AB vs CNS Comparison

AllianceBernstein provides investment management services to institutional (42% of assets under management), retail (40%), and private (18%) clients through products that include mutual funds, hedge funds, and separately managed accounts. At the end of July 2026, the company had $909.0 billion in managed assets, composed primarily of fixed-income (35% of AUM) and equity (40%) strategies, with other investments (including asset allocation services and certain other alternative investments) accounting for the remainder.

Cohen & Steers is a niche asset manager concentrating on real estate securities. The firm invests primarily in the equity shares of real estate investment trusts, with holdings in domestic and international real estate securities accounting for nearly two-thirds of its $102.5 billion in managed assets at the end of July 2026. Cohen & Steers also manages portfolios dedicated to preferred securities, utilities stocks, and other high-yield offerings. The firm's distribution is balanced among its closed-end funds, open-end funds, and institutional accounts. During the past four calendar quarters, the company garnered 39% (25%) of its managed assets (base management fees) from institutional clients, 48% (55%) from open-end funds, and 13% (20%) from closed-end funds.