Item 1.
Financial Statements
ALLIANCE
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT HOLDING L.P.
Condensed Statements of Financial
Condition
(in thousands)
|
|
|
6/30/04
|
|
12/31/03
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees receivable
|
|
$
|
752
|
|
$
|
755
|
|
|
Investment in Operating Partnership
|
|
1,279,054
|
|
1,165,342
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
1,279,806
|
|
$
|
1,166,097
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
AND PARTNERS CAPITAL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable to Operating Partnership
|
|
$
|
7,111
|
|
$
|
6,705
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
458
|
|
786
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
7,569
|
|
7,491
|
|
|
Partners capital
|
|
1,272,237
|
|
1,158,606
|
|
|
Total liabilities and partners capital
|
|
$
|
1,279,806
|
|
$
|
1,166,097
|
|
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial
Statements.
1
ALLIANCE
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT HOLDING L.P.
Condensed Statements of Income
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per Unit amounts)
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended
|
|
Six Months
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
6/30/04
|
|
6/30/03
|
|
6/30/04
|
|
6/30/03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings of Operating Partnership
|
|
$
|
48,585
|
|
$
|
45,108
|
|
$
|
100,761
|
|
$
|
78,254
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
6,206
|
|
5,213
|
|
12,021
|
|
10,015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
42,379
|
|
$
|
39,895
|
|
$
|
88,740
|
|
$
|
68,239
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per Alliance Holding Unit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
0.53
|
|
$
|
0.52
|
|
$
|
1.12
|
|
$
|
0.89
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
0.53
|
|
$
|
0.51
|
|
$
|
1.11
|
|
$
|
0.88
|
|
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial
Statements.
2
ALLIANCE
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT HOLDING L.P.
Condensed Statements of
Changes in Partners Capital
and Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended
|
|
Six Months
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
6/30/04
|
|
6/30/03
|
|
6/30/04
|
|
6/30/03
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partners capital - beginning of period
|
|
$
|
1,244,144
|
|
$
|
1,220,915
|
|
$
|
1,158,606
|
|
$
|
1,230,543
|
|
|
Comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
42,379
|
|
39,895
|
|
88,740
|
|
68,239
|
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
42,379
|
|
39,895
|
|
88,740
|
|
68,239
|
|
|
Cash distributions to Alliance Holding
Partners and Unitholders
|
|
(11,932
|
)
|
(28,478
|
)
|
(11,932
|
)
|
(68,326
|
)
|
|
Purchases of Alliance Holding Units by
Alliance Capital to fund deferred compensation plans, net
|
|
(62
|
)
|
614
|
|
(38,437
|
)
|
(66,596
|
)
|
|
Awards of Alliance Holding Units, net of
forfeitures
|
|
(7,162
|
)
|
(1,134
|
)
|
42,024
|
|
65,660
|
|
|
Proceeds from exercise of options for
Alliance Holding Units
|
|
4,870
|
|
6,438
|
|
33,236
|
|
8,730
|
|
|
Partners capital - end of period
|
|
$
|
1,272,237
|
|
$
|
1,238,250
|
|
$
|
1,272,237
|
|
$
|
1,238,250
|
|
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial
Statements.
3
ALLIANCE
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT HOLDING L.P.
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Six Months
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
6/30/04
|
|
6/30/03
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
88,740
|
|
$
|
68,239
|
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in earnings of Operating Partnership
|
|
(100,761
|
)
|
(78,254
|
)
|
|
Investment in Operating Partnership with
proceeds from exercise of options for Alliance Holding Units
|
|
(33,236
|
)
|
(8,730
|
)
|
|
Operating Partnership distributions
received
|
|
23,872
|
|
78,093
|
|
|
Changes in assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease in fees receivable
|
|
3
|
|
171
|
|
|
(Increase) in other assets
|
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
|
Increase in payable to Operating
Partnership
|
|
406
|
|
52
|
|
|
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and
accrued expenses
|
|
(328
|
)
|
65
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities
|
|
(21,304
|
)
|
59,596
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash distributions to Alliance Holding
Partners and Unitholders
|
|
(11,932
|
)
|
(68,326
|
)
|
|
Proceeds from exercise of options for
Alliance Holding Units
|
|
33,236
|
|
8,730
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities
|
|
21,304
|
|
(59,596
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial
Statements.
4
ALLIANCE
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT HOLDING L.P.
Notes to Condensed Financial
Statements
June 30, 2004
(unaudited)
1.
Organization
Alliance Capital Management Corporation (ACMC), an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of AXA Financial, Inc. (AXA Financial), is the general partner of
both Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. (Alliance Holding) and Alliance
Capital Management L.P. (Alliance Capital or the Operating Partnership). AXA Financial is an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of AXA, which is a holding company for an international group of
insurance and related financial services companies (AXA). Alliance Holding is a registered investment
adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Advisers Act). Alliance Holding Units are publicly traded
on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol AC. Alliance
Capital Units do not trade publicly and are subject to significant restrictions
on transfer.
ACMC owns 100,000 general partnership units in Alliance Holding and a
1% general partnership interest in the Operating Partnership. As of June 30, 2004, AXA, AXA Financial, The
Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (a wholly-owned
subsidiary of AXA Financial, ELAS) and certain subsidiaries of ELAS
beneficially owned approximately 57.3% of the issued and outstanding Alliance
Capital Units and approximately 1.8% of the issued and outstanding Alliance
Holding Units which, including the general partnership interests in the
Operating Partnership and Alliance Holding, represents an economic interest of
approximately 58.3% in the Operating Partnership.
As of June 30, 2004, Alliance Holding owned approximately 31.5% of the
issued and outstanding Alliance Capital Units.
As of June 30, 2004, SCB Partners Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCB
Inc. (formerly known as Sanford C. Bernstein Inc.), owned approximately 9.7% of
the issued and outstanding Alliance Capital Units.
2.
Business Description
The Operating Partnership provides diversified investment management
and related services globally to a broad range of clients including: (a)
institutional investors (consisting of unaffiliated entities such as corporate
and public employee
pension
funds, endowment funds,
domestic and foreign institutions and governments and of affiliates such as AXA
and its insurance company subsidiaries) by means of separately managed
accounts, institutional sub-advisory relationships, structured products, group
trusts, mutual funds and other investment vehicles; (b) private clients
(consisting of high net-worth individuals, trusts, 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; (c) individual investors by means of retail mutual funds
sponsored by the Operating Partnership, its subsidiaries and affiliated joint
venture companies, which include cash management products (money market funds and
deposit accounts), as well as sub-advisory relationships in respect of mutual
funds sponsored by third parties and other investment vehicles (Alliance
Mutual Funds) and managed account products; and (d) institutional investors
desiring institutional research services by means of in-depth research,
portfolio strategy, trading and brokerage-related services. The Operating Partnership and its
subsidiaries provide investment management, distribution and/or shareholder and
administrative services to Alliance Mutual Funds. Alliance Capital uses
internal fundamental and quantitative research as the key to its investment
process across all its investment disciplines.
Alliance Holdings principal source of income and cash flow is
attributable to its ownership interest in the Operating Partnership.
5
3.
Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited interim condensed financial
statements of Alliance Holding included herein have been prepared in accordance
with the instructions to Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal
recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim results
have been made. The preparation of the
condensed financial statements requires management to make certain estimates
and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
dates of the condensed financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Alliance Holding unaudited condensed
financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the unaudited
condensed consolidated financial statements and notes of the Operating
Partnership included as an exhibit to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
with Alliance Holdings and the Operating Partnerships audited financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2003 included in Alliance Holdings
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Investment in Operating Partnership
Alliance Holding records its investment in
the Operating Partnership using the equity method of accounting. Alliance
Holdings investment will be increased to reflect its proportionate share of
income of the Operating Partnership and decreased to reflect its proportionate
share of losses of the Operating Partnership and cash distributions made by the
Operating Partnership to its Unitholders. In addition, Alliance Holdings
investment is adjusted to reflect certain capital transactions of the Operating
Partnership.
Compensatory Option Plans
In 2002, the Operating
Partnership adopted the fair value method of recording compensation expense on
a prospective basis, using a straight-line amortization policy, relating to
compensatory option awards of Alliance Holding Units as permitted by Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS 123),
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
,
as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148 (SFAS 148),
Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and
Disclosure
. Under the fair value method, compensation
expense is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the
award and is recognized over the vesting period. Fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model. Compensation expense relating to
compensatory unit option awards granted after 2001 totaled approximately $0.7
million and $1.3 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30,
2004, respectively, and $0.7 million and $1.4 million for the three and six
month periods ended June 30, 2003, respectively. As a result, Alliance Holdings income derived from its interest
in the Operating Partnership was decreased by approximately $0.1 million and
$0.3 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2004,
respectively, and was decreased by approximately $0.2 million and $0.4 million
for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2003, respectively.
For compensatory option awards granted prior
to 2002, the Operating Partnership applies the provisions of Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees
,
under which compensation expense is recognized only if the market value of the
underlying Alliance Holding Units exceeds the exercise price at the date of
grant. The Operating Partnership did not record compensation expense for option
awards granted prior to 2002, because those options were granted with exercise
prices equal to the market value of the underlying Alliance Holding Units on
the date of grant. Had the Operating Partnership recorded compensation expense
for those options based on their fair value at grant date under SFAS 123,
Alliance Holdings income derived from its interest in the Operating
Partnership would have decreased and Alliance
6
Holdings net income and net income per
Alliance Holding Unit would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts
indicated below:
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended
|
|
Six Months
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
6/30/04
|
|
6/30/03
|
|
6/30/04
|
|
6/30/03
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands,
except per Unit amounts)
|
|
|
SFAS 123 pro forma net income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income as reported
|
|
$
|
42,379
|
|
$
|
39,895
|
|
$
|
88,740
|
|
$
|
68,239
|
|
|
Add: stock-based compensation expense
included in net income, net of tax
|
|
156
|
|
184
|
|
325
|
|
362
|
|
|
Deduct: total stock-based compensation
expense determined under fair value method for all awards, net of tax
|
|
(356
|
)
|
(790
|
)
|
(734
|
)
|
(1,522
|
)
|
|
SFAS 123 pro forma net income
|
|
$
|
42,179
|
|
$
|
39,289
|
|
$
|
88,331
|
|
$
|
67,079
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per unit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net income per Unit as reported
|
|
$
|
0.53
|
|
$
|
0.52
|
|
$
|
1.12
|
|
$
|
0.89
|
|
|
Basic net income per Unit pro forma
|
|
$
|
0.53
|
|
$
|
0.51
|
|
$
|
1.11
|
|
$
|
0.87
|
|
|
Diluted net income per Unit as reported
|
|
$
|
0.53
|
|
$
|
0.51
|
|
$
|
1.11
|
|
$
|
0.88
|
|
|
Diluted net income per Unit pro forma
|
|
$
|
0.53
|
|
$
|
0.50
|
|
$
|
1.11
|
|
$
|
0.86
|
|
4.
Net Income Per Alliance Holding Unit
Basic net income per Alliance Holding Unit is derived by dividing net
income by the basic weighted average number of Alliance Holding Units
outstanding for each period. Diluted
net income per Alliance Holding Unit is derived by adjusting net income for the
assumed dilutive effect of compensatory options (Net income - Diluted) and
dividing Net income - Diluted by the diluted weighted average number of
Alliance Holding Units outstanding for each period.
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended
|
|
Six Months
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
6/30/04
|
|
6/30/03
|
|
6/30/04
|
|
6/30/03
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands, except per Unit amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income Basic
|
|
$
|
42,379
|
|
$
|
39,895
|
|
$
|
88,740
|
|
$
|
68,239
|
|
|
Additional allocation of equity in earnings
of the Operating Partnership resulting from assumed dilutive effect of
compensatory options
|
|
523
|
|
904
|
|
1,328
|
|
1,417
|
|
|
Net income Diluted
|
|
$
|
42,902
|
|
$
|
40,799
|
|
$
|
90,068
|
|
$
|
69,656
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average Alliance Holding Units
outstanding - Basic
|
|
79,717
|
|
77,069
|
|
79,341
|
|
76,936
|
|
|
Dilutive effect of compensatory options
|
|
1,445
|
|
2,561
|
|
1,718
|
|
2,360
|
|
|
Weighted average Alliance Holding Units
outstanding - Diluted
|
|
81,162
|
|
79,630
|
|
81,059
|
|
79,296
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net income per Alliance Holding Unit
|
|
$
|
0.53
|
|
$
|
0.52
|
|
$
|
1.12
|
|
$
|
0.89
|
|
|
Diluted net income per Alliance Holding
Unit
|
|
$
|
0.53
|
|
$
|
0.51
|
|
$
|
1.11
|
|
$
|
0.88
|
|
Out-of-the-money options on 4,946,000 and 6,462,000 Alliance Holding
Units for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and
out-of-the-money options on 4,946,000 and 8,836,500 Alliance Holding Units for
the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, have been excluded
from the diluted net income per Alliance Holding Unit computation due to their
anti-dilutive effect.
7
5.
Investment in Operating Partnership
Alliance Holdings investment in the Operating Partnership for the six
month period ended June 30, 2004 was as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in Operating Partnership at
December 31, 2003
|
|
$
|
1,165,342
|
|
|
Equity in earnings of Operating Partnership
|
|
100,761
|
|
|
Additional investment resulting from
exercises of compensatory options
|
|
33,236
|
|
|
Distribution received from Operating
Partnership
|
|
(23,872
|
)
|
|
Purchase of Alliance Holding Units by
Alliance Capital to fund deferred compensation plans, net
|
|
(38,437
|
)
|
|
Awards of Alliance Holding Units, net of
forfeitures
|
|
42,024
|
|
|
Investment in Operating Partnership at June
30, 2004
|
|
$
|
1,279,054
|
|
6.
Commitments
and Contingencies
Deferred Sales Commissions
The Operating Partnerships mutual fund distribution system (the
System) includes a multi-class share structure. The System permits the
Operating Partnerships open-end mutual funds to offer investors various
options for the purchase of mutual fund shares, including the purchase of
Front-End Load Shares and Back-End Load Shares. The Front-End Load Shares are subject to a conventional front-end
sales charge paid by investors to AllianceBernstein Investment Research and
Management, Inc. (ABIRM), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Operating
Partnership, at the time of sale. ABIRM
in turn pays sales commissions to the financial intermediaries distributing the
funds from the front-end sales charge it receives from investors. For Back-End Load Shares, investors do not
pay a front-end sales charge although, if there are redemptions before the
expiration of the minimum holding period (which ranges from one year to four
years), investors pay a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) to
ABIRM. While ABIRM is obligated to pay
sales commissions to the financial intermediaries at the time of the purchase
of Back-End Load Shares, it recovers these commissions from receipt of the
aforementioned CDSC from investors and from ongoing distribution services fees
from the mutual funds, which are higher for Back-End Load Shares than for
Front-End Load Shares.
The Operating Partnerships payments of sales commissions made to
financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of Back-End Load Shares
under the Operating Partnerships System are capitalized as deferred sales
commissions (deferred sales commission asset) and amortized over periods not
exceeding five and one-half years, the periods of time during which the
deferred sales commission asset is expected to be recovered. CDSC cash
recoveries are recorded as reductions of unamortized deferred sales commissions
when received. The amount recorded by
the Operating Partnership for the net deferred sales commission asset was
$316.6 million at June 30, 2004.
Payments of sales commissions made to financial intermediaries in
connection with the sale of Back-End Load Shares under the System during the six
months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, net of CDSC received of $19.2 million and
$17.6 million, respectively, totaled approximately $24.6 million and $61.0
million, respectively.
The Operating Partnerships management tests
the deferred sales commission asset for recoverability quarterly, or monthly
when events or changes in circumstances occur that could significantly increase
the risk of impairment of the asset.
Significant assumptions utilized to estimate the Operating Partnerships
future average assets under management and undiscounted future cash flows from
Back-End Load Shares include expected future market levels and redemption
rates. Market assumptions are selected
using a long-term view of expected average market returns based on historical
returns of broad market indices. At
June 30, 2004, the Operating Partnerships management used average market
return assumptions of 5% for fixed income and 8% for equity to estimate annual
market returns. Higher actual average
market returns would increase undiscounted future cash flows, while lower
actual average market returns would decrease undiscounted future cash
flows. Future redemption rate
assumptions were
8
determined by reference to actual redemption
experience over the three-year and five-year periods ended June 30, 2004. Based on the actual redemption rates,
including increased redemption rates experienced more recently, management used
a range of expected annual redemption rates of 16% to 20% at June 30, 2004,
calculated as a percentage of average assets under management. An increase in the actual rate of
redemptions would decrease undiscounted future cash flows, while a decrease in
the actual rate of redemptions would increase undiscounted future cash flows.
These assumptions are reviewed and updated quarterly, or monthly when events or
changes in circumstances occur that could significantly increase the risk of
impairment of the asset. Estimates of
undiscounted future cash flows and the remaining life of the deferred sales
commission asset are made from these assumptions and the aggregate estimated
undiscounted future cash flows are compared to the recorded value of the
deferred sales commission asset. The
Operating Partnerships management considers the results of these analyses
performed at various dates.
As of June 30, 2004, the Operating
Partnerships management determined that the deferred sales commission asset
was not impaired. If the Operating Partnerships management determines in the
future that the deferred sales commission asset is not recoverable, an
impairment condition would exist and a loss would be measured as the amount by
which the recorded amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is determined using the
Operating Partnerships managements best estimate of future cash flows
discounted to a present value amount.
During the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2004, equity
markets increased by approximately 2% and 3%, respectively, as measured by the
change in the Standard & Poors 500 Stock Index. Fixed income markets decreased by approximately 2% during the
second quarter of 2004 as measured by the change in the Lehman Brothers
Aggregate Bond Index, and remained flat for the six months ended June 30, 2004.
The redemption rate for domestic Back-End Load Shares was 25.8% and 25.7%
during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2004, respectively.
Declines in financial markets or higher redemption levels, or both, as compared
to the assumptions used to estimate undiscounted future cash flows could result
in the impairment of the deferred sales commission asset. Due to the volatility of the capital markets
and changes in redemption rates, the Operating Partnerships management is unable
to predict whether or when a future impairment of the deferred sales commission
asset might occur. Should impairment
occur, any loss would reduce materially the recorded amount of the Operating
Partnerships asset with a corresponding charge to the Operating Partnerships
expense. Alliance Holdings
proportionate share of the Operating Partnerships charge would reduce
materially Alliance Holdings net income.
Legal Proceedings
On April 8, 2002, in
In re Enron Corporation Securities Litigation
,
a consolidated complaint (Enron Complaint) was filed in the district court in
the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, against numerous defendants,
including Alliance Capital. The
principal allegations of the Enron Complaint, as they pertain to Alliance
Capital, are that Alliance Capital violated Sections 11 and 15 of the
Securities Act of 1933 (Securities Act) with respect to a registration
statement filed by Enron Corp. (Enron) and effective with the SEC on July 18,
2001, which was used to sell $1.9 billion Enron Corp. Zero Coupon Convertible
Notes due 2021. Plaintiffs allege that
Frank Savage, who was at that time an employee of Alliance Capital and a
director of the General Partner of Alliance Capital, signed the registration
statement at issue. Plaintiffs allege
that the registration statement was materially misleading. Plaintiffs further allege that Alliance
Capital was a controlling person of Frank Savage. Plaintiffs therefore assert that Alliance Capital is itself
liable for the allegedly misleading registration statement. Plaintiffs seek rescission or a
rescissionary measure of damages. On
June 3, 2002, Alliance Capital moved to dismiss the Enron Complaint as the
allegations therein pertain to it. On March 12, 2003, that motion was
denied. A First Amended Consolidated
Complaint (Enron Amended Consolidated Complaint), with substantially similar
allegations as to Alliance Capital, was filed on May 14, 2003. Alliance Capital filed its answer on June
13, 2003. On May 28, 2003, plaintiffs
filed an Amended Motion for Class Certification. On October 23, 2003, following the completion of class discovery,
Alliance Capital filed its opposition to class certification. Alliance Capitals motion is pending. The case is currently in discovery.
9
Alliance Capital believes that plaintiffs allegations in the Enron
Amended Consolidated Complaint as to it are without merit and intends to
vigorously defend against these allegations.
On May 7, 2002, a complaint entitled
The Florida State Board of
Administration v. Alliance Capital Management L.P.
(SBA Complaint)
was filed in the Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit, in and for Leon
County, Florida against Alliance Capital.
The SBA Complaint alleges breach of contract relating to the Investment
Management Agreement between The Florida State Board of Administration (SBA)
and Alliance Capital, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing
contained in the Investment Management Agreement, breach of fiduciary duty,
negligence, gross negligence and violation of the Florida Securities and
Investor Protection Act, in connection with purchases and sales of Enron common
stock for the SBA investment account.
The SBA Complaint seeks more than $300 million in compensatory damages
and an unspecified amount of punitive damages.
On June 10, 2002, Alliance Capital moved to dismiss the SBA
Complaint. On September 12, 2002, the
court denied Alliance Capitals motion to dismiss the SBA Complaint in its
entirety. On November 13, 2003, the SBA
filed an amended complaint (Amended SBA Complaint). The Amended SBA Complaint contains similar Enron-related claims
and also alleges that Alliance Capital breached its contract with the SBA by
investing in or continuing to hold stocks for the SBAs investment portfolio
that were not 1-rated, the highest rating that Alliance Capitals research
analysts could assign. The Amended SBA Complaint also added claims for
negligent supervision and common law fraud. The Amended SBA Complaint seeks
rescission of all purchases of stocks that were not 1-rated and, if such relief
were granted, the amount of damages would be substantially higher than those
damages sought in the SBA Complaint. On
December 13, 2003, Alliance Capital moved to dismiss the fraud and breach of
fiduciary duty claims in the Amended SBA Complaint. On January 27, 2004, the court denied that motion. The case is currently in discovery.
Alliance Capital believes that the SBAs allegations in the Amended SBA
Complaint are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against these
allegations.
On September 12, 2002, a complaint entitled
Lawrence E. Jaffe Pension Plan,
Lawrence E. Jaffe Trustee U/A 1198 v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., Alfred Harrison
and Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
(Jaffe Complaint) was filed
in the United States District Court in the Southern District of New York
against Alliance Capital, Alfred Harrison and the AllianceBernstein Premier
Growth Fund (Premier Growth Fund) alleging violation of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (Investment Company Act). Plaintiff seeks damages equal to Premier Growth Funds losses as
a result of Premier Growth Funds investment in shares of Enron and a recovery
of all fees paid to Alliance Capital beginning November 1, 2000. On March 24, 2003, the court granted
Alliance Capitals motion to transfer the Jaffe Complaint to the United States
District Court for the District of New Jersey for coordination with the now
dismissed
Benak
v.
Alliance Capital Management L.P. and Alliance Premier Growth Fund
action then pending. On December 5,
2003, plaintiff filed an amended complaint (Amended Jaffe Complaint) in the
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. The Amended Jaffe Complaint alleges
violations of Section 36(a) of the Investment Company Act, common law
negligence, and negligent misrepresentation.
Specifically, the Amended Jaffe Complaint alleges that: (i) the
defendants breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty, care and good faith to
Premier Growth Fund by causing Premier Growth Fund to invest in securities of
Enron, (ii) the defendants were negligent for investing in securities of Enron,
and (iii) through prospectuses and other documents defendants misrepresented
material facts related to Premier Growth Funds investment objective and
policies. On January 23, 2004,
defendants moved to dismiss the Amended Jaffe Complaint. That motion is
pending.
Alliance Capital and Alfred Harrison believe that plaintiffs allegations
in the Amended Jaffe Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously
defend against these allegations.
On December 13, 2002, a putative class action complaint entitled
Patrick J.
Goggins, et al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al.
(Goggins
Complaint) was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York against Alliance Capital, Premier Growth Fund and
individual directors and certain officers of Premier Growth Fund. On August 13, 2003, the court granted
Alliance Capitals motion to transfer the Goggins Complaint to the United
States District Court for the District of New Jersey. On December 5, 2003, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint
(Amended Goggins Complaint) in the United States District Court for the
10
District of New Jersey. The
Amended Goggins Complaint alleges that defendants violated Sections 11,
12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act because the Funds registration
statements and prospectuses contained untrue statements of material fact and
omitted material facts. More
specifically, the Amended Goggins Complaint alleges that the Funds investment
in Enron was inconsistent with the Funds stated strategic objectives and
investment strategies. Plaintiffs seek
rescissory relief or an unspecified amount of compensatory damages on behalf of
a class of persons who purchased shares of Premier Growth Fund during the
period October 31, 2000 through February 14, 2002. On January 23, 2004, Alliance Capital moved to dismiss the
Amended Goggins Complaint. That motion is pending.
Alliance Capital, Premier Growth Fund and the other defendants believe
that plaintiffs allegations in the Amended Goggins Complaint are without merit
and intend to vigorously defend against these allegations.
On August 9, 2003, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
ordered that Samir C. Arora, a former research analyst/portfolio manager of
Alliance Capital, refrain from buying, selling or dealing in Indian equity
securities. Until August 4, 2003, when
Mr. Arora announced his resignation from Alliance Capital, he served as head of
Asian emerging markets equities and a fund manager of Alliance Capital Asset
Management (India) Pvt. Ltd. (ACAML), a fund management company 75% owned by
Alliance Capital. The order states that
Mr. Arora relied on unpublished price sensitive information in making certain
investment decisions on behalf of certain clients of ACAML and Alliance
Capital, that there were failures to make required disclosures regarding the
size of certain equity holdings and that Mr. Arora tried to influence the sale
of Alliance Capitals stake in ACAML.
Mr. Arora contested the findings in the order by filing objections at a
personal hearing held on August 28, 2003.
On September 24, 2003, SEBI issued an order confirming its previous
order against Mr. Arora. On October 10,
2003, Mr. Arora filed an appeal with the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT)
seeking certain interim reliefs. Mr.
Aroras appeal was heard by the SAT on December 15, 2003. The SAT passed an order on January 12, 2004,
wherein it did not grant any interim reliefs to Mr. Arora since SEBI had stated
that the investigations in this matter were in progress. However, SAT directed SEBI to complete the
investigations by February 28, 2004 and to pass final orders in the matter by
March 31, 2004. On March 31, 2004, SEBI
issued a final order against Mr. Arora barring him from dealing directly or
indirectly in the Indian equity securities markets for a period of five years
commencing from August 9, 2003.
Alliance Capital understands that Mr. Arora has appealed the order.
At the present time, Alliance Capital does not believe the outcome of
this matter will have a material impact on Alliance Capitals results of
operations or financial condition.
On September 8, 2003, SEBI issued to Alliance
Capital a show cause notice and finding of investigation (the Notice). The Notice requires Alliance Capital to
explain its failure to make disclosure filings as to the acquisition of shares
of five Indian equity securities held at various times by Alliance Capital
(through sub-accounts under foreign institutional investor licenses), ACAML and
Alliance Capitals local Indian mutual fund as required under the SEBI (Insider
Trading) Regulations, 1992 and the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and
Takeovers) Regulations, 1997 inter alia when the holdings of the said entities
in the relevant equity securities crossed 5%, which could make Alliance Capital
liable to pay penalties prescribed under Section 15A of the SEBI Act, 1992,
which requires that disclosure be made when the holdings of an investor (or a
group of investors acting in concert) in an Indian security either exceeds five
percent (5%) of the outstanding shares or changes by more than two percent
(2%). On October 14, 2003, and November
10, 2003, Alliance Capital filed its reply and written submissions,
respectively. Alliance Capital also had
a personal hearing before SEBI on October 21, 2003. On May 12, 2004, SEBI
issued an Order of Adjudicating Officer in respect of Alliance Capital, ACAML
and its local Indian mutual fund whereby it levied a fine, jointly and
severally, against Alliance Capital and ACAML in an amount of approximately
$630,000 for not filing the required notices in a timely manner. On June 29,
2004, Alliance Capital and ACAML filed an appeal with respect to such order
with SAT, which is still pending.
At the present time, Alliance Capital does not believe the outcome of
this matter will have a material impact on Alliance Capitals results of
operations or financial condition.
11
On October 1, 2003, a class action complaint entitled
Erb, et al.
v. Alliance Capital Management L.P
. (Erb Complaint) was filed in
the Circuit Court of St. Clair County, Illinois, against Alliance Capital. The plaintiff, purportedly a shareholder in
Premier Growth Fund, alleges that Alliance Capital breached unidentified
provisions of Premier Growth Funds prospectus and subscription and
confirmation agreements that allegedly required that every security bought for
Premier Growth Funds portfolio must be a 1-rated stock, the highest rating
that Alliance Capitals research analysts could assign. Plaintiff alleges that Alliance Capital
impermissibly purchased shares of stocks that were not 1-rated. On November 25, 2003, Alliance Capital
removed the Erb action to the United States District Court for the Southern District
of Illinois on the basis that plaintiffs alleged breach of contract claims are
preempted under the Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act. On December 29, 2003, plaintiff filed a
motion for remand. On February 25,
2004, the court remanded the action to state court. On June 24, 2004, plaintiff filed an amended complaint (Amended
Erb Complaint) in the Circuit Court of St. Clair County, Illinois. The Amended Erb Complaint allegations are
substantially similar to those contained in the previous complaint, however,
the Amended Erb Complaint adds a new plaintiff and seeks to allege claims on
behalf of a purported class of persons or entities holding an interest in any
portfolio managed by Alliance Capitals Large Cap Growth Team. The Amended Erb Complaint alleges that
Alliance Capital breached its contracts with these persons or entities by
impermissibly purchasing shares of stocks that were not 1-rated. Plaintiffs seek rescission of all purchases
of any non-1-rated stocks Alliance Capital made for Premier Growth Fund and
other Large Cap Growth Team clients portfolios over the past eight years, as
well as an unspecified amount of damages.
On July 13, 2004, Alliance Capital removed the Erb action to the United
States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois on the basis that
plaintiffs claims are preempted under the Securities Litigation Uniform
Standards Act.
Alliance Capital believes that plaintiffs allegations in the Amended
Erb Complaint are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against these
allegations.
Market Timing-Related Matters
On October 2, 2003, a purported class action complaint entitled
Hindo, et
al. v. AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund, et al.
(Hindo
Complaint) was filed against Alliance Capital, Alliance Holding, ACMC, AXA
Financial, the AllianceBernstein family of mutual funds (AllianceBernstein
Funds), the registrants and issuers of those funds, certain officers of
Alliance Capital (Alliance defendants), and certain other defendants not
affiliated with Alliance Capital, as well as unnamed Doe defendants. The Hindo Complaint was filed in the United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York by alleged
shareholders of two of the AllianceBernstein Funds. The Hindo Complaint alleges that certain of the Alliance defendants
failed to disclose that they improperly allowed certain hedge funds and other
unidentified parties to engage in late trading and market timing of
AllianceBernstein Fund securities, violating Sections 11 and 15 of the
Securities Act, Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Exchange Act) and Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of
compensatory damages and rescission of their contracts with Alliance Capital,
including recovery of all fees paid to Alliance Capital pursuant to such
contracts.
Between October 3, 2003 and August 4, 2004, forty-three additional
lawsuits making factual allegations generally similar to those in the Hindo
Complaint were filed against Alliance Capital and certain other defendants, and
others may be filed. These lawsuits are
as follows:
Federal Court Class Actions
Twenty-seven of the lawsuits were brought as class actions filed in
federal court (twenty-three in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York, two in the United States District Court for the District
of New Jersey, one in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of California and one in the United States District Court for the
District of Connecticut). Certain of
these additional lawsuits allege claims under the Securities Act, the Exchange
Act, the Advisers Act, the Investment Company Act and common law. All of these lawsuits are brought on behalf
of shareholders of AllianceBernstein Funds, except four. Of these four, one was brought on behalf of
a Unitholder of Alliance Holding, and three were brought on behalf of
participants in the Profit Sharing Plan for
12
Employees of Alliance Capital (Plan). The latter three lawsuits allege claims under Sections 404, 405
and 406 of The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), on
the grounds that defendants violated fiduciary obligations to the Plan by
failing to disclose the alleged market timing and late trading activities in
AllianceBernstein Funds, and by permitting the Plan to invest in funds subject
to those activities. One of these ERISA
actions has been voluntarily dismissed.
Federal Court Derivative Actions
Eight of the lawsuits were brought as derivative actions in federal
court (one in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New
York, five in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New
York and two in the United States District Court for the District of New
Jersey). These lawsuits allege claims
under the Exchange Act, Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act and/or
common law. Six of the lawsuits were
brought derivatively on behalf of certain AllianceBernstein Funds, with the
broadest lawsuits being brought derivatively on behalf of all AllianceBernstein
Funds, generally alleging that defendants violated fiduciary obligations to the
AllianceBernstein Funds and/or fund shareholders by permitting select investors
to engage in market timing activities and failing to disclose those
activities. Two of the lawsuits were
brought derivatively on behalf of Alliance Holding, generally alleging that
defendants breached fiduciary obligations to Alliance Holding and its
Unitholders by failing to prevent the alleged undisclosed market timing and
late trading activities from occurring.
State Court Representative Actions
Two lawsuits were brought as class actions in the Supreme Court of the
State of New York, County of New York, by alleged shareholders of an
AllianceBernstein Fund on behalf of shareholders of the AllianceBernstein
Funds. The lawsuits allege that
defendants allowed certain parties to engage in late trading and market timing
transactions in the AllianceBernstein Funds and that such arrangements breached
defendants fiduciary duty to investors and purport to state a claim for breach
of fiduciary duty. One of the complaints also purports to state claims for
breach of contract and tortious interference with contract.
A lawsuit was filed in Superior Court for the State of California,
County of Los Angeles, alleging that defendants violated fiduciary
responsibilities and disclosure obligations by permitting certain favored
customers to engage in market timing and late trading activities in the
AllianceBernstein Funds and purports to state claims of unfair business
practices under Sections 17200 and 17303 of the California Business &
Professional Code. Pursuant to these
statutes, the action was brought on behalf of members of the general public of
the state of California.
State Court Derivative Actions
Four lawsuits were brought as derivative actions in state court (one in
the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, and three in
the Superior Court of the State of Massachusetts, County of Suffolk). The New York action was brought derivatively
on behalf of Alliance Holding and alleges that, in connection with alleged
market timing and late trading transactions, defendants breached their
fiduciary duties to Alliance Holding and its Unitholders by failing to maintain
adequate controls and employing improper practices in managing unspecified
AllianceBernstein Funds. The
Massachusetts actions were brought derivatively on behalf of certain
AllianceBernstein Funds and allege state common law claims for breach of
fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste and unjust
enrichment.
State Court Individual Action
A lawsuit was filed in the District Court of Johnson County, Kansas,
Civil Court Department, alleging that defendants were negligent and breached
their fiduciary duties by knowingly entering into a number of illegal and
improper arrangements with institutional investors for the purpose of engaging
in late
13
trading and market timing in AllianceBernstein Funds to the detriment
of plaintiff and failing to disclose such arrangements in the AllianceBernstein
Fund prospectuses, and purports to state claims under Sections 624 and 626 of
the Kansas Consumer Protection Act and Section 1268 of the Kansas Securities
Act. The lawsuit also purports to state
claims of negligent misrepresentation, professional negligence and breach of
fiduciary duty under common law.
All of these lawsuits seek an unspecified amount of damages.
All of the federal actions discussed above under Market Timing-Related
Matters (i.e., federal court class actions and federal court derivative
actions) were the subject of a petition of tag-along notices filed by Alliance
Capital before the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (MDL Panel)
seeking to have all of the actions centralized in a single forum for pre-trial
proceedings. On February 20, 2004, the
MDL Panel transferred all of the actions to the United States District Court
for the District of Maryland (Mutual Fund MDL). On May 24, 2004, the Court appointed lead counsel and lead
plaintiffs for each of the various claim types asserted against the Alliance
defendants. The Court has ordered
plaintiffs to file consolidated complaints by September 29, 2004.
Defendants have removed each of the state court representative actions
and the state court individual action discussed above under Market
Timing-Related Matters and thereafter submitted the actions to the MDL Panel
through notices of tag-along action. On
March 3, 2004 and April 6, 2004, the MDL Panel issued orders conditionally
transferring these cases and numerous others to the Mutual Fund MDL. Transfer of all of these actions
subsequently became final. Plaintiffs
in three of these four actions moved to remand the actions back to state
court. On June 18, 2004, the Court
issued an interim opinion deferring decision on plaintiffs motions to remand
until a later stage in the proceedings.
Subsequently, the plaintiff in the state court individual action moved
the Court for reconsideration of that interim opinion and for immediate remand
of her case to state court, and that motion is pending.
Defendants have not yet responded to the complaints filed in the state
court derivative actions.
Alliance Capital recorded charges to income totaling $330 million
during the second half of 2003 in connection with establishing the $250 million
restitution fund (which is discussed in detail under Item 1. Business -
Regulation of Alliance Holdings Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2003) and certain other matters discussed under Item 3. Legal Proceedings in
that Form 10-K. During the first half
of 2004, Alliance Capital paid $290 million related to these matters (including
$250 million to the restitution fund as described above) and has cumulatively
paid $296 million. Management of
Alliance Capital, however, cannot determine at this time the eventual outcome,
timing or impact of these matters.
Accordingly, it is possible that additional charges in the future may be
required.
Revenue Sharing-Related Matters
On June 22, 2004, a purported class action complaint entitled
Aucoin, et
al. v. Alliance Capital Management L.P., et al
. (Aucoin Complaint)
was filed against Alliance Capital, Alliance Holding, ACMC, AXA Financial,
ABIRM, certain current and former directors of the AllianceBernstein Funds, and
unnamed Doe defendants. The Aucoin
Complaint names the AllianceBernstein Funds as nominal defendants. The Aucoin Complaint was filed in the United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York by an alleged
shareholder of the AllianceBernstein Growth & Income Fund. The Aucoin Complaint alleges, among other
things, (i) that certain of the defendants improperly authorized the payment of
excessive commissions and other fees from AllianceBernstein Fund assets to
broker-dealers in exchange for preferential marketing services, (ii) that
certain of the defendants misrepresented and omitted from registration
statements and other reports material facts concerning such payments, and (iii)
that certain defendants caused such conduct as control persons of other
defendants. The Aucoin Complaint
asserts claims for violation of Sections 34(b), 36(b) and 48(a) of the
Investment Company Act, Sections 206 and 215 of the Advisers Act, breach of
common law fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting breaches of common law
fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs seek an
unspecified amount of compensatory damages and punitive damages, rescission of
their contracts with Alliance Capital, including recovery of all fees paid to
Alliance Capital pursuant to such contracts, an accounting of all
AllianceBernstein
14
Fund-related fees, commissions and soft dollar payments, and
restitution of all unlawfully or discriminatorily obtained fees and expenses.
Between June 22, 2004 and August 4, 2004, nine additional lawsuits
making factual allegations substantially similar to those in the Aucoin
Complaint were filed against Alliance Capital and certain other defendants, and
others may be filed. All nine of the
lawsuits (i) were brought as class actions filed in the United States District
Court for the Southern District of New York, (ii) assert claims substantially
identical to the Aucoin Complaint, and (iii) are brought on behalf of
shareholders of AllianceBernstein Funds.
With respect to certain matters discussed above under Legal
Proceedings (other than those referred to under Market Timing-Related
Matters and those related to SEBI), management of Alliance Capital and
Alliance Holding are unable to estimate the impact, if any, that the outcome of
these matters may have on Alliance Capitals or Alliance Holdings results of
operations or financial condition.
Alliance Capital and Alliance Holding are involved in various other
inquiries, administrative proceedings and litigation, some of which allege
substantial damages. While any
proceeding or litigation has the element of uncertainty, Alliance Capital and
Alliance Holding believe that the outcome of any one of the other lawsuits or
claims that is pending or threatened, or all of them combined, will not have a
material adverse effect on Alliance Capitals or Alliance Holdings results of
operations or financial condition.
7.
Income Taxes
Alliance Holding is a publicly traded partnership for federal tax
purposes and, accordingly, is not subject to federal or state corporate income
taxes. However, Alliance Holding is subject to the New York City unincorporated
business tax and to a 3.5% federal tax on partnership gross income from the
active conduct of a trade or business.
Alliance Holdings partnership gross income is primarily derived from
its interest in the Operating Partnership.
8.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash payments for income taxes were as follows:
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended
|
|
Six Months
Ended
|
|
|
|
|
6/30/04
|
|
6/30/03
|
|
6/30/04
|
|
6/30/03
|
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
$
|
12,322
|
|
$
|
9,990
|
|
$
|
12,322
|
|
$
|
9,990
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.
Cash Distribution
On July 27, 2004, the General Partner declared a distribution of
$42,324,000 or $0.53 per Alliance Holding Unit, representing a distribution
from Available Cash Flow of Alliance Holding (as defined in the Alliance
Holding Partnership Agreement) for the three months ended June 30, 2004. The distribution is payable on August 16,
2004 to holders of record at the close of business on August 6, 2004.
15