CONSECO
[GRAPHIC LOGO OMITTED]
MONUMENT SERIES
FIXED AND VARIABLE ANNUITY
MAY 1, 1998
PROSPECTUS
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT G
ISSUED BY GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
THIS COVER IS NOT PART OF THE PROSPECTUS
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GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
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GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
Administrative Office:
Great American Reserve Insurance Company
11815 N. Pennsylvania Street
Carmel, Indiana 46032
(317) 817-3700
INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP FIXED AND VARIABLE
DEFERRED ANNUITY CONTRACTS AND CERTIFICATES
ISSUED BY
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT G
AND
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
The individual and group fixed and variable deferred annuity contracts and
certificates (the "Contracts and Certificates") described in this Prospectus
provide for accumulation of values on a fixed and variable basis and monthly
payment of Annuity Payments on a fixed and variable basis. The Contracts and
Certificates are designed for use by individuals in retirement plans on a
Qualified or Non-Qualified basis. (See "Definitions.")
Purchase Payments for the Contracts/Certificates will be allocated to a
segregated investment account of Great American Reserve Insurance Company (the
"Company" or "Great American Reserve") which account has been designated Great
American Reserve Variable Annuity Account G (the "Variable Account") or to the
Company's Market Value Adjustment Account ("MVA Account"). The Variable Account
invests in shares of the following: Conseco Series Trust (Asset Allocation
Portfolio, Common Stock Portfolio, Corporate Bond Portfolio, Government
Securities Portfolio and Money Market Portfolio); The Alger American Fund (Alger
American Growth Portfolio, Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio, Alger
American MidCap Growth Portfolio and Alger American Small Capitalization
Portfolio); American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (VP Income & Growth, VP
International and VP Value); Berger Institutional Products Trust (Berger IPT -
100 Fund, Berger IPT - Growth and Income Fund, Berger IPT Small Company Growth
Fund and Berger/BIAM IPT - International Fund); The Dreyfus Socially Responsible
Growth Fund, Inc.; Dreyfus Stock Index Fund; Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
(Disciplined Stock Portfolio and International Value Portfolio); Federated
Insurance Series (Federated High Income Bond Fund II, Federated International
Equity Fund II and Federated Utility Fund II); INVESCO Variable Investment
Funds, Inc. (INVESCO VIF-High Yield Portfolio and INVESCO VIF-Industrial Income
Portfolio); Janus Aspen Series (Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Growth Portfolio
and Worldwide Growth Portfolio); Lazard Retirement Series, Inc. (Lazard
Retirement Equity Portfolio and Lazard Retirement Small Cap Portfolio); Lord
Abbett Series Fund, Inc. (Growth and Income Portfolio); Mitchell Hutchins Series
Trust (Growth and Income Portfolio); Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management
Trust (Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio and Partners Portfolio); Strong
Opportunity Fund II, Inc. (Opportunity Fund II); Strong Variable Insurance
Funds, Inc. (Growth Fund II); and Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust (Worldwide
Bond Fund, Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund, Worldwide Hard Assets Fund and
Worldwide Real Estate Fund).
See "Highlights" and "Federal Tax Status - Diversification" for a discussion
of owner control of the underlying investments in a variable annuity contract.
THE CONTRACTS AND CERTIFICATES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY FINANCIAL INSTITUTION, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY
INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD,
OR ANY OTHER AGENCY. INVESTMENT IN THE CONTRACTS AND CERTIFICATES IS SUBJECT TO
RISK THAT MAY CAUSE THE VALUE OF THE OWNER'S/CERTIFICATE OWNER'S INVESTMENT TO
FLUCTUATE, AND WHEN THE CONTRACTS AND CERTIFICATES ARE SURRENDERED, THE VALUE
MAY BE HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THE PURCHASE PAYMENTS.
This Prospectus concisely sets forth the information a prospective investor
should know before investing. Additional information about the Contracts and
Certificates is contained in the statement of additional information ("SAI")
which is available at no charge. The SAI has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") and is incorporated herein by reference. The SEC
maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the SAI, material
incorporated by reference, and other information regarding companies that file
electronically with the SEC. The Table of Contents of the SAI can be found on
the last page of this Prospectus. For the SAI, call (800) 342-6307 or write to
the Company's Administrative Office at the address listed above.
INQUIRIES:
Any inquiries can be made by telephone or in writing to the Administrative
Office listed above.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information are dated May 1,
1998.
Investors should read and retain this Prospectus for future reference.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
DEFINITIONS ............................................... 3
HIGHLIGHTS................................................. 4
General................................................. 4
Variable Account........................................ 4
MVA Account............................................. 5
Right to Examine Period................................. 5
Charges................................................. 5
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge.................... 5
Administrative Charge................................ 5
Contract and Certificate Maintenance Charges......... 5
Transfer Fee......................................... 5
Premium and Other Taxes.............................. 6
Taxes................................................ 6
MVA Account.......................................... 6
FEE TABLE.................................................. 6
THE COMPANY................................................ 9
THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS...................................... 10
ELIGIBLE FUNDS............................................. 10
Conseco Series Trust.................................... 10
The Alger American Fund................................. 10
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc............... 11
Berger Institutional Products Trust..................... 11
The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc....... 11
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund................................ 11
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund........................ 11
Federated Insurance Series.............................. 11
INVESCO Variable Investment Funds, Inc.................. 11
Janus Aspen Series...................................... 11
Lazard Retirement Series, Inc........................... 11
Lord Abbett Series Fund, Inc............................ 12
Mitchell Hutchins Series Trust.......................... 12
Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust............ 12
Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc......................... 12
Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.................... 12
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust....................... 12
Voting Rights........................................... 12
Substitution of Securities.............................. 12
THE MVA ACCOUNT ........................................... 13
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS..................................... 14
Deduction for Mortality and Expense Risk Charge......... 14
Deduction for Administrative Charge..................... 14
Deduction for Contract and Certificate
Maintenance Charges.................................. 14
Deduction for Transfer Fee.............................. 14
Deduction for Premium and Other Taxes................... 14
Deduction for Expenses of the Eligible Funds............ 15
THE CONTRACTS AND CERTIFICATES............................. 15
Owner/Certificate Owner................................. 15
Joint Owners/Joint Certificate Owners................... 15
Group Contract Owner.................................... 15
Annuitant............................................... 15
Assignment.............................................. 15
PURCHASE PAYMENTS, CONTRACT VALUE AND
CERTIFICATE VALUE...................................... 15
Purchase Payments....................................... 15
Allocation of Purchase Payments......................... 15
Dollar Cost Averaging................................... 16
Rebalancing............................................. 16
Contract Value/Certificate Value........................ 16
Accumulation Units...................................... 16
Accumulation Unit Value................................. 16
TRANSFERS.................................................. 17
Transfers During the Accumulation Period................ 17
Transfers During the Annuity Period..................... 17
WITHDRAWALS................................................ 17
Systematic Withdrawal Program........................... 18
Suspension or Deferral of Payments...................... 18
PROCEEDS PAYABLE ON DEATH.................................. 18
Death of Owner or Certificate Owner During
the Accumulation Period.............................. 18
Death Benefit Amount During the Accumulation Period..... 18
Death Benefit Options During the Accumulation Period.... 18
Death of Owner/Certificate Owner During
the Annuity Period................................... 19
Death of Annuitant...................................... 19
Payment of Death Benefit................................ 19
Beneficiary............................................. 19
Change of Beneficiary................................... 19
ANNUITY PROVISIONS......................................... 19
General................................................. 19
Annuity Date............................................ 19
Selection or Change of an Annuity Option................ 19
Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments................ 19
Annuity Options......................................... 20
OPTION 1. LIFETIME ONLY ANNUITY....................... 20
OPTION 2. LIFETIME ANNUITY WITH
GUARANTEED PERIODS.................................. 20
OPTION 3. INSTALLMENT REFUND LIFE ANNUITY............. 20
OPTION 4. PAYMENT FOR A FIXED PERIOD.................. 20
OPTION 5. JOINT AND SURVIVOR ANNUITY.................. 20
Annuity................................................. 20
Fixed Annuity........................................... 20
Variable Annuity........................................ 20
DISTRIBUTOR................................................ 20
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION.................................... 20
Money Market Sub-account ............................... 20
Other Sub-Accounts...................................... 20
FEDERAL TAX STATUS......................................... 21
General................................................. 21
Diversification......................................... 22
Multiple Contracts and Certificates..................... 22
Contracts and Certificates Owned by Non-Natural Persons. 23
Tax Treatment of Assignments............................ 23
Income Tax Withholding.................................. 23
Tax Treatment of Withdrawals-- Non-Qualified
Contracts and Certificates........................... 23
Qualified Plans......................................... 23
Tax Treatment of Withdrawals-- Qualified Contracts
and Certificates..................................... 24
Tax-Sheltered Annuities-- Withdrawal Limitations........ 24
Mandatory Distributions-- Qualified Plans............... 25
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY................... 25
Selected Historical Financial Information of
Great American Reserve............................... 25
Business of Great American Reserve...................... 26
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations of
Great American Reserve............................... 30
The Company's Directors and Executive Officers.......... 37
Executive Compensation.................................. 37
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.......................................... 37
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT.......... 37
REGISTRATION STATEMENT..................................... 37
LEGAL OPINIONS............................................. 37
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS.................................... 37
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS....................................... 37
APPENDIX A................................................. 52
APPENDIX B................................................. 53
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT
OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.............................. 54
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GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
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DEFINITIONS
ACCOUNT(S): The MVA Account and/or one or more of the Sub-Accounts of the
Variable Account.
ACCUMULATION PERIOD: The period prior to the Annuity Date during which Purchase
Payments may be made by an Owner or a Certificate Owner.
ACCUMULATION UNIT: A unit of measure used to determine the value of the Owner's
or Certificate Owner's interest in a Sub-Account of the Variable Account during
the Accumulation Period.
ADJUSTED CERTIFICATE VALUE: The Certificate Value less any applicable Premium
Tax, and Certificate Maintenance Charge (see "Charges and Deductions") and plus
the applicable Market Value Adjustment which may be positive or negative. This
amount is applied to the applicable annuity tables to determine Annuity
Payments.
ADJUSTED CONTRACT VALUE: The Contract Value less any applicable Premium Tax and
Contract Maintenance Charge (see "Charges and Deductions") and plus the
applicable Market Value Adjustment which may be positive or negative. This
amount is applied to the applicable annuity tables to determine Annuity Payments
under an individual Contract.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE: The office indicated on the cover page of this Prospectus
to which notices, requests and Purchase Payments must be sent. All sums payable
to the Company under a Contract or Certificate are payable at the Administrative
Office or an address designated by the Company.
AGE: The age of any Owner, Certificate Owner or Annuitant on his/her last
birthday. For joint Owners and joint Certificate Owners, all provisions which
are based on age are based on the age of the older of the joint Owners or joint
Certificate Owners.
ANNUITANT: The natural person on whose life Annuity Payments are based. On or
after the Annuity Date, the Annuitant shall also include any joint Annuitant.
ANNUITY DATE: The date on which Annuity Payments begin.
ANNUITY OPTIONS: Options available for Annuity Payments.
ANNUITY PAYMENTS: The series of payments made to the Owner or Certificate Owner
or any named payee after the Annuity Date under the Annuity Option selected.
ANNUITY PERIOD: The period of time beginning with the Annuity Date during which
Annuity Payments are made.
ANNUITY UNIT: An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the amount of
Annuity Payments.
BENEFICIARY The person(s) or entity(ies) who will receive the death benefit
payable under a Contract or Certificate.
CERTIFICATE: The document issued to a Certificate Owner to evidence a
Certificate Owner's Account established under a group Contract.
CERTIFICATE ANNIVERSARY: An anniversary of the Certificate Issue Date.
CERTIFICATE ISSUE DATE: The date a Certificate is issued to a Certificate Owner.
CERTIFICATE OWNER: A person who has established a Certificate Owner's Account
under a group Contract.
CERTIFICATE OWNER'S ACCOUNT: A record established for each Certificate Owner to
maintain values under a group Contract.
CERTIFICATE VALUE: The dollar value as of any Valuation Period of all amounts in
Certificate Owner's Account.
CERTIFICATE WITHDRAWAL VALUE: The Certificate Value less any applicable Premium
Tax, less any applicable Certificate Maintenance Charge (see "Charges and
Deductions") and plus any Market Value Adjustment which may be positive or
negative.
CERTIFICATE YEAR: The first Certificate Year is the annual period which begins
on the Certificate Issue Date. Subsequent Certificate Years begin on each
anniversary of the Certificate Issue Date.
CODE: The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
COMPANY: Great American Reserve Insurance Company.
CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY: An anniversary of the Contract Issue Date.
CONTRACT ISSUE DATE: The later of the date on the cover of the Contract or the
date Purchase Payments are received.
CONTRACT VALUE: The dollar value as of any Valuation Period of all amounts in an
individual Contract.
CONTRACT WITHDRAWAL VALUE: The Contract Value of an individual Contract less any
applicable Premium Tax, less any applicable Contract Maintenance Charge (see
"Charges and Deductions") and plus any Market Value Adjustment which may be
positive or negative.
CONTRACT YEAR: The first Contract Year is the annual period which begins on the
Contract Issue Date. Subsequent Contract Years begin on each anniversary of the
Contract Issue Date.
CREDITED INTEREST RATE: The interest rate credited to a Certificate Owner's
Account or Contract Value by the Company for any given Guarantee Period in the
MVA Account.
EFFECTIVE DATE: The effective date of a Guarantee Period with a Credited
Interest Rate.
ELIGIBLE FUND: An investment entity into which assets of the Variable Account
will be invested.
FIXED ANNUITY: A series of payments made during the Annuity Period which are
guaranteed as to dollar amount by the Company.
GENERAL ACCOUNT: The Company's general investment account which contains all the
assets of the Company with the exception of the Variable Account and other
segregated asset accounts.
GROUP CONTRACT OWNER: The person or entity to which a group Contract is issued.
GUARANTEE PERIOD: The period for which the Credited Interest Rate is credited in
the MVA Account. Each deposit or transfer to the MVA Account creates one or more
new Guarantee Period(s).
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MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT: An adjustment to the amount withdrawn from or
transferred from the MVA Account prior to the end of the applicable Guarantee
Period. The adjustment reflects the change in the value of the funds withdrawn
or transferred due to the change in the interest rates since the beginning of
the Guarantee Period.
MVA ACCOUNT: A separate account which provides investment options where the
Company guarantees the rate of interest for a Guarantee Period and where
withdrawals or transfers may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment.
NET PURCHASE PAYMENT: A Purchase Payment less any applicable Premium Tax.
NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS AND CERTIFICATES: Contracts and Certificates issued
under non-qualified plans which are not Qualified Contracts and Certificates.
OWNER: The person or entity entitled to the ownership rights stated in an
individual Contract.
PORTFOLIO: A segment of an Eligible Fund which constitutes a separate and
distinct class of shares, which may also sometimes be referred to herein as a
Fund.
PREMIUM TAX: Any premium taxes incurred to any governmental entity assessed
against Purchase Payments, Contract Values or Certificate Values.
PURCHASE PAYMENT: A payment made by or for an Owner or Certificate Owner.
QUALIFIED CONTRACTS AND CERTIFICATES: Contracts and Certificates issued under a
retirement plan which receive favorable tax treatment under Sections 403(b) or
408 of the Code.
SUB-ACCOUNT: Variable Account assets are divided into sub-accounts. Assets of
each Sub-Account will be invested in shares of an Eligible Fund or a Portfolio
of an Eligible Fund.
VALUATION DATE: Each day on which the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open
for business.
VALUATION PERIOD: The period of time beginning at the close of business of the
NYSE on each Valuation Date and ending at the close of business for the next
succeeding Valuation Date.
VARIABLE ACCOUNT: The Company's variable account designated as Great American
Reserve Variable Annuity Account G which provides investment options where the
benefits are variable and are not guaranteed as to dollar amount.
WRITTEN REQUEST: A request in writing, in a form satisfactory to the Company,
which is received by the Administrative Office.
HIGHLIGHTS
GENERAL
The Contracts and Certificates offered by this Prospectus are combined fixed and
variable deferred annuity contracts and certificates issued by Great American
Reserve Insurance Company (the "Company"). Pursuant to selections made by the
Owner/Certificate Owner, Net Purchase Payments are allocated to a segregated
investment account of the Company which has been designated Great American
Reserve Variable Annuity Account G (the "Variable Account"), and/or the MVA
Account, which is a separate account where the Company guarantees the rate of
interest for a specified period and where withdrawals or transfers may be
subject to a Market Value Adjustment. Owners/Certificate Owners may invest in up
to fifteen (15) Sub-Accounts.
VARIABLE ACCOUNT The Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts. The
Sub-Accounts invest in the following:
CONSECO SERIES TRUST
Asset Allocation Portfolio
Common Stock Portfolio
Corporate Bond Portfolio
Government Securities Portfolio
Money Market Portfolio
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
Alger American Growth Portfolio
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio
Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio
Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio
AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
VP Income and Growth
VP International
VP Value
BERGER INSTITUTIONAL PRODUCTS TRUST
Berger IPT - 100 Fund
Berger IPT - Growth and Income Fund
Berger IPT - Small Company Growth Fund
Berger/BIAM IPT - International Fund
THE DREYFUS SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GROWTH FUND, INC.
DREYFUS STOCK INDEX FUND
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Disciplined Stock Portfolio
International Value Portfolio
FEDERATED INSURANCE SERIES
Federated High Income Bond Fund II
Federated International Equity Fund II
Federated Utility Fund II
INVESCO VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUNDS, INC.
INVESCO VIF - High Yield Portfolio
INVESCO VIF - Industrial Income Portfolio
JANUS ASPEN SERIES
Aggressive Growth Portfolio
Growth Portfolio
Worldwide Growth Portfolio
LAZARD RETIREMENT SERIES, INC.
Lazard Retirement Equity Portfolio
Lazard Retirement Small Cap Portfolio
LORD ABBETT SERIES FUND, INC.
Growth and Income Portfolio
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GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
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MITCHELL HUTCHINS SERIES TRUST
Growth and Income Portfolio
NEUBERGER & BERMAN ADVISERS MANAGEMENT TRUST
Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio
Partners Portfolio
STRONG OPPORTUNITY FUND II, INC.
Opportunity Fund II
STRONG VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
Growth Fund II
VAN ECK WORLDWIDE INSURANCE TRUST
Worldwide Bond Fund
Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund
Worldwide Hard Assets Fund
Worldwide Real Estate Fund
Owners and Certificate Owners bear the investment risk for all amounts allocated
to the Variable Account.
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MVA ACCOUNT
The MVA Account offers investment options which pay fixed rates of interest
declared by the Company for specified periods (currently, 1 year, 3 years and 5
years) from the date amounts are allocated to the MVA Account. Please contact
the Company or the representative from whom this Prospectus was obtained for
information as to currently available MVA options.
Such declared rates will vary from time to time but will not be less than 3% per
annum, and, once established for a particular allocation, will not change during
the Guarantee Period. However, withdrawals, transfers or annuitization prior to
the end of the Guarantee Period may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment.
Owners and Certificate Owners bear the risk that amounts reallocated within, or
prematurely withdrawn, transferred or annuitized from the MVA Account prior to
the end of the respective Guarantee Period could result in the Owner or
Certificate Owner receiving less than the Purchase Payments or amounts so
allocated.
RIGHT TO EXAMINE PERIOD
The individual Contract or Certificate may be returned to the Company for any
reason within ten (10) calendar days, or longer in states where required (thirty
(30) calendar days if purchased by individuals who are 60 years of age or older
in California, or twenty (20) calendar days from the date of receipt with
respect to the circumstances described in (c) below), after its receipt by the
Owner or Certificate Owner ("Right to Examine Period"). It may be returned to
the Company at its Administrative Office. When the Contract or Certificate is
received by the Company at its Administrative Office, it will be voided as if it
had never been in force. Upon its return, the Company will refund the Contract
Value or Certificate Value next computed after receipt of the Contract or
Certificate by the Company at its Administrative Office except in the following
circumstances: (a) where the Contract or Certificate is purchased pursuant to an
individual retirement annuity; (b) in those states which require the Company to
refund Purchase Payments, less withdrawals; or (c) in the case of Contracts or
Certificates which are deemed by certain states to be replacing an existing
annuity or insurance contract and which require the Company to refund Purchase
Payments, less withdrawals. With respect to the circumstances described in (a),
(b) and (c) above, the Company will refund Purchase Payments, less any
withdrawals. The Company has reserved the right, under certain circumstances, to
allocate initial Purchase Payments to the Money Market Sub-Account (except those
allocated to the MVA Account) until the expiration of the Right to Examine
Period. In the event that the Company does so allocate initial Purchase Payments
to the Money Market Sub-Account, at the end of the Right to Examine Period, the
Contract Value/Certificate Value allocated to the Money Market Sub-Account will
be allocated to the Sub-Account(s) selected by the Owner/Certificate Owner.
Currently, however, the Company will allocate the initial Purchase Payment
directly to the Sub-Account(s) of the Variable Account and/or the MVA Account,
as selected by the Owner/Certificate Owner.
CHARGES
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE. Each Valuation Period, the Company deducts
a Mortality and Expense Risk Charge from the Variable Account which is equal, on
an annual basis, to 1.15% of the average daily net asset value of each
Sub-Account of the Variable Account. However, the Company may increase this
charge, but it will not exceed 1.25% of the average daily net asset value of the
Variable Account. This charge compensates the Company for assuming the mortality
and expense risks under the Contracts and Certificates. (See "Charges and
Deductions - Deduction for Mortality and Expense Risk Charge.")
ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE. Each Valuation Period, the Company deducts an
Administrative Charge from the Variable Account which is equal, on an annual
basis, to .15% of the average daily net asset value of each Sub-Account of the
Variable Account. However, the Company may increase this charge, but it will not
exceed .25% of the average daily net asset value of the Variable Account. This
charge compensates the Company for costs associated with the administration of
the Contracts, Certificates and the Variable Account. (See "Charges and
Deductions - Deduction for Administrative Charge.")
CONTRACT AND CERTIFICATE MAINTENANCE CHARGES. The Company makes a deduction
of $30.00 each Contract or Certificate Year. However, during the Accumulation
Period if the Contract Value or the Certificate Value on the Contract or
Certificate Anniversary is at least $25,000, then no Contract or Certificate
Maintenance Charge is deducted. If a total withdrawal is made on other than a
Contract or Certificate Anniversary and the Contract Value or the Certificate
Value for the Valuation Period during which the total withdrawal is made is less
than $25,000, the full Contract or Certificate Maintenance Charge will be
deducted at the time of the total withdrawal. During the Annuity Period, no
Contract or Certificate Maintenance Charge is deducted. (See "Charges and
Deductions - Deduction for Contract and Certificate Maintenance Charges.")
TRANSFER FEE. Under certain circumstances, a Transfer Fee may be assessed
when an Owner or Certificate Owner transfers Contract Values or Certificate
Values between Sub-Accounts of the
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Variable Account or to or from the MVA Account. The Transfer Fee is the lesser
of $25 or 2% of the amount transferred. (See "Charges and Deductions - Deduction
for Transfer Fee.")
PREMIUM AND OTHER TAXES. Certain states and other governmental entities
impose premium and other taxes based on Purchase Payments received by the
Company. It is the Company's current practice to deduct a charge for Premium
Taxes from an Owner's Contract Value or a Certificate Owner's Certificate Value,
if applicable at the time Annuity Payments begin or from amounts that are
withdrawn (although the deduction could be taken from Purchase Payments in the
future). (See "Charges and Deductions - Deduction for Premium and Other Taxes.")
TAXES
There is a ten percent (10%) federal income tax penalty that may be applied to
the taxable income portion of any distribution from the Contracts and
Certificates. However, the penalty is not imposed under certain circumstances.
See "Federal Tax Status - Tax Treatment of Withdrawals - Non-Qualified Contracts
and Certificates" and "Tax Treatment of Withdrawals - Qualified Contracts and
Certificates."
For 403(b) (TSA) Contracts, withdrawals of amounts attributable to contributions
made pursuant to a salary reduction agreement (as defined in Section 403(b)(11)
of the Code) are limited to circumstances only when an Owner/Certificate Owner:
(1) attains age 59 1/2; (2) separates from service; (3) dies; (4) becomes
disabled (within the meaning of Section 72(m)(7) of the Code); (5) in the case
of hardship; or (5) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order. However,
withdrawals for hardship are restricted to the portion of the Owner's Contract
Value or Certificate Owner's Certificate Value which represents contributions
made by the Owner/Certificate Owner and does not include any investment results.
The limitations on withdrawals became effective on January 1, 1989 and only
apply to (i) salary reduction contributions made after December 31, 1988; (ii)
income attributable to such contributions; and (iii) income attributable to
amounts held as of December 31, 1988. The limitations on withdrawals do not
affect rollovers or transfers between certain Qualified Plans.
Owners/Certificate Owners should consult their own tax counsel or other tax
adviser regarding distributions. (See "Federal Tax Status - Tax Sheltered
Annuities - Withdrawal Limitations.")
The Treasury Department has indicated that guidelines may be forthcoming under
which a variable annuity contract will not be treated as an annuity contract for
tax purposes if the owner of the contract has excessive control over the
investment underlying the contract. The issuance of such guidelines may require
the Company to impose limitations on an Owner's or Certificate Owner's right to
control the investment. It is not known whether any such guidelines would have a
retroactive effect (see "Federal Tax Status - Diversification").
For a further discussion of the taxation of the Contracts and Certificates, see
"Federal Tax Status."
MVA ACCOUNT
Because of certain exemptive and exclusionary provisions, the MVA Account is not
registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended.
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GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT G
FEE TABLE
OWNER AND CERTIFICATE OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
SALES CHARGE None
TRANSFER FEE (see Note 2 in Notes to Fee Tables and Examples Section)
No charge for first transfer in a 30 day period during the Accumulation Period
And no charge for four transfers per Contract/Certificate Year during the
Annuity Period; thereafter a fee of $25 OR 2% of the amount transferred,
whichever is less, may be charged.
CONTRACT AND CERTIFICATE MAINTENANCE CHARGES
(see Note 3 in Notes to Fee Table and Examples Section) $30 per
Contract/Certificate Year.
VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average account value)
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge 1.15%
Administrative Charge .15%
----
TOTAL VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES 1.30%
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GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
ELIGIBLE FUND'S ANNUAL EXPENSES
(as a percentage of the average daily net assets of a Portfolio)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL ANNUAL
OTHER EXPENSES PORTFOLIO
(AFTER EXPENSE EXPENSES
REIMBURSEMENT (AFTER EXPENSE
MANAGEMENT 12b-1 FOR CERTAIN REIMBURSEMENT FOR
FEES FEES PORTFOLIOS) CERTAIN PORTFOLIOS)
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CONSECO SERIES TRUST (1)
Asset Allocation Portfolio (2) ...................................... 0.55% -- 0.20% 0.75%
Common Stock Portfolio (2) .......................................... 0.60% -- 0.20% 0.80%
Corporate Bond Portfolio ............................................ 0.50% -- 0.20% 0.70%
Government Securities Portfolio ..................................... 0.50% -- 0.20% 0.70%
Money Market Portfolio (2) .......................................... 0.25% -- 0.20% 0.45%
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
Alger American Growth Portfolio ..................................... 0.75% -- 0.04% 0.79%
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio (3) ....................... 0.85% -- 0.15% 1.00%
Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio .............................. 0.80% -- 0.04% 0.84%
Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio ....................... 0.85% -- 0.04% 0.89%
AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
VP Income & Growth .................................................. 0.70% -- 0.0% 0.70%
VP International .................................................... 1.50% -- 0.0% 1.50%
VP Value ............................................................ 1.00% -- 0.0% 1.00%
BERGER INSTITUTIONAL PRODUCTS TRUST
Berger IPT--100 Fund (4) ............................................. 0.00% -- 1.00% 1.00%
Berger IPT--Growth and Income Fund (4) ............................... 0.00% -- 1.00% 1.00%
Berger IPT--Small Company Growth Fund (4) ............................ 0.00% -- 1.15% 1.15%
Berger/BIAM IPT--International Fund (4) .............................. 0.00% -- 1.20% 1.20%
THE DREYFUS SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GROWTH FUND, INC.................... 0.75% -- 0.07% 0.82%
DREYFUS STOCK INDEX FUND ............................................ 0.25% -- 0.03% 0.28%
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Disciplined Stock Portfolio ......................................... 0.75% -- 0.27% 1.02%
International Value Portfolio ....................................... 1.00% -- 0.42% 1.42%
FEDERATED INSURANCE SERIES
Federated High Income Bond Fund II (5) .............................. 0.51% -- 0.29% 0.80%
Federated International Equity Fund II (5) .......................... 0.02% -- 1.21% 1.23%
Federated Utility Fund II (5) ....................................... 0.48% -- 0.37% 0.85%
INVESCO VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUNDS, INC.
INVESCO VIF-- High Yield Portfolio (6) .............................. 0.60% -- 0.27% 0.87%
INVESCO VIF-- Industrial Income Portfolio (6) ....................... 0.75% -- 0.20% 0.95%
JANUS ASPEN SERIES
Aggressive Growth Portfolio (7) ..................................... 0.73% -- 0.03% 0.76%
Growth Portfolio (7) ................................................ 0.65% -- 0.05% 0.70%
Worldwide Growth Portfolio (7) ...................................... 0.66% -- 0.08% 0.74%
LAZARD RETIREMENT SERIES, INC.
Lazard Retirement Equity Portfolio (8) .............................. 0.75% 0.25% 0.50% 1.50%
Lazard Retirement Small Cap Portfolio (8) ........................... 0.75% 0.25% 0.50% 1.50%
LORD ABBETT SERIES FUND, INC.
Growth and Income Portfolio (9) ..................................... 0.50% 0.15% 0.02% 0.67%
MITCHELL HUTCHINS SERIES TRUST
Growth and Income Portfolio ......................................... 0.70% -- 0.88% 1.58%
NEUBERGER & BERMAN ADVISERS MANAGEMENT TRUST (10)
Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio ..................................... 0.65% -- 0.12% 0.77%
Partners Portfolio .................................................. 0.80% -- 0.06% 0.86%
STRONG OPPORTUNITY FUND II, INC.
Opportunity Fund II ................................................. 1.00% -- 0.15% 1.15%
STRONG VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
Growth Fund II (11) ................................................. 1.00% -- 0.20% 1.20%
VAN ECK WORLDWIDE INSURANCE TRUST (12)
Worldwide Bond Fund ................................................. 1.00% -- 0.12% 1.12%
Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund ..................................... 1.00% -- (0.20%) 0.80%
Worldwide Hard Assets Fund .......................................... 1.00% -- 0.17% 1.17%
Worldwide Real Estate Fund .......................................... 0.00% -- 1.00% 1.00%
</TABLE>
7
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(1) Conseco Capital Management, Inc., the investment adviser of Conseco
Series Trust, has voluntarily agreed to reimburse all expenses, including
management fees, in excess of the following percentage of the average annual net
assets of each listed Portfolio, as long as such reimbursement would not result
in a Portfolio's inability to qualify as a regulated investment company under
the Code: 0.75% for the Asset Allocation Portfolio; 0.80% for the Common Stock
Portfolio; 0.70% for the Corporate Bond Portfolio and Government Securities
Portfolio; and 0.45% for the Money Market Portfolio. The total percentages in
the above table is after reimbursement. In the absence of expense reimbursement,
the total fees and expenses in 1997 would have totaled: 0.84% for the Asset
Allocation Portfolio; 0.80% for the Common Stock Portfolio; 0.77% for the
Corporate Bond Portfolio; 0.92% for the Government Securities Portfolio; and
0.52% for the Money Market Portfolio.
(2) Conseco Capital Management, Inc., since January 1, 1993, has voluntarily
waived its management fees in excess of the annual rates set forth above. Absent
such fee waivers, the management fees would be: .65% for the Asset Allocation
Portfolio; .65% for the Common Stock Portfolio; and .50% for the Money Market
Portfolio.
(3) The Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio's "Other Expenses" includes
.04% of interest expense.
(4) The Funds' investment advisers have voluntarily agreed to waive their
advisory fee and have voluntarily reimbursed the Funds for additional expenses
to the extent that normal operating expenses in any fiscal year, including the
investment advisory fee but excluding brokerage commissions, interest, taxes and
extraordinary expenses, of each of the Berger IPT--100 Fund and the Berger
IPT--Growth and Income Fund exceed 1.00%, the normal operating expenses in any
fiscal year of the Berger IPT--Small Company Growth Fund exceed 1.15%, and the
normal operating expenses of the Berger/BIAM IPT--International Fund exceed
1.20% of the respective Fund's average daily net assets. Absent the voluntary
waiver and reimbursement, the Management Fee for the Berger IPT--100 Fund,
Berger IPT--Growth and Income Fund, the Berger IPT--Small Company Growth Fund
and the Berger/BIAM IPT -- International Fund would have been .75%, .75%, .90%,
and .90% respectively, and their Total Annual Portfolio Expenses would have been
9.18%, 9.62%, 5.81% and 3.83%, respectively.
(5) In the absence of a voluntary waiver by Federated Advisers, the Funds'
investment adviser, the Management Fee and Total Annual Portfolio Expenses would
have been 0.60% and .89%, respectively, for High Income Bond Fund II and 0.75%
and 1.12%, respectively, for Utility Fund II. Absent a voluntary waiver of the
management fee and the voluntary reimbursement of certain other operating
expenses by Federated Advisers, the Management Fee and Total Annual Portfolio
Expenses for International Equity Fund II would have been 1.00% and 2.21%,
respectively.
(6) Certain expenses are being absorbed voluntarily by the investment adviser
and sub-adviser. Total expenses (after expenses were absorbed but before any
expense offset arrangement) of the INVESCO VIF -- High Yield Portfolio and
INVESCO VIF -- Industrial Income Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 1997
amounted to 0.83% and 0.91%, respectively, of each Portfolio's average net
assets. In the absence of such voluntary expense limitation, the total operating
expenses of the INVESCO VIF -- High Yield Portfolio and INVESCO VIF --
Industrial Income Portfolio for the fiscal period ended December 31, 1997 would
have been 0.94% and 0.97%, respectively, of each Portfolio's average net assets.
It should be noted that the Portfolio's actual expenses were lower than the
figures shown because the Portfolio's custodian fees and pricing expenses were
reduced under expense offset arrangements. However, as a result of an SEC
requirement for mutual funds to state their total operating expenses without
crediting any such expense offset arrangements, the figures shown above do not
reflect these reductions.
(7) The expense figures shown are net of certain fee waivers or reductions
from Janus Capital Corporation, the investment adviser of the Janus Aspen
Series. Without such waivers or reductions, the total fees and expenses in 1997
would have totaled: 0.78% for Aggressive Growth; 0.78% for Growth; and 0.81% for
Worldwide Growth.
(8) Lazard Asset Management, the Fund's investment adviser, has voluntarily
agreed to reimburse all expenses, including management fees, in excess of 1.50%
of the average annual net assets of the Portfolio.
(9) The Growth and Income Portfolio of Lord Abbett Series Fund, Inc. has a
12b-1 plan which provides for payments to Lord, Abbett & Co. for remittance to a
life insurance company for certain distribution expenses (see the Fund
Prospectus). The 12b-1 plan provides that such remittances, in the aggregate,
will not exceed .15%, on an annual basis, of the daily net asset value of shares
of the Growth and Income Portfolio. For the year ending December 31, 1998, the
12b-1 fees are estimated to be .15%. The examples below for this Portfolio
reflect the estimated 12b-1 fees.
(10) Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust is divided into portfolios
(Portfolios), each of which invests all of its net investable assets in a
corresponding series of Advisers Managers Trust. The figures reported under
"Management Fees" include the total of the administration fees paid by the
Portfolio and the management fees paid by its corresponding series. Similarly,
"Other Expenses" includes all other expenses of the Portfolio and its
corresponding series.
(11) Strong Capital Management, Inc., the investment adviser of the Strong
Growth Fund II, has voluntarily agreed to cap the Fund's total operating
expenses at 1.20%. The Adviser has no current intention to, but may in the
future, discontinue or modify any waiver of fees or absorption of expenses at
its discretion with appropriate notification to its shareholders.
(12) All figures are annualized. Expenses of the Worldwide Real Estate Fund,
which commenced operation in June 1997, are being assumed by the Fund's
investment adviser. Without such assumption, Worldwide Real Estate Fund's
Management Fee would be 1.00%, Other Expenses would be 3.88% and Total Expenses
would be 4.88%. Other Expenses of Worldwide Real Estate Fund are an estimate
which assumes $80 million in average daily net assets, and may be greater or
less than those shown. Prior to April 30, 1997, Worldwide Hard Assets Fund was
named Gold and Natural Resources Fund. Other Expenses of Worldwide Hard Assets
Fund are net of soft dollar credits. Without such credits, Other Expenses would
have been 0.18% and Total Annual Portfolio Expenses would have been 1.18%. Other
Expenses of Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund are net of the reduction of the
Fund's operating fees in connection with a fee arrangement, based on cash
balances left on deposit with the custodian, and net of the waiver or assumption
by the Fund's investment adviser of certain fees and expenses. Without such fee
arrangement and, to a lesser extent, the waiver/assumption, Other Expenses would
have been 0.34% and Total Expenses would have been 1.34%. The Fund's investment
adviser is no longer waiving or assuming fees and expenses.
8
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GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
EXAMPLES (See Note 4 below)
Owner/Certificate Owner would pay the following expenses on a $1,000
investment, assuming a 5% annual return on assets regardless of whether the
Contract/Certificate is surrendered at the end of each time period or if the
Contract/Certificate is annuitized.
1 YEAR 3 YEARS
===================================================================
CONSECO SERIES TRUST
Asset Allocation Portfolio $21 $66
Common Stock Portfolio $22 $67
Corporate Bond Portfolio $21 $64
Government Securities Portfolio $21 $64
Money Market Portfolio $18 $57
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
Alger American Growth Portfolio $22 $67
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio $24 $73
Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio $22 $68
Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio $23 $70
AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE
PORTFOLIOS, INC.
VP Income & Growth $21 $64
VP International $29 $88
VP Value $24 $73
BERGER INSTITUTIONAL PRODUCTS TRUST
Berger IPT-- 100 Fund $24 $73
Berger IPT-- Growth and Income Fund $24 $73
Berger IPT-- Small Company Growth Fund $25 $78
Berger/BIAM IPT-- International Fund $26 $79
THE DREYFUS SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE
GROWTH FUND, INC. $22 $68
DREYFUS STOCK INDEX FUND $17 $51
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Disciplined Stock Portfolio $24 $74
International Value Portfolio $28 $86
FEDERATED INSURANCE SERIES
Federated International Equity Fund II $22 $67
Federated High Income Bond Fund II $26 $80
Federated Utility Fund II $22 $69
INVESCO VARIABLE INVESTMENT
FUNDS, INC.
INVESCO VIF-- High Yield Portfolio $22 $69
INVESCO VIF-- Industrial Income Portfolio $23 $72
JANUS ASPEN SERIES
Aggressive Growth Portfolio $21 $66
Growth Portfolio $21 $64
Worldwide Growth Portfolio $21 $65
LAZARD RETIREMENT SERIES, INC.
Lazard Retirement Equity Portfolio $29 $88
Lazard Retirement Small Cap Portfolio $29 $88
LORD ABBETT SERIES FUND, INC.
Growth & Income Portfolio $20 $63
MITCHELL HUTCHINS SERIES TRUST
Growth and Income Portfolio $30 $90
NEUBERGER & BERMAN ADVISERS
MANAGEMENT TRUST
Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio $21 $66
Partners Portfolio $22 $69
STRONG OPPORTUNITY FUND II, INC.
Opportunity Fund II $25 $78
STRONG VARIABLE INSURANCE
FUNDS, INC.
Growth Fund II $26 $79
VAN ECK WORLDWIDE INSURANCE TRUST
Worldwide Bond Fund $25 $77
Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund $22 $67
Worldwide Hard Assets Fund $25 $78
Worldwide Real Estate Fund $24 $73
THE ANNUAL EXPENSES OF THE ELIGIBLE FUNDS AND THE EXAMPLES ARE BASED ON DATA
PROVIDED BY THE RESPECTIVE ELIGIBLE FUNDS. THE COMPANY HAS NOT INDEPENDENTLY
VERIFIED SUCH DATA.
================================================================================
NOTES TO FEE TABLE AND EXAMPLES
1. The Fee Table is provided to assist Owners and Certificate Owners in
understanding the various costs and expenses that they will bear directly or
indirectly. The Fee Table reflects expenses of both the Variable Account and the
Eligible Funds. For more complete descriptions of the various costs and expenses
involved, see "Charges and Deductions" in this Prospectus and the prospectuses
for the Eligible Funds. Premium Taxes may also be applicable, although they do
not appear in this table.
2. Any transfers made pursuant to an approved Dollar Cost Averaging Program
and/or Rebalancing Program will not be counted in determining the application of
the Transfer Fee. All reallocations on the same day count as one transfer.
3. During the Accumulation Period, if the Owner's Contract Value or the
Certificate Owner's Certificate Value on the Contract or Certificate Anniversary
is at least $25,000, then no Contract or Certificate Maintenance Charge is
deducted. If a total withdrawal is made on other than a Contract or Certificate
Anniversary and the Contract Value/Certificate Value for the Valuation Period
during which the total withdrawal is made is less than $25,000, the full
Contract or Certificate Maintenance Charge will be deducted at the time of the
total withdrawal. During the Annuity Period, no Contract or Certificate
Maintenance Charges are deducted. (See "Charges and Deductions.")
4. The Examples assume an estimated $40,000 Contract Value or Certificate
Value so that the Contract and Certificate Maintenance Charges per $1,000 of net
asset value in the Variable Account is $.75. Such charge would be higher for
smaller values and lower for higher values.
THE COMPANY
Great American Reserve Insurance Company (the "Company" or "Great American
Reserve") was originally organized in 1937. It is principally engaged in the
life insurance business in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Great
American Reserve is a stock company organized under the laws of the state of
Texas and is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Conseco, Inc. ("Conseco").
The operations of Great American Reserve are handled by Conseco. Conseco is a
publicly owned financial services organization headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.
Through its subsidiaries, Conseco is one of the nation's leading providers of
supplemental health insurance, retirement annuities and universal life
insurance.
9
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All inquiries regarding Accounts, the Contracts/Certificates, or any related
matter should be directed to the Company's Variable Annuity Department at the
address and telephone number shown on the cover page of this Prospectus. The
financial statements of the Company included in this Prospectus should be
considered only as bearing upon the ability of the Company to meet the
obligations under the Contracts and Certificates. Neither the assets of Conseco
nor those of any company in the Conseco group of companies other than the
Company support these obligations. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had
total assets of $2.8 billion and total shareholder's equity of $.4 billion. The
Company does not guarantee the investment performance of the Variable Account
investment options.
For further information about the Company, see "Additional Information About
the Company."
THE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
The Board of Directors of the Company adopted resolutions to establish
segregated asset accounts pursuant to Texas insurance law on January 18, 1996.
One segregated asset account has been designated Great American Reserve Variable
Annuity Account G (the "Variable Account"). The other separate account has been
designated Great American Reserve Market Value Adjustment Account (the "MVA
Account") (collectively, the "Separate Accounts"). The Company has caused the
Variable Account to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as
a unit investment trust pursuant to the provisions of the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended.
The assets of the Separate Accounts are the property of the Company. However,
the assets of the Separate Accounts, equal to the reserves and other contract
liabilities with respect to the Separate Accounts, are not chargeable with
liabilities arising out of any other business the Company may conduct. Income,
gains and losses, whether or not realized, are, in accordance with the Contracts
and Certificates, credited to or charged against the Separate Accounts without
regard to other income, gains or losses of the Company. The Company's
obligations arising under the Contracts and Certificates are general
obligations.
The Separate Accounts meet the definition of a "separate account" under
federal securities laws.
The Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts. Each Sub-Account invests
in one Portfolio of an Eligible Fund.
ELIGIBLE FUNDS
The Variable Account invests in the shares of the Eligible Funds as described
below. The descriptions below contain a short discussion of the investment
objective(s). See Appendix A in this Prospectus and the prospectuses for the
Eligible Funds for further information.
There is no assurance that the investment objective of any of the Portfolios
will be met. Owners and Certificate Owners bear the complete investment risk for
Purchase Payments allocated to a Portfolio. Contract Values and Certificate
Values will fluctuate in accordance with the investment performance of the
Portfolios to which Purchase Payments are allocated, and in accordance with the
imposition of the fees and charges assessed under the Contracts and
Certificates.
DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE ELIGIBLE FUNDS IS CONTAINED IN THE
ACCOMPANYING CURRENT PROSPECTUSES OF THE ELIGIBLE FUNDS. AN INVESTOR SHOULD
CAREFULLY READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE PROSPECTUSES OF THE ELIGIBLE FUNDS BEFORE
ALLOCATING AMOUNTS TO BE INVESTED IN THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT.
CONSECO SERIES TRUST
ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO seeks a high total investment return, consistent
with the preservation of capital and prudent investment risk. The Portfolio
seeks to achieve this objective by pursuing an active asset allocation strategy
whereby investments are allocated, based upon thorough investment research,
valuation and analysis of market trends and the anticipated relative total
return available, among various asset classes including debt securities, equity
securities, and money market instruments.
COMMON STOCK PORTFOLIO seeks to provide a high total return consistent with
preservation of capital and a prudent level of risk primarily by investing in
selected equity securities having the investment characteristics of common
stocks.
CORPORATE BOND PORTFOLIO seeks to provide as high a level of income as is
consistent with preservation of capital by investing primarily in debt
securities.
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO seeks safety of capital, liquidity and
current income by investing primarily in securities issued by the U.S.
Government or an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government, including
mortgage-related securities.
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO seeks current income consistent with stability of
capital and liquidity. AN INVESTMENT IN THIS PORTFOLIO IS NEITHER INSURED NOR
GUARANTEED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE
PORTFOLIO WILL BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
ALGER AMERICAN GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital appreciation by
investing in a diversified, actively managed portfolio of equity securities,
primarily of companies with total market capitalization of $1 billion or
greater.
ALGER AMERICAN LEVERAGED ALLCAP PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital
appreciation by investing in a diversified, actively managed portfolio of equity
securities. The Portfolio may engage in leveraging (up to 33 1/3% of its assets)
and options and futures transactions, which are deemed to be speculative and
which may cause the portfolio's net asset value to fluctuate.
ALGER AMERICAN MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of
its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the time of purchase
of the securities, have total market capitalization within the range of
companies included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index, updated quarterly.
ALGER AMERICAN SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital
appreciation. Except during temporary defensive periods, the Portfolio invests
at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of companies that, at the
time of purchase, have total market capitalization within the range of companies
included in the Russell 2000 Growth Index or the S&P Small Cap 600 Index,
updated quarterly.
10
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GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
VP INCOME AND GROWTH FUND seeks dividend growth, current income and capital
appreciation. The fund will seek to achieve its investment objective by
investing in common stocks.
VP INTERNATIONAL FUND seeks capital growth by investing primarily in an
internationally diversified portfolio of common stocks that are considered by
management to have prospects for appreciation. The fund will invest primarily in
securities of issuers in developed markets.
VP VALUE FUND seeks long-term capital growth. Income is a secondary
objective. The fund will seek to achieve its objective by investing in
securities that management believes to be undervalued at the time of purchase.
BERGER INSTITUTIONAL PRODUCTS TRUST
BERGER IPT -- 100 FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing
primarily in common stocks of established companies which the fund's adviser
believes offer favorable growth prospects. Current income is not an investment
objective.
BERGER IPT -- GROWTH AND INCOME FUND seeks capital appreciation and
secondarily a moderate level of current income by investing primarily in common
stocks and other securities, such as convertible securities or preferred stocks,
which the fund's adviser believes offer favorable growth prospects and are
expected to also provide current income.
BERGER IPT -- SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND seeks capital appreciation by
investing primarily in equity securities (including common and preferred stocks,
convertible debt securities and other securities having equity features) of
small growth companies with market capitalization of less than $1 billion at the
time of initial purchase.
BERGER/BIAM IPT -- INTERNATIONAL FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by
investing primarily in common stocks of well established companies located
outside the United States. The fund intends to diversify its holdings among
several countries and to have, under normal market conditions, at least 65% of
the fund's total assets invested in the securities of companies located in at
least five countries, not including the United States.
THE DREYFUS SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GROWTH FUND, INC.
THE DREYFUS SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GROWTH FUND, INC. seeks to provide capital
growth through equity investment in companies that, in the opinion of the fund's
management, not only meet traditional investment standards but also show
evidence that they conduct business in a manner that contributes to the
enhancement of the quality of life in America. Current income is secondary to
the primary goal.
DREYFUS STOCK INDEX FUND
DREYFUS STOCK INDEX FUND seeks to provide investment results that correspond
to the price and yield performance of publicly-traded common stocks in the
aggregate, as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Price Index.
The Fund is neither sponsored by nor affiliated with the Standard & Poor's
Corporation.
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
DISCIPLINED STOCK PORTFOLIO seeks to provide investment results that are
greater than the total return performance of publicly-traded common stocks in
the aggregate, as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price
Index. The Portfolios will use quantitative statistical modeling techniques to
construct a portfolio in an attempt to achieve its investment objective, without
assuming undue risk relative to the broad stock market.
FEDERATED INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO seeks long-term capital growth by
investing primarily in a portfolio of publicly-traded equity securities of
foreign issuers which would be characterized as "value" companies according to
criteria established by the adviser to the Portfolio.
FEDERATED INSURANCE SERIES
FEDERATED HIGH INCOME BOND FUND II seeks to provide high current income by
investing at least 65 percent of its assets in lower rated fixed income
corporate debt obligations. Capital growth will be considered, but only when
consistent with the investment objective of high current income. The fixed
income securities in which the fund will primarily invest are commonly referred
to as "junk bonds."
FEDERATED INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND II seeks to obtain a total return on its
assets by investing at least 65% of its assets (and under normal market
conditions substantially all of its assets) in equity securities of issuers in
at least three different countries outside of the United States.
FEDERATED UTILITY FUND II seeks to provide high current income and moderate
capital appreciation by investing at least 65 percent of its assets (under
normal conditions) in equity and debt securities of utility companies.
INVESCO VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUNDS, INC.
INVESCO VIF -- HIGH YIELD PORTFOLIO seeks a high level of current income by
investing substantially all of its assets in lower rated bonds and other debt
securities and in preferred stock.
INVESCO VIF -- INDUSTRIAL INCOME PORTFOLIO seeks the best possible current
income while following sound investment practices. Capital growth potential is
an additional consideration in the selection of portfolio securities. The
portfolio normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in dividend-paying
common stocks.
JANUS ASPEN SERIES
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital by investing
primarily in common stocks, with an emphasis on securities issued by
medium-sized companies.
GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in
common stocks, with an emphasis on companies with larger market capitalizations.
WORLDWIDE GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital by investing
primarily in common stocks of foreign and domestic issuers.
LAZARD RETIREMENT SERIES, INC.
LAZARD RETIREMENT EQUITY PORTFOLIO seeks capital appreciation by investing
primarily in equity securities of companies with relatively large
capitalizations that the investment manager considers inexpensively priced
relative to the return on total capital or equity.
LAZARD RETIREMENT SMALL CAP PORTFOLIO seeks capital appreciation by investing
primarily in equity securities of companies with market capitalizations under $1
billion that the investment manager considers inexpensively priced relative to
the return on the total capital or equity.
11
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LORD ABBETT SERIES FUND, INC.
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital and income
without excessive fluctuation in market value. The Portfolio will invest in
securities which are selling at reasonable prices in relation to value. The
Portfolio will normally invest in common stocks (including securities
convertible into common stocks) of large, seasoned companies in sound financial
condition, which common stocks are expected to show above-average price
appreciation.
MITCHELL HUTCHINS SERIES TRUST
GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO seeks current income and capital growth. Under
normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of total assets in
dividend-paying equity securities (common and preferred stocks) believed by the
adviser to have the potential for rapid earnings growth.
NEUBERGER & BERMAN ADVISERS MANAGEMENT TRUST
LIMITED MATURITY BOND PORTFOLIO seeks the highest current income consistent
with low risk to principal and liquidity, and, secondarily, total return by
investing all of its net investable assets in another fund, AMT Limited Maturity
Bond Investments, which has investment objectives, policies, and limitations
that are identical to those of the Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio. AMT Limited
Maturity Bond Investments seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing
in short to intermediate-term debt securities, primarily of investment grade.
PARTNERS PORTFOLIO seeks capital growth by investing all of its net
investable assets in another fund, AMT Partners Investments, which has
investment objectives, policies and limitations that are identical to those of
the Partners Portfolio. AMT Partners Investments seeks to achieve its investment
objective by investing in common stocks and other equity securities of medium to
large capitalization established companies.
STRONG OPPORTUNITY FUND II, INC.
OPPORTUNITY FUND II seeks capital growth by investing primarily in equity
securities and currently emphasizes investments in medium-sized companies which
the fund's investment adviser believes are under-researched and attractively
valued. The fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity
securities, including common stocks (which must constitute at least 65% of its
total assets), preferred stocks, and securities that are convertible into common
or preferred stocks, such as warrants and convertible bonds.
STRONG VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
GROWTH FUND II seeks capital growth by investing primarily in equity
securities that the fund's investment adviser believes have above-average growth
prospects. Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest at least 65% of
its total assets in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred
stocks, and securities that are convertible into common or preferred stocks,
such as warrants and convertible bonds.
VAN ECK WORLDWIDE INSURANCE TRUST
WORLDWIDE BOND FUND seeks high total return through a flexible policy of
investing globally, primarily in debt securities. The Fund may emphasize either
component of total return (current income and capital appreciation).
WORLDWIDE EMERGING MARKETS FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by
investing primarily in equity securities in emerging markets around the world.
The fund emphasizes countries that, compared to the world's major economies,
exhibit relatively low gross national product per capita as well as the
potential for rapid economic growth.
WORLDWIDE HARD ASSETS FUND seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing
globally, primarily in equity securities of "hard asset" companies, and
securities whose value is linked to the price of a "hard asset" commodity or
commodity index. "Hard Asset" companies include companies that are directly or
indirectly engaged to a significant extent in the exploration, development,
production or distribution of precious metals; ferrous and non-ferrous metals;
gas, petroleum, petrochemicals, and other hydrocarbons; forest products; real
estate; and other basic non-agricultural commodities which, historically, have
been produced and marketed profitably during periods of significant inflation.
INCOME IS A SECONDARY CONSIDERATION.
WORLDWIDE REAL ESTATE FUND seeks to maximize total return by investing
primarily in equity securities of domestic and foreign companies which are
principally engaged in the real estate industry or which own significant real
estate assets.
VOTING RIGHTS
In accordance with its view of present applicable law, the Company will vote
the shares of the Eligible Funds held in the Variable Account at special
meetings of the shareholders in accordance with instructions received from
persons having the voting interest in the Variable Account attributable to that
option. The Company will vote shares for which it has not received instructions,
as well as shares attributable to it, in the same proportion as it votes shares
for which it has received instructions. None of the Eligible Funds hold regular
meetings of shareholders.
The number of shares which a person has a right to vote will be determined as
of a date to be chosen by the Company. Voting instructions will be solicited by
written communication prior to the meeting.
SUBSTITUTION OF SECURITIES
If the shares of an Eligible Fund (or any Portfolio within an Eligible Fund
or any other Eligible Fund or Portfolio), are no longer available for investment
by the Variable Account or, if in the judgment of the Company's Board of
Directors, further investment in the shares should become inappropriate in view
of the purpose of the Contracts or Certificates, the Company may limit further
purchase of such shares or may substitute shares of another Eligible Fund or
Portfolio for shares already purchased under the Contracts and Certificates. No
substitution of securities may take place without prior approval of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and under the requirements it may impose.
Shares of the Eligible Funds are issued and redeemed in connection with
investments in and payments under certain variable annuity contracts and
variable life insurance policies of various life insurance companies which may
or may not be affiliated. In addition, certain Eligible Funds offer their shares
to qualified pension and retirement plans ("Qualified Plans"). The Eligible
Funds do not foresee any disadvantage to Owners or Certificate Owners arising
out of the fact that the Eligible Funds offer their shares for products offered
by life insurance companies which are not affiliated (or with respect to certain
Eligible Funds that may offer their shares to Qualified Plans). Nevertheless,
the Boards of Trustees or Boards of Directors, as applicable, of the Eligible
Funds intend to monitor events in order to identify any material irreconcilable
conflicts which may possibly arise
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GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response thereto. If
such a conflict were to occur, one or more insurance company separate accounts
(or Qualified Plans) might withdraw its investments in an Eligible Fund. An
irreconcilable conflict might result in the withdrawal of a substantial amount
of a Portfolio's assets which could adversely affect such Portfolio's net asset
value per share.
THE MVA ACCOUNT
In addition to the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account, Owners/Certificate
Owners may also allocate Net Purchase Payments or transfer values to the MVA
Account, which is a separate account where the Company guarantees the rate of
interest for a specified period.
Net Purchase Payments may be allocated to one or more of the MVA Account
Guarantee Period options. Currently, the Company offers three MVA Account
Guarantee Periods -- 1 year, 3 years and 5 years. In addition, during the
Accumulation Period, Contract Values and Certificate Values can be transferred
from the Variable Account to one or more of the MVA Account Guarantee Period
options. There will be an initial Credited Interest Rate for the initial
Guarantee Period of the MVA Account. After the initial Guarantee Period, the
Credited Interest Rate for any subsequent Guarantee Period of the MVA Account
may change. All interest payable under a Contract or Certificate is compounded
daily at the stated effective annual interest rate. In no event will the
Credited Interest Rate be less than the minimum guaranteed interest rate, prior
to the application of the Market Value Adjustment.
During the thirty (30) days prior to the end of a current Guarantee Period,
the Owner or Certificate Owner may, by Written Request or pursuant to a
telephone transfer authorization, elect to renew for the same or any other
Guarantee Period then available at the then Credited Interest Rate or may elect
to transfer all or a portion of the amount to the Variable Account. Any transfer
elected during the thirty (30) days prior to the end of a current Guarantee
Period will be made as of the date the request is received by the Company and
will not be subject to the Market Value Adjustment.
If the Owner or Certificate Owner does not specify a Guarantee Period at the
time of renewal, the Company will select and transfer to the same Guarantee
Period as has just expired, so long as such Guarantee Period does not extend
beyond the latest Annuity Date that can be selected by an Owner or Certificate
Owner. If such Guarantee Period does extend beyond the latest Annuity Date, the
Company will choose the one year period. If there is no Guarantee Period for the
same period available, the one year period will be selected. If the one year
period is no longer available, the next longest period available will be
selected.
The Owner or Certificate Owner may elect one or more Guarantee Periods
subject to the Company's underwriting rules. Multiple Guarantee Periods are
treated separately for purposes of applying the Market Value Adjustment. The
Company reserves the right to credit different Credited Interest Rates to the
Contract Value/Certificate Value attributable to:
1. different Guarantee Periods; and
2. Guarantee Periods of the same duration with different Effective Dates.
The Owner or Certificate Owner may upon Written Request or pursuant to a
telephone transfer authorization change to any Guarantee Period then being
offered by the Company with respect to contracts and certificates of this type
and class. The Market Value Adjustment will apply to a change made at any time
other than at the end of a Guarantee Period. The Market Value Adjustment will
not apply to a change made at the end of a Guarantee Period if a Written Request
or a telephone transfer authorization is received by the Company within thirty
(30) days prior to the end of the Guarantee Period. The Market Value Adjustment
will be an addition to or deduction from the remaining amount of Contract Value
or Certificate Value except in the case of a full surrender in which case the
Market Value Adjustment will be an addition to or deduction from the amount
surrendered.
Any amount withdrawn, transferred or annuitized prior to the end of that
Guarantee Period may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment. Owners and
Certificate Owners bear the risk that amounts reallocated within, or prematurely
withdrawn, transferred or annuitized from the MVA Account prior to the end of
their respective Guarantee Period could result in the Owner or Certificate Owner
receiving less than the Purchase Payments or amounts so allocated. The Market
Value Adjustment will be calculated by multiplying the amount withdrawn,
transferred or annuitized by the formula set forth below.
There will be no Market Value Adjustment on withdrawals from the MVA Account
in the following situations: (1) payment of a death benefit under the Contract
or Certificate; (2) amounts withdrawn to pay fees or charges; (3) amounts
withdrawn or transferred from the MVA Account within 30 days prior to the end of
the Guarantee Period; (4) if an Owner/Certificate Owner annuitizes his/her
Contract/Certificate under an Annuity Option providing for at least 60 monthly
Annuity Payments; and (5) withdrawals once each Contract or Certificate Year,
after the first year in such Guarantee Period, of up to a total of 10% of the
value of each Guarantee Period. See Appendix B for examples of the application
of the Market Value Adjustment.
The Market Value Adjustment factor is equal to:
[( 1 + A )N/365] - 1
---------------
( 1 + B )
where: A = the U.S. Treasury rate in effect at the beginning of the
Guarantee Period for the length of the Guarantee Period
selected.
B = the current U.S. Treasury rate as of the transaction date plus
.005. Treasury rate period is determined by N/365 rounded to
the next highest year.
N = Number of days remaining in the MVA Guarantee Period.
If the Treasury rate is not available for the period, the rate will be arrived
at by interpolation.
WITHDRAWALS, TRANSFERS OR ANNUITIZATION OF AMOUNTS FROM A GUARANTEE PERIOD OF
THE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT ACCOUNT PRIOR TO THE END OF THAT GUARANTEE PERIOD
MAY BE SUBJECT TO A MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT. THE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT MAY BE
POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE AND MAY RESULT IN THE OWNER OR CERTIFICATE OWNER RECEIVING
LESS THAN HIS OR HER PURCHASE PAYMENT OR CONTRACT VALUE OR CERTIFICATE VALUE
ALLOCATED TO THE MVA ACCOUNT.
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CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
Various charges and deductions are made from Owner's Contract Value and
Certificate Owner's Certificate Value, the Variable Account and the MVA Account.
These charges and deductions are:
DEDUCTION FOR MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE
Each Valuation Period, the Company deducts a mortality and expense risk
charge from the Variable Account which is equal, on an annual basis, to 1.15% of
the average daily net asset value of each Sub-Account of the Variable Account
("Mortality and Expense Risk Charge"). The Company may increase this charge, but
it will not exceed 1.25% of the average daily net asset value of the Variable
Account. In the event of an increase, the Company will give Owners and
Certificate Owners 90 days prior notice of the increase. The mortality risks
assumed by the Company arise from its contractual obligation to make Annuity
Payments after the Annuity Date (determined in accordance with the Annuity
Option chosen by the Owner/Certificate Owner) regardless of how long all
Annuitants live. This assures that neither an Annuitant's own longevity, nor an
improvement in life expectancy greater than that anticipated in the mortality
tables, will have any adverse effect on the Annuity Payments the Annuitant will
receive under the Contract/Certificate. Further, the Company bears a mortality
risk in that it guarantees the annuity purchase rates for the Annuity Options
under the Contracts and Certificates. Also, the Company bears a mortality risk
with respect to the death benefit. The expense risk assumed by the Company is
that all actual expenses involved in administering the Contracts and
Certificates, including Contract and Certificate maintenance costs,
administrative costs, mailing costs, data processing costs, legal fees,
accounting fees, filing fees and the costs of other services may exceed the
amount recovered from the Contract and Certificate Maintenance Charges and the
Administrative Charge (see below).
DEDUCTION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE
Each Valuation Period, the Company deducts an administrative charge from the
Variable Account which is equal, on an annual basis, to .15% of the average
daily net asset value of each Sub-Account of the Variable Account
("Administrative Charge"). However, the Company may increase this charge, but it
will not exceed .25% of the average daily net asset value of the Variable
Account. The Company will give Owners/Certificate Owners 90 days notice before
any increase is implemented. This charge, together with the Contract and
Certificate Maintenance Charges (see below), is to reimburse the Company for the
expenses it incurs in the establishment and maintenance of the Contracts,
Certificates and the Variable Account. These expenses include but are not
limited to: preparation of the Contracts and Certificates, confirmations, annual
reports and statements, maintenance of Owner and Certificate Owner records,
maintenance of Variable Account records, administrative personnel costs, mailing
costs, data processing costs, legal fees, accounting fees, filing fees, the
costs of other services necessary for Owner and Certificate Owner servicing and
all accounting, valuation, regulatory and reporting requirements.
DEDUCTION FOR CONTRACT AND CERTIFICATE MAINTENANCE CHARGES
During the Accumulation Period, on each Contract or Certificate Anniversary,
the Company deducts a contract or certificate maintenance charge ("Contract
Maintenance Charge" or "Certificate Maintenance Charge") from the Contract
Value/Certificate Value by reducing the Contract Value/Certificate Value in the
MVA Account and by canceling Accumulation Units from each applicable Sub-Account
of the Variable Account to reimburse it for expenses relating to the maintenance
of the Contracts and Certificates. The Company makes a deduction of $30.00 each
Contract or Certificate Year. However, during the Accumulation Period if the
Contract Value/Certificate Value on the Contract or Certificate Anniversary is
at least $25,000, then no Contract or Certificate Maintenance Charges are
deducted. If a total withdrawal is made on other than a Contract or Certificate
Anniversary and the Contract Value/Certificate Value for the Valuation Period
during which the total withdrawal is made is less than $25,000, the full
Contract or Certificate Maintenance Charge will be deducted at the time of the
total withdrawal. During the Annuity Period, no Contract or Certificate
Maintenance Charge is deducted. The Contract and Certificate Maintenance Charges
will be deducted from the Sub-Account or MVA Account with the largest balance.
DEDUCTION FOR TRANSFER FEE
An Owner/Certificate Owner may transfer all or part of the
Owner's/Certificate Owner's interest in a Sub-Account or the MVA Account
(subject to the MVA Account provisions) after the expiration of any Right to
Examine Period, without the imposition of any fee or charge if there have been
no more than the number of free transfers made. An Owner/Certificate Owner may
make one transfer every 30 days without the imposition of the transfer fee
during the Accumulation Period and may make four transfers per
Contract/Certificate Year during the Annuity Period without the imposition of
the transfer fee. The transfer fee is the lesser of $25 or 2% of the amount
transferred ("Transfer Fee"). The Transfer Fee is deducted from the Account
which is the source of the transfer. However, if the Owner's/Certificate Owner's
entire interest in an Account is being transferred, the Transfer Fee will be
deducted from the amount which is transferred. If there are multiple source
Accounts, the Transfer Fee will be allocated to the Sub-Account or MVA Account
with the largest balance involved in the transfer transaction. A transfer made
at the end of the Right to Examine Period from the Money Market Sub-Account will
not count in determining the application of the Transfer Fee. If the
Owner/Certificate Owner is participating in an approved Dollar Cost Averaging
Program or Rebalancing Program, such transfers are not counted toward the number
of transfers for the year and are not taken into account in determining any
Transfer Fee. All reallocations made on the same day count as one transfer for
purposes of determining the Transfer Fee.
DEDUCTION FOR PREMIUM AND OTHER TAXES
Any taxes, including any Premium Taxes, paid to any governmental entity
relating to the Contracts and Certificates may be deducted from Purchase
Payments or Contract Values or Certificate Owner's Certificate Value when
incurred. The Company will, in its sole discretion, determine when taxes have
resulted from: the investment experience of the Variable Account; receipt by the
Company of the Purchase Payments; or commencement of Annuity Payments. The
Company may, at its sole discretion, pay taxes when due and deduct that amount
from the Contract Value or Certificate Owner's Certificate Value at a later
date. Payment at an earlier date does not waive any right the Company may have
to deduct amounts at a later date. The Company's current practice is to deduct
such taxes from an Owner's Contract Value/Certificate Owner's Certificate Value
at the
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GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
time Annuity Payments begin or from amounts that are withdrawn. Premium Taxes
currently range from 0% to 3.5%.
While the Company is not currently maintaining a provision for federal income
taxes with respect to the Variable Account, the Company has reserved the right
to establish a provision for the deduction of income taxes from the Variable
Account if it determines, in its sole discretion, that it will incur a tax as a
result of the operation of the Variable Account.
The Company will deduct any withholding taxes required by applicable law.
(See "Federal Tax Status -- Income Tax Withholding.")
DEDUCTION FOR EXPENSES OF THE ELIGIBLE FUNDS
There are other deductions from and expenses (including management fees paid
to the advisers) paid out of the assets of the Eligible Funds which are
described in the prospectuses for the Eligible Funds.
THE CONTRACTS AND CERTIFICATES
OWNER/CERTIFICATE OWNER
The Owner/Certificate Owner has all interest and rights to amounts held in
his or her Contract/Certificate. The Owner/Certificate Owner is the person
designated as such on the Contract Issue Date/Certificate Issue Date, unless
changed.
The Owner/Certificate Owner may change owners of the Contract/Certificate at
any time by Written Request. A change of Owner/Certificate Owner will
automatically revoke any prior designation of Owner/Certificate Owner. The
change will become effective as of the date the Written Request is signed. The
Company will not be liable for any payment made or action taken before it
records the change.
JOINT OWNERS/JOINT CERTIFICATE OWNERS
The Contract can be owned by joint Owners. A Certificate may be owned by
joint Certificate Owners. If joint Owners/joint Certificate Owners are named,
any joint Owner/joint Certificate Owner must be the spouse of the other
Owner/joint Certificate Owner. Upon the death of either Owner/ Certificate
Owner, the surviving joint Owner/surviving joint Certificate Owner will be the
primary Beneficiary. Any other Beneficiary designation will be treated as a
contingent Beneficiary unless otherwise indicated in a written request.
GROUP CONTRACT OWNER
The Group Contract Owner has title to the group Contract. The group Contract
and any amounts accumulated thereunder are not subject to the claims of the
Group Contract Owner nor any of its creditors. The Group Contract Owner may
transfer ownership of the group Contract. Any transfer of ownership terminates
the interest of any existing Group Contract Owner. It does not change the rights
of any Certificate Owners.
ANNUITANT
The Annuitant is the person on whose life Annuity Payments are based. The
Annuitant is the person designated by the Owner/Certificate Owner at the
Contract Issue Date/Certificate Issue Date, unless changed prior to the Annuity
Date. The Owner/Certificate Owner may not change the Annuitant except in the
event that the Annuitant dies prior to the Annuity Date. If no new Annuitant is
designated by the Owner/Certificate Owner within 30 days, the Owner/Certificate
Owner becomes the Annuitant. The Annuitant may not be changed in a
Contract/Certificate which is owned by a non-natural person. Any change of
Annuitant is subject to the Company's underwriting rules then in effect. A
Written Request specifying the change of Annuitant must be provided to the
Administrative Office.
ASSIGNMENT
A written request specifying the terms of an assignment of the Contract or
Certificate must be provided to the Administrative Office. The Company will not
be liable for any payment made or action taken before it records the assignment.
The Company will not be responsible for the validity or tax consequences of
any assignment. Any assignment made after the death benefit has become payable
will be valid only with the Company's consent.
If the Contract or Certificate is assigned, the Owner's or Certificate
Owner's rights may only be exercised with the consent of the assignee of record.
If the Contract or Certificate is issued pursuant to a retirement plan which
receives favorable tax treatment under the provisions of Sections 403(b) or 408
of the Code, it may not be assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred except as
may be allowed under applicable law.
PURCHASE PAYMENTS, CONTRACT
VALUE AND CERTIFICATE VALUE
PURCHASE PAYMENTS
The initial Purchase Payment is due on the Contract Issue Date/Certificate
Issue Date. The minimum initial Purchase Payment is $50,000 (except for
Qualified Contracts and Certificates, the minimum initial Purchase Payment is
$10,000). The minimum subsequent Purchase Payment is $1,000, or if the automatic
premium check option is elected $250 monthly. The maximum total Purchase
Payments the Company will accept without Company approval are $1,000,000. The
Company reserves the right to change these Purchase Payment requirements. The
Company reserves the right to reject any application or Purchase Payment.
ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS
Net Purchase Payments are allocated to MVA Account Guarantee Period option(s)
and/or to one or more Sub-Account(s) of the Variable Account in accordance with
the selections made by the Owner/Certificate Owner. The Company has reserved the
right, under certain circumstances, to allocate initial Purchase Payments to the
Money Market Sub-Account (except those allocated to the MVA Account) until the
expiration of the Right to Examine Period. In the event that the Company does so
allocate initial Purchase Payments to the Money Market Sub-Account, at the end
of the Right to Examine Period, the Contract Value/Certificate Value allocated
to the Money Market Sub-Account will be allocated to the Sub-Account(s) selected
by the Owner/Certificate Owner. Currently, however, the Company will allocate
the initial Purchase Payment directly to the Sub-Account(s) and/or the MVA
Account, as selected by the Owner/Certificate Owner. The allocation of the
initial Net Purchase Payment is made in accordance with the selection made by
the Owner or Certificate Owner at the Contract Issue Date or Certificate Issue
Date. Unless otherwise changed by the Owner or Certificate Owner, subsequent Net
Purchase Payments are allocated in the same manner selected by the
Owner/Certificate Owner for the initial Net Purchase Payment. Allocation of the
Net Purchase Payment is subject to the terms and conditions imposed by the
Company. Currently, the
15
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Owner or Certificate Owner can select 15 Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account
and the MVA Account. The Company reserves the right to change this in the
future. Allocations must be in whole percentages with a minimum allocation of
1%. The minimum amount which can be allocated to a Guarantee Period option is
$2,000. The Company has reserved the right to change this minimum.
For initial Net Purchase Payments, if the forms required to issue a
Contract/Certificate are in good order, the Company will apply the Net Purchase
Payment to the Variable Account and credit the Contract/Certificate with
Accumulation Units and/or to the MVA Account and credit the Contract/Certificate
with dollars within two business days of receipt.
In addition to the underwriting requirements of the Company, good order means
that the Company has received federal funds (monies credited to a bank's account
with its regional Federal Reserve Bank). If the forms required to issue a
Contract or Certificate are not in good order, the Company will attempt to get
them in good order or the Company will return the forms and the Purchase Payment
within five business days. The Company will not retain the Purchase Payment for
more than five business days while processing incomplete forms unless it has
been so authorized by the purchaser. For subsequent Net Purchase Payments, the
Company will apply Net Purchase Payments to the Variable Account and credit the
Contract or Certificate with Accumulation Units and/or to the MVA Account and
credit the Contract or Certificate with dollars as of the end of the Valuation
Period during which the Purchase Payment was received.
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING
Dollar Cost Averaging is a program which, if elected in writing, permits an
Owner or Certificate Owner to systematically transfer amounts monthly,
quarterly, semi-annually or annually during the Accumulation Period from the
Money Market Sub-Account to one or more of the other Sub-Accounts. By allocating
amounts on a regularly scheduled basis as opposed to allocating the total amount
at one particular time, an Owner or Certificate Owner may be less susceptible to
the impact of market fluctuations. A minimum of $2,000 must be in the Money
Market Sub-Account when Dollar Cost Averaging begins (the Company reserves the
right to change this amount). If the amount to be transferred pursuant to Dollar
Cost Averaging exceeds the Contract Value/Certificate Value, the total balance
in the Money Market Sub-Account will be transferred. Currently, an Owner or
Certificate Owner may select up to 15 Sub-Accounts for Dollar Cost Averaging.
There is no current charge for participating in the Dollar Cost Averaging
Program. However, the Company reserves the right to charge for Dollar Cost
Averaging in the future. Transfers made pursuant to the Dollar Cost Averaging
Program will occur on the first business day of the month. Dollar Cost Averaging
will discontinue when the Contract Value/Certificate Value in the Money Market
Sub-Account is zero. The Company will notify Owners/Certificate Owners when the
Dollar Cost Averaging Program is discontinued. The minimum duration of
participation in the Dollar Cost Averaging Program is currently 6 to 60 months.
Transfers made pursuant to the Dollar Cost Averaging program are not taken into
account in determining any Transfer Fee. An Owner or Certificate Owner
participating in the Dollar Cost Averaging Program may not also participate in
the Systematic Withdrawal Program. The Company reserves the right, at any time
and without prior notice to any party, to terminate, suspend or modify its
Dollar Cost Averaging Program.
REBALANCING
Rebalancing is a program, which if elected, provides for periodic
pre-authorized automatic transfers during the Accumulation Period among the
Sub-Accounts pursuant to written instructions from the Owner or Certificate
Owner. Such transfers are made to maintain a particular percentage allocation
among the Portfolios as selected by the Owner or Certificate Owner. Any amounts
in the MVA Account will not be transferred pursuant to the Rebalancing Program.
The Contract Value/Certificate Value must be at least $5,000 to have transfers
made pursuant to the program. Any transfer made pursuant to the Rebalancing
Program must be in whole percentages in one percent (1%) allocation increments.
The maximum number of Sub-Accounts which can be used for rebalancing is fifteen
(15). An Owner or Certificate Owner may select that rebalancing occur on a
quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. Rebalancing will occur on the date
requested by the Owner or Certificate Owner. Transfers made pursuant to the
Rebalancing Program are not taken into account in determining any Transfer Fee.
There is no fee for participating in the Rebalancing Program. The Company
reserves the right to terminate, modify or suspend its Rebalancing Program at
any time.
CONTRACT VALUE/CERTIFICATE VALUE
The Contract Value/Certificate Value for any Valuation Period is the sum of
the Contract Value/Certificate Value in each of the Sub-Accounts of the Variable
Account and the Contract Value/Certificate Value in the MVA Account.
The Contract/Certificate Value in a Sub-Account of the Variable Account is
determined by multiplying the number of Accumulation Units allocated to the
Contract/Certificate Value for the Sub-Account by the Accumulation Unit value.
Withdrawals will result in the cancellation of Accumulation Units in a
Sub-Account or a reduction in the MVA Account, as applicable.
ACCUMULATION UNITS
Accumulation Units will be used to account for all amounts allocated to or
withdrawn from the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account as a result of Net
Purchase Payments, withdrawals, transfers, or fees and charges. The Company will
determine the number of Accumulation Units of a Sub-Account purchased or
canceled. This will be done by dividing the amount allocated to (or the amount
withdrawn from) the Sub-Account by the dollar value of one Accumulation Unit of
the Sub-Account as of the end of the Valuation Period during which the request
for the transaction is received at the Administrative Office.
ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE
The Accumulation Unit value for each Sub-Account was arbitrarily set
initially at $10. Subsequent Accumulation Unit values for each Sub-Account are
determined by multiplying the Accumulation Unit Value for the immediately
preceding Valuation Period by the Net Investment Factor for the Sub-Account for
the current period.
The Net Investment Factor for each Sub-Account is determined by dividing A by
B and subtracting C where:
A is (i) the net asset value per share of the Eligible Fund or Portfolio of
an Eligible Fund held by the Sub-Account for the current Valuation Period;
plus
(ii) any dividend or capital gains per share declared on behalf of such
Eligible Fund or Portfolio that has an ex-dividend
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Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
date within the current Valuation Period; plus (iii) a charge factor, if
any, for taxes or any tax reserve established by the Company as a result of
the operation or maintenance of the Sub-Account.
B is the net asset value per share of the Eligible Fund or Portfolio held by
the Sub-Account for the immediately preceding Valuation Period.
C is the Valuation Period equivalent of the per month Mortality and Expense
Risk Charge and for the Administrative Charge.
The Accumulation Unit Value may increase or decrease from Valuation Period to
Valuation Period.
TRANSFERS
TRANSFERS DURING THE ACCUMULATION PERIOD
Subject to any limitation imposed by the Company on the number of transfers
that can be made during the Accumulation Period, the Owner/Certificate Owner may
transfer all or part of the Contract Value or Certificate Value in a Sub-Account
or the MVA Account. Currently, Owners/Certificate Owners may make an unlimited
number of transfers during the Accumulation Period. All transfers are subject to
the following:
1. If more than the number of free transfers have been made in a Contract or
Certificate Year, the Company will deduct a Transfer Fee for each subsequent
transfer permitted. (See "Charges and Deductions -- Deduction for Transfer
Fee.")
2. The minimum amount which can be transferred is $500 (from any Sub-Account
or any Guarantee Period in the MVA Account) or the Owner's or Certificate
Owner's entire interest in the Sub-Account or the Guarantee Period, if less. The
Company reserves the right to change this amount. This requirement is waived if
the transfer is made pursuant to the Dollar Cost Averaging or Rebalancing
Programs. The minimum amount which must remain in each Account after a transfer
is $500 per Sub-Account or a Guarantee Period in the MVA Account, or $0 if the
entire amount in any Sub-Account or a Guarantee Period in the MVA Account is
transferred. The Company reserves the right to change this amount.
3. The Company reserves the right, at any time and without prior notice to
any party, to terminate, suspend or modify the transfer privilege described
above.
Transfers must be made by written authorization from the Owner/Certificate
Owner or from the person acting for the Owner or Certificate Owner as an
attorney-in-fact under a power-of-attorney if permitted by state law. By
authorizing the Company to accept telephone transfer instructions, the
Owner/Certificate Owner agrees to accept and be bound by the conditions and
procedures established by the Company from time to time. The Company has
instituted reasonable procedures to confirm that any instructions communicated
by telephone are genuine. All telephone calls will be recorded, and the caller
will be asked to produce the Owner/Certificate Owner's personalized data prior
to the Company initiating any transfer requests by telephone. Additionally, as
with other transactions, the Owner/Certificate Owner will receive a written
confirmation of the transfer. If reasonable procedures are employed, neither the
Company nor Conseco Equity Sales, Inc. will be liable for following telephone
instructions which it reasonably believes to be genuine. Written transfer
requests may be made by a person acting for the Owner or Certificate Owner as an
attorney-in-fact under a power-of-attorney.
Neither the Variable Account nor the Eligible Funds are designed for
professional market timing organizations or other entities using programmed and
frequent transfers. A pattern of exchanges that coincides with a "market timing"
strategy may be disruptive to a Portfolio. The Company reserves the right to
restrict the transfer privilege or reject any specific Purchase Payment
allocation request for any person whose transactions seem to follow a timing
pattern.
TRANSFERS DURING THE ANNUITY PERIOD
Subject to any limitations imposed by the Company on the number of transfers
that can be made during the Annuity Period, the Owner or Certificate Owner may
transfer Contract Values or Certificate Values by written request. Currently,
Owners and Certificate Owners may make four transfers per Contract/Certificate
Year during the Annuity Period. All transfers during the Annuity Period are
subject to the following:
1. Transfers may be made upon written notice to the Company at least 30 days
before the due date of the first Annuity Payment for which the change will
apply. Transfers will be made by converting the number of Annuity Units being
transferred to the number of Annuity Units of the Sub-Account to which the
transfer is made, so that the next Annuity Payment, if it were made at that time
would be the same amount that it would have been without the transfer.
Thereafter Annuity Payments will reflect changes in the value of the new Annuity
Units.
2. If more than the number of free transfers have been made in a
Contract/Certificate Year, the Company will deduct a Transfer Fee for each
subsequent transfer permitted. Currently, the four transfers per
Contract/Certificate Year permitted during the Annuity Period are free. (See
"Charges and Deductions -- Deduction for Transfer Fee").
3. The minimum amount which can be transferred is $500 (from any Sub-Account)
or the Owner's/Certificate Owner's entire interest in the Sub-Account, if less.
The minimum amount which must remain in each Sub-Account after a transfer is
$500 per Sub-Account, or $0 if the entire amount in any Sub-Account is
transferred.
4. No transfers can be made between the General Account and the Variable
Account. Transfers may only be made among the Sub-Accounts.
5. The Company reserves the right, at any time and without prior notice to
any party, to terminate, suspend or modify the transfer privilege described
above.
WITHDRAWALS
During the Accumulation Period, the Owner or Certificate Owner may, upon a
Written Request, make total or partial withdrawals of the Contract Withdrawal
Value or Certificate Withdrawal Value.
The Owner/Certificate Owner must specify by Written Request which
Sub-Account(s) of the Variable Account or Guarantee Period of the MVA Account,
as applicable, is the source of the partial withdrawal. A withdrawal from the
MVA Account may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment.
The Company will pay the amount of any withdrawal from the Variable Account
within seven (7) days of receipt of a request in good order unless the
Suspension or Deferral of Payments provision is in effect.
Each partial withdrawal must be for at least $500 from each Sub-Account and
each Guarantee Period of the MVA Account (unless the withdrawal is made pursuant
to the Systematic Withdrawal Option (see below)). The minimum Contract Value or
Certificate Value which must remain in the Contract or Certificate after a
partial withdrawal is $500. The minimum Contract Value or Certificate
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Value which must remain in any Sub-Account after a partial withdrawal is $500.
Certain tax withdrawal penalties and restrictions may apply to withdrawals
from the Contracts and Certificates. (See "Federal Tax Status"). For
Contracts/Certificates purchased in connection with Code Section 403(b) plans,
the Code limits the withdrawal of amounts attributable to contributions made
pursuant to a salary reduction agreement (as defined in Section 403(b)(11) of
the Code) to circumstances only when the Owner/Certificate Owner: (1) attains
age 59 1/2; (2) separates from service; (3) dies; (4) becomes disabled (within
the meaning of Section 72(m)(7) of the Code); (5) in the case of hardship; or
(6) pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order. However, withdrawals for
hardship are restricted to the portion of the Owner's Contract Value or
Certificate Owner's Certificate Value which represents contributions made
pursuant to a salary reduction agreement by the Owner/Certificate Owner and does
not include any investment results. The limitations on withdrawals became
effective on January 1, 1989 and apply only to salary reduction contributions
made after December 31, 1988, to income attributable to such contributions and
to income attributable to amounts held as of December 31, 1988. The limitations
on withdrawals do not affect rollovers or transfers between certain Qualified
Plans. Owners and Certificate Owners should consult their own tax counsel or
other tax adviser regarding any distributions.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM
The Company offers a Systematic Withdrawal Program which enables an Owner or
Certificate Owner to pre-authorize by written request a periodic exercise of the
contractual withdrawal rights described above. The Systematic Withdrawal Program
is available if the Contract Value or Certificate Value is at least $5,000 as of
the Valuation Date this option is requested (the Company reserves the right to
change this requirement). Each withdrawal pursuant to the Systematic Withdrawal
Program must be for at least $100. Systematic withdrawals may be made from any
Sub-Account of the Variable Account. Systematic withdrawals cannot be made from
the MVA Account. Owners/Certificate Owners must specify from which Sub-Accounts
the withdrawals are to be made. The amount of the withdrawal must be specified
as a percentage of Contract Value or Certificate Value or in round dollars.
Withdrawals may be scheduled monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. The
standard date of the month for withdrawals is the last day of the month. The
Owner, the Certificate Owner or the Company may terminate systematic withdrawals
at any time and may reinstate the program at any time by completing the
appropriate forms. Systematic withdrawals will terminate if the
Owner/Certificate Owner makes a partial withdrawal outside the program and the
remaining Contract/Certificate Value is less than $5,000. Participation in the
Systematic Withdrawal Program can be exercised at any time, including during the
first Contract/Certificate Year. There is currently no charge for systematic
withdrawals. An Owner or Certificate Owner participating in the Systematic
Withdrawal Program may not also participate in the Dollar Cost Averaging
Program.
Systematic withdrawals are available for Qualified and Non-Qualified
Contracts and Certificates. Certain tax penalties and restrictions may apply to
systematic withdrawals from the Contracts and Certificates. (See "Federal Tax
Status -- Tax Treatment of Withdrawals -- Non-Qualified Contracts and
Certificates" and "Tax Treatment of Withdrawals -- Qualified Contracts and
Certificates".)
SUSPENSION OR DEFERRAL OF PAYMENTS
The Company reserves the right to suspend or postpone payments from the
Variable Account for a withdrawal or transfer for any period when:
1. The NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings);
2. Trading on the NYSE is restricted;
3. An emergency exists as a result of which disposal of securities held in
the Variable Account is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably
practicable to determine the value of the Variable Account's net assets; or
4. During any other period when the Securities and Exchange Commission, by
order, so permits for the protection of Owners or Certificate Owners;
provided that applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission will govern as to whether the conditions described in (2) and (3)
exist.
The Company further reserves the right to postpone payments from the MVA
Account for a period of up to six months.
PROCEEDS PAYABLE ON DEATH
DEATH OF OWNER OR CERTIFICATE OWNER DURING THE ACCUMULATION PERIOD
Upon the death of the Owner or Certificate Owner, or any joint Owner or joint
Certificate Owner during the Accumulation Period, the death benefit will be paid
to the Beneficiary(ies) designated by the Owner or Certificate Owner. Upon the
death of any joint Owner or joint Certificate Owner, the surviving joint Owner
or joint Certificate Owner, if any, will be treated as the primary Beneficiary.
Any other Beneficiary designation on record at the time of death will be treated
as a contingent Beneficiary.
A Beneficiary may request that the death benefit be paid under one of the
death benefit options below. If the Beneficiary is the spouse of the
Owner/Certificate Owner, he or she may elect to continue the
Contract/Certificate at the then current Contract Value/Certificate Value in his
or her own name and exercise all the Owner's/Certificate Owner's rights under
the Contract/Certificate.
DEATH BENEFIT AMOUNT DURING THE ACCUMULATION PERIOD
Prior to the Owner/Certificate Owner attaining Age 80, the death benefit will
be the greater of: (i) the Purchase Payments, less any withdrawals; or (ii) the
Contract Value/Certificate Value determined as of the end of the Valuation
Period during which the Company receives both due proof of death and an election
for the payment method. If the death occurs after Age 80, the death benefit will
be the Contract Value/Certificate Value determined as of the end of the
Valuation Period during which the Company receives both due proof of death and
an election for the payment method.
DEATH BENEFIT OPTIONS DURING THE ACCUMULATION PERIOD
A non-spousal Beneficiary must elect the death benefit be paid under one of
the following options in the event of the death of the Owner or Certificate
Owner during the Accumulation Period:
OPTION 1 -- lump sum payment of the death benefit; or
OPTION 2 -- payment of the entire death benefit within 5 years of the date of
the death of the Owner/Certificate Owner or any joint Owner/joint Certificate
Owner; or
OPTION 3 -- payment of the death benefit under an Annuity Option over the
lifetime of the Beneficiary or over a period not extending beyond the life
expectancy of the Beneficiary with distribution beginning within one year of the
date of death of the Owner/Certificate Owner or any joint Owner/joint
Certificate Owner.
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Any portion of the death benefit not applied under Option 3 within one year
of the date of the Owner's/Certificate Owner's death, must be distributed within
five years of the date of death.
A spousal Beneficiary may elect to continue the Contract/Certificate in his
or her own name at the then current Contract Value/Certificate Value, elect a
lump sum payment of the death benefit or apply the death benefit to an Annuity
Option.
If a lump sum payment is requested, the amount will be paid within seven (7)
days of receipt of proof of death and the election, unless the Suspension or
Deferral of Payments provision is in effect.
Payment to the Beneficiary, other than in a lump sum, may only be elected
during the sixty-day period beginning with the date of receipt of proof of
death.
DEATH OF OWNER/CERTIFICATE OWNER DURING THE ANNUITY PERIOD
If the Owner/Certificate Owner or any joint Owner/joint Certificate Owner,
who is not the Annuitant, dies during the Annuity Period, any remaining payments
under the Annuity Option elected will continue at least as rapidly as under the
method of distribution in effect at such Owner's/Certificate Owner's or joint
Owner's/joint Certificate Owner's death. Upon the death of any Owner/Certificate
Owner during the Annuity Period, the Beneficiary becomes the Owner/Certificate
Owner. Upon the death of any joint Owner/joint Certificate Owner during the
Annuity Period, the surviving joint Owner/joint Certificate Owner, if any, will
be treated as the primary Beneficiary. Any other Beneficiary designation on
record at the time of death will be treated as a contingent Beneficiary.
DEATH OF ANNUITANT
Upon the death during the Accumulation Period of the Annuitant who is not the
Owner/Certificate Owner, the Owner/Certificate Owner may designate a new
Annuitant, subject to the Company's underwriting rules then in effect. If no
designation is made within 30 days of the death of the Annuitant, the
Owner/Certificate Owner will become the Annuitant. If the Owner/Certificate
Owner is a non-natural person, the death of the Annuitant will be treated as the
death of the Owner/Certificate Owner and a new Annuitant may not be designated.
Upon the death of the Annuitant during the Annuity Period, the death benefit,
if any, will be as specified in the Annuity Option elected. Death benefits will
be paid at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution in effect at the
Annuitant's death.
PAYMENT OF DEATH BENEFIT
The Company will require due proof of death before any death benefit is paid.
Due proof of death will be:
1. a certified death certificate; or
2. a certified decree of a court of competent jurisdiction as to the finding of
death; or
3. any other proof satisfactory to the Company.
All death benefits will be paid in accordance with applicable law or regulations
governing death benefit payments.
BENEFICIARY
The Beneficiary designation in effect on the Contract Issue Date/Certificate
Issue Date will remain in effect until changed. The Beneficiary is entitled to
receive the benefits to be paid at the death of the Owner/Certificate Owner.
Unless the Owner/Certificate Owner provides otherwise, the death benefit will be
paid in equal shares to the survivor(s) as follows:
1. to the primary Beneficiary(ies) who survive the Owner's/Certificate
Owner's and/or the Annuitant's death, as applicable; or if there are none
2. to the contingent Beneficiary(ies) who survive the Owner's/Certificate
Owner's and/or the Annuitant's death, as applicable; or if there are none
3. to the estate of the Owner/Certificate Owner.
CHANGE OF BENEFICIARY
Subject to the rights of any irrevocable Beneficiary(ies), the
Owner/Certificate Owner may change the primary Beneficiary(ies) or contingent
Beneficiary(ies). Any change may be made by written request. The change will
take effect as of the date the written request is signed. The Company will not
be liable for any payment made or action taken before it records the change.
ANNUITY PROVISIONS
GENERAL
On the Annuity Date, the Adjusted Contract Value/Adjusted Certificate Value,
as applicable, will be applied under the Annuity Option selected by the
Owner/Certificate Owner. The Owner/Certificate Owner may elect to have the
Contract Value/Certificate Value applied to provide a Fixed Annuity, a Variable
Annuity or a combination Fixed and Variable Annuity. If a combination is
elected, the Owner/Certificate Owner must specify what part of the Contract
Value/Certificate Value is to be applied to the fixed and variable options.
ANNUITY DATE
The Annuity Date is selected by the Owner/Certificate Owner at the Contract
Issue Date/Certificate Issue Date. The Annuity Date must be the first day of a
calendar month and must be at least 90 days after the Contract Issue
Date/Certificate Issue Date. The Annuity Date may not be later than the earlier
of when the Annuitant reaches attained Age 90 or the maximum date permitted
under state law.
Prior to the Annuity Date, the Owner/Certificate Owner, subject to the above,
may change the Annuity Date by Written Request. Any change must be requested at
least thirty (30) days prior to the new Annuity Date.
SELECTION OR CHANGE OF AN ANNUITY OPTION
An Annuity Option may be selected by Written Request by the Owner/Certificate
Owner. If no Annuity Option is selected, Option 2 with 120 monthly payments
guaranteed will automatically be applied. Unless specified otherwise, that
portion of the Adjusted Contract Value/Adjusted Certificate Value allocated to
the Variable Account shall be used to provide a variable annuity and that
portion of the Adjusted Contract Value or Adjusted Certificate Value allocated
to the MVA Account will be used to provide a Fixed Annuity. Prior to the Annuity
Date, the Owner/Certificate Owner can change the Annuity Option selected by
Written Request. Any change must be requested at least thirty (30) days prior to
the Annuity Date.
FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS
Annuity Payments are paid in monthly installments. The Adjusted Contract
Value/Adjusted Certificate Value is applied to the annuity table for the Annuity
Option selected. If the Adjusted Contract Value/Adjusted Certificate Value to be
applied under an Annuity Option is less than $5,000, the Company reserves the
right to make a lump sum payment in lieu of Annuity Payments. If the Annuity
Payment would be or become less than $50, the Company reserves the
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right to reduce the frequency of payments to an interval which will result in
each payment being at least $50.
The Mortality and Expense Risk Charge is assessed during both the
Accumulation Period and the Annuity Period. The Company will continue to assess
the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge during payment of an Annuity Option that
does not involve a life contingency even though the Company no longer bears any
mortality risk on such payment obligation.
ANNUITY OPTIONS
The following Annuity Options or any other Annuity Option acceptable to the
Company may be selected:
OPTION 1. LIFETIME ONLY ANNUITY: The Company will make monthly payments
during the life of the Annuitant. If this option is elected, payments will stop
immediately upon the death of the Annuitant and the annuity will terminate
without further value.
OPTION 2. LIFETIME ANNUITY WITH GUARANTEED PERIODS: The Company will make
monthly payments for the guaranteed period selected and thereafter for the life
of the Annuitant. If this option is elected, upon the death of the Annuitant,
any amounts remaining under the guaranteed period selected will be distributed
to the Beneficiary at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being
used as of the date of the Annuitant's death. The guaranteed period may be five
(5) years, ten (10) years or twenty (20) years.
OPTION 3. INSTALLMENT REFUND LIFE ANNUITY: The Company will make monthly
payments for the installment refund period (the time required for the sum of the
payments to equal the amount applied), and thereafter for the life of the
Annuitant. If this option is elected, upon the death of the Annuitant, any
amounts remaining under the installment refund period will be distributed to the
Beneficiary at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used
at the time of the Annuitant's death.
OPTION 4. PAYMENT FOR A FIXED PERIOD: The Company will make monthly payments
for a fixed period of 3 to 20 years.
OPTION 5. JOINT AND SURVIVOR ANNUITY: The Company will make monthly payments
during the joint life time of the Annuitant and a joint Annuitant. Payments will
continue during the lifetime of the surviving Annuitant and will be computed on
the basis of 100%, 50% or 66% of the Annuity Payment (or limits) in effect
during the joint life time.
ANNUITY
If the Owner/Certificate Owner selects a Fixed Annuity, the Adjusted Contract
Value or Adjusted Certificate Value is allocated to the General Account and the
annuity is paid as a Fixed Annuity. If the Owner/Certificate Owner selects a
Variable Annuity, the Adjusted Contract Value or Adjusted Certificate Value will
be allocated to the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account in accordance with the
selection made by the Owner or Certificate Owner, and the annuity will be paid
as a variable annuity. If no selection is made, the Adjusted Contract
Value/Adjusted Certificate Value will be applied in the same proportions to the
same Sub-Accounts as the allocations are at the time of election. Unless the
Owner/Certificate Owner specifies otherwise, the payee of the Annuity Payments
shall be the Owner/Certificate Owner. The Adjusted Contract Value/Adjusted
Certificate Value will be applied to the applicable annuity table contained in
the Contract/Certificate based upon the Annuity Option selected by the
Owner/Certificate Owner.
FIXED ANNUITY
The Owner or Certificate Owner may elect to have the Adjusted Contract
Value/Adjusted Certificate Value applied to provide a Fixed Annuity.
The dollar amount of each Fixed Annuity Payment shall be determined in
accordance with annuity tables contained in the Contract/Certificate which are
based on the minimum guaranteed interest rate of 3% per year.
VARIABLE ANNUITY
The Owner or Certificate Owner may elect to have the Adjusted Contract
Value/Adjusted Certificate Value applied to provide a variable annuity. Variable
Annuity Payments reflect the investment performance of the Variable Account in
accordance with the allocation of the Adjusted Contract Value/Adjusted
Certificate Value to the Sub-Accounts during the Annuity Period. Variable
Annuity Payments are not guaranteed as to dollar amount.
DISTRIBUTOR
Conseco Equity Sales, Inc., ("CES"), 11815 N. Pennsylvania Street, Carmel,
Indiana 46032, an affiliate of the Company, is the principal underwriter of the
Contracts and Certificates. CES is registered as a broker-dealer with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member of the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD").
Commissions will be paid on the sale of the Contracts and Certificates.
Commissions will be paid which are equal to .75% of Purchase Payments plus an
annual trail commission in the amount of .75% of accumulation value at the end
of each Contract/Certificate Year, for promotional or distribution expenses
associated with the marketing of the Contracts and Certificates. In addition,
under certain circumstances, payments may be made to certain sellers for other
services not directly related to the sale of the Contracts and Certificates.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
MONEY MARKET SUB-ACCOUNT
From time to time, the Money Market Sub-Account of the Variable Account may
advertise its "current yield" and "effective yield." Both yield figures are
based on historical earnings and are not intended to indicate future
performance. The "current yield" of the Money Market Sub-Account refers to the
income generated by Contract Values/Certificate Values in the Money Market
Sub-Account over a seven-day period ending on the date of calculation (which
period will be stated in the advertisement). This income is "annualized." That
is, the amount of income generated by the investment during that week is assumed
to be generated each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a percentage of
the Contract Value or Certificate Value in the Money Market Sub-Account. The
"effective yield" is calculated similarly. However, when annualized, the income
earned by the Contract Value or the Certificate Value is assumed to be
reinvested. This results in the "effective yield" being slightly higher than the
"current yield" because of the compounding effect of the assumed reinvestment.
The yield figure will reflect the deduction of any asset-based charges and any
applicable Contract and Certificate Maintenance Charge.
OTHER SUB-ACCOUNTS
From time to time, the Company may advertise performance data for the various
other Sub-Accounts. Such data will show the percentage change in the value of an
Accumulation Unit based on the perfor-
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Individual and Group Annuity
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mance of an investment medium over a period of time, usually a calendar year,
determined by dividing the increase (decrease) in value for that Unit by the
Accumulation Unit value at the beginning of the period. This percentage figure
will reflect the deduction of any asset-based charges and any applicable
Contract and Certificate Maintenance Charges under the Contracts. Any
advertisement will also include total return figures calculated as described in
the SAI.
Although all of the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account are new and
therefore have no investment performance history, certain of the corresponding
Portfolios of the Eligible Funds have been in existence for some time and
consequently have an investment performance history. In order to demonstrate how
the actual investment experience of the various Portfolios affects Accumulation
Unit values, the Company may develop performance information. The information
will be based upon the historical experience of the Portfolios for the periods
shown.
The performance of the various Sub-Accounts will vary and the results which
will be shown will not necessarily be representative of future results.
Performance for periods ending after those which will be shown may vary
substantially from the examples which are shown. The performance of the various
Sub-Accounts will be calculated for a specified period of time by assuming an
initial Purchase Payment of $1,000 allocated to each of the Sub-Accounts and a
deduction of all charges and deductions. (See "Charges and Deductions" for more
information.) No withdrawals will be assumed. The percentage increases are
determined by subtracting the initial Purchase Payment from the ending value and
dividing the remainder by the beginning value.
The Company may make available yield information with respect to some of the
Sub-Accounts. Such yield information will be calculated as described in the SAI.
The yield information will reflect the deduction of any applicable Contract and
Certificate Maintenance Charge as well as any asset-based charges.
The Company may also show historical Accumulation Unit values in certain
advertisements containing illustrations. These illustrations will be based on
actual Accumulation Unit values.
In addition, the Company may distribute sales literature which compares the
percentage change in Accumulation Unit values for any of the Sub-Accounts
against established market indices such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite
Stock Price Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average or other management
investment companies which have investment objectives similar to the underlying
Portfolio being compared. The Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index
is an unmanaged, unweighted average of 500 stocks, the majority of which are
listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an
unmanaged, weighted average of thirty blue chip industrial corporations listed
on the New York Stock Exchange. Both the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock
Price Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average assume quarterly reinvestment
of dividends.
In addition, the Company may, as appropriate, compare each Sub-Account's or
Portfolio's performance to that of other types of investments such as
certificates of deposit, savings accounts and U.S. Treasuries, or to certain
interest rate and inflation indices, such as the Consumer Price Index, which is
published by the U.S. Department of Labor and measures the average change in
prices over time of a fixed "market basket" of certain specified goods and
services. Similar comparisons of Sub-Account and/or Portfolio performance may
also be made with appropriate indices measuring the performance of a defined
group of securities widely recognized by investors as representing a particular
segment of the securities markets. For example, Sub-Account and/or Portfolio
performance may be compared with Donoghue Money Market Institutional Averages
(money market rates), Lehman Brothers Corporate Bond Index (corporate bond
interest rates) or Lehman Brothers Government Bond Index (long-term U.S.
Government obligation interest rates).
The Company may also distribute sales literature which compares the
performance of the Accumulation Unit values of the Contracts issued through the
Variable Account with the unit values of variable annuities issued through the
separate accounts derived from the Lipper Variable Insurance Products
Performance Analysis Service, the VARDS Report or from Morningstar.
The Lipper Variable Insurance Products Performance Analysis Service is
published by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., a publisher of statistical data
which currently tracks the performance of almost 4,000 investment companies. The
rankings compiled by Lipper may or may not reflect the deduction of asset-based
insurance charges. The Company's sales literature utilizing these rankings will
indicate whether or not such charges have been deducted. Where the charges have
not been deducted, the sales literature will indicate that if the charges had
been deducted, the ranking might have been lower.
The VARDS Report is a monthly variable annuity industry analysis compiled by
Variable Annuity Research & Data Service of Roswell, Georgia and published by
Financial Planning Resources, Inc. The VARDS rankings may or may not reflect the
deduction of asset-based insurance charges. Where the charges have not been
deducted, the sales literature will indicate that if the charges had been
deducted, the rankings might have been lower.
Morningstar rates a variable annuity Sub-Account against its peers with
similar investment objectives. Morningstar does not rate any Sub-Account that
has less than three years of performance data. The Morningstar rankings may or
may not reflect the deduction of charges. Where charges have not been deducted,
the sales literature will indicate that if the charges had been deducted, the
rankings might have been lower.
FEDERAL TAX STATUS
GENERAL
NOTE: THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION IS BASED UPON THE COMPANY'S UNDERSTANDING OF
CURRENT FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAW APPLICABLE TO ANNUITIES IN GENERAL. THE COMPANY
CANNOT PREDICT THE PROBABILITY THAT ANY CHANGES IN SUCH LAWS WILL BE MADE.
PURCHASERS ARE CAUTIONED TO SEEK COMPETENT TAX ADVICE REGARDING THE POSSIBILITY
OF SUCH CHANGES. THE COMPANY DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE TAX STATUS OF THE CONTRACTS
AND CERTIFICATES. PURCHASERS BEAR THE COMPLETE RISK THAT THE CONTRACTS AND
CERTIFICATES MAY NOT BE TREATED AS "ANNUITY CONTRACTS" UNDER FEDERAL INCOME TAX
LAWS. IT SHOULD BE FURTHER UNDERSTOOD THAT THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION IS NOT
EXHAUSTIVE AND THAT SPECIAL RULES NOT DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS MAY BE
APPLICABLE IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS. MOREOVER, NO ATTEMPT HAS BEEN MADE TO CONSIDER
ANY APPLICABLE STATE OR OTHER TAX LAWS.
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Section 72 of the Code governs taxation of annuities in general. An owner is
not taxed on increases in the value of a contract until distribution occurs,
either in the form of a lump sum payment or as annuity payments under the
Annuity Option selected. For a lump sum payment received as a total withdrawal
(total surrender), the recipient is taxed on the portion of the payment that
exceeds the cost basis of the Contract/Certificate. For Non-Qualified Contracts
and Certificates, this cost basis is generally the Purchase Payments, while for
Qualified Contracts and Certificates there may be no cost basis. The taxable
portion of the lump sum payment is taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
For annuity payments, a portion of each payment in excess of an exclusion
amount is includible in taxable income. The exclusion amount for payments based
on a fixed annuity option is determined by multiplying the payment by the ratio
that the cost basis of the Contract/Certificate (adjusted for any period certain
or refund feature) bears to the expected return under the Contract/Certificate.
The exclusion amount for payments based on a variable annuity option is
determined by dividing the cost basis of the Contract/Certificate (adjusted for
any period certain or refund guarantee) by the number of years over which the
annuity is expected to be paid. Payments received after the investment in the
Contract/Certificate has been recovered (i.e. when the total of the excludable
amounts equal the investment in the Contract/Certificate) are fully taxable. The
taxable portion is taxed at ordinary income tax rates. For certain types of
Qualified Plans there may be no cost basis in the Contract within the meaning of
Section 72 of the Code. Owners, Certificate Owners, Annuitants and Beneficiaries
under the Contracts/Certificates should seek competent financial advice about
the tax consequences of any distributions.
The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under the Code. For federal
income tax purposes, the Variable Account is not a separate entity from the
Company and its operations form a part of the Company.
DIVERSIFICATION
Section 817(h) of the Code imposes certain diversification standards on the
underlying assets of variable annuity contracts. The Code provides that a
variable annuity contract will not be treated as an annuity contract for any
period (and any subsequent period) for which the investments are not, in
accordance with regulations prescribed by the United States Treasury Department
("Treasury Department"), adequately diversified. Disqualification of the
Contract as an annuity contract would result in imposition of federal income tax
to the Owner/Certificate Owner with respect to earnings allocable to the
Contract/Certificate prior to the receipt of payments under the
Contract/Certificate. The Code contains a safe harbor provision which provides
that annuity contracts such as the Contracts/Certificates meet the
diversification requirements if, as of the end of each quarter, the underlying
assets meet the diversification standards for a regulated investment company and
no more than fifty-five percent (55%) of the total assets consist of cash, cash
items, U.S. Government securities and securities of other regulated investment
companies.
On March 2, 1989, the Treasury Department issued Regulations (Treas. Reg.
1.817-5), which established diversification requirements for the investment
portfolios underlying variable contracts such as the Contracts/Certificates. The
Regulations amplify the diversification requirements for variable contracts set
forth in the Code and provide an alternative to the safe harbor provision
described above. Under the Regulations, an investment portfolio will be
adequately diversified if: (1) no more than 55% of the value of the total assets
of the portfolio is represented by any one investment; (2) no more than 70% of
the value of the total assets of the portfolio is represented by any two
investments; (3) no more than 80% of the value of the total assets of the
portfolio is represented by any three investments; and (4) no more than 90% of
the value of the total assets of the portfolio is represented by any four
investments.
The Code provides that, for purposes of determining whether or not the
diversification standards imposed on the underlying assets of variable contracts
by Section 817(h) of the Code have been met, "each United States government
agency or instrumentality shall be treated as a separate issuer."
The Company intends that all Portfolios of the Eligible Funds underlying the
Contracts and Certificates will be managed in such a manner as to comply with
these diversification requirements.
The Treasury Department has indicated that the diversification Regulations do
not provide guidance regarding the circumstances in which Owner/Certificate
Owner control of the investments of the Variable Account will cause the
Owner/Certificate Owner to be treated as the owner of the assets of the Variable
Account, thereby resulting in the loss of favorable tax treatment for the
Contract/Certificate. At this time it cannot be determined whether additional
guidance will be provided and what standards may be contained in such guidance.
The amount of Owner/Certificate Owner control which may be exercised under
the Contract/Certificate is different in some respects from the situations
addressed in published rulings issued by the Internal Revenue Service in which
it was held that the policy owner was not the owner of the assets of the
separate account. It is unknown whether these differences, such as the
Owner's/Certificate Owner's ability to transfer among investment choices or the
number and type of investment choices available, would cause the
Owner/Certificate Owner to be considered as the owner of the assets of the
Variable Account resulting in the imposition of federal income tax to the
Owner/Certificate Owner with respect to earnings allocable to the
Contract/Certificate prior to receipt of payments under the
Contract/Certificate.
In the event any forthcoming guidance or ruling is considered to set forth a
new position, such guidance or ruling will generally be applied only
prospectively. However, if such ruling or guidance was not considered to set
forth a new position, it may be applied retroactively resulting in the
Owner/Certificate Owner being retroactively determined to be the owner of the
assets of the Variable Account.
Due to the uncertainty in this area, the Company reserves the right to modify
the Contracts or Certificates in an attempt to maintain favorable tax treatment.
MULTIPLE CONTRACTS AND CERTIFICATES
The Code provides that multiple non-qualified annuity contracts and/or
certificates which are issued within a calendar year to the same contract owner
by one company or its affiliates are treated as one annuity contract and/or
certificate for purposes of determining the tax consequences of any
distribution. Such treatment may result in adverse tax consequences including
more rapid taxation of the distributed amounts from such combination of
contracts and/or certificates. Owners and Certificate Owners should consult a
tax adviser prior to purchasing more than one non-qualified annuity contract in
any calendar year.
22
<PAGE>
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
CONTRACTS AND CERTIFICATES OWNED BY NON-NATURAL PERSONS
Under Section 72(u) of the Code, the investment earnings on premiums for the
Contracts and Certificates will be taxed currently to the Owner/Certificate
Owner if the Owner/Certificate Owner is a non-natural person, e.g., a
corporation or certain other entities. Such Contracts/Certificates generally
will not be treated as annuities for federal income tax purposes. However, this
treatment is not applied to Contracts or Certificates held by: (a) a trust or
other entity as agent for a natural person; (b) Qualified plans; or (c) the
estate of a decedent by reason of the death of the decedent. Additionally, this
treatment is not applied to a Contract or Certificate which is a qualified
funding asset for a structured settlement under Section 130(d) of the Code.
Purchasers should consult their own tax counsel or other adviser before
purchasing a Contract or Certificate to be owned by a non-natural person.
TAX TREATMENT OF ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment or pledge of all or any portion of a Contract or Certificate
may be treated as a taxable event. Any gain in the Contract or Certificate
subsequent to the assignment may also be treated as taxable income in the year
in which it is earned. Owners and Certificate Owners should therefore consult
competent tax advisers should they wish to assign or pledge their Contracts or
Certificates.
If the Contract is issued pursuant to a retirement plan which receives
favorable treatment under the provision of Sections 403(b) or 408 of the Code,
it may not be assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred except as allowed under
applicable law.
INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING
All distributions or the portion thereof which is includible in the gross
income of the Owner or Certificate Owner are subject to federal income tax
withholding. Generally, amounts are withheld from periodic payments at the same
rate as wages and at the rate of 10% from non-periodic payments. However, the
Owner or Certificate Owner, in many cases, may elect not to have taxes withheld
or to have withholding done at a different rate.
Effective January 1, 1993, certain distributions from retirement plans
qualified under Section 401 or Section 403(b) of the Code, which are not
directly rolled over to another eligible retirement plan or individual
retirement account or individual retirement annuity, are subject to a mandatory
20% withholding for federal income tax. The 20% withholding requirement
generally does not apply to: a) a series of substantially equal payments made at
least annually for the life or life expectancy of the participant or joint and
last survivor expectancy of the participant and a designated beneficiary or for
a specified period of 10 years or more; or b) distributions which are required
minimum distributions; or c) the portion of the distributions not includible in
gross income (i.e. return of after-tax contributions). Participants should
consult their own tax counsel or other tax adviser regarding withholding
requirements.
TAX TREATMENT OF WITHDRAWALS -- NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS AND CERTIFICATES
Section 72 of the Code governs treatment of distributions from annuity
contracts. It provides that if the Contract Value/Certificate Value exceeds the
aggregate purchase payments made, any amount withdrawn will be treated as coming
first from the earnings and then, only after the income portion is exhausted, as
coming from the principal. Withdrawn earnings are includible in gross income. It
further provides that a ten percent (10%) penalty will apply to the income
portion of any distribution. However, the penalty is not imposed on amounts
received: (a) on or after the taxpayer reaches age 59 1/2; (b) after the death
of the Owner/Certificate Owner; (c) if the taxpayer is totally disabled (for
this purpose disability is as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code); (d) in a
series of substantially equal periodic payments made not less frequently than
annually for the life (or life expectancy) of the taxpayer or for the joint
lives (or joint life expectancies) of the taxpayer and his or her Beneficiary;
(e) under an immediate annuity; or (f) which are allocable to purchase payments
made prior to August 14, 1982.
The above information does not apply to Qualified Contracts and Certificates.
However, separate tax penalties and restrictions may apply to such Qualified
Contracts and Certificates. (See "Tax Treatment of Withdrawals --Qualified
Contracts and Certificates.")
QUALIFIED PLANS
The Contracts and Certificates offered by this Prospectus are designed to be
suitable for use under certain types of qualified plans. Generally, participants
in a Qualified plan are not taxed on increases to the value of the contributions
to the plan until distribution occurs, regardless of whether the plan assets are
held under an annuity contract. Taxation of participants in each Qualified plan
varies with the type of plan and terms and conditions of each specific plan.
Owners, Certificate Owners, Annuitants and Beneficiaries are cautioned that
benefits under a Qualified plan may be subject to the terms and conditions of
the plan regardless of the terms and conditions of the Contract/Certificate
issued pursuant to the plan. Some retirement plans are subject to distribution
and other requirements that are not incorporated into the Company's
administrative procedures. Owners, Certificate Owners, participants and
Beneficiaries are responsible for determining that contributions, distributions
and other transactions with respect to the Contracts/Certificates comply with
applicable law. Following are general descriptions of the types of qualified
plans with which the Contracts/Certificates may be used. Such descriptions are
not exhaustive and are for general informational purposes only. The tax rules
regarding Qualified plans are very complex and will have differing applications
depending on individual facts and circumstances. Each purchaser should obtain
competent tax advice prior to purchasing a Contract or Certificate issued under
a Qualified plan.
Contracts and Certificates issued pursuant to Qualified plans include special
provisions restricting Contract/Certificate provisions that may otherwise be
available as described in this Prospectus. Generally, Contracts/Certificates
issued pursuant to Qualified plans are not transferable except upon surrender or
annuitization. Various penalty and excise taxes may apply to contributions or
distributions made in violation of applicable limitations. Furthermore, certain
withdrawal penalties and restrictions may apply to surrenders from Qualified
Contracts and Certificates. (See "Tax Treatment of Withdrawals -- Qualified
Contracts and Certificates.")
A. TAX-SHELTERED ANNUITIES
Section 403(b) of the Code permits the purchase of "tax-sheltered annuities"
by public schools and certain charitable, educational and scientific
organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code. These qualifying
employers may make contributions to the Contracts/Certificates for the benefit
of their employees. Such contributions are not includible in the gross income of
the employees until the employees receive distributions from the
Contracts/Certificates. The amount of contributions to the tax-sheltered annuity
is limited to certain maximums imposed by the Code. Furthermore, the Code sets
forth additional restrictions governing such items as transferability,
23
<PAGE>
================================================================================
distributions, nondiscrimination and withdrawals. (See "Tax Treatment of
Withdrawals -- Qualified Contracts and Certificates" and "Tax Sheltered
Annuities -- Withdrawal Limitations" below.) Any employee should obtain
competent tax advice as to the tax treatment and suitability of such an
investment.
B. INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES
Section 408(b) of the Code permits eligible individuals to contribute to an
individual retirement program known as an "Individual Retirement Annuity"
("IRA"). Under applicable limitations, certain amounts may be contributed to an
IRA which will be deductible from the individual's gross income. These IRAs are
subject to limitations on eligibility, contributions, transferability and
distributions. (See "Tax Treatment of Withdrawals -- Qualified Contracts and
Certificates" below.) Under certain conditions, distributions from other IRAs
and other Qualified Plans may be rolled over or transferred on a tax-deferred
basis into an IRA. Sales of Contracts and Certificates for use with IRAs are
subject to special requirements imposed by the Code, including the requirement
that certain informational disclosure be given to persons desiring to establish
an IRA. Purchasers of Contracts and Certificates to be qualified as Individual
Retirement Annuities should obtain competent tax advice as to the tax treatment
and suitability of such an investment.
ROTH IRAS
Beginning in 1998, individuals may purchase a new type of non-deductible IRA,
known as a Roth IRA. Purchase payments for a Roth IRA are limited to a maximum
of $2,000 per year. Lower maximum limitations apply to individuals with adjusted
gross incomes between $95,000 and $110,000 in the case of single taxpayers,
between $150,000 and $160,000 in the case of married taxpayers filing joint
returns, and between $0 and $10,000 in the case of married taxpayers filing
separately. An overall $2,000 annual limitation continues to apply to all of a
taxpayer's IRA contributions, including Roth IRA and non-Roth IRAs.
Qualified distributions from Roth IRAs are free from federal income tax. A
qualified distribution requires that an individual has held the Roth IRA for at
least five years and, in addition, that the distribution is made either after
the individual reaches age 59 1/2, on the individual's death or disability, or
as a qualified first-time home purchase, subject to a $10,000 lifetime maximum,
for the individual, a spouse, child, grandchild, or ancestor. Any distribution
which is not a qualified distribution is taxable to the extent of earnings in
the distribution. Distributions are treated as made from contributions first and
therefore no distributions are taxable until distributions exceed the amount of
contributions to the Roth IRA. The 10% penalty tax and the regular IRA
exceptions to the 10% penalty tax apply to taxable distributions from a Roth
IRA.
Amounts may be rolled over from one Roth IRA to another Roth IRA.
Furthermore, an individual may make a rollover contribution from a non-Roth IRA
to a Roth IRA, unless the individual has adjusted gross income over $100,000 or
the individual is a married taxpayer filing a separate return. The individual
must pay tax on any portion of the IRA being rolled over that represents income
or a previously deductible IRA contribution. However, for rollovers in 1998, the
individual may pay that tax ratably over the four taxable year period beginning
with tax year 1998.
Purchasers of Contracts to be qualified as a Roth IRA should obtain competent
tax advice as to the tax treatment and suitability of such an investment.
TAX TREATMENT OF WITHDRAWALS -- QUALIFIED CONTRACTS AND CERTIFICATES
In the case of a withdrawal under a Qualified Contract/Certificate, a ratable
portion of the amount received is taxable, generally based on the ratio of the
individual's cost basis to the individual's total accrued benefit under the
retirement plan. Special tax rules may be available for certain distributions
from a Qualified Contract. Section 72(t) of the Code imposes a 10% penalty tax
on the taxable portion of any distribution from qualified retirement plans,
including Contracts and Certificates issued and qualified under Code Sections
403(b) (Tax-Sheltered Annuities) and 408(b) (Individual Retirement Annuities).
To the extent amounts are not includible in gross income because they have been
rolled over to an IRA or to another eligible qualified plan, no tax penalty will
be imposed. The tax penalty will not apply to the following distributions: (a)
made on or after the date on which the Owner/Certificate Owner or Annuitant (as
applicable) reaches age 59 1/2; (b) following the death or disability of the
Owner/Certificate Owner or Annuitant (as applicable) (for this purpose
disability is as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code); (c) after separation
from service, distributions that are part of substantially equal periodic
payments made not less frequently than annually for the life (or life
expectancy) of the Owner/Certificate Owner or Annuitant (as applicable) or the
joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of such Owner/Certificate Owner or
Annuitant (as applicable) and his or her designated Beneficiary; (d) to an
Owner/Certificate Owner or Annuitant (as applicable) who has separated from
service after he or she has attained age 55; (e) made to the Owner/Certificate
Owner or Annuitant (as applicable) to the extent such distributions do not
exceed the amount allowable as a deduction under Code Section 213 to the
Owner/Certificate Owner or Annuitant (as applicable) for amounts paid during the
taxable year for medical care; (f) made to an alternate payee pursuant to a
qualified domestic relations order; (g) from an Individual Retirement Annuity
for the purchase of medical insurance (as described in Section 213(d)(1)(D) of
the Code) for the Owner/Certificate Owner or Annuitant (as applicable) and his
or her spouse and dependents if the Owner/Certificate Owner or Annuitant (as
applicable) has received unemployment compensation for at least 12 weeks (this
exception will no longer apply after the Owner/Certificate Owner or Annuitant
(as applicable) has been re-employed for at least 60 days); (h) from an
Individual Retirement Annuity made to the Owner/Certificate Owner or Annuitant
(as applicable) to the extent such distributions do not exceed the qualified
higher education expenses (as defined in Section 72(t)(7) of the Code) of the
Owner/Certificate Owner or Annuitant (as applicable) for the taxable year; and
(i) distributions up to $10,000 from an Individual Retirement Annuity made to
the Owner/Certificate Owner or Annuitant (as applicable) which are qualified
first-time home buyer distributions (as defined in Section 72(t)(8) of the
Code). The exceptions stated in (d) and (f) above do not apply in the case of an
Individual Retirement Annuity. The exception stated in (c) above applies to an
Individual Retirement Annuity without the requirement that there be a separation
from service.
TAX-SHELTERED ANNUITIES -- WITHDRAWAL LIMITATIONS
The Code limits the withdrawal of amounts attributable to contributions made
pursuant to a salary reduction agreement (as defined in Section 403(b)(11) of
the Code) to circumstances only on or after when the Owner/Certificate Owner:
(1) attains age 59 1/2; (2) separates from service; (3) dies; (4) becomes
disabled (within the meaning of Section 72(m)(7) of the Code); (5) in the case
of hardship; or (6)
24
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GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order. However, withdrawals for
hardship are restricted to the portion of the Owner's Contract Value or
Certificate Owner's Certificate Value which represents contributions made by the
Owner/Certificate Owner and does not include any investment results. The
limitations on withdrawals became effective on January 1, 1989 and apply only to
salary reduction contributions made after December 31, 1988, to income
attributable to such contributions and to income attributable to amounts held as
of December 31, 1988. The limitations on withdrawals do not affect transfers
between certain Qualified Plans. Owners and Certificate Owners should consult
their own tax counsel or other tax adviser regarding any distributions.
MANDATORY DISTRIBUTIONS - QUALIFIED PLANS
Generally, distributions from a qualified plan must commence no later than
April 1 of the calendar year following the later of: (a) the year in which the
employee attains age 70 1/2, or (b) the calendar year in which the employee
retires. The date set forth in (b) does not apply to an Individual Retirement
Annuity. Required distributions must be over a period not exceeding the life
expectancy of the individual or the joint lives or life expectancies of the
individual and his or her designated beneficiary. If the required minimum
distributions are not made, a 50% penalty tax is imposed as to the amount not
distributed.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
The selected historical financial information set forth below was derived
from the audited financial statements of Great American Reserve. Great American
Reserve's balance sheets at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the statements of
operations, shareholder's equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996, the four months ended December 31, 1995 and the eight months
ended August 31, 1995, and the notes thereto were audited by Coopers & Lybrand
L.L.P., independent accountants, and are included elsewhere herein. The selected
historical financial information set forth below should be read in conjunction
with the financial statements and notes of Great American Reserve and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations of Great American Reserve" appearing elsewhere herein. The financial
data for all periods reflects the effect of the December 31, 1994, merger of
Jefferson National Life Insurance Company ("Jefferson National") into Great
American Reserve. This merger has been accounted for as a pooling of interests;
therefore, the assets and liabilities of Jefferson National have been combined
with Great American Reserve at their book values and the financial data is
presented as if the merger had occurred prior to the periods presented.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRIOR BASIS (a)
--------------------------------------
FOUR EIGHT
YEAR YEAR MONTHS MONTHS YEAR ENDED
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED DECEMBER 31,
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31, -------------------
1997 1996 1995 1995 1994 1993
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
Insurance policy income ................ $75.7 $81.4 $31.8 $60.5 $98.6 $108.2
Net investment income .................. 222.6 218.4 74.2 136.4 187.9 214.5
Net investment gains ................... 13.3 2.7 12.5 7.3 .2 32.4
Total revenues ......................... 311.6 302.5 118.5 204.2 286.7 355.1
Total benefits and expenses ............ 250.3 261.4 92.7 159.5 225.2 260.4
Income before income taxes ............. 61.3 41.1 25.8 44.7 61.5 94.7
Net income ............................. 39.2 25.7 16.1 28.2 38.8 54.5
BALANCE SHEET DATA - PERIOD END
Investments ............................ $2,500.5 $2,382.8 $2,484.8 $2,217.9 $2,473.8
Total assets ........................... 2,771.7 2,680.5 2,756.8 2,625.0 2,751.1
Insurance liabilities .................. 2,235.0 2,189.9 2,176.6 2,241.8 2,201.7
Total liabilities ...................... 2,354.8 2,283.6 2,314.2 2,260.1 2,302.6
Shareholder's equity ................... 416.9 396.9 442.6 364.9 448.5
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a)Financial data for the period subsequent to August 31, 1995, reflect the
adoption of a new basis of accounting under the "push down" method as a
result of the acquisition of all of the common stock of Great American
Reserve's parent not previously owned, by Conseco, Inc. Accordingly, data
prior to August 31, 1995, may not be comparable with subsequent data.
Significant accounting adjustments recorded as a result of the adoption of
the new basis include: (i) an increase of $59.0 million to cost of policies
purchased; (ii) a reduction of $27.0 million to cost of policies produced;
(iii) a reduction of $15.1 million to goodwill; (iv) an increase of $1.2
million to insurance liabilities; and (v) the establishment of a deferred
income tax liability to reflect the income tax effects of all of the
accounting adjustments.
25
<PAGE>
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BUSINESS OF GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
BACKGROUND
Great American Reserve, with total assets of $2.8 billion at December 31,
1997, markets tax-qualified annuities and certain employee benefit-related
insurance products through professional independent agents. Since August 1995,
Great American Reserve has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Conseco, Inc.
("Conseco"), a financial services holding company engaged in the development,
marketing and administration of annuity, individual health insurance and
individual life insurance products. During 1994, Conseco effectively owned 36
percent of Great American Reserve, through its ownership interest in CCP
Insurance, Inc. ("CCP"), a holding company organized for companies previously
acquired by Conseco Capital Partners, L.P. (the "Partnership"), a limited
partnership organized by Conseco. Great American Reserve was acquired by the
Partnership in 1990. During 1995, Conseco's ownership in CCP (and in Great
American Reserve) increased to 49 percent as a result of purchases of CCP common
stock by CCP and Conseco. In August 1995, Conseco completed the purchase of the
remaining shares of CCP common stock it did not already own in a transaction
pursuant to which CCP was merged with Conseco, with Conseco being the surviving
corporation (the "Conseco Acquisition").
Great American Reserve was organized as a Texas corporation and commenced
operations in 1937. Its main administrative offices are located at 11825 N.
Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, Indiana 46032, and its telephone number is (317)
817-3700.
MARKETING
Great American Reserve primarily utilizes independent market specialists to
distribute its products. Great American Reserve does not have the fixed costs
associated with recruiting, training and maintaining employee agents. Rather,
in-house marketing personnel develop, direct and support the external
distribution channels through which Great American Reserve's products are
marketed.
Products. Great American Reserve's collected premiums (net of reinsurance
ceded) by product categories for the three years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995, are set forth below (dollars in millions).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
---------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST YEAR RENEWAL TOTAL
PREMIUMS PREMIUMS PREMIUMS
-------------- -------------- --------------
Products Amount % Amount % Amount %
=============================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Single-premium immediate annuities .................. $ 10.6 6% $-- --% $10.6 3%
Flexible-premium deferred annuities ................. 17.0 10 28.4 21 45.4 15
Variable annuities .................................. 126.9 76 46.1 35 173.0 58
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annuities ................................... 154.5 92 74.5 56 229.0 76
Individual life ..................................... 1.5 1 40.9 31 42.4 14
Accident and health and other ....................... 12.3 7 16.6 13 28.9 10
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total collected premiums .......................... $168.3 100% $132.0 100% $300.3 100%
=============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
---------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST YEAR RENEWAL TOTAL
PREMIUMS PREMIUMS PREMIUMS
-------------- -------------- --------------
Products Amount % Amount % Amount %
=============================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Single-premium immediate annuities .................. $17.2 21% $-- --% 17.2 8%
Flexible-premium deferred annuities ................. 15.4 18 27.9 21 43.3 20
Variable annuities .................................. 37.9 45 43.6 32 81.5 37
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annuities ................................... 70.5 84 71.5 53 142.0 65
Individual life ..................................... 2.1 3 45.0 33 47.1 22
Accident and health and other ....................... 11.1 13 18.2 14 29.3 13
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total collected premiums .......................... $83.7 100% $134.7 100% $218.4 100%
=============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
-------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST YEAR RENEWAL TOTAL
PREMIUMS PREMIUMS PREMIUMS
-------------- -------------- --------------
Products Amount % Amount % Amount %
=============================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Single-premium immediate annuities .................. $32.3 41% $-- --% $32.3 15%
Flexible-premium deferred annuities ................. 16.3 20 23.6 17 39.9 18
Variable annuities .................................. 17.2 22 40.1 30 57.3 27
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annuities ................................... 65.8 83 63.7 47 129.5 60
Individual life ..................................... 1.8 2 49.3 36 51.1 24
Accident and health and other ....................... 11.8 15 22.6 17 34.4 16
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total collected premiums .......................... $79.4 100% $135.6 100% $215.0 100%
=============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
26
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GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
ANNUITIES
Great American Reserve markets several basic types of annuities:
single-premium immediate annuities ("SPIAs"), flexible premium deferred
annuities ("FPDAs") and variable annuities which are sold through professional
independent producers. The profitability of annuities largely depends on the
investment spread earned (i.e., the excess of investment earnings over interest
credited on annuity deposits), the persistency of inforce business and expense
management.
Single-Premium Immediate Annuities. SPIAs accounted for $10.6 million, or 3
percent, of Great American Reserve's total premiums collected in 1997, $17.2
million, or 8 percent, of total premiums collected in 1996 and $32.3 million, or
15 percent, of premiums collected in 1995. SPIAs are designed to provide a
series of periodic payments for a fixed period of time or for life, according to
the policyholder's choice at the time of issue. Once the payments begin, the
amount, frequency and length of time for which they are payable are fixed. SPIAs
often are purchased by persons at or near retirement age who desire a steady
stream of payments over a future period of years. The single premium is often
the payout from a terminated annuity contract. The implicit interest rate on
SPIAs is based on market conditions when the policy is issued and averaged 6
percent at December 31, 1997. SPIA collected premiums have decreased as a result
of decreases in SPIAs purchased with the proceeds of redeemed annuity contracts.
Flexible-Premium Deferred Annuities. FPDAs accounted for $45.4 million, or 15
percent, of Great American Reserve's total premiums collected in 1997, $43.3
million, or 20 percent, of premiums collected in 1996 and $39.9 million, or 18
percent, of premiums collected in 1995. FPDAs allow more than one premium
payment, usually on a salary reduction basis. FPDAs are marketed through
networks of educator market specialists primarily to teachers and employees of
not-for-profit institutions as tax-qualified salary-reduction retirement
programs as permitted under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. A
tax-qualified annuity purchased under Section 403(b) is similar to contributions
made to a 401(k) plan, but with different (and somewhat more generous) rules on
the maximum amount of current income which may be contributed by the participant
on a pre-tax basis. Generally, a participant may elect to defer (through the
purchase of a tax-qualified annuity under a 403(b) plan) a percentage of
includible compensation limited by statute and subject to a maximum of $10,000
per year in 1997.
Great American Reserve's FPDAs typically have a guaranteed crediting rate for
the first policy year that exceeds the minimum annual guaranteed rate of at
least 3 percent. After the first year, the crediting rate may be changed at
least annually. The policyholder is permitted to withdraw all or part of the
accumulation value, less a surrender charge for withdrawals during an initial
penalty period of up to 15 years. The initial surrender charges range from 5
percent to 19 percent of the first-year premium and decline over the penalty
period.
Variable Annuities. Variable annuities accounted for $173.0 million, or 58
percent, of Great American Reserve's total premiums collected in 1997, $81.5
million, or 37 percent, of premiums collected in 1996 and $57.3 million, or 27
percent, of premiums collected in 1995. Great American Reserve markets variable
annuities primarily to the educator market. Variable annuities, sold on a
premium premium or flexible-premium basis, differ from fixed annuities in that
the original principal value may fluctuate, depending on the performance of
assets allocated pursuant to various investment options chosen by the contract
owner. Variable annuities offer contract owners a fixed interest option or a
variable rate of return based upon the specific investment portfolios into which
premiums may be directed. The popularity of such annuities has increased
recently as a result of the desire of investors to invest in common stocks. In
addition, in recent years, Great American Reserve has offered additional
investment options for variable annuity deposits and expanded its variable
annuity marketing efforts. Profits on variable annuities are derived from the
fees charged to contract holders, rather than from the investment spread.
INDIVIDUAL LIFE
Individual life products, consisting of interest-sensitive life and
traditional life products, accounted for $42.4 million, or 14 percent, of Great
American Reserve's total premiums collected in 1997, $47.1 million, or 22
percent, of premiums collected in 1996 and $51.1 million, or 24 percent, of
premiums collected in 1995. Although Great American Reserve no longer actively
markets these products, it continues to have a substantial block of in-force
policies on which renewal premiums are collected. These products were sold
through professional independent producers.
Interest-sensitive life insurance products (including universal life
products) provide whole life insurance with adjustable rates of return related
to current interest rates. The principal differences between Great American
Reserve's universal life products and other interest-sensitive life insurance
products are policy provisions affecting the amount and timing of premium
payments. Universal life policyholders may vary the frequency and size of their
premium payments, and policy benefits may also fluctuate according to such
payments. Premium payments under the other interest-sensitive policies may not
be varied by the policyholders, and as a result, are designed to reduce the
administrative costs typically associated with monitoring universal life premium
payments and policy benefits.
Individual life products also include whole life and term life products.
Under whole life policies, the policyholder generally pays a level premium over
the policyholder's expected lifetime. The annual premium for a whole life policy
is generally higher than the premium for comparable term insurance coverage in
the early years of the policy's life, but is generally lower than the premium
for comparable term insurance coverage in the later years of the policy's life.
These policies combine insurance protection with a savings component that
increases in amount gradually over the life of the policy. The policyholder may
borrow against the savings generally at a rate of interest lower than that
available from other lending sources. The policyholder may also choose to
surrender the policy and receive the accumulated cash value rather than
continuing the insurance protection. Term life products offer pure insurance
protection for a specified period of time-typically 5, 10 or 20 years.
ACCIDENT AND HEALTH AND OTHER
Accident and health and other products accounted for $28.9 million, or 10
percent, of Great American Reserve's total premiums collected in 1997, $29.3
million, or 13 percent, of premiums collected in 1996 and $34.4 million, or 16
percent, of premiums collected in 1995. Great American Reserve offers group
dental, group disability, blanket student accident and a limited amount of other
health insurance products, through independent market specialists. Great
American Reserve markets accident and health policies primarily because it
believes that offering a broad range of products is important to successfully
market life insurance and annuity products, although such
27
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accident and health policies are also designed to be profitable. Group dental
coverage provides a range of benefits for dental care and related procedures.
Disability products provide defined monthly benefits up to specified levels in
the case of disability. Student accident products provide limited supplemental
reimbursement coverage to students for accidents and sickness. Great American
Reserve's health business is subject to the risk that its claims experience
deviates from the assumptions used in setting premium rates. However, Great
American Reserve has the right to change rates to correct for adverse experience
every six months on many group policies and annually on all others. Experience
may be adversely affected by inflationary trends in the costs of medical
treatment, competition-driven business cycles and the extent to which insureds
utilize covered services.
INVESTMENTS
Conseco Capital Management, Inc. ("CCM"), a registered investment adviser
wholly owned by Conseco, manages the investment portfolio of Great American
Reserve. CCM's investment philosophy is to maintain a largely investment-grade
fixed-income portfolio, provide adequate liquidity for expected liability
durations and other requirements and maximize total return through active
investment management.
Investment activities are an integral part of Great American Reserve's
business; investment income is a significant component of Great American
Reserve's total revenues. Profitability of many of Great American Reserve's
products is significantly affected by spreads between interest yields on
investments and rates credited on insurance liabilities. Although substantially
all credited rates on FPDAs may be changed annually, changes in crediting rates
may not be sufficient to maintain targeted investment spreads in all economic
and market environments. In addition, competition and other factors, including
the impact of the level of surrenders and withdrawals, may limit Great American
Reserve's ability to adjust or to maintain crediting rates at levels necessary
to avoid narrowing of spreads under certain market conditions. As of December
31, 1997, the average yield, computed on the cost basis of the investment
portfolio, was 7.5 Percent, and the average interest rate credited or accruing
to total insurance liabilities, excluding interest bonuses guaranteed for the
first year of the annuity contract only, was 5.4 Percent.
Great American Reserve seeks to balance the duration of the invested assets
with the expected duration of benefit payments arising from insurance
liabilities. At December 31, 1997, the adjusted modified duration of fixed
maturities and short-term investments was approximately 5.6 years and the
duration of insurance liabilities was approximately 7.0 years.
For information regarding the composition and diversification of the
investment portfolio of Great American Reserve, see "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Great American
Reserve -- Investments" and note 2 to Great American Reserve's financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 1997.
COMPETITION
Great American Reserve operates in a highly competitive environment. The life
insurance industry consists of a large number of insurance companies, many of
which are substantially larger and have greater financial resources, broader and
more diversified product lines and larger staffs than those of Great American
Reserve. An expanding number of banks, securities brokerage firms and other
financial intermediaries also market insurance products or offer competing
products, such as mutual fund products, traditional bank investments and other
investment and retirement funding alternatives. In most areas, competition is
based on a number of factors, including pricing, service provided to
distributors and policyholders, and ratings. Great American Reserve must also
compete with other insurers to attract and retain the allegiance of agents.
Marketing companies, agents who market insurance products, school districts,
financial institutions and policyholders use the financial strength ratings
assigned to an insurer by independent rating agencies as one factor in
determining which insurer's annuity to market or purchase.
Great American Reserve is rated "A (Excellent)" by A.M. Best Company ("A.M.
Best"). A.M. Best's insurance company ratings for the industry currently range
from "A++ (Superior)" to "F ( In Liquidation)". Publications of A.M. Best
indicate that the "A" rating is assigned to those companies that, in A.M. Best's
opinion, have demonstrated excellent overall performance when compared to the
standards established by A.M. Best and have demonstrated a strong ability to
meet their obligations to policyholders over a long period of time. A.M. Best's
rating procedure includes quantitative and qualitative evaluations of a
company's financial condition and operating performance. Its quantitative
evaluation is based on an analysis of a company's financial performance in the
areas of profitability, leverage/capitalization and liquidity. A.M. Best's
review also includes a qualitative evaluation of a company's spread of risk,
quality and appropriateness of the reinsurance program, quality and
diversification of assets, adequacy of policy or loss reserves, management
experience and objectives, market presence and policyholders' confidence.
Great American Reserve received a claims paying ability rating of "AA-" from
Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Company ("Duff & Phelps"). Duff & Phelps'
claims-paying ability ratings range from "AAA (Highest claims-paying ability)"
to "DD (Company is under an order of liquidation)." An "AA" rating represents
"Very high claims-paying ability." A plus or minus sign attached to a Duff &
Phelps claims paying rating shows relative standing within a ratings category.
Great American Reserve has received a claims paying ability rating of A+ from
Standard & Poor's Corporation ("Standard & Poor's"). Claims-paying ability
ratings from Standard & Poor's range from "AAA (Superior)" to "R (Regulatory
Action)". An "A" is assigned by Standard & Poor's to those companies which, in
its opinion, have a secure claims-paying ability and whose financial capacity to
meet policyholder obligation is viewed on balance as sound, but their capacity
to meet policyholder obligations is somewhat more susceptible to adverse
economic and underwriting conditions than more highly rated insurers. According
to Standard & Poor's, a plus or minus attached to a Standard & Poor's
claims-paying rating shows relative standing within a ratings category.
Generally, rating agencies base their ratings upon information furnished to
them by the insurer and upon their own investigations, studies and assumptions.
A.M. Best's ratings, Duff & Phelps' claims-paying ratings and Standard & Poor's
claims-paying ratings are principally based upon factors of concern to
policyholders, agents and intermediaries and are not directed toward the
protection of investors. Given the competitive nature of Great American
Reserve's business and the increasing focus placed on the aforementioned
ratings, Great American Reserve manages its business with the objective of
preserving existing ratings and, where possible, achieving more favorable
ratings. There can be no assurance that any particular rating will continue for
any given period of time, or that it will not be
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GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
changed or withdrawn entirely if, in the judgement of the rating agency,
circumstances so warrant. If Great American Reserve's ratings are downgraded
from their current levels, sales of its products and the persistency of its
in-force policies could be adversely affected in a material way.
Great American Reserve believes that it is able to compete effectively
because: (i) it is experienced in establishing and cultivating relationships
with independent market specialists; (ii) it can offer competitive rates as a
result of the lower-than-average operating costs and higher-than-average
investment yields achieved by applying active investment portfolio management
techniques; and (iii) it has reliable policyholder administrative services,
supported by customized information technology systems.
UNDERWRITING
Underwriting with respect to the majority of products sold by Great American
Reserve (FPDAs and variable annuities) is minimal. Substantially all life
insurance policies issued by Great American Reserve are underwritten
individually, although standardized underwriting procedures have been adopted
for certain low face-amount life insurance coverages. Great American Reserve's
group accident and health policies are underwritten based on the characteristics
of a group and its past claim experience.
REINSURANCE
Consistent with the general practice of the life insurance industry, Great
American Reserve enters into both facultative and treaty agreements of indemnity
reinsurance with other insurance companies in order to reinsure portions of the
coverage provided under its insurance products. Indemnity reinsurance agreements
are intended to limit a life insurer's maximum loss on a large or unusually
hazardous risk or to diversify its risk. Indemnity insurance does not discharge
the original insurer's primary liability to the insured. Great American Reserve
believes the assuming companies are able to honor all contractual commitments,
based on periodic review of their financial statements, insurance industry
reports and reports filed with state insurance departments. Great American
Reserve also reinsures risks from other insurers, which are accounted for in the
same manner as direct business.
At December 31, 1997, the policy risk retention limit on the life of one
individual is $.5 million. Reinsurance ceded by Great American Reserve
represented 8.2 percent of gross life insurance in force and reinsurance assumed
represented 4.8 percent of net life insurance in force. At December 31, 1997,
Great American Reserve's largest reinsurer accounted for less than .1 percent of
total insurance liabilities and 7.1 percent of total reinsurance receivables.
EMPLOYEES
Great American Reserve has no full-time employees. Great American Reserve's
day-to-day operations are administered by Conseco pursuant to agreements between
Great American Reserve and Conseco.
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION
Great American Reserve is subject to regulation and supervision by the states
in which it transacts business. State laws generally establish supervisory
agencies with broad administrative authority, including power to: (i) grant and
revoke business licenses; (ii) regulate and supervise trade practices and market
conduct; (iii) establish guaranty associations; (iv) license agents; (v) approve
policy forms; (vi) approve premium rates for some lines of business; (vii)
establish reserve requirements; (viii) prescribe the form and content of
required financial statements and reports; (ix) determine the reasonableness and
adequacy of statutory capital and surplus; (x) perform financial, market conduct
and other examinations; (xi) define acceptable accounting principles; (xii)
regulate the type and amount of permitted investments; and (xiii) limit the
amount of dividends and surplus debenture payments that can be paid without
obtaining regulatory approval. Great American Reserve is subject to periodic
examinations by state regulatory authorities. Management does not expect the
results of any on-going examinations to have a material effect on the financial
condition of Great American Reserve.
The federal government does not directly regulate the insurance business.
However, federal legislation and administrative policies in several areas,
including pension regulation, age and sex discrimination, financial services
regulation and federal taxation, do affect the insurance business. In addition,
legislation has been introduced from time to time in recent years which, if
enacted, could result in the federal government assuming a more direct role in
the regulation of the insurance industry.
The Risk-Based Capital for Life and/or Health Insurers Model Act (the "Model
Act") adopted by the NAIC provides a tool for insurance regulators to determine
the levels of capital and surplus an insurer must maintain in relation to its
insurance and investment risks and whether there is a need for possible
regulatory attention.
The Model Act provides for four levels of regulatory attention, varying with
the ratio of the company's total adjusted capital (defined as the total of its
statutory capital, surplus, asset valuation reserve and certain other
adjustments) to its risk-based capital ("RBC"). If a company's total adjusted
capital is less than 100 percent but greater than or equal to 75 percent of its
RBC, or if a negative trend (as defined by the regulators) has occurred and
total adjusted capital is less than 125 percent of RBC (the "Company Action
Level"), the company must submit a comprehensive plan to the regulatory
authority proposing corrective actions aimed at improving its capital position.
If a company's total adjusted capital is less than 75 percent but greater than
or equal to 50 percent of its RBC (the "Regulatory Action Level") , the
regulatory authority will perform a special examination of the company and issue
an order specifying corrective actions that must be followed. If a company's
total adjusted capital is less than 50 percent but greater than or equal to 35
percent of its RBC (the "Authorized Control Level"), the regulatory authority
may take any action it deems necessary, including placing the company under
regulatory control. If a company's total adjusted capital is less than 35
percent of its RBC (the "Mandatory Control Level") the regulatory authority must
place the company under its control. At December 31, 1997, the total adjusted
capital for Great American Reserve was greater than twice the respective Company
Action Level.
The Texas Insurance Department has adopted its own RBC requirements, the
stated purpose of which is to require a minimum level of capital and surplus to
absorb the financial, underwriting, and investment risks assumed by an insurer.
Texas' RBC requirements differ from those adopted by the NAIC in two principal
respects: (i) they use different elements to determine minimum RBC levels in
their calculation formulas; and (ii) they do not stipulate "Action Levels" (like
those described in the preceding paragraph) where corrective actions are
required. However, the Commissioner of the Texas Insurance Department does have
the power to take similar corrective actions if a company does not maintain the
required minimum level of capital and surplus. Under the Texas Regulations, an
insurer has met RBC requirements if its admitted assets exceed its liabilities
by at least 6
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percent. Great American Reserve is domiciled in Texas and must comply with Texas
RBC requirements. At December 31, 1997, the admitted assets of Great American
Reserve exceeded liabilities by the required 6 percent level.
On the basis of statutory statements filed with state regulators annually,
the NAIC calculates 11 financial ratios to assist state regulators in monitoring
the financial condition of insurance companies. A "usual range" of results for
each ratio is used as a benchmark. In the past, variances in certain ratios of
Great American Reserve have resulted in inquiries from insurance departments to
which Great American Reserve has responded. Such inquiries did not lead to any
restrictions affecting Great American Reserve's operations.
Under the solvency or guaranty laws of most states in which it does business,
Great American Reserve is required to pay guaranty fund assessments (up to
certain prescribed limits). Guaranty funds are established by various states to
fund policyholder losses or the liabilities of insolvent or rehabilitated
insurance companies. These assessments may be deferred or forgiven under most
guaranty laws if they would threaten an insurer's financial strength. In certain
instances, the assessments may be offset against future premium taxes. Great
American Reserve establishes a reserve to provide for assessments related to
known insolvencies. This reserve is based upon management's current expectation
of the availability of this right of offset and state guaranty fund assessment
bases. However, changes in the basis whereby assessments are charged to
individual companies or changes to the availability of the right to offset
assessments against premium tax payments could materially affect Great American
Reserve's results of operations. Great American Reserve's statutory financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 1997, include $1.2 million in
expenses as a result of such assessments.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
The annuity and life insurance products marketed and issued by Great American
Reserve generally provide the policyholder with an income tax advantage, as
compared to other saving investments such as certificates of deposit and bonds,
in that income taxation on the increase in value of the product is deferred
until it is received by the policyholder. With other savings investments, the
increase in value is taxed as earned. Annuity benefits, and life insurance
benefits, which accrue prior to the death of the policyholder, are generally not
taxable until paid. Life insurance death benefits are generally exempt from
income tax. Also, benefits received on immediate annuities (other than
structured settlements) are recognized as taxable income ratably, as opposed to
the methods used for some other investments, which tend to accelerate taxable
income into earlier years. The tax advantage for annuities and life insurance is
provided in the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), and is generally followed in
all states and other United States taxing jurisdictions. Accordingly, the tax
advantage is subject to change by Congress and by the legislatures of the
respective taxing jurisdictions.
In February of 1998, President Clinton released various revenue proposals and
tax changes to be considered in the current federal budget. Such proposals
contained numerous tax increases directed at the insurance industry, of which
the more significant ones were as follows: taxing asset reallocations within
variable annuities and exchanges of variable annuities, reducing the tax basis
of insurance and annuity contracts for mortality charges and modifying tax
reserving rules for annuity contracts. Great American Reserve has joined the
insurance industry and other groups opposing these taxes upon savings, and
expects that these proposed changes will not be enacted into legislation.
Great American Reserve is taxed under the life insurance company provisions
of the Code. Provisions in the Code require a portion of the expenses incurred
in selling insurance products to be deducted over a period of years, as opposed
to immediate deduction in the year incurred. This provision increases the tax
for statutory accounting purposes, which reduces statutory surplus and,
accordingly, decreases the amount of cash dividends that may be paid by Great
American Reserve. As of December 31, 1997, the cumulative taxes paid as a result
of this provision were $6.0 million.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS OF GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
The following discussion highlights the material factors affecting the
results of operations and financial condition and resources of Great American
Reserve. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and notes of Great American Reserve included elsewhere herein.
All statements, trend analyses and other information contained in this report
and elsewhere (such as in other filings by Great American Reserve with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, presentations by Great
American Reserve or its management or oral statements) relative to markets for
Great American Reserve products and trends in Great American Reserve's
operations or financial results, as well as other statements including words
such as "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," and
other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements under the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking
statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those
contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among
other things: (i) general economic conditions and other factors, including
prevailing interest rate levels, stock market performance and health care
inflation, which may affect the ability of Great American Reserve to sell its
products, the market value of Great American Reserve's investments and the lapse
rate and profitability of Great American Reserve's policies; (ii) Great American
Reserve's ability to achieve anticipated levels of operational efficiencies
through cost-saving initiatives; (iii) customer response to new products,
distribution channels and marketing initiatives; (iv) mortality, morbidity, use
of health care services and other factors that may affect the profitability of
Great American Reserve's insurance products; (v) changes in the federal income
tax laws and regulations that may affect the relative tax advantages of some of
Great American Reserve's products; (vi) increasing competition in the sale of
Great American Reserve's products; (vii) regulatory changes or actions,
including those relating to regulation of financial services affecting (among
other things) bank sales and underwriting of insurance products, regulation of
the sale, underwriting and pricing of insurance products, and health care
regulation affecting Great American Reserve's health insurance products; and
(viii) the risk factors or uncertainties listed from time to time in Great
American Reserve's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The adjustments resulting from the adoption of a new basis of accounting
under the "push down" method discussed above under "Selected Historical
Financial Information of Great American Reserve Insurance Company", may impact
the comparability of financial data for the periods before and after August 31,
1995.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
Insurance policy income consists of premiums received on traditional life
products and policy fund and surrender charges assessed against investment type
products. This amount decreased in 1997 compared with 1996 as a result of a
decrease in sales of policies with mortality or morbidity risks. In addition,
withdrawals from insurance liabilities were higher in 1997 than 1996, however
fewer withdrawals were subject to surrender charges. Increases in withdrawals
were primarily due to increased competition from higher yielding alternative
investment products.
Net investment income includes both income earned on the general invested
assets of Great American Reserve and separate account assets related to variable
annuities. Investment income earned on separate account assets is offset by a
corresponding charge to amounts added to annuity and financial product
policyholder account balances. Excluding investment income on separate accounts,
net investment income in 1997 decreased 8.7 percent from 1996, to $166.9
million. Average invested assets (amortized cost basis and excluding separate
account assets) decreased to $2.1 billion in 1997 from $2.3 billion in 1996, and
the yield earned on average invested assets decreased to 7.9 percent from 8.1
percent. Cash flows received during 1997 and 1996 (including cash flows from the
sales of investments) were invested in lower-yielding securities due to a
general decline in interest rates.
Net investment income on separate account assets in 1997 increased to $55.7
million from $35.6 million in 1996. Such income fluctuates in relation to total
separate account assets and the return earned on such assets.
Net investment gains often fluctuate from period to period. Great American
Reserve sold $755.2 million of investment securities during 1997 compared with
$988.9 million in 1996 which sales resulted in net investment gains of $13.6
million in 1997 compared with net investment gains of $3.5 million in 1996. In
addition, Great American Reserve recorded net investment losses of $.3 million
in 1997 and $.8 million in 1996 on writedowns of fixed maturity securities as a
result of changes in conditions which caused it to believe that a decline in
fair value of the investments was other than temporary.
Selling securities at a gain and reinvesting the proceeds at a lower yield
may, absent other management action, tend to decrease future investment yields.
Great American Reserve believes, however, that certain factors would mitigate
the adverse effect on net income of such yield decreases as follows: (i)
additional amortization of the cost of policies purchased and the cost of
policies produced is recognized in the same period as the gain in order to
reflect reduced future yields (thereby reducing such amortization in future
periods); (ii) interest rates credited to some products can be reduced thereby
diminishing the effect of the yield decrease on the investment spread; and (iii)
the investment portfolio grows as a result of reinvesting the realized gains.
Insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits relate solely
to policies with mortality or morbidity features. The increase in the 1997
period corresponds with the increase in the in-force block of such policies.
Amounts added to annuity and financial product policyholder account balances
(excluding amounts added to variable annuity products) decreased 11 percent in
1997 compared with 1996. Such decrease reflects changes in crediting rates. The
weighted average crediting rate for annuity liabilities (other than separate
accounts where the credited amount is based on investment income from segregated
investments and excluding interest bonuses guaranteed for the first year of the
contract) was 5.4 percent and 5.5 percent at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
Interest expense on investment borrowings in the 1997 and 1996 periods
reflect changes in investment borrowing activities and lower rates paid on such
borrowings in 1997.
Amortization consists of the amortization of cost of policies purchased, cost
of policies produced and goodwill.
Cost of policies produced represents the cost of producing new business
(primarily commissions and certain costs of policy issuance and underwriting)
which varies with and is primarily related to the production of new business.
Costs deferred may represent amounts paid in the period new business is written
(such as underwriting costs and first year commissions) or in periods after the
business is written (such as commissions paid in subsequent years in excess of
ultimate commissions paid).
Cost of policies purchased represents the cost to acquire Great American
Reserve that is attributable to the right to receive cash flows from insurance
contracts in force at the acquisition dates.
Net investment gains (losses) affect the timing of the amortization of the
cost of policies purchased and the cost of policies produced. As a result of net
investment gains from the sales of fixed maturity investments, amortization of
cost of policies purchased and cost of policies produced increased $14.2 million
in 1997 and $2.5 million in 1996.
Other operating costs and expenses decreased 48 percent to $28.2 million in
1997 compared with $54.3 million in 1996 primarily as a result of decreases in
policy maintenance expenses.
Income tax expense fluctuated primarily in relationship to income before
taxes.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, COMPARED WITH 1995 PERIODS COMBINED (EIGHT
MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995 AND FOUR MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995)
Insurance policy income consists of premiums received on traditional life
products and policy fund and surrender charges assessed against investment type
products. This amount decreased in 1996 compared with the 1995 periods as a
result of a decrease in sales of policies with mortality or morbidity risks. In
addition, withdrawals from insurance liabilities were higher in 1996 than 1995,
however fewer withdrawals were subject to surrender charges. Increases in
withdrawals were primarily due to the increased size of Great American Reserve's
annuity portfolio and increased competition from higher yielding alternative
investment products.
Net investment income includes both income earned on the general invested
assets of Great American Reserve and separate account assets related to variable
annuities. Investment income earned on separate account assets is offset by a
corresponding charge to amounts added to annuity and financial product
policyholder account balances. Excluding investment income on separate accounts,
net investment income in 1996 decreased 4.5 Percent from 1995, to $182.8
Million. Average invested assets (amortized cost basis and excluding separate
account assets) decreased to $2.3 Billion in 1996 from $2.4 Billion in 1995,
while the yield earned on such average invested assets was 8.1 Percent in both
years.
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Net investment income on separate account assets in 1996 increased to $35.6
million from $19.2 million in the 1995 periods.
Net investment gains often fluctuate from period to period. Great American
Reserve sold $988.9 million of investments during 1996 compared with $919.7
million in 1995 which sales resulted in net investment gains of $3.5 million in
1996 compared with net investment gains of $21.4 million in 1995. In addition,
Great American Reserve recorded net investment losses of $.8 million in 1996 and
$1.6 million in the 1995 periods on writedowns taken as a result of conditions
which caused Great American Reserve to conclude that declines in the fair value
of certain securities were other than temporary.
Selling securities at a gain and reinvesting the proceeds at a lower yield
may, absent other management action, tend to decrease future investment yields.
Great American Reserve believes, however, that certain factors would mitigate
the adverse effect on net income of such yield decreases as follows: (i)
additional amortization of the cost of policies purchased and the cost of
policies produced is recognized in the same period as the gain in order to
reflect reduced future yields (thereby reducing such amortization in future
periods); (ii) interest rates credited to some products can be reduced thereby
diminishing the effect of the yield decrease on the investment spread; and (iii)
the investment portfolio grows as a result of reinvesting the investment gains.
Insurance policy benefits and change in future policy benefits relate solely
to policies with mortality or morbidity features. The decrease in 1996
corresponds with the decrease in the in-force block of such policies.
Amounts added to annuity and financial product policyholder account balances
(excluding amounts added to variable annuity products) decreased 5.8 percent in
1996 compared with the 1995 periods. Such decrease reflects changes in crediting
rates. The weighted average crediting rate for annuity liabilities (other than
separate accounts where the credited amount is based on investment income from
segregated investments and excluding interest bonuses guaranteed for the first
year of the contract) was 5.5 percent and 5.6 percent at December 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively.
Interest expense on investment borrowings in 1996 and the 1995 periods
reflect changes in investment borrowing activities and lower rates paid on such
borrowings in 1996.
Amortization is affected by the Conseco Acquisition and the adoption of a new
basis of accounting under the "push down" method. Amortization in periods prior
to the Conseco Acquisition is comprised of cost of policies purchased, cost of
policies produced and goodwill based on the previous balances and bases.
Amortization after the Conseco Acquisition is comprised of amortization of the
aforementioned account balances, reflecting a combination of Conseco's ownership
interests in previous balances and its newly purchased interests using the
step-basis of accounting.
Cost of policies purchased represents the cost to acquire Great American
Reserve that is attributable to the right to receive cash flows from insurance
contracts in force at the acquisition dates. Some costs incurred subsequent to
the adoption of the new accounting basis on policies issued prior to such date,
which otherwise would have been deferred had it not been for the change in
accounting basis (because they vary with and are primarily related to the
production of the acquired interests in policies) are expensed. Such costs are
primarily comprised of certain commissions paid in excess of ultimate
commissions which have been expensed as operating expense after August 31, 1995.
However, such amounts were considered in determining the cost of policies
purchased and its amortization.
Net investment gains (losses) affect the timing of the amortization of the
cost of policies purchased and the cost of policies produced. As a result of net
investment gains from the sales of fixed maturity investments, amortization of
cost of policies purchased and cost of policies produced increased $2.5 million
in 1996, $10.0 million in the four months ended December 31, 1995 and $4.3
million in the eight months ended August 31, 1995.
Other operating costs and expenses increased 48 percent to $54.3 million in
1996 compared with $36.8 million in the 1995 periods as a result of costs which
were previously capitalized as part of cost of policies produced which were
expensed in 1996 (see discussion of amortization related to operations); and
additional costs incurred under new service agreements with Conseco as described
in the notes to the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1997,
included herein.
Income tax expense fluctuated primarily in relationship to income before
taxes.
INVESTMENTS
Great American Reserve's investment strategy is to: (i) maintain a
predominately investment grade fixed income portfolio; (ii) provide adequate
liquidity to meet the cash flow requirements of policyholders and other
obligations; and (iii) maximize current income and total investment return
through active investment management. Consistent with this strategy, investments
in fixed maturity securities, mortgage loans, credit-tenant loans, policy loans
and short-term investments comprised 80 percent of Great American Reserve's
investment portfolio at December 31, 1997. The remainder of the invested assets
were in assets held in separate accounts and other invested assets. At December
31, 1997, Great American Reserve had invested assets of approximately $2.5
billion.
Great American Reserve is regulated by insurance statutes and regulations as
to the type of investments that it is permitted to make and the amount of funds
that may be used for any one type of investment. In light of these statutes and
regulations and Great American Reserve's business and investment strategy, Great
American Reserve generally seeks to invest in United States government and
government agency securities and corporate securities rated investment grade by
established nationally recognized rating organizations or, if not rated, in
securities of comparable investment quality.
32
<PAGE>
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
The following table summarizes investment yields earned over the periods
indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRIOR BASIS
------------
YEAR YEAR FOUR MONTHS EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1997 1996 1995 1995
===================================================================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Weighted average invested assets excluding separate account assets):
As reported .......................................................... $2,113.7 $2,237.9 $2,371.9 $2,312.8
Excluding unrealized appreciation (depreciation) (a)................... 2,121.2 2,258.9 2,341.1 2,366.9
Net investment income (excluding investment income
on separate accounts).................................................. 166.9 182.8 62.9 128.5
Yields earned:
As reported ........................................................... 7.9% 8.2% 8.0% 8.3%
Excluding unrealized appreciation (depreciation) (a)................... 7.9% 8.1% 8.1% 8.1%
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(a) Excludes the effect of reporting fixed maturities at fair value as described
in note 1 to the financial statements.
Although investment income is a significant component of total revenues, the
profitability of Great American Reserve's annuity business is determined
primarily by spreads between interest rates earned and rates credited on annuity
contracts. At December 31, 1997, the average yield, computed on the cost basis
of Great American Reserve's investment portfolio, was 7.5 percent and the
average interest rate credited or accruing to Great American Reserve's total
liability portfolio, excluding interest bonuses guaranteed for the first year of
the annuity contract only, was 5.4 percent.
ACTIVELY MANAGED FIXED MATURITIES
Great American Reserve's actively managed fixed maturity portfolio at
December 31, 1997, was comprised primarily of debt securities of the United
States government, public utilities and other corporations and mortgage-backed
securities. Mortgage-backed securities included collateralized mortgage
obligations ("CMOs") and mortgage-backed pass-through securities.
At December 31, 1997, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of actively
managed fixed maturity securities were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROSS GROSS ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
==================================================================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
United States Treasury securities and obligations
of United States government corporations and agencies.................. $ 28.0 $ .7 $ -- $ 28.7
Obligations of state and political subdivisions and
foreign government obligations......................................... 39.0 1.2 1.3 38.9
Public utility securities ............................................... 184.6 3.5 2.3 185.8
Other corporate securities .............................................. 902.0 26.6 7.8 920.8
Mortgage-backed securities ............................................. 551.6 8.6 .4 559.8
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ................................................................... $1,705.2 $40.6 $11.8 $1,734.0
==================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
33
<PAGE>
================================================================================
As discussed in the notes to the financial statements, when Great American
Reserve adjusts carrying values of actively managed fixed maturity securities
for changes in fair value, it also adjusts the cost of policies purchased, cost
of policies produced and insurance liabilities. These adjustments are made in
order to reflect the change in amortization that would be needed if those fixed
maturity investments had actually been sold at their fair values and the
proceeds reinvested at current interest rates.
The following table sets forth actively managed fixed maturity securities at
December 31, 1997, classified by rating categories. The category assigned is the
highest rating by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, as
to $42.4 million estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities not rated by
such firms, the rating assigned by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners ("NAIC"). For the purposes of this table, NAIC Class 1 is included
in the "A" rating; Class 2, "BBB-"; Class 3, "BB-"; and Classes 4-6, "B+ and
below":
PERCENT OF PERCENT OF
INVESTMENT FIXED TOTAL
RATING MATURITIES INVESTMENTS
================================================================================
AAA ................................... 39% 27%
AA .................................... 7 5
A ..................................... 18 13
BBB+ .................................. 8 6
BBB ................................... 12 8
BBB- .................................. 8 5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment-grade .................... 92 64
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BB+ ................................... 2 1
BB .................................... 2 1
BB- ................................... 1 1
B+ and below ......................... 3 2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below investment-grade .............. 8 5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total actively managed fixed maturities 100% 69%
================================================================================
Great American Reserve plans to maintain approximately the present level of
below investment grade fixed maturities. These securities generally have greater
risks than other corporate debt investments, including risk of loss upon default
by the borrower, and are often unsecured and subordinated to other creditors.
Below investment grade issuers usually have high levels of indebtedness and are
more sensitive to adverse economic conditions, such as recession or increasing
interest rates, than are investment grade issuers. Great American Reserve is
aware of these risks and monitors its below investment grade securities closely.
At December 31, 1997, Great American Reserve's below investment grade fixed
maturity investments had an amortized cost of $135.8 million and an estimated
fair value of $132.3 million.
Great American Reserve's investment portfolio is managed by CCM. Great
American Reserve and CCM periodically evaluate the creditworthiness of each
issuer whose securities are held in the portfolio. Special attention is paid to
those securities whose market values have declined materially for reasons other
than changes in interest rates or other general market conditions. Great
American Reserve considers available information to evaluate the realizable
value of the investment, the specific condition of the issuer, and the issuer's
ability to comply with the material terms of the security. Information reviewed
may include the recent operational results and financial position of the issuer,
information about its industry, recent press releases and other information. CCM
employs a staff of experienced securities analysts in a variety of specialty
areas. Among other responsibilities, this staff compiles and reviews such
evidence. If evidence does not exist to support a realizable value equal to or
greater than the carrying value of the investment and such decline in market
value is determined to be other than temporary, Great American Reserve reduces
the carrying amount to its net realizable value, which becomes the new cost
basis; the amount of the reduction is reported as an investment loss. Great
American Reserve recognizes any recovery of such reductions in the cost basis of
an investment only upon the sale, repayment or other disposition of the
investment. Great American Reserve recorded writedowns of investments of $.3
million in 1997 and $.8 million in 1996 as a result of changes in conditions
which caused it to conclude that the decline in fair value of such investments
was other than temporary. Great American Reserve's investment portfolio is
subject to the risks of further declines in realizable value. Great American
Reserve and CCM, however, attempt to mitigate this risk through the
diversification and active management of its portfolio.
Great American Reserve had no fixed maturity investment in technical default
(i.e., in default, but not as to the payment of interest or principal) and $.3
million of fixed maturity investments in substantive default (i.e., in default
due to nonpayment of interest or principal) at December 31, 1997.
At December 31, 1997, fixed maturity investments included $559.8 million of
mortgage-backed securities (32 percent of the fixed maturity security
portfolio). CMOs are securities backed by pools of pass-through securities
and/or mortgages that are segregated into sections or "tranches" which provide
for sequential retirement of principal rather than the pro rata share of
principal return which occurs through regular monthly principal payments on
pass-through securities.
The yield characteristics of mortgage-backed securities differ from those of
traditional fixed income securities. Interest and principal payments occur more
frequently, often monthly, and mortgage-backed securities are subject to risks
associated with variable prepayments. Prepayment rates are influenced by a
number of factors which cannot be predicted with certainty, including the
relative sensitivity of the underlying mortgages backing the assets to changes
in interest rates; a variety of economic, geographic and other factors; and the
repayment priority of the securities in the overall securitization structures.
In general, prepayments on the underlying mortgage loans, and the securities
backed by these loans, increase when the level of prevailing interest rates
declines significantly below the interest rates on such loans. Mortgage-backed
securities purchased at a discount to par will experience an increase in yield
when the underlying mortgages prepay faster than expected. Those securities
purchased at a premium that prepay faster than expected will incur a reduction
in yield. When declines in interest rates occur, the proceeds from the
prepayment of mortgage-backed securities are likely to be reinvested at lower
rates than Great American Reserve was earning on the prepaid securities. As the
level of prevailing interest rates increases, prepayments on mortgage-backed
securities decrease as fewer underlying mortgages are refinanced. When this
occurs, the average maturity and duration of the mortgage-backed securities
increase, which decreases the yield on mortgage-backed securities purchased at a
discount because the discount is realized as income at a slower rate and
increases the yield on those purchased at a premium as a result of a decrease in
annual amortization of the premium.
The following table sets forth the par value, amortized cost and estimated
fair value of mortgage-backed securities including CMOs
34
<PAGE>
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
summarized by interest rates on the underlying collateral at December 31, 1997:
PAR AMORTIZED ESTIMATED
VALUE COST FAIR VALUE
================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Below 7 percent .......... $218.9 $216.2 $218.9
7 percent - 8 percent..... 228.4 232.5 235.5
8 percent - 9 percent..... 63.9 62.6 64.2
9 percent and above....... 38.9 40.3 41.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total mortgage-backed securities $550.1 $551.6 $559.8
================================================================================
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of mortgage-backed securities
including CMOs at December 31, 1997, summarized by type of security were as
follows:
ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE
--------------------
% OF
AMORTIZED FIXED
TYPE COST AMOUNT MATURITIES
================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Pass-throughs and sequential
and targeted amortization classes $455.4 $462.2 26%
Planned amortization classes and
accretion directed bonds ........... 67.6 68.7 4
Subordinated classes ................. 28.6 28.9 2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$551.6 $559.8 32%
================================================================================
Pass-throughs and sequential and targeted amortization classes have similar
prepayment variability. Pass-throughs have historically provided the best
liquidity in the mortgage-backed securities market and provide the best
price/performance ratio in a highly volatile interest rate environment. This
type of security is also frequently used as collateral in the dollar-roll
market. Sequential classes pay in a strict sequence; all principal payments
received by the CMO are paid to the sequential tranches in order of priority.
Targeted amortization classes provide a modest amount of prepayment protection
when prepayments on the underlying collateral increase from those assumed at
pricing. Thus, they offer slightly better call protection than sequential
classes and pass-throughs.
Planned amortization classes and accretion directed bonds are some of the
most stable and liquid instruments in the mortgage-backed securities market.
Planned amortization class bonds adhere to a fixed schedule of principal
payments as long as the underlying mortgage collateral experiences prepayments
within a certain range. Changes in prepayment rates are first absorbed by
support classes. This insulates the planned amortization classes from the
consequences of both faster prepayments (average life shortening) and slower
prepayments (average life extension).
Subordinated CMO classes have both prepayment and credit risk. The
subordinated classes are used to lend credit enhancement to the senior
securities and as such, rating agencies require that this support not
deteriorate due to the prepayment of the subordinated securities. The credit
risk of subordinated classes is derived from the negative leverage of owning a
small percentage of the underlying mortgage loan collateral while bearing a
majority of the risk of loss due to homeowner defaults.
All mortgage-backed securities are subject to risks associated with variable
prepayments. As a result, these securities may have a different actual maturity
than planned at the time of purchase. When securities having a cost greater than
par are backed by mortgages that prepay faster than expected, Great American
Reserve records a charge to investment income. When securities having a cost
less than par prepay faster than expected, Great American Reserve records
investment income.
The degree to which a mortgage-backed security is susceptible to income
fluctuations is influenced by: (i) the difference between its cost and par; (ii)
the relative sensitivity of the underlying mortgages backing the security to
prepayment in a changing interest rate environment; and (iii) the repayment
priority of the security in the overall securitization structure. Great American
Reserve limits the extent of these risks by : (i) purchasing securities which
are backed by collateral with lower prepayment sensitivity (such as mortgages
priced at a discount to par value and mortgages that are extremely seasoned);
(ii) avoiding securities whose values are heavily influenced by changes in
prepayments (such as interest-only and principal-only securities); and (iii)
investing in securities structured to reduce prepayment risk (such as planned
amortization class ("PAC") and targeted amortization class ("TAC")
collateralized mortgage obligations). PAC and TAC instruments represented
approximately 17 percent of Great American Reserve's mortgage-backed securities
at December 31, 1997.
If Great American Reserve determines that it will dispose of an investment
held in the actively managed fixed maturity category, it will either sell the
security or transfer it to the trading account at its fair value; the gain or
loss is recognized immediately. There were no such transfers in 1997. During
1997, Great American Reserve sold actively managed fixed maturity securities
generating proceeds of $739.4 million, resulting in $20.6 million of investment
gains and $5.1 million in investment losses (before related expenses,
amortization and taxes). Such securities were sold in response to changes in the
investment environment which created opportunities to enhance the total return
of the investment portfolio without adversely affecting the quality of the
portfolio or the matching of expected maturities of assets and liabilities. The
realization of gains and losses affects the timing of the amortization of the
cost of policies produced and the cost of policies purchased, as explained in
note 1 to the financial statements.
OTHER INVESTMENTS
Credit-tenant loans are loans on commercial properties where the lease of the
principal tenant is assigned to the lender and the principal tenant, or any
guarantor of such tenant's obligations, has a credit rating at the time of
origination of the loan of at least or B- or its equivalent. The underwriting
guidelines consider such factors as: (i) the lease term of the property; (ii)
the mortgagee's management ability, including business experience, property
management capabilities and financial soundness; and (iii) such economic,
demographic or other factors that may affect the income generated by the
property, or its value. The underwriting guidelines also generally require a
loan-to-value ratio of 75 percent or less. Credit-tenant loans are carried at
amortized cost and were $88.9 million at December 31, 1997, or 3.6 percent of
total invested assets. The total estimated fair value of credit-tenant loans was
$93.4 million at December 31, 1997.
At December 31, 1997, Great American Reserve held mortgage loan investments
with a carrying value of $57.2 million (or 2.3 percent of total invested assets)
and a fair value of $61.2 million. Substantially all of the mortgage loan
investments were commercial loans.
Non-current mortgage loans were not significant at December 31, 1997. At
December 31, 1997, Great American Reserve had a loan loss reserve of $.8
million. Approximately 35 percent, 20 percent, 9 percent and 9 percent of the
mortgage loans were on properties located in California, Texas, Kentucky and
Florida, respectively. No other state comprised greater than 5 percent of the
mortgage loan balance.
35
<PAGE>
================================================================================
At December 31, 1997, Great American Reserve held $.9 million of trading
securities. Trading securities are investments that are purchased with the
intent to be traded prior to their maturity, or are believed likely to be
disposed of in the foreseeable future as a result of market or issuer
developments. Trading securities are carried at estimated fair value, with the
changes in fair value reflected in the statement of operations.
Short-term investments totaled $49.5 million, or 2.0 percent of invested
assets at December 31, 1997, and consisted primarily of commercial paper and
repurchase agreements relating to government securities.
LIQUIDITY
Great American Reserve generally produces adequate cash flow from premium
collections and investment income to meet its obligations. The liabilities
related to insurance policies are primarily long term and generally are paid
from future cash flows. Most of the assets, other than policy loans, are
invested in bonds and other securities, substantially all of which are readily
marketable. Although there is no present need or intent to dispose of such
investments, Great American Reserve could liquidate portions of its investments
if the need arose.
As part of its investment strategy, Great American Reserve enters into
reverse repurchase agreements and dollar-roll transactions to increase its
return on investments and improve its liquidity. Reverse repurchase agreements
involve a sale of securities and an agreement to repurchase the same securities
at a later date at an agreed upon price. Dollar-rolls are similar to reverse
repurchase agreements except that the repurchase involves securities that are
only substantially the same as the securities sold. These transactions are
accounted for as short-term collateralized borrowings. Such borrowings averaged
approximately $90.4 million during 1997 (compared with an average of $115.3
million during 1996) and were collateralized by investment securities with fair
values approximately equal to the loan value. The weighted average interest rate
on short-term collateralized borrowings was 4.4 percent in 1997 and 5.3 percent
in 1996. The primary risk associated with short-term collateralized borrowings
is that the counterparty will be unable to perform under the terms of the
contract. Great American Reserve's exposure is limited to the excess of the net
replacement cost of the securities over the value of the short-term investments
(which was not material at December 31, 1997). Great American Reserve believes
that the counterparties to its reverse repurchase and dollar-roll agreements are
financially responsible and that the counterparty risk is minimal.
Of Great American Reserve's total insurance liabilities at December 31, 1997
less than 8 percent could not be surrendered, 49 percent could be surrendered
only by incurring a surrender charge and 43 percent could be surrendered without
penalty.
Great American Reserve believes that it has adequate short-term investments
and readily marketable investment-grade securities to cover the payments under
contracts containing fixed payment dates plus any likely cash needs for all
other contracts and obligations. Great American Reserve's investment portfolio
at December 31, 1997 included $49.5 million of short-term investments and $1.5
billion of publicly traded investment-grade bonds. Great American Reserve
believes that such investments could be readily sold at or near carrying value
or used to facilitate borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements.
YEAR 2000 CONVERSION COSTS
Great American Reserve, like other companies, has initiated programs to
ensure that all of the computer systems it utilizes (including the computer
systems used by its outside service providers) will function properly in the
year 2000. Although an assessment of the total expected costs specifically
related to the year 2000 conversion has not been completed, the total amounts to
be expensed over the next two years are not expected to have a significant
effect on Great American Reserve's financial position or results of operations.
Great American Reserve believes it has taken steps that are reasonably designed
to address the potential failure of computer systems used by its service
providers and to ensure its year 2000 program is completed on a timely basis.
However, there can be no assurance that the steps taken will be sufficient to
avoid any adverse impact.
MARKET-SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Great American Reserve seeks to invest its available funds in a manner that
will maximize shareholder value and fund future obligations to policyholders and
debtors, subject to appropriate risk considerations. Great American Reserve
seeks to meet this objective through investments that: (i) have similar
characteristics to the liabilities they support; (ii) are diversified among
industries, issuers and geographic locations; and (iii) make up a predominantly
investment-grade fixed maturity securities portfolio. Many of Great American
Reserve's products incorporate surrender charges, market interest rate
adjustments or other features to encourage persistency. Approximately 49 percent
of Great American Reserve's total insurance liabilities at December 31, 1997,
had surrender penalties or other restrictions and approximately 8 percent are
not subject to surrender.
Great American Reserve seeks to maximize the total return on its investments
through active investment management. Accordingly, Great American Reserve has
determined that its entire portfolio of fixed maturity securities is available
to be sold in response to: (i) changes in market interest rates; (ii) changes in
relative values of individual securities and asset sectors; (iii) changes in
prepayment risks; (iv) changes in credit quality outlook for certain securities;
(v) liquidity needs; and (vi) other factors. From time to time, Great American
Reserve invests in securities for trading purposes, although such investments
account for a relatively small portion of Great American Reserve's total
portfolio.
Profitability of many of Great American Reserve's products is significantly
affected by the spreads between interest yields on investments and rates
credited on insurance liabilities. Although substantially all credited rates on
Great American Reserve's annuity products may be changed annually (subject to
minimum guaranteed rates), changes in competition and other factors, including
the impact of the level of surrenders and withdrawals, may limit Great American
Reserve's ability to adjust or to maintain crediting rates at levels necessary
to avoid narrowing of spreads under certain market conditions. As of December
31, 1997, the average yield, computed on the cost basis of Great American
Reserve's investment portfolio, was 7.5 percent, and the average interest rate
credited or accruing to Great American Reserve's total insurance liabilities was
5.4 percent, excluding interest bonuses guaranteed for the first year of the
annuity contract only.
Great American Reserve uses computer models to perform simulations of the
cash flows generated from its existing business under vari-
36
<PAGE>
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
ous interest rate scenarios. These simulations enable Great American Reserve to
measure the potential gain or loss in fair value of its interest rate-sensitive
financial instruments. With such estimates, Great American Reserve seeks to
closely match the duration of its assets to the duration of its liabilities.
When the estimated durations of assets and liabilities are similar, exposure to
interest rate risk is minimized because a change in the value of assets should
be largely offset by a change in the value of liabilities. At December 31, 1997,
the adjusted modified duration of our fixed maturity securities and short-term
investments was approximately 5.6 years and the duration of our insurance
liabilities was approximately 7.0 years.
If interest rates were to increase by 10 percent from their December 31, 1997
levels, Great American Reserve's fixed maturity securities and short-term
investments (net of corresponding changes in the value of cost of policies
purchased, cost of policies produced and insurance liabilities) would decline in
fair value by approximately $35 million. The calculations involved in Great
American Reserve's computer simulations incorporate numerous assumptions,
require significant estimates and assume an immediate change in interest rates
without any management of the investment portfolio in reaction to such change.
Consequently, potential changes in the value of Great American Reserve's
financial instruments indicated by the simulations will likely be different from
the actual changes experienced under given interest rate scenarios, and the
differences may be material. Because Great American Reserve actively manages its
investments and liabilities, actual losses could be less than those estimated
above.
THE COMPANY'S DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The directors and principal executive officers of the Company as of February
9, 1998 are listed below, together with information as to their ages, dates of
election and principal business occupation during the last five years.
PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OCCUPATION
NAME DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
================================================================================
Ngaire E. Cuneo Since 1993, Director of Conseco's principal insurance
(Age 47) subsidiaries. Since 1992, Executive Vice President,
Corporate Development of Conseco, Inc. and various
positions with certain of its affiliates. Prior
thereto, Ms. Cuneo was Senior Vice President/Managing
Director of GE Capital from 1986 -- 1992.
Stephen C. Hilbert Since 1979, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
(Age 52) Officer and Director of Conseco, Inc. Since 1988,
President and various positions with the Company and
certain of its affiliates.
Rollin M. Dick Since 1986, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
(Age 66) Officer and Director of Conseco, Inc. and various
positions with the Company and certain of its
affiliates.
Thomas J. Kilian Since 1998, Executive Vice President, Chief Operations
(Age 46) Officer and Director of Conseco, Inc. and various
positions with certain of its affiliates. President of
Great American Reserve.
John J. Sabl Since 1997, Director, Executive Vice President and
(Age 46) General Counsel of Conseco, Inc. and various positions
with certain of its affiliates. Prior thereto, Mr. Sabl
was a partner in the law firm of Sidley & Austin in
Chicago, Illinois.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Company has no full-time employees and does not pay compensation to any
employee, officer or director of the Company.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no legal proceedings to which the Variable Account is a party or to
which the assets of the Variable Account are subject. Neither the Company nor
the Distributor is involved in any litigation that is of material importance in
relation to their total assets or that relates to the Variable Account.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
Additional information concerning the Variable Account is contained in a SAI
which is available without charge, by contacting the Company at 11815 N.
Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, Indiana 46032, (800)342-6307.
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
A Registration Statement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the
Contracts and Certificates offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all
the information set forth in the Registration Statement and amendments thereto
and exhibits filed as a part thereof, to all of which reference is hereby made
for further information concerning the Company and the Contracts and
Certificates offered hereby. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the
content of Contracts and Certificates and other legal instruments are summaries.
For a complete statement of the terms thereof, reference is made to such
instruments as filed.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Blazzard, Grodd & Hasenauer, P.C., Westport, Connecticut has provided advice
on certain matters relating to the federal securities and income tax laws in
connection with the Contracts.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The financial statements of Great American Reserve as of December 31, 1997
and 1996, and for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, the four months
ended December 31, 1995, and the eight months ended August 31, 1995, included in
this prospectus, have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent
accountants, as set forth in their report appearing herein, and have been so
included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as
experts in accounting and auditing.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial statements of the Company are included in this Prospectus. No
financial statements for the Variable Account have been included because, as of
December 31, 1997, the Variable Account had no assets. The financial statements
of the Company included herein should be considered only as bearing upon the
ability of the Company to meet its obligations under the Contracts and
Certificates.
37
<PAGE>
================================================================================
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
================================================================================
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Great American Reserve
Insurance Company (the "Company") as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
related statements of operations, shareholder's equity and cash flows for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the four months ended December 31,
1995. We have also audited the accompanying statement of operations,
shareholder's equity and cash flows of the Company for the eight months ended
August 31, 1995 based on the basis of accounting applicable to periods prior to
the adoption of push down accounting upon Conseco, Inc.'s purchase of all common
shares of the Company it did not previously own (see note 1 of the notes to
financial statements regarding the adoption of push down accounting). These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Great American Reserve
Insurance Company as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996,
the four months ended December 31, 1995 and the eight months ended August 31,
1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
------------------------------
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
Indianapolis, Indiana
April 20, 1998
38
<PAGE>
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND
1996
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE SHEET
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNT)
===============================================================================================================================
1997 1996
================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Investments:
Actively managed fixed maturities at fair value
(amortized cost: 1997 - $1,705.2; 1996 - $1,810.8)............................................... $1,734.0 $1,795.1
Mortgage loans..................................................................................... 57.2 77.3
Credit-tenant loans................................................................................ 88.9 93.4
Policy loans....................................................................................... 80.6 80.8
Other invested assets.............................................................................. 88.2 89.0
Short-term investments............................................................................. 49.5 14.8
Assets held in separate accounts................................................................... 402.1 232.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investments................................................................................ 2,500.5 2,382.8
Accrued investment income.............................................................................. 30.5 32.9
Cost of policies purchased............................................................................. 101.6 143.0
Cost of policies produced.............................................................................. 60.7 38.2
Reinsurance receivables................................................................................ 21.9 25.7
Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization: 1997 - $13.2; 1996 - $11.7)................................. 48.2 49.7
Other assets........................................................................................... 8.3 8.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets..................................................................................... $2,771.7 $2,680.5
================================================================================================================================
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Liabilities:
Insurance liabilities:
Interest sensitive products...................................................................... $1,522.1 $1,636.5
Traditional products............................................................................. 248.3 251.5
Claims payable and other policyholder funds...................................................... 62.5 69.5
Liabilities related to separate accounts......................................................... 402.1 232.4
Income tax liabilities............................................................................. 44.2 29.8
Investment borrowings.............................................................................. 61.0 48.4
Other liabilities.................................................................................. 14.6 15.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities................................................................................ 2,354.8 2,283.6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder's equity:
Common stock and additional paid-in capital (par value $4.80 per share, 1,065,000
shares authorized, 1,043,565 shares issued and outstanding)...................................... 380.8 380.8
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of fixed maturity securities
(net of applicable deferred income taxes: 1997-- $4.4; 1996-- $(2.4)).......................... 8.2 (4.4)
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of other investments
(net of applicable deferred income taxes: 1997-- $.3; 1996-- $(.1))............................ .5 (.2)
Retained earnings.................................................................................. 27.4 20.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Shareholder's Equity ...................................................................... 416.9 396.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity....................................................... $2,771.7 $2,680.5
================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
39
<PAGE>
================================================================================
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
==================================================================================================================================
PRIOR BASIS
-----------
YEAR YEAR FOUR MONTHS EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1997 1996 1995 1995
==================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Insurance policy income................................................ $ 75.7 $ 81.4 $ 31.8 $ 60.5
Net investment income.................................................. 222.6 218.4 74.2 136.4
Net investment gains................................................... 13.3 2.7 12.5 7.3
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues....................................................... 311.6 302.5 118.5 204.2
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Benefits and expenses:
Insurance policy benefits.............................................. 56.5 54.9 18.9 45.9
Change in future policy benefits....................................... (4.8) (3.7) .2 (4.3)
Amounts added to annuity and financial product
policyholder account balances:
Interest............................................................. 83.6 93.8 32.9 66.7
Other amounts added to variable annuity products..................... 55.7 35.6 11.3 7.9
Interest expense on investment borrowings.............................. 4.0 6.2 1.0 3.6
Amortization........................................................... 27.1 20.3 15.3 16.0
Other operating costs and expenses..................................... 28.2 54.3 13.1 23.7
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total benefits and expenses.......................................... 250.3 261.4 92.7 159.5
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes........................................... 61.3 41.1 25.8 44.7
Income tax expense....................................................... 22.1 15.4 9.7 16.5
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income........................................................... $ 39.2 $ 25.7 $ 16.1 $ 28.2
=================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
40
<PAGE>
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
==================================================================================================================================
COMMON STOCK ACCUMULATED OTHER
AND ADDITIONAL COMPREHENSIVE RETAINED
TOTAL PAID-IN CAPITAL INCOME EARNINGS
==================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1994 (a)........................................... $364.9 $339.7 $(55.1) $80.3
Comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net income (a)....................................................... 28.2 -- -- 28.2
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities
(net of applicable income taxes of 34.1) (a)....................... 59.0 -- 59.0 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total comprehensive income (a)................................... 87.2
Dividends on common stock (a).......................................... (41.2) -- -- (41.2)
Adjustment of balance due to new accounting basis...................... 5.1 41.1 (2.0) (34.0)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, August 31, 1995................................................. 416.0 380.8 1.9 33.3
Comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net income........................................................... 16.1 -- -- 16.1
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities
(net of applicable income taxes of $6.1)........................... 10.5 -- 10.5 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total comprehensive income....................................... 26.6
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1995............................................... 442.6 380.8 12.4 49.4
Comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net income........................................................... 25.7 -- -- 25.7
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities
(net of applicable income taxes of ($9.7))......................... (17.0) -- (17.0) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total comprehensive income....................................... 8.7
Dividends on common stock.............................................. (54.4) -- -- (54.4)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1996............................................... 396.9 380.8 (4.6) 20.7
Comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net income........................................................... 39.2 -- -- 39.2
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities
(net of applicable income taxes of $7.2)........................... 13.3 -- 13.3 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total comprehensive income....................................... 52.5
Dividends on common stock.............................................. (32.5) -- -- (32.5)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1997............................................... $416.9 $380.8 $ 8.7 $27.4
==================================================================================================================================
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Prior basis.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
41
<PAGE>
================================================================================
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
================================================================================================================================
PRIOR BASIS
------------
YEAR YEAR FOUR MONTHS EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1997 1996 1995 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income.......................................................... $ 39.2 $ 25.7 $ 16.1 $ 28.2
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Amortization.................................................... 27.1 20.3 15.3 16.0
Income taxes.................................................... 6.7 (3.9) 2.3 2.9
Insurance liabilities........................................... (60.9) (40.5) (25.8) (14.0)
Amounts added to annuity and financial product
policyholder account balances................................. 139.3 129.4 44.2 74.6
Fees charged to insurance liabilities........................... (31.3) (32.8) (10.3) (22.2)
Accrual and amortization of investment income................... .3 3.1 3.2 (1.8)
Deferral of cost of policies produced........................... (31.8) (13.2) (3.0) (6.6)
Investment gains................................................ (13.3) (2.7) (12.5) (7.3)
Other........................................................... (4.6) (8.8) (8.9) (3.2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities....................... 70.7 76.6 20.6 66.6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Sales of investments................................................ 755.2 988.9 513.2 406.5
Maturities and redemptions.......................................... 150.4 101.7 60.4 57.5
Purchases of investments............................................ (753.6) (954.2) (532.2) (476.2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities................ 152.0 136.4 41.4 (12.2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Deposits to insurance liabilities................................... 255.9 169.8 50.8 104.4
Cash paid in reinsurance recapture.................................. -- -- (71.1) --
Investment borrowings............................................... 12.6 (35.8) (36.8) 121.0
Withdrawals from insurance liabilities.............................. (424.0) (306.7) (71.9) (166.3)
Dividends paid on common stock...................................... (32.5) (44.5) -- (41.2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities................ (188.0) (217.2) (129.0) 17.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in short-term investments............... 34.7 (4.2) (67.0) 72.3
Short-term investments, beginning of period........................... 14.8 19.0 86.0 13.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term investments, end of period ................................ $ 49.5 $ 14.8 $ 19.0 $ 86.0
================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
42
<PAGE>
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
================================================================================
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Great American Reserve Insurance Company (the "Company") markets
tax-qualified annuities and certain employee benefit- related insurance products
through professional independent agents. Since August 1995, the Company has been
a wholly owned subsidiary of Conseco, Inc. ("Conseco"), a financial services
holding company engaged in the development, marketing and administration of
supplemental health insurance, annuity, individual life insurance, individual
and group major medical insurance and other insurance products. During 1994,
Conseco effectively owned 36 percent of the Company, through its ownership
interest in CCP Insurance, Inc. ("CCP"), a holding company organized for
companies previously acquired by Conseco Capital Partners, Inc. (the
"Partnership"), a limited partnership organized by Conseco. The Company was
acquired by the Partnership in 1990 (the "Partnership Acquisition"). During
1995, Conseco's ownership in CCP (and in the Company) increased to 49 percent as
a result of purchases of CCP common stock by CCP and Conseco. In August 1995,
Conseco completed the purchase of the remaining shares of CCP common stock it
did not already own in a transaction pursuant to which CCP was merged with
Conseco, with Conseco being the surviving corporation (the "Conseco
Acquisition").
The accompanying financial statements give effect to "push down" purchase
accounting to reflect the Partnership Acquisition and the Conseco Acquisition.
As a result of applying "push down" purchase accounting: (i) the Company's
financial position and results of operations for periods subsequent to the
Partnership Acquisition and before the Conseco Acquisition (the "prior basis")
reflect the Partnership's cost to acquire the Company's asset and liability
accounts based upon their estimated fair values at the purchase date; and (ii)
the Company's financial position and results of operations for periods
subsequent to the Conseco Acquisition reflect Conseco's cost to acquire the
Company's asset and liability accounts based upon their estimated fair values at
the purchase dates.
The effect of the adoption of the new basis of accounting on the Company's
balance sheet accounts on August 31, 1995, was as follows (dollars in millions):
DEBIT
(CREDIT)
======================================================================
Cost of policies purchased ................................. $59.0
Cost of policies produced .................................. (27.0)
Goodwill ................................................... (15.1)
Insurance liabilities ...................................... (1.2)
Income tax liabilities ..................................... (11.9)
Other ...................................................... 1.3
Common stock and additional paid-in capital ................ (41.1)
Net unrealized appreciation of fixed maturity securities ... 1.4
Net unrealized appreciation of other investments ........... .6
Retained earnings .......................................... 34.0
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), which differ in some respects
from statutory accounting practices followed in the preparation of financial
statements submitted to state insurance departments. As such, they include
amounts based on informed estimates and judgment, with consideration given to
materiality. Many estimates and assumptions are utilized in calculating
amortized value and recoverability of securities, cost of policies produced,
cost of policies purchased, goodwill, insurance liabilities, guaranty fund
assessment accruals, liabilities for litigation and deferred income taxes.
Actual results could differ from reported results using those estimates. Certain
amounts from the 1996 financial statements and notes have been reclassified to
conform with the 1997 presentation.
INVESTMENTS
Fixed maturity investments are securities that mature more than one year
after issuance. They include bonds, notes receivable and preferred stocks with
mandatory redemption features and are classified as follows:
Actively managed - fixed maturity securities that may be sold prior to
maturity due to changes that might occur in market interest rates, issuer
credit quality or the Company's liquidity requirements. Actively managed
fixed maturity securities are carried at estimated fair value and the
unrealized gain or loss is recorded net of tax and related adjustments
described below as a component of shareholder's equity.
Trading - fixed maturity securities are bought and held principally for the
purpose of selling them in the near term. Trading securities are carried at
estimated fair value. Unrealized gains or losses are included in net
investment gains (losses). The Company held $.9 million of trading securities
at December 31, 1997, which are included in other invested assets. The
Company did not hold any trading securities at December 31, 1996 or 1995.
Held to maturity - fixed maturity securities which the Company has the
ability and positive intent to hold to maturity, and are carried at amortized
cost. The Company may dispose of these securities if the credit quality of
the issuer deteriorates, if regulatory requirements change or under other
unforeseen circumstances. The Company has not held any securities in this
classification during 1997, 1996 or 1995.
Anticipated returns, including investment gains and losses, from the
investment of policyholder balances are considered in determining the
amortization of the cost of policies purchased and the cost of policies
produced. When actively managed fixed maturity securities are stated at
estimated fair value, an adjustment to the cost of policies purchased and the
cost of policies produced may be necessary if a change in amortization would
have been recorded if such securities had been sold at their fair value and the
proceeds reinvested at current yields. Furthermore, if future yields expected to
be earned on such securities decline, it may be necessary to increase certain
insurance liabilities. Adjustments to such liabilities are required when their
balances, in addition to future net cash flows (including investment income),
are insufficient to cover future benefits and expenses.
Unrealized gains and losses and the related adjustments described in the
preceding paragraph have no effect on earnings, but are recorded, net of tax, as
a component of shareholder's equity. The fol-
43
<PAGE>
================================================================================
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
================================================================================
lowing tables summarize the effect of these adjustments as of December 31, 1997:
EFFECT OF
FAIR VALUE
ADJUSTMENT TO
ACTIVELY
MANAGED
BALANCE FIXED
BEFORE MATURITY REPORTED
ADJUSTMENT SECURITIES AMOUNT
================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Actively managed fixed
maturity securities..... $1,705.2 $ 28.8 $1,734.0
Cost of policies purchased 115.0 (13.4) 101.6
Cost of policies produced. 63.5 (2.8) 60.7
Income tax liabilities.... 39.8 4.4 44.2
Net unrealized appreciation of
fixed maturity securities, net. -- 8.2 8.2
When changes in conditions cause a fixed maturity investment to be
transferred to a different category (e.g. actively managed, held to maturity or
trading), the security is transferred to the new category at its fair value at
the date of the transfer. There were no such transfers in 1997, 1996 or 1995. At
the transfer date, the security's unrealized gain or loss is recorded as
follows:
o For transfers to the trading category, the unrealized gain or loss is
recognized in earnings;
o For transfers from the trading category, the unrealized gain or loss already
recognized in earnings is not reversed;
o For transfers to actively managed from held to maturity, the unrealized gain
or loss is recognized in shareholder's equity; and
o For transfers to held to maturity from actively managed, the unrealized gain
or loss at the date of transfer continues to be recognized in shareholder's
equity, but is amortized as a yield adjustment until ultimately sold.
Credit-tenant loans ("CTLs") are loans for commercial properties which
require: (i) the lease of the principal tenant to be assigned to the Company;
(ii) the lease to produce adequate cash flow to fund substantially all the cash
requirements of the loan; and (iii) the principal tenant, or the guarantor of
such tenant's obligations, to have an investment-grade credit rating when the
loan is made. These loans also must be secured by the value of the related
property. Underwriting guidelines take into account such factors as: (i) the
lease term of the property; (ii) the borrower's management ability, including
business experience, property management capabilities and financial soundness;
and (iii) such economic, demographic or other factors that may affect the income
generated by the property or its value. The underwriting guidelines generally
require a loan-to-value ratio of 75 percent or less. Credit-tenant loans and
traditional mortgage loans are carried at amortized cost.
Policy loans are stated at their current unpaid principal balance.
Short-term investments include commercial paper, invested cash and other
investments purchased with maturities of less than three months and are carried
at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. The Company considers all
short-term investments to be cash equivalents.
Fees received and costs incurred in connection with origination of
investments, principally CTLs and mortgage loans, are deferred. Fees, costs,
discounts and premiums are amortized as yield adjustments over the contractual
life of the investments. Anticipated prepayments on mortgage-backed securities
are taken into consideration in determining estimated future yields on such
securities.
The specific identification method is used to account for the disposition of
investments. The differences between sale proceeds and carrying values are
reported as investment gains and losses, or as adjustments to investment income
if the proceeds are prepayments by issuers prior to maturity.
The Company regularly evaluates investment securities, credit-tenant loans
and mortgage loans based on current economic conditions, past credit loss
experience and other circumstances of the investee. A decline in a security's
net realizable value that is other than temporary is treated as an investment
loss and the cost basis of the security is reduced to its estimated fair value.
Impaired loans are revalued at the present value of expected cash flows
discounted at the loan's effective interest rate when it is probable that the
Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual
terms of the agreement. The Company accrues interest on the net carrying amount
of impaired loans.
As part of the Company's investment strategy, the Company may enter into
reverse repurchase agreements and dollar-roll transactions to increase its
investment return or to improve liquidity. These transactions are accounted for
as collateral borrowings, where the amount borrowed is equal to the sales price
of the underlying securities.
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
Separate accounts are funds on which investment income and gains or losses
accrue directly to certain policyholders. The assets of these accounts are
legally segregated. They are not subject to the claims which may arise out of
any other business of the Company. The Company reports separate account assets
at market value; the underlying investment risks are assumed by the CONTRACT
holders. The Company records the related liabilities at amounts equal to the
underlying assets; the fair value of these liabilities equals their carrying
amount.
COST OF POLICIES PURCHASED
The cost of policies purchased represents the portion of the acquisition cost
that was allocated to the value of the right to receive future cash flows from
insurance CONTRACTS existing at the date such insurance CONTRACTS were acquired.
The value of cost of policies purchased is the actuarially determined present
value of the projected future cash flows from the insurance CONTRACTS existing
at the acquisition date. The method used to value the cost of policies purchased
is consistent with the valuation methods used most commonly to value blocks of
insurance business, which is also consistent with the basic methodology
generally used to value assets. The method used is summarized as follows:
o Identify the expected future cash flows from the blocks of business.
o Identify the risks inherent in realizing those cash flows (i.e., what is the
probability that the cash flows will be realized).
o Identify the rate of return necessary to accept these risks, based on
consideration of the factors summarized below.
o Determine the value of the policies purchased by discounting the expected
future cash flows by the discount rate required.
44
<PAGE>
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
================================================================================
The expected future cash flows used in determining such value are based on
actuarially determined projections of future premium collections, mortality,
surrenders, operating expenses, changes in insurance liabilities, investment
yields on the assets held to back the policy liabilities and other factors.
These projections take into account all factors known or expected at the
valuation date, based on the collective judgment of the Company's management.
Actual experience on purchased business may vary from projections due to
differences in renewal premiums collected, investment spread, investment gains
or losses, mortality and morbidity costs and other factors.
The discount rate used to determine the value of the cost of policies
purchased is the rate of return needed to earn in order to invest in the
business being acquired. In determining this required rate of return, the
following factors are considered:
o The magnitude of the risks associated with each of the actuarial assumptions
used in determining expected future cash flows.
o The cost of capital required to fund the acquisition.
o The likelihood of changes in projected future cash flows that might occur if
there are changes in insurance regulations and tax laws.
o The acquired business compatibility with other activities of the Company
that may favorably affect future cash flows.
o The complexity of the acquired business.
o Recent prices (i.e., discount rates used in determining valuations) paid by
others to acquire similar blocks of business.
After the cost of policies purchased is determined, it is amortized based on
the incidence of the expected cash flows. This asset is amortized using the
interest rate credited to the underlying policies.
If renewal premiums collected, investment spread, investment gains or losses,
mortality and morbidity costs or other factors differ from expectations,
amortization of the cost of policies purchased is adjusted. For example, the
sale of a fixed maturity investment may result in a gain (or loss). If the sale
proceeds are reinvested at a lower (or higher) earnings rate, there may also be
a reduction (or increase) in future investment spread. Amortization must be
increased (decreased) to reflect the change in the incidence of expected cash
flows consistent with the methods used with the cost of policies produced
(described below).
Each year, the recoverability of the cost of policies purchased is evaluated
by line of business within each block of purchased insurance business. If
current estimates indicate that the existing insurance liabilities, together
with the present value of future net cash flows from the blocks of business
purchased, will be insufficient to recover the cost of policies purchased, the
difference is charged to expense. Amortization is adjusted consistent with the
methods used with the cost of policies produced (as described below).
The cost of policies purchased related to the original acquisition of the
Company by the Partnership in 1990 is amortized under a slightly different
method than that described above. However, the effect of the different method on
1997 net income was insignificant.
COST OF POLICIES PRODUCED
Costs which vary with and are primarily related to the acquisition of new
business are deferred to the extent that such costs are deemed recoverable.
These costs include commissions, certain costs of policy issuance and
underwriting and certain agency expenses. For traditional life and health
CONTRACTS, deferred costs are amortized with interest in relation to future
anticipated premium revenue using the same assumptions that are used in
calculating the insurance liabilities. For immediate annuities with mortality
risks, deferred costs are amortized in relation to the present value of benefits
to be paid. For universal life-type, interest-sensitive and investment-type
CONTRACTS, deferred costs are amortized in relation to the present value of
expected gross profits from these CONTRACTS, discounted using the interest rate
credited to the policy (currently, 5 percent to 8 percent).
Recoverability of the unamortized balance of cost of policies produced is
evaluated regularly and considers anticipated investment income. For universal
life-type CONTRACTS and investment-type CONTRACTS, the accumulated amortization
is adjusted (whether an increase or a decrease) whenever there is a change in
the estimated gross profits expected over the life of a block of business in
order to maintain a constant relationship between amortization and the present
value (discounted at the rate of interest that accrues to the policies) of
expected gross profits. For traditional and most other CONTRACTS, the
unamortized asset balance is reduced by a charge to income only when the sum of
the present value of discounted future cash flows and the policy liabilities is
not sufficient to cover such asset balance.
GOODWILL
Goodwill is the excess of the amount paid to acquire a company over the fair
value of its net assets. Goodwill is amortized on the straight-line basis over a
40-year period. The Company continually monitors the value of the goodwill based
on estimates of future earnings. The Company determines whether goodwill is
fully recoverable from projected undiscounted net cash flows from earnings of
the subsidiaries over the remaining amortization period. If it is determined
that changes in such projected cash flows no longer supported the recoverability
of goodwill over the remaining amortization period, the Company would reduce its
carrying value with a corresponding charge to expense or shorten the
amortization period (no such changes have occurred). Cash flows considered in
such an analysis are those of the business acquired, if separately identifiable,
or the business segment that acquired the business if such earnings are not
separately identifiable.
INSURANCE LIABILITIES, RECOGNITION OF INSURANCE POLICY INCOME AND RELATED
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Reserves for traditional and limited-payment life insurance CONTRACTS are
generally calculated using the net level premium method based on assumptions as
to investment yields, mortality, morbidity, withdrawals and dividends. The
assumptions are based on projections using past and expected experience and
include provisions for possible adverse deviation. These assumptions are made at
the time the CONTRACT is issued or, in the case of CONTRACTS acquired by
purchase, at the purchase date.
Reserves for universal life-type and investment-type CONTRACTS are based on
the CONTRACT account balance, if future benefit payments in excess of the
account balance are not guaranteed, or on the present value of future benefit
payments when such payments are guaranteed. Additional increases to insurance
liabilities are made if future cash
45
<PAGE>
================================================================================
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
================================================================================
flows including investment income are insufficient to cover future benefits and
expenses.
For investment-type CONTRACTS without mortality risk (such as deferred
annuities and immediate annuities with benefits paid for a period certain) and
for CONTRACTS that permit the Company or the insured to make changes in the
CONTRACT terms (such as single- premium whole life and universal life), premium
deposits and benefit payments are recorded as increases or decreases in a
liability account rather than as revenue and expense. Amounts charged against
the liability account for the cost of insurance, policy administration and
surrender penalties are recorded as revenues. Interest credited to the liability
account and benefit payments made in excess of the CONTRACT liability account
balance are charged to expense.
For traditional life insurance CONTRACTS, premiums are recognized as income
when due. Benefits and expenses are associated with earned premiums resulting in
their level recognition over the premium paying period of the CONTRACTS. Such
recognition is accomplished through the provision for future policy benefits and
the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs.
For CONTRACTS with mortality risk, but with premiums paid for only a limited
period (such as single-premium immediate annuities with benefits paid for the
life of the ANNUITANT), the accounting treatment is similar to traditional
CONTRACTS. However, the excess of the gross premium over the net premium is
deferred and recognized in relation to the present value of expected future
benefit payments.
Liabilities for incurred claims are determined using historical experience
and represent an estimate of the present value of the ultimate net cost of all
reported and unreported claims. Management believes these estimates are
adequate. Such estimates are periodically reviewed and any adjustments are
reflected in current operations.
For participating policies, the amount of dividends to be paid (which are not
significant) is determined annually by the Company. The portion of the earnings
allocated to participating policyholders is recorded as an insurance liability.
REINSURANCE
In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to
loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid over such
limit by ceding reinsurance to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers under
excess coverage and coinsurance CONTRACTS. The Company has set its retention
limit for acceptance of risk on life insurance policies at various levels up to
$.5 million.
Assets and liabilities related to insurance CONTRACTS are reported before the
effects of reinsurance. Reinsurance receivables and prepaid reinsurance premiums
(including amounts related to insurance liabilities) are reported as assets.
Estimated reinsurance receivables are recognized in a manner consistent with the
liabilities relating to the underlying reinsured insurance CONTRACTS.
INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense includes deferred taxes arising from temporary differences
between the tax and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities. This
liability method of accounting for income taxes also requires the Company to
reflect in income the effect of a tax rate change on accumulated deferred income
taxes in the period in which the change is enacted.
In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, the Company considers
whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be
realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the
generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary
differences become deductible. If future income does not occur as expected,
deferred income taxes may need to be written off.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
As of December 31, 1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS 130").
SFAS 130 establishes standards for reporting and presentation of comprehensive
income and its components in a full set of financial statements. Comprehensive
income includes all changes in shareholders' equity (except those arising from
transactions with shareholders) and includes net income and net unrealized gains
(losses) on securities. The new standard requires only additional disclosures in
the consolidated financial statements; it does not affect the financial position
or results of operations.
Comprehensive income excludes net investment gains (losses) included in net
income of: (i) $(3.9) million (after income taxes of $(2.1) million) in 1997;
(ii) $.2 million (after income taxes of $.1 million) in 1996; (iii) $1.4 million
(after income taxes of $.7 million) in the four months ended December 31, 1995;
and (iv) $2.2 million (after income taxes of $1.2 million) in the eight months
ended August 31, 1995.
FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in determining
estimated fair values of financial instruments:
INVESTMENT SECURITIES: The estimated fair values of fixed maturity securities
(including redeemable preferred stocks), equity securities and trading
securities are based on quotes from independent pricing services, where
available. For investment securities for which such quotes are not available,
the estimated fair values are obtained from broker-dealer market makers or by
discounting expected future cash flows using current market interest rates
appropriate for the yield, credit quality of the investments and for fixed
maturities, the maturity of the investments being priced.
MORTGAGE LOANS, CREDIT-TENANT LOANS AND POLICY LOANS: The estimated fair
values of mortgage loans, credit-tenant loans and policy loans are determined by
discounting future expected cash flows using interest rates currently being
offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings. Loans with
similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations.
OTHER INVESTED ASSETS: The estimated fair values of these assets have been
assumed to be equal to their carrying value. Such value is believed to be a
reasonable approximation of the fair value of these investments.
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS: The estimated fair values of short-term investments
are based on quoted market prices, where available. The carrying amount reported
on the balance sheet for these assets approximates their estimated fair value.
INSURANCE LIABILITIES FOR INVESTMENT CONTRACTS: The estimated fair values of
liabilities under investment-type insurance CONTRACTS are
46
<PAGE>
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
================================================================================
determined using discounted cash flow calculations based on interest rates
currently being offered for similar CONTRACTS with maturities consistent with
the CONTRACTS being valued.
INVESTMENT BORROWINGS: Due to the short-term nature of these borrowings
(terms generally less than 30 days), estimated fair values are assumed to
approximate the carrying amount reported in the balance sheet.
The estimated fair values of financial instruments are as follows:
1997 1996
================================================================================
CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
AMOUNT VALUE AMOUNT VALUE
================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Financial assets held for purposes
other than trading:
Actively managed fixed
maturity securities ......... $1,734.0 $1,734.0 $1,795.1 $1,795.1
Mortgage loans ................ 57.2 61.2 77.3 77.0
Credit-tenant loans ........... 88.9 93.4 93.4 92.5
Policy loans .................. 80.6 80.6 80.8 80.8
Other invested assets ......... 88.2 88.2 89.0 89.0
Short-term investments ........ 49.5 49.5 14.8 14.8
Financial liabilities held for
purposes other than trading:
Insurance liabilities for
investment contracts (1) .... 1,177.5 1,177.5 $1,282.1 $1,282.1
Investment borrowings ......... 61.0 61.0 48.4 48.4
- --------------------
(1)The estimated fair value of the liabilities for investment contracts was
approximately equal to its carrying value at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
because interest rates credited on the vast majority of account balances
approximate current rates paid on similar investments and because these rates
are not generally guaranteed beyond one year. The Company is not required to
disclose fair values for insurance liabilities, other than those for
investment contracts. However, the Company takes into consideration the
estimated fair values of all insurance liabilities in its overall management
of interest rate risk. The Company attempts to minimize exposure to changing
interest rates by matching investment maturities with amounts due under
insurance contracts.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 125, "Accounting for
Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities"
("SFAS 125") was issued in June 1996 and provides accounting and reporting
standards for transfers of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities.
SFAS 125 is effective for 1997 financial statements; however, certain provisions
relating to accounting for repurchase agreements and securities lending are not
effective until January 1, 1998. Provisions effective in 1997 did not have any
effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. The
adoption of provisions effective in 1998 are not expected to have a material
effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131") establishes new
standards for reporting about operating segments and products and services,
geographic areas and major customers. Under SFAS 131, segments are to be defined
consistent with the basis management uses internally to assess performance and
allocate resources. Implementing SFAS 131 will have no impact on the
consolidated amounts the Company reports. SFAS 131 is effective for the
Company's December 31, 1998 financial statements.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures
about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits" ("SFAS 132") was issued in
February 1998 and revises current disclosure requirements for employers'
pensions and other retiree benefits. SFAS 132 will have no effect on the
Company's financial position or results of operations. SFAS 132 is effective for
the Company's December 31, 1998 financial statements.
Statement of Position 97-3, "Accounting by Insurance and Other Enterprises
for Insurance-Related Assessments" ("SOP 97-3") was issued by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants in December 1997 and provides guidance
for determining when an insurance company or other enterprise should recognize a
liability for guaranty-fund assessments and guidance for measuring the
liability. The statement is effective for 1999 financial statements with early
adoption permitted. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a
material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
2. INVESTMENTS
At December 31, 1997, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of actively
managed fixed maturity securities were as follows:
GROSS GROSS ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
United States Treasury
securities and obligations
of United States government
corporations and agencies ..... $ 28.0 $ .7 $ -- $ 28.7
Obligations of state and
political subdivisions ........ 20.5 1.1 .1 21.5
Debt securities issued by
foreign governments ........... 18.5 .1 1.2 17.4
Public utility securities ....... 184.6 3.5 2.3 185.8
Other corporate securities ...... 902.0 26.6 7.8 920.8
Mortgage-backed securities ...... 551.6 8.6 .4 559.8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ....................... $1,705.2 $40.6 $11.8 $1,734.0
================================================================================
At December 31, 1996, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of actively
managed fixed maturity securities were as follows:
GROSS GROSS ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
United States Treasury
securities and obligations
of United States government
corporations and agencies . $ 29.9 $ .3 $ .3 $ 29.9
Obligations of state and
political subdivisions .... 6.1 .1 .1 6.1
Debt securities issued by
foreign governments ....... 11.6 -- .5 11.1
Public utility securities ... 234.8 2.4 7.0 230.2
Other corporate securities .. 950.1 10.9 17.6 943.4
Mortgage-backed securities .. 578.3 2.3 6.2 574.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total.................... $1,810.8 $16.0 $31.7 $1,795.1
================================================================================
Actively managed fixed maturity securities, summarized by the source of their
estimated fair value, were as follows at December 31, 1997:
47
<PAGE>
================================================================================
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
================================================================================
ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED FAIR
COST VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Nationally recognized pricing services. $1,416.9 $1,441.2
Broker-dealer market makers............ 143.6 146.2
Internally developed methods (calculated
based on a weighted-average current
market yield of 8.0 percent)......... 144.7 146.6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total.............................. $1,705.2 $1,734.0
================================================================================
The following table sets forth actively managed fixed maturity securities at
December 31, 1997, classified by rating categories. The category assigned is the
highest rating by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, as
to $42.4 million fair value of fixed maturity securities not rated by such
firms, the rating assigned by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners ("NAIC"). For the purposes of this table, NAIC Class 1 is included
in the "A" rating; Class 2, "BBB-"; Class 3, "BB-"; and Classes 4-6, "B+ and
below":
PERCENT OF PERCENT OF
INVESTMENT FIXED TOTAL
RATING MATURITIES INVESTMENTS
================================================================================
AAA............................................. 39% 27%
AA.............................................. 7 5
A............................................... 18 13
BBB+............................................ 8 6
BBB............................................. 12 8
BBB-............................................ 8 5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment-grade.............................. 92 64
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BB+............................................. 2 1
BB.............................................. 2 1
BB-............................................. 1 1
B+ and below ................................... 3 2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below investment-grade ....................... 8 5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total actively managed fixed maturities .... 100% 69%
================================================================================
Below investment-grade actively managed fixed maturity securities, summarized
by the amount their amortized cost exceeds fair value, were as follows at
December 31, 1997:
ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED FAIR
COST VALUE
================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Amortized cost exceeds fair value by
more than 30%........................ $ 1.0 $ .5
Amortized cost exceeds fair value by
more than 15% but not more than 30%.. 14.8 11.8
Amortized cost exceeds fair value by
more than 5% but not more than 15%... 15.5 14.0
All others............................. 104.5 106.0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total below investment-grade
fixed maturity investments....... $135.8 $132.3
================================================================================
The Company had $.3 million of fixed maturity investments in substantive
default and no fixed maturities in technical default as of December 31, 1997.
The Company recorded writedowns of fixed maturity investments and other invested
assets totaling $.3 million in 1997, $.8 million in 1996 and $1.6 million in
1995, as a result of changes in conditions which caused it to conclude the
decline in the fair value of the investment was other than temporary. As of
December 31, 1997, there were no fixed maturity investments about which the
Company had serious doubts as to the ability of the issuer to comply with the
contractual terms of their obligations on a timely basis. Investment income
foregone due to defaulted securities was not significant in 1997, 1996 or 1995.
Actively managed fixed maturity securities at December 31, 1997, summarized
by contractual maturity date, are shown below. Actual maturities will differ
from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or
prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties and because most
mortgage-backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their lives.
ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED FAIR
COST VALUE
================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Due in one year or less................ $ 5.8 $ 5.9
Due after one year through five years.. 103.0 101.3
Due after five years through ten years. 357.4 360.5
Due after ten years ................... 687.4 706.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal............................. 1,153.6 1,174.2
Mortgage-backed securities............. 551.6 559.8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total................................ $1,705.2 $1,734.0
================================================================================
Net investment income consisted of the following:
FOUR EIGHT
YEAR YEAR MONTHS MONTHS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1997 1996 1995 1995
================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Actively managed fixed
maturity securities..... $133.6 $146.4 $53.9 $110.2
Mortgage loans............ 8.8 11.8 4.8 8.0
Credit-tenant loans....... 7.6 7.2 1.7 4.1
Policy loans.............. 5.4 5.0 1.9 3.5
Short-term investments.... 3.4 2.3 .8 1.9
Other invested assets..... 9.4 11.4 .3 1.6
Separate accounts......... 55.7 35.6 11.3 7.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross investment income. 223.9 219.7 74.7 137.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment expenses....... 1.3 1.3 .5 .8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income... $222.6 $218.4 $74.2 $136.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company had insignificant fixed maturity investments and mortgage loans
that were not accruing investment income in 1997, 1996 and 1995.
The proceeds from sales of actively managed fixed maturity securities were
$739.4 million in 1997, $938.3 million in 1996 and $918.5 million in 1995. Net
investment gains consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOUR EIGHT
YEAR YEAR MONTHS MONTHS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1997 1996 1995 1995
================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturities:
Gross gains............. $20.6 $16.6 $16.5 $14.4
Gross losses............ (5.1) (9.2) (2.2) (2.3)
Other than temporary decline
in fair value......... (.3) (.2) (.4) (1.2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment gains from fixed
maturities before expenses 15.2 7.2 13.9 10.9
Mortgage loans............ (.2) -- -- (.2)
Other..................... 2.4 -- -- (1.0)
Other than temporary decline
in fair value........... -- (.6) -- --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment gains before
expenses............ 17.4 6.6 13.9 9.7
Investment gain expenses.. 4.1 3.9 1.4 2.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment gains.. $13.3 $ 2.7 $12.5 $ 7.3
================================================================================
</TABLE>
48
<PAGE>
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
================================================================================
The change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOUR EIGHT
YEAR YEAR MONTHS MONTHS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1997 1996 1995 1995
================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Actively managed fixed maturities $44.5 $(66.5) $45.5 $164.1
Other invested assets..... 1.1 (1.3) .1 5.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................ 45.6 (67.8) 45.6 169.2
Less effect on other balance
sheet accounts:
Cost of policies purchased (21.2) 36.6 (26.3) (64.1)
Cost of policies produced (3.9) 4.5 (2.7) (12.0)
Income taxes.......... (7.2) 9.7 (6.1) (34.1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in net unrealized
appreciation (depreciation)
of securities........... $13.3 $(17.0) $10.5 $ 59.0
================================================================================
</TABLE>
Investments in mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 1997, included
collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") of $194.2 Million and
mortgage-backed pass-through securities of $365.6 Million. CMOs are securities
backed by pools of pass-through securities and/or mortgages that are segregated
into sections or "tranches." These securities provide for sequential retirement
of principal, rather than the pro rata share of principal return which occurs
through regular monthly principal payments on pass-through securities.
The following table sets forth the par value, amortized cost and estimated
fair value of investments in mortgage-backed securities including CMOs at
December 31, 1997, summarized by interest rates on the underlying collateral:
PAR AMORTIZED ESTIMATED
VALUE COST FAIR VALUE
================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Below 7 percent........... $218.9 $216.2 $218.9
7 percent - 8 percent..... 228.4 232.5 235.5
8 percent - 9 percent..... 63.9 62.6 64.2
9 percent and above....... 38.9 40.3 41.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total mortgage-backed securities $550.1 $551.6 $559.8
================================================================================
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of mortgage-backed securities
including CMOs at December 31, 1997, summarized by type of security were as
follows:
ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE
---------------------
PERCENT
AMORTIZED OF FIXED
TYPE COST AMOUNT MATURITIES
================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Pass-throughs and sequential and
targeted amortization classes ......... $455.4 $462.2 26%
Planned amortization classes and
accretion directed bonds .............. 67.6 68.7 4
Subordinated classes.................... 28.6 28.9 2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total mortgage-backed securities $551.6 $559.8 32%
================================================================================
At December 31, 1997, approximately 84 percent of the estimated fair value of
the Company's mortgage-backed securities was determined by nationally recognized
pricing services, 6 percent was determined by broker-dealer market makers, and
10 percent was determined by internally developed methods. The call-adjusted
modified duration of the Company's mortgage-backed securities was 4.8 years at
December 31, 1997.
At December 31, 1997, no mortgage loans or credit-tenant loans had defaulted
as to principal or interest for more than 60 days, had been converted to
foreclosed real estate or had been restructured while the Company owned them.
Mortgage loans of $1.1 million were in foreclosure at December 31, 1997. At
December 31, 1997, the Company had a loan loss reserve of $.8 million.
Approximately 35 percent, 20 percent, 9 percent and 9 percent of the mortgage
loan balance were on properties located in California, Texas, Kentucky and
Florida, respectively. No other state comprised greater than 5 percent of the
mortgage loan balance.
As part of its investment strategy, the Company enters into reverse
repurchase agreements and dollar roll transactions to increase its return on
investments and improve its liquidity. These transactions are accounted for as
short-term borrowings collateralized by pledged securities with book values
approximately equal to the loan value. Such borrowings averaged approximately
$90.4 million during 1997 compared with $115.3 million during 1996. The weighted
average interest rate on short-term collateralized borrowings was 4.4 percent
and 5.3 percent during 1997 and 1996, respectively. The primary risk associated
with short-term collateralized borrowings is that the counterparty will be
unable to perform under the terms of the CONTRACT. The Company's exposure is
limited to the excess of the net replacement cost of the securities over the
value of the short-term investments (which was not material at December 31,
1997). The Company believes that the counterparties to its reverse repurchase
and dollar roll agreements are financially responsible and that the counterparty
risk is minimal.
Investments on deposit for regulatory authorities as required by law were
$18.3 million at December 31, 1997.
No investments of a single issuer were in excess of 10 percent of
shareholder's equity at December 31, 1997, other than investments issued or
guaranteed by the United States government.
3. INSURANCE LIABILITIES
Insurance liabilities consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INTEREST DECEMBER 31,
WITHDRAWAL MORTALITY RATE --------------
ASSUMPTION ASSUMPTION ASSUMPTION 1997 1996
======================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Future policy benefits:
Interest-sensitive products:
Investment contracts.. N/A N/A (b) $1,177.5 $1,282.1
Universal life-type contracts N/A N/A N/A 344.6 354.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest-sensitive
products.......... 1,522.1 1,636.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Traditional products:
Traditional life insurance Company
contracts........... experience (a) 8% 142.8 146.2
Limited-payment contracts None (a) 8% 105.5 105.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total traditional products 248.3 251.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claims payable and other
policyholder funds...... N/A N/A N/A 62.5 69.5
Liabilities related to
separate accounts....... N/A N/A N/A 402.1 232.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total insurance liabilities $2,235.0 $2,189.9
======================================================================================
</TABLE>
(a) Principally modifications of the 1975-80 Basic Table, Select and Ultimate
Table.
(b) At December 31, 1997 and 1996, approximately 97 percent of this liability
represented account balances where future benefits were not guaranteed. The
weighted average interest rate on the remainder of the liabilities,
representing the present value of guaranteed future benefits, was
approximately 6.4 percent at December 31, 1997.
49
<PAGE>
================================================================================
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
================================================================================
Participating policies represented approximately 4.1 percent, 3.5 percent and
3.7 percent of total life insurance in force at December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively, and approximately 2.9 percent, 2.7 percent and 2.4 percent
of premium income for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Dividends on
participating policies amounted to $2.1 million, $1.9 million and $1.8 million
in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
4. REINSURANCE
Cost of reinsurance ceded where the reinsured policy contains mortality risks
totaled $24.2 Million in 1997, $24.6 Million in 1996, and $29.1 Million in 1995.
This cost was deducted from insurance premium revenue. The Company is
contingently liable for claims reinsured if the assuming company is unable to
pay. Reinsurance recoveries netted against insurance policy benefits totaled
$14.9 Million in 1997, $19.4 Million in 1996 and $19.5 Million in 1995.
Effective October 1, 1995, Western National Life Insurance Company, a former
subsidiary of Conseco, recaptured certain annuity businesses ceded to the
Company through a reinsurance agreement. Reserves related to these policies
totaled $72.8 million. Recapture fees of $.7 million were recognized as income
during the four months ended December 31, 1995.
The Company's reinsurance receivable balance at December 31, 1997 relates to
many reinsurers. No balance from a single reinsurer exceeds $6.5 million.
5. INCOME TAXES
Income tax liabilities consisted of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------
1997 1996
==================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Cost of policies purchased and produced $52.2 $60.3
Investments.......................... 9.8 (3.3)
Insurance liabilities................ (19.5) (19.7)
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) 4.7 (2.5)
Other................................ (4.0) (5.0)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred income tax liabilities.... 43.2 29.8
Current income tax liabilities......... 1.0 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Income tax liabilities............. $44.2 $29.8
==================================================================
Income tax expense was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOUR EIGHT
YEAR YEAR MONTHS MONTHS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1997 1996 1995 1995
====================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current tax provision..... $16.3 $10.5 $11.9 $19.9
Deferred tax provision (benefit) 5.8 4.9 (2.2) (3.4)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income tax expense...... $22.1 $15.4 $ 9.7 $16.5
====================================================================================
</TABLE>
Income tax expense differed from that computed at the applicable statutory
rate of 35 percent for the following reasons:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOUR EIGHT
YEAR YEAR MONTHS MONTHS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1997 1996 1995 1995
====================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Federal tax on income before
income taxes at statutory rate $21.5 $14.4 $9.0 $15.6
State taxes and other..... .4 .6 .5 .4
Nondeductible items....... .2 .4 .2 .5
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income tax expense...... $22.1 $15.4 $9.7 $16.5
====================================================================================
</TABLE>
During 1997, the Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of the
Company for the 1994 tax year and such examination did not result in any
significant adjustments.
6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company operates without direct employees through management and service
agreements with subsidiaries of Conseco. Fees for such services (including data
processing, executive management and investment management services) were based
on negotiated rates for periods prior to January 1, 1996. Pursuant to new
service agreements effective January 1, 1996, such fees are based on Conseco's
direct and directly allocable costs plus a 10 percent margin. Total fees
incurred by the Company under such agreement were $36.7 million in 1997, $44.1
million in 1996 and $26.6 million in 1995.
During 1997 and 1996, the Company purchased $11.2 million and $31.5 million
par value, respectively, of senior subordinated notes issued by subsidiaries of
Conseco. Such notes had a carrying value of $29.8 million and $34.7 million at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and are classified as "other invested
assets" in the accompanying balance sheet. In addition, during 1997, a
subsidiary of Conseco redeemed $16.5 million par value of such notes which were
purchased in 1996. During 1996, the Company forgave receivables from Conseco
totaling $9.9 million. This transaction is reflected as a dividend to Conseco in
the accompanying statement of shareholder's equity.
7. OTHER OPERATING INFORMATION
Insurance policy income consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOUR EIGHT
YEAR YEAR MONTHS MONTHS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1997 1996 1995 1995
==================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Direct premiums collected. $309.6 $241.3 $82.8 $158.6
Reinsurance assumed....... 14.9 1.7 .7 2.0
Reinsurance ceded......... (24.2) (24.6) (11.2) (17.9)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premiums collected, net of
reinsurance........... 300.3 218.4 72.3 142.7
Less premiums on universal
life and products without
mortality risk which are
recorded as additions to
insurance liabilities... (255.9) (169.8) (50.8) (104.4)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premiums on products with
mortality and morbidity
risk, recorded as insurance
policy income......... 44.4 48.6 21.5 38.3
Fees and surrender charges 31.3 32.8 10.3 22.2
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insurance policy income. $ 75.7 $ 81.4 $31.8 $ 60.5
==================================================================================
</TABLE>
50
<PAGE>
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
================================================================================
The four states with the largest shares of the Company's premiums collected
in 1997 were Texas (27 percent), Florida (17 percent), California (13 percent)
and Michigan (6 percent). No other state's premiums collected exceeded 5
percent.
Other operating costs and expenses were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOUR EIGHT
YEAR YEAR MONTHS MONTHS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1997 1996 1995 1995
=====================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Policy maintenance expense $18.1 $37.8 $ 6.5 $14.0
State premium taxes and guaranty
assessments............. 2.0 4.4 1.6 1.1
Commission expense........ 8.1 12.1 5.0 8.6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other operating costs and
expenses.............. $28.2 $54.3 $13.1 $23.7
=====================================================================================
</TABLE>
Anticipated returns from the investment of policyholder balances are
considered in determining the amortization of the cost of policies purchased and
cost of policies produced. The sales of fixed maturity investments during 1997,
1996 and 1995 changed the incidence of profits on such policies because
investment gains and losses were recognized currently and the expected future
yields on the investment of policyholder balances were affected. Accordingly,
amortization of the cost of policies purchased and cost of policies produced was
increased by $14.2 million in 1997, $2.5 million in 1996, $10.0 million in the
four months ended December 31, 1995 and $4.3 million for the eight months ended
August 31, 1995.
The changes in the cost of policies purchased were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOUR EIGHT
YEAR YEAR MONTHS MONTHS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1997 1996 1995 1995
=========================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, beginning of period $143.0 $120.0 $159.0 $173.9
Amortization related to operations:
Cash flow realized.... (18.2) (26.2) (9.4) (19.1)
Interest added........ 11.8 13.1 5.0 12.7
Amortization related to sales of
fixed maturity investments (13.8) (2.2) (8.3) (3.4)
Amounts related to fair value
adjustment of actively managed
fixed maturity securities (21.2) 36.6 (26.3) (64.1)
Adjustment of balance
due to new accounting
basis and other....... -- 1.7 -- 59.0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of period.... $101.6 $143.0 $120.0 $159.0
=========================================================================================
</TABLE>
Based on current conditions and assumptions as to future events on all
policies in force, approximately 10 percent, 10 percent, 10 percent, 10 percent
and 11 percent of the cost of policies purchased as of December 31, 1997, are
expected to be amortized in each of the next five years, respectively. The
discount rates used to determine the amortization of the cost of policies
purchased ranged from 3.6 percent to 8.0 percent and averaged 5.8 percent.
The changes in the cost of policies produced were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOUR EIGHT
YEAR YEAR MONTHS MONTHS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1997 1996 1995 1995
=====================================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, beginning of period $38.2 $24.0 $25.9 $63.2
Additions............... 31.8 13.2 3.0 6.6
Amortization related to
operations............ (5.0) (3.2) (.5) (4.0)
Amortization related to sales of
fixed maturity investments (.4) (.3) (1.7) (.9)
Amounts related to fair value
adjustment of actively
managed fixed maturity
securities............ (3.9) 4.5 (2.7) (12.0)
Adjustment of balance due to
new accounting basis.. -- -- -- (27.0)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of period.... $60.7 $38.2 $24.0 $25.9
=====================================================================================
</TABLE>
8. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Income taxes paid during 1997, 1996, and 1995, were $14.8 million, $18.1
million and $19.3 million, respectively.
Short-term investments having original maturities of three months or less are
considered to be cash equivalents. All cash is invested in short-term
investments.
9. STATUTORY INFORMATION
Statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted for insurance
companies by regulatory authorities differ from generally accepted accounting
principles. The Company reported the following amounts to regulatory agencies:
DECEMBER 31,
=================
1997 1996
=================================================================
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Statutory capital and surplus.......... $140.7 $140.3
Asset valuation reserve................ 29.2 28.7
Interest maintenance reserve........... 68.8 63.1
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total................................ $238.7 $232.1
=================================================================
The Company's statutory net income was $32.7 million, $32.6 million and $38.4
million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
State insurance laws generally restrict the ability of insurance companies to
pay dividends or make other distributions. Approximately $32.9 million of the
Company's net assets at December 31, 1997, are available for distribution in
1998 without permission of state regulatory authorities.
51
<PAGE>
================================================================================
APPENDIX A
CONSECO SERIES TRUST
Conseco Series Trust is an open-end management investment company organized
as a business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on
November 15, 1982. Trust shares are offered only to separate accounts of various
insurance companies to fund benefits of variable life and variable annuity
contracts. Conseco Capital Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser.
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
The Alger American Fund is an open-end management investment company
organized as a business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts on April 6, 1988. Trust shares are offered to separate accounts of
various life insurance companies as investment options of variable life and
variable annuity contracts and as a funding vehicle for qualified pension and
retirement plans. Fred Alger Management, Inc. serves as the investment adviser.
AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE PORTFOLIOS, INC.
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. is an open-end management
investment company organized as a Maryland corporation on June 4, 1987, and is a
part of American Century Investments, a family of funds that includes nearly 70
no-load mutual funds covering a variety of investment opportunities. The fund
offers its shares only to insurance companies to fund the benefits of variable
annuity or variable life insurance contracts. American Century Investment
Management, Inc. is the investment adviser.
BERGER INSTITUTIONAL PRODUCTS TRUST
Berger Institutional Products Trust is an open-end management investment
company organized as a business trust under the laws of the State of Delaware on
October 17, 1995. Trust shares are offered only to separate accounts of various
insurance companies in connection with investment in and payments under variable
annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts, as well as to certain
qualified retirement plans. The investment adviser is Berger Associates, Inc.
for the Berger IPT - 100 Fund, the Berger IPT - Growth and Income Fund and the
Berger IPT - Small Company Growth Fund. BBOI Worldwide LLC is the investment
adviser for the Berger/BIAM IPT International Fund.
THE DREYFUS SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GROWTH FUND, INC.
The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. is an open-end
diversified, management investment company. It was incorporated under Maryland
law on July 20, 1992, and commenced operations on October 7, 1993. The Dreyfus
Corporation serves as the Fund's investment adviser. NCM Capital Management
Group, Inc. serves as the Fund's sub-investment adviser and provides day-to-day
management of the Fund's portfolio.
DREYFUS STOCK INDEX FUND
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund is an open-end non-diversified, management
investment company. It was incorporated in the name Dreyfus Life and Annuity
Index Fund, Inc. under Maryland law on January 24, 1989, and commenced
operations on September 29, 1989. On May 1, 1994, the Fund began operating under
the name Dreyfus Stock Index Fund. The Dreyfus Corporation serves as the Fund's
manager and Mellon Equity Associates serves as the Fund's index manager.
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund is an open-end management investment
company. Trust shares are offered only to variable annuity and variable life
insurance separate accounts established by insurance companies to fund variable
annuity and variable life insurance contracts. The Dreyfus Corporation serves as
the investment adviser.
FEDERATED INSURANCE SERIES
Federated Insurance Series is an open-end management investment company
organized as a business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts on September 15, 1993. Trust shares are offered only to separate
accounts of various insurance companies to serve as the investment medium of
variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts issued by the
insurance companies. Federated Advisers serves as the investment adviser.
INVESCO VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUNDS, INC.
INVESCO Variable Investment Funds, Inc. is a registered, open-end management
investment company that was organized as a Maryland corporation on August 19,
1993. Fund shares are intended to be funding vehicles for variable annuity
contracts and variable life insurance contracts to be offered by separate
accounts of certain life insurance companies. Fund shares are not available for
purchase other than through the purchase of such contracts. INVESCO Funds Group,
Inc. is the investment adviser.
JANUS ASPEN SERIES
Janus Aspen Series is an open-end management investment company organized as
a business trust under the laws of the State of Delaware on May 20, 1993. Trust
shares are offered only to separate accounts of various insurance companies to
fund the benefits of variable life and variable annuity contracts, and to
qualified retirement plans. The investment adviser and manager is Janus Capital
Corporation.
LAZARD RETIREMENT SERIES, INC.
Lazard Retirement Series Inc. is a no-load, open-end management investment
company. The Portfolios are offered only to qualified pension and retirement
plans and variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts
established by insurance companies to fund variable annuity contracts and
variable life insurance policies. Lazard Asset Management, a division of Lazard
Freres & Co. LLC, manages each Portfolio
LORD ABBETT SERIES FUND, INC.
Lord Abbett Series Fund, Inc. is a diversified open-end management investment
company incorporated under the laws of Maryland on August 28, 1989. Shares of
the Fund are only offered to separate accounts of life insurance companies to
fund benefits of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance
policies. Lord, Abbett & Co. serves as the Fund's investment manager.
MITCHELL HUTCHINS SERIES TRUST
Mitchell Hutchins Series Trust is a professionally managed open-end
investment company. Mitchell Hutchins Asset Management Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of PaineWebber Incorporated, provides investment advisory and
administrative services to the Portfolio.
52
<PAGE>
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
NEUBERGER & BERMAN ADVISERS MANAGEMENT TRUST
Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust is a Delaware business trust
organized pursuant to a Trust instrument dated May 23, 1994. The Trust is
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end
management investment company and consists of nine separate portfolios. Each
portfolio of the Trust invests all of its net investable assets in a
corresponding series of Neuberger & Berman Advisers Managers Trust, whose
investment adviser is Neuberger & Berman Management Incorporated. Shares of the
Trust are offered to life insurance companies for allocation to certain of their
separate accounts established for the purpose of funding variable annuity
contracts and variable life insurance policies.
STRONG OPPORTUNITY FUND II, INC.
Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc. is a diversified open-end management
investment company established as a corporation under Wisconsin law on December
28, 1990. Shares of the Fund are only offered and sold to the separate accounts
of certain insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity and
variable life insurance contracts. Strong Capital Management, Inc. is the
investment adviser for the Fund.
STRONG VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc., is an open-end management investment
company and was organized as a corporation under Wisconsin law on December 28,
1990. Shares of the Fund are only offered and sold to the separate accounts of
certain insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity and
variable life insurance contracts. Strong Capital Management, Inc. is the
investment adviser for the fund.
VAN ECK WORLDWIDE INSURANCE TRUST
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust is an open-end management investment
company organized as a business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts on January 7, 1987. Trust shares are offered only to separate
accounts of various insurance companies to fund the benefits of variable life
and variable annuity contracts. The investment adviser and manager is Van Eck
Associates Corporation.
A full description of each of the Eligible Funds, including the investment
objectives, policies and restrictions of each of the Portfolios, is contained in
the Prospectuses of the Eligible Funds which accompany this Prospectus and
should be read carefully by a prospective purchaser before investing.
APPENDIX B
Examples of Application of the Market Value Adjustment
CALCULATION OF MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT FACTOR:
( (1 + A) / (1 + B) )N/365-1 = MVA factor
where:
A = the U.S. Treasury rate in effect at the beginning of the Guarantee Period
for the length of the Guarantee Period selected.
B = the U.S. Treasury rate as of the transaction date plus 0.005%. The
Treasury rate used is determined by taking N/365 and rounding it to the
next highest year.
N = Number of days remaining in the MVA Guarantee Period.
If the Treasury rate is not available for the period, the rate will be
arrived at by interpolation.
EXAMPLE 1: THREE-YEAR GUARANTEE PERIOD; INCREASE
IN TREASURY RATE
Assume the Owner or Certificate Owner makes a $50,000 initial deposit on a
3-year Guarantee Period on January 1, 1998. Assume the current 3-year Treasury
rate is 4.00%, and the current interest rate is 4.5%. On October 31, 1999 the
Owner or Certificate Owner surrenders the Contract/Certificate with 1 year and
61 days, or 426 days (12/31/2001 - 10/31/1999) remaining in the Guarantee
Period. The current Treasury rate at this point is found by rounding 1 year, 61
days to the next greatest year and taking the rate for the Guarantee Period. In
this case we look at a 2 year rate. Assume that the 2-year Treasury rate on
October 31, 1999 is 4.75%. The Market Value Adjustment on the
Contract/Certificate would be calculated as follows:
Accumulation Value at 10/31/1999 (669 days from issue):
$50,000 x (1+.045)(669/365) = $54,201.06
$54,201.08 x [((1+.04)/(1+.0475+.005))(426/365)-1]
= -$750.55
resulting in an Adjusted Contract Value or Adjusted Certificate Value of
$54,201.06 - $750.55 = $53,450.51
EXAMPLE 2: THREE-YEAR GUARANTEE PERIOD; DECREASE IN TREASURY RATE
Assuming a scenario identical to Example 1, but with a 2-year Treasury rate
as of the date of surrender of 3.25%, the following Market Value Adjustment
would result:
Accumulation Value at 10/31/1999 (669 days from issue):
$50,000 X (1+.045)(669/365) = $54,201.06
$54,201.06 x [(1+.04)/(1+.0325+.005)(426/365)-1] = $152.46
resulting in an Adjusted Contract Value or Adjusted Certificate Value of,
$54,201.06 + 152.46 = $54,353.52
53
<PAGE>
================================================================================
EXAMPLE 3: FIVE-YEAR GUARANTEE PERIOD; INCREASE IN
TREASURY RATE
Assume the Owner or Certificate Owner makes a $50,000 initial deposit in a
5-year Guarantee Period on January 1, 1998. Assume the current 5-year Treasury
rate is 6.00%, and the current interest rate is 7.00%. On June 13, 1999 the
Owner or Certificate Owner surrenders the Contract/Certificate with 3 years and
202 days, or 1,297 days (12/31/2001 - 6/13/1999) remaining in the Guarantee
Period. The current Treasury rate at this point is found by rounding 3 years,
202 days to the next greatest year and taking the rate for that Guarantee
Period. In this case we would look at a 4-year rate. Assume that the 4-year
Treasury rate on June 13, 1999 is 6.50%. The Market Value Adjustment on the
Contract/Certificate would be calculated as follows:
Accumulation Value at 6/13/1999 (529 days from issue):
$50,000 x (1.07)(529/365) = $55,151.38
$55,151.38 x [((1+.06)/(1+.065+.005))(1,297/365)-1]
= -$1,809.81
resulting in an Adjusted Contract Value/Adjusted Certificate Value of $55,151.38
- - $1,809.81 = $53,341.57
EXAMPLE 4: FIVE-YEAR GUARANTEE PERIOD; DECREASE IN
TREASURY RATE
Assuming a scenario identical to Example 3, but with a 4-year Treasury rate
as of the date of surrender of 5.00%, the following Market Value Adjustment
would result:
$55,151.38 x [((1+.06)/(1+.050+.005))(1,297/365)-1]
= $934.43
resulting in an Adjusted Contract Value/Adjusted Certificate Value of $55,151.38
+ 934.43 = $56,085.81
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ITEM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Company
Independent Accountants
Legal Opinions
Distributor
Yield Calculation for Money Market Sub-Account
Performance Information
Annuity Provisions
Financial Statements
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information dated
May 1, 1998 for this Prospectus, please complete this form, detach, and mail to:
Great American Reserve Insurance Company
Administrative Office
11815 N. Pennsylvania Street
Carmel, Indiana 46032
Gentlemen:
Please send me a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information for Great
American Reserve Variable Annuity Account G at the following address:
Name: _______________________________________________
Mailing Address: ____________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Sincerely,
_____________________________________________________
(Signature)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
54
<PAGE>
Great American Reserve Insurance Company
11815 N. Pennsylvania St.
Carmel, IN 46032
(C) 1998, Great American Reserve Insurance Company 05-8194 (5/98)
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP FIXED AND VARIABLE DEFERRED
ANNUITY CONTRACTS AND CERTIFICATES
ISSUED BY
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE VARIABLE ANNUITY ACCOUNT G
AND
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE INSURANCE COMPANY
THIS IS NOT A PROSPECTUS. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PROSPECTUS
DATED MAY 1, 1998, FOR THE INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP FIXED AND
VARIABLE DEFERRED ANNUITY CONTRACTS AND CERTIFICATES WHICH
ARE REFERRED TO HEREIN.
THE PROSPECTUS CONCISELY SETS FORTH INFORMATION THAT A
PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR OUGHT TO KNOW BEFORE INVESTING. FOR A
COPY OF THE PROSPECTUS CALL OR WRITE THE COMPANY AT ITS
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE: 11815 N. PENNSYLVANIA STREET, CARMEL,
INDIANA 46032 (317) 817-3700.
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS DATED MAY 1,
1998.
05-8195 (5/98) 1
<PAGE>
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
COMPANY..................................................................... 3
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS..................................................... 3
LEGAL OPINIONS.............................................................. 3
DISTRIBUTOR................................................................. 3
YIELD CALCULATION FOR MONEY MARKET SUBACCOUNT............................... 3
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION..................................................... 3
ANNUITY PROVISIONS.......................................................... 4
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS........................................................ 4
2
<PAGE>
GREAT AMERICAN RESERVE
1998 Account G
Individual and Group Annuity
================================================================================
COMPANY
Information regarding Great American Reserve Insurance Company ("Great
American Reserve" or the "Company") and its ownership is contained in the
Prospectus.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The financial statements of Great American Reserve as of December 31, 1997
and 1996, and for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the four months
ended December 31, 1995, the eight months ended August 31, 1995, included in the
prospectus, have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent
accountants, as set forth in their report appearing therein, and have been so
included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as
experts in accounting and auditing.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Blazzard, Grodd & Hasenauer, P.C., Westport, Connecticut has provided advice
on certain matters relating to the federal securities and income tax laws in
connection with the Contracts.
DISTRIBUTOR
Conseco Equity Sales, Inc., an affiliate of the Company, acts as the
distributor. The offering is on a continuous basis.
YIELD CALCULATION FOR MONEY MARKET SUB-ACCOUNT
The Money Market Sub-Account of the Variable Account will calculate its
current yield based upon the seven days ended on the date of calculation. As of
December 31, 1997, the Money Market Sub-Account had not commenced business.
The current yield of the Money Market Sub-Account is computed by determining
the net change (exclusive of capital changes) in the value of a hypothetical
pre-existing Owner or Certificate Owner account having a balance of one
Accumulation Unit of the Sub-Account at the beginning of the period, subtracting
the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge, the Administrative Charge and the
Contract and Certificate Maintenance Charges, dividing the difference by the
value of the account at the beginning of the same period to obtain the base
period return and multiplying the result by (365/7).
The Money Market Sub-Account computes its effective compound yield according
to the method prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
effective yield reflects the reinvestment of net income earned daily on Money
Market Sub-Account assets.
Net investment income for yield quotation purposes will not include either
realized capital gains and losses or unrealized appreciation and depreciation,
whether reinvested or not.
The yields quoted should not be considered a representation of the yield of
the Money Market Sub-Account in the future since the yield is not fixed. Actual
yields will depend not only on the type, quality and maturities of the
investments held by the Money Market Sub-Account and changes in the interest
rates on such investments, but also on changes in the Money Market Sub-Account's
expenses during the period.
Yield information may be useful in reviewing the performance of the Money
Market Sub-Account and for providing a basis for comparison with other
investment alternatives. However, the Money Market Sub-Account's yield
fluctuates, unlike bank deposits or other investments which typically pay a
fixed yield for a stated period of time.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
From time to time, the Company may advertise performance data as described in
the Prospectus. Any such advertisement will include total return figures for the
time periods indicated in the advertisement. Such total return figures will
reflect the deduction of a 1.15% Mortality and Expense Risk Charge, a .15%
Administrative Charge, the investment advisory fee and expenses for the
underlying Portfolio being advertised and any applicable Contract and
Certificate Maintenance Charge.
The hypothetical value of a Contract or Certificate purchased for the time
periods described in the advertisement will be determined by using the actual
Accumulation Unit values for an initial $1,000 purchase payment, and deducting
any applicable Contract and Certificate Maintenance Charge to arrive at the
ending hypothetical value. The average annual total return is then determined by
computing the fixed interest rate that a $1,000 purchase payment would have to
earn annually, compounded annually, to grow to the hypothetical value at the end
of the time periods described. The formula used in these calculations is:
P (1 + T)^n = ERV
WHERE:
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value at the end of the time periods used (or
fractional portion thereof) of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at
the beginning of the time periods used.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The Contracts are new and therefore do no have investment performance
history. However, the corresponding Portfolios of the Sub-Accounts have been in
existence for some time and consequently have investment performance history. In
order to demonstrate how the actual historical investment experience of the
Portfolios affects Accumulation Unit values, the Company may develop performance
information. The information will be based upon the historical experience of the
Portfolios and is for the periods shown.
In addition to total return data, the Company may include yield information
in its advertisements. For each Sub-Account (other than the Money Market
Sub-Account) for which the Company will advertise yield, it will show a yield
quotation based on a 30 day (or one month) period ended on the date of the most
recent balance sheet of the Variable Account included in the registration
statement, computed by dividing the net investment income per Accumulation Unit
earned during the period by the maximum offering price per Unit on the last day
of the period, according to the following formula:
Yield = 2 [ (a-b + 1)^6 - 1 ]
--
cd
Where:
a = Net investment income earned during the period by the Eligible Fund
attributable to shares owned by the Subaccount.
b = Expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements).
c = The average daily number of Accumulation Units outstanding during the
period.
d = The maximum offering price per Accumulation Unit on the last day of the
period.
3
<PAGE>
================================================================================
Owners and Certificate Owners should note that the investment results of each
Sub-Account will fluctuate over time, and any presentation of the Sub-Account's
total return or yield for any period should not be considered as a
representation of what an investment may earn or what an Owner's or Certificate
Owner's total return or yield may be in any future period.
ANNUITY PROVISIONS
The Company makes available payment plans on a fixed and variable basis.
VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYOUT
A Variable Annuity is an annuity with payments which: (1) are not
predetermined as to dollar amount; and (2) will vary in amount with the net
investment results of the applicable Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account.
Annuity Payments also depend upon the Age of the Annuitant and any Joint
Annuitant and the assumed interest factor utilized. The Annuity Table used will
depend upon the Annuity Option chosen. The dollar amount of Annuity Payments
after the first is determined as follows:
1. The dollar amount of the first Variable Annuity Payment is divided by the
value of an Annuity Unit for each applicable Sub-Account as of the Annuity Date.
This sets the number of Annuity Units for each monthly payment for the
applicable Sub-Account.
2. The fixed number of Annuity Units per payment in each Sub-Account is
multiplied by the Annuity Unit Value for that Sub-Account for the last Valuation
Period of the month preceding the month for which the payment is due. This
result is the dollar amount of the payment for each applicable Sub-Account.
The total dollar amount of each Variable Annuity Payment is the sum of all
Sub-Account Variable Annuity Payments reduced by the applicable portion of the
Contract or Certificate Maintenance Charge.
FIXED ANNUITY PAYOUT
A fixed annuity is an annuity with payments which are guaranteed as to dollar
amount by the Company and do not vary with the investment experience of the
Variable Account. The dollar amount of each Fixed Annuity Payment is determined
in accordance with Annuity Tables contained in the Contract/Certificate.
ANNUITY UNIT
The value of any Annuity Unit for each Sub-Account of the Variable Account
was arbitrarily set initially at $10.
The Sub-Account Annuity Unit Value at the end of any subsequent Valuation
Period is determined as follows:
1. The Net Investment Factor for the current Valuation Period is multiplied
by the value of the Annuity Unit for the Sub-Account for the immediately
preceding Valuation Period.
2. The result in (1) is then divided by the Assumed Investment Rate Factor
which equals 1.00 plus the Assumed Investment Rate for the number of days since
the preceding Valuation Date. The Owner/Certificate Owner can choose either a 5%
or a 3% Assumed Investment Rate.
(See "Annuity Provisions" in the Prospectus.)
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of the Company included in the Prospectus should be
considered only as bearing upon the ability of the Company to meet its
obligations under the Contracts and Certificates.
<PAGE>
05-8339 (2/98)
