Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(in thousands, except unit amounts)
(unaudited)
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$
839,184
$
832,044
Cash and securities segregated, at fair value (cost: $479,982 and $495,391)
483,238
500,046
Receivables, net:
Brokers and dealers
42,719
33,772
Brokerage clients
1,494,584
1,432,372
AB funds fees
323,366
467,351
Other fees
158,897
159,336
Investments:
Equity method
270,069
286,721
Other
251,119
248,483
Assets of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds:
Cash and cash equivalents
15,563
1,989
Investments
443,015
140,792
Other assets
26,892
14,801
Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
250,150
248,673
Goodwill
3,598,591
3,598,591
Intangible assets, net
192,584
215,054
Deferred sales commissions, net
176,610
182,707
Right-of-use assets
436,953
449,877
Other assets
249,552
259,318
Total assets
$
9,253,086
$
9,071,927
1
Index
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST AND CAPITAL
Liabilities:
Payables:
Brokers and dealers
$
169,025
$
162,570
Securities sold not yet purchased
707
—
Brokerage clients
1,885,055
1,933,843
AB mutual funds
1,941
830
Contingent consideration liability
8,520
9,385
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
422,738
426,675
Lease liabilities
500,046
512,615
Liabilities of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds
36,933
1,716
Accrued compensation and benefits
582,612
391,161
Debt
650,000
710,000
Total liabilities
4,257,577
4,148,795
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 12)
Redeemable non-controlling interest of consolidated entities
261,791
48,489
Capital:
General Partner
47,832
49,519
Limited partners: 292,080,593 and 292,107,907 units issued and outstanding
4,831,485
4,999,616
Receivables from affiliates
(2,421)
(2,893)
AB Holding Units held for long-term incentive compensation plans
(94,436)
(62,366)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
(50,377)
(110,581)
Partners’ capital attributable to AB Unitholders
4,732,083
4,873,295
Non-redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated entities
1,635
1,348
Total capital
4,733,718
4,874,643
Total liabilities, non-controlling interest and capital
$
9,253,086
$
9,071,927
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
2
Index
ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Revenues:
Investment advisory and services fees
$
843,978
$
817,327
$
1,699,090
$
1,601,732
Bernstein research services
—
—
—
96,222
Distribution revenues
198,367
172,905
397,387
338,595
Dividend and interest income
36,137
43,986
70,487
88,501
Investment (losses)
(7,825)
(23,629)
(28,363)
(11,886)
Other revenues
33,912
39,167
64,092
64,460
Total revenues
1,104,569
1,049,756
2,202,693
2,177,624
Less: Broker-dealer related interest expense
15,662
21,813
33,179
45,530
Net revenues
1,088,907
1,027,943
2,169,514
2,132,094
Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits
439,554
423,324
860,085
876,096
Promotion and servicing:
Distribution-related payments
197,521
179,908
398,180
352,890
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
21,150
13,348
41,311
25,147
Trade execution, marketing, T&E and other
40,819
40,940
77,332
95,931
General and administrative
148,018
145,732
295,953
283,642
Contingent payment arrangements
42
2,558
106
5,116
Interest on borrowings
8,463
11,313
15,601
28,683
Amortization of intangible assets
11,246
11,531
22,483
23,303
Total expenses
866,813
828,654
1,711,051
1,690,808
Operating income
222,094
199,289
458,463
441,286
Gain on divestiture
—
134,555
—
134,555
Non-operating income
—
134,555
—
134,555
Pre-tax income
222,094
333,844
458,463
575,841
Income taxes
14,806
20,092
29,481
36,134
Net income
207,288
313,752
428,982
539,707
Net (loss) income of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests
(3,179)
4,180
(2,284)
12,208
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders
$
210,467
$
309,572
$
431,266
$
527,499
Net income per AB Unit
$
0.71
$
1.07
$
1.46
$
1.82
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
Index
ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Net income
$
207,288
$
313,752
$
428,982
$
539,707
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, before reclassification and tax
26,278
(1,579)
37,027
(11,888)
Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) included in net income upon liquidation
—
(10,197)
—
(10,197)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax
26,278
8,618
37,027
(1,691)
Income tax (expense) benefit
(240)
(54)
(185)
55
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
26,038
8,564
36,842
(1,636)
Changes in employee benefit related items:
Amortization of prior service cost
—
6
611
12
Recognized actuarial (loss) gain
—
(110)
—
559
Less: reclassification adjustment for (losses) included in net income upon retirement plan liquidation
—
—
(22,898)
—
Changes in employee benefit related items
—
(104)
23,509
571
Income tax (expense)
—
(2)
(147)
(7)
Employee benefit related items, net of tax
—
(106)
23,362
564
Other comprehensive income (loss)
26,038
8,458
60,204
(1,072)
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income in consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests
(3,179)
4,180
(2,284)
12,208
Comprehensive income attributable to AB Unitholders
$
236,505
$
318,030
$
491,470
$
526,427
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
Index
ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
General Partner’s Capital
Balance, beginning of period
$
48,395
$
45,325
$
49,519
$
45,388
Net income
2,104
3,096
4,312
5,275
Cash distributions to General Partner
(2,596)
(2,351)
(5,992)
(4,816)
Long-term incentive compensation plans activity
(15)
(11)
(22)
56
(Retirement) issuance of AB Units, net
(56)
(179)
15
(23)
Balance, end of period
47,832
45,880
47,832
45,880
Limited Partners' Capital
Balance, beginning of period
4,888,248
4,584,317
4,999,616
4,590,619
Net income
208,363
306,476
426,954
522,224
Cash distributions to Unitholders
(256,812)
(232,714)
(593,043)
(476,293)
Long-term incentive compensation plans activity
(1,444)
(1,177)
(2,178)
5,497
(Retirement) issuance of AB Units, net
(6,870)
(17,755)
136
(2,900)
Balance, end of period
4,831,485
4,639,147
4,831,485
4,639,147
Receivables from Affiliates
Balance, beginning of period
(3,411)
(4,686)
(2,893)
(4,490)
Long-term incentive compensation awards expense
427
291
673
506
Capital contributions from (to) AB Holding
563
573
(201)
162
Balance, end of period
(2,421)
(3,822)
(2,421)
(3,822)
AB Holding Units held for Long-term Incentive Compensation Plans
Balance, beginning of period
(91,369)
(95,859)
(62,366)
(76,363)
Purchases of AB Holding Units to fund long-term compensation plans, net
(14,171)
(28,237)
(43,646)
(33,789)
Retirement of AB Units, net
7,579
19,110
347
3,627
Long-term incentive compensation awards expense
2,829
11,618
10,137
20,379
Re-valuation of AB Holding Units held in rabbi trust
696
756
1,092
(6,466)
Balance, end of period
(94,436)
(92,612)
(94,436)
(92,612)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)
Balance, beginning of period
(76,415)
(115,894)
(110,581)
(106,364)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
26,038
8,564
36,842
(1,636)
Changes in employee benefit related items, net of tax
—
(106)
23,362
564
Balance, end of period
(50,377)
(107,436)
(50,377)
(107,436)
Total Partners' Capital attributable to AB Unitholders
4,732,083
4,481,157
4,732,083
4,481,157
Non-redeemable Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
Balance, beginning of period
2,504
4,480
1,348
4,572
Net (loss) income
(611)
1,450
533
1,568
Distributions to non-controlling interests, net
(274)
(2,485)
(274)
(2,695)
Contributions from non-controlling interest
16
95
28
95
Balance, end of period
1,635
3,540
1,635
3,540
Total Capital
$
4,733,718
$
4,484,697
$
4,733,718
$
4,484,697
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
Index
ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
428,982
$
539,707
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
41,311
25,147
Non-cash long-term incentive compensation expense
10,809
20,885
Depreciation and other amortization
43,003
46,319
Unrealized (gains) on investments
(3,823)
(5,944)
Equity in losses of equity method investments
16,652
27,893
Unrealized (gains) on investments of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds
(165)
(11,527)
(Gain) on divestiture
—
(134,555)
Non-cash lease expense
35,085
57,705
Retirement plan loss
20,756
—
Retirement plan funding
(1,700)
—
Other, net
3,828
15,017
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in securities, segregated
16,808
276,098
Decrease in receivables
69,369
33,358
Decrease in investments
2,156
27,092
(Increase) in deferred sales commissions
(35,214)
(62,552)
Decrease (increase) in other assets
14,872
(47,392)
(Increase) decrease in other assets of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds
(12,091)
21,623
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds
35,217
(11,084)
(Increase) decrease in investments of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds
(302,058)
155,631
(Decrease) in payables
(36,650)
(269,927)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses
(11,975)
64,332
Increase in accrued compensation and benefits
187,325
212,993
Cash payments to relieve operating lease liabilities
(32,682)
(34,911)
Net cash provided by operating activities
489,815
945,908
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements
(18,157)
(56,565)
Divestiture of business (includes $304.0 million in cash proceeds)
—
(40,196)
Capital contribution to equity method investments
—
(39,401)
Debt repayment from equity method investments
—
86,200
Net cash contribution (to) affiliates
—
(752)
Net cash (used in) investing activities
(18,157)
(50,714)
6
Index
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
Cash flows from financing activities:
(Repayment of) debt, net
(60,000)
(534,316)
Decrease in overdrafts payable
—
(2)
Distributions to General Partner and Unitholders
(599,035)
(481,109)
Terminations (redemptions) of non-controlling interest in consolidated company-sponsored investment funds, net
215,586
(113,373)
Capital contributions (to) AB Holding
(1,307)
—
Purchases of AB Holding Units to fund long-term incentive compensation plan awards, net
(43,646)
(33,789)
Other, net
(3,318)
(5,603)
Net cash (used in) financing activities
(491,720)
(1,168,192)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
40,776
(12,665)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
20,714
(285,663)
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of the period
834,033
1,160,889
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of the period
$
854,747
$
875,226
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
7
Index
ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2025
(unaudited)
The words “we” and “our” refer collectively to AllianceBernstein L.P. and its subsidiaries (“AB”), or to their officers and employees. Similarly, the word “company” refers to AB. These statements should be read in conjunction with AB’s audited consolidated financial statements included in AB’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
1. Business Description, Organization and Basis of Presentation
Business Description
We provide diversified investment management and related services globally to a broad range of clients. Our principal services include:
• Institutional Services – servicing our institutional clients, including private and public pension plans, foundations and endowments, insurance companies, central banks and governments worldwide, and affiliates such as Equitable Holdings, Inc. ("EQH") 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 our 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 – servicing our 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.
We also provide distribution, shareholder servicing, transfer agency services and administrative services to the mutual funds we sponsor.
Our high-quality, in-depth research is the foundation of our asset management and private wealth management businesses. Our research disciplines include economic, fundamental equity, fixed income and quantitative research. In addition, we have expertise in multi-asset strategies, wealth management, environmental, social and corporate governance ("ESG"), and alternative investments.
We provide a broad range of investment services with expertise in:
•Actively managed equity strategies, across global and regional universes, as well as 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;
•Actively managed alternative investments, including fundamental and systematically-driven hedge funds, fund of hedge funds and direct assets (e.g., direct lending, real estate and private equity);
•Multi-asset solutions and services, including dynamic asset allocation, customized target-date funds and target-risk funds; and
•Passively managed equity and fixed income strategies, including index, ESG index and enhanced index strategies.
Organization
AllianceBernstein Corporation (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of EQH, “General Partner”) is the general partner of both AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“AB Holding”) and AB. AllianceBernstein Corporation owns 100,000 general partnership units in AB Holding and a 1.0% general partnership interest in AB.
8
Index
As of June 30, 2025, the ownership structure of AB, including limited partnership units outstanding as well as the general partner's 1.0% interest, was as follows:
EQH and its subsidiaries
61.9
%
AB Holding
37.5
Unaffiliated holders
0.6
100.0
%
During the second quarter of 2025, EQH announced the final results of its cash tender offer to purchase up to 46,000,000 AB Holding Units. A total of 19,682,946 AB Holding Units, equaling a 17.9% economic interest in AB Holding, were properly tendered. After giving effect to such purchase, including both the general partnership and limited partnership interest in AB Holding and AB, EQH now has an approximate 68.6% economic interest in AB as of June 30, 2025. See Note 19, Subsequent Events for additional details.
Basis of Presentation
The interim condensed consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the interim reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The condensed consolidated statement of financial condition as of December 31, 2024 was derived from audited financial statements. Certain disclosures included in the annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted from these financial statements as they are not required for interim financial statements under principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and the rules of the SEC.
Principles of Consolidation
The condensed consolidated financial statements include AB and its majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries, and the consolidated entities that are considered to be variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and/or voting interest entities (“VOEs”) in which AB has a controlling financial interest. Non-controlling interests on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition include the portion of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds in which we do not have direct equity ownership. All significant inter-company transactions and balances among the consolidated entities have been eliminated.
Subsequent Events
We have evaluated subsequent events through the date that these financial statements were filed with the SEC. See Note 19, Subsequent Events for further details.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This amendment is expected to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures by requiring public business entities, on an annual basis, to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation, additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold and certain information about income taxes paid. This revised guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
9
Index
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. This amendment is expected to improve financial reporting by requiring that public business entities disclose additional information about specific expense categories in the notes to financial statements at interim and annual reporting periods. This information is not generally presented in the financial statements today. The amendments in this update do not change or remove current expense disclosure requirements. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this update should be applied either prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date of this update or retrospectively to any or all periods presented in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impacts of the new standard.
Reclassification
Amounts previously presented on the consolidated statement of cash flow as "other assets and liabilities of company-sponsored investment funds, net" are now presented as "other assets of company-sponsored investment funds" and "other liabilities of company-sponsored investment funds." Prior period amounts previously presented as such have been reclassified to conform to the current periods presentation.
3. Revenue Recognition
Revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 consisted of the following:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
(in thousands)
Subject to contracts with customers:
Investment advisory and services fees
Base fees
$
805,319
$
774,017
$
1,623,185
$
1,528,256
Performance-based fees
38,659
43,310
75,905
73,476
Bernstein research services (1)
—
—
—
96,222
Distribution revenues
All-in-management fees
86,926
81,680
175,370
160,104
12b-1 fees
15,248
16,569
31,500
33,174
Other distribution fees
96,193
74,656
190,517
145,317
Other revenues
Shareholder servicing fees
21,278
22,356
37,920
44,019
JV related revenues (2)
9,013
12,977
18,347
12,977
Other
3,349
3,637
7,112
7,457
1,075,985
1,029,202
2,159,856
2,101,002
Not subject to contracts with customers:
Dividend and interest income, net of broker-dealer related interest expense
20,475
22,173
37,308
42,971
Investment (losses)
(7,825)
(23,629)
(28,363)
(11,886)
Other revenues
272
197
713
7
12,922
(1,259)
9,658
31,092
Total net revenues
$
1,088,907
$
1,027,943
$
2,169,514
$
2,132,094
(1) Effective April 1, 2024, AB deconsolidated the Bernstein Research Services business.
(2) We maintain certain service level agreements and recognize revenues associated with these transactions in connection with our investment in the JVs.
10
Index
4. Long-term Incentive Compensation Plans
AB has several unfunded, non-qualified long-term incentive compensation plans, under which we grant awards of restricted units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests in AB Holding (“AB Holding Units”) to employees, generally in the fourth quarter, and to members of the Board of Directors of the General Partner, who are not employed by our company or by any of our affiliates (“Eligible Directors”).
AB Holding Units are maintained in a consolidated rabbi trust either by purchasing AB Holding Units on the open market or by purchasing newly-issued AB Holding Units from AB Holding until delivering them or retiring them. In accordance with the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AB (“AB 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.
Repurchases of AB Holding Units for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 consisted of the following:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
(in millions)
Total amount of AB Holding Units Purchased (1)
0.4
0.9
1.2
1.0
Total Cash Paid for AB Holding Units Purchased (1)
$
13.2
$
29.0
$
43.7
$
33.3
Open Market Purchases of AB Holding Units Purchased (1)
0.3
0.6
1.0
0.6
Total Cash Paid for Open Market Purchases of AB Holding Units (1)
$
12.3
$
21.5
$
38.4
$
21.5
(1) Purchased on a trade date basis. The difference between open-market purchases and total amount of units purchased reflects the retention of AB Holding Units from employees to fulfill statutory tax withholding requirements at the time of delivery of long-term incentive compensation awards.
Purchases of AB Holding Units reflected on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows are net of AB Holding Unit purchases by employees as part of a distribution reinvestment election.
Each quarter, we consider 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 we select has the authority under the terms and limitations specified in the plan to repurchase AB Holding Units on our behalf. Repurchases are subject to regulations promulgated by the SEC as well as certain price, market volume and timing constraints specified in the plan. We did not adopt a plan during the second quarter of 2025. We may adopt additional plans in the future to engage in open-market purchases of AB Holding Units to help fund anticipated obligations under our incentive compensation award program and for other corporate purposes.
During the first six months of both 2025 and 2024, we awarded to employees and Eligible Directors 1.2 million restricted AB Holding Unit awards. We use AB Holding Units repurchased during the applicable period and newly-issued AB Holding Units to fund these awards.
11
Index
5. Net Income per Unit
Net income per Unit is derived by reducing net income for the 1.0% general partnership interest and dividing the remaining 99.0% by the weighted average number of limited partnership units outstanding for each period. Diluted net income per Unit is equivalent to net income per Unit, as there are no outstanding instruments that have a dilutive effect.
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders
$
210,467
$
309,572
$
431,266
$
527,499
Weighted average limited partnership Units outstanding
292,064
287,192
292,125
287,034
Net income per AB Unit
$
0.71
$
1.07
$
1.46
$
1.82
6. Cash Distributions
AB is required to distribute all of its Available Cash Flow, as defined in the AB Partnership Agreement, to its Unitholders and to the General Partner. Available Cash Flow can be summarized as the cash flow received by AB from operations minus such amounts as the General Partner determines, in its sole discretion, should be retained by AB for use in its business, or plus such amounts as the General Partner determines, in its sole discretion, should be released from previously retained cash flow.
Typically, Available Cash Flow has been the adjusted net income per Unit for the quarter multiplied by the number of general and limited partnership interests at the end of the quarter. In future periods, management anticipates that Available Cash Flow will be based on adjusted 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.
On July 24, 2025, the General Partner declared a distribution of $0.84 per AB Unit, representing a distribution of Available Cash Flow for the three months ended June 30, 2025. The General Partner, as a result of its 1.0% general partnership interest, is entitled to receive 1.0% of each distribution. The distribution is payable on August 14, 2025 to holders of record on August 4, 2025.
7. Cash and Securities Segregated Under Federal Regulations and Other Requirements
As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, $481.8 million and $499.2 million, respectively, of U.S. Treasury Bills were segregated in a special reserve bank custody account for the exclusive benefit of our brokerage customers under Rule 15c3-3 of the Exchange Act.
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Index
8. Investments
Investments consist of:
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
(in thousands)
Equity securities:
Long-term incentive compensation-related
$
29,193
$
31,934
Seed capital
160,591
169,502
Other
272
388
Investments in limited partnership hedge funds:
Long-term incentive compensation-related
19,653
10,831
Seed capital
22,690
18,397
Equity method investments:
Joint ventures
267,217
286,721
Other equity method investments
2,852
—
Time deposits
6,847
6,100
Other
11,873
11,331
Total investments
$
521,188
$
535,204
Total investments related to long-term incentive compensation obligations of $48.8 million and $42.8 million as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, consist of company-sponsored mutual funds and hedge funds. For long-term incentive compensation awards granted before 2009, we typically made investments in company-sponsored mutual funds and hedge funds that were notionally elected by plan participants and maintained them (and continue to maintain them) in a consolidated rabbi trust or separate custodial account. The rabbi trust and custodial account enable us to hold such investments separate from our other assets for the purpose of settling our obligations to participants. The investments held in the rabbi trust and custodial account remain available to the general creditors of AB.
The underlying investments of hedge funds in which we invest include long and short positions in equity securities, fixed income securities (including various agency and non-agency asset-based securities), currencies, commodities and derivatives (including various swaps and forward contracts). These investments are valued at quoted market prices or, where quoted market prices are not available, are fair valued based on the pricing policies and procedures of the underlying funds.
We allocate seed capital to our investment teams to help develop new products and services for our clients. A portion of our seed capital trading investments are equity and fixed income products, primarily in the form of separately-managed account portfolios, U.S. mutual funds, Luxembourg funds, Japanese investment trust management funds or Delaware business trusts. We also may allocate seed capital to investments in private equity funds. Regarding our seed capital investments, the amounts above reflect those funds in which we are not the primary beneficiary of a VIE or hold a controlling financial interest in a VOE. See Note 14, Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds, for a description of the seed capital investments that we consolidate. As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, our total seed capital investments were $369.7 million and $294.7 million, respectively. Seed capital investments in unconsolidated company-sponsored investment funds are valued using published net asset values or non-published net asset values if they are not listed on an active exchange but have net asset values that are comparable to funds with published net asset values and have no redemption restrictions.
Equity method investments on the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition, including our investment in two joint ventures and a reinsurance sidecar, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. AB owns a 66.7% majority interest in a North American JV ("NA JV") and a 49.0% interest in a joint venture outside of North America (and together the "JVs"). AB owns a 20.9% investment in Ruby RE, a reinsurance sidecar.
13
Index
The portion of unrealized gains (losses) related to equity securities, as defined by ASC 321-10, held as of June 30, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
(in thousands)
Net gains recognized during the period
$
10,495
$
986
$
10,408
$
12,044
Less: net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity securities sold during the period
1,197
(1,362)
5,767
6,027
Unrealized gains recognized during the period on equity securities held
$
9,298
$
2,348
$
4,641
$
6,017
9. Derivative Instruments
See Note 14, Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds, for disclosure of derivative instruments held by our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds.
We enter various futures, forwards, options and swaps to economically hedge certain seed capital investments. Also, we have currency forwards that help us to economically hedge certain balance sheet exposures. In addition, our options desk trades long and short exchange-traded equity options. We do not hold any derivatives designated in a formal hedge relationship under ASC 815-10, Derivatives and Hedging.
The notional value and fair value as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 for derivative instruments (excluding derivative instruments relating to our options desk trading activities discussed below) not designated as hedging instruments were as follows:
Fair Value
Notional Value
Derivative Assets
Derivative Liabilities
(in thousands)
June 30, 2025:
Exchange-traded futures
$
195,436
$
323
$
2,582
Currency forwards
82,138
4,936
7,273
Interest rate swaps
12,199
89
118
Credit default swaps
361,851
11,086
20,047
Total return swaps
183,560
4,918
(324)
Option swaps
50,194
5,698
381
Total derivatives
$
885,378
$
27,050
$
30,077
December 31, 2024:
Exchange-traded futures
$
157,787
$
2,835
$
33
Currency forwards
27,368
4,881
4,656
Interest rate swaps
17,667
367
14
Credit default swaps
199,720
4,172
9,099
Total return swaps
216,468
663
1,087
Option swaps
50,459
8,023
55
Total derivatives
$
669,469
$
20,941
$
14,944
As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the derivative assets and liabilities are included in both receivables and payables to brokers and dealers on our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
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Index
The gains and losses for derivative instruments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 recognized in investment gains (losses) in the condensed consolidated statements of income were as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
(in thousands)
Exchange-traded futures
$
(3,891)
$
(871)
$
(3,633)
$
(2,450)
Currency forwards
(5,120)
(9)
(5,775)
355
Interest rate swaps
42
282
(310)
425
Credit default swaps
(2,921)
(91)
(2,487)
(920)
Total return swaps
2,040
(682)
(9,377)
(3,938)
Option swaps
(1,224)
(259)
(2,268)
(52)
Net (losses) on derivative instruments
$
(11,074)
$
(1,630)
$
(23,850)
$
(6,580)
We may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to derivative financial instruments. We minimize our counterparty exposure through a credit review and approval process. In addition, we have executed various collateral arrangements with counterparties to the over-the-counter derivative transactions that require both pledging and accepting collateral in the form of cash. As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we held $3.7 million and $10.4 million, respectively, of cash collateral payable to trade counterparties. This obligation to return cash is reported in payables to brokers and dealers in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
Although notional amount typically is utilized as the measure of volume in the derivatives market, it is not used as a measure of credit risk. Generally, the current credit exposure of our derivative contracts is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivative contracts at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements and any collateral received. A derivative with positive value (a derivative asset) indicates existence of credit risk because the counterparty would owe us if the contract were closed. Alternatively, a derivative contract with negative value (a derivative liability) indicates we would owe money to the counterparty if the contract were closed. Generally, if there is more than one derivative transaction with a single counterparty, a master netting arrangement exists with respect to derivative transactions with that counterparty to provide for aggregate net settlement.
Our standardized contracts for over-the-counter derivative transactions, known as ISDA master agreements, provide for collateralization. As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we delivered $13.4 million and $5.2 million, respectively, of cash collateral into brokerage accounts. We report this cash collateral in cash and cash equivalents in our condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.
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Index
10. Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
See Note 14, Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds, for disclosure of offsetting assets and liabilities of our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds.
Offsetting of assets as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was as follows:
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Condition
Financial Instruments Collateral
Cash Collateral Received
Net Amount
(in thousands)
June 30, 2025:
Securities borrowed
$
14,693
$
—
$
14,693
$
(14,270)
$
—
$
423
Derivatives
$
27,050
$
—
$
27,050
$
(3,667)
$
23,383
December 31, 2024:
Securities borrowed
$
1,144
$
—
$
1,144
$
(1,044)
$
—
$
100
Derivatives
$
20,941
$
—
$
20,941
$
—
$
(10,357)
$
10,584
Offsetting of liabilities as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was as follows:
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Condition
Financial Instruments Collateral
Cash Collateral Pledged
Net Amount
(in thousands)
June 30, 2025:
Securities loaned
$
5
$
—
$
5
$
(5)
$
—
$
—
Derivatives
$
30,077
$
—
$
30,077
$
—
$
(13,374)
$
16,703
December 31, 2024:
Derivatives
$
14,944
$
—
$
14,944
$
—
$
(5,188)
$
9,756
Cash collateral, whether pledged or received on derivative instruments, is not considered material and, accordingly, is not disclosed by counterparty.
11. Fair Value
See Note 14, Consolidated Company-Sponsored Investment Funds, for disclosure of fair value of our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The three broad levels of fair value hierarchy are as follows:
• Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets are available for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date.
• Level 2 – Quoted prices in markets that are not active or other pricing inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date.
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Index
• Level 3 – Prices or valuation techniques that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable as of the reported date. These financial instruments do not have two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Valuation of our financial instruments by pricing observability levels as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was as follows (in thousands):
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
NAV Expedient(1)
Total
June 30, 2025:
Money markets
$
133,750
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
133,750
Securities segregated (U.S. Treasury Bills)
—
481,760
—
—
481,760
Derivatives
322
26,728
—
—
27,050
Equity securities
155,065
32,714
121
2,156
190,056
Other investments
9,040
—
—
—
9,040
Total assets measured at fair value
$
298,177
$
541,202
$
121
$
2,156
$
841,656
Securities sold not yet purchased:
Short equities – corporate
$
707
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
707
Derivatives
$
2,582
$
27,495
$
—
$
—
$
30,077
Contingent payment arrangements
—
—
8,520
—
8,520
Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
3,289
$
27,495
$
8,520
$
—
$
39,304
December 31, 2024:
Money markets
$
146,781
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
146,781
Securities segregated (U.S. Treasury Bills)
—
499,245
—
—
499,245
Derivatives
2,835
18,106
—
—
20,941
Equity securities
193,766
5,921
121
2,016
201,824
Other investments
8,593
—
—
—
8,593
Total assets measured at fair value
$
351,975
$
523,272
$
121
$
2,016
$
877,384
Derivatives
$
33
$
14,911
$
—
$
—
$
14,944
Contingent payment arrangements
—
—
9,385
—
9,385
Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
33
$
14,911
$
9,385
$
—
$
24,329
(1) Investments measured at fair value using NAV (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient.
Other investments included in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy include our investment in a mutual fund measured at fair value.
We provide below a description of the fair value methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy:
• Money markets: We invest excess cash in various money market funds that are valued based on quoted prices in active markets; these are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.
• Treasury Bills: We hold U.S. Treasury Bills, which are primarily segregated in a special reserve bank custody account as required by Rule 15c3-3 of the Exchange Act. These securities are valued based on quoted yields in secondary markets and are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
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Index
• Equity securities: Our equity securities consist principally of company-sponsored mutual funds with NAVs and various separately-managed portfolios consisting primarily of equity and fixed income mutual funds with quoted prices in active markets, which are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. In addition, some securities are valued based on observable inputs from recognized pricing vendors, which are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
• Derivatives: We hold exchange-traded futures with counterparties that are included in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. In addition, we also hold currency forward contracts, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, option swaps and total return swaps with counterparties that are valued based on observable inputs from recognized pricing vendors, which are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
• Contingent payment arrangements: Contingent payment arrangements relate to contingent payment liabilities associated with various acquisitions. At each reporting date, we estimate the fair values of the contingent consideration expected to be paid based upon probability-weighted AUM and revenue projections, using unobservable market data inputs, which are included in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.
During the six months ended June 30, 2025 there were no transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 securities.
The change in carrying value associated with Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value, classified as equity securities, is as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
(in thousands)
Balance as of beginning of period
$
119
$
114
$
121
$
118
Unrealized gains (losses), net
2
2
—
(2)
Balance as of end of period
$
121
$
116
$
121
$
116
Realized and unrealized gains and losses on Level 3 financial instruments are recorded in investment gains and losses in the condensed consolidated statements of income.
Our acquisitions may include contingent consideration arrangements as part of the purchase price. The change in carrying value associated with Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value, classified as contingent payment arrangements, is as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
(in thousands)
Balance as of beginning of period
$
8,478
$
254,108
$
9,385
$
252,690
Accretion
42
2,558
106
5,116
Payments
—
(1,500)
(971)
(2,640)
Balance as of end of period
$
8,520
$
255,166
$
8,520
$
255,166
As of June 30, 2025, the expected revenue growth rates ranged from 2.0% to 13.3%, with a weighted average of 6.8%, calculated using cumulative revenues and range of revenue growth rates and a discount rate of 1.9%. As of June 30, 2024, the expected revenue growth rates ranged from 2.0% to 29.3%, with a weighted average of 7.9%, calculated using cumulative revenues and a range of revenue growth rates. The discount rates ranged from 1.9% to 10.4%, with a weighted average of 4.6%, calculated using total contingent liabilities and range of discount rates.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
We did not have any material assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value for impairment on a nonrecurring basis during the six months ended June 30, 2025 or during the year ended December 31, 2024.
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Index
12. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
For significant litigation matters, we assess the likelihood of a negative outcome. If a negative outcome is probable and the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record an estimated loss. If a negative outcome is reasonably possible and we can estimate the potential loss or range of loss, or if a negative outcome is probable and we can estimate the potential loss or range of loss beyond any amounts already accrued, we disclose this information. However, predicting outcomes or estimating losses is often challenging due to litigation uncertainties, especially in early stages or complex cases. In such instances, we disclose our inability to predict the outcome or estimate losses.
AB may face regulatory inquiries, administrative proceedings, and litigation, some alleging significant damages. While it is possible we could incur losses from these matters, we cannot currently estimate such losses or their range. Management, after consulting with legal counsel, believes that the outcome of any individual or combined matters will not materially affect our operations, financial condition, or liquidity. However, due to inherent uncertainties, future developments could potentially have a material adverse effect on our results, financial condition, or liquidity in future reporting periods.
Guarantees
In 2024, AB and Societe General ("SocGen") completed a transaction forming two joint ventures, one outside of North America and one within North America ("NA JV"). In connection with the transaction, Bernstein Institutional Services LLC (“BIS”), the U.S. broker-dealer subsidiary of the NA JV, entered into a credit facility agreement with SocGen, as lender, providing for up to $60.0 million of working capital. As a condition of the credit facility and until SocGen’s ownership exceeds 50% of NA JV, AB will provide a limited guarantee under which AB will guarantee up to its percentage ownership, currently 66.7%, of any unpaid obligations of BIS. As of June 30, 2025, there were no unpaid obligations under this facility requiring a guarantee by AB. Effective February 28, 2025, the agreement was amended and the original maturity date of April 1, 2025 was extended to March 31, 2026. The current commitment under the facility has also been reduced from $60.0 million to $30.0 million. There were no other material amendments to the credit facility.
In addition, AB will indemnify SocGen Canada ("SG Canada") for certain obligations and liabilities in relation to Sanford C. Bernstein Canada ("SCB Canada") until such time as SocGen exceeds 50% ownership of NA JV (the “Canadian Regulatory Guarantee”). Under the terms of the Canadian Regulatory Guarantee, SG Canada must guarantee the customer liabilities of SCB Canada to the full extent of its regulatory capital which fluctuates based upon business activity. AB has agreed to indemnify SG Canada for 66.7% of any amounts paid by SG Canada under the Canadian Regulatory Guarantee. As of June 30, 2025, there were no unpaid obligations requiring a guarantee by AB.
Commitments
During the fourth quarter of 2024, we entered into a non-exclusive partnership with Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (“RGA”) under which we committed to invest $100.0 million in a reinsurance sidecar vehicle sponsored by RGA and focused on the U.S. asset-intensive reinsurance market. AB intends to manage private alternative assets for RGA’s general account as part of a separate transaction. As of June 30, 2025, we have funded $0.1 million of this commitment.
13. Leases
We lease office space, furniture and office equipment under various operating and financing leases. Our current leases have initial lease terms of one year to 20 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to five years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within one year.
Leases included in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 were as follows:
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Index
Classification
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
(in thousands)
Operating Leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Right-of-use assets
$
431,300
$
441,662
Operating lease liabilities
Lease liabilities
492,604
504,171
Finance Leases
Property and equipment, gross
Right-of-use assets
18,023
19,548
Amortization of right-of-use assets
Right-of-use assets
(12,370)
(11,333)
Property and equipment, net
5,653
8,215
Finance lease liabilities
Lease liabilities
7,442
8,444
The components of lease expense included in the condensed consolidated statement of income as of June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024 were as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
Classification
2025
2024
2025
2024
(in thousands)
Operating lease cost
General and administrative
$
16,226
$
27,584
$
32,238
$
55,520
Financing lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets
General and administrative
1,502
1,047
2,641
2,099
Interest on lease liabilities
Interest expense
139
76
208
160
Total finance lease cost
1,641
1,123
2,849
2,259
Variable lease cost (1)
General and administrative
2,491
10,280
5,777
19,890
Sublease income
General and administrative
(738)
(8,746)
(1,265)
(16,469)
Net lease cost
$
19,620
$
30,241
$
39,599
$
61,200
(1) Variable lease expense includes operating expenses, real estate taxes and employee parking.
The sub-lease income represents all revenues received from sub-tenants. It is primarily fixed base rental payments combined with variable reimbursements such as operating expenses, real estate taxes and employee parking. The vast majority of sub-tenant income is derived from our New York metro sub-tenant agreements. Sub-tenant income related to base rent is recorded on a straight-line basis.
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Index
Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
Operating Leases
Financing Leases
Total
Year ending December 31,
(in thousands)
2025 (excluding the six months ended June 30, 2025)
$
29,130
$
2,191
$
31,321
2026
64,580
3,666
68,246
2027
60,999
1,620
62,619
2028
53,706
297
54,003
2029
49,944
—
49,944
Thereafter
416,413
—
416,413
Total lease payments
674,772
7,774
682,546
Less interest
(182,168)
(332)
Present value of lease liabilities
$
492,604
$
7,442
Lease term and discount rate:
Weighted average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases
13.24
Finance leases
1.98
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases
4.43
%
Finance leases
4.20
%
Supplemental non-cash activity related to leases was as follows:
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
(in thousands)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations(1):
Operating leases
78
213,235
Finance leases
1,552
—
(1) Represents non-cash activity and, accordingly, is not reflected in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
We regularly provide seed capital to new company-sponsored investment funds. As such, we may consolidate or de-consolidate a variety of company-sponsored investment funds each quarter. Due to the similarity of risks related to our involvement with each company-sponsored investment fund, disclosures required under the VIE model are aggregated, such as disclosures regarding the carrying amount and classification of assets.
We are not required to provide financial support to company-sponsored investment funds, and only the assets of such funds are available to settle each fund's own liabilities. Our exposure to loss regarding consolidated company-sponsored investment funds is limited to our investment in, and our management fee earned from, such funds. Equity and debt holders of such funds have no recourse to AB’s assets or to the general credit of AB.
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Index
The balances of consolidated VIEs and VOEs included in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition were as follows:
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
(in thousands)
VIEs
VOEs
Total
VIEs
VOEs
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
$
15,518
$
45
$
15,563
$
1,671
$
318
$
1,989
Investments
379,850
63,165
443,015
82,027
58,765
140,792
Other assets
25,958
934
26,892
1,317
13,484
14,801
Total assets
$
421,326
$
64,144
$
485,470
$
85,015
$
72,567
$
157,582
Liabilities
$
35,285
$
1,648
$
36,933
$
345
$
1,371
$
1,716
Redeemable non-controlling interest
241,556
20,235
261,791
31,670
16,819
48,489
Partners' capital attributable to AB Unitholders
144,485
42,261
186,746
53,000
54,377
107,377
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and partners' capital
$
421,326
$
64,144
$
485,470
$
85,015
$
72,567
$
157,582
During the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, we deconsolidated two funds in which we had a seed investment of approximately $10.4 million as of December 31, 2024, due to no longer having a controlling financial interest.
Changes in the redeemable non-controlling interest balance during the six-month period ended June 30, 2025 are as follows (in thousands):
Redeemable non-controlling interest as of December 31, 2024
$
48,489
Deconsolidated funds
(873)
Changes in third-party seed investments in consolidated funds
214,175
Redeemable non-controlling interest as of June 30, 2025
$
261,791
Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits, overnight commercial paper and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Due to the short-term nature of these instruments, the recorded value has been determined to approximate fair value.
22
Index
Valuation of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds' financial instruments by pricing observability levels as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was as follows (in thousands):
Level 1
Level 2
Total
June 30, 2025:
Investments - VIEs
$
30,330
$
349,520
$
379,850
Investments - VOEs
5,806
57,359
63,165
Derivatives - VIEs
810
17,206
18,016
Derivatives - VOEs
—
197
197
Total assets measured at fair value
$
36,946
$
424,282
$
461,228
Derivatives - VIEs
$
799
$
17,240
$
18,039
Derivatives - VOEs
—
184
184
Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
799
$
17,424
$
18,223
December 31, 2024:
Investments - VIEs
$
15,240
$
66,787
$
82,027
Investments - VOEs
249
58,516
58,765
Derivatives - VIEs
48
53
101
Derivatives - VOEs
—
11,483
11,483
Total assets measured at fair value
$
15,537
$
136,839
$
152,376
Derivatives - VIEs
$
72
$
13
$
85
Total liabilities measured at fair value
$
72
$
13
$
85
See Note 11 for a description of the fair value methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
There were no Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value within the consolidated company-sponsored investment funds during the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Derivative Instruments
As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the VIEs held zero (net), respectively, of futures, forwards and swaps within their portfolios. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, we recognized $0.2 million and $0.3 million of losses, respectively, on these derivatives. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, we recognized $0.5 million and $0.9 million of losses, respectively, on these derivatives. These gains and losses are recognized in investment gains (losses) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.
As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the VIEs held zero, respectively, of cash collateral payable to trade counterparties. This obligation to return cash is reported in the liabilities of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the VIEs delivered $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of cash collateral into brokerage accounts. The VIEs report this cash collateral in the consolidated company-sponsored investment funds cash and cash equivalents in our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the VOEs held zero and $11.5 million futures, forwards, options or swaps within their portfolios. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, we recognized no gains or losses on these derivatives. These gains and losses are recognized in investment gains (losses) in the condensed statements of income.
As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the VOEs held no cash collateral payable to trade counterparties.
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Index
As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the VOEs delivered no cash collateral in brokerage accounts.
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
Offsetting of derivative assets of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was as follows:
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Condition
Financial Instruments Collateral
Cash Collateral Received
Net Amount
(in thousands)
June 30, 2025:
Derivatives - VIEs
$
18,016
$
—
$
18,016
$
—
$
(28)
$
17,988
Derivatives - VOEs
$
197
$
—
$
197
$
—
$
—
$
197
December 31, 2024:
Derivatives - VIEs
$
101
$
—
$
101
$
—
$
(2)
$
99
Derivatives - VOEs
11,483
—
11,483
—
—
11,483
Offsetting of derivative liabilities of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was as follows:
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Condition
Financial Instruments Collateral
Cash Collateral Pledged
Net Amount
(in thousands)
June 30, 2025:
Derivatives - VIEs
$
18,039
$
—
$
18,039
$
—
$
(722)
$
17,317
Derivatives - VOEs
$
184
$
—
$
184
$
—
$
—
$
184
December 31, 2024:
Derivatives - VIEs
$
85
$
—
$
85
$
—
$
(85)
$
—
Cash collateral, whether pledged or received on derivative instruments, is not considered material and, accordingly, is not disclosed by counterparty.
Non-Consolidated VIEs
As of June 30, 2025, the net assets of company-sponsored investment products that are non-consolidated VIEs are approximately $46.4 billion. Our maximum risk of loss is our investment of $19.3 million in these VIEs and our advisory fee receivables from these VIEs is $88.2 million. As of December 31, 2024, the net assets of company-sponsored investment products that are non-consolidated VIEs was approximately $46.9 billion. Our maximum risk of loss is our investment of $17.3 million in these VIEs and our advisory fees receivable from these VIEs was $115.2 million.
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Index
15. Units Outstanding
Changes in AB Units outstanding during the six-month period ended June 30, 2025 were as follows:
Outstanding as of December 31, 2024
292,107,907
Units issued
1,054,928
Units retired (1)
(1,082,242)
Outstanding as of June 30, 2025
292,080,593
(1) During the six months ended June 30, 2025, we purchased 34,280 AB Units in private transactions and retired them.
16. Debt
Credit Facility
AB has an $800.0 million committed, unsecured senior revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a group of commercial banks and other lenders, which matures on October 13, 2026. The Credit Facility provides for possible increases in the principal amount by up to an aggregate incremental amount of $200.0 million; any such increase is subject to the consent of the affected lenders. The Credit Facility is available for AB and Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC ("SCB LLC") business purposes, including the support of AB’s commercial paper program. Both AB and SCB LLC can draw directly under the Credit Facility and management may draw on the Credit Facility from time to time. AB has agreed to guarantee the obligations of SCB LLC under the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants, which are customary for facilities of this type, including restrictions on dispositions of assets, restrictions on liens, a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. As of June 30, 2025, we were in compliance with these covenants. The Credit Facility also includes customary events of default (with customary grace periods, as applicable), including provisions under which, upon the occurrence of an event of default, all outstanding loans may be accelerated and/or lender’s commitments may be terminated. Also, under such provisions, upon the occurrence of certain insolvency- or bankruptcy-related events of default, all amounts payable under the Credit Facility would automatically become immediately due and payable, and the lender’s commitments automatically would terminate.
Amounts under the Credit Facility may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed by us from time to time until the maturity of the facility. Voluntary prepayments and commitment reductions requested by us are permitted at any time without a fee (other than customary breakage costs relating to the prepayment of any drawn loans) upon proper notice and subject to a minimum dollar requirement. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum, which will be, at our option, a rate equal to an applicable margin, which is subject to adjustment based on the credit ratings of AB, plus one of the following indices: a term Secured Overnight Financial Rate; a Prime rate; or the Federal Funds rate.
As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we had no amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility. Furthermore, during the first six months of 2025 and the full year 2024, we did not draw upon the Credit Facility.
EQH Facility
AB also has a $900.0 million committed, unsecured senior credit facility (“EQH Facility”) with EQH. The EQH Facility matures on August 31, 2029 and is available for AB's general business purposes. Borrowings under the EQH Facility generally bear interest at a rate per annum based on prevailing overnight commercial paper rates.
The EQH Facility contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants which are substantially similar to those in AB’s committed bank facilities. As of June 30, 2025, we were in compliance with these covenants. The EQH Facility also includes customary events of default substantially similar to those in AB’s committed bank facilities, including provisions under which, upon the occurrence of an event of default, all outstanding loans may be accelerated and/or the lender’s commitment may be terminated.
Amounts under the EQH Facility may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed by us from time to time until the maturity of the facility. AB or EQH may reduce or terminate the commitment at any time without penalty upon proper notice. EQH also may terminate the facility immediately upon a change of control of our general partner.
As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, AB had $650.0 million and $710.0 million outstanding under the EQH Facility, with interest rates of approximately 4.3% for both periods. Average daily borrowings on the EQH Facility for the
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Index
first six months of 2025 and the full year 2024 were $465.0 million and $494.2 million, respectively, with weighted average interest rates of approximately 4.3% and 5.2%, respectively.
EQH Uncommitted Facility
In addition to the EQH Facility, AB has a $300.0 million uncommitted, unsecured senior credit facility (“EQH Uncommitted Facility”) with EQH. The EQH Uncommitted Facility matures on August 31, 2029 and is available for AB's general business purposes. Borrowings under the EQH Uncommitted Facility generally bear interest at a rate per annum based on prevailing overnight commercial paper rates. The EQH Uncommitted Facility contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants which are substantially similar to those in the EQH Facility. As of June 30, 2025, we were in compliance with these covenants. As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 we had no amounts outstanding on the EQH Uncommitted Facility. During the first six months of 2025 and full year 2024, we did not draw upon the EQH Uncommitted Facility.
Commercial Paper
As of both June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 we had no commercial paper outstanding. The commercial paper is short term in nature, and as such, recorded value is estimated to approximate fair value (and considered a Level 2 security in the fair value hierarchy). Average daily borrowings of commercial paper during the first six months of 2025 and full year 2024 were $184.0 million and $268.2 million, respectively, with weighted average interest rates of approximately 4.4% and 5.4%, respectively.
SCB Lines of Credit
SCB LLC has three uncommitted lines of credit with three financial institutions. Two of these lines of credit permit us to borrow up to an aggregate of approximately $150.0 million, with AB named as an additional borrower, while the other line has no stated limit. AB has agreed to guarantee the obligations on SCB LLC under these lines of credit. As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, SCB LLC had no outstanding balance on these lines of credit. Average daily borrowings on these lines of credit during the first six months of 2025 and full year 2024 were $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, with weighted average interest rates of approximately 7.5% and 8.5%, respectively.
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Index
17. Business Segment Information
Management has assessed the requirements of ASC 280, Segment Reporting, and determined that, because we utilize a consolidated approach to assess performance and allocate resources, we have only one operating segment. We provide diversified investment management, research and related services globally to a broad range of clients through our three distribution channels: Institutions, Retail and Private Wealth Management.
The Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") is the Chief Executive Officer of AB. The CODM evaluates the reported measure of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. Significant segment expenses are part of the CODM review and are critically important to understand the level of profitability and overall performance of the company. This assessment will determine the way in which the CODM allocates resources to our respective business operations.
Measurement of Segment Profit or Loss and How the CODM Uses the Reported Measure
The CODM regularly receives financial information and management reports that are prepared on a consolidated basis. When assessing profitability, allocating resources and evaluating the underlying performance of our business, the CODM uses condensed consolidated net income as reported on the condensed consolidated statements of income. In applying the requirements under ASC 280, the company has identified significant segment expenses and other segment items related to our one operating segment. The significant expenses considered by the CODM in evaluating the performance of our business are consistent with the financial information included on the company's condensed consolidated statements of income. The measurement of assets as evaluated by the CODM is reported as "Total assets" on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. As an additional measure of segment profit or loss, the CODM considers certain adjustments to condensed consolidated net income. While management uses these additional adjusted metrics in assessing and allocating resources to the business, management recognizes that US GAAP principles are the basis of our performance. The accounting policies of our one operating segment are described in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies.
Enterprise-wide disclosures as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:
Services
Net revenues derived from our investment management, research and related services for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
(in thousands)
Institutions(1)
$
163,018
$
158,779
$
335,023
$
316,052
Retail(1)
603,176
566,671
1,203,148
1,102,848
Private Wealth Management(1)
297,428
287,138
596,225
565,446
Bernstein Research Services (2)
—
—
—
96,222
Other
40,947
37,168
68,297
97,056
Total revenues
1,104,569
1,049,756
2,202,693
2,177,624
Less: Broker-dealer related Interest expense
15,662
21,813
33,179
45,530
Net revenues
$
1,088,907
$
1,027,943
$
2,169,514
$
2,132,094
(1) Institutions, Retail and Private Wealth management revenues by channel include investment advisory base fees, performance-based fees, distribution revenues and shareholder servicing fees by channel.
(2) Effective April 1, 2024, AB deconsolidated the Bernstein Research Services business.
Our AllianceBernstein U.S. Growth Stock, an open-end fund incorporated in Japan, generated approximately 8% of our investment advisory and service fees and 12% of our net revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively. U.S. Growth Stock generated approximately 6% of our investment advisory and service fees and 10% of our net revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively.
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Index
Geographic Information
Net revenues related to our U.S. and international operations, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, were as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
(in thousands)
Net revenues:
United States
$
638,219
$
626,965
$
1,266,588
$
1,287,508
International:
Luxembourg
265,881
259,392
530,074
505,891
Japan
142,175
114,109
282,004
222,391
Other International
42,632
27,477
90,848
116,304
Total International
450,688
400,978
902,926
844,586
Total
$
1,088,907
$
1,027,943
$
2,169,514
$
2,132,094
Long-lived assets related to our U.S. and international operations, as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, were as follows:
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
(in thousands)
Long-lived assets:
United States
$
4,161,790
$
4,187,885
International
56,145
57,140
Total
$
4,217,935
$
4,245,025
Major Customers
No single customer or individual client accounted for more than 10% of our total revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024.
18. Qualified Employee Benefit Plans
We maintained a qualified, noncontributory, defined benefit retirement plan (the “Retirement Plan”) covering current and former employees who were employed by AB in the United States prior to October 2, 2000. During 2024, the Compensation Committee of the AB Board of Directors approved the termination of the Retirement Plan, effective May 22, 2024. We began the process of settling benefits with vested participants and all lump sum disbursements elected by plan participants were distributed in December 2024 in the amount of $35.0 million. The remaining retirement plan participants who did not elect a lump sum disbursement elected to roll over their benefit to a group annuity contract from a qualified insurance company to administer all future payments. During the six months ended June 30, 2025, we settled all future obligations under the Retirement Plan and transferred the remaining benefit obligations to a qualified third party insurance provider under a group annuity contract. The final annuity premium transferred was $59.4 million. Following the settlement related to the annuity purchase, the plans funded status was in a deficit and the company funded an additional $1.7 million to cover all remaining obligations. As a result of the settlement, we recognized a non-cash settlement charge of approximately $20.8 million related to Retirement Plan losses and the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss to general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income.
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Index
19. Subsequent Events
EQH Exchange
On December 19, 2024, the company entered into a master exchange agreement with EQH providing for the issuance by AB of up to 10,000,000 units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests in AB (“AB Units”) to EQH in exchange for an equal number of units representing assignments of beneficial ownership of limited partnership interests in AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (“AB Holding Units”) owned by EQH. At the time the Exchange Agreement was entered into, AB and EQH exchanged 5,211,194 AB Units for AB Holding Units (thereby reducing the 10,000,000 AB Units available for future exchange to 4,788,806 AB Units), and the acquired AB Holding Units were retired.
On July 10, 2025, AB entered into an amended and restated Exchange Agreement (the “Amended Exchange Agreement”) to increase the AB Units that remain available for exchange from 4,788,806 AB Units to 19,682,946 AB Units. At the time the Amended Exchange Agreement was entered into, AB and EQH exchanged 19,682,946 AB Units for AB Holding Units and the acquired AB Holding Units were retired. Following the exchange, the Amended Exchange Agreement was terminated.
After giving effect to such exchange, EQH continues to have a 68.6% economic interest in AB and the ownership structure of AB, including limited partnership units outstanding as well as the general partner's 1.0% interest, was as follows:
EQH and its subsidiaries
68.5
%
AB Holding
30.8
Unaffiliated holders
0.7
100.0
%
Joint Ventures
Effective April 1, 2024, AB and Societe General ("SocGen") formed a global joint venture with two joint venture holding companies, one outside of North America and one within North America ("NA JV", and together the "JVs"). AB owns a 66.7% majority interest in the NA JV while SocGen owns a 51% majority interest in the joint venture outside of North America.
At the close of the transaction, SocGen paid AB $304.0 million in cash which included $102.6 million of prepaid consideration for an option, exercisable by AB during the five years following the close of the transaction, that would result in SocGen having a 51% ownership of the NA JV (the "AB option"). AB's option may only be exercised upon receipt of appropriate regulatory approvals. Under the terms of the transaction and assuming AB exercises its option as noted above, SocGen would increase its ownership to a majority interest of the NA JV, without further consideration payable.
During July 2025, appropriate regulatory approval for SocGen to increase its ownership to 51% was received and AB has issued formal notice of its intent to exercise the AB Option. AB will deliver the additional equity once the remaining AB option conditions have been fulfilled by the parties, at a future date, expected within the first half of 2026. Upon delivery of the additional equity, SG will own a majority interest in the NA JV. Until such time the equity is delivered, AB will maintain a 66.7% interest in the NA JV and a 49% interest in the JV outside of North America.
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Index
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Executive Overview
Our total assets under management (“AUM”) as of June 30, 2025 were $829.1 billion, up $44.6 billion, or 5.7%, compared to March 31, 2025, and up $59.6 billion, or 7.7%, compared to June 30, 2024. During the second quarter of 2025 AUM increased due to market appreciation of $51.3 billion, offset by net outflows of $6.7 billion (Retail net outflows of $4.8 billion, Institutional net outflows of $1.5 billion and Private Wealth net outflows of $0.4 billion).
Institutional AUM increased $15.9 billion, or 4.9%, to $340.0 billion during the second quarter of 2025, due to market appreciation of $17.4 billion, offset by net outflows of $1.5 billion. Gross sales decreased sequentially from $4.6 billion during the first quarter of 2025 to $3.7 billion during the second quarter of 2025. Redemptions and terminations increased sequentially from $2.5 billion to $3.7 billion.
Retail AUM increased $20.6 billion, or 6.4%, to $344.7 billion during the second quarter of 2025, due to market appreciation of $25.4 billion, offset by net outflows of $4.8 billion. Gross sales decreased sequentially from $25.7 billion during the first quarter of 2025 to $19.4 billion during the second quarter of 2025. Redemptions and terminations decreased sequentially from $22.2 billion to $21.8 billion.
Private Wealth AUM increased $8.1 billion, or 5.9%, to $144.4 billion during the second quarter of 2025, due to market appreciation of $8.5 billion, offset by net outflows of $0.4 billion. Gross sales decreased sequentially from $5.8 billion during the first quarter of 2025 to $4.8 billion during the second quarter of 2025. Redemptions and terminations increased sequentially from $5.0 billion to $5.2 billion.
Net revenues of $1.1 billion for the second quarter of 2025 increased $61.0 million, or 5.9%, compared to the second quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher investment advisory base fees of $31.3 million, higher distribution revenues of $25.5 million and lower investment losses of $15.8 million, partially offset by lower other revenues of $5.3 million and lower performance-based fees of $4.7 million.
Operating expenses for the second quarter of 2025 increased $38.2 million, or 4.6%, to $866.8 million from $828.7 million in the second quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher promotion and servicing expense of $25.3 million, higher employee compensation and benefits expense of $16.2 million and higher general and administrative ("G&A") expense of $2.3 million, partially offset by lower interest on borrowings of $2.9 million and lower contingent payment arrangements expense of $2.5 million.
Operating income increased $22.8 million, or 11.4%, to $222.1 million from $199.3 million in the second quarter of 2024 and our operating margin increased to 20.7% in the second quarter of 2025 from 19.0% in the second quarter of 2024.
Market Environment
U.S. Equities
Following the sharp pullback in early April, triggered by the rollout of tariffs on “Liberation Day”, U.S. equities quickly rebounded as the newly imposed levies were paused to facilitate trade negotiations. Despite concerns stemming from soft consumer sentiment and rising inflation expectations, employment data largely remained resilient and corporate earnings were strong. A significant majority of S&P 500 constituents exceeded earnings expectations and over half beat on revenues, contributing to a 10.6% rally in the S&P 500 during the second quarter of 2025. Growth sectors such as Technology, Consumer Discretionary and Communications Services rebounded, propelling the S&P 500 Growth index to a quarterly gain of 18.7%, outperforming the Value index’s modest gain of 2.5%. Smaller companies also posted solid equity gains, with the Russell 2000 index returning 8.5%, although slightly lagging behind large cap stocks.
Global and Non-U.S. Equities
Eurozone equities continued their strong performance year-to-date, as evidenced by the MSCI European Economic and Monetary Union index returning 5.5% (gross, in euro terms) and 14.6% (gross, in USD terms) in the second quarter of 2025, driven by the U.S. dollar's depreciation against the euro. The European Central Bank (ECB) implemented two interest rate cuts of 25 basis points each during this period, with the ECB President indicating that the central bank was nearing the end of its rate-cutting cycle. U.K. equities also saw positive results in the second quarter of 2025, returning 2.4% (gross, in GBP terms) or 8.7% (gross, in USD terms). In Japan, equity markets experienced significant gains, with the TOPIX index returning 7.5%, led by growth stocks which outperformed value stocks. Meanwhile, Asia ex-Japan equity markets recorded notable growth, buoyed by reduced trade concerns and positive sentiment towards technology and artificial intelligence, particularly benefiting Taiwan's semiconductor industry and investor confidence in India. Emerging markets slightly outperformed Developed markets in the second quarter.
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Index
Global Bonds
Despite heightened rates volatility attributed to escalating geopolitical tensions stemming from U.S. tariffs, developments in the Middle East, and concerns about debt sustainability, the Bloomberg Global Aggregate posted a total return of 4.5% (unhedged USD), largely driven by the weakening dollar against major global currencies. Initially, fears of a recession surged following the tariff announcements in the U.S., but subsided as a more conciliatory approach was adopted towards trade. Attention shifted towards fiscal policy and its implications for debt sustainability, following the downgrade of the U.S. sovereign rating to Aa1 by the Moody's credit rating agency referencing the increased burden on the government's budget deficit. This period marked the peak of U.S. Treasury yields for the quarter, impacting other high deficit countries vulnerable to market sell-offs.
Across major government bond markets, yield curves steepened as longer-dated bonds experienced comparatively higher yields. Despite global uncertainties, credit markets demonstrated remarkable resilience, buoyed by a strong technical environment characterized by high all-in-yields and relatively low net issuance. Positive returns were observed across various sectors and regions, with high yield credit particularly benefiting from this backdrop. Although high yield credit exhibited greater volatility, both US and euro high yield bonds outperformed their investment-grade counterparts over the second quarter.
Relationship with EQH and its Subsidiaries
EQH (our parent company) and its subsidiaries are our largest client. EQH is collaborating with AB in order to improve the risk-adjusted yield for the General Accounts of EQH's insurance subsidiaries by investing additional assets at AB, including the utilization of AB's higher-fee, longer-duration alternative offerings. During the second quarter of 2023, Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of EQH ("Equitable Financial"), committed to an additional $10 billion in permanent capital to build out AB's private illiquid offerings, including private alternatives and private placements, deployment of which is approximately 50% complete. The initial $10 billion commitment from 2021 has been fully deployed. We expect this anticipated capital from EQH's insurance subsidiaries will continue to accelerate both organic and inorganic growth in our private alternatives business, allowing us to continue to deliver for our clients, employees, unitholders and other stakeholders. For example, included in the initial $10 billion commitment by EQH is $750 million in capital deployed through AB CarVal.
Permanent capital means investment capital of indefinite duration, for which commitments may be withdrawn under certain conditions. Such conditions primarily include potential regulatory restrictions, lacking sufficient liquidity to fund the capital commitments to AB and AB's inability to identify attractive investment opportunities which align with the investment strategy. Although EQH’s insurance subsidiaries have indicated their intention over time to provide this investment capital to AB, they have no binding commitment to do so. While the withdrawal of their commitment could potentially slow down our introduction of certain products, the impact to our overall operations would not be material.
Assets Under Management
Assets under management by distribution channel are as follows:
As of June 30,
2025
2024
$ Change
% Change
(in billions)
Institutions
$
340.0
$
322.7
$
17.3
5.4
%
Retail
344.7
316.4
28.3
8.9
Private Wealth
144.4
130.4
14.0
10.7
Total
$
829.1
$
769.5
$
59.6
7.7
%
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Index
Assets under management by investment service are as follows:
As of June 30,
2025
2024
$ Change
% Change
(in billions)
Equity
Actively Managed
$
273.4
$
264.4
$
9.0
3.4
%
Passively Managed(1)
70.8
65.8
5.0
7.6
Total Equity
344.2
330.2
14.0
4.3
Fixed Income
Actively Managed
Taxable
214.5
216.0
(1.5)
(0.7)
Tax–exempt
79.5
66.2
13.3
20.0
294.0
282.2
11.8
4.2
Passively Managed(1)
10.2
11.0
(0.8)
(8.0)
Total Fixed Income
304.2
293.2
11.0
3.7
Alternatives/Multi-Asset Solutions(2)
Actively Managed
168.4
136.0
32.4
23.8
Passively Managed(1)
12.3
10.1
2.2
22.4
Total Alternatives/Multi-Asset Solutions
180.7
146.1
34.6
23.7
Total
$
829.1
$
769.5
$
59.6
7.7
%
(1)Includes index and enhanced index services.
(2)Includes certain multi-asset solutions and services not included in equity or fixed income services.
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Index
Changes in assets under management for the three-month, six-month and twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2025 are as follows:
Distribution Channel
Institutions
Retail
Private Wealth
Total
(in billions)
Balance as of March 31, 2025
$
324.1
$
324.1
$
136.3
$
784.5
Long-term flows:
Sales/new accounts
3.7
19.4
4.8
27.9
Redemptions/terminations
(3.7)
(21.8)
(5.2)
(30.7)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
(1.5)
(2.4)
—
(3.9)
Net long-term outflows
(1.5)
(4.8)
(0.4)
(6.7)
Market appreciation
17.4
25.4
8.5
51.3
Net change
15.9
20.6
8.1
44.6
Balance as of June 30, 2025
$
340.0
$
344.7
$
144.4
$
829.1
Balance as of December 31, 2024
$
321.4
$
334.3
$
136.5
$
792.2
Long-term flows:
Sales/new accounts
8.3
45.1
10.6
64.0
Redemptions/terminations
(6.2)
(44.0)
(10.2)
(60.4)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
(2.9)
(5.0)
—
(7.9)
Net long-term (outflows) inflows
(0.8)
(3.9)
0.4
(4.3)
Transfers
0.4
(0.1)
(0.3)
—
Market appreciation
19.0
14.4
7.8
41.2
Net change
18.6
10.4
7.9
36.9
Balance as of June 30, 2025
$
340.0
$
344.7
$
144.4
$
829.1
Balance as of June 30, 2024
$
322.7
$
316.4
$
130.4
$
769.5
Long-term flows:
Sales/new accounts
14.7
98.0
20.4
133.1
Redemptions/terminations
(14.2)
(82.2)
(19.6)
(116.0)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
(11.8)
(13.2)
—
(25.0)
Net long-term (outflows) inflows
(11.3)
2.6
0.8
(7.9)
Adjustments(1)
—
—
0.7
0.7
Transfers
0.5
(0.1)
(0.4)
—
Market appreciation
28.1
25.8
12.9
66.8
Net change
17.3
28.3
14.0
59.6
Balance as of June 30, 2025
$
340.0
$
344.7
$
144.4
$
829.1
(1)This adjustment is due to a change in fee policy related to certain fixed income assets effective October 1, 2024.
33
Index
Investment Service
Equity Actively Managed
Equity
Passively
Managed(1)
Fixed Income Actively Managed - Taxable
Fixed Income Actively Managed - Tax- Exempt
Fixed
Income
Passively
Managed(1)
Alternatives/ Multi-Asset Solutions(2)
Total
(in billions)
Balance as of March 31, 2025
$
249.0
$
65.8
$
211.6
$
78.4
$
10.1
$
169.6
$
784.5
Long-term flows:
Sales/new accounts
8.4
0.4
9.4
5.9
0.2
3.6
27.9
Redemptions/terminations
(12.2)
(1.8)
(10.6)
(4.6)
—
(1.5)
(30.7)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
(2.2)
(0.5)
(0.3)
(0.1)
(0.3)
(0.5)
(3.9)
Net long-term (outflows) inflows
(6.0)
(1.9)
(1.5)
1.2
(0.1)
1.6
(6.7)
Market appreciation (depreciation)
30.4
6.9
4.4
(0.1)
0.2
9.5
51.3
Net change
24.4
5.0
2.9
1.1
0.1
11.1
44.6
Balance as of June 30, 2025
$
273.4
$
70.8
$
214.5
$
79.5
$
10.2
$
180.7
$
829.1
Balance as of December 31, 2024
$
263.4
$
68.3
$
209.3
$
76.2
$
10.3
$
164.7
$
792.2
Long-term flows:
Sales/new accounts
21.5
0.9
21.8
11.8
0.2
7.8
64.0
Redemptions/terminations
(26.1)
(1.9)
(21.6)
(8.1)
(0.1)
(2.6)
(60.4)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
(3.9)
(0.7)
(3.2)
(0.1)
(0.7)
0.7
(7.9)
Net long-term (outflows) inflows
(8.5)
(1.7)
(3.0)
3.6
(0.6)
5.9
(4.3)
Market appreciation (depreciation)
18.5
4.2
8.2
(0.3)
0.5
10.1
41.2
Net change
10.0
2.5
5.2
3.3
(0.1)
16.0
36.9
Balance as of June 30, 2025
$
273.4
$
70.8
$
214.5
$
79.5
$
10.2
$
180.7
$
829.1
Balance as of June 30, 2024
$
264.4
$
65.8
$
216.0
$
66.2
$
11.0
$
146.1
$
769.5
Long-term flows:
Sales/new accounts
46.2
1.4
43.8
25.9
0.2
15.6
133.1
Redemptions/terminations
(52.6)
(2.2)
(41.2)
(13.7)
(0.6)
(5.7)
(116.0)
Cash flow/unreinvested dividends
(14.0)
(3.4)
(3.6)
0.2
(1.1)
(3.1)
(25.0)
Net long-term (outflows) inflows
(20.4)
(4.2)
(1.0)
12.4
(1.5)
6.8
(7.9)
Adjustments (3)
—
—
0.2
0.5
—
—
0.7
Transfers (4)
—
—
(12.1)
—
—
12.1
—
Market appreciation
29.4
9.2
11.4
0.4
0.7
15.7
66.8
Net change
9.0
5.0
(1.5)
13.3
(0.8)
34.6
59.6
Balance as of June 30, 2025
$
273.4
$
70.8
$
214.5
$
79.5
$
10.2
$
180.7
$
829.1
(1)Includes index and enhanced index services.
(2)Includes certain multi-asset solutions and services not included in equity or fixed income services
(3)This adjustment is due to a change in fee policy related to certain fixed income assets effective October 1, 2024.
(4)Approximately $12.1 billion of private placements was transferred from Taxable Fixed Income into Alternatives/Multi-Asset during the three months ended September 30, 2024 to better align with standard industry practice for asset class reporting purposes.
34
Index
Net long-term inflows (outflows) for actively managed investment services as compared to passively managed investment services for the three-month, six-month and twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2025 are as follows:
Periods Ended June 30, 2025
Three-months
Six-months
Twelve-months
(in billions)
Actively Managed
Equity
$
(6.0)
$
(8.5)
$
(20.4)
Fixed Income
(0.3)
0.6
11.4
Alternatives/Multi-Asset Solutions
1.5
5.8
6.1
Total Actively Managed
(4.8)
(2.1)
(2.9)
Passively Managed
Equity
(1.9)
(1.7)
(4.2)
Fixed Income
(0.1)
(0.6)
(1.5)
Alternatives/Multi-Asset Solutions
0.1
0.1
0.7
Total Passively Managed
(1.9)
(2.2)
(5.0)
Total net long-term (outflows)
$
(6.7)
$
(4.3)
$
(7.9)
Average assets under management by distribution channel and investment service are as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
$ Change
% Change
2025
2024
$ Change
% Change
(in billions)
(in billions)
Distribution Channel:
Institutions
$
329.0
$
319.6
$
9.4
2.9
%
$
327.5
$
318.2
$
9.3
2.9
%
Retail
331.3
308.0
23.3
7.5
334.1
301.7
32.4
10.7
Private Wealth
139.2
127.9
11.3
8.9
138.9
125.7
13.2
10.5
Total
$
799.5
$
755.5
$
44.0
5.8
%
$
800.5
$
745.6
$
54.9
7.4
%
Investment Service:
Equity Actively Managed
$
258.5
$
259.7
$
(1.2)
(0.5)
%
$
261.7
$
255.9
$
5.8
2.3
%
Equity Passively Managed(1)
67.8
64.2
3.6
5.8
68.5
63.9
4.6
7.2
Fixed Income Actively Managed – Taxable
210.2
212.9
(2.7)
(1.3)
210.7
211.0
(0.3)
(0.1)
Fixed Income Actively Managed – Tax-exempt
78.6
64.7
13.9
21.4
78.1
63.5
14.6
22.9
Fixed Income Passively Managed(1)
10.1
11.0
(0.9)
(7.7)
10.2
11.1
(0.9)
(7.8)
Alternatives/Multi-Asset Solutions(2)
174.3
143.0
31.3
21.9
171.3
140.2
31.1
22.2
Total
$
799.5
$
755.5
$
44.0
5.8
%
$
800.5
$
745.6
$
54.9
7.4
%
(1)Includes index and enhanced index services.
(2)Includes certain multi-asset solutions and services not included in equity or fixed income services.
Our Institutional channel second quarter average AUM of $329.0 billion increased $9.4 billion, or 2.9%, compared to the second quarter of 2024, while Institutional channel second quarter ending AUM increased $17.3 billion, or 5.4%, to $340.0 billion from June 30, 2024. The $17.3 billion increase in AUM resulted primarily from market appreciation of $28.1 billion, offset by net outflows of $11.3 billion.
35
Index
Our Retail channel second quarter average AUM of $331.3 billion increased $23.3 billion, or 7.5%, compared to the second quarter of 2024, while Retail channel second quarter ending AUM increased $28.3 billion, or 8.9%, to $344.7 billion from June 30, 2024. The $28.3 billion increase resulted primarily from market appreciation of $25.8 billion and net inflows of $2.6 billion.
Our Private Wealth channel second quarter average AUM of $139.2 billion increased $11.3 billion, or 8.9%, compared to the second quarter of 2024, while Private Wealth channel second quarter ending AUM increased $14.0 billion, or 10.7%, to $144.4 billion from June 30, 2024. The $14.0 billion increase resulted primarily from market appreciation of $12.9 billion and net inflows of $0.8 billion.
Absolute investment composite returns, gross of fees, and relative performance as of June 30, 2025 compared to benchmarks for certain representative Institutional equity and fixed income services are as follows:
1-Year
3-Year(1)
5-Year(1)
Income (fixed income)
Absolute return
8.9
%
6.6
%
2.8
%
Relative return (vs. Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index)
2.8
4.0
3.5
High Income (fixed income)
Absolute return
10.3
11.1
6.8
Relative return (vs. Bloomberg Barclays Global High Yield Index - Hedged)
(1.2)
(0.3)
0.9
Global Plus - Hedged (fixed income)
Absolute return
6.2
4.0
0.8
Relative return (vs. Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Index - Hedged)
0.1
0.4
0.6
Intermediate Municipal Bonds (fixed income)
Absolute return
2.8
3.4
1.8
Relative return (vs. Lipper Short/Int. Blended Muni Fund Avg)
0.1
0.6
0.7
U.S. Core Plus (fixed income)
Absolute return
7.6
3.8
0.3
Relative return (vs. Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index)
1.5
1.2
1.0
Emerging Market Debt (fixed income)
Absolute return
11.5
9.7
2.8
Relative return (vs. JPM EMBI Global/JPM EMBI)
2.0
1.5
0.9
Sustainable Global Thematic
Absolute return
7.7
11.8
9.8
Relative return (vs. MSCI ACWI Index)
(8.4)
(5.6)
(3.8)
International Strategic Core Equity
Absolute return
24.5
17.7
11.8
Relative return (vs. MSCI EAFE Index)
6.8
1.7
0.6
U.S. Small & Mid Cap Value
Absolute return
6.0
10.6
15.1
Relative return (vs. Russell 2500 Value Index)
(4.5)
(0.1)
1.2
36
Index
1-Year
3-Year(1)
5-Year(1)
U.S. Large Cap Value
Absolute return
10.5
15.4
16.4
Relative return (vs. Russell 1000 Value Index)
(3.2)
2.7
2.5
U.S. Small Cap Growth
Absolute return
10.3
12.2
6.0
Relative return (vs. Russell 2000 Growth Index)
0.5
(0.2)
(1.4)
U.S. Large Cap Growth
Absolute return
12.5
22.3
15.5
Relative return (vs. Russell 1000 Growth Index)
(4.8)
(3.4)
(2.7)
U.S. Small & Mid Cap Growth
Absolute return
9.3
13.4
6.4
Relative return (vs. Russell 2500 Growth Index)
0.5
1.3
(1.1)
Concentrated U.S. Growth
Absolute return
11.2
13.7
12.4
Relative return (vs. S&P 500 Index)
(4.0)
(6.0)
(4.3)
Select U.S. Equity
Absolute return
18.0
20.1
18.4
Relative return (vs. S&P 500 Index)
2.8
0.4
1.7
Strategic Equities
Absolute return
12.2
18.8
16.1
Relative return (vs. Russell 3000 Index)
(3.1)
(0.3)
0.2
Global Core Equity
Absolute return
15.9
15.6
11.9
Relative return (vs. MSCI ACWI Index)
(0.2)
(1.7)
(1.8)
U.S. Strategic Core Equity
Absolute return
14.4
17.9
15.7
Relative return (vs. S&P 500 Index)
(0.8)
(1.8)
(0.9)
Select U.S. Equity Long/Short
Absolute return
12.2
12.7
12.1
Relative return (vs. S&P 500 Index)
(3.0)
(7.0)
(4.6)
Global Strategic Core Equity
Absolute return
14.3
16.7
13.9
Relative return (vs. S&P 500 Index)
(2.0)
(1.6)
(0.6)
(1)Reflects annualized returns.
37
Index
Consolidated Results of Operations
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
$ Change
% Change
2025
2024
$ Change
% Change
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
Net revenues
$
1,088,907
$
1,027,943
$
60,964
5.9
%
$
2,169,514
$
2,132,094
$
37,420
1.8
%
Expenses
866,813
828,654
38,159
4.6
1,711,051
1,690,808
20,243
1.2
Operating income
222,094
199,289
22,805
11.4
458,463
441,286
17,177
3.9
Non-operating income
—
134,555
(134,555)
n/m
—
134,555
(134,555)
n/m
Pre-tax income
222,094
333,844
(111,750)
(33.5)
458,463
575,841
(117,378)
(20.4)
Income taxes
14,806
20,092
(5,286)
(26.3)
29,481
36,134
(6,653)
(18.4)
Net income
207,288
313,752
(106,464)
(33.9)
428,982
539,707
(110,725)
(20.5)
Net (loss) income of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests
(3,179)
4,180
(7,359)
n/m
(2,284)
12,208
(14,492)
n/m
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders
$
210,467
$
309,572
$
(99,105)
(32.0)
$
431,266
$
527,499
$
(96,233)
(18.2)
Net income per AB Unit
$
0.71
$
1.07
$
(0.36)
(33.6)
$
1.46
$
1.82
$
(0.36)
(19.8)
Distributions declared per AB Unit
$
0.84
$
0.79
$
0.05
6.3
%
$
1.72
$
1.60
$
0.12
7.5
%
Operating margin (1)
20.7
%
19.0
%
21.2
%
20.1
%
(1)Operating income excluding net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests as a percentage of net revenues.
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders for the three months ended June 30, 2025 decreased $99.1 million, or 32.0%, from the three months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease is primarily due to (in millions):
Lower gain on divestiture
$
(134.6)
Higher promotion and servicing expense
(25.3)
Higher employee compensation and benefits expense
(16.2)
Lower other revenue
(5.3)
Lower performance-based fees
(4.7)
Higher base advisory fees
31.3
Higher distribution revenues
25.5
Lower investment losses
15.8
Higher net losses of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interest
7.4
Lower income tax expense
5.3
Other
1.7
$
(99.1)
38
Index
Net income attributable to AB Unitholders for the six months ended June 30, 2025 decreased $96.2 million, or 18.2%, from the six months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease is primarily due to (in millions):
Lower gain on divestiture
$
(134.6)
Lower Bernstein Research Services revenue
(96.2)
Higher promotion and servicing expense
(42.9)
Higher investment losses
(16.5)
Higher general and administrative expense
(12.3)
Higher base advisory fees
94.9
Higher distribution revenues
58.8
Lower employee compensation and benefits expense
16.0
Higher net losses of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interest
14.5
Lower interest on borrowings
13.1
Lower income tax expense
6.7
Other
2.3
$
(96.2)
Units Outstanding; Unit Repurchases
Each quarter, we consider 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 we select has the authority to repurchase AB Holding Units on our behalf in accordance with the terms and limitations specified in 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. We did not adopt a plan during the second quarter of 2025. We may adopt additional plans in the future to engage in open-market purchases of AB Holding Units to help fund anticipated obligations under our incentive compensation award program and for other corporate purposes.
Cash Distributions
We are required to distribute all of our Available Cash Flow, as defined in the AB Partnership Agreement, to our Unitholders and the General Partner. Available Cash Flow typically is the adjusted net income per Unit for the quarter multiplied by the number of general and limited partnership interests at the end of the quarter. In future periods, management anticipates that Available Cash Flow will continue to be based on adjusted net income per unit, unless management determines, with 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 6 to our condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 for a description of Available Cash Flow.
Management Operating Metrics
We are providing the non-GAAP measures “adjusted net revenues,” “adjusted operating income” and “adjusted operating margin” because they are additional operating metrics management uses in evaluating and comparing period-to-period operating performance. Management uses these additional metrics in evaluating performance because they present a clearer picture of our 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, acquisition-related expenses, interest expense and other adjustment items. Similarly, we believe that these management operating metrics help investors better understand the underlying trends in our results and, accordingly, provide a valuable perspective for investors.
We provide the non-GAAP measures "adjusted net income" and "adjusted net income per unit" because our quarterly distribution per unit is typically our adjusted net income per unit (which is derived from adjusted net income).
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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP") and non-GAAP measures in evaluating
39
Index
our financial performance. The non-GAAP measures alone may pose limitations because they do not include all of our revenues and expenses.
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
Net revenues, US GAAP basis
$
1,088,907
$
1,027,943
$
2,169,514
$
2,132,094
Adjustments:
Distribution-related adjustments:
Distribution revenues
(198,367)
(172,905)
(397,387)
(338,595)
Investment advisory services fees
(20,297)
(20,350)
(42,093)
(39,440)
Pass-through adjustments:
Investment advisory services fees
(13,659)
(11,488)
(26,415)
(27,001)
Other revenues
(15,203)
(20,447)
(31,039)
(29,208)
Impact of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds
2,295
(3,292)
2,380
(11,667)
Incentive compensation-related items
(9,821)
(1,521)
(8,965)
(4,067)
Equity method investments:
Equity loss on JVs
13,371
27,893
19,444
27,893
(Gain) on other equity method investments
(2,792)
—
(2,792)
—
Adjusted net revenues
$
844,434
$
825,833
$
1,682,647
$
1,710,009
Operating income, US GAAP basis
$
222,094
$
199,289
$
458,463
$
441,286
Adjustments:
Real estate
—
(206)
—
(412)
Incentive compensation-related items
1,284
751
1,541
1,846
EQH award compensation
426
291
673
506
Retirement plan settlement loss
—
—
20,756
—
Acquisition-related expenses
12,643
19,035
25,446
34,017
Equity method investments:
Equity loss on JVs
13,371
27,893
19,444
27,893
(Gain) on other equity method investments
(2,792)
—
(2,792)
—
AB Funds reimbursement expense
14,296
—
14,296
—
Total of non-GAAP adjustments before interest on borrowings
39,228
47,764
79,364
63,850
Interest on borrowings
8,463
11,313
15,601
28,683
Sub-total of non-GAAP adjustments
47,691
59,077
94,965
92,533
Less: Net income of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests
(3,179)
4,180
(2,284)
12,208
Adjusted operating income
$
272,964
$
254,186
$
555,712
$
521,611
Non-Operating income, US GAAP basis
$
—
$
134,555
$
—
$
134,555
Less: Interest on borrowings
8,463
11,313
15,601
28,683
Less: Gain on divestiture
—
134,555
—
134,555
Adjusted non-operating (expense)
$
(8,463)
$
(11,313)
$
(15,601)
$
(28,683)
Adjusted pre-tax income
$
264,501
$
242,873
$
540,111
$
492,928
Less: Adjusted income taxes
17,642
14,621
34,729
30,906
Adjusted net income
$
246,859
$
228,252
$
505,382
$
462,022
40
Index
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Net income per AB Unit, GAAP basis
$
0.71
$
1.07
$
1.46
$
1.82
Impact of non-GAAP adjustments
0.13
(0.28)
0.25
(0.23)
Adjusted net income per AB Unit
$
0.84
$
0.79
$
1.71
$
1.59
Operating margin, GAAP basis
20.7
%
19.0
%
21.2
%
20.1
%
Impact of non-GAAP adjustments
11.6
11.8
11.8
10.4
Adjusted operating margin
32.3
%
30.8
%
33.0
%
30.5
%
Adjusted operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2025 increased $18.8 million, or 7.4%, from the three months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to higher investment advisory base fees of $29.8 million, lower general and administrative ("G&A") expense of $7.5 million and higher investment gains of $3.9 million, partially offset by lower performance-based fees of $11.7 million, higher employee compensation and benefits expense of $6.0 million and lower net dividend and interest revenues of $3.5 million.
Adjusted operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2025 increased $34.1 million, or 6.5%, from the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to higher investment advisory base fees of $88.0 million, lower general and administrative ("G&A") expense of $24.6 million, lower employee compensation and benefits expense of $21.4 million and lower promotion and servicing expense of $15.4 million, partially offset by lower BRS revenues of $96.2 million due to the BRS deconsolidation, higher investment losses compared to gains in the prior period of $10.5 million and lower net dividend and interest revenues of $7.3 million.
Adjusted Net Revenues
Net Revenue, as adjusted, is reduced to exclude all of the company's distribution revenues, which are recorded as a separate line item on the consolidated statement of income, as well as a portion of investment advisory services fees received that is used to pay distribution and servicing costs. For certain products, based on the distinct arrangements, certain distribution fees are collected by us and passed through to third-party client intermediaries, while for certain other products, we collect investment advisory services fees and a portion is passed through to third-party client intermediaries. In both arrangements, the third-party client intermediary owns the relationship with the client and is responsible for performing services and distributing the product to the client on our behalf. We believe offsetting distribution revenues and certain investment advisory services fees is useful for our investors and other users of our financial statements because such presentation appropriately reflects the nature of these costs as pass-through payments to third parties that perform functions on behalf of our sponsored mutual funds and/or shareholders of these funds. Distribution-related adjustments fluctuate each period based on the type of investment products sold, as well as the average AUM over the period. Also, we adjust distribution revenues for the amortization of deferred sales commissions as these costs, over time, will offset such revenues.
We adjust investment advisory and services fees and other revenues for pass through costs, primarily related to our transfer agent and shareholder servicing fees. Also, we adjust for certain investment advisory and services fees passed through to our investment advisors. These fees do not affect operating income, as such, we exclude these fees from adjusted net revenues. We also adjust for certain pass through costs associated with the transition of services to the JVs entered into with Societe Generale ("SocGen"). These amounts are expensed by us and passed to the JVs for reimbursement. These fees do not affect operating income, as such, we exclude these fees from adjusted net revenues
We adjust for the revenue impact of consolidating company-sponsored investment funds by eliminating the consolidated company-sponsored investment funds' revenues and including AB's fees from such consolidated company-sponsored investment funds and AB's investment gains and losses on its investments in such consolidated company-sponsored investment funds that were eliminated in consolidation.
Adjusted net revenues exclude investment gains and losses and dividends and interest on employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments. Also, we adjust for certain acquisition-related pass-through performance-based fees and performance related compensation.
We also adjust net revenues to exclude our portion of the equity income or loss associated with our equity method investments, including our investment in the JVs and reinsurance sidecar, as we don't consider this activity part of our core business operations. Effective April 1, 2024 following the close of the transaction with SocGen, we record all income or loss associated with the JVs as an equity method investment income (loss). As we no longer consider this activity part of our core business
41
Index
operations and our intent is to fully divest from both joint ventures, we consider these amounts temporary, and as such, we exclude these amounts from our adjusted net revenues.
Adjusted Operating Income
Adjusted operating income represents operating income on a US GAAP basis excluding (1) real estate charges (credits), (2) the impact on net revenues and compensation expense of the investment gains and losses (as well as the dividends and interest) associated with employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments, (3) the equity compensation paid by EQH to certain AB executives, (4) retirement plan settlement loss, (5) acquisition-related expenses, (6) income (loss) related to our equity method investments, (7) AB Funds reimbursement expense, (8) interest on borrowings and (9) the impact of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds.
Real estate charges (credits) incurred during the fourth quarter of 2019 through the fourth quarter of 2020, while excluded in the period in which the charges (credits) were recorded, were included ratably over the remaining applicable lease term.
Prior to 2009, a significant portion of employee compensation was in the form of long-term incentive compensation awards that were notionally invested in AB investment services and generally vested over a period of four years. AB economically hedged the exposure to market movements by purchasing and holding these investments on its balance sheet. All such investments had vested as of year-end 2012 and the investments have been delivered to the participants, except for those investments with respect to which the participant elected a long-term deferral. Fluctuation in the value of these investments, which also impacts compensation expense, is recorded within investment gains and losses on the income statement. Management believes it is useful to reflect the offset achieved from economically hedging the market exposure of these investments in the calculation of adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margin. The non-GAAP measures exclude gains and losses and dividends and interest on employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments included in revenues and compensation expense.
The board of directors of EQH granted to Seth Bernstein, our CEO, equity awards in connection with EQH's IPO. Additionally, equity awards have been granted to Mr. Bernstein and other AB executives for their membership on the EQH Management Committee. These individuals may receive additional equity or cash compensation from EQH in the future related to their service on the Management Committee. Any awards granted to these individuals by EQH are recorded as compensation expense in AB’s consolidated statement of income. The compensation expense associated with these awards has been excluded from our non-GAAP measures because they are non-cash and are based upon EQH's, and not AB's, financial performance.
The losses associated with the termination of our defined benefit retirement plan are non-cash, short term in nature and not considered a part of our core operating results when comparing financial results from period to period.
Acquisition-related expenses have been excluded because they are not considered part of our core operating results when comparing financial results from period to period and to industry peers. Acquisition-related expenses include professional fees, the recording of changes in estimates to, and accretion expense related to, our contingent payment arrangements associated with our acquisitions, certain compensation-related expenses and amortization of intangible assets for contracts acquired.
We also adjust operating income to exclude our portion of the equity income or loss associated with our equity method investments, including our investment in the JVs and reinsurance sidecar, as we don't consider this activity part of our core business operations. Effective April 1, 2024 following the close of the transaction with SocGen, we record all income or loss associated with the JVs as an equity method investment (income) loss. As we no longer consider this activity part of our core business operations and our intent is to fully divest from both joint ventures, we consider these amounts temporary, and as such, we exclude these amounts from our adjusted operating income.
During the first quarter of 2025, we identified an error in the billing practices of a third-party service provider, who had over billed certain AB mutual funds for omnibus account services, sub-accounting services, and related transfer agency expenses in prior years. The matter remains in dispute with the service provider. In the second quarter, at the request of the mutual fund Board, AB agreed to reimburse the affected funds for the entirety of the overpayment plus interest. We have adjusted operating income to exclude these reimbursements. We believe adjusting for these costs is useful for our investors and other users of our financial statements as such presentation appropriately reflects the non-core nature of this expenditure.
We adjust operating income to exclude interest on borrowings in order to align with our industry peer group.
We adjust for the operating income impact of consolidating certain company-sponsored investment funds by eliminating the consolidated company-sponsored funds' revenues and expenses and including AB's revenues and expenses that were eliminated in consolidation. We also exclude the limited partner interests we do not own.
42
Index
Adjusted Net Income per AB Unit
As previously discussed, our quarterly distribution is typically our adjusted net income per Unit (which is derived from adjusted net income) for the quarter multiplied by the number of general and limited partnership interests outstanding at the end of the quarter. Adjusted net income is derived from adjusted operating income less interest expense and adjusted income taxes. Adjusted income taxes, used in calculating adjusted net income, are calculated using the GAAP effective tax rate adjusted for non-GAAP income tax adjustments.
Adjusted Operating Margin
Adjusted operating margin allows us to monitor our financial performance and efficiency from period to period without the volatility noted above in our discussion of adjusted operating income and to compare our performance to industry peers on a basis that better reflects our performance in our core business. Adjusted operating margin is derived by dividing adjusted operating income by adjusted net revenues.
43
Index
Net Revenues
The components of net revenues are as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
$ Change
% Change
2025
2024
$ Change
% Change
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
Investment advisory and services fees:
Institutions:
Base fees
$
151,111
$
152,795
$
(1,684)
(1.1)
%
$
302,405
$
304,184
$
(1,779)
(0.6)
%
Performance-based fees
11,774
5,927
5,847
98.7
32,350
11,749
20,601
175.3
162,885
158,722
4,163
2.6
334,755
315,933
18,822
6.0
Retail:
Base fees
384,187
362,685
21,502
5.9
776,073
714,046
62,027
8.7
Performance-based fees
7,493
13,683
(6,190)
(45.2)
8,010
16,323
(8,313)
(50.9)
391,680
376,368
15,312
4.1
784,083
730,369
53,714
7.4
Private Wealth:
Base fees
270,021
258,537
11,484
4.4
544,707
510,026
34,681
6.8
Performance-based fees
19,392
23,700
(4,308)
(18.2)
35,545
45,404
(9,859)
(21.7)
289,413
282,237
7,176
2.5
580,252
555,430
24,822
4.5
Total:
Base fees
805,319
774,017
31,302
4.0
1,623,185
1,528,256
94,929
6.2
Performance-based fees
38,659
43,310
(4,651)
(10.7)
75,905
73,476
2,429
3.3
843,978
817,327
26,651
3.3
1,699,090
1,601,732
97,358
6.1
Bernstein Research Services (1)
—
—
—
n/m
—
96,222
(96,222)
n/m
Distribution revenues
198,367
172,905
25,462
14.7
397,387
338,595
58,792
17.4
Dividend and interest income
36,137
43,986
(7,849)
(17.8)
70,487
88,501
(18,014)
(20.4)
Investment (losses)
(7,825)
(23,629)
15,804
(66.9)
(28,363)
(11,886)
(16,477)
138.6
Other revenues
33,912
39,167
(5,255)
(13.4)
64,092
64,460
(368)
(0.6)
Total revenues
1,104,569
1,049,756
54,813
5.2
2,202,693
2,177,624
25,069
1.2
Less: broker-dealer related interest expense
15,662
21,813
(6,151)
(28.2)
33,179
45,530
(12,351)
(27.1)
Net revenues
$
1,088,907
$
1,027,943
$
60,964
5.9
%
$
2,169,514
$
2,132,094
$
37,420
1.8
%
(1) Effective April 1, 2024, AB deconsolidated the Bernstein Research Services business.
Investment Advisory and Services Fees
Investment advisory and services fees are the largest component of our revenues. These fees generally are calculated as a percentage of the value of AUM as of a specified date, or as a percentage of the value of average AUM for the applicable billing period, and vary with the type of investment service, the size of account and the total amount of assets we manage for a particular client. Accordingly, fee income generally increases or decreases as AUM increase or decrease and is affected by market appreciation or depreciation, the addition of new client accounts or client contributions of additional assets to existing accounts, withdrawals of assets from and termination of client accounts, purchases and redemptions of mutual fund shares, shifts of assets between accounts or products with different fee structures, and acquisitions. Our average basis points realized (investment advisory and services fees divided by average AUM) generally approximate 30 to 105 basis points for actively managed equity services, 10 to 65 basis points for actively-managed fixed income services and 1 to 50 basis points for
44
Index
passively managed services. Average basis points realized for other services could range from 3 basis points for certain Institutional third party managed services to over 190 basis points for certain Retail and Private Wealth Management alternative services. These ranges include all-inclusive fee arrangements (covering investment management, trade execution and other services) for our Private Wealth Management clients.
We calculate AUM using established market-based valuation methods and fair valuation (non-observable market) methods. Market-based valuation methods include: last sale/settle prices from an exchange for actively-traded listed equities, options and futures; evaluated bid prices from recognized pricing vendors for fixed income, asset-backed or mortgage-backed issues; mid prices from recognized pricing vendors and brokers for credit default swaps; and quoted bids or spreads from pricing vendors and brokers for other derivative products. Fair valuation methods include: discounted cash flow models or any other methodology that is validated and approved by our Valuation Committee and sub-committee (the "Valuation Committee") (see paragraph immediately below for more information regarding our Valuation Committee). Fair valuation methods are used only where AUM cannot be valued using market-based valuation methods, such as in the case of private equity or illiquid securities.
The Valuation Committee, consists of senior officers and employees, which oversees a consistent framework of pricing and valuation of all investments held in client and AB portfolios. The Valuation Committee has adopted a Statement of Pricing Policies describing principles and policies that apply to pricing and valuing investments held in these portfolios. We also have a Pricing Group, which is overseen by the Valuation Committee and is responsible for managing the pricing process for all investments.
We sometimes charge our clients performance-based fees. In these situations, we charge a base advisory fee and are eligible to earn an additional performance-based fee or incentive allocation that is calculated as either a percentage of absolute investment results or a percentage of investment results in excess of a stated benchmark over a specified period of time. Some performance-based fees include a high-watermark provision, which generally provides that if a client account underperforms relative to its performance target (whether absolute or relative to a specified benchmark), it must gain back such underperformance before we can collect future performance-based fees. Therefore, if we fail to achieve our performance target for a particular period, we will not earn a performance-based fee for that period and, for accounts with a high-watermark provision, our ability to earn future performance-based fees will be impaired. We are eligible to earn performance-based fees on 7.5%, 7.2% and 0.3% of the assets we manage for private wealth clients, institutional clients and retail clients, respectively (in total, 4.4% of our AUM).
For the three months ended June 30, 2025, our investment advisory and services fees increased by $26.7 million, or 3.3%, from the three months ended June 30, 2024, due to a $31.3 million, or 4.0%, increase in base fees, offset by a $4.7 million, or 10.7%, decrease in performance-based fees. The increase in base fees is primarily due to a 5.8% increase in average AUM. Performance-based fees decreased primarily due to lower performance fees earned on our U.S. Select Equity Long/Short, partially offset by higher performance fees earned on our European Loan Opportunities and Aviation Opportunities.
For the six months ended June 30, 2025, our investment advisory and services fees increased by $97.4 million, or 6.1%, from the six months ended June 30, 2024, due to a $94.9 million, or 6.2%, increase in base fees and a $2.4 million, or 3.3%, increase in performance-based fees. The increase in base fees is primarily due to a 7.4% increase in average AUM. Performance-based fees increased primarily due to higher performance fees earned on our International Small Cap, European Loan Opportunities and Aviation Opportunities, partially offset by lower performance fees earned on our U.S. Select Equity Long/Short, Private Credit, Strategic Equities Large Cap and Emerging Markets Value.
Institutional base fees for the three months ended June 30, 2025 decreased slightly by $1.7 million, or 1.1%, from the three months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to a decrease in portfolio fee rate, partially offset by a 2.9% increase in average AUM. Retail base fees for the three months ended June 30, 2025 increased $21.5 million, or 5.9%, from the three months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to a 7.5% increase in average AUM, partially offset by a decrease in portfolio fee rate. Private Wealth base fees for the three months ended June 30, 2025 increased $11.5 million, or 4.4%, from the three months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to a 8.9% increase in average AUM, partially offset by a decrease in portfolio fee rate.
Institutional base fees for the six months ended June 30, 2025 decreased slightly by $1.8 million, or 0.6%, from the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to a decrease in portfolio fee rate, partially offset by a 2.9% increase in average AUM. Retail base fees for the six months ended June 30, 2025 increased $62.0 million, or 8.7%, from the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to a 10.7% increase in average AUM, partially offset by a decrease in portfolio fee rate. Private Wealth base fees for the six months ended June 30, 2025 increased $34.7 million, or 6.8%, from the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to a 10.5% increase in average AUM, partially offset by a decrease in portfolio fee rate.
45
Index
Bernstein Research Services
Bernstein Research Services revenue decreased $96.2 million, or 100%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024 due to the deconsolidation of the BRS business effective April 1, 2024.
Distribution Revenues
Two of our subsidiaries act as distributors and/or placement agents of company-sponsored mutual funds and receive distribution services fees from certain of those funds as full or partial reimbursement of the distribution expenses they incur. Period-over-period fluctuations of distribution revenues typically are in line with fluctuations of the corresponding average AUM of these mutual funds.
Distribution revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2025 increased $25.5 million, or 14.7%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to the corresponding average AUM of these mutual funds increasing 11.6% and a shift in product mix to mutual funds that have higher distribution rates. Distribution revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2025 increased $58.8 million, or 17.4%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to the corresponding average AUM of these mutual funds increasing 14.1% and a shift in product mix to mutual funds that have higher distribution rates.
Dividend and Interest Income and Broker-Dealer Related Interest Expense
Dividend and interest income consists primarily of investment income and interest earned on customer margin balances and U.S. Treasury Bills as well as dividend and interest income in our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds. Broker-dealer related interest expense principally reflects interest accrued on cash balances in customers’ brokerage accounts.
For the three months ended June 30, 2025, dividend and interest income decreased $7.8 million, or 17.8%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to lower interest earned on U.S. Treasury Bills and customer margin accounts, as a result of lower interest rates. Broker-dealer related interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2025 decreased $6.2 million, or 28.2%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to lower interest paid on cash balances in customers' brokerage accounts, as a result of lower balances and lower interest rates.
For the six months ended June 30, 2025, dividend and interest income decreased $18.0 million, or 20.4%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to lower interest earned on U.S. Treasury Bills and customer margin accounts, as a result of lower interest rates. Broker-dealer related interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2025 decreased $12.4 million, or 27.1%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to lower interest paid on cash balances in customers' brokerage accounts, as a result of lower balances and lower interest rates.
Investment Gains (Losses)
Investment gains (losses) consist primarily of realized and unrealized investment gains or losses on: (i) employee long-term incentive compensation-related investments, (ii) U.S. Treasury Bills, (iii) seed capital investments, (iv) derivatives and (v) investments in our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds. Investment gains (losses) also include equity in earnings of proprietary investments in limited partnership hedge funds that we sponsor and manage and equity gains (losses) related to our equity method investments.
Investments held by consolidated company-sponsored investment funds:
Realized gains (losses)
1,166
(260)
1,459
(1,676)
Unrealized gains
1,909
4,046
165
11,527
Seed capital and other investments:
Realized gains (losses):
Seed capital and other
1,174
(673)
4,778
(312)
Derivatives
(286)
(4,128)
(11,946)
(14,439)
Unrealized gains (losses):
Seed capital and other
6,984
1,968
3,974
9,944
Derivatives
(10,536)
2,556
(11,558)
8,011
Brokerage-related investments:
Realized gains (losses)
9
176
50
(304)
Unrealized (losses) gains
(4)
129
(289)
197
Equity method investments:
(Loss) on JVs
(13,371)
(27,893)
(19,444)
(27,893)
Gain on other equity method investments
2,792
—
2,792
—
$
(7,825)
$
(23,629)
$
(28,363)
$
(11,886)
Other Revenues
Other revenues consist of fees earned for transfer agency services provided to company-sponsored mutual funds, fees earned for administration and recordkeeping services provided to company-sponsored mutual funds and the General Accounts of EQH and its subsidiaries, and other miscellaneous revenues. Other revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2025 decreased $5.3 million, or 13.4%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to a decrease in certain reimbursements for services provided to the JVs. Other revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2025 decreased $0.4 million, or 0.6%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to lower shareholder servicing fees, partially offset by higher reimbursements for services provided to the JVs and higher mutual fund reimbursements.
47
Index
Expenses
The components of expenses are as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
$ Change
% Change
2025
2024
$ Change
% Change
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
Employee compensation and benefits
$
439,554
$
423,324
$
16,230
3.8
%
$
860,085
$
876,096
$
(16,011)
(1.8)
%
Promotion and servicing:
Distribution-related payments
197,521
179,908
17,613
9.8
398,180
352,890
45,290
12.8
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
21,150
13,348
7,802
58.5
41,311
25,147
16,164
64.3
Trade execution, marketing, T&E and other
40,819
40,940
(121)
(0.3)
77,332
95,931
(18,599)
(19.4)
259,490
234,196
25,294
10.8
516,823
473,968
42,855
9.0
General and administrative
148,018
145,732
2,286
1.6
295,953
283,642
12,311
4.3
Contingent payment arrangements
42
2,558
(2,516)
(98.4)
106
5,116
(5,010)
(97.9)
Interest on borrowings
8,463
11,313
(2,850)
(25.2)
15,601
28,683
(13,082)
(45.6)
Amortization of intangible assets
11,246
11,531
(285)
(2.5)
22,483
23,303
(820)
(3.5)
Total
$
866,813
$
828,654
$
38,159
4.6
%
$
1,711,051
$
1,690,808
$
20,243
1.2
%
Employee Compensation and Benefits
Employee compensation and benefits expense consists of base compensation (including salaries and severance), annual short-term incentive compensation awards (cash bonuses), annual long-term incentive compensation awards, commissions, fringe benefits and other employment costs (including recruitment, training, temporary help and meals).
Compensation expense as a percentage of net revenues was 40.4% and 41.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Compensation expense as a percentage of net revenues was 39.6% and 41.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Compensation expense generally is determined on a discretionary basis and is primarily a function of our firm’s current-year financial performance. The amounts of incentive compensation we award are designed to motivate, reward and retain top talent while aligning our executives' interests with the interests of our Unitholders. Senior management, with the approval of the Compensation and Workplace Practices Committee of the Board of Directors of AllianceBernstein Corporation (“Compensation Committee”), periodically confirms that the appropriate metric to consider in determining the amount of incentive compensation is the ratio of adjusted employee compensation and benefits expense to adjusted net revenues. Adjusted net revenues used in the adjusted compensation ratio are the same as the adjusted annual net revenues presented as a non-GAAP measure (discussed earlier in this Item 2). Adjusted employee compensation and benefits expense is total employee compensation and benefits expense minus other employment costs such as recruitment, training, temporary help and meals (which was 1.1% of adjusted net revenues for both the three months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, and 1.0% and 1.1% of adjusted net revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively), and excludes the impact of mark-to-market vesting expense, as well as dividends and interest expense, associated with employee incentive compensation-related investments and the amortization expense associated with the awards issued by EQH to some of our firm's executive officers relating to their roles as members of the EQH Management Committee. Senior management, with the approval of the Compensation Committee, has established as an objective that adjusted employee compensation and benefits expense, excluding the impact of performance-based fees, generally should not exceed 50.0% of our adjusted net revenues in any year, except in unexpected or unusual circumstances. Our ratio of adjusted compensation expense as a percentage of adjusted net revenues was 48.5% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 49.0% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively.
48
Index
For the three months ended June 30, 2025, employee compensation and benefits expense increased $16.2 million, or 3.8%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to higher commissions of $12.7 million, higher base compensation of $8.9 million and higher fringe benefits of $3.1 million, partially offset by lower incentive compensation of $8.6 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, employee compensation and benefits expense decreased $16.0 million, or 1.8%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to lower base compensation of $23.2 million, lower fringe benefits of $5.8 million and lower incentive compensation of $5.1 million, partially offset by higher commissions of $18.8 million.
Promotion and Servicing
Promotion and servicing expenses include distribution-related payments to financial intermediaries for distribution of AB mutual funds and amortization of deferred sales commissions paid to financial intermediaries for the sale of back-end load shares of AB mutual funds. Also included in this expense category are costs related to trade execution and clearance, travel and entertainment, advertising and promotional materials.
Promotion and servicing expenses increased $25.3 million, or 10.8%, during the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher distribution-related payments of $17.6 million and higher amortization of deferred sales commissions of $7.8 million.
Promotion and servicing expenses increased $42.9 million, or 9.0%, during the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher distribution-related payments of $45.3 million and higher amortization of deferred sales commissions of $16.2 million, partially offset by lower trade execution and clearance expense of $16.5 million due to the BRS deconsolidation.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses include portfolio services expenses, technology expenses, professional fees and office-related expenses (occupancy, communications and similar expenses). General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 13.6% and 14.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 13.6% and 13.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
General and administrative expenses increased $2.3 million, or 1.6%, during the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the corresponding period in 2024, primarily due to a $14.3 million AB Funds reimbursement expense related to a disputed billing practice of a third-party service provider, higher technology and related expenses of $2.6 million, higher portfolio services and related expenses of $2.0 million and an unfavorable foreign exchange rate of $1.5 million, partially offset by lower office-related expenses of $16.1 million and professional fees of $1.4 million.
General and administrative expenses increased $12.3 million, or 4.3%, during the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the corresponding period in 2024, primarily due to a one time gain in the prior year period related to the recognition of a $20.8 million government incentive grant received in connection with the relocation of our headquarters to Nashville, Tennessee, a retirement plan settlement loss of $20.8 million in the current year and a $14.3 million AB Funds reimbursement expense related to a disputed billing practice of a third-party service provider. These were partially offset by lower office-related expenses of $34.5 million, professional fees of $5.8 million and other taxes of $5.3 million.
Contingent Payment Arrangements
Contingent payment arrangements reflect changes in estimates of contingent payment liabilities associated with acquisitions in current and previous periods, as well as accretion expense of these liabilities. During the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, we recognized zero and $2.6 million in accretion expense related to our contingent considerations payable. During the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, we recognized $0.1 million and $5.1 million in accretion expense related to our contingent considerations payable.
We made no payments associated with our contingent consideration during the six months ended June 30, 2025 and made payments of approximately $2.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 related to various smaller acquisitions.
There were no changes in our estimates during the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024.
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Interest on Borrowings
Interest on borrowings reflects interest expense related to our debt and credit facilities. See Note 16 to AB's condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1, for disclosures relating to our debt and credit facilities. For the three months ended June 30, 2025 interest on borrowings decreased $2.9 million, or 25.2%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to lower weighted average interest rates and lower weighted average borrowings. For the six months ended June 30, 2025 interest on borrowings decreased $13.1 million, or 45.6%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to lower weighted average interest rates and lower weighted average borrowings.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets reflects our amortization of costs assigned to acquired investment management contracts with a finite life. These assets are recognized at fair value and generally are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life. Amortization of intangible assets decreased $0.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024. Amortization of intangible assets decreased $0.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024.
Income Taxes
AB, a private limited partnership, is not subject to federal or state corporate income taxes. However, AB is subject to a 4.0% New York City unincorporated business tax (“UBT”). Our domestic corporate subsidiaries are subject to federal, state and local income taxes and generally are included in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return. Separate state and local income tax returns also are filed. Foreign corporate subsidiaries generally are subject to taxes in the jurisdictions where they are located.
Income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2025 decreased $5.3 million, or 26.3%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024. Income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2025 decreased $6.7 million, or 18.4%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to lower pre-tax income in both the three and six months ended June 30, 2025. There were no material changes to uncertain tax positions (FIN 48 reserves) or valuation allowances against deferred tax assets for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025.
Net Income (Loss) of Consolidated Entities Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests
Net income (loss) of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests primarily consists of limited partner interests owned by other investors in our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds. For the three months ended June 30, 2025, we had $3.2 million of net losses of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests compared to net income of $4.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease is driven by lower net income of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, we had $2.3 million of net losses of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests compared to net income of $12.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease is driven by lower net income of consolidated entities attributable to non-controlling interests. Period-to-period fluctuations result primarily from the number of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds and their respective market performance.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Cash flows from operating activities primarily include the receipt of investment advisory and services fees and other revenues offset by the payment of operating expenses incurred in the normal course of business. Our cash flows from operating activities have historically been positive and sufficient in supporting our operations. We do not anticipate this to change in the foreseeable future. Cash flows from investing activities generally consist of small capital expenditures and, when applicable, business acquisitions. Cash flows from financing activities primarily consist of issuance and repayment of debt and the repurchase of AB Holding Units to fund our long-term deferred compensation plans. We are required to distribute all of our Available Cash Flow to our Unitholders and the General Partner.
During the first six months of 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was $489.8 million compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $945.9 million during the corresponding 2024 period. The decrease is primarily due to the net activity of our consolidated company-sponsored investment funds of $445.1 million, an increase in broker-dealer related net assets of $100.7 million and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $76.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in fees receivable of $110.7 million.
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During the first six months of 2025, net cash used in investing activities was $18.2 million, compared to net cash used of $50.7 million during the corresponding 2024 period. The change is primarily due to a decrease in cash used related to the divestiture of the BRS business of $40.2 million, a decrease in capital contributions to equity method investments of $39.4 million, lower purchases of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements of $38.4 million and a decrease in debt repayment received from equity method investments of $86.2 million.
During the first six months of 2025, net cash used in financing activities was $491.7 million, compared to net cash used of $1.2 billion during the corresponding 2024 period. The change is primarily due to lower repayments of debt of $474.3 million, cash distributions to consolidated funds of $113.4 million in the prior year as compared to capital contributions from consolidated funds of $215.6 million in the current year, partially offset by higher cash distributions to Unitholders of $117.9 million.
During the second quarter of 2025, EQH announced the final results of its cash tender offer and purchased a total of 19,682,946 AB Holding Units. On July 10, 2025, AB and EQH exchanged 19,682,946 AB Units for AB Holding Units and the acquired AB Holding Units were retired. See Note 19, Subsequent Events for further discussion.
As of June 30, 2025, AB had $839.2 million of cash and cash equivalents (excluding cash and cash equivalents of consolidated company-sponsored investment funds), all of which is available for liquidity but consists primarily of cash on deposit for our broker-dealers related to various customer clearing activities, and cash held by foreign subsidiaries of $543.2 million.
See Note 16 to AB’s condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1, for disclosures relating to our debt and credit facilities. We use our debt and credit facilities to seed certain new investment products which may expose us to market risk, credit risk and material gains and losses. To reduce our exposure, we enter into various futures, forwards, options and swaps primarily to economically hedge certain of our seed money investments. While in most cases broad market risks are hedged and are effective in reducing our exposure, our hedges are imperfect and we may remain exposed to some market risk and credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties on these derivative instruments.
Our financial condition and access to public and private debt markets should provide adequate liquidity for our general business needs. Management believes that cash flow from operations and the issuance of debt and AB Units or AB Holding Units will provide us with the resources we need to meet our financial obligations. See “Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of credit markets and our ability to renew our credit facilities at expiration.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
AB’s capital commitments, which consist primarily of operating leases for office space, generally are funded from future operating cash flows. See Note 13 for discussion of lease commitments.
See Note 12 for discussion of commitments and contingencies.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes to condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.
There have been no updates to our critical accounting estimates during the second quarter of 2025 from those disclosed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 2 to AB’s condensed consolidated 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 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
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products and separately managed accounts, general economic conditions, the impact of tariffs and potential disruptions in international trade on financial markets, product and account performance, asset levels and 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, 2024 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 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, excluding the impact of performance-based fees, generally should not exceed 50% of our adjusted net revenues on an annual basis: 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.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes in AB’s market risk during the second quarter of 2025 from the information provided under “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in Part II, Item 7A of AB's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
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.
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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 second quarter of 2025 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.