UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number: 811-05088
THE AB PORTFOLIOS
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Stephen M. Woetzel
AllianceBernstein L.P.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 221-5672
Date of fiscal year end: July 31, 2024
Date of reporting period: July 31, 2024
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
Please scan QR code for
Fund Information
Annual Shareholder Report
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the AB Growth Fund (the “Fund”) for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGRYX-A. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 227 4618.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Advisor Class | $95 | 0.84% |
How did the Fund perform last year? What affected the Fund’s performance?
During the 12-month period ended July 31, 2024, all share classes of the Fund underperformed the Russell 3000 Growth index (the "benchmark"), before sales charges. Sector allocation drove underperformance, relative to the benchmark. An underweight to technology and an overweight to health care detracted the most, while an underweight to consumer discretionary and an overweight to industrials helped offset some losses. Security selection was positive. Selection within technology and consumer discretionary added to gains, while selection within health care and industrials detracted.
Top contributors to performance:
Top detractors from performance:
The following graph shows the performance of hypothetical $10,000 investments in the Fund, a broad-based securities market index and an additional index that corresponds to the Fund's investment strategies, over the most recently completed 10 fiscal years of the Fund, or since inception, if shorter. The Fund's performance reflects sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of dividends.
| Advisor Class | S&P 500 Index | Russell 3000 Growth Index |
|---|
| 07/14 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 07/15 | $12,124 | $11,121 | $11,637 |
| 07/16 | $12,444 | $11,745 | $12,053 |
| 07/17 | $14,659 | $13,629 | $14,225 |
| 07/18 | $18,596 | $15,843 | $17,477 |
| 07/19 | $21,175 | $17,108 | $19,204 |
| 07/20 | $26,141 | $19,153 | $24,628 |
| 07/21 | $35,381 | $26,134 | $33,699 |
| 07/22 | $28,943 | $24,921 | $29,436 |
| 07/23 | $33,391 | $28,165 | $34,430 |
| 07/24 | $42,084 | $34,403 | $43,453 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Advisor Class (without sales charges) | 26.02% | 14.73% | 15.45% |
| Advisor Class (with sales charges) | 26.02% | 14.73% | 15.45% |
| S&P 500 Index | 22.15% | 15.00% | 13.15% |
| Russell 3000 Growth Index | 26.20% | 17.74% | 15.82% |
The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares.
Visit https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGRYX-A for the most recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,456,250,676 |
| # of Portfolio Holdings | 56 |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 37% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $9,752,042 |
Graphical Representation of Holdings
| Company | U.S. $ Value | % of Net Assets |
|---|
| NVIDIA Corp. | $125,773,096 | 8.6% |
| Microsoft Corp. | $115,238,691 | 7.9% |
| Amazon.com, Inc. | $90,038,349 | 6.2% |
| Alphabet, Inc. - Class C | $80,069,754 | 5.5% |
| Meta Platforms, Inc. - Class A | $73,688,868 | 5.1% |
| Visa, Inc. - Class A | $57,514,367 | 4.0% |
| Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | $49,953,704 | 3.4% |
| Eli Lilly & Co. | $42,280,474 | 2.9% |
| Monster Beverage Corp. | $37,803,196 | 2.6% |
| Costco Wholesale Corp. | $34,713,060 | 2.4% |
| Total | $707,073,559 | 48.6% |
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Information Technology | 33.4% |
| Health Care | 17.2% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 13.7% |
| Communication Services | 12.9% |
| Industrials | 8.6% |
| Consumer Staples | 6.3% |
| Financials | 4.0% |
| Materials | 1.2% |
| Energy | 0.9% |
| Short-Term Investments | 2.0% |
| Other assets less liabilities | -0.2% |
Availability of Additional Information
You can find additional information on the Fund’s website at https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGRYX-A, including the Fund's:
• Prospectus
• Financial information
• Fund holdings
• Proxy voting information
You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 227 4618.
Shareholders who have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address may revoke this consent by contacting us at (800) 227 4618.
Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement
Information regarding the Fund’s Board of Directors’/Trustees’ review of the advisory agreement is available on the Fund’s website https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGRYX-A. You can request this information, free of charge, by contacting us at (800) 227 4618 or by scanning the QR code below.
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.
Please scan QR code for
Fund Information
Please scan QR code for
Fund Information
Annual Shareholder Report
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the AB Growth Fund (the “Fund”) for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGRFX-A. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 227 4618.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class A | $123 | 1.09% |
How did the Fund perform last year? What affected the Fund’s performance?
During the 12-month period ended July 31, 2024, all share classes of the Fund underperformed the Russell 3000 Growth index (the "benchmark"), before sales charges. Sector allocation drove underperformance, relative to the benchmark. An underweight to technology and an overweight to health care detracted the most, while an underweight to consumer discretionary and an overweight to industrials helped offset some losses. Security selection was positive. Selection within technology and consumer discretionary added to gains, while selection within health care and industrials detracted.
Top contributors to performance:
Top detractors from performance:
The following graph shows the performance of hypothetical $10,000 investments in the Fund, a broad-based securities market index and an additional index that corresponds to the Fund's investment strategies, over the most recently completed 10 fiscal years of the Fund, or since inception, if shorter. The Fund's performance reflects sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of dividends.
| Class A | S&P 500 Index | Russell 3000 Growth Index |
|---|
| 07/14 | $9,575 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 07/15 | $11,578 | $11,121 | $11,637 |
| 07/16 | $11,856 | $11,745 | $12,053 |
| 07/17 | $13,928 | $13,629 | $14,225 |
| 07/18 | $17,627 | $15,843 | $17,477 |
| 07/19 | $20,021 | $17,108 | $19,204 |
| 07/20 | $24,656 | $19,153 | $24,628 |
| 07/21 | $33,286 | $26,134 | $33,699 |
| 07/22 | $27,162 | $24,921 | $29,436 |
| 07/23 | $31,258 | $28,165 | $34,430 |
| 07/24 | $39,297 | $34,403 | $43,453 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class A (without sales charges) | 25.72% | 14.44% | 15.17% |
| Class A (with sales charges) | 20.37% | 13.45% | 14.67% |
| S&P 500 Index | 22.15% | 15.00% | 13.15% |
| Russell 3000 Growth Index | 26.20% | 17.74% | 15.82% |
The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares.
Visit https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGRFX-A for the most recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,456,250,676 |
| # of Portfolio Holdings | 56 |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 37% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $9,752,042 |
Graphical Representation of Holdings
| Company | U.S. $ Value | % of Net Assets |
|---|
| NVIDIA Corp. | $125,773,096 | 8.6% |
| Microsoft Corp. | $115,238,691 | 7.9% |
| Amazon.com, Inc. | $90,038,349 | 6.2% |
| Alphabet, Inc. - Class C | $80,069,754 | 5.5% |
| Meta Platforms, Inc. - Class A | $73,688,868 | 5.1% |
| Visa, Inc. - Class A | $57,514,367 | 4.0% |
| Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | $49,953,704 | 3.4% |
| Eli Lilly & Co. | $42,280,474 | 2.9% |
| Monster Beverage Corp. | $37,803,196 | 2.6% |
| Costco Wholesale Corp. | $34,713,060 | 2.4% |
| Total | $707,073,559 | 48.6% |
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Information Technology | 33.4% |
| Health Care | 17.2% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 13.7% |
| Communication Services | 12.9% |
| Industrials | 8.6% |
| Consumer Staples | 6.3% |
| Financials | 4.0% |
| Materials | 1.2% |
| Energy | 0.9% |
| Short-Term Investments | 2.0% |
| Other assets less liabilities | -0.2% |
Availability of Additional Information
You can find additional information on the Fund’s website at https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGRFX-A, including the Fund's:
• Prospectus
• Financial information
• Fund holdings
• Proxy voting information
You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 227 4618.
Shareholders who have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address may revoke this consent by contacting us at (800) 227 4618.
Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement
Information regarding the Fund’s Board of Directors’/Trustees’ review of the advisory agreement is available on the Fund’s website https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGRFX-A. You can request this information, free of charge, by contacting us at (800) 227 4618 or by scanning the QR code below.
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.
Please scan QR code for
Fund Information
Please scan QR code for
Fund Information
Annual Shareholder Report
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the AB Growth Fund (the “Fund”) for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGRCX-A. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 227 4618.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class C | $207 | 1.84% |
How did the Fund perform last year? What affected the Fund’s performance?
During the 12-month period ended July 31, 2024, all share classes of the Fund underperformed the Russell 3000 Growth index (the "benchmark"), before sales charges. Sector allocation drove underperformance, relative to the benchmark. An underweight to technology and an overweight to health care detracted the most, while an underweight to consumer discretionary and an overweight to industrials helped offset some losses. Security selection was positive. Selection within technology and consumer discretionary added to gains, while selection within health care and industrials detracted.
Top contributors to performance:
Top detractors from performance:
The following graph shows the performance of hypothetical $10,000 investments in the Fund, a broad-based securities market index and an additional index that corresponds to the Fund's investment strategies, over the most recently completed 10 fiscal years of the Fund, or since inception, if shorter. The Fund's performance reflects sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of dividends.
| Class C | S&P 500 Index | Russell 3000 Growth Index |
|---|
| 07/14 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 07/15 | $11,996 | $11,121 | $11,637 |
| 07/16 | $12,193 | $11,745 | $12,053 |
| 07/17 | $14,216 | $13,629 | $14,225 |
| 07/18 | $17,858 | $15,843 | $17,477 |
| 07/19 | $20,133 | $17,108 | $19,204 |
| 07/20 | $24,605 | $19,153 | $24,628 |
| 07/21 | $32,970 | $26,134 | $33,699 |
| 07/22 | $26,702 | $24,921 | $29,436 |
| 07/23 | $30,493 | $28,165 | $34,430 |
| 07/24 | $38,047 | $34,403 | $43,453 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class C (without sales charges) | 24.77% | 13.58% | 14.30% |
| Class C (with sales charges) | 23.81% | 13.58% | 14.30% |
| S&P 500 Index | 22.15% | 15.00% | 13.15% |
| Russell 3000 Growth Index | 26.20% | 17.74% | 15.82% |
The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares.
Visit https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGRCX-A for the most recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,456,250,676 |
| # of Portfolio Holdings | 56 |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 37% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $9,752,042 |
Graphical Representation of Holdings
| Company | U.S. $ Value | % of Net Assets |
|---|
| NVIDIA Corp. | $125,773,096 | 8.6% |
| Microsoft Corp. | $115,238,691 | 7.9% |
| Amazon.com, Inc. | $90,038,349 | 6.2% |
| Alphabet, Inc. - Class C | $80,069,754 | 5.5% |
| Meta Platforms, Inc. - Class A | $73,688,868 | 5.1% |
| Visa, Inc. - Class A | $57,514,367 | 4.0% |
| Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | $49,953,704 | 3.4% |
| Eli Lilly & Co. | $42,280,474 | 2.9% |
| Monster Beverage Corp. | $37,803,196 | 2.6% |
| Costco Wholesale Corp. | $34,713,060 | 2.4% |
| Total | $707,073,559 | 48.6% |
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Information Technology | 33.4% |
| Health Care | 17.2% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 13.7% |
| Communication Services | 12.9% |
| Industrials | 8.6% |
| Consumer Staples | 6.3% |
| Financials | 4.0% |
| Materials | 1.2% |
| Energy | 0.9% |
| Short-Term Investments | 2.0% |
| Other assets less liabilities | -0.2% |
Availability of Additional Information
You can find additional information on the Fund’s website at https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGRCX-A, including the Fund's:
• Prospectus
• Financial information
• Fund holdings
• Proxy voting information
You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 227 4618.
Shareholders who have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address may revoke this consent by contacting us at (800) 227 4618.
Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement
Information regarding the Fund’s Board of Directors’/Trustees’ review of the advisory agreement is available on the Fund’s website https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGRCX-A. You can request this information, free of charge, by contacting us at (800) 227 4618 or by scanning the QR code below.
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.
Please scan QR code for
Fund Information
Please scan QR code for
Fund Information
Annual Shareholder Report
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the AB Growth Fund (the “Fund”) for the period of August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGFIX-A. You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 227 4618.
What were the Fund costs for the last year?
(Based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
|---|
| Class I | $97 | 0.86% |
How did the Fund perform last year? What affected the Fund’s performance?
During the 12-month period ended July 31, 2024, all share classes of the Fund underperformed the Russell 3000 Growth index (the "benchmark"), before sales charges. Sector allocation drove underperformance, relative to the benchmark. An underweight to technology and an overweight to health care detracted the most, while an underweight to consumer discretionary and an overweight to industrials helped offset some losses. Security selection was positive. Selection within technology and consumer discretionary added to gains, while selection within health care and industrials detracted.
Top contributors to performance:
Top detractors from performance:
The following graph shows the performance of hypothetical $10,000 investments in the Fund, a broad-based securities market index and an additional index that corresponds to the Fund's investment strategies, over the most recently completed 10 fiscal years of the Fund, or since inception, if shorter. The Fund's performance reflects sales charges and assumes the reinvestment of dividends.
| Class I | S&P 500 Index | Russell 3000 Growth Index |
|---|
| 07/14 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 07/15 | $12,137 | $11,121 | $11,637 |
| 07/16 | $12,468 | $11,745 | $12,053 |
| 07/17 | $14,708 | $13,629 | $14,225 |
| 07/18 | $18,683 | $15,843 | $17,477 |
| 07/19 | $21,296 | $17,108 | $19,204 |
| 07/20 | $26,320 | $19,153 | $24,628 |
| 07/21 | $35,648 | $26,134 | $33,699 |
| 07/22 | $29,182 | $24,921 | $29,436 |
| 07/23 | $33,573 | $28,165 | $34,430 |
| 07/24 | $42,319 | $34,403 | $43,453 |
Average Annual Total Returns
| 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
|---|
| Class I (without sales charges) | 26.05% | 14.72% | 15.52% |
| Class I (with sales charges) | 26.05% | 14.72% | 15.52% |
| S&P 500 Index | 22.15% | 15.00% | 13.15% |
| Russell 3000 Growth Index | 26.20% | 17.74% | 15.82% |
The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund shares.
Visit https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGFIX-A for the most recent performance information.
| Net Assets | $1,456,250,676 |
| # of Portfolio Holdings | 56 |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 37% |
| Total Advisory Fees Paid | $9,752,042 |
Graphical Representation of Holdings
| Company | U.S. $ Value | % of Net Assets |
|---|
| NVIDIA Corp. | $125,773,096 | 8.6% |
| Microsoft Corp. | $115,238,691 | 7.9% |
| Amazon.com, Inc. | $90,038,349 | 6.2% |
| Alphabet, Inc. - Class C | $80,069,754 | 5.5% |
| Meta Platforms, Inc. - Class A | $73,688,868 | 5.1% |
| Visa, Inc. - Class A | $57,514,367 | 4.0% |
| Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | $49,953,704 | 3.4% |
| Eli Lilly & Co. | $42,280,474 | 2.9% |
| Monster Beverage Corp. | $37,803,196 | 2.6% |
| Costco Wholesale Corp. | $34,713,060 | 2.4% |
| Total | $707,073,559 | 48.6% |
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Information Technology | 33.4% |
| Health Care | 17.2% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 13.7% |
| Communication Services | 12.9% |
| Industrials | 8.6% |
| Consumer Staples | 6.3% |
| Financials | 4.0% |
| Materials | 1.2% |
| Energy | 0.9% |
| Short-Term Investments | 2.0% |
| Other assets less liabilities | -0.2% |
Availability of Additional Information
You can find additional information on the Fund’s website at https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGFIX-A, including the Fund's:
• Prospectus
• Financial information
• Fund holdings
• Proxy voting information
You can also request this information by contacting us at (800) 227 4618.
Shareholders who have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address may revoke this consent by contacting us at (800) 227 4618.
Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement
Information regarding the Fund’s Board of Directors’/Trustees’ review of the advisory agreement is available on the Fund’s website https://www.abfunds.com/link/AB/AGFIX-A. You can request this information, free of charge, by contacting us at (800) 227 4618 or by scanning the QR code below.
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.
Please scan QR code for
Fund Information
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 19(a)(1).
(b) During the period covered by this report, no material amendments were made to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above.
(c) During the period covered by this report, no implicit or explicit waivers to the provisions of the code of ethics adopted in 2(a) above were granted.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
The registrant’s Board of Directors has determined that independent directors Garry L. Moody, Marshall C. Turner, Jr., Jorge A. Bermudez and Carol C. McMullen 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, quarterly press release review (for those Funds that issue quarterly press releases), and preferred stock maintenance testing (for those Funds that issue preferred stock); and (iii) tax compliance, tax advice and tax return preparation.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Audit Fees | | | Audit-Related
Fees | | | Tax Fees | |
AB Portfolios - Growth Fund | | | 2023 | | | $ | 33,994 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 16,688 | |
| | | 2024 | | | $ | 33,994 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 16,063 | |
(d) Not applicable.
(e) (1) Beginning with audit and non-audit service contracts entered into on or after May 6, 2003, the Fund’s Audit Committee policies and procedures require the pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services provided to the Fund by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Fund’s Audit Committee policies and procedures also require pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services provided to the Adviser and Service Affiliates to the extent that these services are directly related to the operations or financial reporting of the Fund.
(e) (2) No percentage of services addressed by (b) and (c) of this Item 4 were approved pursuant to the waiver provision of paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X. No amounts are reported for Item 4 (d).
(f) Not applicable.
(g) The following table sets forth the aggregate non-audit services provided to the Fund, the Fund’s Adviser and entities that control, are controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provide ongoing services to the Fund: (“Service Affiliates”):
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 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 Portfolio - Growth Fund | | | 2023 | | | $ | 1,558,657 | | | $ | 16,688 | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | (16,688 | ) |
| | | 2024 | | | $ | 2,090,899 | | | $ | 16,063 | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | (16,063 | ) |
(h) The Audit Committee of the Fund has considered whether the provision of any non-audit services not pre-approved by the Audit Committee provided by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to the Adviser and Service Affiliates is compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence.
(i) Not applicable.
(j) Not applicable.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS.
Please see Schedule of Investments contained in the Report to Shareholders included under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
JUL 07.31.24
ANNUAL REPORT
AB GROWTH FUND
| | |
| |
| Investment Products Offered | | • Are Not FDIC Insured • May Lose Value • Are Not Bank Guaranteed |
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.abfunds.com or contact your AB representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.
This shareholder report must be preceded or accompanied by the Fund’s prospectus for individuals who are not current shareholders of the Fund.
You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge. Simply visit AB’s website at www.abfunds.com, or go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227 4618.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. 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.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
July 31, 2024
| | | | | | | | |
| Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| |
COMMON STOCKS – 98.2% | | | | | | | | |
Information Technology – 33.4% | | | | | | | | |
Communications Equipment – 1.8% | | | | | | | | |
Arista Networks, Inc.(a) | | | 73,950 | | | $ | 25,627,373 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – 16.4% | | | | | | | | |
ASML Holding NV (REG) | | | 16,210 | | | | 15,183,907 | |
Astera Labs, Inc.(a) | | | 192,220 | | | | 8,426,925 | |
Broadcom, Inc. | | | 103,800 | | | | 16,678,584 | |
Entegris, Inc. | | | 39,260 | | | | 4,644,065 | |
NVIDIA Corp. | | | 1,074,800 | | | | 125,773,096 | |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | | 167,810 | | | | 30,365,220 | |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Sponsored ADR) | | | 49,510 | | | | 8,208,758 | |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | | 144,840 | | | | 29,519,840 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 238,800,395 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Software – 15.2% | | | | | | | | |
Adobe, Inc.(a) | | | 24,210 | | | | 13,355,447 | |
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(a) | | | 55,190 | | | | 14,772,155 | |
Fair Isaac Corp.(a) | | | 3,920 | | | | 6,272,000 | |
HubSpot, Inc.(a) | | | 24,030 | | | | 11,943,631 | |
Manhattan Associates, Inc.(a) | | | 132,850 | | | | 33,927,233 | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | 275,460 | | | | 115,238,691 | |
ServiceNow, Inc.(a) | | | 17,960 | | | | 14,626,444 | |
Synopsys, Inc.(a) | | | 20,890 | | | | 11,663,305 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 221,798,906 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 486,226,674 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Health Care – 17.2% | | | | | | | | |
Biotechnology – 4.6% | | | | | | | | |
Genmab A/S (Sponsored ADR)(a) | | | 360,440 | | | | 10,196,848 | |
United Therapeutics Corp.(a) | | | 23,120 | | | | 7,243,265 | |
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | | | 100,770 | | | | 49,953,704 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 67,393,817 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies – 4.0% | | | | | | | | |
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(a) | | | 121,730 | | | | 7,675,077 | |
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(a) | | | 32,524 | | | | 15,485,327 | |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a) | | | 77,099 | | | | 34,278,986 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 57,439,390 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Health Care Providers & Services – 1.9% | | | | | | | | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 48,190 | | | | 27,765,150 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Health Care Technology – 1.2% | | | | | | | | |
Veeva Systems, Inc. – Class A(a) | | | 92,380 | | | | 17,730,493 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 1 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
| | | | | | | | |
| Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| |
Life Sciences Tools & Services – 0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Waters Corp.(a) | | | 24,380 | | | $ | 8,198,506 | |
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. | | | 17,840 | | | | 5,462,073 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 13,660,579 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Pharmaceuticals – 4.6% | | | | | | | | |
Eli Lilly & Co. | | | 52,570 | | | | 42,280,474 | |
Zoetis, Inc. | | | 134,540 | | | | 24,222,582 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 66,503,056 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 250,492,485 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer Discretionary – 13.7% | | | | | | | | |
Automobiles – 0.7% | | | | | | | | |
Ferrari NV | | | 24,730 | | | | 10,213,737 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Broadline Retail – 6.2% | | | | | | | | |
Amazon.com, Inc.(a) | | | 481,540 | | | | 90,038,349 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure – 1.4% | | | | | | | | |
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(a) | | | 370,130 | | | | 20,105,462 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Specialty Retail – 3.1% | | | | | | | | |
Home Depot, Inc. (The) | | | 87,990 | | | | 32,394,399 | |
Tractor Supply Co. | | | 52,420 | | | | 13,803,234 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 46,197,633 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods – 2.3% | | | | | | | | |
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.(a) | | | 50,530 | | | | 13,070,090 | |
NIKE, Inc. – Class B | | | 43,484 | | | | 3,255,212 | |
On Holding AG – Class A(a)(b) | | | 406,150 | | | | 16,822,733 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 33,148,035 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 199,703,216 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Communication Services – 12.9% | | | | | | | | |
Entertainment – 2.1% | | | | | | | | |
Netflix, Inc.(a) | | | 47,460 | | | | 29,821,491 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Interactive Media & Services – 10.8% | | | | | | | | |
Alphabet, Inc. – Class C | | | 462,430 | | | | 80,069,754 | |
Meta Platforms, Inc. – Class A | | | 155,190 | | | | 73,688,868 | |
Reddit, Inc. – Class A(a) | | | 69,098 | | | | 4,204,613 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 157,963,235 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 187,784,726 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industrials – 8.6% | | | | | | | | |
Building Products – 2.1% | | | | | | | | |
Otis Worldwide Corp. | | | 188,350 | | | | 17,799,075 | |
Trex Co., Inc.(a) | | | 147,640 | | | | 12,347,133 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 30,146,208 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commercial Services & Supplies – 1.8% | | | | | | | | |
Copart, Inc.(a) | | | 486,309 | | | | 25,448,550 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
2 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
| | | | | | | | |
| Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| |
Electrical Equipment – 1.0% | | | | | | | | |
AMETEK, Inc. | | | 87,040 | | | $ | 15,099,699 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Ground Transportation – 0.9% | | | | | | | | |
Saia, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 31,490 | | | | 13,158,097 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Professional Services – 1.6% | | | | | | | | |
Verisk Analytics, Inc. | | | 91,080 | | | | 23,840,190 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Trading Companies & Distributors – 1.2% | | | | | | | | |
United Rentals, Inc. | | | 23,710 | | | | 17,950,841 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 125,643,585 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer Staples – 6.3% | | | | | | | | |
Beverages – 3.9% | | | | | | | | |
Celsius Holdings, Inc.(a) | | | 410,870 | | | | 19,241,042 | |
Monster Beverage Corp.(a) | | | 734,756 | | | | 37,803,196 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 57,044,238 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail – 2.4% | | | | | | | | |
Costco Wholesale Corp. | | | 42,230 | | | | 34,713,060 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | 91,757,298 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Financials – 4.0% | |
Financial Services – 4.0% | |
Visa, Inc. – Class A | | | 216,488 | | | | 57,514,367 | |
| | | | | | | | |
|
Materials – 1.2% | |
Chemicals – 1.2% | |
Sherwin-Williams Co. (The) | | | 51,750 | | | | 18,153,900 | |
| | | | | | | | |
|
Energy – 0.9% | |
Energy Equipment & Services – 0.9% | |
TechnipFMC PLC | | | 419,080 | | | | 12,362,860 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Total Common Stocks
(cost $762,544,400) | | | | | | | 1,429,639,111 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
RIGHTS – 0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Health Care – 0.0% | | | | | | | | |
Health Care Providers & Services – 0.0% | | | | | | | | |
ABIOMED, Inc. (CVR)(a)(c)(d)
(costs $52,367) | | | 51,340 | | | | 52,367 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| |
| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 3 |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
| | | | | | | | |
| Company | | Shares | | | U.S. $ Value | |
| |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 2.0% | | | | | | | | |
Investment Companies – 2.0% | | | | | | | | |
AB Fixed Income Shares, Inc. – Government Money Market Portfolio – Class AB, 5.20%(e)(f)(g)
(cost $29,656,172) | | | 29,656,172 | | | $ | 29,656,172 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Total Investments – 100.2%
(cost $792,252,939) | | | | | | | 1,459,347,650 | |
Other assets less liabilities – (0.2)% | | | | | | | (3,096,974 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Net Assets – 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 1,456,250,676 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| (a) | Non-income producing security. |
| (b) | Represents entire or partial securities out on loan. See Note E for securities lending information. |
| (c) | Fair valued by the Adviser. |
| (d) | Security in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value. |
| (e) | Affiliated investments. |
| (f) | The rate shown represents the 7-day yield as of period end. |
| (g) | To obtain a copy of the fund’s shareholder report, please go to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, or call AB at (800) 227-4618. |
Glossary:
ADR – American Depositary Receipt
CVR – Contingent Value Right
REG – Registered Shares
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
4 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
July 31, 2024
| | | | | | | | |
| Assets | |
Investments in securities, at value | |
Unaffiliated issuers (cost $762,596,767) | | $ | 1,429,691,478 | (a) |
Affiliated issuers (cost $29,656,172) | | | 29,656,172 | |
Cash | | | 777,975 | |
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $1,003) | | | 827 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | | 4,926,747 | |
Unaffiliated dividends receivable | | | 346,759 | |
Receivable for shares of beneficial interest sold | | | 176,519 | |
Affiliated dividends receivable | | | 126,422 | |
Receivable due from Adviser | | | 35,435 | |
Other assets | | | 15,618 | |
| | | | |
Total assets | | | 1,465,753,952 | |
| | | | |
| Liabilities | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | | 7,178,651 | |
Advisory fee payable | | | 952,051 | |
Payable for shares of beneficial interest redeemed | | | 636,084 | |
Distribution fee payable | | | 280,950 | |
Transfer Agent fee payable | | | 47,254 | |
Trustees’ fees payable | | | 3,334 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 404,952 | |
| | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 9,503,276 | |
| | | | |
Net Assets | | $ | 1,456,250,676 | |
| | | | |
| Composition of Net Assets | |
Shares of beneficial interest, at par | | $ | 129 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 611,270,745 | |
Distributable earnings | | | 844,979,802 | |
| | | | |
Net Assets | | $ | 1,456,250,676 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value Per Share—unlimited shares authorized, $.00001 par value
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Class | | Net Assets | | | Shares
Outstanding | | | Net Asset
Value | |
| |
| A | | $ | 1,168,749,580 | | | | 9,955,386 | | | $ | 117.40 | * |
| |
| C | | $ | 29,825,021 | | | | 1,027,256 | | | $ | 29.03 | |
| |
| Advisor | | $ | 201,412,143 | | | | 1,481,104 | | | $ | 135.99 | |
| |
| I | | $ | 56,263,932 | | | | 415,622 | | | $ | 135.37 | |
| |
| (a) | Includes securities on loan with a value of $20,940,345 (see Note E). |
| * | The maximum offering price per share for Class A shares was $122.61 which reflects a sales charge of 4.25%. |
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 5 |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended July 31, 2024
| | | | | | | | |
| Investment Income | | | | | | | | |
Dividends | | | | | | | | |
Unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld of $21,578) | | $ | 6,776,738 | | | | | |
Affiliated issuers | | | 1,792,284 | | | | | |
Interest | | | 1,040 | | | | | |
Securities lending income | | | 18,600 | | | | | |
Other income | | | 1,662 | | | $ | 8,590,324 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Expenses | | | | | | | | |
Advisory fee (see Note B) | | | 10,138,791 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class A | | | 2,695,941 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class C | | | 308,431 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class R | | | 33,989 | | | | | |
Distribution fee—Class K | | | 3,291 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class A | | | 867,452 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class C | | | 25,671 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Advisor Class | | | 144,130 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class R | | | 17,674 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class K | | | 2,477 | | | | | |
Transfer agency—Class I | | | 56,235 | | | | | |
Registration fees | | | 122,556 | | | | | |
Custody and accounting | | | 87,987 | | | | | |
Printing | | | 82,018 | | | | | |
Audit and tax | | | 50,596 | | | | | |
Legal | | | 49,575 | | | | | |
Trustees’ fees | | | 36,315 | | | | | |
Miscellaneous | | | 44,123 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total expenses | | | 14,767,252 | | | | | |
Less: expenses waived and reimbursed by the Adviser (see Notes B & E) | | | (386,749 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net expenses | | | | | | | 14,380,503 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | | | | | | (5,790,179 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment and Foreign Currency Transactions | | | | | | | | |
Net realized gain on investment transactions | | | | | | | 214,738,163 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of: | | | | | | | | |
Investments | | | | | | | 102,502,551 | |
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | | | | | (13 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | | | | | 317,240,701 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B) | | | | | | | 2,717 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations | | | | | | $ | 311,453,239 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
| |
6 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | | | | | |
| | | Year Ended
July 31,
2024 | | | Year Ended
July 31,
2023 | |
| Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations | | | | | | | | |
Net investment loss | | $ | (5,790,179 | ) | | $ | (6,061,845 | ) |
Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions | | | 214,738,163 | | | | 70,274,344 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities | | | 102,502,538 | | | | 91,916,338 | |
Contributions from Affiliates (see Note B) | | | 2,717 | | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from operations | | | 311,453,239 | | | | 156,128,837 | |
Distributions to Shareholders | |
Class A | | | (67,855,569 | ) | | | (13,692,244 | ) |
Class C | | | (6,737,379 | ) | | | (1,499,310 | ) |
Advisor Class | | | (9,822,738 | ) | | | (2,051,982 | ) |
Class R | | | (614,001 | ) | | | (120,258 | ) |
Class K | | | (103,256 | ) | | | (33,630 | ) |
Class I | | | (3,137,103 | ) | | | (680,667 | ) |
| Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest | | | | | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (23,437,914 | ) | | | (116,458,440 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total increase | | | 199,745,279 | | | | 21,592,306 | |
| Net Assets | |
Beginning of period | | | 1,256,505,397 | | | | 1,234,913,091 | |
| | | | | | | | |
End of period | | $ | 1,456,250,676 | | | $ | 1,256,505,397 | |
| | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements.
| | |
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| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 7 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
July 31, 2024
NOTE A
Significant Accounting Policies
The AB Portfolios (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as a diversified, open end management investment company. The Trust, which is a Massachusetts Business Trust, operates as a series company currently comprised of five series. Each series is considered to be a separate entity for financial reporting and tax purposes. This report relates only to AB Growth Fund (the “Fund”). The Fund offers Class A, Class C, Advisor Class and Class I shares. Class B, Class R, Class K and Class T shares have been authorized but currently are not offered. Effective May 20, 2024, Class R and Class K were liquidated. 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 automatically convert to Class A shares eight years after the end of the calendar month of purchase. Advisor Class and Class I shares are sold without an initial or contingent deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution expenses. All eight classes of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that the classes bear different distribution and transfer agency expenses. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its distribution plan. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
1. Security Valuation
Portfolio securities are valued at market value determined on the basis of market quotations or, if market quotations are not readily available or are unreliable, at “fair value” as determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the oversight of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Pursuant to these procedures, AllianceBernstein L.P. (the “Adviser”) serves as the Fund’s valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act. In this capacity, the Adviser is responsible, among other things, for making all fair value determinations relating to the Fund’s portfolio investments, subject to the Board’s oversight.
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8 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In general, the market values of securities which are readily available and deemed reliable are determined as follows: securities listed on a national securities exchange (other than securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”)) or on a foreign securities exchange are valued at the last sale price at the close of the exchange or foreign securities exchange. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the last traded price from the previous day. Securities listed on more than one exchange are valued by reference to the principal exchange on which the securities are traded; securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price; listed or over the counter (“OTC”) market put or call options are valued at the mid level between the current bid and ask prices. If either a current bid or current ask price is unavailable, the Adviser will have discretion to determine the best valuation (e.g., last trade price in the case of listed options); open futures are valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no quotations available for the day of valuation, the last available closing settlement price is used; U.S. Government securities and any other debt instruments having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are generally valued at market by an independent pricing vendor, if a market price is available. If a market price is not available, the securities are valued at amortized cost. This methodology is commonly used for short term securities that have an original maturity of 60 days or less, as well as short term securities that had an original term to maturity that exceeded 60 days. In instances when amortized cost is utilized, the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) must reasonably conclude that the utilization of amortized cost is approximately the same as the fair value of the security. Factors the Committee will consider include, but are not limited to, an impairment of the creditworthiness of the issuer or material changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities, including mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service or at a price obtained from one or more of the major broker-dealers. In cases where broker-dealer quotes are obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a recently obtained quoted price on a security. Swaps and other derivatives are valued daily, primarily using independent pricing services, independent pricing models using market inputs, as well as third party broker-dealers or counterparties. Open-end mutual funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share, while exchange-traded funds are valued at the closing market price per share.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities) or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by
| | |
| |
| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 9 |
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 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
| | |
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10 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
as Level 2. If management determines that an adjustment is appropriate based on restrictions on resale, illiquidity or uncertainty, and such adjustment is a significant component of the valuation, the investment will be classified as Level 3. An investment will also be classified as Level 3 where management uses company fundamentals and other significant inputs to determine the valuation.
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of July 31, 2024:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments in
Securities: | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Assets: | |
Common Stocks: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Information Technology | | $ | 486,226,674 | | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | 486,226,674 | |
Health Care | | | 250,492,485 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 250,492,485 | |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 199,703,216 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 199,703,216 | |
Communication Services | | | 187,784,726 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 187,784,726 | |
Industrials | | | 125,643,585 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 125,643,585 | |
Consumer Staples | | | 91,757,298 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 91,757,298 | |
Financials | | | 57,514,367 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 57,514,367 | |
Materials | | | 18,153,900 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 18,153,900 | |
Energy | | | 12,362,860 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 12,362,860 | |
Rights | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 52,367 | | | | 52,367 | |
Short-Term Investments | | | 29,656,172 | | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | 29,656,172 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments in Securities | | | 1,459,295,283 | | | | – 0 | – | | | 52,367 | | | | 1,459,347,650 | |
Other Financial Instruments(a) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 1,459,295,283 | | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | 52,367 | | | $ | 1,459,347,650 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (a) | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments, such as futures, forwards and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument. Other financial instruments may also include swaps with upfront premiums, written options and written swaptions which are valued at market value. |
3. Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under forward currency exchange contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the quoted bid and ask prices of such currencies against the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of portfolio securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing when such securities were acquired or sold. Income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange prevailing when accrued.
Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions represents foreign exchange gains and losses from sales and maturities of foreign fixed income investments, holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or
| | |
| |
| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 11 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
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.
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. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date at the fair value of the securities received. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts as adjustments to interest income. The Fund accounts for distributions received from real estate investment trust (“REIT”) investments or from regulated investment companies as dividend income, realized gain, or return of capital based on information provided by the REIT or the investment company.
6. Class Allocations
All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund are borne on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding class of shares, based on the proportionate interest in the Fund represented by the net assets of such class, except for class specific expenses which are allocated to the respective
| | |
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12 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
class. Expenses of the Trust are charged proportionately to each series or based on other appropriate methods. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated among the various share classes based on respective net assets.
7. Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to shareholders, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To the extent these 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.
8. Cash and Short-Term Investments
Cash and short-term investments include cash on hand and short-term investments with maturities of less than one year when purchased.
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. As of June 1, 2022, the Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive the advisory fee by an amount equal to .025% of the Fund’s daily average net assets. For the year ended July 31, 2024, such reimbursements/waivers amounted to $337,964.
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 $472,344 for the year ended July 31, 2024.
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 $28,973 from the sale of Class A shares and received $1,612 and $856 in contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions by shareholders of Class A and Class C shares, respectively, for the year ended July 31, 2024.
The Fund may invest in AB Government Money Market Portfolio (the “Government Money Market Portfolio”) which has a contractual annual
| | |
| |
| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 13 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
advisory fee rate of .20% of the portfolio’s average daily net assets and bears its own expenses. The Adviser had contractually agreed to waive .10% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .10%) until August 31, 2023. Effective September 1, 2023, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive .05% of the advisory fee of Government Money Market Portfolio (resulting in a net advisory fee of .15%) until August 31, 2024. 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 July 31, 2024, such waiver amounted to $48,537.
A summary of the Fund’s transactions in AB mutual funds for the year ended July 31, 2024 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | Market Value
7/31/23
(000) | | | Purchases
at Cost
(000) | | | Sales
Proceeds
(000) | | | Market Value
7/31/24
(000) | | | Dividend
Income
(000) | |
Government Money Market Portfolio | | $ | 50,277 | | | $ | 206,832 | | | $ | 227,453 | | | $ | 29,656 | | | $ | 1,792 | |
Government Money Market Portfolio* | | | – 0 | – | | | 19,785 | | | | 19,785 | | | | – 0 | – | | | 8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 29,656 | | | $ | 1,800 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| * | Investments of cash collateral for securities lending transactions (see Note E). |
During the year ended July 31, 2024, the Adviser reimbursed the Fund $2,717 for trading losses incurred due to a pricing error.
NOTE C
Distribution Services Agreement
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Agreement, the Fund pays distribution and servicing fees to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to .30% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, 1% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares, .50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares and .25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class K shares. There are no distribution and servicing fees on the Advisor Class and Class I shares. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. Payments under the Agreement in respect of Class A shares are currently limited to an annual rate of .25% of Class A shares’ average daily net assets. The Fund is not obligated under the
| | |
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14 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Agreement to pay any distribution services fee in excess of the amounts set forth above. The purpose of the payments to the Distributor under the Agreement is to compensate the Distributor for its distribution services with respect to the sale of the Fund’s shares. Since the Distributor’s compensation is not directly tied to its expenses, the amount of compensation received by it under the Agreement during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses. For this reason, the Agreement is characterized by the staff of the Securities Exchange Commission as being a “compensation” plan.
In the event that the Agreement is terminated or not continued, no distribution services fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the Fund to the Distributor with respect to the relevant class. The Agreement also provides that the Adviser may use its own resources to finance the distribution of the Fund’s shares.
NOTE D
Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the year ended July 31, 2024 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Investment securities (excluding U.S. government securities) | | $ | 485,832,898 | | | $ | 580,601,449 | |
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 | | $ | 793,076,420 | |
| | | | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | | $ | 681,303,565 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | | | (15,032,335 | ) |
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $ | 666,271,230 | |
| | | | |
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 July 31, 2024.
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
| | |
| |
| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 15 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
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. If the Fund cannot sell or repledge any non-cash collateral, such collateral will not be reflected in the portfolio of investments. If a loan is collateralized by cash, the Fund will be compensated for the loan from a portion of the net return from the income earned on cash collateral after a rebate is paid to the borrower (in some cases, this rebate may be a “negative rebate” or fee paid by the borrower to the Fund in connection with the loan), and payments are made for fees of the securities lending agent and for certain other administrative expenses. If the Fund receives non-cash collateral, the Fund will receive a fee from the borrower generally equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. The Fund will have the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice to the borrower within the normal and customary settlement time for the securities. While the securities are on loan, the borrower is obligated to pay the Fund amounts equal to any dividend income or other distributions from the securities; however, these distributions will not be afforded the same preferential tax treatment as qualified dividends. The 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
| | |
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16 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
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 July 31, 2024 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 | |
| $ | 20,940,345 | | | $ | – 0 | – | | $ | 20,426,442 | | | $ | 10,272 | | | $ | 8,328 | | | $ | 248 | |
NOTE F
Shares of Beneficial Interest
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Shares | | | | | | Amount | | | | |
| | | Year Ended
July 31,
2024 | | | Year Ended July 31, 2023 | | | | | | Year Ended
July 31, 2024 | | | Year Ended
July 31, 2023 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Class A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 264,334 | | | | 220,241 | | | | | | | $ | 28,212,676 | | | $ | 19,281,691 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 636,441 | | | | 152,267 | | | | | | | | 60,843,806 | | | | 12,327,532 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares converted from Class C | | | 37,615 | | | | 24,409 | | | | | | | | 4,007,232 | | | | 2,080,037 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (1,008,279 | ) | | | (1,304,872 | ) | | | | | | | (108,198,724 | ) | | | (108,283,427 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (69,889 | ) | | | (907,955 | ) | | | | | | $ | (15,135,010 | ) | | $ | (74,594,167 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |
| |
| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 17 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Shares | | | | | | Amount | | | | |
| | | Year Ended
July 31,
2024 | | | Year Ended July 31, 2023 | | | | | | Year Ended
July 31, 2024 | | | Year Ended
July 31, 2023 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Class C | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 133,750 | | | | 135,095 | | | | | | | $ | 3,734,215 | | | $ | 3,553,038 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 267,261 | | | | 57,942 | | | | | | | | 6,350,116 | | | | 1,414,365 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares converted to Class A | | | (140,921 | ) | | | (79,534 | ) | | | | | | | (4,007,232 | ) | | | (2,080,037 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (298,402 | ) | | | (301,462 | ) | | | | | | | (8,356,955 | ) | | | (7,746,595 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (38,312 | ) | | | (187,959 | ) | | | | | | $ | (2,279,856 | ) | | $ | (4,859,229 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Advisor Class | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 365,188 | | | | 272,745 | | | | | | | $ | 43,709,100 | | | $ | 26,451,945 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 70,076 | | | | 17,931 | | | | | | | | 7,746,917 | | | | 1,659,371 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (315,234 | ) | | | (630,230 | ) | | | | | | | (38,027,119 | ) | | | (60,403,615 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | 120,030 | | | | (339,554 | ) | | | | | | $ | 13,428,898 | | | $ | (32,292,299 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Class R | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 11,431 | | | | 13,953 | | | | | | | $ | 1,070,401 | | | $ | 1,119,953 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 6,870 | | | | 1,575 | | | | | | | | 613,989 | | | | 120,256 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (103,960 | ) | | | (22,210 | ) | | | | | | | (10,961,048 | ) | | | (1,760,791 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (85,659 | ) | | | (6,682 | ) | | | | | | $ | (9,276,658 | ) | | $ | (520,582 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Class K | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 1,574 | | | | 3,251 | | | | | | | $ | 166,035 | | | $ | 292,056 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 1,049 | | | | 402 | | | | | | | | 103,249 | | | | 33,629 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (18,923 | ) | | | (13,476 | ) | | | | | | | (2,194,090 | ) | | | (1,130,881 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (16,300 | ) | | | (9,823 | ) | | | | | | $ | (1,924,806 | ) | | $ | (805,196 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Class I | | | | | |
Shares sold | | | 74,779 | | | | 92,875 | | | | | | | $ | 9,202,607 | | | $ | 9,077,493 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | | | 28,330 | | | | 7,326 | | | | | | | | 3,118,228 | | | | 677,064 | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Shares redeemed | | | (166,616 | ) | | | (132,758 | ) | | | | | | | (20,571,317 | ) | | | (13,141,524 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net decrease | | | (63,507 | ) | | | (32,557 | ) | | | | | | $ | (8,250,482 | ) | | $ | (3,386,967 | ) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |
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18 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE G
Risks Involved in Investing in the Fund
Market Risk—The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the market or markets in which the Fund invests fluctuate. The value of the Fund’s investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, including public health crises (including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness) and regional and global conflicts, that affect large portions of the market. It includes the risk that a particular style of investing may be underperforming the market generally.
Focused Portfolio Risk—Investments in a limited number of companies may have more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the Fund’s net asset value, or NAV.
Sector Risk—The Fund may have more risk because it may invest to a significant extent in one or more particular market sectors, such as the information technology sector. To the extent it does so, market or economic factors affecting the relevant sector(s) could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments.
Capitalization Risk—Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.
LIBOR Replacement Risk—The Fund may be exposed to debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that recently transitioned from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as a benchmark or reference rate for various interest rate calculations. The use of LIBOR was phased out in June 2023 and transitioned to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities in the repurchase agreement (repo) market. There can be no assurance that instruments linked to SOFR will have the same volume or liquidity as did the market for LIBOR-linked financial instruments prior to LIBOR’s discontinuance or unavailability.
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.
| | |
| |
| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 19 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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. Some of these techniques may incorporate, or rely upon, quantitative models, but there is no guarantee that these models will generate accurate forecasts, reduce risk or otherwise perform as expected.
NOTE H
Joint Credit Facility
A number of open-end mutual funds managed by the Adviser, including the Fund, participate in a $325 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) intended to provide short-term financing related to redemptions and other short term liquidity requirements, subject to certain restrictions. Commitment fees related to the Facility are paid by the participating funds and are included in miscellaneous expenses in the statement of operations. The Fund did not utilize the Facility during the year ended July 31, 2024.
NOTE I
Distributions to Shareholders
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2024 and July 31, 2023 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | | 2024 | | | 2023 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Net long-term capital gains | | $ | 88,270,046 | | | $ | 18,078,091 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total taxable distributions paid | | $ | 88,270,046 | | | $ | 18,078,091 | |
| | | | | | | | |
As of July 31, 2024, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributed capital gains | | $ | 183,328,167 | |
Other losses | | | (4,619,419 | )(a) |
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | 666,271,054 | (b) |
| | | | |
Total accumulated earnings (deficit) | | $ | 844,979,802 | |
| | | | |
| (a) | As of July 31, 2024, the Fund had a qualified late-year ordinary loss deferral of $4,619,419. |
| (b) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. |
For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of July 31, 2024, the Fund did not have any capital loss carryforwards.
| | |
| |
20 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
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, the disallowance of a net operating loss, and contributions from the Adviser resulted in a net increase in distributable earnings and a net decrease in additional paid-in capital. These reclassifications had no effect on net assets.
NOTE J
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848”. ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.
NOTE K
Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events for possible recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the date the financial statements are issued. Management has determined that there are no material events that would require disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements through this date.
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| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 21 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Class A | |
| | | Year Ended July 31, | |
| | | 2024 | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 100.15 | | | | $ 88.45 | | | | $ 119.12 | | | | $ 93.49 | | | | $ 81.99 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment loss(a)(b) | | | (.48 | ) | | | (.47 | ) | | | (.76 | ) | | | (.71 | ) | | | (.56 | ) |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | 24.66 | | | | 13.49 | | | | (18.82 | ) | | | 32.29 | | | | 18.31 | |
| | | | | |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | .00 | (c) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | 24.18 | | | | 13.02 | | | | (19.58 | ) | | | 31.58 | | | | 17.75 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (6.93 | ) | | | (1.32 | ) | | | (11.09 | ) | | | (5.95 | ) | | | (6.25 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 117.40 | | | | $ 100.15 | | | | $ 88.45 | | | | $ 119.12 | | | | $ 93.49 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 25.72 | % | | | 15.08 | % | | | (18.40 | )% | | | 35.00 | % | | | 23.15 | % |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period
(000’s omitted) | | | $1,168,750 | | | | $1,003,981 | | | | $967,086 | | | | $1,265,804 | | | | $1,000,469 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)‡ | | | 1.09 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.11 | % | | | 1.13 | % | | | 1.16 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)‡ | | | 1.12 | % | | | 1.14 | % | | | 1.12 | % | | | 1.13 | % | | | 1.17 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment loss(b) | | | (.45 | )% | | | (.54 | )% | | | (.74 | )% | | | (.69 | )% | | | (.70 | )% |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 37 | % | | | 33 | % | | | 34 | % | | | 28 | % | | | 38 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying | |
portfolios | | | .00 | % | | | .00 | % | | | .00 | % | | | .00 | % | | | .01 | % |
See footnote summary on page 26.
| | |
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22 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Class C | |
| | | Year Ended July 31, | |
| | | 2024 | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 30.05 | | | | $ 27.74 | | | | $ 45.01 | | | | $ 38.86 | | | | $ 37.89 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment loss(a)(b) | | | (.34 | ) | | | (.34 | ) | | | (.52 | ) | | | (.58 | ) | | | (.51 | ) |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | 6.25 | | | | 3.97 | | | | (5.66 | ) | | | 12.68 | | | | 7.73 | |
| | | | | |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | .00 | (c) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | 5.91 | | | | 3.63 | | | | (6.18 | ) | | | 12.10 | | | | 7.22 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (6.93 | ) | | | (1.32 | ) | | | (11.09 | ) | | | (5.95 | ) | | | (6.25 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 29.03 | | | | $ 30.05 | | | | $ 27.74 | | | | $ 45.01 | | | | $ 38.86 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 24.77 | % | | | 14.20 | % | | | (19.01 | )% | | | 34.00 | % | | | 22.21 | % |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $29,825 | | | | $32,022 | | | | $34,773 | | | | $54,488 | | | | $52,025 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)‡ | | | 1.84 | % | | | 1.87 | % | | | 1.86 | % | | | 1.88 | % | | | 1.91 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)‡ | | | 1.87 | % | | | 1.90 | % | | | 1.87 | % | | | 1.88 | % | | | 1.92 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment loss(b) | | | (1.20 | )% | | | (1.30 | )% | | | (1.49 | )% | | | (1.43 | )% | | | (1.45 | )% |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 37 | % | | | 33 | % | | | 34 | % | | | 28 | % | | | 38 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying | |
portfolios | | | .00 | % | | | .00 | % | | | .00 | % | | | .00 | % | | | .01 | % |
See footnote summary on page 26.
| | |
| |
| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 23 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Advisor Class | |
| | | Year Ended July 31, | |
| | | 2024 | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 114.66 | | | | $ 100.81 | | | | $ 133.95 | | | | $ 104.23 | | | | $ 90.49 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment loss(a)(b) | | | (.25 | ) | | | (.29 | ) | | | (.57 | ) | | | (.50 | ) | | | (.40 | ) |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | 28.51 | | | | 15.46 | | | | (21.48 | ) | | | 36.17 | | | | 20.39 | |
| | | | | |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | .00 | (c) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | 28.26 | | | | 15.17 | | | | (22.05 | ) | | | 35.67 | | | | 19.99 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (6.93 | ) | | | (1.32 | ) | | | (11.09 | ) | | | (5.95 | ) | | | (6.25 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 135.99 | | | | $ 114.66 | | | | $ 100.81 | | | | $ 133.95 | | | | $ 104.23 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 26.02 | % | | | 15.37 | % | | | (18.20 | )% | | | 35.34 | % | | | 23.46 | % |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $201,412 | | | | $156,055 | | | | $171,447 | | | | $253,434 | | | | $213,499 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)‡ | | | .84 | % | | | .87 | % | | | .86 | % | | | .88 | % | | | .91 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)‡ | | | .87 | % | | | .89 | % | | | .87 | % | | | .88 | % | | | .92 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment loss(b) | | | (.21 | )% | | | (.29 | )% | | | (.49 | )% | | | (.43 | )% | | | (.44 | )% |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 37 | % | | | 33 | % | | | 34 | % | | | 28 | % | | | 38 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying | |
portfolios | | | .00 | % | | | .00 | % | | | .00 | % | | | .00 | % | | | .01 | % |
See footnote summary on page 26.
| | |
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24 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Selected Data For A Share Of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Class I | |
| | | Year Ended July 31, | |
| | | 2024 | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | | $ 114.16 | | | | $ 100.65 | | | | $ 133.67 | | | | $ 103.94 | | | | $ 90.17 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net investment loss(a)(b) | | | (.27 | ) | | | (.59 | ) | | | (.49 | ) | | | (.42 | ) | | | (.32 | ) |
| | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | | | 28.41 | | | | 15.42 | | | | (21.44 | ) | | | 36.10 | | | | 20.34 | |
| | | | | |
Contributions from Affiliates | | | .00 | (c) | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – | | | – 0 | – |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value from operations | | | 28.14 | | | | 14.83 | | | | (21.93 | ) | | | 35.68 | | | | 20.02 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less: Distributions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Distributions from net realized gain on investment transactions | | | (6.93 | ) | | | (1.32 | ) | | | (11.09 | ) | | | (5.95 | ) | | | (6.25 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | | | $ 135.37 | | | | $ 114.16 | | | | $ 100.65 | | | | $ 133.67 | | | | $ 103.94 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total investment return based on net asset value(d)* | | | 26.05 | % | | | 15.04 | % | | | (18.14 | )% | | | 35.45 | % | | | 23.58 | % |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) | | | $56,264 | | | | $54,698 | | | | $51,502 | | | | $69,879 | | | | $61,918 | |
| | | | | |
Ratio to average net assets of: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Expenses, net of waivers/reimbursements(e)‡ | | | .86 | % | | | 1.17 | % | | | .79 | % | | | .81 | % | | | .81 | % |
| | | | | |
Expenses, before waivers/reimbursements(e)‡ | | | .89 | % | | | 1.20 | % | | | .80 | % | | | .81 | % | | | .82 | % |
| | | | | |
Net investment loss(b) | | | (.22 | )% | | | (.60 | )% | | | (.42 | )% | | | (.36 | )% | | | (.36 | )% |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 37 | % | | | 33 | % | | | 34 | % | | | 28 | % | | | 38 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
‡ Expense ratios exclude the estimated acquired fund fees of the affiliated/unaffiliated underlying | |
portfolios | | | .00 | % | | | .00 | % | | | .00 | % | | | .00 | % | | | .01 | % |
See footnote summary on page 26.
| | |
| |
| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 25 |
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 July 31, 2020, such waiver amounted to .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 July 31, 2024 and July 31, 2020 by .06% and .07%, respectively. |
See notes to financial statements.
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26 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of
AB Growth Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of AB Growth Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the series constituting The AB Portfolios (the “Trust”)), including the portfolio of investments, as of July 31, 2024, 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 series constituting The AB Portfolios) at July 31, 2024, 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
| | |
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| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 27 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (continued)
disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of July 31, 2024, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and others; when replies were not received from brokers or others, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the auditor of one or more of the AB investment companies since 1968.
New York, New York
September 26, 2024
| | |
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28 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
2024 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 July 31, 2024. The Fund designates $88,270,046 of dividends paid as long-term capital gain dividends.
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 2025.
| | |
| |
| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 29 |
Information Regarding the Review and Approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement
The disinterested trustees (the “directors”) of The AB Portfolios (the “Company”) unanimously approved the continuance of the Company’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser in respect of AB Growth Fund (the “Fund”) at a meeting held by video conference on May 7-9, 2024 (the “Meeting”).
Prior to approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement, the directors had requested from the Adviser, and received and evaluated, extensive materials. They reviewed the proposed continuance of the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and with experienced counsel who are independent of the Adviser, who advised on the relevant legal standards. The directors also reviewed additional materials, including comparative analytical data prepared by the Senior Vice President of the Fund. The directors also discussed the proposed continuance in private sessions with counsel.
The directors considered their knowledge of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund gained from their experience as directors or trustees of most of the registered investment companies advised by the Adviser, their overall confidence in the Adviser’s integrity and competence they have gained from that experience, the Adviser’s initiative in identifying and raising potential issues with the directors and its responsiveness, frankness and attention to concerns raised by the directors in the past, including the Adviser’s willingness to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to improve investment results and the services provided to the AB Funds. The directors noted that they have four regular meetings each year, at each of which they review extensive materials and information from the Adviser, including information on the investment performance of the Fund and the money market fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests a portion of its assets.
The directors also considered all factors they believed relevant, including the specific matters discussed below. During the course of their deliberations, the directors evaluated, among other things, the reasonableness of the advisory fee. The directors did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and different directors may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The directors determined that the selection of the Adviser to manage the Fund and the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser, as provided in the Advisory Agreement, including the advisory fee, were fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, expenses incurred and such other matters as the directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment.
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| |
30 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the directors’ determinations included the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided
The directors considered the scope and quality of services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, including the quality of the investment research capabilities of the Adviser and the other resources it has dedicated to performing services for the Fund. The directors noted that the Adviser from time to time reviews the Fund’s investment strategies and from time to time proposes changes intended to improve the Fund’s relative or absolute performance for the directors’ consideration. They also noted the professional experience and qualifications of the Fund’s portfolio management team and other senior personnel of the Adviser. The 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 2022 and 2023 that had been prepared with an expense allocation methodology arrived at in consultation with an independent consultant at the request of the directors. The directors noted the assumptions and methods of allocation used by the Adviser in preparing fund-specific profitability data and understood that there are a number of potentially acceptable allocation methodologies for information of this type. The directors noted that the profitability information reflected all revenues and expenses of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund, including those relating to its subsidiaries that provide transfer agency, distribution and brokerage services to the Fund. The directors recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of the profitability of the Advisory Agreement with the profitability of fund advisory contracts for unaffiliated funds because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors. The directors focused on the profitability of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund before taxes and distribution expenses. The directors concluded that the Adviser’s level of profitability from its relationship with the Fund was not unreasonable.
Fall-Out Benefits
The directors considered the other benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationships with the Fund and the money market fund advised by the Adviser in which the Fund invests, including, but not limited to, benefits relating to soft dollar arrangements (whereby investment advisers receive brokerage and research services from brokers that execute agency transactions for their clients); 12b-1 fees and sales charges received by the
| | |
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| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 31 |
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 Advisor Class 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 Advisor Class shares against a broad-based securities market index, in each case for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods ended February 29, 2024 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 (reflecting the Adviser’s waiver of a portion of the advisory fee effective June 2022) with a peer group median and noted that it was lower than the median.
The directors also considered the Adviser’s fee schedule for other clients utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund. For this purpose, they reviewed the relevant advisory fee information from the Adviser’s Form ADV and in a report from the Fund’s Senior Vice President and noted the differences between the Fund’s fee schedule, on the one hand, and the Adviser’s institutional fee schedule and the schedule of fees charged by the Adviser to any offshore funds and for services to any sub-advised funds utilizing investment strategies similar to those of the Fund, on the other. The directors noted that the Adviser may, in some cases, agree to fee rates with large institutional clients that are lower than
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32 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
those reviewed by the directors and that they had previously discussed with the Adviser its policies in respect of such arrangements.
The Adviser reviewed with the directors the significantly greater scope of the services it provides to the Fund relative to institutional clients, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients. In this regard, the Adviser noted, among other things, that, compared to institutional and offshore or sub-advisory accounts, the Fund (i) demands considerably more portfolio management, research and trading resources due to significantly higher daily cash flows; (ii) has more tax and regulatory restrictions and compliance obligations; (iii) must prepare and file or distribute regulatory and other communications about fund operations; and (iv) must provide shareholder servicing to retail investors. The Adviser also reviewed the greater legal risks presented by the large and changing population of Fund shareholders who may assert claims against the Adviser in individual or class actions, and the greater entrepreneurial risk in offering new fund products, which require substantial investment to launch, may not succeed, and generally must be priced to compete with larger, more established funds resulting in lack of profitability to the Adviser until a new fund achieves scale. In light of the substantial differences in services rendered by the Adviser to institutional, offshore fund and sub-advised fund clients as compared to the Fund, and the different risk profile, the directors considered these fee comparisons inapt and did not place significant weight on them in their deliberations.
In connection with their review of the Fund’s advisory fee, the directors also considered the total expense ratio of the Advisor Class shares of the Fund in comparison to the medians for a peer group and a peer universe selected by the 15(c) service provider. The Advisor Class expense ratio of the Fund was based on the Fund’s latest fiscal year. The directors noted that it was likely that the expense ratios of some of the other funds in the Fund’s category were lowered by waivers or reimbursements by those funds’ investment advisers, which in some cases might be voluntary or temporary. The directors view expense ratio information as relevant to their evaluation of the Adviser’s services because the Adviser is responsible for coordinating services provided to the Fund by others. The directors noted that the Fund’s expense ratio was above the medians. After reviewing and discussing the Adviser’s explanations of the reasons for this, the directors concluded that the Fund’s expense ratio was acceptable.
Economies of Scale
The directors noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund contains breakpoints that reduce the fee rates on assets above specified levels. The directors took into consideration prior presentations by an independent consultant on economies of scale in the mutual fund industry and for the AB Funds, and presentations from time to time by the Adviser concerning certain of its views on economies of scale. The directors also had
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| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 33 |
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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34 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
NOTES
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| abfunds.com | | AB GROWTH FUND | 35 |
NOTES
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36 | AB GROWTH FUND | | abfunds.com |
AB GROWTH FUND
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105
800 221 5672
GRO-0151-0724 
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS FOR OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
There were no disagreements with accountants during the reporting period.
ITEM 9. PROXY DISCLOSURES FOR OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
At a Special Meeting held on July 18, 2024, shareholders of the AB Portfolios – AB Growth Fund (the “Company”) elected Trustees in connection with the establishment of a single, unitary board (“Unitary Board”) responsible for overseeing mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and certain closed-end investment companies sponsored and advised by the Adviser. In connection with the establishment of the Unitary Board, Ms. Jacklyn and Messrs. Downey and Turner will retire as Trustees effective December 31, 2024, and Mr. Erzan will resign as a Trustee effective December 31, 2024, but will continue to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the AB Funds. Shareholders of the Company elected four individuals to serve as Directors effective January 1, 2025 (the “Trustees-Elect”), who will serve on the Unitary Board with current Trustees Mses. Loeb and McMullen and Messrs. Bermudez and Moody. The number of votes cast for, against and withheld, as well as the number of abstentions and broker non-votes with respect to the election of each nominee for office is included below.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Director: | | Voted For | | | Withheld
Authority | | | Abstained | | | Broker Non-Votes | |
Jorge A. Bermudez | | | 67,297,101.398 | | | | 2,545,582.944 | | | | 0 | | | | N/A | |
Alexander Chaloff | | | 67,430,634.054 | | | | 2,412,050.288 | | | | 0 | | | | N/A | |
R. Jay Gerken | | | 67,330,406.034 | | | | 2,512,278.308 | | | | 0 | | | | N/A | |
Jeffrey R. Holland | | | 67,505,929.816 | | | | 2,336,754.526 | | | | 0 | | | | N/A | |
Jeanette W. Loeb | | | 67,278,419.188 | | | | 2,564,265.154 | | | | 0 | | | | N/A | |
Carol C. McMullen | | | 67,651,915.907 | | | | 2,190,768.435 | | | | 0 | | | | N/A | |
Garry L. Moody | | | 67,205,167.773 | | | | 2,637,516.569 | | | | 0 | | | | N/A | |
Emilie D. Wrapp | | | 67,348,024.378 | | | | 2,494,659.964 | | | | 0 | | | | N/A | |
ITEM 10. REMUNERATION PAID TO DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AND OTHERS OF OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Aggregate remuneration paid to all Directors and advisory board members are included within the Financial Statements under Item 7 of this Form N-CSR.
ITEM 11. STATEMENT REGARDING BASIS FOR APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT.
Statement regarding basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract included within the Financial Statements under Item 7 of this Form N-CSR.
ITEM 12. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 13. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 14. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY OF AND AFFILIDATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 15. 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 16. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-2(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) are effective at the reasonable assurance level based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this document.
(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 17. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable to the registrant.
ITEM 18. RECOVERY OF ERRONEOUSLY AWARDED COMPENSATION.
Not applicable to the registrant
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS.
The following exhibits are attached to this Form N-CSR:
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): The AB Portfolios |
| |
| By: | | /s/ Onur Erzan |
| | Onur Erzan |
| | President |
| |
| Date: | | September 27, 2024 |
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/ Onur Erzan |
| | Onur Erzan |
| | President |
| |
| Date: | | September 27, 2024 |
| |
| By: | | /s/ Stephen M. Woetzel |
| | Stephen M. Woetzel |
| | Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer |
| |
| Date: | | September 27, 2024 |
