UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORMN-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number:811-10221
AB TRUST
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Joseph J. Mantineo
AllianceBernstein L.P.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800)221-5672
Date of fiscal year end: November 30, 2019
Date of reporting period: November 30, 2019
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
NOV 11.30.19
ANNUAL REPORT
AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND
Beginning January 1, 2021, as permitted by new regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling the Fund at (800) 221 5672.
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper form free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you can call the Fund at (800) 221 5672. Your election to receive reports in paper form will apply to all funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you invest directly, to all AB Mutual Funds you hold.
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Investment Products Offered | | • Are Not FDIC Insured• May Lose Value• Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.
This shareholder report must be preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s prospectus for individuals who are not current shareholders of the Fund.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com, or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227 4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC 0330. AB publishes full portfolio holdings for the Fund monthly at www.abfunds.com.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
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FROM THE PRESIDENT | | |
Dear Shareholder,
We are pleased to provide this report for AB Discovery Value Fund (the “Fund”). Please review the discussion of Fund performance, the market conditions during the reporting period and the Fund’s investment strategy.
As always, AB strives to keep clients ahead of what’s next by:
+ | | Transforming uncommon insights into uncommon knowledge with a global research scope |
+ | | Navigating markets with seasoned investment experience and sophisticated solutions |
+ | | Providing thoughtful investment insights and actionable ideas |
Whether you’re an individual investor or a multi-billion-dollar institution, we put knowledge and experience to work for you.
AB’s global research organization connects and collaborates across platforms and teams to deliver impactful insights and innovative products. Better insights lead to better opportunities—anywhere in the world.
For additional information about AB’s range of products and shareholder resources, please log on to www.abfunds.com.
Thank you for your investment in the AB Mutual Funds.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Keith
President and Chief Executive Officer, AB Mutual Funds
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abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 1 |
ANNUAL REPORT
January 8, 2020
This report provides management’s discussion of fund performance for AB Discovery Value Fund for the annual reporting period ended November 30, 2019.
The Fund’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital.
NAV RETURNS AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2019(unaudited)
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| | 6 Months | | | 12 Months | |
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AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND1 | | | | | | | | |
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Class A Shares | | | 9.87% | | | | 2.58% | |
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Class C Shares | | | 9.49% | | | | 1.84% | |
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Advisor Class Shares2 | | | 10.04% | | | | 2.83% | |
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Class R Shares2 | | | 9.65% | | | | 2.16% | |
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Class K Shares2 | | | 9.86% | | | | 2.48% | |
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Class I Shares2 | | | 10.00% | | | | 2.81% | |
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Class Z Shares2 | | | 10.07% | | | | 2.89% | |
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Primary Benchmark: Russell 2500 Value Index | | | 10.80% | | | | 6.68% | |
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Russell 2500 Index | | | 12.37% | | | | 11.41% | |
1 | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from class-action settlements, which enhanced the performance of all share classes of the Fund for thesix- and12-month periods ended November 30, 2019, by 0.00% and 0.05%, respectively. |
2 | Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certainfee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
INVESTMENT RESULTS
The table above shows the Fund’s performance compared to its primary benchmark, the Russell 2500 Value Index, as well as the Russell 2500 Index, which represents small- andmid-cap stocks, for thesix- and12-month periods ended November 30, 2019.
During the12-month period, all share classes underperformed the primary benchmark and Russell 2500 Index, before sales charges. Security selection detracted, relative to the benchmark, because of selection within industrials and technology. Selection within consumer staples and utilities contributed. Sector selection contributed to returns. An overweight to technology contributed while an underweight to real estate detracted.
During thesix-month period, all share classes underperformed the primary benchmark and Russell 2500 Index, before sales charges. Security
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selection drove relative underperformance. Security selection within technology and real estate detracted, while selection within consumer discretionary contributed. Overall, sector selection was positive. An overweight to technology contributed, while an underweight to industrials detracted.
The Fund did not utilize derivatives during either period.
MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY
US and international stocks recorded double-digit returns and emerging markets rallied during the12-month period ended November 30, 2019. After declining at the end of 2018, equity markets rebounded dramatically in January as strong corporate earnings and optimism about a trade truce between the US and China calmed investor sentiment. Escalation of the trade war continued, however, and emerging geopolitical pressures increased market volatility, restrained business spending and resulted in slowing global growth. Although low unemployment and relatively strong consumer spending continued to support the US economic expansion throughout the period, the US Federal Reserve implemented three consecutive rate cuts. Accommodative monetary policies put in place by the world’s central banks helped support capital markets abroad as well. Late in the third quarter, US equity market performance was accompanied by a sharp style rotation as quality-growth and lower-volatility stocks, which had performed strongly earlier in the year, lagged and value stocks outperformed. However, for the most part, growth stocks continued to outperform value stocks over the entire period andlarge-cap stocks outperformed theirsmall-cap peers. In November, investors gained confidence in the belief that aphase-one trade deal could be reached by the end of the year.
The Fund’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) seeks to invest opportunistically in what it considers to be undervalued companies with solid fundamentals and attractive long-term earnings prospects. The Fund’s emphasis continues to be at the stock-specific level, as the Team looks for companies that offer compelling valuation, strong free cash flow and significant company-level catalysts.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of small- tomid-capitalization US companies. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in securities of small- tomid-capitalization companies. For purposes of this policy, small- tomid-capitalization companies are those that, at the time of investment, fall within the capitalization range between the smallest company in the Russell 2500 Value Index and the greater of $5 billion or the market capitalization of the largest company in the Russell 2500
(continued on next page)
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abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 3 |
Value Index. Because the Fund’s definition of small- tomid-capitalization companies is dynamic, the lower and upper limits on market capitalization will change with the markets.
The Fund may enter into derivatives transactions, such as options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps. The Fund may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, including on individual securities and stock indices, futures contracts (including futures contracts on individual securities and stock indices) or shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). These transactions may be used, for example, in an effort to earn extra income, to adjust exposure to individual securities or markets, or to protect all or a portion of the Fund’s portfolio from a decline in value, sometimes within certain ranges. The Fund may, at times, invest in shares of ETFs in lieu of making direct investments in equity securities. ETFs may provide more efficient and economical exposure to the type of companies and geographic locations in which the Fund seeks to invest than direct investments.
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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS
Benchmark Disclosure
The Russell 2500® Value Index and the Russell 2500™ Index are unmanaged and do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The Russell 2500 Value Index represents the performance of small- tomid-cap value companies within the US. The Russell 2500 Index represents the performance of 2,500 small- tomid-cap companies within the US. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Fund.
A Word About Risk
Market Risk: The value of the Fund’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 that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Fund’s value approach, may be underperforming the market generally.
Capitalization Risk: Investments in small- andmid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.
Foreign(Non-US) Risk: Investments in securities ofnon-US issuers may involve more risk than those of US issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be more difficult to trade or dispose of due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Currency Risk: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.
Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund. Derivatives may also be subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments.
Management Risk: The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results.
These risks are fully discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.
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abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 5 |
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS(continued)
An Important Note About Historical Performance
The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. You may obtain performance information current to the most recentmonth-end by visiting www.abfunds.com. Class B shares are no longer being offered. Effective November 7, 2019, all outstanding Class B shares were converted to Class A shares. Please see Note A for more information.
All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Fund have been deducted. Net asset value (“NAV”) returns do not reflect sales charges; if sales charges were reflected, the Fund’s quoted performance would be lower. SEC returns reflect the applicable sales charges for each share class: a 4.25% maximumfront-end sales charge for Class A shares and a 1%,1-year contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares. Returns for the different share classes will vary due to different expenses associated with each class. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.
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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE
GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE FUND(unaudited)
11/30/2009 TO 11/30/2019
This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in AB Discovery Value Fund Class A shares (from 11/30/2009 to 11/30/2019) as compared to the performance of the Fund’s benchmarks. The chart reflects the deduction of the maximum 4.25% sales charge from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.
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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE(continued)
AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2019(unaudited)
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| | NAV Returns | | | SEC Returns (reflects applicable sales charges) | |
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CLASS A SHARES | | | | | | | | |
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1 Year | | | 2.58% | | | | -1.79% | |
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5 Years | | | 5.82% | | | | 4.91% | |
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10 Years | | | 11.05% | | | | 10.57% | |
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CLASS C SHARES | | | | | | | | |
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1 Year | | | 1.84% | | | | 0.93% | |
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5 Years | | | 5.05% | | | | 5.05% | |
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10 Years | | | 10.25% | | | | 10.25% | |
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ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1 | | | | | | | | |
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1 Year | | | 2.83% | | | | 2.83% | |
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5 Years | | | 6.10% | | | | 6.10% | |
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10 Years | | | 11.36% | | | | 11.36% | |
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CLASS R SHARES1 | | | | | | | | |
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1 Year | | | 2.16% | | | | 2.16% | |
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5 Years | | | 5.42% | | | | 5.42% | |
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10 Years | | | 10.69% | | | | 10.69% | |
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CLASS K SHARES1 | | | | | | | | |
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1 Year | | | 2.48% | | | | 2.48% | |
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5 Years | | | 5.74% | | | | 5.74% | |
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10 Years | | | 11.01% | | | | 11.01% | |
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CLASS I SHARES1 | | | | | | | | |
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1 Year | | | 2.81% | | | | 2.81% | |
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5 Years | | | 6.10% | | | | 6.10% | |
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10 Years | | | 11.37% | | | | 11.37% | |
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CLASS Z SHARES1 | | | | | | | | |
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1 Year | | | 2.89% | | | | 2.89% | |
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5 Years | | | 6.19% | | | | 6.19% | |
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Since Inception2 | | | 7.59% | | | | 7.59% | |
The Fund’s prospectus fee table shows the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratios as 1.10%, 1.85%, 0.85%, 1.52%, 1.21%, 0.86% and 0.78% for Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K, Class I and Class Z shares, respectively. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.
1 | These share classes are offered at NAV to eligible investors and their SEC returns are the same as their NAV returns. Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certainfee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
2 | Inception date: 10/15/2013. |
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HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE(continued)
SEC AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS
AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDARQUARTER-END
DECEMBER 31, 2019(unaudited)
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| | SEC Returns (reflects applicable sales charges) | |
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CLASS A SHARES | | | | |
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1 Year | | | 14.64% | |
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5 Years | | | 5.10% | |
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10 Years | | | 10.09% | |
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CLASS C SHARES | | | | |
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1 Year | | | 17.86% | |
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5 Years | | | 5.23% | |
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10 Years | | | 9.77% | |
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ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1 | | | | |
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1 Year | | | 20.04% | |
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5 Years | | | 6.30% | |
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10 Years | | | 10.88% | |
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CLASS R SHARES1 | | | | |
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1 Year | | | 19.27% | |
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5 Years | | | 5.61% | |
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10 Years | | | 10.20% | |
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CLASS K SHARES1 | | | | |
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1 Year | | | 19.68% | |
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5 Years | | | 5.94% | |
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10 Years | | | 10.53% | |
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CLASS I SHARES1 | | | | |
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1 Year | | | 20.11% | |
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5 Years | | | 6.30% | |
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10 Years | | | 10.89% | |
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CLASS Z SHARES1 | | | | |
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1 Year | | | 20.17% | |
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5 Years | | | 6.38% | |
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Since Inception2 | | | 7.87% | |
1 | Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certainfee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
2 | Inception date: 10/15/2013. |
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abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 9 |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
(unaudited)
As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution(12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.
Actual Expenses
The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table below also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions. Therefore, the hypothetical example is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
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| | Beginning Account Value June 1, 2019 | | | Ending Account Value November 30, 2019 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | | | Total Expenses Paid During Period+ | | | Total Annualized Expense Ratio+ | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,098.70 | | | $ | 5.89 | | | | 1.12 | % | | $ | 5.89 | | | | 1.12 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,019.45 | | | $ | 5.67 | | | | 1.12 | % | | $ | 5.67 | | | | 1.12 | % |
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EXPENSE EXAMPLE(continued)
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| | Beginning Account Value June 1, 2019 | | | Ending Account Value November 30, 2019 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | | | Total Expenses Paid During Period+ | | | Total Annualized Expense Ratio+ | |
Class C | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,094.90 | | | $ | 9.82 | | | | 1.87 | % | | $ | 9.82 | | | | 1.87 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,015.69 | | | $ | 9.45 | | | | 1.87 | % | | $ | 9.45 | | | | 1.87 | % |
Advisor Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,100.40 | | | $ | 4.58 | | | | 0.87 | % | | $ | 4.58 | | | | 0.87 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,020.71 | | | $ | 4.41 | | | | 0.87 | % | | $ | 4.41 | | | | 0.87 | % |
Class R | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,096.50 | | | $ | 7.99 | | | | 1.52 | % | | $ | 8.04 | | | | 1.53 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,017.45 | | | $ | 7.69 | | | | 1.52 | % | | $ | 7.74 | | | | 1.53 | % |
Class K | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,098.60 | | | $ | 6.42 | | | | 1.22 | % | | $ | 6.42 | | | | 1.22 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,018.95 | | | $ | 6.17 | | | | 1.22 | % | | $ | 6.17 | | | | 1.22 | % |
Class I | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,100.00 | | | $ | 4.69 | | | | 0.89 | % | | $ | 4.69 | | | | 0.89 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,020.61 | | | $ | 4.51 | | | | 0.89 | % | | $ | 4.51 | | | | 0.89 | % |
Class Z | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,100.70 | | | $ | 4.16 | | | | 0.79 | % | | $ | 4.16 | | | | 0.79 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,021.11 | | | $ | 4.00 | | | | 0.79 | % | | $ | 4.00 | | | | 0.79 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
** | Assumes 5% annual return before expenses. |
+ | In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Fund’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Fund’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 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
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abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 11 |
PORTFOLIO SUMMARY
November 30, 2019(unaudited)
PORTFOLIO STATISTICS
Net Assets ($mil): $2,977.7
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS2
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Company | | U.S. $ Value | | | Percent of Net Assets | |
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US Foods Holding Corp. | | $ | 49,841,594 | | | | 1.7 | % |
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Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. – Class A | | | 49,468,734 | | | | 1.7 | |
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Zions Bancorp NA | | | 48,610,917 | | | | 1.6 | |
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Nomad Foods Ltd. | | | 45,430,875 | | | | 1.5 | |
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Alliant Energy Corp. | | | 44,725,534 | | | | 1.5 | |
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Masonite International Corp. | | | 44,285,091 | | | | 1.5 | |
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BankUnited, Inc. | | | 44,106,321 | | | | 1.5 | |
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NCR Corp. | | | 43,474,766 | | | | 1.5 | |
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Everest Re Group Ltd. | | | 43,425,742 | | | | 1.4 | |
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Alaska Air Group, Inc. | | | 43,411,914 | | | | 1.4 | |
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| | $ | 456,781,488 | | | | 15.3 | % |
1 | All data are as of November 30, 2019. The Fund’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 industrysub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Fund’s prospectus.
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PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
November 30, 2019
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Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
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COMMON STOCKS – 99.4% | | | | | | | | |
Financials – 22.9% | | | | | | | | |
Banks – 10.5% | | | | | | | | |
Associated Banc-Corp. | | | 1,947,920 | | | $ | 41,763,405 | |
Comerica, Inc. | | | 511,558 | | | | 36,018,799 | |
Sterling Bancorp/DE(a) | | | 1,770,729 | | | | 36,158,286 | |
Synovus Financial Corp. | | | 1,063,728 | | | | 40,517,399 | |
Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.(b) | | | 598,613 | | | | 34,599,831 | |
Umpqua Holdings Corp. | | | 2,323,288 | | | | 38,032,225 | |
Webster Financial Corp. | | | 729,943 | | | | 35,540,925 | |
Zions Bancorp NA(a) | | | 976,515 | | | | 48,610,917 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 311,241,787 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer Finance – 0.9% | | | | | | | | |
OneMain Holdings, Inc. | | | 602,531 | | | | 25,963,061 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Insurance – 8.8% | | | | | | | | |
American Financial Group, Inc./OH | | | 363,124 | | | | 39,838,334 | |
Everest Re Group Ltd.(a) | | | 160,089 | | | | 43,425,742 | |
First American Financial Corp. | | | 445,571 | | | | 28,347,227 | |
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (The) | | | 174,078 | | | | 23,662,423 | |
Kemper Corp. | | | 382,673 | | | | 28,287,188 | |
Old Republic International Corp.(a) | | | 1,255,146 | | | | 28,316,094 | |
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. – Class A | | | 298,977 | | | | 49,468,734 | |
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. | | | 326,510 | | | | 21,621,492 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 262,967,234 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance – 2.7% | | | | | | | | |
BankUnited, Inc. | | | 1,258,024 | | | | 44,106,321 | |
Essent Group Ltd. | | | 672,427 | | | | 36,748,136 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 80,854,457 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 681,026,539 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Information Technology – 14.2% | | | | | | | | |
Communications Equipment – 1.0% | | | | | | | | |
NetScout Systems, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 1,170,946 | | | | 29,507,839 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 2.7% | | | | | | | | |
Avnet, Inc. | | | 383,502 | | | | 15,589,356 | |
Belden, Inc. | | | 500,340 | | | | 26,888,272 | |
TTM Technologies, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 2,188,266 | | | | 29,344,647 | |
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.(a) | | | 417,770 | | | | 8,309,445 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 80,131,720 | |
| | | | | | | | |
IT Services – 2.0% | | | | | | | | |
Amdocs Ltd. | | | 456,590 | | | | 31,641,687 | |
Genpact Ltd. | | | 687,815 | | | | 27,994,071 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 59,635,758 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 13 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 3.1% | | | | | | | | |
Cypress Semiconductor Corp. | | | 1,363,814 | | | $ | 31,981,438 | |
Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.(a) | | | 1,386,886 | | | | 34,796,970 | |
MaxLinear, Inc. – Class A(a)(b) | | | 1,239,585 | | | | 24,630,554 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 91,408,962 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Software – 4.0% | |
Cerence, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 299,419 | | | | 4,658,960 | |
CommVault Systems, Inc.(b) | | | 747,548 | | | | 37,840,880 | |
Nuance Communications, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 2,395,354 | | | | 42,948,697 | |
Verint Systems, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 670,194 | | | | 32,578,130 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 118,026,667 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 1.4% | | | | | | | | |
NCR Corp.(a)(b) | | | 1,324,239 | | | | 43,474,766 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 422,185,712 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrials – 13.7% | | | | | | | | |
Aerospace & Defense – 1.1% | | | | | | | | |
AAR Corp.(a) | | | 759,660 | | | | 33,949,205 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Air Freight & Logistics – 0.8% | | | | | | | | |
Hub Group, Inc. – Class A(a)(b) | | | 449,350 | | | | 22,948,304 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Airlines – 3.5% | | | | | | | | |
Alaska Air Group, Inc.(a) | | | 629,067 | | | | 43,411,914 | |
Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.(a) | | | 991,691 | | | | 30,038,320 | |
SkyWest, Inc. | | | 491,368 | | | | 30,779,292 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 104,229,526 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Building Products – 1.5% | | | | | | | | |
Masonite International Corp.(b) | | | 616,784 | | | | 44,285,091 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Construction & Engineering – 1.8% | | | | | | | | |
Quanta Services, Inc. | | | 877,438 | | | | 36,536,518 | |
Tutor Perini Corp.(a)(b) | | | 1,177,776 | | | | 18,761,972 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 55,298,490 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Electrical Equipment – 1.8% | | | | | | | | |
EnerSys(a) | | | 467,391 | | | | 32,796,827 | |
Regal Beloit Corp. | | | 256,447 | | | | 20,959,413 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 53,756,240 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Machinery – 1.7% | | | | | | | | |
Kennametal, Inc.(a) | | | 806,443 | | | | 28,088,410 | |
Terex Corp. | | | 795,375 | | | | 22,326,176 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 50,414,586 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Road & Rail – 0.8% | | | | | | | | |
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.(a) | | | 622,157 | | | | 23,013,587 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
14 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| |
Trading Companies & Distributors – 0.7% | | | | | | | | |
MRC Global, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 1,582,087 | | | $ | 21,105,041 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 409,000,070 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer Discretionary – 13.4% | | | | | | | | |
Auto Components – 2.7% | | | | | | | | |
Cooper-Standard Holdings, Inc.(b) | | | 503,953 | | | | 14,327,384 | |
Dana, Inc.(a) | | | 2,092,304 | | | | 35,464,553 | |
Lear Corp. | | | 259,166 | | | | 31,180,261 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 80,972,198 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Diversified Consumer Services – 0.4% | | | | | | | | |
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co.(b) | | | 2,255,051 | | | | 13,237,149 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 2.5% | | | | | | | | |
Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.(a) | | | 1,510,320 | | | | 36,323,196 | |
Papa John’s International, Inc.(a) | | | 583,940 | | | | 36,951,723 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 73,274,919 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Household Durables – 2.4% | | | | | | | | |
Lennar Corp. – Class A(a) | | | 598,652 | | | | 35,709,592 | |
Taylor Morrison Home Corp. – Class A(b) | | | 1,541,855 | | | | 35,801,873 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 71,511,465 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Leisure Products – 2.1% | | | | | | | | |
Brunswick Corp./DE | | | 629,078 | | | | 36,970,914 | |
Callaway Golf Co.(a) | | | 1,225,116 | | | | 25,457,911 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 62,428,825 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Specialty Retail – 1.7% | | | | | | | | |
Foot Locker, Inc.(a) | | | 593,591 | | | | 23,773,320 | |
Michaels Cos., Inc. (The)(a)(b) | | | 1,721,838 | | | | 14,084,635 | |
Signet Jewelers Ltd.(a) | | | 672,622 | | | | 12,356,066 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 50,214,021 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 1.6% | | | | | | | | |
Capri Holdings Ltd.(a)(b) | | | 620,964 | | | | 23,062,603 | |
Skechers U.S.A., Inc. – Class A(b) | | | 621,948 | | | | 25,014,748 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 48,077,351 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 399,715,928 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Real Estate – 13.1% | | | | | | | | |
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) – 13.1% | | | | | | | | |
American Campus Communities, Inc. | | | 818,281 | | | | 39,310,219 | |
Americold Realty Trust(a) | | | 912,068 | | | | 34,311,998 | |
Camden Property Trust | | �� | 379,779 | | | | 42,364,348 | |
Cousins Properties, Inc.(a) | | | 920,274 | | | | 37,261,894 | |
CubeSmart | | | 1,331,161 | | | | 41,053,005 | |
Easterly Government Properties, Inc. | | | 1,197,167 | | | | 27,846,105 | |
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. – Class A(a) | | | 1,492,723 | | | | 20,838,413 | |
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 15 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| |
MGM Growth Properties LLC – Class A(a) | | | 1,182,077 | | | $ | 36,632,566 | |
Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.(a) | | | 1,194,655 | | | | 28,253,591 | |
STAG Industrial, Inc. | | | 1,369,082 | | | | 42,427,851 | |
Sun Communities, Inc. | | | 236,798 | | | | 39,002,999 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 389,302,989 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Materials – 6.0% | | | | | | | | |
Chemicals – 2.4% | | | | | | | | |
Orion Engineered Carbons SA(a) | | | 1,375,734 | | | | 25,010,844 | |
Trinseo SA(a) | | | 588,565 | | | | 22,359,584 | |
Westlake Chemical Corp.(a) | | | 351,808 | | | | 24,162,174 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 71,532,602 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Containers & Packaging – 1.9% | | | | | | | | |
Graphic Packaging Holding Co. | | | 2,011,174 | | | | 32,721,801 | |
Sealed Air Corp.(a) | | | 661,270 | | | | 24,949,717 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 57,671,518 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Metals & Mining – 1.7% | | | | | | | | |
Alcoa Corp.(b) | | | 958,772 | | | | 19,511,010 | |
Carpenter Technology Corp. | | | 559,805 | | | | 29,428,949 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 48,939,959 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 178,144,079 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer Staples – 5.5% | | | | | | | | |
Beverages – 1.1% | | | | | | | | |
Cott Corp. | | | 2,507,887 | | | | 33,530,449 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Food & Staples Retailing – 1.7% | | | | | | | | |
US Foods Holding Corp.(b) | | | 1,253,246 | | | | 49,841,594 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Food Products – 2.7% | | | | | | | | |
Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (The)(a)(b) | | | 1,414,468 | | | | 34,965,649 | |
Nomad Foods Ltd.(b) | | | 2,163,375 | | | | 45,430,875 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 80,396,524 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 163,768,567 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities – 3.8% | | | | | | | | |
Electric Utilities – 2.3% | | | | | | | | |
Alliant Energy Corp.(a) | | | 843,878 | | | | 44,725,534 | |
PNM Resources, Inc. | | | 517,579 | | | | 25,076,703 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 69,802,237 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Gas Utilities – 0.6% | | | | | | | | |
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. | | | 231,246 | | | | 17,519,197 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Multi-Utilities – 0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Black Hills Corp. | | | 348,378 | | | | 26,675,303 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 113,996,737 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy – 3.8% | | | | | | | | |
Energy Equipment & Services – 2.2% | | | | | | | | |
Dril-Quip, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 484,625 | | | | 20,480,252 | |
Oil States International, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 1,285,237 | | | | 20,486,678 | |
| | |
| |
16 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| |
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.(a) | | | 2,213,356 | | | $ | 19,787,403 | |
RPC, Inc.(a) | | | 898,722 | | | | 3,469,067 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 64,223,400 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 1.6% | | | | | | | | |
Cimarex Energy Co. | | | 213,134 | | | | 9,797,770 | |
HollyFrontier Corp. | | | 335,790 | | | | 17,309,974 | |
QEP Resources, Inc.(a) | | | 3,150,264 | | | | 10,301,363 | |
SM Energy Co.(a) | | | 1,332,186 | | | | 11,070,466 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 48,479,573 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 112,702,973 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Health Care – 2.3% | | | | | | | | |
Health Care Providers & Services – 1.1% | | | | | | | | |
Molina Healthcare, Inc.(b) | | | 254,803 | | | | 34,525,806 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Life Sciences Tools & Services – 1.2% | | | | | | | | |
ICON PLC(b) | | | 212,568 | | | | 34,682,595 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 69,208,401 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communication Services – 0.7% | | | | | | | | |
Media – 0.7% | | | | | | | | |
Criteo SA (Sponsored ADR)(b) | | | 1,262,905 | | | | 22,542,854 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $2,728,753,984) | | | | | | | 2,961,594,849 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 0.8% | | | | | | | | |
Investment Companies – 0.8% | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 1.58%(c)(d)(e) (cost $22,878,048) | | | 22,878,048 | | | | 22,878,048 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned – 100.2% (cost $2,751,632,032) | | | | | | | 2,984,472,897 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED – 1.3% | | | | | | | | |
Investment Companies – 1.3% | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 1.58%(c)(d)(e) (cost $38,268,664) | | | 38,268,664 | | | | 38,268,664 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Total Investments – 101.5% (cost $2,789,900,696) | | | | | | | 3,022,741,561 | |
Other assets less liabilities – (1.5)% | | | | | | | (45,022,205 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Net Assets – 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 2,977,719,356 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 17 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS(continued)
(a) | Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information. |
(b) | Non-income producing security. |
(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.
| | |
| |
18 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
November 30, 2019
| | | | |
Assets | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $2,728,753,984) | | $ | 2,961,594,849 | (a) |
Affiliated issuers (cost $61,146,712—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $38,268,664) | | | 61,146,712 | |
Unaffiliated dividends receivable | | | 2,663,896 | |
Receivable for shares of beneficial interest sold | | | 1,162,489 | |
Affiliated dividends receivable | | | 42,824 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 3,026,610,770 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities | | | | |
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned | | | 38,268,664 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 5,365,436 | |
Payable for shares of beneficial interest redeemed | | | 2,900,340 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 1,789,887 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 137,606 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 75,972 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 34,149 | |
Trustees’ fees payable | | | 5,808 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 313,552 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 48,891,414 | |
| | | | |
Net Assets | | $ | 2,977,719,356 | |
| | | | |
Composition of Net Assets | | | | |
Paid-in capital | | $ | 2,644,314,744 | |
Distributable earnings | | | 333,404,612 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 2,977,719,356 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—unlimited shares authorized, without par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
| |
A | | $ | 368,200,794 | | | | 18,165,320 | | | $ | 20.27 | * |
| |
C | | $ | 36,123,866 | | | | 2,074,146 | | | $ | 17.42 | |
| |
Advisor | | $ | 1,310,091,313 | | | | 62,899,068 | | | $ | 20.83 | |
| |
R | | $ | 60,910,667 | | | | 3,116,905 | | | $ | 19.54 | |
| |
K | | $ | 31,724,467 | | | | 1,590,945 | | | $ | 19.94 | |
| |
I | | $ | 231,568,830 | | | | 11,501,716 | | | $ | 20.13 | |
| |
Z | | $ | 939,099,419 | | | | 46,689,974 | | | $ | 20.11 | |
| |
(a) | Includes securities on loan with a value of $397,127,358 (see Note E). |
* | The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $21.17 which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%. |
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 19 |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended November 30, 2019
| | | | | | | | |
Investment Income | | | | | | | | |
Dividends | | | | | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $205,798) | | $ | 49,255,329 | | | | | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 1,129,476 | | | | | |
Securities lending income | | | 238,234 | | | $ | 50,623,039 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Expenses | | | | | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 21,176,136 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class A | | | 952,574 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 12,815 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class C | | | 447,582 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class R | | | 328,951 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class K | | | 81,017 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 421,057 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,928 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class C | | | 50,426 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Advisor Class | | | 1,390,630 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class R | | | 171,054 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class K | | | 64,813 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class I | | | 239,611 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class Z | | | 174,682 | | | | | |
Printing | | | 208,855 | | | | | |
Custodian | | | 200,440 | | | | | |
Registration fees | | | 132,552 | | | | | |
Administrative | | | 75,136 | | | | | |
Audit and tax | | | 61,623 | | | | | |
Legal | | | 41,667 | | | | | |
Trustees’ fees | | | 22,861 | | | | | |
Miscellaneous | | | 98,066 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total expenses | | | 26,354,476 | | | | | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E) | | | (53,569 | ) | | | | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Distributor (see Note C) | | | (8,330 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net expenses | | | | | | | 26,292,577 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | 24,330,462 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment Transactions | | | | | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | 112,923,557 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | | | | | (55,882,874 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | 57,040,683 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations | | | | | | $ | 81,371,145 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
20 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended November 30, 2019 | | | Year Ended November 30, 2018 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 24,330,462 | | | $ | 14,836,195 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 112,923,557 | | | | 301,534,431 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | (55,882,874 | ) | | | (391,358,084 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | 81,371,145 | | | | (74,987,458 | ) |
Distributions to Shareholders | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (40,461,908 | ) | | | (30,917,293 | ) |
Class B | | | (168,325 | ) | | | (151,639 | ) |
Class C | | | (6,240,185 | ) | | | (5,317,347 | ) |
Advisor Class | | | (128,991,159 | ) | | | (87,081,656 | ) |
Class R | | | (7,128,221 | ) | | | (5,715,166 | ) |
Class K | | | (3,597,798 | ) | | | (2,549,197 | ) |
Class I | | | (21,609,153 | ) | | | (16,864,120 | ) |
Class Z | | | (78,757,774 | ) | | | (35,584,225 | ) |
Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest | | | | | | | | |
Net increase | | | 235,502,270 | | | | 242,292,634 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | 29,918,892 | | | | (16,875,467 | ) |
Net Assets | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 2,947,800,464 | | | | 2,964,675,931 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period | | $ | 2,977,719,356 | | | $ | 2,947,800,464 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 21 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
November 30, 2019
NOTE A
Significant Accounting Policies
AB Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on December 12, 2000 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open end management investment company. The Trust operates as a series company currently comprised of three funds. Each fund is considered to be a separate entity for financial reporting and tax purposes. This report relates only to the AB Discovery Value Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified fund. The Fund offers Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K, Class I and Class Z shares. Class B shares have been authorized but not currently offered. Effective August 2, 2019, sales of Class B shares were suspended. On November 7, 2019, all remaining outstanding Class B shares of the Fund were converted to Class A shares. Class A shares are sold with afront-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A shares redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase, and 0% after the first year of purchase. Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares ten years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Class R and Class K shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge. Advisor Class, Class I and Class Z shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All eight classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
1. Security Valuation
Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”).
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22 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g., last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by
| | |
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abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 23 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded innon-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Fund generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate
| | |
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24 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of November 30, 2019:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments in Securities: | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stocks(a) | | $ | 2,961,594,849 | | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | 2,961,594,849 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 22,878,048 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 22,878,048 | |
Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund | | | 38,268,664 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 38,268,664 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 3,022,741,561 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 3,022,741,561 | |
Other Financial Instruments(b) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 3,022,741,561 | | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | 3,022,741,561 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications. |
(b) | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on the instrument. Other financial instruments may also include swaps with upfront premiums, options written and swaptions written which are valued at market value. |
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated
| | |
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abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 25 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
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 Fund’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.
5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on theex-dividend date or as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on apro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Trust are charged proportionately to each fund 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 theex-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.
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26 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
NOTE B
Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Fund may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Fund by the Adviser. For the year ended November 30, 2019, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $75,136.
The Fund compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. ABIS may make payments to intermediaries that provide omnibus account services,sub-accounting services and/or networking services. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $998,762 for the year ended November 30, 2019.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor has advised the Fund that it has retainedfront-end sales charges of $4,356 from the sale of Class A shares and received $2,660 and $1,455 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A and Class C shares, respectively, for the year ended November 30, 2019.
The Fund may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2020. In connection with the investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended November 30, 2019, such waiver amounted to $47,767.
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abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 27 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
A summary of the Fund’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended November 30, 2019 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | Market Value 11/30/18 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value 11/30/19 (000) | | | Dividend Income (000) | |
Government Money Market Portfolio | | $ | 73,031 | | | $ | 544,542 | | | $ | 594,695 | | | $ | 22,878 | | | $ | 1,074 | |
Government Money Market Portfolio* | | | 22,602 | | | | 274,494 | | | | 258,827 | | | | 38,269 | | | | 55 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 61,147 | | | $ | 1,129 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | 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, a worldwide leader in life, property and casualty and health insurance and asset management, 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 approximately 65.3% economic interest in the Adviser and a 100% interest in AllianceBernstein Corporation, the general partner of the Adviser. Since the initial sale, AXA has completed additional offerings, most recently during the fourth quarter of 2019. As a result, AXA currently owns 10.1% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Equitable, and no longer owns a controlling interest in Equitable. AXA previously announced its intention to sell its entire interest in Equitable over time, subject to market conditions and other factors (the “Plan”). Most of AXA’s remaining Equitable shares are to be delivered on redemption of AXA bonds mandatorily exchangeable into Equitable shares and maturing in May 2021. AXA retains sole discretion to determine the timing of any future sales of its remaining shares of Equitable common stock.
The latest transaction under the Plan, which occurred 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 was deemed an “assignment” causing a termination of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement. In order to ensure that investment advisory services could continue uninterrupted in the event of a Change of Control Event, the Board previously approved a new investment advisory agreement with the Adviser. Shareholders of the Fund subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement, which became effective on November 13, 2019.
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28 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
NOTE C
Distribution Services Agreement
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to Rule12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Agreement, the Fund pays distribution and servicing fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .30% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to both Class B and Class C shares, .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares and .25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class K shares. There are no distribution and servicing fees on the Advisor Class, Class I and Class Z shares. Effective of August 1, 2012, with respect to Class B shares, payments made to the Distributor were voluntarily being limited to .35% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. For the year ended November 30, 2019, such waiver amounted to $8,330. Effective February 29, 2016, payments under the Agreement in respect of Class A shares are limited to an annual rate of .25% of Class A shares’ average daily net assets. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Agreement provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities. Since the commencement of the Fund’s operations, the Distributor has incurred expenses in excess of the distribution costs reimbursed by the Fund in the amounts of $3,627,515, $2,604,713 and $842,595 for Class C, Class R and Class K shares, respectively. While such costs may be recovered from the Fund in future periods so long as the Agreement is in effect, the rate of the distribution and servicing fees payable under the Agreement may not be increased without a shareholder vote. In accordance with the Agreement, there is no provision for recovery of unreimbursed distribution costs incurred by the Distributor beyond the current fiscal year for Class A shares. The Agreement also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.
NOTE D
Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended November 30, 2019 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 1,056,408,867 | | �� | $ | 1,021,454,774 | |
U.S. government securities | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | |
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abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 29 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:
| | | | |
Cost | | $ | 2,805,252,264 | |
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 532,395,216 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (314,905,919 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 217,489,297 | |
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Fund may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The Fund did not engage in derivatives transactions for the year ended November 30, 2019.
2. Currency Transactions
The Fund may invest innon-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Fund may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Fund may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Fund may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
NOTE E
Securities Lending
The Fund may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Fund’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/ornon-cash collateral.Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Fund cannot sell or repledge anynon-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Fund will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the
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30 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
Fund in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Fund receivesnon-cash collateral, the Fund will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Fund will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Fund amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Fund will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Fund, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Fund earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Fund’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Fund lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Fund in the case of default of any securities borrower.
A summary of the Fund’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended November 30, 2019 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | Government Money Market Portfolio | |
Market Value of Securities on Loan* | | | Cash Collateral* | | | Market Value ofNon-Cash Collateral* | | | Income from Borrowers | | | Income Earned | | | Advisory Fee Waived | |
$ | 397,127,358 | | | $ | 38,268,664 | | | $ | 372,247,159 | | | $ | 238,234 | | | $ | 55,119 | | | $ | 5,802 | |
* | As of November 30, 2019. |
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abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 31 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
NOTE F
Shares of Beneficial Interest
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | | | | | Amount | | | | |
| | Year Ended November 30, 2019 | | | Year Ended November 30, 2018 | | | | | | Year Ended November 30, 2019 | | | Year Ended November 30, 2018 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 2,076,579 | | | | 2,972,731 | | | | | | | $ | 39,628,079 | | | $ | 68,357,895 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | | 2,050,857 | | | | 1,295,322 | | | | | | | | 37,448,649 | | | | 28,717,292 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares converted from Class B | | | 79,983 | | | | 26,077 | | | | | | | | 1,605,743 | | | | 596,471 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares converted from Class C | | | 423,146 | | | | 257,151 | | | | | | | | 8,198,544 | | | | 5,936,618 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (5,627,806 | ) | | | (6,474,204 | ) | | | | | | | (108,265,052 | ) | | | (148,763,563 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (997,241 | ) | | | (1,922,923 | ) | | | | | | $ | (21,384,037 | ) | | $ | (45,155,287 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 3,680 | | | | 5,070 | | | | | | | $ | 70,480 | | | $ | 109,878 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | | 9,648 | | | | 7,149 | | | | | | | | 164,115 | | | | 148,770 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares converted to Class A | | | (85,935 | ) | | | (27,799 | ) | | | | | | | (1,605,743 | ) | | | (596,471 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (7,930 | ) | | | (12,489 | ) | | | | | | | (143,626 | ) | | | (272,078 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (80,537 | ) | | | (28,069 | ) | | | | | | $ | (1,514,774 | ) | | $ | (609,901 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class C | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 159,322 | | | | 181,779 | | | | | | | $ | 2,574,925 | | | $ | 3,693,219 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 352,981 | | | | 242,826 | | | | | | | | 5,577,107 | | | | 4,754,537 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares converted to Class A | | | (490,727 | ) | | | (292,044 | ) | | | | | | | (8,198,544 | ) | | | (5,936,618 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (1,036,885 | ) | | | (843,389 | ) | | | | | | | (17,145,020 | ) | | | (17,159,288 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (1,015,309 | ) | | | (710,828 | ) | | | | | | $ | (17,191,532 | ) | | $ | (14,648,150 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advisor Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 15,113,511 | | | | 25,033,018 | | | | | | | $ | 294,046,940 | | | $ | 591,086,891 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | | 6,069,085 | | | | 3,407,925 | | | | | | | | 113,613,272 | | | | 77,291,734 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (17,931,388 | ) | | | (25,969,739 | ) | | | | | | | (351,268,287 | ) | | | (621,262,057 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net increase | | | 3,251,208 | | | | 2,471,204 | | | | | | | $ | 56,391,925 | | | $ | 47,116,568 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
32 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | | | | | Amount | | | | |
| | Year Ended November 30, 2019 | | | Year Ended November 30, 2018 | | | | | | Year Ended November 30, 2019 | | | Year Ended November 30, 2018 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Class R | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 390,244 | | | | 512,568 | | | | | | | $ | 7,195,607 | | | $ | 11,391,947 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | | 403,408 | | | | 264,931 | | | | | | | | 7,128,221 | | | | 5,711,907 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (1,145,447 | ) | | | (1,338,664 | ) | | | | | | | (21,447,128 | ) | | | (29,815,335 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (351,795 | ) | | | (561,165 | ) | | | | | | $ | (7,123,300 | ) | | $ | (12,711,481 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class K | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 319,514 | | | | 408,638 | | | | | | | $ | 6,041,092 | | | $ | 9,290,017 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | | 200,100 | | | | 116,561 | | | | | | | | 3,597,792 | | | | 2,549,193 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (633,316 | ) | | | (632,683 | ) | | | | | | | (11,962,795 | ) | | | (14,193,352 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (113,702 | ) | | | (107,484 | ) | | | | | | $ | (2,323,911 | ) | | $ | (2,354,142 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class I | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 2,878,890 | | | | 3,008,710 | | | | | | | $ | 54,644,227 | | | $ | 68,328,504 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | | 1,192,740 | | | | 765,314 | | | | | | | | 21,576,661 | | | | 16,836,907 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (2,690,212 | ) | | | (4,716,183 | ) | | | | | | | (51,782,957 | ) | | | (106,343,136 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 1,381,418 | | | | (942,159 | ) | | | | | | $ | 24,437,931 | | | $ | (21,177,725 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class Z | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 14,165,272 | | | | 15,618,554 | | | | | | | $ | 267,934,208 | | | $ | 363,522,709 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions | | | 4,356,834 | | | | 1,619,673 | | | | | | | | 78,684,418 | | | | 35,584,223 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (7,451,335 | ) | | | (4,717,250 | ) | | | | | | | (142,408,658 | ) | | | (107,274,180 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net increase | | | 11,070,771 | | | | 12,520,977 | | | | | | | $ | 204,209,968 | | | $ | 291,832,752 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
NOTE G
Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund
Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- andmid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 33 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
Foreign(Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities ofnon-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 or dispose of due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.
Derivatives Risk—The Fund 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 Fund, 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 Risk—The Fund may invest in certain debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. Although financial regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, such as European Interbank Offer Rate (“EURIBOR”), Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA”) and Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), global consensus on alternative rates is lacking and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition away from LIBOR remains unclear. 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 the Fund’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition away from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, adversely affecting the Fund’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.
| | |
| |
34 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Fund has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE H
Joint Credit Facility
A number ofopen-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize the Facility during the year ended November 30, 2019.
NOTE I
Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended November 30, 2019 and November 30, 2018 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 35,054,297 | | | $ | 10,195,499 | |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 251,900,226 | | | | 173,985,144 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | $ | 286,954,523 | | | $ | 184,180,643 | |
| | | | | | | | |
As of November 30, 2019, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 22,275,092 | |
Undistributed capital gains | | | 93,640,223 | |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 217,489,297 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | 333,404,612 | |
| | | | |
(a) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of November 30, 2019, the Fund did not have any capital loss carryforwards.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 35 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
During the current fiscal year, permanent differences primarily due to the utilization of earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemption of shares resulted in a net decrease in distributable earnings and a net increase in additional paid-in capital. These reclassifications had no effect on net assets.
NOTE J
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement which removes, modifies and adds disclosures to Topic 820. The amendments in this ASU2018-13 (“ASU”) apply to all entities that are required, under existing U.S. GAAP, to make disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair value measurements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Management has evaluated the impact of the amendments and elected to early adopt the ASU. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the disclosure and presentation of the financial statements of the Fund.
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 Fund’s financial statements through this date.
| | |
| |
36 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class A | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 22.06 | | | | $ 24.15 | | | | $ 22.12 | | | | $ 20.19 | | | | $ 22.91 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .12 | (b) | | | .07 | (b) | | | .04 | (b) | | | .05 | (b) | | | .03 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .21 | | | | (.69 | ) | | | 2.75 | | | | 3.02 | | | | .13 | |
| | | | | |
Capital contributions | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | .00 | (c) | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .33 | | | | (.62 | ) | | | 2.79 | | | | 3.07 | | | | .16 | |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.06 | ) | | | (.04 | ) | | | (.04 | ) | | | (.00 | )(c) | | | (.10 | ) |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (2.06 | ) | | | (1.43 | ) | | | (.72 | ) | | | (1.14 | ) | | | (2.78 | ) |
| | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | (2.12 | ) | | | (1.47 | ) | | | (.76 | ) | | | (1.14 | ) | | | (2.88 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 20.27 | | | | $ 22.06 | | | | $ 24.15 | | | | $ 22.12 | | | | $ 20.19 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 2.58 | % | | | (2.57 | )% | | | 12.94 | % | | | 16.56 | % | | | .87 | % |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $368,201 | | | | $422,764 | | | | $509,111 | | | | $516,153 | | | | $549,547 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.12 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.12 | % | | | 1.16 | % | | | 1.20 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.13 | % | | | 1.10 | % | | | 1.13 | % | | | 1.16 | % | | | 1.20 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | .64 | %(b) | | | .30 | %(b) | | | .17 | %(b) | | | .25 | %(b) | | | .16 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 36 | % | | | 42 | % | | | 39 | % | | | 57 | % | | | 47 | % |
See footnote summary on page 44.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 37 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class C | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 19.34 | | | | $ 21.46 | | | | $ 19.85 | | | | $ 18.37 | | | | $ 21.13 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment loss(a) | | | (.02 | )(b) | | | (.09 | )(b) | | | (.12 | )(b) | | | (.08 | )(b) | | | (.10 | ) |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .16 | | | | (.60 | ) | | | 2.45 | | | | 2.70 | | | | .12 | |
| | | | | |
Capital contributions | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | .00 | (c) | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .14 | | | | (.69 | ) | | | 2.33 | | | | 2.62 | | | | .02 | |
| | | | |
Less: Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (2.06 | ) | | | (1.43 | ) | | | (.72 | ) | | | (1.14 | ) | | | (2.78 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 17.42 | | | | $19.34 | | | | $ 21.46 | | | | $ 19.85 | | | | $ 18.37 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 1.84 | % | | | (3.31 | )% | | | 12.11 | % | | | 15.69 | % | | | .19 | % |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $36,124 | | | | $59,761 | | | | $81,567 | | | | $143,061 | | | | $153,736 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.88 | % | | | 1.85 | % | | | 1.87 | % | | | 1.90 | % | | | 1.90 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.88 | % | | | 1.85 | % | | | 1.87 | % | | | 1.90 | % | | | 1.90 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment loss | | | (.10 | )%(b) | | | (.44 | )%(b) | | | (.60 | )%(b) | | | (.49 | )%(b) | | | (.55 | )% |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 36 | % | | | 42 | % | | | 39 | % | | | 57 | % | | | 47 | % |
See footnote summary on page 44.
| | |
| |
38 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Advisor Class | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 22.62 | | | | $ 24.72 | | | | $ 22.62 | | | | $ 20.63 | | | | $ 23.35 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .18 | (b) | | | .13 | (b) | | | .10 | (b) | | | .10 | (b) | | | .09 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .21 | | | | (.71 | ) | | | 2.81 | | | | 3.08 | | | | .14 | |
| | | | | |
Capital contributions | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | .00 | (c) | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .39 | | | | (.58 | ) | | | 2.91 | | | | 3.18 | | | | .23 | |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.12 | ) | | | (.09 | ) | | | (.09 | ) | | | (.05 | ) | | | (.17 | ) |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (2.06 | ) | | | (1.43 | ) | | | (.72 | ) | | | (1.14 | ) | | | (2.78 | ) |
| | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | (2.18 | ) | | | (1.52 | ) | | | (.81 | ) | | | (1.19 | ) | | | (2.95 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 20.83 | | | | $ 22.62 | | | | $ 24.72 | | | | $ 22.62 | | | | $ 20.63 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 2.83 | % | | | (2.34 | )% | | | 13.25 | % | | | 16.83 | % | | | 1.21 | % |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $1,310,091 | | | | $1,349,282 | | | | $1,413,304 | | | | $1,221,938 | | | | $1,155,700 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | .87 | % | | | .85 | % | | | .87 | % | | | .89 | % | | | .90 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | .88 | % | | | .85 | % | | | .88 | % | | | .90 | % | | | .90 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | .89 | %(b) | | | .56 | %(b) | | | .42 | %(b) | | | .50 | %(b) | | | .44 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 36 | % | | | 42 | % | | | 39 | % | | | 57 | % | | | 47 | % |
See footnote summary on page 44.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 39 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class R | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 21.36 | | | | $ 23.48 | | | | $ 21.57 | | | | $ 19.79 | | | | $ 22.50 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income (loss)(a) | | | .05 | (b) | | | (.02 | )(b) | | | (.05 | )(b) | | | (.02 | )(b) | | | (.03 | ) |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .19 | | | | (.67 | ) | | | 2.68 | | | | 2.94 | | | | .13 | |
| | | | | |
Capital contributions | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | .00 | (c) | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .24 | | | | (.69 | ) | | | 2.63 | | | | 2.92 | | | | .10 | |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | (.03 | ) |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (2.06 | ) | | | (1.43 | ) | | | (.72 | ) | | | (1.14 | ) | | | (2.78 | ) |
| | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | (2.06 | ) | | | (1.43 | ) | | | (.72 | ) | | | (1.14 | ) | | | (2.81 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 19.54 | | | | $ 21.36 | | | | $ 23.48 | | | | $ 21.57 | | | | $ 19.79 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 2.16 | % | | | (3.01 | )% | | | 12.55 | % | | | 16.11 | % | | | .56 | % |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $60,911 | | | | $74,104 | | | | $94,612 | | | | $100,017 | | | | $106,830 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.52 | % | | | 1.51 | % | | | 1.52 | % | | | 1.52 | % | | | 1.54 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.53 | % | | | 1.52 | % | | | 1.53 | % | | | 1.53 | % | | | 1.54 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | | .24 | %(b) | | | (.11 | )%(b) | | | (.23 | )%(b) | | | (.11 | )%(b) | | | (.17 | )% |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 36 | % | | | 42 | % | | | 39 | % | | | 57 | % | | | 47 | % |
See footnote summary on page 44.
| | |
| |
40 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class K | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 21.74 | | | | $ 23.80 | | | | $ 21.82 | | | | $ 19.95 | | | | $ 22.67 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .10 | (b) | | | .05 | (b) | | | .01 | (b) | | | .03 | (b) | | | .03 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .21 | | | | (.68 | ) | | | 2.72 | | | | 2.98 | | | | .13 | |
| | | | | |
Capital contributions | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | .00 | (c) | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .31 | | | | (.63 | ) | | | 2.73 | | | | 3.01 | | | | .16 | |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.05 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | (.03 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | (.10 | ) |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (2.06 | ) | | | (1.43 | ) | | | (.72 | ) | | | (1.14 | ) | | | (2.78 | ) |
| | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | (2.11 | ) | | | (1.43 | ) | | | (.75 | ) | | | (1.14 | ) | | | (2.88 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 19.94 | | | | $ 21.74 | | | | $ 23.80 | | | | $ 21.82 | | | | $ 19.95 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 2.48 | % | | | (2.69 | )% | | | 12.88 | % | | | 16.45 | % | | | .87 | % |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $31,724 | | | | $37,062 | | | | $43,126 | | | | $63,529 | | | | $62,512 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.21 | % | | | 1.20 | % | | | 1.21 | % | | | 1.21 | % | | | 1.23 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.22 | % | | | 1.21 | % | | | 1.22 | % | | | 1.22 | % | | | 1.23 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | .55 | %(b) | | | .20 | %(b) | | | .07 | %(b) | | | .19 | %(b) | | | .13 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 36 | % | | | 42 | % | | | 39 | % | | | 57 | % | | | 47 | % |
See footnote summary on page 44.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 41 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class I | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 21.94 | | | | $ 24.03 | | | | $ 22.01 | | | | $ 20.10 | | | | $ 22.83 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .17 | (b) | | | .12 | (b) | | | .10 | (b) | | | .09 | (b) | | | .10 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .20 | | | | (.68 | ) | | | 2.73 | | | | 3.01 | | | | .13 | |
| | | | | |
Capital contributions | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | .00 | (c) | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .37 | | | | (.56 | ) | | | 2.83 | | | | 3.10 | | | | .23 | |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.12 | ) | | | (.10 | ) | | | (.09 | ) | | | (.05 | ) | | | (.18 | ) |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (2.06 | ) | | | (1.43 | ) | | | (.72 | ) | | | (1.14 | ) | | | (2.78 | ) |
| | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | (2.18 | ) | | | (1.53 | ) | | | (.81 | ) | | | (1.19 | ) | | | (2.96 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 20.13 | | | | $ 21.94 | | | | $ 24.03 | | | | $ 22.01 | | | | $ 20.10 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 2.81 | % | | | (2.35 | )% | | | 13.27 | % | | | 16.85 | % | | | 1.21 | % |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $231,569 | | | | $222,060 | | | | $265,834 | | | | $247,354 | | | | $194,660 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | .88 | % | | | .86 | % | | | .85 | % | | | .88 | % | | | .88 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | .88 | % | | | .86 | % | | | .86 | % | | | .89 | % | | | .88 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | .89 | %(b) | | | .54 | %(b) | | | .44 | %(b) | | | .50 | %(b) | | | .48 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 36 | % | | | 42 | % | | | 39 | % | | | 57 | % | | | 47 | % |
See footnote summary on page 44.
| | |
| |
42 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class Z | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 21.93 | | | | $ 24.01 | | | | $ 21.99 | | | | $ 20.09 | | | | $ 22.82 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .19 | (b) | | | .14 | (b) | | | .12 | (b) | | | .11 | (b) | | | .10 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .19 | | | | (.68 | ) | | | 2.72 | | | | 2.99 | | | | .15 | |
| | | | | |
Capital contributions | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | .00 | (c) | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .38 | | | | (.54 | ) | | | 2.84 | | | | 3.10 | | | | .25 | |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.14 | ) | | | (.11 | ) | | | (.10 | ) | | | (.06 | ) | | | (.20 | ) |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (2.06 | ) | | | (1.43 | ) | | | (.72 | ) | | | (1.14 | ) | | | (2.78 | ) |
| | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | (2.20 | ) | | | (1.54 | ) | | | (.82 | ) | | | (1.20 | ) | | | (2.98 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 20.11 | | | | $ 21.93 | | | | $ 24.01 | | | | $ 21.99 | | | | $ 20.09 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 2.89 | % | | | (2.25 | )% | | | 13.36 | % | | | 16.93 | % | | | 1.30 | % |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $939,099 | | | | $781,102 | | | | $554,655 | | | | $279,294 | | | | $212,344 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | .79 | % | | | .77 | % | | | .78 | % | | | .80 | % | | | .81 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | .79 | % | | | .78 | % | | | .79 | % | | | .80 | % | | | .81 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | .97 | %(b) | | | .62 | %(b) | | | .53 | %(b) | | | .59 | %(b) | | | .48 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate. | | | 36 | % | | | 42 | % | | | 39 | % | | | 57 | % | | | 47 | % |
See footnote summary on page 44.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 43 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Initial sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges are not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the years ended November 30, 2018, November 30, 2017 and November 30, 2016, such waiver amounted to .01%, .01% and .01%, respectively. |
* | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the years ended November 30, 2019, November 30, 2018 and November 30, 2017 by .05%, .04% and .09%, respectively. |
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
44 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of
AB Discovery Value Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Discovery Value Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting AB Trust (the “Trust”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of November 30, 2019, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting AB Trust) at November 30, 2019, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 45 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM(continued)
disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2019, by correspondence with the custodian and others or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from others were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.
New York, New York
January 24, 2020
| | |
| |
46 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
2019 FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION
(unaudited)
For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during the taxable year ended November 30, 2019. For individual shareholders, the Fund designates 91.11% of dividends paid as qualified dividend income. For corporate shareholders, 86.68% of dividends paid qualify for the dividends received deduction.
Shareholders should not use the above information to prepare their income tax returns. The information necessary to complete your income tax returns will be included with your Form 1099-DIV which will be sent to you separately in January 2020.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 47 |
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
| | |
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1),Chairman Jorge A. Bermudez(1)* Michael J. Downey(1) Nancy P. Jacklin(1) | | Robert M. Keith,President and Chief Executive Officer Carol C. McMullen(1) Garry L. Moody(1) Earl D. Weiner(1) |
OFFICERS
| | |
James W. MacGregor(2),Vice President Erik A. Turenchalk(2),Vice President Emilie D. Wrapp,Secretary Michael B. Reyes,Senior Analyst | | Joseph J. Mantineo,Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Phyllis J. Clarke,Controller Vincent S. Noto,Chief Compliance Officer |
| | |
Custodian and Accounting Agent State Street Bank and Trust Company State Street Corporation CCB/5 1 Iron Street Boston, MA 02210 Principal Underwriter AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. 1345 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10105 Legal Counsel Seward & Kissel LLP One Battery Park Plaza New York, NY 10004 | | Transfer Agent AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. P.O. Box 786003 San Antonio, TX 78278-6003 Toll-Free (800) 221-5672 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Ernst & Young LLP 5 Times Square New York, NY 10036 |
1 | Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee. |
2 | The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund’s portfolio are made by the Small/Mid Cap Value Senior Investment Management Team. Messrs. MacGregor and Turenchalk are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. |
* | Mr. Bermudez will join the Board on January 1, 2020. |
| | |
| |
48 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Board of Trustees Information
The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Trustees is set forth below.
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE
|
INTERESTED TRUSTEE | | | |
| | | |
Robert M. Keith,# 1345 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10105
59 (2010) | | Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the head of AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”) since July 2008; Director of ABI and President of the AB Mutual Funds. Previously, he served as Executive Managing Director of ABI from December 2006 to June 2008. Prior to joining ABI in 2006, Executive Managing Director of Bernstein Global Wealth Management, and prior thereto, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Client Service and Sales of the Adviser’s institutional investment management business since 2004. Prior thereto, he was Managing Director and Head of North American Client Service and Sales in the Adviser’s institutional investment management business, with which he had been associated since prior to 2004. | | | 91 | | | None |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 49 |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE
|
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.,## Chairman of the Board 78 (2005) | | Private Investor since prior to 2015. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (components of semi-conductor manufacturing). He has extensive operating leadership, and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensive non-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the boards of two education and science-related non-profit organizations. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has been Chairman of the AB Funds since January 2014, and the Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees of such AB Funds since February 2014. | | | 91 | | | Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors) since 2007 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Jorge A. Bermudez,^,* 68 (2020) | | Private investor since prior to 2015. Former Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2020. | | | 91 | | | Moody’s Corporation since April 2011 |
| | |
| |
50 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE
|
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE (continued) |
| | | |
Michael J. Downey,## 76 (2005) | | Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2015 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005. | | | 91 | | | None |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Nancy P. Jacklin,## 71 (2006) | | Private Investor since prior to 2015. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008-2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December 2002-May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992-2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985-1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982-1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973-1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014. | | | 91 | | | None |
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 51 |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE
|
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE (continued) |
| | | |
Carol C. McMullen,## 64 (2016) | | Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010-2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016. | | | 91 | | | None |
| | |
| |
52 | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE
|
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE (continued) |
| | | |
Garry L. Moody,## 67 (2008) | | Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Trustee Advisory Board of BoardIQ, a biweekly publication focused on issues and news affecting directors of mutual funds. He is also a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council Governing Council. He has served as a director or trustee, and as Chairman of the Audit Committees, of the AB Funds since 2008. | | | 91 | | | None |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Earl D. Weiner,## 80 (2007) | | Senior Counsel since 2017, Of Counsel from 2007 to 2016, and Partner prior to then, of the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. He is a former member of the ABA Federal Regulation of Securities Committee Task Force to draft editions of the Fund Director’s Guidebook. He also serves as a director or trustee of various non-profit organizations and has served as Chairman or Vice Chairman of a number of them. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2007 and served as Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds from 2007 until August 2014. | | | 91 | | | None |
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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
* | The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Trustees is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal and Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105. |
** | There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Trustees. |
*** | The information above includes each Trustee’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes and skills relevant to each Trustee’s qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the Fund. |
# | Mr. Keith is an “interested trustee” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser. |
## | Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee. |
^ | Mr. Bermudez will be a member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee when he joins the Board on January 1, 2020. |
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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
Officers of the Trust
Certain information concerning the Fund’s Officers is listed below.
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NAME, ADDRESS* AND AGE | | PRINCIPAL POSITION(S) HELD WITH FUND | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS |
Robert M. Keith 59 | | President and Chief Executive Officer | | See biography above. |
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James W. MacGregor 52 | | Vice President | | Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. He is also Chief Investment Officer of US Small and Mid-Cap Value Equities. |
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Erik A. Turenchalk
46 | | Vice President | | Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. |
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Emilie D. Wrapp 64 | | Secretary | | Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of ABI**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015. |
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Michael B. Reyes 43 | | Senior Analyst | | Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. |
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Joseph J. Mantineo 60 | | Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | | Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. |
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Phyllis J. Clarke 59 | | Controller | | Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015. |
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Vincent S. Noto
55 | | Chief Compliance Officer | | Senior Vice President since 2015 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser** since 2014. Prior thereto, he was Vice President and Director of Mutual Fund Compliance of the Adviser** since 2012. |
* | The address for each of the Fund’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105. |
** | The Adviser, ABI and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund. |
The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) has additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or AB at(800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.
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abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 55 |
Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement
The disinterested trustees (the “directors”) of AB Trust (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Discovery Value Fund (the “Fund”) at a meeting held onMay 7-9, 2019 (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 wasall-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
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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 2017 and 2018 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s former Senior Officer/Independent Compliance Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund and the underlying fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests, including, but not limited to, benefits
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abfunds.com | | AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND | 57 |
relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients);12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of certain classes of the Fund’s shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
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 the1-,3-,5- and10-year periods ended February 28, 2019 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 pursuing an investment strategy similar to the Fund’s. 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 anysub-advised funds pursuing an investment strategy similar to the Fund’s, on the other.
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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 with a similar investment strategy.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund andsub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore orsub-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 andsub-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 and that the Fund’s net assets were higher than a breakpoint level. Accordingly, the Fund’s current effective advisory fee rate reflected a reduction due to the breakpoint and would be further reduced to the extent the net assets of the Fund increase. The directors took into consideration
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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 breakpoint arrangements were acceptable and provide a means for sharing any economies of scale.
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This page is not part of the Shareholder Report or the Financial Statements.
AB FAMILY OF FUNDS
US EQUITY
US CORE
Core Opportunities Fund
FlexFee™ US Thematic Portfolio
Select US Equity Portfolio
US GROWTH
Concentrated Growth Fund
Discovery Growth Fund
FlexFee™ Large Cap Growth Portfolio
Growth Fund
Large Cap Growth Fund
Small Cap Growth Portfolio
US VALUE
Discovery Value Fund
Equity Income Fund
Relative Value Fund
Small Cap Value Portfolio
Value Fund
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL CORE
FlexFee™ International Strategic Core Portfolio
Global Core Equity Portfolio
International Portfolio
International Strategic Core Portfolio
Sustainable Global Thematic Fund
Tax-Managed International Portfolio
Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy
Wealth Appreciation Strategy
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL GROWTH
Concentrated International Growth Portfolio
FlexFee™ Emerging Markets Growth Portfolio
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY(continued)
Sustainable International Thematic Fund
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL VALUE
All China Equity Portfolio
International Value Fund
FIXED INCOME
MUNICIPAL
High Income Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio
Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy
Tax-Aware Fixed Income Portfolio
National Portfolio
Arizona Portfolio
California Portfolio
Massachusetts Portfolio
Minnesota Portfolio
New Jersey Portfolio
New York Portfolio
Ohio Portfolio
Pennsylvania Portfolio
Virginia Portfolio
TAXABLE
Bond Inflation Strategy
FlexFee™ High Yield Portfolio
FlexFee™ International Bond Portfolio
Global Bond Fund
High Income Fund
Income Fund
Intermediate Duration Portfolio
Limited Duration High Income Portfolio
Short Duration Portfolio
Total Return Bond Portfolio1
ALTERNATIVES
All Market Real Return Portfolio
Global Real Estate Investment Fund
Select US Long/Short Portfolio
Unconstrained Bond Fund
MULTI-ASSET
All Market Income Portfolio
All Market Total Return Portfolio
Conservative Wealth Strategy
Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Portfolio
Global Risk Allocation Fund
Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio
TARGET-DATE
Multi-Manager Select Retirement Allocation Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2010 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2015 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2020 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2025 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2030 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2035 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2040 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2045 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2050 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2055 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2060 Fund
CLOSED-END FUNDS
AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund
AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund
We also offer Government Money Market Portfolio, which serves as the money market fund exchange vehicle for the AB mutual funds. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. The Fund may impose a fee upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.
1 | Prior to July 12, 2019, Total Return Bond Portfolio was named Intermediate Bond Portfolio. |
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NOTES
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NOTES
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NOTES
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NOTES
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NOTES
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NOTES
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NOTES
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AB DISCOVERY VALUE FUND
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105
800 221 5672
DV-0151-1119
NOV 11.30.19
ANNUAL REPORT
AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND
Beginning January 1, 2021, as permitted by new regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling the Fund at (800) 221 5672.
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper form free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you can call the Fund at (800) 221 5672. Your election to receive reports in paper form will apply to all funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you invest directly, to all AB Mutual Funds you hold.
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Investment Products Offered | | • Are Not FDIC Insured• May Lose Value• Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.
This shareholder report must be preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s prospectus for individuals who are not current shareholders of the Fund.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com, or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227 4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC 0330. AB publishes full portfolio holdings for the Fund monthly at www.abfunds.com.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
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FROM THE PRESIDENT | | |
Dear Shareholder,
We are pleased to provide this report for AB International Value Fund (the “Fund”). Please review the discussion of Fund performance, the market conditions during the reporting period and the Fund’s investment strategy.
As always, AB strives to keep clients ahead of what’s next by:
+ | | Transforming uncommon insights into uncommon knowledge with a global research scope |
+ | | Navigating markets with seasoned investment experience and sophisticated solutions |
+ | | Providing thoughtful investment insights and actionable ideas |
Whether you’re an individual investor or a multi-billion-dollar institution, we put knowledge and experience to work for you.
AB’s global research organization connects and collaborates across platforms and teams to deliver impactful insights and innovative products. Better insights lead to better opportunities—anywhere in the world.
For additional information about AB’s range of products and shareholder resources, please log on to www.abfunds.com.
Thank you for your investment in the AB Mutual Funds.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Keith
President and Chief Executive Officer, AB Mutual Funds
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 1 |
ANNUAL REPORT
January 7, 2020
This report provides management’s discussion of fund performance for AB International Value Fund for the annual reporting period ended November 30, 2019.
The Fund’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital.
NAV RETURNS AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2019(unaudited)
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| | 6 Months | | | 12 Months | |
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AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND1 | | | | | | | | |
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Class A Shares | | | 10.69% | | | | 4.47% | |
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Class C Shares | | | 10.27% | | | | 3.66% | |
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Advisor Class Shares2 | | | 10.87% | | | | 4.72% | |
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Class R Shares2 | | | 10.52% | | | | 4.18% | |
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Class K Shares2 | | | 10.72% | | | | 4.48% | |
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Class I Shares2 | | | 10.86% | | | | 4.87% | |
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MSCI EAFE Index (net) | | | 9.79% | | | | 12.44% | |
1 | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from class-action settlements, which enhanced the performance of all share classes of the Fund for the six- and 12-month periods ended November 30, 2019, by 0.19% and 0.19%, respectively. |
2 | Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certainfee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
INVESTMENT RESULTS
The table above shows the Fund’s performance compared to its benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia and the Far East (“MSCI EAFE”) Index (net), for thesix- and12-month periods ended November 30, 2019.
During the12-month period, all share classes of the Fund underperformed the benchmark, before sales charges. Security selection within materials and consumer discretionary detracted, relative to the benchmark, while selection within utilities and communication services contributed. Sector selection also detracted due to an overweight to energy and an underweight to health care, while an overweight to materials and an underweight to financials contributed. Overall country selection (a result ofbottom-up security analysis combined with fundamental research) detracted, led by an underweight to Australia. An overweight to Ireland contributed.
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During thesix-month period, all share classes outperformed the benchmark, before sales charges. Security selection added to returns, mainly within industrials, utilities and financials, though selection within materials took back some of these gains. Sector selection detracted from performance. An underweight to health care and an overweight to energy detracted, while underweights to real estate and consumer staples contributed. Overall country selection detracted for the period. An underweight to Japan detracted most, while an underweight to Hong Kong contributed.
The Fund utilized derivatives in the form of currency forwards for hedging and investment purposes, which detracted from absolute returns for both periods.
MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY
International stocks recorded double-digit returns and emerging markets rallied during the12-month period ended November 30, 2019. After declining at the end of 2018, equity markets rebounded dramatically in January as strong corporate earnings and optimism about a trade truce between the US and China calmed investors. Trade war tensions resurfaced, however, and emerging geopolitical pressures increased market volatility. Late in the third quarter, equity market performance was accompanied by a sharp style rotation as quality-growth and lower-volatility stocks, which had performed strongly earlier in the year, lagged and value stocks outperformed. However, for the most part, growth stocks continued to outperform value stocks over the entire period. In November, investors gained confidence that aphase-one trade deal could be reached by the end of the year.
The Fund’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) continues to identify opportunities against a changing market backdrop. The Team has flexibility to adjust the Fund’s positions in real time when warranted, and to maintain conviction through short-term volatility. As markets face new uncertainties, the Team believes that this disciplined approach is the best way to capture the long-term potential for equities.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of established companies selected from more than 40 industries and more than 40 developed and emerging-market countries. These countries currently include the developed nations in Europe and the Far East, Canada, Australia and emerging-market countries worldwide. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests significantly (at least 40%—unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Adviser) in securities ofnon-US companies. In addition, the Fund invests, under normal circumstances, in the equity securities of companies located in at least three countries.
(continued on next page)
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The Fund invests in companies that are determined by the Adviser to be undervalued, using a fundamental value approach. In selecting securities for the Fund’s portfolio, the Adviser uses its fundamental and quantitative research to identify companies whose stocks are priced low in relation to their perceived long-term earnings power.
Currencies can have a dramatic impact on equity returns, significantly adding to returns in some years and greatly diminishing them in others. The Adviser evaluates currency and equity positions separately and may seek to hedge the currency exposure resulting from securities positions when it finds the currency exposure unattractive. To hedge a portion of its currency risk, the Fund may from time to time invest in currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, swaps and options. The Adviser may also seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives.
The Fund may enter into other derivatives transactions, such as options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps. The Fund may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, including on individual securities and stock indices, futures contracts (including futures contracts on individual securities and stock indices) or shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). These transactions may be used, for example, in an effort to earn extra income, to adjust exposure to individual securities or markets, or to protect all or a portion of the Fund’s portfolio from a decline in value, sometimes within certain ranges.
The Fund may, at times, invest in shares of ETFs in lieu of making direct investments in equity securities. ETFs may provide more efficient and economical exposure to the type of companies and geographic locations in which the Fund seeks to invest than direct investments. The Fund may invest in depositary receipts, instruments of supranational entities denominated in the currency of any country, securities of multinational companies and “semi-governmental securities,” and enter into forward commitments.
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DISCLOSURES AND RISKS
Benchmark Disclosure
The MSCI EAFE Index is unmanaged and does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The MSCI EAFE Index (net, free float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted) represents the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the US and Canada. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations, and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices, any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI. Net returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends after deduction ofnon-US withholding tax. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative for any specific investment, including the Fund.
A Word About Risk
Market Risk: The value of the Fund’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 that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Fund’s value approach, may be underperforming the market generally.
Foreign(Non-US) Risk: Investments in securities ofnon-US issuers may involve more risk than those of US issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be more difficult to trade or dispose of 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 as well as being subject to increased economic, political, regulatory or other uncertainties.
Currency Risk: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.
Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund. Derivatives may also be subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments.
Leverage Risk: When the Fund borrows money or otherwise leverages its portfolio, it may be more volatile because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s investments. The Fund may create leverage through the use of reverse repurchase agreements, forward commitments, or by borrowing money.
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 5 |
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS(continued)
Management Risk: The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results.
These risks are fully discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.
An Important Note About Historical Performance
The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. You may obtain performance information current to the most recentmonth-end by visiting www.abfunds.com. Class B shares are no longer being offered. Effective November 7, 2019, all outstanding Class B shares were converted to Class A shares. Please see Note A for more information.
All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Fund have been deducted. Net asset value (“NAV”) returns do not reflect sales charges; if sales charges were reflected, the Fund’s quoted performance would be lower. SEC returns reflect the applicable sales charges for each share class: a 4.25% maximumfront-end sales charge for Class A shares and a 1%1-year contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares. Returns for the different share classes will vary due to different expenses associated with each class. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.
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6 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE
GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE FUND(unaudited)
11/30/2009 TO 11/30/2019
This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in AB International Value Fund Class A shares (from 11/30/2009 to 11/30/2019) as compared to the performance of the Fund’s benchmark. The chart reflects the deduction of the maximum 4.25% sales charge from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 7 |
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE(continued)
AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2019(unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | NAV Returns | | | SEC Returns (reflects applicable sales charges) | |
| | |
CLASS A SHARES | | | | | | | | |
| | |
1 Year | | | 4.47% | | | | 0.00% | |
| | |
5 Years | | | 1.04% | | | | 0.17% | |
| | |
10 Years | | | 1.87% | | | | 1.43% | |
| | |
CLASS C SHARES | | | | | | | | |
| | |
1 Year | | | 3.66% | | | | 2.66% | |
| | |
5 Years | | | 0.30% | | | | 0.30% | |
| | |
10 Years | | | 1.13% | | | | 1.13% | |
| | |
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1 | | | | | | | | |
| | |
1 Year | | | 4.72% | | | | 4.72% | |
| | |
5 Years | | | 1.30% | | | | 1.30% | |
| | |
10 Years | | | 2.16% | | | | 2.16% | |
| | |
CLASS R SHARES1 | | | | | | | | |
| | |
1 Year | | | 4.18% | | | | 4.18% | |
| | |
5 Years | | | 0.78% | | | | 0.78% | |
| | |
10 Years | | | 1.64% | | | | 1.64% | |
| | |
CLASS K SHARES1 | | | | | | | | |
| | |
1 Year | | | 4.48% | | | | 4.48% | |
| | |
5 Years | | | 1.09% | | | | 1.09% | |
| | |
10 Years | | | 1.96% | | | | 1.96% | |
| | |
CLASS I SHARES1 | | | | | | | | |
| | |
1 Year | | | 4.87% | | | | 4.87% | |
| | |
5 Years | | | 1.52% | | | | 1.52% | |
| | |
10 Years | | | 2.37% | | | | 2.37% | |
The Fund’s current prospectus fee table shows the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratios as 1.43%, 2.18%, 1.18%, 1.73%, 1.42% and 0.99% for Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares, respectively. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.
1 | These share classes are offered at NAV to eligible investors and their SEC returns are the same as their NAV returns. Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certainfee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
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8 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE(continued)
SEC AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS
AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDARQUARTER-END
DECEMBER 31, 2019(unaudited)
| | | | |
| |
| | SEC Returns (reflects applicable sales charges) | |
| |
CLASS A SHARES | | | | |
| |
1 Year | | | 11.49% | |
| |
5 Years | | | 1.66% | |
| |
10 Years | | | 1.55% | |
| |
CLASS C SHARES | | | | |
| |
1 Year | | | 14.66% | |
| |
5 Years | | | 1.78% | |
| |
10 Years | | | 1.25% | |
| |
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1 | | | | |
| |
1 Year | | | 16.82% | |
| |
5 Years | | | 2.81% | |
| |
10 Years | | | 2.28% | |
| |
CLASS R SHARES1 | | | | |
| |
1 Year | | | 16.32% | |
| |
5 Years | | | 2.30% | |
| |
10 Years | | | 1.76% | |
| |
CLASS K SHARES1 | | | | |
| |
1 Year | | | 16.64% | |
| |
5 Years | | | 2.61% | |
| |
10 Years | | | 2.08% | |
| |
CLASS I SHARES1 | | | | |
| |
1 Year | | | 16.95% | |
| |
5 Years | | | 3.01% | |
| |
10 Years | | | 2.50% | |
1 | Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certainfee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 9 |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
(unaudited)
As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution(12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.
Actual Expenses
The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table below also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions. Therefore, the hypothetical example is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
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10 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE(continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value June 1, 2019 | | | Ending Account Value November 30, 2019 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,106.90 | | | $ | 6.92 | | | | 1.31 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,018.50 | | | $ | 6.63 | | | | 1.31 | % |
Class C | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,102.70 | | | $ | 10.96 | | | | 2.08 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,014.64 | | | $ | 10.50 | | | | 2.08 | % |
Advisor Class | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,108.70 | | | $ | 5.60 | | | | 1.06 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,019.75 | | | $ | 5.37 | | | | 1.06 | % |
Class R | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,105.20 | | | $ | 8.18 | | | | 1.55 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,017.30 | | | $ | 7.84 | | | | 1.55 | % |
Class K | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,107.20 | | | $ | 6.81 | | | | 1.29 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,018.60 | | | $ | 6.53 | | | | 1.29 | % |
Class I | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,108.60 | | | $ | 5.34 | | | | 1.01 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,020.00 | | | $ | 5.11 | | | | 1.01 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect theone-half year period). |
** | Assumes 5% annual return before expenses. |
| | |
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 11 |
PORTFOLIO SUMMARY
November 30, 2019(unaudited)
PORTFOLIO STATISTICS
Net Assets ($mil): $170.4
1 | All data are as of November 30, 2019. The Fund’s sector and country breakdowns are expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding security lending collateral) and may vary over time. The Fund also enters into derivative transactions, which may be used for hedging or investment purposes (see “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report for additional details). “Other” country weightings represent 2.5% or less in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Spain, Sweden and Taiwan. |
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 industrysub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Fund’s prospectus.
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12 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO SUMMARY(continued)
November 30, 2019(unaudited)
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS1
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Company | | U.S. $ Value | | | Percent of Net Assets | |
| | |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC – Class A | | $ | 6,282,576 | | | | 3.7 | % |
| | |
Roche Holding AG | | | 5,219,397 | | | | 3.1 | |
| | |
Airbus SE | | | 4,331,487 | | | | 2.5 | |
| | |
British American Tobacco PLC | | | 3,849,823 | | | | 2.3 | |
| | |
Repsol SA | | | 3,790,771 | | | | 2.2 | |
| | |
AerCap Holdings NV | | | 3,786,481 | | | | 2.2 | |
| | |
GlaxoSmithKline PLC | | | 3,536,294 | | | | 2.1 | |
| | |
Novo Nordisk A/S – Class B | | | 3,504,885 | | | | 2.1 | |
| | |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | | | 3,427,175 | | | | 2.0 | |
| | |
EDP – Energias de Portugal SA | | | 3,425,647 | | | | 2.0 | |
| | |
| | $ | 41,154,536 | | | | 24.2 | % |
| | |
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 13 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
November 30, 2019
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| |
COMMON STOCKS – 98.4% | | | | | | | | |
Financials – 17.6% | | | | | | | | |
Banks – 10.3% | | | | | | | | |
Banco Comercial Portugues SA | | | 7,571,640 | | | $ | 1,633,965 | |
Bank Hapoalim BM | | | 209,740 | | | | 1,691,433 | |
Bank LeumiLe-Israel BM | | | 229,710 | | | | 1,664,798 | |
Bank of Ireland Group PLC | | | 490,086 | | | | 2,457,674 | |
Erste Group Bank AG(a) | | | 81,260 | | | | 2,906,969 | |
ICICI Bank Ltd. | | | 278,990 | | | | 1,988,632 | |
KBC Group NV | | | 35,420 | | | | 2,578,259 | |
Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario SpA | | | 240,620 | | | | 2,686,798 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 17,608,528 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital Markets – 1.7% | | | | | | | | |
Credit Suisse Group AG(a) | | | 218,673 | | | | 2,862,554 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Diversified Financial Services – 1.0% | | | | | | | | |
ORIX Corp. | | | 108,600 | | | | 1,780,186 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Insurance – 4.6% | | | | | | | | |
Allianz SE | | | 12,490 | | | | 2,987,217 | |
Swiss Re AG | | | 16,420 | | | | 1,778,551 | |
Zurich Insurance Group AG | | | 7,660 | | | | 3,006,205 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 7,771,973 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 30,023,241 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrials – 13.4% | | | | | | | | |
Aerospace & Defense – 6.4% | | | | | | | | |
Airbus SE | | | 29,477 | | | | 4,331,487 | |
BAE Systems PLC | | | 357,380 | | | | 2,646,562 | |
Leonardo SpA | | | 152,758 | | | | 1,783,562 | |
MTU Aero Engines AG | | | 7,610 | | | | 2,060,131 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 10,821,742 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Airlines – 3.8% | | | | | | | | |
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. | | | 89,100 | | | | 2,769,756 | |
Qantas Airways Ltd. | | | 436,046 | | | | 2,156,727 | |
Wizz Air Holdings PLC(a)(b) | | | 30,130 | | | | 1,536,840 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 6,463,323 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Professional Services – 1.0% | | | | | | | | |
UT Group Co., Ltd.(c) | | | 59,400 | | | | 1,683,134 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Trading Companies & Distributors – 2.2% | | | | | | | | |
AerCap Holdings NV(a) | | | 61,260 | | | | 3,786,481 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 22,754,680 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer Staples – 11.3% | | | | | | | | |
Beverages – 2.8% | | | | | | | | |
Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Holdings, Inc. | | | 59,700 | | | | 1,435,162 | |
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC | | | 67,100 | | | | 3,385,866 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,821,028 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
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14 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| |
Food & Staples Retailing – 1.4% | | | | | | | | |
Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV | | | 95,800 | | | $ | 2,467,467 | |
| | | | | | | | |
|
Food Products – 4.8% | |
Morinaga & Co., Ltd./Japan | | | 9,900 | | | | 504,990 | |
Orkla ASA | | | 317,860 | | | | 3,076,241 | |
Salmar ASA | | | 36,720 | | | | 1,747,978 | |
WH Group Ltd.(b) | | | 2,727,000 | | | | 2,800,317 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 8,129,526 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Tobacco – 2.3% | |
British American Tobacco PLC | | | 97,270 | | | | 3,849,823 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 19,267,844 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy – 9.8% | |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 9.8% | |
JXTG Holdings, Inc. | | | 625,100 | | | | 2,778,925 | |
PetroChina Co., Ltd. – Class H | | | 4,036,000 | | | | 1,854,113 | |
Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Preference Shares) | | | 296,800 | | | | 2,043,536 | |
Repsol SA | | | 240,787 | | | | 3,790,771 | |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC (Euronext Amsterdam) – Class A(c) | | | 196,250 | | | | 5,626,228 | |
Royal Dutch Shell PLC – Class A | | | 22,911 | | | | 656,348 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 16,749,921 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Materials – 9.8% | |
Chemicals – 6.1% | |
Air Water, Inc. | | | 91,400 | | | | 1,469,309 | |
Covestro AG(b) | | | 50,040 | | | | 2,341,119 | |
Evonik Industries AG | | | 70,770 | | | | 2,052,358 | |
Johnson Matthey PLC | | | 65,979 | | | | 2,450,663 | |
Tosoh Corp. | | | 132,400 | | | | 1,973,069 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 10,286,518 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Containers & Packaging – 0.9% | |
BillerudKorsnas AB(c) | | | 137,180 | | | | 1,562,127 | |
| | | | | | | | |
|
Metals & Mining – 2.8% | |
BlueScope Steel Ltd. | | | 207,895 | | | | 2,045,754 | |
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | | | 123,920 | | | | 1,133,500 | |
Yamato Kogyo Co., Ltd. | | | 66,400 | | | | 1,636,496 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,815,750 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 16,664,395 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Information Technology – 9.8% | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – 0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Zhen Ding Technology Holding Ltd. | | | 323,000 | | | | 1,422,711 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 5.9% | | | | | | | | |
NXP Semiconductors NV | | | 15,440 | | | | 1,784,555 | |
SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.(c) | | | 46,400 | | | | 3,240,134 | |
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 15 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| |
SK Hynix, Inc. | | | 35,900 | | | $ | 2,470,484 | |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | | | 257,000 | | | | 2,585,075 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 10,080,248 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Software – 1.0% | | | | | | | | |
Open Text Corp.(c) | | | 39,690 | | | | 1,727,978 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 2.0% | | | | | | | | |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | | | 80,170 | | | | 3,427,175 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 16,658,112 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer Discretionary – 8.9% | | | | | | | | |
Auto Components – 2.4% | | | | | | | | |
NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. | | | 107,500 | | | | 2,153,706 | |
Valeo SA | | | 49,590 | | | | 1,953,023 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,106,729 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Automobiles – 2.8% | | | | | | | | |
Peugeot SA | | | 108,684 | | | | 2,622,624 | |
Subaru Corp.(c) | | | 84,300 | | | | 2,209,327 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,831,951 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 1.9% | | | | | | | | |
GVC Holdings PLC | | | 298,780 | | | | 3,289,777 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Leisure Products – 0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Spin Master Corp.(a)(b)(c) | | | 50,570 | | | | 1,513,712 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Pandora A/S | | | 36,630 | | | | 1,474,609 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 15,216,778 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Health Care – 8.1% | | | | | | | | |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies – 0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Hoya Corp. | | | 17,100 | | | | 1,562,322 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Pharmaceuticals – 7.2% | | | | | | | | |
GlaxoSmithKline PLC | | | 155,650 | | | | 3,536,294 | |
Novo Nordisk A/S – Class B | | | 62,351 | | | | 3,504,885 | |
Roche Holding AG | | | 16,930 | | | | 5,219,397 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 12,260,576 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 13,822,898 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities – 4.9% | | | | | | | | |
Electric Utilities – 3.8% | | | | | | | | |
EDP – Energias de Portugal SA | | | 846,683 | | | | 3,425,647 | |
Enel SpA | | | 391,950 | | | | 2,962,388 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 6,388,035 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Gas Utilities – 1.1% | |
ENN Energy Holdings Ltd. | | | 170,000 | | | | 1,847,624 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 8,235,659 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
16 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| |
Communication Services – 3.4% | |
Diversified Telecommunication Services – 1.5% | | | | | | | | |
Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. | | | 49,500 | | | $ | 2,500,693 | |
| | | | | | | | |
|
Entertainment – 1.9% | |
Nintendo Co., Ltd. | | | 8,600 | | | | 3,330,225 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 5,830,918 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Real Estate – 1.4% | | | | | | | | |
Real Estate Management & Development – 1.4% | | | | | | | | |
Aroundtown SA | | | 278,210 | | | | 2,414,200 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $156,765,660) | | | | | | | 167,638,646 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
RIGHTS – 0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Industrials – 0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Aerospace & Defense – 0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC, expiring 12/02/19(a)(d)(e)(f) (cost $12,633) | | | 9,781,900 | | | | 12,651 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Investment Companies – 0.9% | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 1.58%(g)(h)(i) (cost $1,535,006) | | | 1,535,006 | | | | 1,535,006 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Investments Before Security Lending Collateral for Securities Loaned – 99.3% (cost $158,313,299) | | | | | | | 169,186,303 | |
| | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED – 5.4% | | | | | | | | |
Investment Companies – 5.4% | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 1.58%(g)(h)(i) (cost $9,199,931) | | | 9,199,931 | | | | 9,199,931 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Total Investments – 104.7% (cost $167,513,230) | | | | | | | 178,386,234 | |
Other assets less liabilities – (4.7)% | | | | | | | (8,019,204 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Net Assets – 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 170,367,030 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 17 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS(continued)
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 | | | 873 | | | RUB | | | 56,120 | | | | 1/17/20 | | | $ | (5,548 | ) |
Barclays Bank PLC | | AUD | | | 2,569 | | | USD | | | 1,742 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 3,361 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | CAD | | | 2,907 | | | USD | | | 2,210 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 20,946 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | EUR | | | 505 | | | USD | | | 563 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 6,305 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | ILS | | | 7,855 | | | USD | | | 2,229 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (33,334 | ) |
Barclays Bank PLC | | JPY | | | 119,383 | | | USD | | | 1,115 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 22,619 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | USD | | | 6,693 | | | AUD | | | 9,739 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (103,345 | ) |
Barclays Bank PLC | | USD | | | 1,173 | | | EUR | | | 1,061 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (2,740 | ) |
Barclays Bank PLC | | USD | | | 2,788 | | | JPY | | | 294,017 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (98,463 | ) |
Barclays Bank PLC | | INR | | | 105,939 | | | USD | | | 1,471 | | | | 1/16/20 | | | | (50 | ) |
Barclays Bank PLC | | CNY | | | 25,774 | | | USD | | | 3,619 | | | | 2/13/20 | | | | (41,137 | ) |
Barclays Bank PLC | | USD | | | 447 | | | CNY | | | 3,140 | | | | 2/13/20 | | | | (1,457 | ) |
Barclays Bank PLC | | TWD | | | 118,013 | | | USD | | | 3,897 | | | | 2/20/20 | | | | 7,636 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | USD | | | 814 | | | IDR | | | 11,634,848 | | | | 2/27/20 | | | | 2,365 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | USD | | | 2,127 | | | SGD | | | 2,932 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 17,036 | |
Citibank, NA | | BRL | | | 5,518 | | | USD | | | 1,381 | | | | 12/03/19 | | | | 77,339 | |
Citibank, NA | | USD | | | 1,306 | | | BRL | | | 5,518 | | | | 12/03/19 | | | | (2,993 | ) |
Citibank, NA | | CHF | | | 1,096 | | | USD | | | 1,118 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 20,551 | |
Citibank, NA | | EUR | | | 3,441 | | | USD | | | 3,811 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 15,711 | |
Citibank, NA | | HKD | | | 16,456 | | | USD | | | 2,100 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (2,313 | ) |
Citibank, NA | | JPY | | | 196,105 | | | USD | | | 1,825 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 31,075 | |
Citibank, NA | | USD | | | 2,410 | | | GBP | | | 1,941 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 101,214 | |
Citibank, NA | | USD | | | 3,467 | | | NOK | | | 31,074 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (96,361 | ) |
Citibank, NA | | USD | | | 2,500 | | | SEK | | | 24,137 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 22,779 | |
Citibank, NA | | CAD | | | 864 | | | USD | | | 649 | | | | 3/16/20 | | | | (1,478 | ) |
Credit Suisse International | | BRL | | | 5,518 | | | USD | | | 1,306 | | | | 12/03/19 | | | | 2,993 | |
Credit Suisse International | | USD | | | 1,310 | | | BRL | | | 5,518 | | | | 12/03/19 | | | | (6,404 | ) |
Credit Suisse International | | CHF | | | 3,331 | | | USD | | | 3,376 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 41,022 | |
Credit Suisse International | | NOK | | | 39,210 | | | USD | | | 4,344 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 90,644 | |
Credit Suisse International | | BRL | | | 5,518 | | | USD | | | 1,308 | | | | 1/03/20 | | | | 6,414 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | JPY | | | 55,588 | | | USD | | | 514 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 5,661 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA | | USD | | | 551 | | | GBP | | | 426 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 542 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA | | INR | | | 19,723 | | | USD | | | 275 | | | | 1/16/20 | | | | 1,132 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | USD | | | 690 | | | CHF | | | 683 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (5,885 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | USD | | | 894 | | | JPY | | | 95,614 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (19,777 | ) |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | KRW | | | 341,053 | | | USD | | | 293 | | | | 2/06/20 | | | | 3,639 | |
Natwest Markets PLC | | EUR | | | 779 | | | USD | | | 868 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 8,720 | |
Natwest Markets PLC | | JPY | | | 162,150 | | | USD | | | 1,498 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 14,852 | |
Natwest Markets PLC | | USD | | | 1,259 | | | AUD | | | 1,790 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (47,945 | ) |
Natwest Markets PLC | | USD | | | 6,397 | | | EUR | | | 5,732 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (75,317 | ) |
Natwest Markets PLC | | USD | | | 1,630 | | | GBP | | | 1,300 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 52,522 | |
Natwest Markets PLC | | USD | | | 10,185 | | | JPY | | | 1,086,769 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (243,883 | ) |
Natwest Markets PLC | | CAD | | | 701 | | | USD | | | 531 | | | | 3/16/20 | | | | 2,614 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | USD | | | 508 | | | JPY | | | 53,508 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (18,574 | ) |
Standard Chartered Bank | | KRW | | | 6,563,716 | | | USD | | | 5,613 | | | | 2/06/20 | | | | 46,976 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | USD | | | 1,942 | | | JPY | | | 209,976 | | | | 3/16/20 | | | | (10,075 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | AUD | | | 721 | | | USD | | | 489 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 839 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | CAD | | | 329 | | | USD | | | 249 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 948 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | CHF | | | 888 | | | USD | | | 902 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 13,018 | |
| | |
| |
18 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS(continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Contracts to Deliver (000) | | | In Exchange For (000) | | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | EUR | | | 1,755 | | | USD | | | 1,951 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | $ | 15,249 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | HKD | | | 3,784 | | | USD | | | 483 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (641 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | JPY | | | 193,855 | | | USD | | | 1,801 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 27,560 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | NOK | | | 10,411 | | | USD | | | 1,164 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 35,284 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | TRY | | | 2,224 | | | USD | | | 374 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (11,799 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | | | 421 | | | AUD | | | 620 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (1,633 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | | | 195 | | | CAD | | | 260 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 592 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | | | 3,115 | | | CHF | | | 3,064 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (46,011 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | | | 1,054 | | | EUR | | | 957 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 1,575 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | | | 1,759 | | | EUR | | | 1,586 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (10,644 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | | | 909 | | | GBP | | | 723 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 25,668 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | | | 499 | | | JPY | | | 52,735 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (16,984 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | | | 441 | | | NZD | | | 686 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (916 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | | | 345 | | | SEK | | | 3,318 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 1,947 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | | | 390 | | | TRY | | | 2,224 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | (4,998 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | CAD | | | 1,078 | | | USD | | | 816 | | | | 3/16/20 | | | | 3,902 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | EUR | | | 1,375 | | | USD | | | 1,530 | | | | 3/16/20 | | | | 4,072 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | | | 1,451 | | | GBP | | | 1,122 | | | | 3/16/20 | | | | 5,386 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | | | 450 | | | GBP | | | 347 | | | | 3/16/20 | | | | (101 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | | | 473 | | | JPY | | | 51,273 | | | | 3/16/20 | | | | (967 | ) |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | | | 413 | | | TRY | | | 2,441 | | | | 3/16/20 | | | | 204 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | USD | | | 420 | | | MXN | | | 8,290 | | | | 3/17/20 | | | | (2,762 | ) |
UBS AG | | EUR | | | 4,738 | | | USD | | | 5,270 | | | | 12/16/19 | | | | 44,893 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | $ | (106,730 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are considered restricted, but liquid and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At November 30, 2019, the aggregate market value of these securities amounted to $8,191,988 or 4.8% 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. |
(g) | Affiliated investments. |
(h) | The rate shown represents the7-day yield as of period end. |
(i) | 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
IDR – Indonesian Rupiah
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 19 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS(continued)
ILS – Israeli Shekel
INR – Indian Rupee
JPY – Japanese Yen
KRW – South Korean Won
MXN – Mexican Peso
NOK – Norwegian Krone
NZD – New Zealand Dollar
RUB – Russian Ruble
SEK – Swedish Krona
SGD – Singapore Dollar
TRY – Turkish Lira
TWD – New Taiwan Dollar
USD – United States Dollar
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
20 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
November 30, 2019
| | | | |
Assets | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $156,778,293) | | $ | 167,651,297 | (a) |
Affiliated issuers (cost $10,734,937—including investment of cash collateral for securities loaned of $9,199,931) | | | 10,734,937 | |
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $964,459) | | | 963,474 | |
Unaffiliated dividends receivable | | | 842,320 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 807,805 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 150,258 | |
Receivable for shares of beneficial interest sold | | | 43,984 | |
Affiliated dividends receivable | | | 2,527 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 181,196,602 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities | | | | |
Payable for collateral received on securities loaned | | | 9,199,931 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | | 914,535 | |
Payable for shares of beneficial interest redeemed | | | 211,537 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 209,779 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 40,659 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 36,185 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 31,107 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 14,001 | |
Trustees’ fees payable | | | 5,808 | |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | | | 166,030 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 10,829,572 | |
| | | | |
Net Assets | | $ | 170,367,030 | |
| | | | |
Composition of Net Assets | | | | |
Paid-in capital | | $ | 284,032,962 | |
Accumulated loss | | | (113,665,932 | ) |
| | | | |
| | $ | 170,367,030 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—unlimited shares authorized, without par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
| |
A | | $ | 102,622,934 | | | | 7,990,867 | | | $ | 12.84 | * |
| |
C | | $ | 4,775,138 | | | | 383,365 | | | $ | 12.46 | |
| |
Advisor | | $ | 37,580,111 | | | | 2,855,971 | | | $ | 13.16 | |
| |
R | | $ | 9,622,638 | | | | 757,033 | | | $ | 12.71 | |
| |
K | | $ | 8,424,645 | | | | 657,781 | | | $ | 12.81 | |
| |
I | | $ | 7,341,564 | | | | 570,984 | | | $ | 12.86 | |
| |
(a) | Includes securities on loan with a value of $11,746,973 (see Note E). |
* | The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $13.41 which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%. |
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 21 |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended November 30, 2019
| | | | | | | | |
Investment Income | | | | | | | | |
Dividends | | | | | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $622,636) | | $ | 5,239,203 | | | | | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 80,910 | | | | | |
Securities lending income | | | 3,658 | | | $ | 5,323,771 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Expenses | | | | | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 1,324,619 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class A | | | 263,080 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 4,024 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class C | | | 62,212 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class R | | | 52,540 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class K | | | 21,756 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 298,161 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 1,498 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class C | | | 19,029 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Advisor Class | | | 114,599 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class R | | | 27,321 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class K | | | 17,405 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class I | | | 1,016 | | | | | |
Custodian | | | 146,236 | | | | | |
Registration fees | | | 107,069 | | | | | |
Administrative | | | 78,601 | | | | | |
Audit and tax | | | 68,508 | | | | | |
Printing | | | 58,388 | | | | | |
Legal | | | 54,212 | | | | | |
Trustees’ fees | | | 22,861 | | | | | |
Miscellaneous | | | 35,165 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total expenses | | | 2,778,300 | | | | | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E) | | | (276,879 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net expenses | | | | | | | 2,501,421 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | 2,822,350 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment and Foreign Currency Transactions | | | | | | | | |
Net realized loss on: | | | | | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | | | | | (11,654,608 | ) |
Forward currency exchange contracts | | | | | | | (793,427 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | (17,034 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of: | | | | | | | | |
Investments | | | | | | | 16,788,750 | |
Forward currency exchange contracts | | | | | | | (305,907 | ) |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | | | | | (1,591 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | 4,016,183 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations | | | | | | $ | 6,838,533 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
22 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended November 30, 2019 | | | Year Ended November 30, 2018 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 2,822,350 | | | $ | 2,869,364 | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | (12,465,069 | ) | | | 4,830,174 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 16,481,252 | | | | (47,483,557 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | 6,838,533 | | | | (39,784,019 | ) |
Distributions to Shareholders | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (263,015 | ) | | | (2,949,161 | ) |
Class B | | | – 0 | – | | | (8,775 | ) |
Class C | | | – 0 | – | | | (8,960 | ) |
Advisor Class | | | (222,533 | ) | | | (1,292,673 | ) |
Class R | | | – 0 | – | | | (259,865 | ) |
Class K | | | (21,405 | ) | | | (241,365 | ) |
Class I | | | (29,459 | ) | | | (248,060 | ) |
Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (33,528,533 | ) | | | (40,053,037 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total decrease | | | (27,226,412 | ) | | | (84,845,915 | ) |
Net Assets | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 197,593,442 | | | | 282,439,357 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period | | $ | 170,367,030 | | | $ | 197,593,442 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 23 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
November 30, 2019
NOTE A
Significant Accounting Policies
AB Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on December 12, 2000 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open end management investment company. The Trust operates as a series company currently comprised of three funds. Each fund is considered to be a separate entity for financial reporting and tax purposes. This report relates only to the AB International Value Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified fund. The Fund offers Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares. Class B share have been authorized but currently are not offered. Effective August 2, 2019, sales of Class B shares were suspended. On November 7, 2019, all remaining outstanding Class B shares of the Fund were converted to Class A shares. Class A shares are sold with afront-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A shares redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase, and 0% after the first year of purchase. Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares ten years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Class R and Class K shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge. Advisor Class and Class I shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All seven classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
1. Security Valuation
Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”).
| | |
| |
24 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g., last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this
| | |
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded innon-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Fund generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input,
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
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 Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of November 30, 2019:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments in Securities: | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Assets: | |
Common Stocks: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financials | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | 30,023,241 | | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | 30,023,241 | |
Industrials | | | 3,786,481 | | | | 18,968,199 | | | | – 0 | – | | | 22,754,680 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 3,385,866 | | | | 15,881,978 | | | | – 0 | – | | | 19,267,844 | |
Energy | | | 2,043,536 | | | | 14,706,385 | | | | – 0 | – | | | 16,749,921 | |
Materials | | | 2,695,627 | | | | 13,968,768 | | | | – 0 | – | | | 16,664,395 | |
Information Technology | | | 3,512,533 | | | | 13,145,579 | | | | – 0 | – | | | 16,658,112 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 2,988,321 | | | | 12,228,457 | | | | – 0 | – | | | 15,216,778 | |
Health Care | | | 3,504,885 | | | | 10,318,013 | | | | – 0 | – | | | 13,822,898 | |
Utilities | | | – 0 | – | | | 8,235,659 | | | | – 0 | – | | | 8,235,659 | |
Communication Services | | | – 0 | – | | | 5,830,918 | | | | – 0 | – | | | 5,830,918 | |
Real Estate | | | – 0 | – | | | 2,414,200 | | | | – 0 | – | | | 2,414,200 | |
Rights | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 12,651 | | | | 12,651 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 1,535,006 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 1,535,006 | |
Investments of Cash Collateral for Securities Loaned in Affiliated Money Market Fund | | | 9,199,931 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 9,199,931 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 32,652,186 | | | | 145,721,397 | (a) | | | 12,651 | | | | 178,386,234 | |
Other Financial Instruments(b): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | – 0 | – | | | 807,805 | | | | – 0 | – | | | 807,805 | |
Liabilities: | |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts | | | – 0 | – | | | (914,535 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | (914,535 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 32,652,186 | | | $ | �� 145,614,667 | | | $ | 12,651 | | | $ | 178,279,504 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | A significant portion of the Fund’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. |
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
4. Taxes
It is the Fund’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned. The Fund files withholding tax reclaims in certain jurisdictions to recover a portion of amounts previously withheld. The Fund may record a reclaim receivable based on, among other things, a jurisdiction’s legal obligation to pay reclaims as well as payment history and market convention.
In consideration of recent decisions rendered by the European courts, the Fund filed reclaims to recover taxes withheld on dividends earned from certain European Union countries during calendar years 2008 through 2010. These filings are subject to various administrative and judicial proceedings within these countries. In July 2015, the Fund successfully recovered taxes withheld by Finland for the aforementioned calendar years in the amount of 986,466 EUR. Approximately 40% of this amount was utilized as a foreign tax offset in fiscal year 2015. The Fund may incur a liability to the Internal Revenue Service for the remaining balance, although
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28 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
the amount of this liability cannot be determined at this time. No other amounts for additional tax reclaims are disclosed in the financial statements due to the uncertainty as to the ultimate resolution of proceedings, the likelihood of receipt of these reclaims, and the potential timing of payment.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.
5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on theex-dividend date or as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on apro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Trust are charged proportionately to each fund 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 theex-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 Fund pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .75% of the first $2.5 billion, .65% of the next $2.5 billion and .60% in excess of $5 billion of the Fund’s
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly. Effective July 1, 2019, 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 Fund may invest, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage commissions and other transaction costs) on an annual basis (the “Expense Caps”) to 1.25%, 2.00%, 2.00%, 1.00%, 1.50%, 1.25% and 1.00% of daily average net assets for Class A, Class B, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K, and Class I shares, respectively. The Expense Caps may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to July 1, 2020. For the year ended November 30, 2019, such reimbursements/waivers amounted to $273,884.
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Fund may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Fund by the Adviser. For the year ended November 30, 2019, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $78,601.
The Fund compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. ABIS may make payments to intermediaries that provide omnibus account services,sub-accounting services and/or networking services. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $168,166 for the year ended November 30, 2019.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor has advised the Fund that it has retainedfront-end sales charges of $528 from the sale of Class A shares and received $926 and $319 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A and Class C shares, respectively, for the year ended November 30, 2019.
The Fund may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2020. In connection with the investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended November 30, 2019, such waiver amounted to $1,412.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
A summary of the Fund’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended November 30, 2019 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | Market Value 11/30/18 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value 11/30/19 (000) | | | Dividend Income (000) | |
Government Money Market Portfolio | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | 48,082 | | | $ | 46,547 | | | $ | 1,535 | | | $ | 30 | |
Government Money Market Portfolio* | | | 6,542 | | | | 66,008 | | | | 63,350 | | | | 9,200 | | | | 51 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 10,735 | | | $ | 81 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | 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, a worldwide leader in life, property and casualty and health insurance and asset management, 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 approximately 65.3% economic interest in the Adviser and a 100% interest in AllianceBernstein Corporation, the general partner of the Adviser. Since the initial sale, AXA has completed additional offerings, most recently during the fourth quarter of 2019. As a result, AXA currently owns 10.1% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Equitable, and no longer owns a controlling interest in Equitable. AXA previously announced its intention to sell its entire interest in Equitable over time, subject to market conditions and other factors (the “Plan”). Most of AXA’s remaining Equitable shares are to be delivered on redemption of AXA bonds mandatorily exchangeable into Equitable shares and maturing in May 2021. AXA retains sole discretion to determine the timing of any future sales of its remaining shares of Equitable common stock.
The latest transaction under the Plan, which occurred 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 was deemed an “assignment” causing a termination of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement. In order to ensure that investment advisory services could continue uninterrupted in the event of a Change of Control Event, the Board previously approved a new investment advisory agreement with the Adviser. Shareholders of the Fund subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement, which became effective on November 13, 2019.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
NOTE C
Distribution Services Agreement
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to Rule12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Agreement, the Fund pays distribution and servicing fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .30% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to both Class B and Class C shares, .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares and .25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class K shares. Payments under the Agreement in respect of Class A shares are currently limited to an annual rate of .25% of Class A shares’ average daily net assets. There are no distribution and servicing fees on the Advisor Class and Class I shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Agreement provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities. Since the commencement of the Fund’s operations, the Distributor has incurred expenses in excess of the distribution costs reimbursed by the Fund in the amounts of $6,488,365, $2,353,938 and $2,413,095 for Class C, Class R and Class K shares, respectively. While such costs may be recovered from the Fund in future periods so long as the Agreement is in effect, the rate of the distribution and servicing fees payable under the Agreement may not be increased without a shareholder vote. In accordance with the Agreement, there is no provision for recovery of unreimbursed distribution costs incurred by the Distributor beyond the current fiscal year for Class A shares. The Agreement also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.
NOTE D
Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended November 30, 2019 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 81,997,838 | | | $ | 116,147,381 | |
U.S. government securities | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:
| | | | |
Cost | | $ | 168,517,554 | |
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 23,138,243 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (13,245,479 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 9,892,764 | |
| | | | |
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Fund may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The principal type of derivative utilized by the Fund, as well as the methods in which they may be used are:
| • | | Forward Currency Exchange Contracts |
The Fund 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 fornon-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 Fund. Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
During the year ended November 30, 2019, the Fund held forward currency exchange contracts for hedging andnon-hedging purposes.
The Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund’s net liability, held by the defaulting party, may be delayed or denied.
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 33 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
The Fund’s ISDA Master Agreements may contain provisions for early termination of OTC derivative transactions in the event the net assets of the Fund decline below specific levels (“net asset contingent features”). If these levels are triggered, the Fund’s OTC counterparty has the right to terminate such transaction and require the Fund to pay or receive a settlement amount in connection with the terminated transaction. If OTC derivatives were held at period end, please refer to netting arrangements by the OTC counterparty table below for additional details.
During the year ended November 30, 2019, the Fund 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 | | $ | 807,805 | | | Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts | | $ | 914,535 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | 807,805 | | | | | $ | 914,535 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
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 | | $ | (793,427 | ) | | $ | (305,907 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | $ | (793,427 | ) | | $ | (305,907 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The following table represents the average monthly volume of the Fund’s derivative transactions during the year ended November 30, 2019:
| | | | |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts: | | | | |
Average principal amount of buy contracts | | $ | 66,589,804 | |
Average principal amount of sale contracts | | $ | 67,794,694 | |
For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the statement of assets and liabilities.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
All OTC derivatives held at period end were subject to netting arrangements. The following table presents the Fund’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 Fund as of November 30, 2019. 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 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | $ | 63,232 | | | $ | (63,232 | ) | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | – 0 | – |
BNP Paribas SA | | | 17,036 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 17,036 | |
Citibank, NA | | | 268,669 | | | | (103,145 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 165,524 | |
Credit Suisse International | | | 141,073 | | | | (6,404 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 134,669 | |
Goldman Sachs Bank USA | | | 5,661 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 5,661 | |
JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA | | | 1,674 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 1,674 | |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | 3,639 | | | | (3,639 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | 78,708 | | | | (78,708 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | 46,976 | | | | (28,649 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 18,327 | |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 136,244 | | | | (97,456 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 38,788 | |
UBS AG | | | 44,893 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 44,893 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 807,805 | | | $ | (381,233 | ) | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | 426,572 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
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 | | $ | 5,548 | | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | 5,548 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | | | 280,526 | | | | (63,232 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 217,294 | |
Citibank, NA | | | 103,145 | | | | (103,145 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
Credit Suisse International | | | 6,404 | | | | (6,404 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. | | | 25,662 | | | | (3,639 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 22,023 | |
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC | | | 367,145 | | | | (78,708 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 288,437 | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | | 28,649 | | | | (28,649 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
State Street Bank & Trust Co. | | | 97,456 | | | | (97,456 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 914,535 | | | $ | (381,233 | ) | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | 533,302 | ^ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | 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. |
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 35 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
2. Currency Transactions
The Fund may invest innon-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Fund may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Fund may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Fund may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
NOTE E
Securities Lending
The Fund may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Fund’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/ornon-cash collateral.Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Fund cannot sell or repledge anynon-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Fund will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Fund in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Fund receivesnon-cash collateral, the Fund will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Fund will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Fund amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Fund will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Fund, and as approved by the Board. The collateral
| | |
| |
36 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Fund earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Fund’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Fund lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Fund in the case of default of any securities borrower.
A summary of the Fund’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended November 30, 2019 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | Government Money Market Portfolio | |
Market Value of Securities on Loan* | | | Cash Collateral* | | | Market Value ofNon-Cash Collateral* | | | Income from Borrowers | | | Income Earned | | | Advisory Fee Waived | |
$ | 11,746,973 | | | $ | 9,199,931 | | | $ | 3,300,035 | | | $ | 3,658 | | | $ | 51,168 | | | $ | 1,583 | |
* | As of November 30, 2019. |
NOTE F
Shares of Beneficial Interest
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | | | | | Amount | | | | |
| | Year Ended November 30, 2019 | | | Year Ended November 30, 2018 | | | | | | Year Ended November 30, 2019 | | | Year Ended November 30, 2018 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 561,561 | | | | 1,049,284 | | | | | | | $ | 6,790,940 | | | $ | 14,529,518 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | 20,433 | | | | 184,867 | | | | | | | | 241,926 | | | | 2,700,908 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares converted from Class B | | | 38,306 | | | | 15,414 | | | | | | | | 490,359 | | | | 224,115 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares converted from Class C | | | 158,378 | | | | 177,623 | | | | | | | | 1,943,293 | | | | 2,555,655 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (2,263,861 | ) | | | (2,646,642 | ) | | | | | | | (27,592,106 | ) | | | (37,156,835 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (1,485,183 | ) | | | (1,219,454 | ) | | | | | | $ | (18,125,588 | ) | | $ | (17,146,639 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 37 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | | | | | Amount | | | | |
| | Year Ended November 30, 2019 | | | Year Ended November 30, 2018 | | | | | | Year Ended November 30, 2019 | | | Year Ended November 30, 2018 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 1,716 | | | | 2,133 | | | | | | | $ | 20,424 | | | $ | 30,127 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | – 0 | – | | | 600 | | | | | | | | – 0 | – | | | 8,650 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares converted to Class A | | | (39,319 | ) | | | (15,684 | ) | | | | | | | (490,359 | ) | | | (224,115 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (5,215 | ) | | | (11,874 | ) | | | | | | | (62,982 | ) | | | (172,338 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (42,818 | ) | | | (24,825 | ) | | | | | | $ | (532,917 | ) | | $ | (357,676 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class C | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 118,886 | | | | 75,120 | | | | | | | $ | 1,376,432 | | | $ | 1,065,028 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | – 0 | – | | | 561 | | | | | | | | – 0 | – | | | 8,044 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares converted to Class A | | | (162,719 | ) | | | (181,688 | ) | | | | | | | (1,943,293 | ) | | | (2,555,655 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (263,114 | ) | | | (326,583 | ) | | | | | | | (3,073,424 | ) | | | (4,595,280 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (306,947 | ) | | | (432,590 | ) | | | | | | $ | (3,640,285 | ) | | $ | (6,077,863 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advisor Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 424,712 | | | | 490,736 | | | | | | | $ | 5,319,831 | | | $ | 7,199,826 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | 14,969 | | | | 70,310 | | | | | | | | 181,126 | | | | 1,050,427 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (1,245,603 | ) | | | (1,126,648 | ) | | | | | | | (15,355,278 | ) | | | (16,519,911 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (805,922 | ) | | | (565,602 | ) | | | | | | $ | (9,854,321 | ) | | $ | (8,269,658 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class R | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 148,937 | | | | 202,243 | | | | | | | $ | 1,800,551 | | | $ | 2,806,420 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | – 0 | – | | | 17,884 | | | | | | | | – 0 | – | | | 259,323 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (382,169 | ) | | | (346,875 | ) | | | | | | | (4,622,772 | ) | | | (4,831,410 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (233,232 | ) | | | (126,748 | ) | | | | | | $ | (2,822,221 | ) | | $ | (1,765,667 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class K | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 140,257 | | | | 179,840 | | | | | | | $ | 1,709,352 | | | $ | 2,596,440 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | 1,814 | | | | 16,566 | | | | | | | | 21,405 | | | | 241,365 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (248,565 | ) | | | (295,089 | ) | | | | | | | (3,005,431 | ) | | | (4,220,453 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (106,494 | ) | | | (98,683 | ) | | | | | | $ | (1,274,674 | ) | | $ | (1,382,648 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class I | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 328,956 | | | | 679,492 | | | | | | | $ | 4,017,189 | | | $ | 9,741,768 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | 2,487 | | | | 15,113 | | | | | | | | 29,370 | | | | 220,344 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (107,056 | ) | | | (1,066,322 | ) | | | | | | | (1,325,086 | ) | | | (15,014,998 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 224,387 | | | | (371,717 | ) | | | | | | $ | 2,721,473 | | | $ | (5,052,886 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |
| |
38 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
NOTE G
Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund
Foreign(Non-U.S.) Risk—Investments in securities ofnon-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 or dispose of 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 as well as being subject to increased economic, political, regulatory or other uncertainties.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.
Derivatives Risk—The Fund 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 Fund, 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 Fund 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 Fund’s investments. The Fund 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 Fund, such as options and swaps, may also result in a form of leverage. Leverage may result in higher returns to the Fund than if the Fund were not leveraged, but may also adversely affect returns, particularly if the market is declining.
LIBOR Risk—The Fund may invest in certain debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. Although financial regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, such as European Interbank Offer Rate (“EURIBOR”), Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA”) and Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), global consensus on alternative rates is lacking and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition away from
| | |
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 39 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
LIBOR remains unclear. 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 the Fund’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition away from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, adversely affecting the Fund’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Fund has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE H
Joint Credit Facility
A number ofopen-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize the Facility during the year ended November 30, 2019.
NOTE I
Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended November 30, 2019 and November 30, 2018 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 536,412 | | | $ | 5,008,859 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions | | $ | 536,412 | | | $ | 5,008,859 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
40 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
As of November 30, 2019, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $ | 1,750,162 | |
Accumulated capital and other losses | | | (126,096,953 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 9,882,607 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $ | (114,464,184 | )(c) |
| | | | |
(a) | As of November 30, 2019, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $126,096,953. The Fund also had $123,201,431 of capital loss carryforwards expire during the fiscal year. |
(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. |
(c) | The differences between book-basis and tax-basis components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) are attributable primarily to the tax treatment of refunded EU foreign tax reclaims and 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 November 30, 2019, the Fund had a net short-term capital loss carryforward of $42,899,547 and a net long-term capital loss carryforward of $83,197,406, which may be carried forward for an indefinite period.
During the current fiscal year, permanent differences primarily due to the expiration of capital loss carryforwards resulted in a net decrease in accumulated loss and a net decrease in additional paid-in capital. These reclassifications had no effect on net assets.
NOTE J
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement which removes, modifies and adds disclosures to Topic 820. The amendments in this ASU2018-13 (“ASU”) apply to all entities that are required, under existing U.S. GAAP, to make disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair value measurements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Management has evaluated the impact of the amendments and elected to early adopt the ASU. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the disclosure and presentation of the financial statements of the Fund.
| | |
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 41 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
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 Fund’s financial statements through this date.
| | |
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42 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class A | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 12.32 | | | | $ 14.98 | | | | $ 11.93 | | | | $ 12.67 | | | | $ 13.06 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .19 | (b) | | | .16 | (b) | | | .20 | (b)† | | | .19 | (b) | | | .24 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | .36 | | | | (2.54 | ) | | | 2.87 | | | | (.75 | ) | | | (.23 | ) |
| | | | | |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | .00 | (c) |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .55 | | | | (2.38 | ) | | | 3.07 | | | | (.56 | ) | | | .01 | |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.03 | ) | | | (.28 | ) | | | (.02 | ) | | | (.18 | ) | | | (.40 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 12.84 | | | | $ 12.32 | | | | $ 14.98 | | | | $ 11.93 | | | | $ 12.67 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 4.47 | % | | | (16.20 | )% | | | 25.78 | %† | | | (4.49 | )% | | | .14 | %†† |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000,000’s omitted) | | | $102 | | | | $117 | | | | $160 | | | | $129 | | | | $168 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.44 | % | | | 1.43 | % | | | 1.45 | % | | | 1.50 | % | | | 1.41 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.61 | % | | | 1.43 | % | | | 1.46 | % | | | 1.50 | % | | | 1.41 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | 1.56 | %(b) | | | 1.11 | %(b) | | | 1.43 | %(b)† | | | 1.61 | %(b) | | | 1.90 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 47 | % | | | 34 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 58 | % | | | 71 | % |
See footnote summary on page 49.
| | |
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 43 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class C | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 12.02 | | | | $ 14.45 | | | | $ 11.57 | | | | $ 12.28 | | | | $ 12.67 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .10 | (b) | | | .05 | (b) | | | .07 | (b)† | | | .10 | (b) | | | .14 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | .34 | | | | (2.47 | ) | | | 2.81 | | | | (.74 | ) | | | (.23 | ) |
| | | | | |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | .00 | (c) |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .44 | | | | (2.42 | ) | | | 2.88 | | | | (.64 | ) | | | (.09 | ) |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | – 0 | – | | | (.01 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | (.07 | ) | | | (.30 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 12.46 | | | | $ 12.02 | | | | $ 14.45 | | | | $ 11.57 | | | | $ 12.28 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 3.66 | % | | | (16.77 | )% | | | 24.89 | %† | | | (5.22 | )% | | | (.62 | )%†† |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $4,775 | | | | $8,295 | | | | $16,223 | | | | $42,198 | | | | $58,504 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 2.22 | % | | | 2.18 | % | | | 2.22 | % | | | 2.25 | % | | | 2.15 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 2.37 | % | | | 2.18 | % | | | 2.23 | % | | | 2.25 | % | | | 2.15 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | .86 | %(b) | | | .34 | %(b) | | | .50 | %(b)† | | | .84 | %(b) | | | 1.15 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 47 | % | | | 34 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 58 | % | | | 71 | % |
See footnote summary on page 49.
| | |
| |
44 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Advisor Class | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 12.63 | | | | $ 15.33 | | | | $ 12.20 | | | | $ 12.96 | | | | $ 13.37 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .23 | (b) | | | .20 | (b) | | | .23 | (b)† | | | .22 | (b) | | | .28 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | .36 | | | | (2.59 | ) | | | 2.94 | | | | (.77 | ) | | | (.24 | ) |
| | | | | |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | .00 | (c) |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .59 | | | | (2.39 | ) | | | 3.17 | | | | (.55 | ) | | | .04 | |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.06 | ) | | | (.31 | ) | | | (.04 | ) | | | (.21 | ) | | | (.45 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 13.16 | | | | $ 12.63 | | | | $ 15.33 | | | | $ 12.20 | | | | $ 12.96 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 4.72 | % | | | (15.92 | )% | | | 26.08 | %† | | | (4.26 | )% | | | .38 | %†† |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000,000’s omitted) | | | $38 | | | | $46 | | | | $65 | | | | $61 | | | | $81 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.20 | % | | | 1.18 | % | | | 1.21 | % | | | 1.25 | % | | | 1.14 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.36 | % | | | 1.18 | % | | | 1.21 | % | | | 1.25 | % | | | 1.14 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | 1.84 | %(b) | | | 1.36 | %(b) | | | 1.66 | %(b)† | | | 1.84 | %(b) | | | 2.16 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 47 | % | | | 34 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 58 | % | | | 71 | % |
See footnote summary on page 49.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 45 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class R | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 12.20 | | | | $ 14.83 | | | | $ 11.82 | | | | $ 12.54 | | | | $ 12.96 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .16 | (b) | | | .12 | (b) | | | .16 | (b)† | | | .16 | (b) | | | .20 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | .35 | | | | (2.52 | ) | | | 2.85 | | | | (.75 | ) | | | (.24 | ) |
| | | | | |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | .00 | (c) |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .51 | | | | (2.40 | ) | | | 3.01 | | | | (.59 | ) | | | (.04 | ) |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | – 0 | – | | | (.23 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | (.13 | ) | | | (.38 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 12.71 | | | | $ 12.20 | | | | $ 14.83 | | | | $ 11.82 | | | | $ 12.54 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 4.18 | % | | | (16.41 | )% | | | 25.52 | %† | | | (4.69 | )% | | | (.23 | )%†† |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $9,623 | | | | $12,079 | | | | $16,561 | | | | $15,684 | | | | $19,181 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.69 | % | | | 1.72 | % | | | 1.71 | % | | | 1.71 | % | | | 1.69 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.83 | % | | | 1.73 | % | | | 1.72 | % | | | 1.71 | % | | | 1.69 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | 1.32 | %(b) | | | .82 | %(b) | | | 1.15 | %(b)† | | | 1.38 | %(b) | | | 1.60 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 47 | % | | | 34 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 58 | % | | | 71 | % |
See footnote summary on page 49.
| | |
| |
46 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class K | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 12.29 | | | | $ 14.93 | | | | $ 11.90 | | | | $ 12.62 | | | | $ 13.04 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .20 | (b) | | | .16 | (b) | | | .20 | (b)† | | | .20 | (b) | | | .25 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | .35 | | | | (2.52 | ) | | | 2.86 | | | | (.74 | ) | | | (.25 | ) |
| | | | | |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | .00 | (c) |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .55 | | | | (2.36 | ) | | | 3.06 | | | | (.54 | ) | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.03 | ) | | | (.28 | ) | | | (.03 | ) | | | (.18 | ) | | | (.42 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 12.81 | | | | $ 12.29 | | | | $ 14.93 | | | | $ 11.90 | | | | $ 12.62 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 4.48 | % | | | (16.09 | )% | | | 25.80 | %† | | | (4.34 | )% | | | .07 | %†† |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $8,425 | | | | $9,390 | | | | $12,888 | | | | $10,955 | | | | $11,979 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.40 | % | | | 1.41 | % | | | 1.40 | % | | | 1.40 | % | | | 1.38 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.52 | % | | | 1.42 | % | | | 1.41 | % | | | 1.40 | % | | | 1.38 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | 1.65 | %(b) | | | 1.12 | %(b) | | | 1.47 | %(b)† | | | 1.72 | %(b) | | | 1.93 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 47 | % | | | 34 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 58 | % | | | 71 | % |
See footnote summary on page 49.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 47 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class I | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 12.35 | | | | $ 15.01 | | | | $ 11.94 | | | | $ 12.68 | | | | $ 13.11 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .24 | (b) | | | .23 | (b) | | | .25 | (b)† | | | .25 | (b) | | | .31 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | .35 | | | | (2.54 | ) | | | 2.89 | | | | (.75 | ) | | | (.25 | ) |
| | | | | |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | .00 | (c) |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .59 | | | | (2.31 | ) | | | 3.14 | | | | (.50 | ) | | | .06 | |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.08 | ) | | | (.35 | ) | | | (.07 | ) | | | (.24 | ) | | | (.49 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 12.86 | | | | $ 12.35 | | | | $ 15.01 | | | | $ 11.94 | | | | $ 12.68 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 4.87 | % | | | (15.77 | )% | | | 26.41 | %† | | | (3.98 | )% | | | .57 | %†† |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $7,342 | | | | $4,280 | | | | $10,781 | | | | $2,504 | | | | $3,598 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.03 | % | | | .98 | % | | | .96 | % | | | .97 | % | | | .93 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e) | | | 1.11 | % | | | .99 | % | | | .97 | % | | | .97 | % | | | .93 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | 1.97 | %(b) | | | 1.61 | %(b) | | | 1.79 | %(b)† | | | 2.07 | %(b) | | | 2.39 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 47 | % | | | 34 | % | | | 50 | % | | | 58 | % | | | 71 | % |
See footnote summary on page 49.
| | |
| |
48 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(c) | 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. Initial sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges are not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
(e) | In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses, and for the year ended November 30, 2017, such waiver amounted to .01%. |
† | For the year ended November 30, 2017, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows: |
| | | | |
Net Investment Income Per Share | | Net Investment Income Ratio | | Total Return |
$.002 | | .01% | | .01% |
* | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the year ended November 30, 2019 by .19%. |
†† | Includes the impact of foreign withholding tax reclaims received, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the year ended November 30, 2015 by .33%. See Note A.4. |
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 49 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of
AB International Value Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB International Value Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting AB Trust (the “Trust”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of November 30, 2019, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting AB Trust) at November 30, 2019, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and
| | |
| |
50 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM(continued)
disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2019, by correspondence with the custodian and others or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from others were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.
New York, New York
January 24, 2020
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 51 |
2019 FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION
(unaudited)
For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the earnings of the Fund for the taxable period ended November 30, 2019.
For the taxable period ended November 30, 2019, the Fund designates 100% as the maximum amount that may be considered qualified dividend income for individual shareholders.
The Fund intends to make an election to pass through foreign taxes to its shareholders. For the taxable period ended November 30, 2019, $487,630 of foreign taxes may be passed through and the associated foreign source income for information reporting purposes is $2,396,151.
Shareholders should not use the above information to prepare their income tax returns. The information necessary to complete your income tax returns will be included with your Form 1099-DIV which will be sent to you separately in January 2020.
| | |
| |
52 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
| | |
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1), Chairman Jorge A. Bermudez(1)* Michael J. Downey(1) Nancy P. Jacklin(1) | | Robert M. Keith,President andChief Executive Officer Carol C. McMullen(1) Garry L. Moody(1) Earl D. Weiner(1) |
OFFICERS
| | |
Tawhid Ali(2),VicePresident Avi Lavi(2),Vice President Emilie D. Wrapp,Secretary Michael B. Reyes,Senior Analyst | | Joseph J. Mantineo,Treasurerand Chief Financial Officer Phyllis J. Clarke,Controller Vincent S. Noto,Chief ComplianceOfficer |
| | |
Custodian and Accounting Agent State Street Bank and Trust Company
State Street Corporation CCB/5
1 Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210 Principal Underwriter AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. 1345 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10105 Legal Counsel Seward & Kissel LLP One Battery Park Plaza New York, NY 10004 | | Transfer Agent AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. P.O. Box 786003 San Antonio, TX 78278-6003 Toll-Free (800) 221-5672 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Ernst & Young LLP 5 Times Square New York, NY 10036 |
1 | Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee. |
2 | The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund’s portfolio are made by the International Value Senior Investment Management Team. Messrs. Ali and Lavi are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. |
* | Mr. Bermudez will join the Board on January 1, 2020. |
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 53 |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Board of Trustees Information
The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Trustees is set forth below.
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE |
INTERESTED TRUSTEE | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Robert M. Keith,# 1345 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10105 59 (2010) | | Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the head of AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”) since July 2008; Director of ABI and President of the AB Mutual Funds. Previously, he served as Executive Managing Director of ABI from December 2006 to June 2008. Prior to joining ABI in 2006, Executive Managing Director of Bernstein Global Wealth Management, and prior thereto, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Client Service and Sales of the Adviser’s institutional investment management business since 2004. Prior thereto, he was Managing Director and Head of North American Client Service and Sales in the Adviser’s institutional investment management business, with which he had been associated since prior to 2004. | | | 91 | | | None |
| | |
| |
54 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE | | | | | | |
| | | |
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.,## Chairman of the Board 78 (2005) | | Private Investor since prior to 2015. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (components of semi-conductor manufacturing). He has extensive operating leadership, and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensivenon-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the boards of two education and science-relatednon-profit organizations. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has been Chairman of the AB Funds since January 2014, and the Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees of such AB Funds since February 2014. | | | 91 | | | Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors) since 2007 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 55 |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE (continued) | | | | | |
| | | |
Jorge A. Bermudez,^,* 68 (2020) | | Private investor since prior to 2015. Former Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2020. | | | 91 | | | Moody’s Corporation since April 2011 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Michael J. Downey,## 76 (2005) | | Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2015 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005. | | | 91 | | | None |
| | |
| |
56 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE (continued) | | | | | |
| | | |
Nancy P. Jacklin,## 71 (2006)
| | Private Investor since prior to 2015. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008-2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December2002-May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992-2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985-1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982-1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973-1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014. | | | 91 | | | None |
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 57 |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE (continued) | | | | | |
| | | |
Carol C. McMullen,## 64 (2016)
| | Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010-2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company andnon-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016. | | | 91 | | | None |
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58 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
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NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE (continued) | | | | | |
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Garry L. Moody,## 67 (2008) | | Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Trustee Advisory Board of BoardIQ, a biweekly publication focused on issues and news affecting directors of mutual funds. He is also a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council Governing Council. He has served as a director or trustee, and as Chairman of the Audit Committees, of the AB Funds since 2008. | | | 91 | | | None |
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 59 |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
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NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE |
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE (continued) | | | | | |
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Earl D. Weiner,## 80 (2007)
| | Senior Counsel since 2017, Of Counsel from 2007 to 2016, and Partner prior to then, of the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. He is a former member of the ABA Federal Regulation of Securities Committee Task Force to draft editions of the Fund Director’s Guidebook. He also serves as a director or trustee of variousnon-profit organizations and has served as Chairman or Vice Chairman of a number of them. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2007 and served as Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds from 2007 until August 2014. | | | 91 | | | None |
* | The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Trustees is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal and Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105. |
** | There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Trustees. |
*** | The information above includes each Trustee’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes and skills relevant to each Trustee’s qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the Fund. |
# | Mr. Keith is an “interested trustee” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser. |
## | Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee. |
^ | Mr. Bermudez will be a member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee when he joins the Board on January 1, 2020. |
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60 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
Officers of the Trust
Certain information concerning the Fund’s Officers is listed below.
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NAME, ADDRESS* AND AGE | | PRINCIPAL POSITION(S) HELD WITH FUND | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST FIVE YEARS |
Robert M. Keith 59 | | President and Chief Executive Officer | | See biography above. |
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Tawhid Ali 48 | | Vice President | | Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. He is also Chief Investment Officer of European Value Equities since 2012. |
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Avi Lavi 53 | | Vice President | | Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. He is also Chief Investment Officer of Global and International Value Equities. |
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Emilie D. Wrapp 64 | | Secretary | | Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of ABI**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015. |
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Michael B. Reyes 43 | | Senior Analyst | | Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. |
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Joseph J. Mantineo 60 | | Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | | Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. |
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Phyllis J. Clarke 59 | | Controller | | Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015. |
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Vincent S. Noto 55 | | Chief Compliance Officer | | Senior Vice President since 2015 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser** since 2014. Prior thereto, he was Vice President and Director of Mutual Fund Compliance of the Adviser** since 2012. |
* | The address for each of the Fund’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105. |
** | The Adviser, ABI and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund. |
The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) has additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or AB at(800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 61 |
Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement
The disinterested trustees (the “directors”) of AB Trust (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB International Value Fund (the “Fund”) at a meeting held onMay 7-9, 2019 (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 wasall-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
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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 2017 and 2018 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s former Senior Officer/Independent Compliance Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund and the underlying fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests, including, but not limited to, benefits
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 63 |
relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients);12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of certain classes of the Fund’s shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
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 the1-,3-,5- and10-year periods ended February 28, 2019 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review and their discussion with the Adviser of the reasons for the Fund’s underperformance in the periods reviewed, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable. The directors determined to continue to monitor the Fund’s performance closely.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees 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 pursuing an investment strategy similar to the Fund’s. 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
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64 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
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 anysub-advised funds pursuing an investment strategy similar to the Fund’s, 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 those for two other funds advised by the Adviser with a similar investment strategy.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional, offshore fund andsub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore orsub-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 andsub-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. 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 requested that the Adviser waive its fees or reimburse the Fund’s
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 65 |
expenses so that its total expense ratio would be limited to 125 basis points (the same as the current median expense ratio of the expense universe for the Fund), commencing on the July 1, 2019 continuance date for the Advisory Agreement, and the Adviser agreed to do so.
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.
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66 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
This page is not part of the Shareholder Report or the Financial Statements.
AB FAMILY OF FUNDS
US EQUITY
US CORE
Core Opportunities Fund
FlexFee™ US Thematic Portfolio
Select US Equity Portfolio
US GROWTH
Concentrated Growth Fund
Discovery Growth Fund
FlexFee™ Large Cap Growth Portfolio
Growth Fund
Large Cap Growth Fund
Small Cap Growth Portfolio
US VALUE
Discovery Value Fund
Equity Income Fund
Relative Value Fund
Small Cap Value Portfolio
Value Fund
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL CORE
FlexFee™ International Strategic Core Portfolio
Global Core Equity Portfolio
International Portfolio
International Strategic Core Portfolio
Sustainable Global Thematic Fund
Tax-Managed International Portfolio
Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy
Wealth Appreciation Strategy
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL GROWTH
Concentrated International Growth Portfolio
FlexFee™ Emerging Markets Growth Portfolio
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY(continued)
Sustainable International Thematic Fund
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL VALUE
All China Equity Portfolio
International Value Fund
FIXED INCOME
MUNICIPAL
High Income Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio
Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy
Tax-Aware Fixed Income Portfolio
National Portfolio
Arizona Portfolio
California Portfolio
Massachusetts Portfolio
Minnesota Portfolio
New Jersey Portfolio
New York Portfolio
Ohio Portfolio
Pennsylvania Portfolio
Virginia Portfolio
TAXABLE
Bond Inflation Strategy
FlexFee™ High Yield Portfolio
FlexFee™ International Bond Portfolio
Global Bond Fund
High Income Fund
Income Fund
Intermediate Duration Portfolio
Limited Duration High Income Portfolio
Short Duration Portfolio
Total Return Bond Portfolio1
ALTERNATIVES
All Market Real Return Portfolio
Global Real Estate Investment Fund
Select US Long/Short Portfolio
Unconstrained Bond Fund
MULTI-ASSET
All Market Income Portfolio
All Market Total Return Portfolio
Conservative Wealth Strategy
Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Portfolio
Global Risk Allocation Fund
Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio
TARGET-DATE
Multi-Manager Select Retirement Allocation Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2010 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2015 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2020 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2025 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2030 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2035 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2040 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2045 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2050 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2055 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2060 Fund
CLOSED-END FUNDS
AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund
AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund
We also offer Government Money Market Portfolio, which serves as the money market fund exchange vehicle for the AB mutual funds. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. The Fund may impose a fee upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.
1 | Prior to July 12, 2019, Total Return Bond Portfolio was named Intermediate Bond Portfolio. |
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abfunds.com | | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | 67 |
NOTES
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68 | AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
AB INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105
800 221 5672
IV-0151-1119
NOV 11.30.19
ANNUAL REPORT
AB VALUE FUND
Beginning January 1, 2021, as permitted by new regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling the Fund at (800) 221 5672.
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper form free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you can call the Fund at (800) 221 5672. Your election to receive reports in paper form will apply to all funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you invest directly, to all AB Mutual Funds you hold.
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Investment Products Offered | | • Are Not FDIC Insured• May Lose Value• Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.
This shareholder report must be preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s prospectus for individuals who are not current shareholders of the Fund.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent12-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 onForm N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC 0330. AB publishes full portfolio holdings for the Fund monthly at www.abfunds.com.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AB family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the Adviser of the funds.
The [A/B] logo is a registered service mark of AllianceBernstein and AllianceBernstein® is a registered service mark used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.
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FROM THE PRESIDENT | | |
Dear Shareholder,
We are pleased to provide this report for AB Value Fund (the “Fund”). Please review the discussion of Fund performance, the market conditions during the reporting period and the Fund’s investment strategy.
As always, AB strives to keep clients ahead of what’s next by:
+ | | Transforming uncommon insights into uncommon knowledge with a global research scope |
+ | | Navigating markets with seasoned investment experience and sophisticated solutions |
+ | | Providing thoughtful investment insights and actionable ideas |
Whether you’re an individual investor or a multi-billion-dollar institution, we put knowledge and experience to work for you.
AB’s global research organization connects and collaborates across platforms and teams to deliver impactful insights and innovative products. Better insights lead to better opportunities—anywhere in the world.
For additional information about AB’s range of products and shareholder resources, please log on to www.abfunds.com.
Thank you for your investment in the AB Mutual Funds.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Keith
President and Chief Executive Officer, AB Mutual Funds
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abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 1 |
ANNUAL REPORT
January 7, 2020
This report provides management’s discussion of fund performance for AB Value Fund for the annual reporting period ended November 30, 2019.
The Fund’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital.
NAV RETURNS AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2019(unaudited)
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| | 6 Months | | | 12 Months | |
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AB VALUE FUND1 | | | | | | | | |
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Class A Shares | | | 11.60% | | | | 4.14% | |
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Class C Shares | | | 11.21% | | | | 3.35% | |
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Advisor Class Shares2 | | | 11.73% | | | | 4.43% | |
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Class R Shares2 | | | 11.32% | | | | 3.69% | |
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Class K Shares2 | | | 11.52% | | | | 4.03% | |
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Class I Shares2 | | | 11.76% | | | | 4.42% | |
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Russell 1000 Value Index | | | 13.56% | | | | 11.33% | |
1 | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from class-action settlements, which enhanced the performance of all share classes of the Fund for thesix- and12-month periods ended November 30, 2019, by 0.02% and 0.04%, respectively. |
2 | Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certainfee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
INVESTMENT RESULTS
The table above shows the Fund’s performance compared to its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index, for thesix- and12-month periods ended November 30, 2019.
During the12-month period, all share classes of the Fund underperformed the benchmark, before sales charges. Overall security selection detracted, relative to the benchmark. Selection within technology and health care led the underperformance, while selection within financials and real estate contributed. Sector selection added to returns, as gains from an overweight to technology offset losses from an underweight to industrials.
During thesix-month period, all share classes of the Fund underperformed the benchmark, before sales charges. Security selection detracted, mainly within technology and health care, while selection within financials and real estate contributed. Sector selection detracted, led by an underweight in industrials, although losses were somewhat offset by an overweight in technology.
The Fund did not utilize derivatives during thesix- or12-month periods.
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MARKET REVIEW AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY
US and international stocks recorded double-digit returns and emerging markets rallied during the12-month period ended November 30, 2019. After declining at the end of 2018, equity markets rebounded dramatically in January as strong corporate earnings and optimism about a trade truce between the US and China calmed investors. Trade war tensions resurfaced, however, and emerging geopolitical pressures increased market volatility. Late in the third quarter, equity market performance was accompanied by a sharp style rotation as quality-growth and lower-volatility stocks, which had performed strongly earlier in the year, lagged and value stocks outperformed. However, for the most part, growth stocks continued to outperform value stocks over the entire period. In November, investors gained confidence that aphase-one trade deal could be reached by the end of the year.
The Fund’s Senior Investment Management Team (the “Team”) continues to focus on attractively valued opportunities, targeting a diversified range of companies. The Team utilizes a disciplined value process to determine when a company’s stock price doesn’t reflect its long-term ability to generate earnings, and selects those value stocks to build a diversified portfolio.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of US companies with relatively large market capitalizations that the Adviser believes are undervalued. The Fund invests in companies that are determined by the Adviser to be undervalued using the fundamental value approach of the Adviser. The fundamental value approach seeks to identify a universe of securities that are considered to be undervalued because they are attractively priced relative to their future earnings power and dividend-paying capability. In selecting securities for the Fund’s portfolio, the Adviser uses its fundamental and quantitative research to identify companies whose long-term earnings power and dividend-paying capability are not reflected in the current market price of their securities.
The Fund may enter into derivatives transactions, such as options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps. The Fund may use options strategies involving the purchase and/or writing of various combinations of call and/or put options, including on individual securities and stock indices, futures contracts (including futures contracts on individual securities and stock indices) or shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). These transactions may be used, for example, in an effort to earn extra income, to adjust exposure to individual securities or markets, or to protect all or a portion of the Fund’s portfolio from a decline in value, sometimes within certain ranges. The Fund may, at times, invest in shares of ETFs in lieu of making direct investments in equity securities. ETFs may provide more efficient and economical exposure to the type of companies and geographic locations in which the Fund seeks to invest than direct investments.
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abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 3 |
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS
Benchmark Disclosure
The Russell 1000® Value Index is unmanaged and does not reflect fees and expenses associated with the active management of a mutual fund portfolio. The Russell 1000 Value Index represents the performance oflarge-cap value companies within the US. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and its results are not indicative of the performance for any specific investment, including the Fund.
A Word About Risk
Market Risk: The value of the Fund’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 that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing, such as the Fund’s value approach, may be underperforming the market generally.
Foreign(Non-US) Risk: Investments in securities ofnon-US issuers may involve more risk than those of US issuers. These securities may fluctuate more widely in price and may be more difficult to trade or dispose of due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Currency Risk: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.
Derivatives Risk: Derivatives may be difficult to price or unwind and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses for the Fund. Derivatives may also be subject to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments.
Management Risk: The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment fund. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there is no guarantee that its techniques will produce the intended results.
These risks are fully discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.
An Important Note About Historical Performance
The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown in this report represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information shown. You may obtain performance information current to the most recentmonth-end by visiting
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4 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
DISCLOSURES AND RISKS(continued)
www.abfunds.com. Class B shares are no longer being offered. Effective November 7, 2019, all outstanding Class B shares were converted to Class A shares. Please see Note A for more information.
All fees and expenses related to the operation of the Fund have been deducted. Net asset value (“NAV”) returns do not reflect sales charges; if sales charges were reflected, the Fund’s quoted performance would be lower. SEC returns reflect the applicable sales charges for each share class: a 4.25% maximumfront-end sales charge for Class A shares and a 1%1-year contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares. Returns for the different share classes will vary due to different expenses associated with each class. Performance assumes reinvestment of distributions and does not account for taxes.
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abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 5 |
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE
GROWTH OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE FUND(unaudited)
11/30/2009 TO 11/30/2019
This chart illustrates the total value of an assumed $10,000 investment in AB Value Fund Class A shares (from 11/30/2009 to 11/30/2019) as compared to the performance of the Fund’s benchmark. The chart reflects the deduction of the maximum 4.25% sales charge from the initial $10,000 investment in the Fund and assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.
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6 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE(continued)
AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2019(unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | NAV Returns | | | SEC Returns (reflects applicable sales charges) | |
| | |
CLASS A SHARES | | | | | | | | |
| | |
1 Year | | | 4.14% | | | | -0.27% | |
| | |
5 Years | | | 2.98% | | | | 2.09% | |
| | |
10 Years | | | 8.06% | | | | 7.59% | |
| | |
CLASS C SHARES | | | | | | | | |
| | |
1 Year | | | 3.35% | | | | 2.36% | |
| | |
5 Years | | | 2.21% | | | | 2.21% | |
| | |
10 Years | | | 7.27% | | | | 7.27% | |
| | |
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1 | | | | | | | | |
| | |
1 Year | | | 4.43% | | | | 4.43% | |
| | |
5 Years | | | 3.24% | | | | 3.24% | |
| | |
10 Years | | | 8.36% | | | | 8.36% | |
| | |
CLASS R SHARES1 | | | | | | | | |
| | |
1 Year | | | 3.69% | | | | 3.69% | |
| | |
5 Years | | | 2.53% | | | | 2.53% | |
| | |
10 Years | | | 7.65% | | | | 7.65% | |
| | |
CLASS K SHARES1 | | | | | | | | |
| | |
1 Year | | | 4.03% | | | | 4.03% | |
| | |
5 Years | | | 2.85% | | | | 2.85% | |
| | |
10 Years | | | 7.98% | | | | 7.98% | |
| | |
CLASS I SHARES1 | | | | | | | | |
| | |
1 Year | | | 4.42% | | | | 4.42% | |
| | |
5 Years | | | 3.29% | | | | 3.29% | |
| | |
10 Years | | | 8.43% | | | | 8.43% | |
The Fund’s current prospectus fee table shows the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratios as 0.97%, 1.73%, 0.72%, 1.42%, 1.11% and 0.68% for Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares, respectively. The Financial Highlights section of this report sets forth expense ratio data for the current reporting period; the expense ratios shown above may differ from the expense ratios in the Financial Highlights section since they are based on different time periods.
1 | These share classes are offered at NAV to eligible investors and their SEC returns are the same as their NAV returns. Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certainfee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans, and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
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abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 7 |
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE(continued)
SEC AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS
AS OF THE MOST RECENT CALENDARQUARTER-END
DECEMBER 31, 2019(unaudited)
| | | | |
| |
| | SEC Returns (reflects applicable sales charges) | |
| |
CLASS A SHARES | | | | |
| |
1 Year | | | 14.80% | |
| |
5 Years | | | 2.52% | |
| |
10 Years | | | 7.73% | |
| |
CLASS C SHARES | | | | |
| |
1 Year | | | 17.92% | |
| |
5 Years | | | 2.65% | |
| |
10 Years | | | 7.41% | |
| |
ADVISOR CLASS SHARES1 | | | | |
| |
1 Year | | | 20.15% | |
| |
5 Years | | | 3.68% | |
| |
10 Years | | | 8.50% | |
| |
CLASS R SHARES1 | | | | |
| |
1 Year | | | 19.28% | |
| |
5 Years | | | 2.95% | |
| |
10 Years | | | 7.77% | |
| |
CLASS K SHARES1 | | | | |
| |
1 Year | | | 19.66% | |
| |
5 Years | | | 3.29% | |
| |
10 Years | | | 8.11% | |
| |
CLASS I SHARES1 | | | | |
| |
1 Year | | | 20.22% | |
| |
5 Years | | | 3.73% | |
| |
10 Years | | | 8.57% | |
1 | Please note that these share classes are for investors purchasing shares through accounts established under certainfee-based programs sponsored and maintained by certain broker-dealers and financial intermediaries, institutional pension plans, and/or investment advisory clients of, and certain other persons associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. |
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8 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
(unaudited)
As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.
Actual Expenses
The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table below also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions. Therefore, the hypothetical example is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
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abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 9 |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE(continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value June 1, 2019 | | | Ending Account Value November 30, 2019 | | | Expenses Paid During Period* | | | Annualized Expense Ratio* | | | Total Expenses Paid During Period+ | | | Total Annualized Expense Ratio+ | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,116.00 | | | $ | 5.30 | | | | 1.00 | % | | $ | 5.30 | | | | 1.00 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,020.05 | | | $ | 5.06 | | | | 1.00 | % | | $ | 5.06 | | | | 1.00 | % |
Class C | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,112.10 | | | $ | 9.27 | | | | 1.75 | % | | $ | 9.27 | | | | 1.75 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,016.29 | | | $ | 8.85 | | | | 1.75 | % | | $ | 8.85 | | | | 1.75 | % |
Advisor Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,117.30 | | | $ | 3.93 | | | | 0.74 | % | | $ | 3.98 | | | | 0.75 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,021.36 | | | $ | 3.75 | | | | 0.74 | % | | $ | 3.80 | | | | 0.75 | % |
Class R | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,113.20 | | | $ | 7.63 | | | | 1.44 | % | | $ | 7.68 | | | | 1.45 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,017.85 | | | $ | 7.28 | | | | 1.44 | % | | $ | 7.33 | | | | 1.45 | % |
Class K | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,115.20 | | | $ | 5.99 | | | | 1.13 | % | | $ | 5.99 | | | | 1.13 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,019.40 | | | $ | 5.72 | | | | 1.13 | % | | $ | 5.72 | | | | 1.13 | % |
Class I | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Actual | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,117.60 | | | $ | 3.72 | | | | 0.70 | % | | $ | 3.72 | | | | 0.70 | % |
Hypothetical** | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 1,021.56 | | | $ | 3.55 | | | | 0.70 | % | | $ | 3.55 | | | | 0.70 | % |
* | Expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect theone-half year period). |
** | Assumes 5% annual return before expenses. |
+ | In connection with the Fund’s investments in affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios, the Fund incurs no direct expenses, but bears proportionate shares of the fees and expenses (i.e., operating, administrative and investment advisory fees) of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying portfolios. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of certain acquired fund fees and expenses of the affiliated underlying portfolios. The Fund’s total expenses are equal to the classes’ annualized expense ratio plus the Fund’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 183/365 (to reflect theone-half year period). |
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10 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO SUMMARY
November 30, 2019(unaudited)
PORTFOLIO STATISTICS
Net Assets ($mil): $378.8
TEN LARGEST HOLDINGS2
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Company | | U.S. $ Value | | | Percent of Net Assets | |
| | |
Bank of America Corp. | | $ | 18,805,575 | | | | 5.0 | % |
| | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | | 18,517,217 | | | | 4.9 | |
| | |
Oracle Corp. | | | 18,029,642 | | | | 4.8 | |
| | |
Comcast Corp. – Class A | | | 17,539,691 | | | | 4.6 | |
| | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | | 14,976,616 | | | | 3.9 | |
| | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 11,640,320 | | | | 3.1 | |
| | |
Synchrony Financial | | | 11,507,653 | | | | 3.0 | |
| | |
Marathon Petroleum Corp. | | | 11,072,197 | | | | 2.9 | |
| | |
American Electric Power Co., Inc. | | | 10,988,948 | | | | 2.9 | |
| | |
Western Digital Corp. | | | 9,771,670 | | | | 2.6 | |
| | |
| | $ | 142,849,529 | | | | 37.7 | % |
1 | All data are as of November 30, 2019. The Fund’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 industrysub-indices as classified by the GICS for each of the market capitalization indices in the broad market. These sector classifications are broadly defined. The “Portfolio of Investments” section of the report reflects more specific industry information and is consistent with the investment restrictions discussed in the Fund’s prospectus.
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abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 11 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
November 30, 2019
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| |
COMMON STOCKS – 99.6% | | | | | | | | |
Financials – 24.5% | | | | | | | | |
Banks – 14.4% | | | | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | 564,393 | | | $ | 18,805,575 | |
Citigroup, Inc. | | | 94,492 | | | | 7,098,239 | |
Comerica, Inc. | | | 51,282 | | | | 3,610,765 | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | | 340,015 | | | | 18,517,217 | |
Zions Bancorp NA(a) | | | 128,855 | | | | 6,414,402 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 54,446,198 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Capital Markets – 1.1% | | | | | | | | |
Morgan Stanley | | | 82,537 | | | | 4,083,931 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Consumer Finance – 3.0% | | | | | | | | |
Synchrony Financial | | | 307,609 | | | | 11,507,653 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Insurance – 6.0% | | | | | | | | |
Everest Re Group Ltd. | | | 18,720 | | | | 5,077,987 | |
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. | | | 153,335 | | | | 7,303,346 | |
Progressive Corp. (The) | | | 39,826 | | | | 2,909,289 | |
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. – Class A | | | 45,287 | | | | 7,493,187 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 22,783,809 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 92,821,591 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Information Technology – 13.4% | | | | | | | | |
Communications Equipment – 3.6% | | | | | | | | |
Juniper Networks, Inc. | | | 368,285 | | | | 9,229,222 | |
Nokia Oyj (Sponsored ADR) – Class A(a) | | | 1,301,612 | | | | 4,555,642 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 13,784,864 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 2.4% | | | | | | | | |
KLA Corp. | | | 21,864 | | | | 3,582,635 | |
NXP Semiconductors NV | | | 48,094 | | | | 5,558,705 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 9,141,340 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Software – 4.8% | | | | | | | | |
Oracle Corp. | | | 321,155 | | | | 18,029,642 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals – 2.6% | | | | | | | | |
Western Digital Corp. | | | 194,152 | | | | 9,771,670 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 50,727,516 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Health Care – 11.1% | | | | | | | | |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies – 2.2% | | | | | | | | |
Medtronic PLC | | | 74,123 | | | | 8,256,561 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Health Care Providers & Services – 2.5% | | | | | | | | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 34,073 | | | | 9,536,010 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
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12 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| |
Pharmaceuticals – 6.4% | | | | | | | | |
Perrigo Co. PLC | | | 55,691 | | | $ | 2,853,050 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 302,189 | | | | 11,640,320 | |
Roche Holding AG (Sponsored ADR) | | | 249,582 | | | | 9,626,378 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 24,119,748 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 41,912,319 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer Staples – 9.7% | | | | | | | | |
Beverages – 4.0% | | | | | | | | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | | 110,260 | | | | 14,976,616 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Food & Staples Retailing – 3.4% | | | | | | | | |
US Foods Holding Corp.(b) | | | 152,377 | | | | 6,060,033 | |
Walmart, Inc. | | | 57,115 | | | | 6,801,826 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 12,861,859 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Tobacco – 2.3% | | | | | | | | |
Philip Morris International, Inc. | | | 106,091 | | | | 8,798,126 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 36,636,601 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communication Services – 8.4% | | | | | | | | |
Diversified Telecommunication Services – 8.4% | | | | | | | | |
Charter Communications, Inc. – Class A(b) | | | 18,445 | | | | 8,669,334 | |
Comcast Corp. – Class A | | | 397,275 | | | | 17,539,691 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 93,644 | | | | 5,641,115 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 31,850,140 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Energy – 7.2% | | | | | | | | |
Energy Equipment & Services – 0.7% | | | | | | | | |
Dril-Quip, Inc.(b) | | | 35,539 | | | | 1,501,878 | |
NexTier Oilfield Solutions, Inc.(b) | | | 223,369 | | | | 1,069,938 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,571,816 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels – 6.5% | | | | | | | | |
Diamondback Energy, Inc. | | | 24,103 | | | | 1,864,126 | |
EOG Resources, Inc. | | | 104,359 | | | | 7,399,053 | |
Hess Corp. | | | 71,692 | | | | 4,451,356 | |
Marathon Petroleum Corp. | | | 182,589 | | | | 11,072,197 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 24,786,732 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 27,358,548 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer Discretionary – 6.8% | | | | | | | | |
Auto Components – 2.4% | | | | | | | | |
Lear Corp. | | | 20,709 | | | | 2,491,500 | |
Magna International, Inc. – Class A (United States) | | | 123,257 | | | | 6,781,600 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 9,273,100 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 0.8% | | | | | | | | |
Papa John’s International, Inc. | | | 47,117 | | | | 2,981,564 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 13 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| |
Specialty Retail – 3.0% | | | | | | | | |
AutoZone, Inc.(b) | | | 3,226 | | | $ | 3,799,970 | |
Gap, Inc. (The)(a) | | | 247,820 | | | | 4,116,290 | |
Michaels Cos., Inc. (The)(a)(b) | | | 221,218 | | | | 1,809,563 | |
Signet Jewelers Ltd.(a) | | | 85,725 | | | | 1,574,769 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 11,300,592 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 0.6% | | | | | | | | |
Capri Holdings Ltd.(b) | | | 63,252 | | | | 2,349,179 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 25,904,435 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Utilities – 6.2% | | | | | | | | |
Electric Utilities – 6.2% | | | | | | | | |
American Electric Power Co., Inc. | | | 120,295 | | | | 10,988,948 | |
FirstEnergy Corp. | | | 129,991 | | | | 6,199,271 | |
NextEra Energy, Inc. | | | 27,820 | | | | 6,504,873 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 23,693,092 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Real Estate – 5.6% | | | | | | | | |
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) – 5.6% | | | | | | | | |
Americold Realty Trust | | | 85,637 | | | | 3,221,664 | |
CubeSmart | | | 91,776 | | | | 2,830,372 | |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. | | | 68,297 | | | | 9,295,905 | |
Sun Communities, Inc. | | | 35,760 | | | | 5,890,029 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 21,237,970 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrials – 5.4% | | | | | | | | |
Airlines – 2.5% | | | | | | | | |
Alaska Air Group, Inc. | | | 76,733 | | | | 5,295,344 | |
JetBlue Airways Corp.(b) | | | 214,321 | | | | 4,129,966 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 9,425,310 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Building Products – 1.7% | | | | | | | | |
Masco Corp. | | | 136,196 | | | | 6,339,924 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Road & Rail – 1.2% | | | | | | | | |
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.(a) | | | 125,754 | | | | 4,651,640 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 20,416,874 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Materials – 1.3% | | | | | | | | |
Chemicals – 0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Westlake Chemical Corp. | | | 49,103 | | | | 3,372,394 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Metals & Mining – 0.4% | | | | | | | | |
Century Aluminum Co.(b) | | | 202,703 | | | | 1,429,056 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,801,450 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks (cost $328,416,356) | | | | | | | 377,360,536 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
14 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
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, 1.58%(c)(d)(e) (cost $2,147,215) | | | 2,147,215 | | | $ | 2,147,215 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Total Investments – 100.2% (cost $330,563,571) | | | | | | | 379,507,751 | |
Other assets less liabilities – (0.2)% | | | | | | | (670,781 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Net Assets – 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 378,836,970 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(a) | Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information. |
(b) | Non-income producing security. |
(c) | Affiliated investments. |
(d) | The rate shown represents the7-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.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 15 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
November 30, 2019
| | | | |
Assets | | | | |
Investments in securities, at value | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $328,416,356) | | $ | 377,360,536 | (a) |
Affiliated issuers (cost $2,147,215) | | | 2,147,215 | |
Unaffiliated dividends receivable | | | 769,005 | |
Receivable for shares of beneficial interest sold | | | 153,390 | |
Affiliated dividends receivable | | | 2,199 | |
Other assets | | | 42,600 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 380,474,945 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities | | | | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 1,090,839 | |
Payable for shares of beneficial interest redeemed | | | 214,268 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 171,660 | |
Administrative fee payable | | | 36,185 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 12,995 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 10,390 | |
Trustees’ fees payable | | | 5,808 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 95,830 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 1,637,975 | |
| | | | |
Net Assets | | $ | 378,836,970 | |
| | | | |
Composition of Net Assets | | | | |
Paid-in capital | | $ | 322,024,542 | |
Distributable earnings | | | 56,812,428 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 378,836,970 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—unlimited shares authorized, without par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares Outstanding | | | Net Asset Value | |
| |
A | | $ | 46,800,166 | | | | 3,058,648 | | | $ | 15.30 | * |
| |
C | | $ | 1,898,908 | | | | 124,287 | | | $ | 15.28 | |
| |
Advisor | | $ | 320,679,597 | | | | 20,913,402 | | | $ | 15.33 | |
| |
R | | $ | 577,860 | | | | 38,157 | | | $ | 15.14 | |
| |
K | | $ | 7,267,347 | | | | 484,242 | | | $ | 15.01 | |
| |
I | | $ | 1,613,092 | | | | 106,112 | | | $ | 15.20 | |
| |
(a) | Includes securities on loan with a value of $19,035,388 (see Note E). |
* | The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $15.98 which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%. |
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
16 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended November 30, 2019
| | | | | | | | |
Investment Income | | | | | | | | |
Dividends | | | | | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $111,767) | | $ | 8,631,011 | | | | | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 124,814 | | | | | |
Securities lending income | | | 23,809 | | | $ | 8,779,634 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Expenses | | | | | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 2,035,886 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class A | | | 115,978 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class B | | | 4,863 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class C | | | 22,312 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class R | | | 3,231 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class K | | | 19,420 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 27,072 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class B | | | 506 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class C | | | 1,489 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Advisor Class | | | 181,674 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class R | | | 1,681 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class K | | | 15,536 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class I | | | 304 | | | | | |
Custodian | | | 108,457 | | | | | |
Registration fees | | | 105,825 | | | | | |
Administrative | | | 78,601 | | | | | |
Audit and tax | | | 51,069 | | | | | |
Printing | | | 48,488 | | | | | |
Legal | | | 41,350 | | | | | |
Trustees’ fees | | | 22,861 | | | | | |
Miscellaneous | | | 22,822 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total expenses | | | 2,909,425 | | | | | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E) | | | (5,486 | ) | | | | |
Less: expenses waived by the Distributor (see Note C) | | | (3,404 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net expenses | | | | | | | 2,900,535 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | | | 5,879,099 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investment Transactions | | | | | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | 2,970,234 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | | | | | 7,799,213 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | 10,769,447 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations | | | | | | $ | 16,648,546 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 17 |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended November 30, 2019 | | | Year Ended November 30, 2018 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 5,879,099 | | | $ | 4,428,832 | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | 2,970,234 | | | | 12,078,650 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments | | | 7,799,213 | | | | (25,436,852 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations | | | 16,648,546 | | | | (8,929,370 | ) |
Distributions to Shareholders | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | (2,133,788 | ) | | | (591,729 | ) |
Class B | | | (23,746 | ) | | | (7,286 | ) |
Class C | | | (84,904 | ) | | | – 0 | – |
Advisor Class | | | (13,862,492 | ) | | | (4,214,926 | ) |
Class R | | | (31,746 | ) | | | (6,683 | ) |
Class K | | | (341,049 | ) | | | (90,350 | ) |
Class I | | | (66,275 | ) | | | (38,565 | ) |
Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 541,926 | | | | (27,960,432 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) | | | 646,472 | | | | (41,839,341 | ) |
Net Assets | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 378,190,498 | | | | 420,029,839 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period | | $ | 378,836,970 | | | $ | 378,190,498 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
18 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
November 30, 2019
NOTE A
Significant Accounting Policies
AB Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on December 12, 2000 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open end management investment company. The Trust operates as a series company currently comprised of three funds. Each fund is considered to be a separate entity for financial reporting and tax purposes. This report relates only to the AB Value Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified fund. The Fund offers Class A, Class C, Advisor Class, Class R, Class K and Class I shares. Class B shares have been authorized but currently are not offered. Effective August 2, 2019, sales of Class B shares were suspended. On November 7, 2019, all remaining outstanding Class B shares of the Fund were converted to Class A shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge of up to 4.25% for purchases not exceeding $1,000,000. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A shares redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% on redemptions made within the first year after purchase, and 0% after the first year of purchase. Class C shares will automatically convert to Class A shares ten years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Class R and Class K shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge. Advisor Class and Class I shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All seven classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
1. Security Valuation
Portfolio securities are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”).
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 19 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g., last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Such factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this
| | |
| |
20 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, analysis of the issuer’s financial statements or other available documents. In addition, the Fund may use fair value pricing for securities primarily traded in non-U.S. markets because most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, may have occurred in the interim and may materially affect the value of those securities. To account for this, the Fund generally values many of its foreign equity securities using fair value prices based on third party vendor modeling tools to the extent available.
2. Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with U.S. GAAP regarding fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability (including those valued based on their market values as described in Note A.1 above). Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
| • | | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
| • | | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| • | | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Where readily available market prices or relevant bid prices are not available for certain equity investments, such investments may be valued based on similar publicly traded investments, movements in relevant indices since last available prices or based upon underlying company fundamentals and comparable company data (such as multiples to earnings or other multiples to equity). Where an investment is valued using an observable input, such as another publicly traded security, the investment will be classified
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 21 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of November 30, 2019:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments in Securities: | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Assets: | |
Common Stocks(a) | | $ | 377,360,536 | | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | 377,360,536 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 2,147,215 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 2,147,215 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 379,507,751 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 379,507,751 | |
Other Financial Instruments(b) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 379,507,751 | | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | 379,507,751 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | See Portfolio of Investments for sector classifications. |
(b) | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on the instrument. Other financial instruments may also include swaps with upfront premiums, options written and swaptions written which are valued at market value. |
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign investment transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains and losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.
| | |
| |
22 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
4. Taxes
It is the Fund’s policy to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its investment company taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no provisions for federal income or excise taxes are required. The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation/depreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.
5. Investment Income and Investment Transactions
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend. Interest income is accrued daily. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Investment gains or losses are determined on the identified cost basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income.
6. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective class. Expenses of the Trust are charged proportionately to each fund 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.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 23 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
NOTE B
Advisory Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an advisory fee at an annual rate of .55% of the first $2.5 billion, .45% of the next $2.5 billion and .40% in excess of $5 billion, of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The fee is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, the Fund may reimburse the Adviser for certain legal and accounting services provided to the Fund by the Adviser. For the year ended November 30, 2019, the reimbursement for such services amounted to $78,601.
The Fund compensates AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, under a Transfer Agency Agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the Fund. ABIS may make payments to intermediaries that provide omnibus account services, sub-accounting services and/or networking services. Such compensation retained by ABIS amounted to $125,233 for the year ended November 30, 2019.
AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser, serves as the distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor has advised the Fund that it has retained front-end sales charges of $614 from the sale of Class A shares and received $160 and $91 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A and Class C shares, respectively, for the year ended November 30, 2019.
The Fund may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2020. In connection with the investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee from the Fund in an amount equal to the Fund’s pro rata share of the effective advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. For the year ended November 30, 2019, such waiver amounted to $4,681.
| | |
| |
24 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
A summary of the Fund’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended November 30, 2019 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | Market Value 11/30/18 (000) | | | Purchases at Cost (000) | | | Sales Proceeds (000) | | | Market Value 11/30/19 (000) | | | Dividend Income (000) | |
Government Money Market Portfolio | | $ | 4,974 | | | $ | 106,796 | | | $ | 109,623 | | | $ | 2,147 | | | $ | 106 | |
Government Money Market Portfolio* | | | – 0 | – | | | 71,009 | | | | 71,009 | | | | – 0 | – | | | 19 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 2,147 | | | $ | 125 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | 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, a worldwide leader in life, property and casualty and health insurance and asset management, 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 approximately 65.3% economic interest in the Adviser and a 100% interest in AllianceBernstein Corporation, the general partner of the Adviser. Since the initial sale, AXA has completed additional offerings, most recently during the fourth quarter of 2019. As a result, AXA currently owns 10.1% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Equitable, and no longer owns a controlling interest in Equitable. AXA previously announced its intention to sell its entire interest in Equitable over time, subject to market conditions and other factors (the “Plan”). Most of AXA’s remaining Equitable shares are to be delivered on redemption of AXA bonds mandatorily exchangeable into Equitable shares and maturing in May 2021. AXA retains sole discretion to determine the timing of any future sales of its remaining shares of Equitable common stock.
The latest transaction under the Plan, which occurred 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 was deemed an “assignment” causing a termination of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement. In order to ensure that investment advisory services could continue uninterrupted in the event of a Change of Control Event, the Board previously approved a new investment advisory agreement with the Adviser. Shareholders of the Fund subsequently approved the new investment advisory agreement, which became effective on November 13, 2019.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 25 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
NOTE C
Distribution Services Agreement
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Agreement, the Fund pays distribution and servicing fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .30% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to both Class B and Class C shares, .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares and .25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class K shares. There are no distribution and servicing fees on the Advisor Class and Class I shares. Effective November 1, 2005, with respect to Class B shares, payments to the Distributor were voluntarily being limited to .30% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. For the year ended November 30, 2019, such waiver amounted to $3,404. Effective February 29, 2016, payments under the Agreement in respect of Class A shares are limited to an annual rate of .25% of Class A shares’ average daily net assets. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. The Agreement provides that the Distributor will use such payments in their entirety for distribution assistance and promotional activities. Since the commencement of the Fund’s operations, the Distributor has incurred expenses in excess of the distribution costs reimbursed by the Fund in the amounts of $973,661, $146,262 and $84,650 for Class C, Class R and Class K shares, respectively. While such costs may be recovered from the Fund in future periods so long as the Agreement is in effect, the rate of the distribution and servicing fees payable under the Agreement may not be increased without a shareholder vote. In accordance with the Agreement, there is no provision for recovery of unreimbursed distribution costs incurred by the Distributor beyond the current fiscal year for Class A shares. The Agreement also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.
NOTE D
Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended November 30, 2019 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 163,481,193 | | | $ | 167,199,644 | |
U.S. government securities | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | |
| |
26 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes, gross unrealized appreciation and unrealized depreciation are as follows:
| | | | |
Cost | | $
| 330,761,031
|
|
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 65,194,145 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | |
| (16,447,425
| )
|
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $
| 48,746,720
|
|
| | | | |
1. Derivative Financial Instruments
The Fund may use derivatives in an effort to earn income and enhance returns, to replace more traditional direct investments, to obtain exposure to otherwise inaccessible markets (collectively, “investment purposes”), or to hedge or adjust the risk profile of its portfolio.
The Fund did not engage in derivatives transactions for the year ended November 30, 2019.
2. Currency Transactions
The Fund may invest in non-U.S. Dollar-denominated securities on a currency hedged or unhedged basis. The Fund may seek investment opportunities by taking long or short positions in currencies through the use of currency-related derivatives, including forward currency exchange contracts, futures and options on futures, swaps, and other options. The Fund may enter into transactions for investment opportunities when it anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value but securities denominated in that currency are not held by the Fund and do not present attractive investment opportunities. Such transactions may also be used when the Adviser believes that it may be more efficient than a direct investment in a foreign currency-denominated security. The Fund may also conduct currency exchange contracts on a spot basis (i.e., for cash at the spot rate prevailing in the currency exchange market for buying or selling currencies).
NOTE E
Securities Lending
The Fund may enter into securities lending transactions. Under the Fund’s securities lending program, all loans of securities will be collateralized continually by cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral will include only securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The Fund cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Fund will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Fund in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 27 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Fund receives non-cash collateral, the Fund will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Fund will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Fund amounts equal to any income or other distributions from the securities. The Fund will not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to any securities during the existence of a loan, but will have the right to regain ownership of loaned securities in order to exercise voting or other ownership rights. Collateral received and securities loaned are marked to market daily to ensure that the securities loaned are secured by collateral. The lending agent currently invests the cash collateral received in Government Money Market Portfolio, an eligible money market vehicle, in accordance with the investment restrictions of the Fund, and as approved by the Board. The collateral received on securities loaned is recorded as an asset as well as a corresponding liability in the statement of assets and liabilities. The collateral will be adjusted the next business day to maintain the required collateral amount. The amounts of securities lending income from the borrowers and Government Money Market Portfolio are reflected in the statement of operations. When the Fund earns net securities lending income from Government Money Market Portfolio, the income is inclusive of a rebate expense paid to the borrower. In connection with the cash collateral investment by the Fund in Government Money Market Portfolio, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Fund’s share of the advisory fees of Government Money Market Portfolio, as borne indirectly by the Fund as an acquired fund fee and expense. When the Fund lends securities, its investment performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned. A principal risk of lending portfolio securities is that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities upon termination of the loan and that the collateral will not be sufficient to replace the loaned securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the Fund in the case of default of any securities borrower.
A summary of the Fund’s transactions surrounding securities lending for the year ended November 30, 2019 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 | |
$ 19,035,388 | | $ | – 0 – | | | $ | 19,514,577 | | | $ | 23,809 | | | $ | 18,528 | | | $ | 805 | |
* | As of November 30, 2019. |
| | |
| |
28 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
NOTE F
Shares of Beneficial Interest
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | | | | | Amount | | | | |
| | Year Ended November 30, 2019 | | | Year Ended November 30, 2018 | | | | | | Year Ended November 30, 2019 | | | Year Ended November 30, 2018 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 106,949 | | | | 197,228 | | | | | | | $ | 1,522,824 | | | $ | 3,102,069 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | 132,088 | | | | 32,431 | | | | | | | | 1,837,342 | | | | 513,060 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares converted from Class B | | | 40,841 | | | | 10,219 | | | | | | | | 619,419 | | | | 161,557 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares converted from Class C | | | 34,105 | | | | 36,471 | | | | | | | | 495,251 | | | | 568,073 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (593,135 | ) | | | (594,162 | ) | | | | | | | (8,504,424 | ) | | | (9,448,621 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (279,152 | ) | | | (317,813 | ) | | | | | | $ | (4,029,588 | ) | | $ | (5,103,862 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 2,020 | | | | 2,715 | | | | | | | $ | 29,268 | | | $ | 43,242 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | 1,677 | | | | 446 | | | | | | | | 23,481 | | | | 7,091 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares converted to Class A | | | (40,626 | ) | | | (10,169 | ) | | | | | | | (619,419 | ) | | | (161,557 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (1,839 | ) | | | (6,223 | ) | | | | | | | (25,789 | ) | | | (100,111 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (38,768 | ) | | | (13,231 | ) | | | | | | $ | (592,459 | ) | | $ | (211,335 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class C | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 17,361 | | | | 21,448 | | | | | | | $ | 241,372 | | | $ | 338,804 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | 4,766 | | | | – 0 | – | | | | | | | 66,721 | | | | – 0 | – | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares converted to Class A | | | (34,043 | ) | | | (36,488 | ) | | | | | | | (495,251 | ) | | | (568,073 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (39,060 | ) | | | (77,691 | ) | | | | | | | (563,799 | ) | | | (1,222,249 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (50,976 | ) | | | (92,731 | ) | | | | | | $ | (750,957 | ) | | $ | (1,451,518 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advisor Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 3,366,195 | | | | 2,639,855 | | | | | | | $ | 47,909,722 | | | $ | 42,063,523 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | 928,352 | | | | 225,584 | | | | | | | | 12,913,373 | | | | 3,568,734 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (3,698,138 | ) | | | (4,005,756 | ) | | | | | | | (53,750,259 | ) | | | (63,617,327 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 596,409 | | | | (1,140,317 | ) | | | | | | $ | 7,072,836 | | | $ | (17,985,070 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |
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abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 29 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Shares | | | | | | Amount | | | | |
| | Year Ended November 30, 2019 | | | Year Ended November 30, 2018 | | | | | | Year Ended November 30, 2019 | | | Year Ended November 30, 2018 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Class R | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 11,456 | | | | 10,596 | | | | | | | $ | 164,982 | | | $ | 166,094 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | 2,295 | | | | 425 | | | | | | | | 31,745 | | | | 6,682 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (31,314 | ) | | | (24,413 | ) | | | | | | | (452,597 | ) | | | (384,077 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (17,563 | ) | | | (13,392 | ) | | | | | | $ | (255,870 | ) | | $ | (211,301 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class K | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 75,800 | | | | 161,039 | | | | | | | $ | 1,064,782 | | | $ | 2,568,001 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | 24,948 | | | | 5,810 | | | | | | | | 341,047 | | | | 90,350 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (172,269 | ) | | | (261,456 | ) | | | | | | | (2,443,061 | ) | | | (4,118,090 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (71,521 | ) | | | (94,607 | ) | | | | | | $ | (1,037,232 | ) | | $ | (1,459,739 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class I | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 18,102 | | | | 172 | | | | | | | $ | 264,906 | | | $ | 2,706 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends | | | 24 | | | | 1,020 | | | | | | | | 330 | | | | 15,994 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (8,822 | ) | | | (96,968 | ) | | | | | | | (130,040 | ) | | | (1,556,307 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 9,304 | | | | (95,776 | ) | | | | | | $ | 135,196 | | | $ | (1,537,607 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
NOTE G
Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund
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 or dispose of due to adverse market, economic, political, regulatory or other factors.
Currency Risk—Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments or reduce its returns.
Derivatives Risk—The Fund 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 Fund, 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 Risk—The Fund may invest in certain debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize the London Interbank Offered
| | |
| |
30 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
Rate, or “LIBOR,” as a “benchmark” or “reference rate” for various interest rate calculations. In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. Although financial regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, such as European Interbank Offer Rate (“EURIBOR”), Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA”) and Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), global consensus on alternative rates is lacking and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition away from LIBOR remains unclear. 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 the Fund’s performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition away from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, adversely affecting the Fund’s performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.
Indemnification Risk—In the ordinary course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote. Therefore, the Fund has not accrued any liability in connection with these indemnification provisions.
NOTE H
Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions in connection with abnormal redemption activity. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize the Facility during the year ended November 30, 2019.
| | |
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abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 31 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
NOTE I
Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended November 30, 2019 and November 30, 2018 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $
| 4,542,798
|
| | $ | 4,949,539 | |
Net long-term capital gains | | | 12,001,202 | | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions paid | | $
| 16,544,000
|
| | $ | 4,949,539 | |
| | | | | | | | |
As of November 30, 2019, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | $
| 5,271,014
|
|
Undistributed capital gains | |
| 2,794,693
|
|
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 48,746,720 | (a) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings/(deficit) | | $
| 56,812,427
|
|
| | | | |
(a) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of November 30, 2019, the Fund did not have any capital loss carryforwards.
During the current fiscal year, there were no permanent differences that resulted in adjustments to distributable earnings or additional paid-in capital.
NOTE J
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement which removes, modifies and adds disclosures to Topic 820. The amendments in this ASU 2018-13 (“ASU”) apply to all entities that are required, under existing U.S. GAAP, to make disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair value measurements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Management has evaluated the impact of the amendments and elected to early adopt the ASU. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the disclosure and presentation of the financial statements of the Fund.
| | |
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32 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(continued)
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 Fund’s financial statements through this date.
| | |
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abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 33 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class A | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 15.36 | | | | $ 15.93 | | | | $ 14.29 | | | | $ 13.86 | | | | $ 14.51 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .20 | (b) | | | .14 | (b) | | | .15 | (b)† | | | .16 | (b) | | | .16 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .38 | | | | (.55 | ) | | | 1.65 | | | | .44 | | | | (.60 | ) |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .58 | | | | (.41 | ) | | | 1.80 | | | | .60 | | | | (.44 | ) |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.15 | ) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.17 | ) | | | (.21 | ) |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (.49 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | (.64 | ) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.17 | ) | | | (.21 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 15.30 | | | | $ 15.36 | | | | $ 15.93 | | | | $ 14.29 | | | | $ 13.86 | |
| | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(c)* | | | 4.14 | % | | | (2.52 | )% | | | 12.68 | %† | | | 4.44 | % | | | (3.07 | )% |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $46,800 | | | | $51,284 | | | | $58,220 | | | | $49,150 | | | | $54,560 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | .99 | % | | | .97 | % | | | .98 | % | | | 1.00 | % | | | 1.03 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | .99 | % | | | .97 | % | | | .98 | % | | | 1.00 | % | | | 1.03 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | 1.38 | %(b) | | | .90 | %(b) | | | 1.02 | %(b)† | | | 1.22 | %(b) | | | 1.15 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 45 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 41 | % | | | 74 | % | | | 91 | % |
See footnote summary on page 40.
| | |
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34 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class C | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 15.30 | | | | $ 15.81 | | | | $ 14.19 | | | | $ 13.76 | | | | $ 14.41 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .09 | (b) | | | .02 | (b) | | | .04 | (b)† | | | .06 | (b) | | | .06 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .38 | | | | (.53 | ) | | | 1.64 | | | | .44 | | | | (.60 | ) |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .47 | | | | (.51 | ) | | | 1.68 | | | | .50 | | | | (.54 | ) |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | (.06 | ) | | | (.07 | ) | | | (.11 | ) |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (.49 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | (.49 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | (.06 | ) | | | (.07 | ) | | | (.11 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 15.28 | | | | $ 15.30 | | | | $ 15.81 | | | | $ 14.19 | | | | $ 13.76 | |
| | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(c)* | | | 3.35 | % | | | (3.23 | )% | | | 11.84 | %† | | | 3.64 | % | | | (3.77 | )% |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $1,899 | | | | $2,681 | | | | $4,238 | | | | $14,545 | | | | $15,571 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.74 | % | | | 1.72 | % | | | 1.73 | % | | | 1.74 | % | | | 1.73 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.74 | % | | | 1.73 | % | | | 1.74 | % | | | 1.74 | % | | | 1.73 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | .62 | %(b) | | | .13 | %(b) | | | .26 | %(b)† | | | .47 | %(b) | | | .44 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 45 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 41 | % | | | 74 | % | | | 91 | % |
See footnote summary on page 40.
| | |
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abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 35 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Advisor Class | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 15.40 | | | | $ 15.96 | | | | $ 14.31 | | | | $ 13.89 | | | | $ 14.55 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .24 | (b) | | | .18 | (b) | | | .19 | (b)† | | | .19 | (b) | | | .21 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .37 | | | | (.54 | ) | | | 1.65 | | | | .45 | | | | (.62 | ) |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .61 | | | | (.36 | ) | | | 1.84 | | | | .64 | | | | (.41 | ) |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.20 | ) | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.22 | ) | | | (.25 | ) |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (.49 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | (.68 | ) | | | (.20 | ) | | | (.19 | ) | | | (.22 | ) | | | (.25 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 15.33 | | | | $ 15.40 | | | | $ 15.96 | | | | $ 14.31 | | | | $ 13.89 | |
| | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(c)* | | | 4.43 | % | | | (2.31 | )% | | | 13.02 | %† | | | 4.72 | % | | | (2.84 | )% |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $320,680 | | | | $312,921 | | | | $342,437 | | | | $319,337 | | | | $313,391 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | .74 | % | | | .72 | % | | | .73 | % | | | .74 | % | | | .73 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | .74 | % | | | .72 | % | | | .73 | % | | | .74 | % | | | .73 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | 1.64 | %(b) | | | 1.15 | %(b) | | | 1.26 | %(b)† | | | 1.48 | %(b) | | | 1.45 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 45 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 41 | % | | | 74 | % | | | 91 | % |
See footnote summary on page 40.
| | |
| |
36 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class R | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 15.20 | | | | $ 15.76 | | | | $ 14.14 | | | | $ 13.69 | | | | $ 14.34 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .13 | (b) | | | .07 | (b) | | | .09 | (b)† | | | .10 | (b) | | | .11 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .38 | | | | (.53 | ) | | | 1.62 | | | | .44 | | | | (.60 | ) |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .51 | | | | (.46 | ) | | | 1.71 | | | | .54 | | | | (.49 | ) |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.08 | ) | | | (.10 | ) | | | (.09 | ) | | | (.09 | ) | | | (.16 | ) |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (.49 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.10 | ) | | | (.09 | ) | | | (.09 | ) | | | (.16 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 15.14 | | | | $ 15.20 | | | | $ 15.76 | | | | $ 14.14 | | | | $ 13.69 | |
| | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(c)* | | | 3.69 | % | | | (2.96 | )% | | | 12.17 | %† | | | 3.99 | % | | | (3.47 | )% |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $578 | | | | $847 | | | | $1,089 | | | | $1,190 | | | | $1,127 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.44 | % | | | 1.42 | % | | | 1.41 | % | | | 1.43 | % | | | 1.41 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.44 | % | | | 1.42 | % | | | 1.41 | % | | | 1.43 | % | | | 1.41 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | .90 | %(b) | | | .43 | %(b) | | | .59 | %(b)† | | | .78 | %(b) | | | .76 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 45 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 41 | % | | | 74 | % | | | 91 | % |
See footnote summary on page 40.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 37 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class K | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 15.08 | | | | $ 15.63 | | | | $ 14.03 | | | | $ 13.62 | | | | $ 14.27 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .18 | (b) | | | .12 | (b) | | | .13 | (b)† | | | .14 | (b) | | | .15 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .37 | | | | (.53 | ) | | | 1.62 | | | | .43 | | | | (.59 | ) |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .55 | | | | (.41 | ) | | | 1.75 | | | | .57 | | | | (.44 | ) |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.13 | ) | | | (.14 | ) | | | (.15 | ) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.21 | ) |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (.49 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | (.62 | ) | | | (.14 | ) | | | (.15 | ) | | | (.16 | ) | | | (.21 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 15.01 | | | | $ 15.08 | | | | $ 15.63 | | | | $ 14.03 | | | | $ 13.62 | |
| | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(c)* | | | 4.03 | % | | | (2.65 | )% | | | 12.56 | %† | | | 4.26 | % | | | (3.16 | )% |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $7,267 | | | | $8,380 | | | | $10,167 | | | | $10,976 | | | | $10,345 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.13 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.11 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | 1.13 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.12 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.11 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | 1.24 | %(b) | | | .75 | %(b) | | | .88 | %(b)† | | | 1.10 | %(b) | | | 1.07 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 45 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 41 | % | | | 74 | % | | | 91 | % |
See footnote summary on page 40.
| | |
| |
38 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Class I | |
| | Year Ended November 30, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 15.27 | | | | $ 15.82 | | | | $ 14.20 | | | | $ 13.78 | | | | $ 14.44 | |
| | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment income(a) | | | .24 | (b) | | | .18 | (b) | | | .19 | (b)† | | | .20 | (b) | | | .21 | |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | .38 | | | | (.53 | ) | | | 1.63 | | | | .44 | | | | (.61 | ) |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | .62 | | | | (.35 | ) | | | 1.82 | | | | .64 | | | | (.40 | ) |
| | | | |
Less: Dividends and Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Dividends from net investment income | | | (.20 | ) | | | (.20 | ) | | | (.20 | ) | | | (.22 | ) | | | (.26 | ) |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (.49 | ) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | |
Total dividends and distributions | | | (.69 | ) | | | (.20 | ) | | | (.20 | ) | | | (.22 | ) | | | (.26 | ) |
| | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 15.20 | | | | $ 15.27 | | | | $ 15.82 | | | | $ 14.20 | | | | $ 13.78 | |
| | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(c)* | | | 4.42 | % | | | (2.16 | )% | | | 12.96 | %† | | | 4.81 | % | | | (2.81 | )% |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $1,613 | | | | $1,479 | | | | $3,048 | | | | $3,046 | | | | $3,048 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements | | | .70 | % | | | .68 | % | | | .68 | % | | | .69 | % | | | .69 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements | | | .70 | % | | | .68 | % | | | .69 | % | | | .69 | % | | | .69 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment income | | | 1.68 | %(b) | | | 1.17 | %(b) | | | 1.31 | %(b)† | | | 1.52 | %(b) | | | 1.50 | % |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 45 | % | | | 40 | % | | | 41 | % | | | 74 | % | | | 91 | % |
See footnote summary on page 40.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 39 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser. |
(c) | Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, and redemption on the last day of the period. Initial sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges are not reflected in the calculation of total investment return. Total return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Total investment return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
† | For the year ended November 30, 2017, the amount includes a refund for overbilling of prior years’ custody out of pocket fees as follows: |
| | | | |
Net Investment Income Per Share | | Net Investment Income Ratio | | Total Return |
$.002 | | .01% | | .01% |
* | Includes the impact of proceeds received and credited to the Fund resulting from class action settlements, which enhanced the Fund’s performance for the years ended November 30, 2019, November 30, 2018, November 30, 2017, November 30, 2016 and November 30, 2015 by .04%, .06%, .07%, .21% and .13%, respectively. |
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
40 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of
AB Value Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Value Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting AB Trust (the “Trust”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of November 30, 2019, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting AB Trust) at November 30, 2019, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 41 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM(continued)
disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2019, by correspondence with the custodian and others or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from others were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.
New York, New York
January 24, 2020
| | |
| |
42 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
2019 FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION
(unaudited)
For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during the taxable year ended November 30, 2019. For corporate shareholders, 100% of dividends paid qualify for the dividends received deduction. For individual shareholders, the Fund designates 100% of dividends paid as qualified dividend income.
Shareholders should not use the above information to prepare their income tax returns. The information necessary to complete your income tax returns will be included with your Form 1099-DIV which will be sent to you separately in January 2020.
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 43 |
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
| | |
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.(1),Chairman Jorge A. Bermudez(1)* Michael J. Downey(1) Nancy P. Jacklin(1) | | Robert M. Keith,President and Chief Executive Officer Carol C. McMullen(1) Garry L. Moody(1) Earl D. Weiner(1) |
OFFICERS
| | |
Joseph G. Paul(2)(3),Vice President Cem Inal(2),Vice President Emilie D. Wrapp,Secretary Michael B. Reyes,Senior Analyst | | Joseph J. Mantineo,Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Phyllis J. Clarke,Controller Vincent S. Noto,Chief Compliance Officer |
| | |
Custodian and Accounting Agent State Street Bank and Trust Company State Street Corporation CCB/5 1 Iron Street Boston, MA 02210 Principal Underwriter AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. 1345 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10105 Legal Counsel Seward & Kissel LLP One Battery Park Plaza New York, NY 10004 | | Transfer Agent AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. P.O. Box 786003 San Antonio, TX 78278-6003 Toll-Free (800) 221-5672 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Ernst & Young LLP 5 Times Square New York, NY 10036 |
|
|
|
1 | Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee. |
2 | The day-to-day management of, and investment decisions for, the Fund’s portfolio are made by the U.S. Value Senior Investment Management Team. Messrs. Paul and Inal are the investment professionals with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. |
3 | Mr. Paul is expected to retire effective December 31, 2020. |
* | Mr. Bermudez will join the Board on January 1, 2020. |
| | |
| |
44 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Board of Trustees Information
The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees. Certain information concerning the Fund’s Trustees is set forth below.
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE
|
INTERESTED TRUSTEE | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Robert M. Keith,# 1345 Avenue of the Americas NewYork, NY 10105 59 (2010) | | Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) and the head of AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (“ABI”) since July 2008; Director of ABI and President of the AB Mutual Funds. Previously, he served as Executive Managing Director of ABI from December 2006 to June 2008. Prior to joining ABI in 2006, Executive Managing Director of Bernstein Global Wealth Management, and prior thereto, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Client Service and Sales of the Adviser’s institutional investment management business since 2004. Prior thereto, he was Managing Director and Head of North American Client Service and Sales in the Adviser’s institutional investment management business, with which he had been associated since prior to 2004. | | | 91 | | | None |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 45 |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE
|
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Marshall C. Turner, Jr.,## Chairman of the Board 78 (2005) | | Private Investor since prior to 2015. Former Chairman and CEO of Dupont Photomasks, Inc. (components of semi-conductor manufacturing). He has extensive operating leadership, and venture capital investing experience, including five interim or full-time CEO roles, and prior service as general partner of institutional venture capital partnerships. He also has extensivenon-profit board leadership experience, and currently serves on the boards of two education and science-relatednon-profit organizations. He has served as a director of one AB Fund since 1992, and director or trustee of all AB Funds since 2005. He has been Chairman of the AB Funds since January 2014, and the Chairman of the Independent Directors Committees of such AB Funds since February 2014. | | | 91 | | | Xilinx, Inc. (programmable logic semi-conductors) since 2007 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
46 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE
|
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE (continued) | | | | | | |
| | | |
Jorge A. Bermudez,^ 68 (2020) | | Private investor since prior to 2015. Former Chief Risk Officer of Citigroup, Inc., a global financial services company, from November 2007 to March 2008, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Commercial Business Group in North America and Citibank Texas from 2005 to 2007, and a variety of other executive and leadership roles at various businesses within Citigroup prior to then; Chairman (2018) of the Texas A&M Foundation Board of Trustees (Trustee since 2013) and Chairman of the Smart Grid Center Board at Texas A&M University since 2012; director of, among others, Citibank N.A. from 2005 to 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch from 2009 to 2011, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2011 to 2017, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas from 2010 to 2016. He has served as director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2020. | | | 91 | | | Moody’s Corporation since April 2011 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Michael J. Downey,## 76 (2005) | | Private Investor since prior to 2015. Formerly, Chairman of The Asia Pacific Fund, Inc. (registered investment company) since prior to 2015 until January 2019. From 1987 until 1993, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Mutual Fund Management, director of the Prudential mutual funds, and member of the Executive Committee of Prudential Securities, Inc. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2005. | | | 91 | | | None |
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 47 |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE
|
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE (continued) | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Nancy P. Jacklin,## 71 (2006) | | Private Investor since prior to 2015. Professorial Lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (2008-2015). U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (which is responsible for ensuring the stability of the international monetary system), (December2002-May 2006); Partner, Clifford Chance (1992-2002); Sector Counsel, International Banking and Finance, and Associate General Counsel, Citicorp (1985-1992); Assistant General Counsel (International), Federal Reserve Board of Governors (1982-1985); and Attorney Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury (1973-1982). Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia and of New York; and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2006 and has been Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds since August 2014. | | | 91 | | | None |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
48 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE
|
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE (continued) | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Carol C. McMullen,## 64 (2016)
| | Managing Director of Slalom Consulting (consulting) since 2014, private investor and member of the Advisory Board of Butcher Box (since 2018). Formerly, member, Partners Healthcare Investment Committee (2010-2019); Director of Norfolk & Dedham Group (mutual property and casualty insurance) from 2011 until November 2016; Director of Partners Community Physicians Organization (healthcare) from 2014 until December 2016; and Managing Director of The Crossland Group (consulting) from 2012 until 2013. She has held a number of senior positions in the asset and wealth management industries, including at Eastern Bank (where her roles included President of Eastern Wealth Management), Thomson Financial (Global Head of Sales for Investment Management), and Putnam Investments (where her roles included Chief Investment Officer, Core and Growth and Head of Global Investment Research). She has served on a number of private company andnon-profit boards, and as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since June 2016. | | | 91 | | | None |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 49 |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
| | | | | | | | |
NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE
|
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE (continued) | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Garry L. Moody,## 67 (2008) | | Formerly, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1995-2008) where he held a number of senior positions, including Vice Chairman, and U.S. and Global Investment Management Practice Managing Partner; President, Fidelity Accounting and Custody Services Company (1993-1995), where he was responsible for accounting, pricing, custody and reporting for the Fidelity mutual funds; and Partner, Ernst & Young LLP (1975-1993), where he served as the National Director of Mutual Fund Tax Services and Managing Partner of its Chicago Office Tax department. He is a member of the Trustee Advisory Board of BoardIQ, a biweekly publication focused on issues and news affecting directors of mutual funds. He is also a member of the Investment Company Institute’s Board of Governors and the Independent Directors Council Governing Council. He has served as a director or trustee, and as Chairman of the Audit Committees, of the AB Funds since 2008. | | | 91 | | | None |
| | | | | | | | |
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50 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
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NAME, ADDRESS*, AGE AND (YEAR FIRST ELECTED)** | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S), DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER INFORMATION*** | | PORTFOLIOS IN AB FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE | | | OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS CURRENTLY HELD BY TRUSTEE
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INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE (continued) | | | | | | | | |
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Earl D. Weiner,## 80 (2007) | | Senior Counsel since 2017, Of Counsel from 2007 to 2016, and Partner prior to then, of the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. He is a former member of the ABA Federal Regulation of Securities Committee Task Force to draft editions of the Fund Director’s Guidebook. He also serves as a director or trustee of variousnon-profit organizations and has served as Chairman or Vice Chairman of a number of them. He has served as a director or trustee of the AB Funds since 2007 and served as Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committees of the AB Funds from 2007 until August 2014. | | | 91 | | | None |
* | The address for each of the Fund’s disinterested Trustees is c/o AllianceBernstein L.P., Attention: Legal and Compliance Department—Mutual Fund Legal, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105 |
** | There is no stated term of office for the Fund’s Trustees. |
*** | The information above includes each Trustee’s principal occupation during the last five years and other information relating to the experience, attributes and skills relevant to each Trustee’s qualifications to serve as a Trustee, which led to the conclusion that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee for the Fund. |
# | Mr. Keith is an “interested trustee” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, due to his position as a Senior Vice President of the Adviser. |
## | Member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee. |
^ | Mr. Bermudez will be a member of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Independent Directors Committee when he joins the Board on January 1, 2020. |
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abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 51 |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND(continued)
Officers of the Trust
Certain information concerning the Fund’s Officers is listed below.
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NAME, ADDRESS* AND AGE | | PRINCIPAL POSITION(S) HELD WITH FUND | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST FIVE YEARS |
Robert M. Keith 59 | | President and Chief Executive Officer | | See biography above. |
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Joseph G. Paul 59 | | Vice President | | Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. He is also Chief Investment Officer of US Large Cap Value Equities and Head Strategic Equities. |
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Cem Inal 50 | | Vice President | | Senior Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. |
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Emilie D. Wrapp 64 | | Secretary | | Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of ABI**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015. |
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Michael B. Reyes 43 | | Senior Analyst | | Vice President of the Adviser**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. |
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Joseph J. Mantineo 60 | | Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | | Senior Vice President of AllianceBernstein Investor Services, Inc. (“ABIS”)**, with which he has been associated since prior to 2015. |
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Phyllis J. Clarke 59 | | Controller | | Vice President of ABIS**, with which she has been associated since prior to 2015. |
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Vincent S. Noto 55 | | Chief Compliance Officer | | Senior Vice President since 2015 and Mutual Fund Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser** since 2015. Prior thereto, he was Vice President and Director of Mutual Fund Compliance of the Adviser** since 2012. |
* | The address for each of the Fund’s Officers is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105. |
** | The Adviser, ABI and ABIS are affiliates of the Fund. |
The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) has additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and Officers and is available without charge upon request. Contact your financial representative or AB at(800) 227-4618, or visit www.abfunds.com, for a free prospectus or SAI.
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52 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement
The disinterested trustees (the “directors”) of AB Trust (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Value Fund (the “Fund”) at a meeting held onMay 7-9, 2019 (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 wasall-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
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abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 53 |
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 2017 and 2018 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant retained by the Fund’s former Senior Officer/Independent Compliance Officer. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund and the underlying fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests, including, but not limited to, benefits
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54 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients);12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the Fund’s principal underwriter (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) in respect of certain classes of the Fund’s shares; brokerage commissions paid by the Fund to brokers affiliated with the Adviser; and transfer agency fees paid by the Fund to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. The directors recognized that the Adviser’s profitability would be somewhat lower without these benefits. The directors understood that the Adviser also might derive reputational and other benefits from its association with the Fund.
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 the1-,3-,5- and10-year periods ended February 28, 2019 and (in the case of comparisons with the broad-based securities market index) for the period from inception. Based on their review, and their discussion with the Adviser of the reasons for the Fund’s underperformance in the periods reviewed, the directors concluded that the Fund’s investment performance was acceptable. The directors determined to continue to monitor the Fund’s performance closely.
Advisory Fees and Other Expenses
The directors considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund to the Adviser and information prepared by the 15(c) service provider concerning advisory fee rates payable by other funds in the same category as the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of advisory fees because there are variations in the services that are included in the fees 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 pursuing an investment strategy similar to the Fund’s. 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
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abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 55 |
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 anysub-advised funds pursuing an investment strategy similar to the Fund’s, 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 andsub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore orsub-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 andsub-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
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56 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
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.
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abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 57 |
This page is not part of the Shareholder Report or the Financial Statements.
AB FAMILY OF FUNDS
US EQUITY
US CORE
Core Opportunities Fund
FlexFee™ US Thematic Portfolio
Select US Equity Portfolio
US GROWTH
Concentrated Growth Fund
Discovery Growth Fund
FlexFee™ Large Cap Growth Portfolio
Growth Fund
Large Cap Growth Fund
Small Cap Growth Portfolio
US VALUE
Discovery Value Fund
Equity Income Fund
Relative Value Fund
Small Cap Value Portfolio
Value Fund
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL CORE
FlexFee™ International Strategic Core Portfolio
Global Core Equity Portfolio
International Portfolio
International Strategic Core Portfolio
Sustainable Global Thematic Fund
Tax-Managed International Portfolio
Tax-Managed Wealth Appreciation Strategy
Wealth Appreciation Strategy
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL GROWTH
Concentrated International Growth Portfolio
FlexFee™ Emerging Markets Growth Portfolio
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL EQUITY(continued)
Sustainable International Thematic Fund
INTERNATIONAL/ GLOBAL VALUE
All China Equity Portfolio
International Value Fund
FIXED INCOME
MUNICIPAL
High Income Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate California Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate Diversified Municipal Portfolio
Intermediate New York Municipal Portfolio
Municipal Bond Inflation Strategy
Tax-Aware Fixed Income Portfolio
National Portfolio
Arizona Portfolio
California Portfolio
Massachusetts Portfolio
Minnesota Portfolio
New Jersey Portfolio
New York Portfolio
Ohio Portfolio
Pennsylvania Portfolio
Virginia Portfolio
TAXABLE
Bond Inflation Strategy
FlexFee™ High Yield Portfolio
FlexFee™ International Bond Portfolio
Global Bond Fund
High Income Fund
Income Fund
Intermediate Duration Portfolio
Limited Duration High Income Portfolio
Short Duration Portfolio
Total Return Bond Portfolio1
ALTERNATIVES
All Market Real Return Portfolio
Global Real Estate Investment Fund
Select US Long/Short Portfolio
Unconstrained Bond Fund
MULTI-ASSET
All Market Income Portfolio
All Market Total Return Portfolio
Conservative Wealth Strategy
Emerging Markets Multi-Asset Portfolio
Global Risk Allocation Fund
Tax-Managed All Market Income Portfolio
TARGET-DATE
Multi-Manager Select Retirement Allocation Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2010 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2015 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2020 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2025 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2030 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2035 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2040 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2045 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2050 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2055 Fund
Multi-Manager Select 2060 Fund
CLOSED-END FUNDS
AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund
AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund
We also offer Government Money Market Portfolio, which serves as the money market fund exchange vehicle for the AB mutual funds. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. The Fund may impose a fee upon sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the Fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.
1 | Prior to July 12, 2019, Total Return Bond Portfolio was named Intermediate Bond Portfolio. |
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58 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES
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abfunds.com | | AB VALUE FUND | 59 |
NOTES
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60 | AB VALUE FUND | | abfunds.com |
AB VALUE FUND
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105
800 221 5672
VAL-0151-1119
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
(a) The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. A copy of the registrant’s code of ethics is filed herewith as Exhibit 12(a)(1).
(b) During the period covered by this report, no material amendments were made to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above.
(c) During the period covered by this report, no implicit or explicit waivers to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above were granted.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
The registrant’s Board of Directors has determined that independent directors Garry L. Moody and Marshall C. Turner, Jr. qualify as audit committee financial experts.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
(a) - (c) The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by the independent registered public accounting firm Ernst & Young LLP, for the Fund’s last two fiscal years for professional services rendered for: (i) the audit of the Fund’s annual financial statements included in the Fund’s annual report to stockholders; (ii) assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Fund’s financial statements and are not reported under (i), which include advice and education related to accounting and auditing issues and quarterly press release review (for those Funds which issue press releases), and preferred stock maintenance testing (for those Funds that issue preferred stock); and (iii) tax compliance, tax advice and tax return preparation.
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| | | | | Audit Fees | | | Audit-Related Fees | | | Tax Fees | |
AB International Value Fund | | | 2018 | | | $ | 43,383 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 25,924 | |
| | | 2019 | | | $ | 43,383 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 33,945 | |
AB Discovery Value Fund | | | 2018 | | | $ | 38,527 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 26,411 | |
| | | 2019 | | | $ | 38,527 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 33,846 | |
AB Value Fund | | | 2018 | | | $ | 33,832 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 22,901 | |
| | | 2019 | | | $ | 33,832 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 30,287 | |
(d) Not applicable.
(e) (1) Beginning with audit andnon-audit service contracts entered into on or after May 6, 2003, the Fund’s Audit Committee policies and procedures require thepre-approval of all audit andnon-audit services provided to the Fund by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Fund’s Audit Committee policies and procedures also requirepre-approval of all audit andnon-audit services provided to the Adviser and Service Affiliates to the extent that these services are directly related to the operations or financial reporting of the Fund.
(e) (2) All of the amounts for Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees and Tax Fees in the table under Item 4 (a) – (c) are for servicespre-approved by the Fund’s Audit Committee.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) The following table sets forth the aggregatenon-audit services provided to the Fund, the Fund’s Adviser and entities that control, are controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provide ongoing services to the Fund:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | All Fees for Non-Audit Services Provided to the Portfolio, the Adviser and Service Affiliates | | | Total Amount of Foregoing Column Pre- approved by the Audit Committee (Portion Comprised of Audit Related Fees) (Portion Comprised of Tax Fees) | |
AB International Value Fund | | | 2018 | | | $ | 840,596 | | | $ | 25,924 | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | (25,924 | ) |
| | | 2019 | | | $ | 778,001 | | | $ | 33,945 | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | (33,945 | ) |
AB Discovery Value Fund | | | 2018 | | | $ | 841,084 | | | $ | 26,413 | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | (2 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | (26,411 | ) |
| | | 2019 | | | $ | 777,902 | | | $ | 33,846 | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | (33,846 | ) |
AB Value Fund | | | 2018 | | | $ | 837,573 | | | $ | 22,902 | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | (1 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | (22,901 | ) |
| | | 2019 | | | $ | 774,343 | | | $ | 30,287 | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | (30,287 | ) |
(h) The Audit Committee of the Fund has considered whether the provision of anynon-audit services notpre-approved by the Audit Committee provided by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to the Adviser and Service Affiliates is compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.
Please see Schedule of Investments contained in the Report to Shareholders included under Item 1 of this FormN-CSR.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FORCLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OFCLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BYCLOSED-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 Rule30a-3 (c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective at the reasonable assurance level based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this document.
(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.
The following exhibits are attached to this FormN-CSR:
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EXHIBIT NO. | | DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT |
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12 (a) (1) | | Code of Ethics that is subject to the disclosure of Item 2 hereof |
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12 (b) (1) | | Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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12 (b) (2) | | Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
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12 (c) | | Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of theSarbanes-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.
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(Registrant): AB Trust |
| |
By: | | /s/ Robert M. Keith |
| | Robert M. Keith |
| | President |
Date: January 29, 2020
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.
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By: | | /s/ Robert M. Keith |
| | Robert M. Keith |
| | President |
Date: January 29, 2020
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By: | | /s/ Joseph J. Mantineo |
| | Joseph J. Mantineo |
| | Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer |
Date: January 29, 2020