Summary of AllianceBernstein Conference Call (December 09, 2025) Company Overview - **Company**: AllianceBernstein (NYSE: AB) - **AUM**: Over $850 billion - **Core Capabilities**: Fixed income, private markets, global equities - **Partnership**: Collaboration with Equitable enhances product development opportunities Key Themes and Insights Market Outlook and Client Allocation - **Inflation Expectations**: Anticipation of higher inflation impacting real returns and diversification challenges [10][11] - **U.S. Market Valuation**: The U.S. is considered expensive, with tight credit spreads and strong returns, making future performance uncertain [10][11] - **Global Investment Shift**: Encouragement for clients to consider offshore investments due to better returns and governance in foreign markets, particularly in Asia and emerging markets [12][27] - **Dollar Weakness**: A belief that the U.S. administration favors a weaker dollar, which could affect investment strategies [11][12] Fixed Income and Investment Strategies - **Interest in Fixed Income**: Increased interest in intermediate duration assets as clients move away from cash and money market funds [15][16] - **High Yield Demand**: Strong demand for high yield and investment-grade assets, despite a significant issuance in the market [16][18] - **Market Dynamics**: The back end of the yield curve may widen due to Treasury issuance needs, impacting fixed income strategies [21] Global Equity and Non-U.S. Investments - **Interest in Non-U.S. Equities**: Growing interest in EFA products from international clients looking to reduce U.S. exposure [26] - **Emerging Markets Focus**: Notable interest in China and emerging markets, particularly during periods of dollar weakness [27] Active ETFs and Product Development - **Active ETF Growth**: Approximately $10 billion in AUM across 20 strategies, with 60% being net new flows [31] - **Customization and Thematic Investing**: Focus on mass customization and thematic strategies, such as Security of the Future, to meet client needs [33][34] Defined Contribution Market - **Market Size**: Defined contribution market stands at $105 billion in assets [37] - **Annuities in Retirement Plans**: Discussion on the importance of integrating annuities into target date funds to provide security for retirees [39][40] - **DOL Advisory Opinion**: Recent advisory opinion from the Department of Labor provides a safe harbor for including annuities in retirement plans, potentially increasing adoption [41][43] Private Markets and Growth Strategy - **Private Markets Target**: Aiming for $90-$100 billion in private markets by 2027, currently close to $90 billion [46][49] - **Growth Pillars**: Continued growth expected from Equitable, third-party institutional support, and private wealth channels [50][52] Private Credit Landscape - **Competitive Environment**: Increased competition in private credit, particularly in direct lending, with weaker terms compared to previous years [59][60] - **Risk Management**: Emphasis on careful deployment of capital and proactive management of potential risks in portfolios [63][64] Financial Performance and Profitability - **Management Fees**: Steady fee rates around 38-39 basis points, with expectations of durability despite market fluctuations [69][70] - **Operating Margin**: Current operating margin tracking around 33%-34%, with ongoing focus on expense control and growth in private alternatives [75][84] Additional Insights - **Market Sentiment**: Despite concerns in the private credit space, there has not been a significant pullback in allocations from knowledgeable clients [64] - **Future Opportunities**: Potential for growth in the defined contribution market and private credit, with a focus on innovative product offerings [41][52][84]