AllianceBernstein Holding, L.P. - AB STOCK NEWS

AllianceBernstein (AB) has launched version 2.0 of the Natural Hazards Index (NHI) map application in collaboration with the National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP). This innovative tool provides public access to comprehensive physical climate hazard data, focusing on extreme weather events across the United States and Puerto Rico. The NHI tool features 14 hazard layers, including extreme heat and hurricanes, allowing detailed analysis at the census tract level.

This upgrade resulted from over a year of partnership aimed at enhancing climate risk assessments for AB's investment strategies. By integrating climate risks into their analysis, AB aims to provide better insights for their clients while promoting resilience investments. The NHI tool will remain publicly accessible, reinforcing AB's commitment to addressing climate-related investment risks.

On April 17, 2023, Bernstein Private Wealth Management announced the appointment of Alex Chaloff as Chief Investment Officer and Head of Investment and Wealth Strategies. Chaloff, who has been with Bernstein since 2005, will oversee a platform managing $113 billion in assets. His previous roles included Head of Alternative Asset Strategies and Co-Head of Investment Strategies. Under his leadership, Bernstein has expanded its investment platform significantly. The firm also noted the departure of Beata Kirr, former Co-head of Investment & Wealth Strategies, who is moving to focus on impact investing. Bernstein, part of AllianceBernstein (AB), manages over $676 billion globally.

On April 12, 2023, AllianceBernstein (AB) reported a preliminary increase in assets under management (AUM) to $676 billion as of March 31, 2023, up from $665 billion at the end of February. This 2% increase is attributed to market appreciation, although it was partially offset by overall net outflows. A breakdown by channel indicates that inflows into Private Wealth did not compensate for outflows from Institutions and Retail channels. The firm continues to navigate a competitive environment while managing investments effectively.

These developments reflect AB's efforts in asset management against the backdrop of prevailing market conditions and investor behavior.

AllianceBernstein (NYSE: AB) will release its First Quarter 2023 financial results after market close on April 26, 2023. A teleconference to discuss these results is scheduled for April 27, 2023, at 8:00 am (CT), featuring key executives including President Seth Bernstein and COO Catherine Burke.

Investors can join the call via webcast on AB's Investor Relations website or by telephone, using the number (888) 440-3310 in the U.S. or +1 (646) 960-0513 internationally, with conference ID# 6072615.

A replay of the webcast will be accessible about an hour after the call concludes. As of March 31, 2023, AllianceBernstein Holding owns approximately 39.3% of AllianceBernstein, with Equitable Holdings owning around 61.4%.

AllianceBernstein's recent analysis emphasizes the critical role of Chinese companies in the global transition to a greener future. Despite significant decarbonization efforts, most environmental funds lack exposure to China, with five of the ten largest funds having no holdings in the region. Key insights highlight that China processes 58% of the world's lithium and dominates the solar and wind energy markets, responsible for substantial portions of global solar equipment manufacturing. Companies like BYD, JinkoSolar, and NARI Technology are identified as pivotal players in the EV and renewable energy sectors. The report suggests that international investors should consider investing in these Chinese companies to capitalize on the ongoing global energy transition, which continues to grow despite macroeconomic challenges.

AllianceBernstein emphasizes the growing importance of carbon allowances as investment tools in the context of climate change. Carbon allowances, which permit companies to emit CO2, are traded in compliance markets valued at USD $850 billion and offer significant opportunities for investors. These allowances can enhance returns, diversify portfolios, and hedge against climate-related risks. The analysis suggests a nearly 2% allocation to carbon allowances for global stocks to mitigate transition risks, with higher allocations recommended for commodity producers. The evolving nature of carbon markets calls for a reevaluation of traditional investment strategies.

AllianceBernstein highlights the critical role of Chinese firms in the global transition to a greener future, noting a missed opportunity for investors as many environmental funds lack exposure to China. Research indicates that five of the ten largest global environmental equity funds had no holdings in China by 2022. Chinese companies dominate vital sectors for decarbonization, including solar energy, wind power, and electric vehicles (EVs), accounting for significant shares in global supply chains. The report underscores the potential for attractive returns from investing in about 400 Chinese stocks aligned with net-zero goals despite macroeconomic challenges.

Modern slavery poses a significant risk for investors in the mining industry, largely due to its reliance on vulnerable populations and high-risk geographies. Recent legislation in the US and EU aims to improve corporate reporting and accountability regarding human rights and labor practices. The EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and other proposed regulations increase scrutiny on companies involved in forced labor. The mining sector is particularly challenged due to its economic importance to emerging nations, where unsafe working conditions prevail. Investors are encouraged to develop frameworks to assess and mitigate these risks effectively.

AllianceBernstein L.P. (AB) reported a decrease in preliminary assets under management (AUM) to $665 billion as of February 28, 2023, down from $680 billion at the end of January. This 2% decline was driven by market depreciation that offset firmwide net inflows. The inflows into Retail and Private Wealth were partially counterbalanced by modest outflows in the Institutional segment. The report highlights market conditions affecting AUM and emphasizes the ongoing challenges the company faces.