some cases pending purchases of underlying securities, that the advisory fee for the Fund would be for services in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contracts of the ETFs.

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year and the directors considered the Adviser’s expense cap for the Fund. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

22


VPS-SCG-0152-0621


JUN    06.30.21

 

LOGO

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

AB VARIABLE PRODUCTS

SERIES FUND, INC.

 

+  

SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO

 

As of May 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, you may not be receiving paper copies of the Portfolio’s shareholder reports from the insurance company that offers your contract unless you specifically requested paper copies from the insurance company or from your financial intermediary. Instead of delivering paper copies of the reports, the insurance company may choose to make the reports available on a website, and will notify you by mail each time a report is posted and provide you with a website link to access the report. Instructions for requesting paper copies will be provided by your insurance company.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge from the insurance company. You can inform the insurance company or your financial intermediary that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by following the instructions provided by the insurance company or by contacting your financial intermediary. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all portfolio companies available under your contract with the insurance company.


 

 

 

Investment Products Offered

 

   

Are Not FDIC Insured

   

May Lose Value

   

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.

You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227 4618.

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The 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.

The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.


 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Portfolio and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

Actual Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. The estimate of expenses does not include fees or other expenses of any variable insurance product. If such expenses were included, the estimate of expenses you paid during the period would be higher and your ending account value would be lower.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions. Therefore, the second line of each class’ table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

     Beginning
Account Value
January 1, 2021
     Ending
Account Value
June 30, 2021
     Expenses Paid
During Period*
     Annualized
Expense Ratio*
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $   1,000      $   1,269.10      $   4.56        0.81

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,020.78      $ 4.06        0.81
           

Class B

           

Actual

   $ 1,000      $ 1,267.60      $ 5.96        1.06

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

   $ 1,000      $ 1,019.54      $ 5.31        1.06

 

 

 

*   Expenses are equal to each classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

1


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

 

COMPANY    U.S. $  VALUE                 PERCENT OF NET ASSETS            

Robert Half International, Inc.

   $ 14,140,447          1.7

PulteGroup, Inc.

     13,500,618          1.7  

MEDNAX, Inc.

     13,132,436          1.6  

Sealed Air Corp.

     12,740,942          1.6  

Oshkosh Corp.

     12,643,482          1.5  

First Citizens BancShares, Inc./NC—Class A

     12,149,677          1.5  

Comerica, Inc.

     12,057,173          1.5  

STAG Industrial, Inc.

     11,794,867          1.4  

Synovus Financial Corp.

     11,786,694          1.4  

AECOM

     11,764,856          1.4  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $   125,711,192          15.3

SECTOR BREAKDOWN2

June 30, 2021 (unaudited)

 

 

SECTOR    U.S. $  VALUE        PERCENT OF  TOTAL INVESTMENTS  

Industrials

   $ 181,816,343          22.3

Financials

     170,115,108          20.9  

Consumer Discretionary

     168,947,069          20.7  

Real Estate

     75,917,775          9.3  

Materials

     67,077,264          8.2  

Information Technology

     61,557,825          7.6  

Energy

     23,367,545          2.9  

Consumer Staples

     22,185,403          2.7  

Utilities

     17,392,115          2.2  

Health Care

     13,132,436          1.6  

Communication Services

     8,356,650          1.0  

Short-Term Investments

     4,953,231          0.6  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $   814,818,764          100.0

 

 

 

1   Long-term investments.

 

2   The Portfolio’s sector breakdown is expressed as a percentage of total investments and may vary over time.

Please note: The sector classifications presented herein are based on the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) which was developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International and Standard & Poor’s. The components are divided into sector, industry group, and industry sub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Portfolio’s prospectus.

 

2


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company

  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

COMMON STOCKS–98.8%

 

   

INDUSTRIALS–22.2%

   

AEROSPACE & DEFENSE–1.3%

 

AAR Corp.(a)

    4,775     $ 185,031  

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc.–Class A

    217,720       10,274,207  
   

 

 

 
      10,459,238  
   

 

 

 

AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS–1.0%

   

XPO Logistics, Inc.(a)

    59,850       8,372,417  
   

 

 

 

AIRLINES–1.9%

   

Alaska Air Group, Inc.(a)

    127,582       7,694,470  

SkyWest, Inc.(a)

    187,294       8,066,753  
   

 

 

 
      15,761,223  
   

 

 

 

BUILDING PRODUCTS–1.1%

   

Masonite International Corp.(a)

    83,679       9,354,475  
   

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES–2.4%

   

ADT, Inc.(b)

    777,900       8,393,541  

Herman Miller, Inc.

    237,600       11,200,464  
   

 

 

 
      19,594,005  
   

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING–1.4%

   

AECOM(a)

    185,800       11,764,856  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT–2.4%

   

Regal Beloit Corp.

    85,985       11,479,857  

Vertiv Holdings Co.

    287,700       7,854,210  
   

 

 

 
      19,334,067  
   

 

 

 

MACHINERY–3.7%

   

Crane Co.

    86,924       8,029,170  

Kennametal, Inc.

    20,040       719,837  

Oshkosh Corp.

    101,440       12,643,482  

Timken Co. (The)

    110,580       8,911,642  
   

 

 

 
      30,304,131  
   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES–3.1%

   

Korn Ferry

    156,680       11,367,134  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    158,935       14,140,447  
   

 

 

 
      25,507,581  
   

 

 

 

ROAD & RAIL–1.4%

   

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    243,051       11,049,098  
   

 

 

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS–2.5%

   

GATX Corp.

    71,500       6,325,605  

Herc Holdings, Inc.(a)

    70,020       7,847,142  

MRC Global, Inc.(a)

    653,458       6,142,505  
   

 

 

 
      20,315,252  
   

 

 

 
      181,816,343  
   

 

 

 

Company

  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

FINANCIALS–20.8%

   

BANKS–11.8%

   

Comerica, Inc.

    169,010     $ 12,057,173  

First Citizens BancShares, Inc./NC–Class A

    14,590       12,149,677  

First Hawaiian, Inc.

    119,267       3,380,027  

Sterling Bancorp/DE

    420,630       10,427,418  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    268,612       11,786,694  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.(a)

    166,072       10,543,911  

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    367,900       6,787,755  

Webster Financial Corp.

    191,202       10,198,715  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    142,820       10,801,477  

Zions Bancorp NA

    157,698       8,335,916  
   

 

 

 
      96,468,763  
   

 

 

 

CAPITAL MARKETS–2.2%

   

Moelis & Co.

    120,483       6,854,278  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    171,877       11,147,942  
   

 

 

 
      18,002,220  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER FINANCE–0.8%

   

OneMain Holdings, Inc.

    103,616       6,207,635  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES–0.9%

   

Voya Financial, Inc.

    120,898       7,435,227  
   

 

 

 

INSURANCE–3.9%

   

American Financial Group, Inc./OH

    79,130       9,869,094  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    34,383       8,664,860  

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (The)

    58,710       7,963,424  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    71,375       5,792,081  
   

 

 

 
      32,289,459  
   

 

 

 

THRIFTS & MORTGAGE FINANCE–1.2%

   

BankUnited, Inc.

    227,496       9,711,804  
   

 

 

 
      170,115,108  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY–20.6%

   

AUTO COMPONENTS–2.8%

   

Dana, Inc.

    224,148       5,325,756  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)(a)

    597,900       10,253,985  

Lear Corp.

    40,531       7,104,274  
   

 

 

 
      22,684,015  
   

 

 

 

DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES–1.3%

   

Hillenbrand, Inc.

    136,285       6,007,443  

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co.(a)

    436,915       4,823,541  
   

 

 

 
      10,830,984  
   

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE–4.1%

   

Dine Brands Global, Inc.(a)

    89,700       8,005,725  

 

3


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company

  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.(a)

    151,771     $ 6,281,802  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    81,472       8,508,936  

Scientific Games Corp./DE–Class A(a)

    140,680       10,894,259  
   

 

 

 
      33,690,722  
   

 

 

 

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES–3.3%

   

KB Home

    209,410       8,527,175  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    247,400       13,500,618  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp.–Class A(a)

    207,389       5,479,218  
   

 

 

 
      27,507,011  
   

 

 

 

LEISURE–0.9%

   

Brunswick Corp./DE

    70,686       7,041,739  
   

 

 

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL–3.0%

   

Foot Locker, Inc.(b)

    120,665       7,436,584  

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.(a)

    429,380       9,476,417  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

    47,394       7,566,452  
   

 

 

 
      24,479,453  
   

 

 

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS–5.2%

   

Carter’s, Inc.

    91,320       9,421,484  

Kontoor Brands, Inc.(b)

    139,890       7,891,195  

Ralph Lauren Corp.

    87,380       10,294,238  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    141,210       6,179,349  

Tapestry, Inc.(a)

    205,310       8,926,879  
   

 

 

 
      42,713,145  
   

 

 

 
      168,947,069  
   

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE–9.3%

   

EQUITY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)–9.3%

   

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    152,445       7,122,231  

Camden Property Trust

    75,493       10,015,656  

Cousins Properties, Inc.

    195,840       7,202,995  

CubeSmart

    215,182       9,967,230  

MGM Growth Properties LLC–Class A

    279,302       10,228,039  

Physicians Realty Trust

    592,711       10,947,372  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    567,261       8,639,385  

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    315,118       11,794,867  
   

 

 

 
      75,917,775  
   

 

 

 

MATERIALS–8.2%

   

CHEMICALS–3.0%

   

GCP Applied Technologies, Inc.(a)

    265,346       6,171,948  

Innospec, Inc.

    52,810       4,785,114  

Orion Engineered Carbons SA(a)

    320,825       6,092,467  

Trinseo SA

    123,656       7,399,575  
   

 

 

 
      24,449,104  
   

 

 

 

Company

  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

CONTAINERS & PACKAGING–1.6%

   

Sealed Air Corp.

    215,037     $ 12,740,942  
   

 

 

 

METALS & MINING–3.6%

   

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    241,122       9,697,927  

Commercial Metals Co.

    289,650       8,898,048  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    74,826       11,291,243  
   

 

 

 
      29,887,218  
   

 

 

 
      67,077,264  
   

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY–7.5%

   

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT–0.8%

   

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.(a)

    80,680       6,618,180  
   

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS–2.3%

   

Avnet, Inc.

    259,560       10,403,165  

Belden, Inc.

    169,464       8,569,794  
   

 

 

 
      18,972,959  
   

 

 

 

IT SERVICES–1.3%

   

Amdocs Ltd.

    73,936       5,719,689  

Genpact Ltd.

    115,271       5,236,762  
   

 

 

 
      10,956,451  
   

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT–1.6%

   

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    126,848       7,763,098  

MaxLinear, Inc.–Class A(a)

    125,945       5,351,403  
   

 

 

 
      13,114,501  
   

 

 

 

SOFTWARE–0.8%

   

CommVault Systems, Inc.(a)

    78,176       6,111,018  
   

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS–0.7%

   

NCR Corp.(a)

    126,830       5,784,716  
   

 

 

 
      61,557,825  
   

 

 

 

ENERGY–2.8%

   

ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES–0.7%

   

Dril-Quip, Inc.(a)

    165,077       5,584,555  
   

 

 

 

OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS–2.1%

   

Cimarex Energy Co.

    127,659       9,248,895  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    259,395       8,534,095  
   

 

 

 
      17,782,990  
   

 

 

 
      23,367,545  
   

 

 

 

CONSUMER STAPLES–2.7%

   

FOOD PRODUCTS–2.7%

   

Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (The)(a)(b)

    286,394       11,490,127  

Nomad Foods Ltd.(a)

    378,326       10,695,276  
   

 

 

 
      22,185,403  
   

 

 

 

 

4


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Company

  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

UTILITIES–2.1%

   

ELECTRIC UTILITIES–1.4%

   

IDACORP, Inc.

    120,534     $ 11,752,065  
   

 

 

 

GAS UTILITIES–0.7%

   

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    85,210       5,640,050  
   

 

 

 
      17,392,115  
   

 

 

 

HEALTH CARE–1.6%

   

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES–1.6%

   

MEDNAX, Inc.(a)

    435,570       13,132,436  
   

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION SERVICES–1.0%

   

MEDIA–1.0%

 

Criteo SA (Sponsored ADR)(a)

    184,759       8,356,650  
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(cost $585,292,591)

      809,865,533  
   

 

 

 

Company

  Shares     U.S. $ Value  
                                                     

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS–0.6%

   

INVESTMENT COMPANIES–0.6%

   

AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc.–Government Money Market Portfolio–Class AB, 0.01%(c)(d)(e)
(cost $4,953,231)

    4,953,231     $ 4,953,231  
   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS–99.4%
(cost $590,245,822)

      814,818,764  

Other assets less liabilities–0.6%

      4,998,234  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS–100.0%

    $ 819,816,998  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)   Non-income producing security.

 

(b)   Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information.

 

(c)   Affiliated investments.

 

(d)   The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end.

 

(e)   To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618.

Glossary:

ADR—American Depositary Receipt

REIT—Real Estate Investment Trust

See notes to financial statements.

 

5


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

ASSETS

 

Investments in securities, at value

  

Unaffiliated issuers (cost $585,292,591)

   $ 809,865,533 (a) 

Affiliated issuers (cost $4,953,231)

     4,953,231  

Cash

     11,410  

Receivable for investment securities sold

     6,760,406  

Receivable for capital stock sold

     948,112  

Unaffiliated dividends receivable

     784,995  

Affiliated dividends receivable

     83  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     823,323,770  
  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

 

Payable for investment securities purchased

     2,310,916  

Advisory fee payable

     517,676  

Payable for capital stock redeemed

     367,234  

Distribution fee payable

     114,829  

Administrative fee payable

     20,629  

Transfer Agent fee payable

     129  

Accrued expenses

     175,359  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     3,506,772  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 819,816,998  
  

 

 

 

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Capital stock, at par

   $ 37,469  

Additional paid-in capital

     536,334,317  

Distributable earnings

     283,445,212  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

   $ 819,816,998  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share—1 billion shares of capital stock authorized, $.001 par value

 

Class      Net Assets        Shares
Outstanding
       Net Asset
Value
 
A      $ 276,957,244          12,551,472        $ 22.07  
B      $   542,859,754          24,917,676        $   21.79  

 

 

 

(a)   Includes securities on loan with a value of $19,533,611 (see Note E).

See notes to financial statements.

 

6


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS  
Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

  

Dividends

  

Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $3,372)

   $ 7,108,870  

Affiliated issuers

     499  

Securities lending income

     17,703  
  

 

 

 
     7,127,072  
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

  

Advisory fee (see Note B)

     2,870,687  

Distribution fee—Class B

     632,578  

Transfer agency—Class A

     1,174  

Transfer agency—Class B

     2,289  

Custody and accounting

     70,665  

Printing

     47,087  

Administrative

     39,690  

Legal

     24,787  

Audit and tax

     22,525  

Directors’ fees

     14,313  

Miscellaneous

     10,903  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     3,736,698  

Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note B)

     (2,201
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     3,734,497  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     3,392,575  
  

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     73,642,752  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     93,448,528  
  

 

 

 

Net gain on investment transactions

     167,091,280  
  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 170,483,855  
  

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

7


      
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

 

Net investment income

   $ 3,392,575     $ 5,454,467  

Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions

     73,642,752       (22,104,001

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments

     93,448,528       52,509,733  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

     170,483,855       35,860,199  

Distributions to Shareholders

 

Class A

     –0 –      (10,812,568

Class B

     –0 –      (21,414,765

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (5,827,227     17,235,925  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase

     164,656,628       20,868,791  

NET ASSETS

 

Beginning of period

     655,160,370       634,291,579  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 819,816,998     $ 655,160,370  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

 

8


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE A: Significant Accounting Policies

The AB Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). The Portfolio’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio is diversified as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund was incorporated in the State of Maryland as an open-end series investment company. The Fund offers 11 separately managed pools of assets which have differing investment objectives and policies. The Portfolio offers Class A and Class B shares. Both classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidating and other rights, except that Class B shares bear a distribution expense and have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Class B distribution plan.

The Portfolio offers and sells its shares only to separate accounts of certain life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Sales are made without a sales charge at the Portfolio’s net asset value per share.

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolio is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio.

1. Security Valuation

Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

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. Factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Portfolio may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Portfolio values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The

 

9


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Portfolio generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.

2. Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Portfolio. Unobservable inputs reflect the Portfolio’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.

 

   

Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

   

Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

   

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Portfolio’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of June 30, 2021:

 

     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities:

        

Assets:

        

Common Stocks(a)

   $ 809,865,533     $ –0 –    $             –0 –    $ 809,865,533  

Short-Term Investments

     4,953,231       –0 –      –0 –      4,953,231  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

     814,818,764                   –0 –      –0 –      814,818,764  

Other Financial Instruments(b)

     –0 –      –0 –      –0 –      –0 – 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 814,818,764     $ –0 –    $ –0 –    $ 814,818,764  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(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.

 

10


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

4. Taxes

It is the Portfolio’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Portfolio may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Portfolio’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Portfolio’s financial statements.

5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions

Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Portfolio amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income. The Portfolio accounts for distributions received from REIT investments or from regulated investment companies as dividend income, realized gain, or return of capital based on information provided by the REIT or the investment company.

6. Class Allocations

All income earned and expenses incurred by the Portfolio are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Portfolio represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Fund are charged proportionately to each portfolio or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.

7. Dividends and Distributions

Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

NOTE B: Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion, of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees and bear certain expenses to the extent necessary to limit total operating expenses on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to 1.20% and 1.45% of daily average net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, there were no expenses waived by the Adviser.

Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Portfolio may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Portfolio by the Adviser. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $39,690.

The Portfolio compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Portfolio. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $818 for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

 

11


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

The Portfolio may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2022. In connection with the investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Portfolio in an amount equal to the Portfolio’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, such waiver amounted to $2,201.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

Portfolio

   Market Value
12/31/20
(000)
    Purchases
at Cost
(000)
     Sales
Proceeds
(000)
     Market Value
6/30/21
(000)
    Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Government Money Market Portfolio

   $ 10,258     $ 114,024      $ 119,329      $ 4,953     $ 0

Government Money Market Portfolio**

     –0 –      13,711        13,711        –0 –      0
          

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

           $ 4,953     $ 0
          

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*   Amount is less than $500.

 

**   Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E).

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 (and related transactions). As a result, as of May 20, 2021, AXA no longer owns shares of Equitable.

Sales 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 Portfolio’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 Portfolio subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement. These agreements became effective on November 13, 2019.

NOTE C: Distribution Plan

The Portfolio has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) for Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Portfolio pays distribution and servicing fees to AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, at an annual rate of up to .50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Board currently limits payments under the Plan to .25% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The Plan provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities.    

The Portfolio is not obligated under the Plan to pay any distribution and servicing fees in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Plan is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Portfolio’s Class B shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Plan during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Plan is characterized by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission as being of the “compensation” variety.

In the event that the Plan is terminated or not continued, no distribution or servicing fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Portfolio to the Distributor.

The Plan also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Portfolio’s shares.

 

12


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

NOTE D: Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

     Purchases     Sales  

Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities)

   $ 239,548,952     $ 241,023,329  

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

   $ 226,364,983  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (1,792,041
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 224,572,942  
  

 

 

 

1. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Portfolio may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.

The Portfolio did not engage in derivatives transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

2. Currency Transactions

The Portfolio may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Portfolio may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Portfolio may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Portfolio and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Portfolio may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).

NOTE E: Securities Lending

The Portfolio may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Portfolio’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Portfolio cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Portfolio will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Portfolio in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Portfolio receives non-cash collateral, the Portfolio will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Portfolio will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Portfolio amounts equal to any dividend income or other distributions from the securities; however, these distributions will not be afforded the same preferential tax treatment as qualified dividends. The Portfolio will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Portfolio, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Portfolio earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral

 

13


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

investment by the Portfolio in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Portfolio’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Portfolio as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Portfolio lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

               

  Government Money Market  
Portfolio

Market Value of
Securities

on Loan*

 

Cash Collateral*

 

Market Value of
Non-Cash
Collateral*

 

Income from
Borrowers

 

Income

Earned

 

Advisory Fee
Waived

$19,533,611   $–0–   $19,834,515   $17,655   $48   $–0–

 

*   As of June 30, 2021.

NOTE F: Capital Stock

Each class consists of 500,000,000 authorized shares. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:

 

    SHARES           AMOUNT  
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
          Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(unaudited)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
 

Class A

 

Shares sold

    1,011,797       2,448,083       $ 21,668,544     $ 33,752,481  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      788,663         –0 –      10,812,568  

Shares redeemed

    (1,248,814     (2,229,236       (25,836,700     (32,550,890
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (237,017     1,007,510       $ (4,168,156   $ 12,014,159  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

 

Shares sold

    3,519,359       4,230,893       $ 75,117,856     $ 51,341,662  

Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    –0 –      1,579,260         –0 –      21,414,765  

Shares redeemed

    (3,767,395     (4,535,252       (76,776,927     (67,534,661
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (248,036     1,274,901       $ (1,659,071   $ 5,221,766  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

At June 30, 2021, certain shareholders of the Portfolio owned 71% in aggregate of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. Significant transactions by such shareholders, if any, may impact the Portfolio’s performance.

NOTE G: Risks Involved in Investing in the Portfolio

Market Risk—The value of the Portfolio’s assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market fluctuates. The value of its investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness), that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Portfolio’s value approach, may underperform the market generally.

Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be more difficult to trade due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.

Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments or reduce its returns.

 

14


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Derivatives Risk—The Portfolio may enter into derivative transactions such as forwards, options, futures and swaps. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price, and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Portfolio, and subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Derivatives may result in significant losses, including losses that are far greater than the value of the derivatives reflected on the statement of assets and liabilities.

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk—A Portfolio 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. 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 Portfolio’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition 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 Portfolio’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. 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 Portfolio enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Portfolio has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Portfolio has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.

Management Risk—The Portfolio is subject to management risk because it is an actively-managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Portfolio, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results. Some of these techniques may incorporate, or rely upon, quantitative models, but there is no guarantee that these models will generate accurate forecasts, reduce risk or otherwise perform as expected.

NOTE H: Joint Credit Facility

A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Portfolio, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Portfolio did not utilize the Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

NOTE I: Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions to be paid for the year ending December 31, 2021 will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

     2020      2019  

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income

   $ 4,931,851      $ 7,298,543  

Net long-term capital gains

     27,295,482        63,755,866  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total taxable distributions

   $ 32,227,333      $ 71,054,409  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

15


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

As of December 31, 2020, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 5,653,886  

Accumulated capital and other losses

     (21,193,226 )(a) 

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     128,500,697 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated earnings/(deficit)

   $ 112,961,357  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)   As of December 31, 2020, the Portfolio had a net capital loss carryforward of $21,193,226.

 

(b)   The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of December 31, 2020, the Portfolio had a net long-term capital loss carryforward of $21,193,226, which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.

NOTE J: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)—Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates. ASU 2020-04 is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2020-04.

NOTE K: Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Portfolio’s financial statements through this date.

 

16


 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS A  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $17.39       $17.91       $16.93       $21.68       $20.29       $17.29  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)(b)

    .11       .17       .16       .13       .10       .10 † 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    4.57       .20       3.04       (3.04     2.41       4.09  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    4.68       .37       3.20       (2.91     2.51       4.19  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.16     (.11     (.11     (.09     (.11

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (.73     (2.11     (1.73     (1.03     (1.08
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.89     (2.22     (1.84     (1.12     (1.19
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $22.07       $17.39       $17.91       $16.93       $21.68       $20.29  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (c)*

    26.91     3.37     20.10     (15.03 )%      13.15     25.09 %† 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $276,957       $222,441       $211,046       $188,052       $233,652       $231,197  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/ reimbursements

    .81 %^      .83     .82     .81     .81     .82

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    .81 %^      .83     .83     .81     .82     .83

Net investment income (b)

    1.05 %^      1.17     .90     .61     .47     .53 %† 

Portfolio turnover rate

    32     58     33     39     33     57

 

 

 

See footnote summary on page 18.

 

17


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Selected Data For A Share Of Capital Stock Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

    CLASS B  
    Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2021

(unaudited)
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $17.19       $17.72       $16.75       $21.48       $20.12       $17.15  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Income From Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)(b)

    .08       .13       .12       .07       .05       .05 † 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

    4.52       .18       3.02       (3.02     2.39       4.06  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations

    4.60       .31       3.14       (2.95     2.44       4.11  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Less: Dividends and Distributions

           

Dividends from net investment income

    –0 –      (.11     (.06     (.05     (.05     (.06

Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions

    –0 –      (.73     (2.11     (1.73     (1.03     (1.08
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

    –0 –      (.84     (2.17     (1.78     (1.08     (1.14
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

    $21.79       $17.19       $17.72       $16.75       $21.48       $20.12  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
           

Total Return

           

Total investment return based on net asset value (c)*

    26.76     3.05     19.90     (15.29 )%      12.85     24.79 %† 
           

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

    $542,860       $432,719       $423,246       $374,941       $469,501       $455,422  

Ratio to average net assets of:

           

Expenses, net of waivers/ reimbursements

    1.06 %^      1.08     1.07     1.06     1.06     1.07

Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements

    1.06 %^      1.08     1.08     1.06     1.07     1.08

Net investment income (b)

    .80 %^      .91     .65     .36     .22     .28 %† 

Portfolio turnover rate.

    32     58     33     39     33     57

 

 

 

(a)   Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(b)   Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.

 

(c)   Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Total return does not reflect (i) insurance company’s separate account related expense charges and (ii) the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2016, 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

$.001   .003%   .003%

 

*   Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Portfolio resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Portfolio’s performance for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 by .07% and .11%, respectively.

 

^   Annualized.

See notes to financial statements.

 

18


 
 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

OPERATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PORTFOLIO’S LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted the open-end fund liquidity rule (the “Liquidity Rule”). In June 2018 the SEC adopted a requirement that funds disclose information about the operation and effectiveness of their Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) in their reports to shareholders.

One of the requirements of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio to designate an Administrator of the Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk Management Program. The Administrator of the Portfolio’s LRMP is AllianceBernstein L.P., the Portfolio’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”). The Adviser has delegated the responsibility to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the “Committee”).

Another requirement of the Liquidity Rule is for the Portfolio’s Board of Directors (the “Fund Board”) to receive an annual written report from the Administrator of the LRMP, which addresses the operation of the Portfolio’s LRMP and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness. The Adviser provided the Fund Board with such annual report during the first quarter of 2021, which covered the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The LRMP’s principal objectives include supporting the Portfolio’s compliance with limits on investments in illiquid assets and mitigating the risk that the Portfolio will be unable to meet its redemption obligations in a timely manner.

Pursuant to the LRMP, the Portfolio classifies the liquidity of its portfolio investments into one of the four categories defined by the SEC: Highly Liquid, Moderately Liquid, Less Liquid, and Illiquid. These classifications are reported to the SEC on Form N-PORT.

During the Program Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether the Portfolio’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end structure, incorporating any holdings of less liquid and illiquid assets. If the Portfolio participated in derivative transactions, the exposure from such transactions were considered in the LRMP.

The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether the Portfolio is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”). The Committee also incorporated the following information when determining the Portfolio’s reasonably anticipated trading size for purposes of liquidity monitoring: historical net redemption activity, a Portfolio’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, investment performance, total net assets, and distribution channels.

The Adviser informed the Fund Board that the Committee believes the Portfolio’s LRMP is adequately designed, has been implemented as intended, and has operated effectively since its inception. No material exceptions have been noted since the implementation of the LRMP. During the Program Reporting Period, 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 Portfolio, and in a diminished depth of liquidity in most markets, to varying degrees. Nonetheless, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Portfolio or its ability to timely meet redemptions during the Program Reporting Period.

 

19


 
SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

INFORMATION REGARDING THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FUND’S ADVISORY AGREEMENT

The disinterested directors (the “directors”) of AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Small/Mid Cap Value Portfolio (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on May 3-5, 2021 (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.

The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided

The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The directors also considered that the Advisory Agreement provides that the Fund will reimburse the Adviser for the cost to it of providing certain clerical, accounting, administrative and other services to the Fund by employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. Requests for these reimbursements are made on a quarterly basis and subject to approval by the directors. Reimbursements, to the extent requested and paid, result in a higher rate of total compensation from the Fund to the Adviser than the fee rate stated in the Advisory Agreement. The directors noted that the methodology used to determine the reimbursement amounts had been reviewed by an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The quality of administrative and other services, including the Adviser’s role in coordinating the activities of the Fund’s other service providers, also was considered. The directors concluded that, overall, they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Costs of Services Provided and Profitability

The directors reviewed a schedule of the revenues and expenses and related notes indicating the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser for calendar years 2019 and 2020 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts

 

20


    AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.

Fall-Out Benefits

The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of the Fund’s Class B shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.

Investment Results

In addition to the information reviewed by the directors in connection with the Meeting, the directors receive detailed performance information for the Fund at each regular Board meeting during the year.

At the Meeting, the directors reviewed performance information prepared by an independent service provider (the “15(c) service provider”), showing the performance of the Class A Shares of the Fund against a group of similar funds (“peer group”) and a larger group of similar funds (“peer universe”), each selected by the 15(c) service provider, and information prepared by the Adviser showing performance of the Class A Shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 28, 2021 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable.

Advisory Fees and Other Expenses

The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees paid by other funds. The directors compared the Fund’s contractual effective advisory fee rate with a peer group median and took into account the impact on the advisory fee rate of the administrative expense reimbursement paid to the Adviser in the latest fiscal year.

The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior 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 also compared the advisory fee rate for the Fund with that for another fund advised by the Adviser utilizing similar investment strategies.

The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the

 

21


SMALL/MID CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO  
CONTINUANCE DISCLOSURE  
(continued)   AB Variable Products Series Fund

 

Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.

In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Class A shares of the Fund in comparison to a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Class A expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The Adviser had agreed to cap the Fund’s expenses, but the directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was currently below the level of the Adviser’s cap. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. Based on their review, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.

Economies of Scale

The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had requested and received from the Adviser certain updates on economies of scale in advance of the Meeting. The directors believe that economies of scale may be realized (if at all) by the Adviser across a variety of products and services, and not only in respect of a single fund. The directors noted that there is no established methodology for setting breakpoints that give effect to the fund-specific services provided by a fund’s adviser and to the economies of scale that an adviser may realize in its overall mutual fund business or those components of it which directly or indirectly affect a fund’s operations. The directors observed that in the mutual fund industry as a whole, as well as among funds similar to the Fund, there is no uniformity or pattern in the fees and asset levels at which breakpoints (if any) apply. The directors also noted that the advisory agreements for many funds do not have breakpoints at all. Having taken these factors into account, the directors concluded that the Fund’s shareholders would benefit from a sharing of economies of scale in the event the Fund’s net assets exceed a breakpoint in the future.

 

22


VPS-SMCV-0152-0621


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-2(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective at the reasonable assurance level based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this document.

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 12.

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): AB Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.

 

By:  

/s/ Onur Erzan

  Onur Erzan
  President
Date:   August 13, 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:   August 13, 2021

 

By:  

/s/ Joseph J. Mantineo

  Joseph J. Mantineo
  Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Date:   August 13, 2021