Document
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC  20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                         to
Commission File No.  001-09818
ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
13-3434400
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY  10105
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(212) 969-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
x
 
 
No
o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes
x
 
 
No
o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company o
 
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o





Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
o
 
 
No
x
 
The number of units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests outstanding as of March 31, 2018 was 97,643,743.*
*includes 100,000 units of general partnership interest having economic interests equivalent to the economic interests of the units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests.
 


ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.

Index to Form 10-Q
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
Part I
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
Part II
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 


Index

Part I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.
Financial Statements

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.
Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
(in thousands, except unit amounts)
(unaudited)

 
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
Investment in AB
$
1,560,834

 
$
1,544,704

Total assets
$
1,560,834

 
$
1,544,704

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Other liabilities
$
126

 
$
1,154

Total liabilities
126

 
1,154

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 8)


 


 
 
 
 
Partners’ capital:
 
 
 
General Partner: 100,000 general partnership units issued and outstanding
1,400

 
1,411

Limited partners: 97,543,743 and 96,361,989 limited partnership units issued and outstanding
1,609,974

 
1,590,776

AB Holding Units held by AB to fund long-term incentive compensation plans
(20,551
)
 
(15,174
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(30,115
)
 
(33,463
)
Total partners’ capital
1,560,708

 
1,543,550

Total liabilities and partners’ capital
$
1,560,834

 
$
1,544,704


See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.


1
Index

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.
Condensed Statements of Income
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
(unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in net income attributable to AB Unitholders
 
$
65,698

 
$
49,666

 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes
 
7,538

 
5,756

 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
58,160

 
$
43,910

 
 
 
 
 
Net income per unit:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.60

 
$
0.46

Diluted
 
$
0.60

 
$
0.46


See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.


2
Index

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
58,160

 
$
43,910

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax
 
3,448

 
3,199

Income tax (expense)
 
(20
)
 
(45
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
 
3,428

 
3,154

Unrealized (losses) on investments:
 
 
 
 
Unrealized (losses) arising during period
 
—

 
(5
)
Less: reclassification adjustments for (losses) included in net income
 
—

 
—

Changes in unrealized (losses) on investments
 
—

 
(5
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Unrealized (losses) on investments, net of tax
 
(1
)
 
(6
)
Changes in employee benefit related items:
 
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service cost
 
—

 
2

Recognized actuarial (loss) gain
 
(38
)
 
112

Changes in employee benefit related items
 
(38
)
 
114

Income tax (expense)
 
(41
)
 
(27
)
Employee benefit related items, net of tax
 
(79
)
 
87

Other comprehensive income
 
3,348

 
3,235

Comprehensive income
 
$
61,508

 
$
47,145


See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.

3
Index

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
58,160

 
$
43,910

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Equity in net income attributable to AB Unitholders
(65,698
)
 
(49,666
)
Cash distributions received from AB
88,671

 
70,381

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Decrease in other liabilities
(1,028
)
 
(306
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
80,105

 
64,319

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Investments in AB with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units
(4,008
)
 
(4,468
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(4,008
)
 
(4,468
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Cash distributions to Unitholders
(81,801
)
 
(64,837
)
Capital contributions from AB
1,696

 
518

Proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units
4,008

 
4,468

Net cash used in financing activities
(76,097
)
 
(59,851
)
 
 
 
 
Change in cash and cash equivalents
—

 
—

Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period
—

 
—

Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period
$
—

 
$
—


See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.


4
Index

ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)

The words “we” and “our” refer collectively to AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“AB Holding”) and AllianceBernstein L.P.  and its subsidiaries (“AB”), or to their officers and employees. Similarly, the word “company” refers to both AB Holding and AB. Where the context requires distinguishing between AB Holding and AB, we identify which of them is being discussed.

1.
Business Description, Organization and Basis of Presentation

Business Description

AB Holding’s principal source of income and cash flow is attributable to its investment in AB limited partnership interests. The condensed financial statements and notes of AB Holding should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes of AB included as an exhibit to this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and with AB Holding’s and AB’s audited financial statements included in AB Holding’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

AB provides research, diversified investment management and related services globally to a broad range of clients. Its principal services include:

•
Institutional Services – servicing its institutional clients, including private and public pension plans, foundations and endowments, insurance companies, central banks and governments worldwide, and affiliates such as AXA S.A. (“AXA”) and its subsidiaries, by means of separately-managed accounts, sub-advisory relationships, structured products, collective investment trusts, mutual funds, hedge funds and other investment vehicles.

•
Retail Services – servicing its retail clients, primarily by means of retail mutual funds sponsored by AB or an affiliated company, sub-advisory relationships with mutual funds sponsored by third parties, separately-managed account programs sponsored by financial intermediaries worldwide and other investment vehicles.

•
Private Wealth Management Services – servicing its private clients, including high-net-worth individuals and families, trusts and estates, charitable foundations, partnerships, private and family corporations, and other entities, by means of separately-managed accounts, hedge funds, mutual funds and other investment vehicles.

•
Bernstein Research Services – servicing institutional investors, such as pension fund, hedge fund and mutual fund managers, seeking high-quality fundamental research, quantitative services and brokerage-related services in equities and listed options.

AB also provides distribution, shareholder servicing, transfer agency services and administrative services to the mutual funds it sponsors.

AB’s high-quality, in-depth research is the foundation of its business. AB’s research disciplines include economic, fundamental equity, fixed income and quantitative research. In addition, AB has experts focused on multi-asset strategies, wealth management and alternative investments.

AB provides a broad range of investment services with expertise in:

•
Actively-managed equity strategies, with global and regional portfolios across capitalization ranges, concentration ranges and investment strategies, including value, growth and core equities;

•
Actively-managed traditional and unconstrained fixed income strategies, including taxable and tax-exempt strategies;

•
Passive management, including index and enhanced index strategies;

•
Alternative investments, including hedge funds, fund of funds and private equity (e.g., direct real estate investing and direct lending); and

•
Multi-asset solutions and services, including dynamic asset allocation, customized target-date funds and target-risk funds.


5
Index

AB’s services span various investment disciplines, including market capitalization (e.g., large-, mid- and small-cap equities), term (e.g., long-, intermediate- and short-duration debt securities), and geographic location (e.g., U.S., international, global, emerging markets, regional and local), in major markets around the world.

Organization

As of March 31, 2018, AXA, a société anonyme organized under the laws of France and the holding company for the AXA Group, a worldwide leader in financial protection, through certain of its subsidiaries (“AXA and its subsidiaries”) owns approximately 3.9% of the issued and outstanding units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests in AB Holding (“AB Holding Units”). AllianceBernstein Corporation (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA, “General Partner”) is the general partner of both AB Holding and AB. AllianceBernstein Corporation owns 100,000 general partnership units in AB Holding and a 1% general partnership interest in AB.

As of March 31, 2018, the ownership structure of AB, expressed as a percentage of general and limited partnership interests, is as follows:

AXA and its subsidiaries
63.0
%
AB Holding
35.8

Unaffiliated holders
1.2

 
100.0
%

Including both the general partnership and limited partnership interests in AB Holding and AB, AXA and its subsidiaries have an approximate 64.4% economic interest in AB as of March 31, 2018.

Basis of Presentation

The interim condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the interim results, have been made. The preparation of the condensed financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the condensed financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the interim reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The condensed statement of financial condition as of December 31, 2017 was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

AB Holding records its investment in AB using the equity method of accounting. AB Holding’s investment is increased to reflect its proportionate share of income of AB and decreased to reflect its proportionate share of losses of AB and cash distributions made by AB to its Unitholders. In addition, AB Holding's investment is adjusted to reflect its proportionate share of certain capital transactions of AB.

AB's ASC 606 Implementation

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which outlines a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and supersedes most of the existing revenue recognition requirements. This standard had no impact on AB Holding’s statement of income. AB adopted this new standard on January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis for contracts that were not completed as of the date of adoption.

On January 1, 2018, AB recorded a cumulative effect adjustment, net of tax, of a $35.0 million increase to partners’ capital in its condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. Accordingly, AB Holding , as a result of its 35.5% ownership interest in AB as of January 1, 2018, recorded a cumulative effect adjustment, net of tax, of $12.5 million to partners’ capital in its condensed statement of financial condition.





6
Index

2.
Cash Distributions

AB Holding is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AB Holding (“AB Holding Partnership Agreement”), to its Unitholders pro rata in accordance with their percentage interests in AB Holding. Available Cash Flow is defined as the cash distributions AB Holding receives from AB minus such amounts as the General Partner determines, in its sole discretion, should be retained by AB Holding for use in its business (such as the payment of taxes) or plus such amounts as the General Partner determines, in its sole discretion, should be released from previously retained cash flow.

On April 26, 2018, the General Partner declared a distribution of $0.73 per unit, representing a distribution of Available Cash Flow for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Each general partnership unit in AB Holding is entitled to receive distributions equal to those received by each AB Holding Unit. The distribution is payable on May 17, 2018 to holders of record at the close of business on May 7, 2018.
The $0.13 difference between diluted net income per AB Holding Unit of $0.60 and the distribution of $0.73 in the first quarter of 2018 primarily resulted from AB's adoption of revenue recognition standard ASC 606, as a consequence of which AB recognized $35 million of income, as previously discussed in Note 1, Business Description, Organization and Basis of Presentation, AB's ASC 606 Implementation.
3.
Long-term Incentive Compensation Plans

AB maintains several unfunded, non-qualified long-term incentive compensation plans, under which the company grants awards of restricted AB Holding Units to its employees and members of the Board of Directors, who are not employed by AB or by any of AB’s affiliates (“Eligible Directors”).

AB funds its restricted AB Holding Unit awards either by purchasing AB Holding Units on the open market or purchasing newly-issued AB Holding Units from AB Holding, and then keeping all of these AB Holding Units in a consolidated rabbi trust until delivering them or retiring them. In accordance with the AB Holding Partnership Agreement, when AB purchases newly-issued AB Holding Units from AB Holding, AB Holding is required to use the proceeds it receives from AB to purchase the equivalent number of newly-issued AB Units, thus increasing its percentage ownership interest in AB. AB Holding Units held in the consolidated rabbi trust are corporate assets in the name of the trust and are available to the general creditors of AB.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, AB purchased 0.1 million and 1.3 million AB Holding Units for $2.3 million and $31.0 million, respectively (on a trade date basis). There were no open-market purchases during the first quarter of 2018. The first quarter of 2017 amount reflects open-market purchases of 1.2 million AB Holding Units for $27.8 million, with the remainder relating to purchases of AB Holding Units from employees to allow them to fulfill statutory tax withholding requirements at the time of delivery of long-term incentive compensation awards.

Each quarter, AB considers whether to implement a plan to repurchase AB Holding Units pursuant to Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). A plan of this type allows a company to repurchase its shares at times when it otherwise might be prevented from doing so because of self-imposed trading blackout periods or because it possesses material non-public information. Each broker selected by AB has the authority under the terms and limitations specified in the plan to repurchase AB Holding Units on AB’s behalf in accordance with the terms of the plan. Repurchases are subject to regulations promulgated by the SEC as well as certain price, market volume and timing constraints specified in the plan. The plan adopted during the first quarter of 2018 expired at the close of business on April 25, 2018. AB may adopt additional plans in the future to engage in open-market purchases of AB Holding Units to help fund anticipated obligations under its incentive compensation award program and for other corporate purposes.

During each of the first three months of 2018 and 2017, AB granted to employees and Eligible Directors 1.1 million restricted AB Holding Unit awards. AB used AB Holding Units repurchased during the periods and newly-issued AB Holding Units to fund these restricted AB Holding Unit awards.

During the first three months of 2018 and 2017, AB Holding issued 0.2 million and 0.3 million AB Holding Units, respectively, upon exercise of options to buy AB Holding Units. AB Holding used the proceeds of $4.0 million and $4.5 million, respectively, received as payment in cash for the exercise price to purchase the equivalent number of newly-issued AB Units.

7
Index


4.
Net Income per Unit

Basic net income per unit is derived by dividing net income by the basic weighted average number of units outstanding for each period. Diluted net income per unit is derived by adjusting net income for the assumed dilutive effect of compensatory options (“Net income – diluted”) and dividing by the diluted weighted average number of units outstanding for each period.

 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
Net income – basic
 
$
58,160

 
$
43,910

Additional allocation of equity in net income attributable to AB resulting from assumed dilutive effect of compensatory options
 
145

 
176

Net income – diluted
 
$
58,305

 
$
44,086

 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average units outstanding – basic
 
96,987

 
96,238

Dilutive effect of compensatory options
 
336

 
534

Weighted average units outstanding – diluted
 
97,323

 
96,772

 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per unit
 
$
0.60

 
$
0.46

Diluted net income per unit
 
$
0.60

 
$
0.46


We excluded, 1,225,731 options for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2,437,307 options for the three months ended March 31, 2017, from the diluted net income per unit computation due to their anti-dilutive effect.
5.
Investment in AB

Changes in AB Holding’s investment in AB during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 are as follows (in thousands):

Investment in AB as of December 31, 2017
$
1,544,704

Equity in net income attributable to AB Unitholders
65,698

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
3,348

Additional investments with proceeds from exercise of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units
4,008

Cash distributions received from AB
(88,671
)
Capital contributions from AB
(1,696
)
AB Holding Units retired
(67
)
AB Holding Units issued to fund long-term incentive compensation plans
26,338

Change in AB Holding Units held by AB for long-term incentive compensation plans
(5,377
)
Impact of ABLP's adoption of revenue recognition standard ASC 606
12,549

Investment in AB as of March 31, 2018
$
1,560,834


8
Index


6.
Units Outstanding

Changes in AB Holding Units outstanding during the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 are as follows:

Outstanding as of December 31, 2017
96,461,989

Options exercised
235,105

Units issued
949,185

Units retired
(2,536
)
Outstanding as of March 31, 2018
97,643,743


7.
Income Taxes

AB Holding is a “grandfathered” publicly-traded partnership (“PTP”) for federal tax purposes and, accordingly, is not subject to federal or state corporate income taxes. However, AB Holding is subject to the 4.0% New York City unincorporated business tax (“UBT”), net of credits for UBT paid by AB, and to a 3.5% federal tax on partnership gross income from the active conduct of a trade or business. AB Holding’s partnership gross income is derived from its interest in AB.

AB Holding’s federal income tax is computed by multiplying certain AB qualifying revenues (primarily U.S. investment advisory fees and brokerage commissions) by AB Holding’s ownership interest in AB, multiplied by the 3.5% tax rate. AB Holding Units in AB’s consolidated rabbi trust are not considered outstanding for purposes of calculating AB Holding’s ownership interest in AB.

 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders
 
$
184,196

 
$
139,937

 
31.6
%
Multiplied by: weighted average equity ownership interest
 
35.7
%
 
35.5
%
 
 
Equity in net income attributable to AB Unitholders
 
$
65,698

 
$
49,666

 
32.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AB qualifying revenues
 
$
702,919

 
$
546,177

 
28.7

Multiplied by: weighted average equity ownership interest for calculating tax
 
30.1
%
 
29.6
%
 
 
Multiplied by: federal tax
 
3.5
%
 
3.5
%
 
 
Federal income taxes
 
7,410

 
5,651

 
 
State income taxes
 
128

 
105

 
 
Total income taxes
 
$
7,538

 
$
5,756

 
31.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective tax rate
 
11.5
%
 
11.6
%
 
 

In order to preserve AB Holding’s status as a “grandfathered” PTP for federal income tax purposes, management ensures that AB Holding does not directly or indirectly (through AB) enter into a substantial new line of business. If AB Holding were to lose its status as a “grandfathered” PTP, it would be subject to corporate income tax, which would reduce materially AB Holding’s net income and its quarterly distributions to AB Holding Unitholders.

9
Index



8.
Commitments and Contingencies

Legal and regulatory matters described below pertain to AB and are included here due to their potential significance to AB Holding's investment in AB.

With respect to all significant litigation matters, we consider the likelihood of a negative outcome. If we determine the likelihood of a negative outcome is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record an estimated loss for the expected outcome of the litigation. If the likelihood of a negative outcome is reasonably possible and we are able to determine an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss in excess of amounts already accrued, if any, we disclose that fact together with the estimate of the possible loss or range of loss. However, it is often difficult to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss because litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, particularly when plaintiffs allege substantial or indeterminate damages. Such is also the case when the litigation is in its early stages or when the litigation is highly complex or broad in scope. In these cases, we disclose that we are unable to predict the outcome or estimate a possible loss or range of loss.

AB may be involved in various matters, including regulatory inquiries, administrative proceedings and litigation, some of which may allege significant damages. It is reasonably possible that AB could incur losses pertaining to these matters, but currently management cannot estimate any such additional losses.

Management, after consultation with legal counsel, currently believes that the outcome of any individual matter that is pending or threatened, or all of them combined, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. However, any inquiry, proceeding or litigation has an element of uncertainty; management cannot determine whether further developments relating to any individual matter that is pending or threatened, or all of them combined, will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity in any future reporting period.


10
Index

Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

AB Holding’s principal source of income and cash flow is attributable to its investment in AB Units. AB Holding’s interim condensed financial statements and notes and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with those of AB included as an exhibit to this Form 10-Q. They also should be read in conjunction with AB’s audited financial statements and notes and MD&A included in AB Holding’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Results of Operations

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
 
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders
 
$
184,196

 
$
139,937

 
31.6
%
Weighted average equity ownership interest
 
35.7
%
 
35.5
%
 
 
Equity in net income attributable to AB Unitholders
 
65,698

 
49,666

 
32.3

Income taxes
 
7,538

 
5,756

 
31.0

Net income of AB Holding
 
$
58,160

 
$
43,910

 
32.5

Diluted net income per AB Holding Unit
 
$
0.60

 
$
0.46

 
30.4

Distribution per AB Holding Unit(1)
 
$
0.73

 
$
0.46

 
58.7

________________________
(1)
Distributions reflect the impact of AB’s non-GAAP adjustments.

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased $14.3 million, due to higher net income attributable to AB Unitholders and slightly higher weighted average equity ownership interest.

AB Holding’s partnership gross income is derived from its interest in AB. AB Holding’s income taxes, which reflect a 3.5% federal tax on its partnership gross income from the active conduct of a trade or business, are computed by multiplying certain AB qualifying revenues (primarily U.S. investment advisory fees and brokerage commissions) by AB Holding’s ownership interest in AB, multiplied by the 3.5% tax rate. AB Holding’s effective tax rate was 11.5% in the first quarter of 2018 compared to 11.6% during the first quarter of 2017. See Note 7 to the condensed financial statements contained in Item 1 for the calculation of income tax expense.

Management Operating Metrics

As supplemental information, AB provides the performance measures “adjusted net revenues”, “adjusted operating income” and “adjusted operating margin”, which are the principal metrics management uses in evaluating and comparing the period-to-period operating performance of AB. Management principally uses these metrics in evaluating performance because they present a clearer picture of AB's operating performance and allow management to see long-term trends without the distortion primarily caused by long-term incentive compensation-related mark-to-market adjustments, real estate consolidation charges and other adjustment items. Similarly, management believes that these management operating metrics help investors better understand the underlying trends in AB's results and, accordingly, provide a valuable perspective for investors. Such measures are not based on generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP measures”). These non-GAAP measures are provided in addition to, and not as substitutes for, net revenues, operating income and operating margin, and they may not be comparable to non-GAAP measures presented by other companies. Management uses both GAAP and non-GAAP measures in evaluating the company’s financial performance. The non-GAAP measures alone may pose limitations because they do not include all of AB’s revenues and expenses. Further, adjusted diluted net income per AB Holding Unit is not a liquidity measure and should not be used in place of cash flow measures. See AB’s MD&A contained in Exhibit 99.1.


11
Index

The impact of these adjustments on AB Holding’s net income and diluted net income per AB Holding Unit are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(in thousands, except per Unit amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
AB non-GAAP adjustments, before taxes
 
$
35,309

 
$
590

Income tax (expense) benefit on non-GAAP adjustments
 
(907
)
 
(36
)
AB non-GAAP adjustments, after taxes
 
34,402

 
554

AB Holding’s weighted average equity ownership interest in AB
 
35.7
%
 
35.5
%
Impact on AB Holding’s net income of AB non-GAAP adjustments
 
$
12,271

 
$
197

 
 
 
 
 
Net income – diluted, GAAP basis
 
$
58,305

 
$
44,086

Impact on AB Holding’s net income of AB non-GAAP adjustments
 
12,271

 
197

Adjusted net income – diluted
 
$
70,576

 
$
44,283

 
 
 
 
 
Diluted net income per AB Holding Unit, GAAP basis
 
$
0.60

 
$
0.46

Impact of AB non-GAAP adjustments
 
0.13

 
—

Adjusted diluted net income per AB Holding Unit
 
$
0.73

 
$
0.46


The degree to which AB's non-GAAP adjustments impact AB Holding's net income fluctuates based on AB Holding's ownership percentage in AB. The impact of AB non-GAAP adjustments in the first quarter of 2018 of $0.13 is primarily driven by the impact of AB's adoption of revenue recognition standard ASC 606.

Cash Distributions

AB Holding is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the AB Holding Partnership Agreement, to its Unitholders (including the General Partner). Available Cash Flow typically is the adjusted diluted net income per unit for the quarter multiplied by the number of units outstanding at the end of the quarter. Management anticipates that Available Cash Flow will continue to be based on adjusted diluted net income per unit, unless management determines, with the concurrence of the Board of Directors, that one or more adjustments that are made for adjusted net income should not be made with respect to the Available Cash Flow calculation. See Note 2 to the condensed financial statements contained in Item 1 for a description of Available Cash Flow.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, net cash provided by operating activities was $80.1 million, compared to $64.3 million during the corresponding 2017 period. The increase primarily resulted from higher cash distributions received from AB of $18.3 million.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, net cash used in investing activities was $4.0 million, compared to $4.5 million during the corresponding 2017 period. The activity in both periods reflects the investments in AB with proceeds from exercises of compensatory options to buy AB Holding Units.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, net cash used in financing activities was $76.1 million, compared to $59.9 million during the corresponding 2017 period. The increase primarily was due to higher cash distributions to Unitholders of $17.0 million.

Management believes that AB Holding will have the resources it needs to meet its financial obligations as a result of the cash flow AB Holding realizes from its investment in AB.

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Commitments and Contingencies

See Note 8 to the condensed financial statements contained in Item 1.

CAUTIONS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements provided by management in this report and in the portion of AB’s Form 10-Q attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The most significant of these factors include, but are not limited to, the following: the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of sponsored investment products and separately-managed accounts, general economic conditions, industry trends, future acquisitions, integration of acquired companies, competitive conditions and government regulations, including changes in tax regulations and rates and the manner in which the earnings of publicly-traded partnerships are taxed. We caution readers to carefully consider such factors. Further, these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made; we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements. For further information regarding these forward-looking statements and the factors that could cause actual results to differ, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and Part II, Item 1A in this Form 10-Q. Any or all of the forward-looking statements that we make in our Form 10-K, this Form 10-Q, other documents we file with or furnish to the SEC, and any other public statements we issue, may turn out to be wrong. It is important to remember that other factors besides those listed in “Risk Factors” and those listed below could also adversely impact our revenues, financial condition, results of operations and business prospects.

The forward-looking statements referred to in the preceding paragraph, most of which directly affect AB but also affect AB Holding because AB Holding’s principal source of income and cash flow is attributable to its investment in AB, include statements regarding:

•
Our belief that the cash flow AB Holding realizes from its investment in AB will provide AB Holding with the resources it needs to meet its financial obligations: AB Holding’s cash flow is dependent on the quarterly cash distributions it receives from AB. Accordingly, AB Holding’s ability to meet its financial obligations is dependent on AB’s cash flow from its operations, which is subject to the performance of the capital markets and other factors beyond our control.

•
Our financial condition and ability to access the public and private capital markets providing adequate liquidity for our general business needs: Our financial condition is dependent on our cash flow from operations, which is subject to the performance of the capital markets, our ability to maintain and grow client assets under management and other factors beyond our control. Our ability to access public and private capital markets on reasonable terms may be limited by adverse market conditions, our firm’s credit ratings, our profitability and changes in government regulations, including tax rates and interest rates.

•
The outcome of litigation: Litigation is inherently unpredictable, and excessive damage awards do occur. Though we have stated that we do not expect any pending legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity, any settlement or judgment with respect to a pending or future legal proceeding could be significant, and could have such an effect.

•
The possibility that we will engage in open market purchases of AB Holding Units to help fund anticipated obligations under our incentive compensation award program: The number of AB Holding Units AB may decide to buy in future periods, if any, to help fund incentive compensation awards depends on various factors, some of which are beyond our control, including the fluctuation in the price of an AB Holding Unit (NYSE: AB) and the availability of cash to make these purchases.

•
Our determination that adjusted employee compensation expense should not exceed 50% of our adjusted net revenues:  Aggregate employee compensation reflects employee performance and competitive compensation levels.  Fluctuations in our revenues and/or changes in competitive compensation levels could result in adjusted employee compensation expense exceeding 50% of our adjusted net revenues.
•
Our 2020 Margin Target: While our 2020 Margin Target is presented with numerical specificity, and we believe the target to be reasonable as of the date of this report, the uncertainties surrounding the assumptions on which the 2020 Margin Target is based create a significant risk that these assumptions may not be realized. These assumptions include:

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•
the levels of positive net flows into our investment services;
•
the level of growth (in terms of additional AUM) in our alternatives product business;
•
the rate of increase in our fixed costs due to inflation and similar factors, the transitional costs related to our relocation strategy and the timing of such costs, the success we have in achieving planned new cost reductions (including those relating to our relocation strategy) and the timing of such cost reductions, and the investments we make in our business; and
•
general conditions of the markets in which our business operates, including modest appreciation in both equity and fixed income total investment returns.

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Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes in AB Holding’s market risk from the information provided under “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in Part II, Item 7A of AB Holding's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Each of AB Holding and AB maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and the Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), to permit timely decisions regarding our disclosure.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the CEO and the CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and the CFO concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the first quarter of 2018 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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Part II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

See Note 8 to the condensed financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in AB Holding's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

There were no AB Holding Units sold by AB Holding in the period covered by this report that were not registered under the Securities Act.

Each quarter, since the third quarter of 2011, AB has implemented plans to repurchase AB Holding Units pursuant to Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act. The plan adopted during the first quarter of 2018 expired at the close of business on April 25, 2018. AB may adopt additional plans in the future to engage in open-market purchases of AB Holding Units to help fund anticipated obligations under the firm's incentive compensation award program and for other corporate purposes. See Note 3 to the condensed financial statements contained in Part 1, Item 1.

AB Holding Units bought by us or one of our affiliates during the first quarter of 2018 are as follows:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
Period
 
Total Number
of AB Holding Units
Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid Per
AB Holding Unit, net of
Commissions
 
Total Number of
AB Holding Units Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
AB Holding Units that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
1/1/18 - 1/31/18
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
—

2/1/18 - 2/28/18(1)
 
83,843

 
27.23

 
—

 
—

3/1/18 - 3/31/18(1)
 
1,833

 
26.25

 
—

 
—

Total
 
85,676

 
$
27.21

 
—

 
—


(1) 
During the first quarter of 2018, AB purchased from employees 85,676 AB Holding Units to allow them to fulfill statutory withholding tax requirements at the time of distribution of long-term incentive compensation awards.


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AB Units bought by us or one of our affiliates during the first quarter of 2018 are as follows:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
Period
 
Total Number
of AB Units
Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid Per
AB Unit, net of
Commissions
 
Total Number of
AB Units Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
AB Units that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
1/1/18 - 1/31/18
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
—

2/1/18 - 2/28/18
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

3/1/18 - 3/31/18 (1)
 
1,150

 
26.74

 
—

 
—

Total
 
1,150

 
$
26.74

 
—

 
—


(1) 
During March 2018, AB purchased 1,150 AB Units in private transactions.

Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

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Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5.
Other Information

Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act

AB, AB Holding and their global subsidiaries had no transactions or activities requiring disclosure under the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act (“Iran Act”), nor were they involved in the AXA Group matters described immediately below.

The non-U.S. based subsidiaries of AXA operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations of the various jurisdictions in which they operate, including applicable international (United Nations and European Union) laws and regulations. While AXA Group companies based and operating outside the United States generally are not subject to U.S. law, as an international group, AXA has in place policies and standards (including the AXA Group International Sanctions Policy) that apply to all AXA Group companies worldwide and often impose requirements that go well beyond local law. For additional information regarding AXA, see Note 1 to the condensed financial statements in Part 1, Item 1.

AXA has informed us that AXA Konzern AG, an AXA insurance subsidiary organized under the laws of Germany, provides car, accident and health insurance to diplomats based at the Iranian Embassy in Berlin, Germany. The total annual premium of these policies is approximately $139,700 before tax and the annual net profit arising from these policies, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $26,000. These policies were underwritten by a broker who specializes in providing insurance coverage for diplomats.

In addition, AXA has informed us that AXA Insurance Ireland, an AXA insurance subsidiary, provides statutorily required car insurance under four separate policies to the Iranian Embassy in Dublin, Ireland. AXA has informed us that compliance with the Declined Cases Agreement of the Irish Government prohibits the cancellation of these policies unless another insurer is willing to assume the coverage. The total annual premium for these policies is approximately $6,268 and the annual net profit arising from these policies, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $764.

Also, AXA has informed us that AXA Sigorta, a subsidiary of AXA organized under the laws of Turkey, provides car insurance coverage for vehicle pools of the Iranian General Consulate and the Iranian Embassy in Istanbul, Turkey. Motor liability insurance coverage is mandatory in Turkey and cannot be canceled unilaterally. The total annual premium in respect of these policies is approximately $3,150 and the annual net profit, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $473.

Additionally, AXA has informed us that AXA Winterthur, an AXA insurance subsidiary organized under the laws of Switzerland, provides Naftiran Intertrade, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Iranian state-owned National Iranian Oil Company, with life, disability and accident coverage for its employees. The provision of these forms of coverage is mandatory for employees in Switzerland. The total annual premium of these policies is approximately $373,668 and the annual net profit arising from these policies, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $56,000.

Lastly, AXA has informed us that AXA Egypt, an AXA insurance subsidiary organized under the laws of Egypt, provides the Iranian state-owned Iran Development Bank two life insurance contracts, covering individuals who have loans with the bank. The total annual premium of these policies is approximately $34,446 and annual net profit arising from these policies, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $3,500.

The aggregate annual premium for the above-referenced insurance policies is approximately $557,232, representing approximately 0.0006% of AXA’s 2017 consolidated revenues, which exceed $100 billion. The related net profit, which is difficult to calculate with precision, is estimated to be $86,737, representing approximately 0.001% of AXA’s 2017 aggregate net profit.

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Item 6.
Exhibits  

31.1
 
 
31.2
 
 
32.1
 
 
32.2
 
 
99.1
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.



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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: April 26, 2018
ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN HOLDING L.P.
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ John C. Weisenseel
 
 
 
John C. Weisenseel
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ William R. Siemers
 
 
 
William R. Siemers
 
 
 
Chief Accounting Officer

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