<PAGE> 1
`33 Act Registration No. 333-12333
`40 Act Registration No. 811-07819
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO FORM S-6
FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OF
SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT TRUSTS REGISTERED ON FORM N-8B-2
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NATIONWIDE VL SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B
(Exact Name of Trust)
----------
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, Ohio 43216
(Exact Name and Address of Depositor and Registrant)
Gordon E. McCutchan
Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, Ohio 43216
(Name and address of Agent for Service)
----------
This Post-Effective Amendment amends the Registration Statement in respect to
the Prospectus and the Financial Statements.
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box).
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
[X] on May 1, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
The Registrant has registered an indefinite number of securities by a prior
registration statement in accordance with Rule 24f-2 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Pursuant to Paragraph (a)(3) thereof, a non-refundable fee
in the amount of $500.00 has been paid to the Commission. Registrant filed its
24f-2 Notice for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, on February 25, 1997.
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CROSS REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED
BY FORM N-8B-2
N-8B-2 Item Caption in Prospectus
- ----------- ---------------------
1.......................................Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company
The Variable Account
2.......................................Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company
3.......................................Custodian of Assets
4.......................................Distribution of The Policies
5.......................................The Variable Account
6.......................................Not Applicable
7.......................................Not Applicable
8.......................................Not Applicable
9.......................................Legal Proceedings
10.......................................Information About The Policies; How
The Cash Value Varies; Right to
Exchange for a Fixed Benefit Policy;
Reinstatement; Other Policy
Provisions
11.......................................Investments of The Variable
Account
12.......................................The Variable Account
13.......................................Policy Charges
Reinstatement
14.......................................Underwriting and Issuance -
Premium Payments
Minimum Requirements for
Issuance of a Policy
15.......................................Investments of the Variable
Account; Premium Payments
16.......................................Underwriting and Issuance -
Allocation of Cash Value
17.......................................Surrendering The Policy for Cash
18.......................................Reinvestment
19.......................................Not Applicable
20.......................................Not Applicable
21.......................................Policy Loans
22.......................................Not Applicable
23.......................................Not Applicable
24.......................................Not Applicable
25.......................................Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company
26.......................................Not Applicable
27.......................................Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company
28.......................................Company Management
29.......................................Company Management
30.......................................Not Applicable
31.......................................Not Applicable
32.......................................Not Applicable
33.......................................Not Applicable
34.......................................Not Applicable
35.......................................Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company
36.......................................Not Applicable
37.......................................Not Applicable
2 of 57
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N-8B-2 Item Caption in Prospectus
- ----------- ---------------------
38........................................Distribution of The Policies
39........................................Distribution of The Policies
40........................................Not Applicable
41(a).....................................Distribution of The Policies
42........................................Not Applicable
43........................................Not Applicable
44........................................How The Cash Value Varies
45........................................Not Applicable
46........................................How The Cash Value Varies
47........................................Not Applicable
48........................................Custodian of Assets
49........................................Not Applicable
50........................................Not Applicable
51........................................Summary of The Policies;
Information About The Policies
52........................................Substitution of Securities
53........................................Taxation of The Company
54........................................Not Applicable
55........................................Not Applicable
56........................................Not Applicable
57........................................Not Applicable
58........................................Not Applicable
59........................................Financial Statements
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NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
P.O. Box 182150
Columbus, Ohio 43218-2150
(800) 547-7548, TDD (800) 238-3035
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
ISSUED BY NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
THROUGH ITS NATIONWIDE VL SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B
The Life Insurance Policies offered by this prospectus are variable life
insurance policies (collectively referred to as the "Policies"). The Policies
are designed to provide life insurance coverage and the flexibility to vary the
amount and frequency of premium payments. The Policies may also provide a Cash
Surrender Value if the Policy is terminated during the lifetime of the Insured.
The death benefit and Cash Value of the Policies may vary to reflect the
experience of the Nationwide VL Separate Account-B (the "Variable Account") to
which Cash Values are allocated.
The policies are expected to be issued on multiple lives in cases where the
insureds have a common employment or business relationship. The policies may be
owned individually or by a corporation, trust, association or similar entity.
The Owner will have all rights under the Policy. The Policies may be used for
such purposes as funding non-qualified executive deferred compensation or salary
continuance plans. These policies may be used by corporations as a means of
funding death benefit liabilities incurred under executive retirement plans or
as a source for funding cash flow obligations under such plans. These policies
are not designed to be used in an employer's pension or profit sharing plan.
The Policies described in this prospectus meet the definition of "life
insurance" under Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code").
The Policy Owner may allocate Net Premiums and Cash Value to one or more of the
sub-accounts of the Variable Account. The assets of each sub-account will be
used to purchase, at net asset value, shares of a designated Underlying Mutual
Fund in the following series of the underlying variable account Mutual Fund
options:
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund
-Equity-Income Portfolio
-Overseas Portfolio
Nationwide Separate Account Trust
-Money Market Fund
-Total Return Fund
The One(R) Group Investment Trust
-Asset Allocation Fund
-Government Bond Fund
-Large Company Growth Fund
-Growth Opportunities Fund
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (the "Company") guarantees that
the death benefit for a Policy will never be less than the Specified Amount
stated on the Policy data pages as long as the Policy is in force. There is no
guaranteed Cash Surrender Value. If the Cash Surrender Value is insufficient to
cover the charges under the Policy, the Policy will lapse without value.
1
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INVESTMENTS IN THESE CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, AND ARE NOT
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, THE ADVISER OF ANY OF THE UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS
IDENTIFIED ABOVE, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, OR ANY BANK OR BANK AFFILIATE.
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY. ANY
INVESTMENT IN THE CONTRACT INVOLVES CERTAIN INVESTMENT RISK WHICH MAY INCLUDE
THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
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 THE PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
THIS PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. A PROSPECTUS
FOR THE UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTION(S) BEING CONSIDERED MUST ACCOMPANY THIS
PROSPECTUS AND SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION HEREWITH.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1997
2
<PAGE> 6
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Attained Age-The Insured's age on the Policy Date, plus the number of full years
since the Policy Date.
Accumulation Unit-An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the Variable
Account Cash Value.
Beneficiary-The person to whom the Death Proceeds are paid.
Cash Value-The sum of the Policy values in the Variable Account and any
associated value in the Policy Loan Account.
Cash Surrender Value-The Policy's Cash Value, less any Indebtedness under the
Policy.
Code-The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Company-Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company.
Death Proceeds-Amount of money payable to the Beneficiary if the Insured dies
while the Policy is in force.
Guideline Level Premium-The amount of level annual premium calculated in
accordance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. It
represents the level annual premiums required to mature the Policy under
guaranteed mortality and expense charges, and an interest rate of 4%.
Indebtedness-Amounts owed the Company as a result of Policy loans including both
principal and accrued interest.
Initial Premium-The Initial Premium is the premium required for coverage to
become effective on the Policy Date. It is shown on the Policy Data Page.
Insured-The person whose life is covered by the Policy, and who is named on the
Policy Data Page.
Maturity Date-The Policy Anniversary on or following the Insured's 100th
birthday.
Monthly Anniversary Day-The same day as the Policy Date for each succeeding
month.
Net Asset Value-The worth of one share at the end of a market day or at the
close of the New York Stock Exchange. Net Asset Value is computed by adding the
value of all portfolio holdings plus other assets, deducting liabilities and
then dividing the result by the number of shares outstanding.
Net Premiums-Net Premiums are equal to the actual premiums minus the percent of
premium charge. The percent of premium charges are shown on the Policy Data
Page.
Policy Anniversary-The same day and month as the Policy Date for succeeding
years.
Policy Charges-All deductions made from the value of the Variable Account, or
the Policy Cash Value.
Policy Date-The date the provisions of the Policy take effect, as shown on the
Policy Data Page.
Policy Loan Account-The Portion of the Cash Value which results from Policy
Indebtedness.
Policy Owner-The person designated in the Policy application as the Owner.
Policy Year-Each year commencing with the Policy Date and each Policy
Anniversary thereafter.
Scheduled Premium-The Scheduled Premium is shown on the Policy Data Page.
Specified Amount-A dollar amount used to determine the death benefit under a
Policy. It is shown on the Policy Data Page.
Underlying Mutual Funds-The Underlying mutual funds which correspond to the
sub-accounts of the Variable Account.
Valuation Date-Each day the New York Stock Exchange and the Company's Home
Office are open for business or any other day during which there is sufficient
degree of trading that the current net asset value of the Accumulation Units
might be materially affected.
Valuation Period-A period commencing with the close of business on a Valuation
Date and ending at the close of business for the next succeeding Valuation Date.
Variable Account-A separate investment account of Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company.
3
<PAGE> 7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GLOSSARY OF TERMS.............................................................3
SUMMARY OF THE POLICIES.......................................................6
Variable Life Insurance..............................................6
The Variable Account and its Sub-Accounts............................6
Charges and Fees.....................................................6
Reduction of Charges.................................................8
Premiums.............................................................8
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY.................................8
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT..........................................................8
Investments of the Variable Account..................................9
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund............................9
Nationwide Separate Account Trust....................................9
The One(R) Group Investment Trust...................................10
Reinvestment........................................................10
Transfers...........................................................10
Dollar Cost Averaging...............................................11
Substitution of Securities..........................................11
Voting Rights.......................................................11
INFORMATION ABOUT THE POLICIES...............................................12
Underwriting and Issuance...........................................12
-Minimum Requirements for Issuance of a Policy......................12
-Premium Payments...................................................12
Allocation of Cash Value............................................12
Short-Term Right to Cancel Policy...................................13
POLICY CHARGES...............................................................13
Deductions from Premiums............................................13
Deductions from Cash Value..........................................13
-Monthly Cost of Insurance..........................................13
-Monthly Administrative Charge......................................14
-Monthly Mortality and Expense Risk Charge..........................14
Deductions from the Sub-Accounts....................................14
HOW THE CASH VALUE VARIES....................................................14
How the Investment Experience is Determined.........................14
Net Investment Factor...............................................14
Valuation of Assets.................................................15
Determining the Cash Value..........................................15
Valuation Periods and Valuation Dates...............................15
SURRENDERING THE POLICY FOR CASH.............................................15
Right to Surrender..................................................15
Cash Surrender Value................................................15
Partial Surrenders..................................................15
Maturity Proceeds...................................................16
Income Tax Withholding..............................................16
POLICY LOANS.................................................................16
Taking a Policy Loan................................................16
Effect on Investment Performance....................................16
Interest............................................................17
Effect on Death Benefit and Cash Value..............................17
Repayment...........................................................17
HOW THE DEATH BENEFIT VARIES.................................................17
Calculation of the Death Benefit....................................17
APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE OF CASH VALUE TABLE....................................18
Proceeds Payable on Death...........................................18
RIGHT TO EXCHANGE FOR A FIXED BENEFIT POLICY.................................18
CHANGES OF INVESTMENT POLICY.................................................18
GRACE PERIOD.................................................................19
REINSTATEMENT................................................................19
CHANGES IN EXISTING INSURANCE COVERAGE.......................................19
4
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Specified Amount Increases..........................................19
Specified Amount Decreases..........................................19
Changes in the Death Benefit Option.................................20
OTHER POLICY PROVISIONS......................................................20
Policy Owner........................................................20
Beneficiary.........................................................20
Assignment..........................................................20
Incontestability....................................................20
Error in Age........................................................21
Suicide.............................................................21
Nonparticipating Policies...........................................21
DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES.................................................21
CUSTODIAN OF ASSETS..........................................................21
TAX MATTERS..................................................................21
Policy Proceeds.....................................................21
-Federal Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes..............22
-Non-Resident Aliens................................................23
Taxation of the Company.............................................23
Tax Changes.........................................................23
THE COMPANY..................................................................24
COMPANY MANAGEMENT...........................................................24
Directors of the Company............................................25
Executive Officers of the Company...................................25
OTHER CONTRACTS ISSUED BY THE COMPANY........................................26
STATE REGULATION.............................................................26
REPORTS TO POLICY OWNERS.....................................................26
ADVERTISING..................................................................26
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS............................................................26
EXPERTS......................................................................26
REGISTRATION STATEMENT.......................................................27
LEGAL OPINIONS...............................................................27
APPENDIX 1...................................................................28
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.........................................................32
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE. NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS.
5
<PAGE> 9
THE PURPOSE OF THE POLICIES IS TO PROVIDE LIFE INSURANCE PROTECTION FOR THE
BENEFICIARY NAMED IN THE POLICY. NO CLAIM IS MADE THAT THE POLICIES ARE IN ANY
WAY SIMILAR OR COMPARABLE TO A SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN OF A MUTUAL FUND.
SUMMARY OF THE POLICIES
Variable Life Insurance
The variable life insurance Policies offered by Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company (the "Company") are similar in many ways to fixed-benefit
whole life insurance. As with fixed-benefit whole life insurance, the Owner of
the Policy pays a premium for life insurance coverage on the person insured.
Also like fixed-benefit whole life insurance, the Policies may provide for a
Cash Surrender Value which is payable if the Policy is terminated during the
Insured's lifetime.
However, the Policies differ from fixed-benefit whole life insurance in several
respects. Unlike fixed-benefit whole life insurance, the death benefit and Cash
Value of the Policies may increase or decrease to reflect the investment
performance of the Variable Account sub-accounts to which Cash Values are
allocated (see "How the Death Benefit Varies"). There is no guaranteed Cash
Surrender Value (see "How the Cash Value Varies"). If the Cash Surrender Value
is insufficient to pay the Policy Charges, the Policy will lapse without value.
Under certain conditions, a Policy may become a modified endowment contract as a
result of a material change or a reduction in benefits as defined by the
Internal Revenue Code ("Code"). Excess premiums paid may also cause the Policy
to become a modified endowment contract. The Company will monitor premiums paid
and other policy transactions and will notify the Policy Owner when the Policy's
non-modified endowment contract status is in jeopardy (see "Tax Matters").
The Variable Account and Its Sub-Accounts
The Company places the Policy's Net Premiums in the Variable Account at the time
the Policy is issued. The Policy Owner selects the sub-accounts of the Variable
Account into which the Cash Value will be allocated (see "Allocation of Cash
Value"). When the Policy is issued, the Net Premiums will be allocated to the
Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund sub-account until the
expiration of the period in which the Policy Owner may exercise his or her
short-term right to cancel the Policy. Assets of each sub-account are invested
at net asset value in shares of a corresponding Underlying Mutual Fund. For a
description of the Underlying Mutual Fund options and their investment
objectives, see "Investments of the Variable Account."
Charges and Fees
The Company deducts certain charges from the premiums or the assets of the
Variable Account and the Cash Value of the Policy. These charges are made for
administrative and sales expenses, federal, state or local premium taxes,
providing life insurance protection and assuming the mortality and expense
risks. For a discussion of any charges imposed by the Underlying Mutual Fund
options, see the prospectuses of the respective Underlying Mutual Funds.
The Company deducts a sales load from each premium payment received not to
exceed 9% of each premium payment for years 1-7, and 5% in years 8 and after.
The Company also deducts a tax expense charge equal to 4% of all premium
payments.
The Company also deducts the following charges from the Policy's Cash Value on
the Policy Date and each subsequent Monthly Anniversary Day:
1. monthly cost of insurance; plus
2. monthly cost of any additional benefits provided by riders; plus
3. monthly administrative expense; plus
4. monthly mortality and expense risk.
Underlying Mutual Fund shares are purchased at net asset value, which reflects
the deduction of investment management fees and certain other expenses. The
management fees are charged by each Underlying Mutual Fund's investment adviser
for managing the Underlying Mutual Fund and selecting its portfolio of
securities. Other Underlying Mutual Fund expenses can include such items as
interest expense on loans and contracts with transfer agents, custodians, and
other companies that provide services to the Underlying Mutual Fund. The
management fees and other expenses for each Underlying Mutual Fund for its most
recently completed fiscal year, expressed as a percentage of the Underlying
Mutual Fund's average assets, are as follows:
6
<PAGE> 10
Underlying Mutual Fund Annual Expenses
(After Expense Reimbursement)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Other Total Portfolio
Fees Expenses Company Expenses
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund-Equity 0.51% 0.07% 0.58%
Income Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund-Overseas 0.76% 0.17% 0.93%
Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market Fund 0.50% 0.03% 0.53%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return Fund 0.50% 0.02% 0.52%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R)Group Investment Trust-Asset Allocation 0.70% 0.30% 1.00%
Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R)Group Investment Trust-Government Bond Fund 0.45% 0.30% 0.75%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R)Group Investment Trust-Large Company 0.65% 0.36% 1.01%
Growth Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment Trust-Growth 0.65% 0.45% 1.10%
Opportunities Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The Mutual Fund expenses shown above are assessed at the Underlying Mutual Fund
level and are not direct charges against the Variable Account or reductions in
Cash Value. These Underlying Mutual Fund expenses are taken into consideration
in computing each Underlying Mutual Fund's net asset value, which is the share
price used to calculate the Variable Account's unit value. The above Underlying
Mutual Funds are not subject to 12b-1 fees. The following funds are subject to
the following fee waiver or expense reimbursement arrangements:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND EXPENSES WITHOUT REIMBURSEMENT OR WAIVER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Variable Insurance The Adviser has voluntarily agreed
Products Fund - Equity-Income subject to revision or termination to
Portfolio reimburse a fund if, and to the extent
that, its aggregate operating expenses,
including management fees, exceed a
specified annual rate for the fund. The
expense cap is: 1.50% imposed on October
9, 1986. Since the expense ratio is
significantly below the expense cap
there is no reimbursement and none
anticipated during the current year.
Since there is no reimbursement the
discontinuance of the arrangement has no
effect on total fund operating expenses.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Variable Insurance The Adviser has voluntarily agreed
Products Fund - Overseas subject to revision or termination to
ortfolio reimburse a fund if, and to the extent
that, its aggregate operating expenses,
including management fees, exceed a
specified annual rate for the fund. The
expense cap is: 1.50% imposed on January
28, 1986. Since the expense ratio is
significantly below the expense cap
there is no reimbursement and none
anticipated during the current year.
Since there is no reimbursement the
discontinuance of the arrangement has no
effect on total fund operating expenses.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to
Trust-Asset Allocation Fund waive all or part of its fees in order
to limit the Funds' operating expenses
to not more than 1.00% of the average
daily net assets. It is likely that this
voluntary waiver arrangement will
continue during the current year;
however, the Adviser may seek to
eliminate or modify the fee waiver if
necessary. The fee will be imposed to
the extent any such waiver is eliminated
or modified.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to
Trust-Government Bond Fund waive all or part of its fees in order
to limit the Funds' operating expenses
to not more than .75% of the average
daily net assets. It is likely that this
voluntary waiver arrangement will
continue during the current year;
however, the Adviser may seek to
eliminate or modify the fee waiver if
necessary. The fee will be imposed to
the extent any such waiver is eliminated
or modified.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to
Trust-Large Company Growth waive all or part of its fees in order
Fund to limit the Funds' operating expenses
to not more than 1.00% of theaverage
daily net assets. It is likely that this
voluntary waiver arrangement will
continue during the current year;
however, the Adviser may seek to
eliminate or modify the fee waiver if
necessary. The fee will be imposed to
the extent any such waiver is eliminated
or modified.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to
Trust-Growth Opportunities waive all or part of its fees in order
Fund to limit the Funds' operating expenses
to not more than 1.10% of the average
daily net assets. It is likely that this
voluntary waiver arrangement will
continue during the current year;
however, the Adviser may seek to
eliminate or modify the fee waiver if
necessary. The fee will be imposed to
the extent any such waiver is eliminated
or modified.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information relating to the Underlying Mutual Fund expenses was provided by
the Underlying Mutual Fund and was not independently verified by the Company.
7
<PAGE> 11
Reduction of Charges
These policies are expected to be issued to corporations, trusts or other
sponsoring organizations on multiple lives. The Company reserves the right to
reduce premium loads or any other policy charges on certain multiple life sales
where it is expected that such sales will result in reduced sales, underwriting
or other administrative expenses. Eligibility for these reductions will be
determined by a number of factors including the number of lives to be insured,
total premiums expected to be paid or other factors the Company believes are
relevant. Any reductions will be on a uniform basis and will not be
discriminatory to any Policy Owner.
Premiums
The Initial Premium is due and will be credited on the Policy Date. Any due and
unpaid monthly deductions will be subtracted from the Cash Value at this time.
Insurance will not be effective until the Initial Premium is paid. The Initial
Premium is shown on the Policy data page. Premiums other than the Initial
Premium may be paid at any time while the Policy is in force subject to the
limits described below.
For a limited time, the Policy Owner has the right to cancel the Policy and
receive a full refund of premiums paid (see "Short-Term Right to Cancel
Policy").
The Company will send Scheduled Premium payment reminder notices according to
the premium mode shown on the Policy data page.
The Initial Premium may be paid to the Company at its Home Office or to an
authorized agent. All premiums after the first are payable at the Company's Home
Office. Premium receipts will be furnished upon request.
The Company reserves the right to require satisfactory evidence of insurability
before accepting any additional premium payment which results in an increase in
the net amount at risk. Also, the Company will refund any portion of any premium
payment which is determined to be in excess of the premium limit established by
law to qualify the Policy as a contract for life insurance. Where permitted by
state law, the Company may also require that any existing Policy Indebtedness is
repaid prior to accepting any additional premium payments.
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
The Company is a stock life insurance company organized under the laws of the
State of Ohio and was established in February, 1981. The Company is a member of
the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise which includes Nationwide Life Insurance
Company, Nationwide Indemnity Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company,
Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Nationwide Property and Casualty
Insurance Company, National Casualty Company, West Coast Life Insurance Company,
Scottsdale Indemnity Company and Nationwide General Insurance Company. The
Company's Home Office is at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216.
The Company offers a multiple line of products, including variable annuities and
variable life insurance policies. It is admitted to do business in 46 states and
the District of Columbia (for additional information, see "The Company").
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
The Variable Account was established by a resolution of the Company's Board of
Directors, on August 9, 1996, pursuant to Ohio law. 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. Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company, One Nationwide Plaza,
Columbus, Ohio 43216 serves as Trustee for the Trust. Nationwide Advisory
Services, Inc., One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216 serves as principal
underwriter for the Trust. Such registration does not involve supervision of the
management of the Variable Account or the Company by the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
The Variable Account is a separate investment account of the Company and as
such, is not chargeable with the liabilities arising out of any other business
the Company may conduct. The Company does not guarantee the investment
performance of the Variable Account. The death benefit and Cash Value under the
Policy may vary with the investment performance of the investments in the
Variable Account (see "How the Death Benefit Varies" and "How the Cash Value
Varies").
Net Premium payments and Cash Value are allocated within the Variable Account
among one or more sub-accounts (see "Tax Matters"). The assets of each
sub-account are used to purchase shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options
designated by the Policy Owner. Thus, the investment performance of a Policy
depends upon the investment performance of the Underlying Mutual Fund options
designated by the Policy Owner.
8
<PAGE> 12
Investments of the Variable Account
At the time of application, the Policy Owner elects to have the Net Premiums
allocated among one or more of the Variable Account sub-accounts (see
"Allocation of Cash Value"). During the period in which the Policy Owner may
exercise his or her short-term right to cancel the Policy, all Net Premiums are
placed in the Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund sub-account.
At the end of this period, the Cash Value in that sub-account will be
transferred to the Variable Account sub-accounts based on the Fund allocation
factors. Any subsequent Net Premiums received after this period will be
allocated based on the Fund allocation factors.
No less than 5% of Net Premiums may be allocated to any one sub-account. The
Policy Owner may change the allocation of Net Premiums or may transfer Cash
Value from one sub-account to another, subject to such terms and conditions as
may be imposed by each Underlying Mutual Fund option and as set forth in this
prospectus (see "Transfers", "Allocation of Cash Value" and "Short-Term Right to
Cancel Policy").
These Underlying Mutual Fund options are available only to serve as the
underlying investment for variable annuity and variable life contracts issued
through separate accounts of life insurance companies which may or may not be
affiliated, also known as "mixed and shared funding." There are certain risks
associated with mixed and shared funding, which is disclosed in the Underlying
Mutual Funds' prospectuses. A full description of the Underlying Mutual Funds,
their investment policies and restrictions, risks and charges are contained in
the prospectuses of the respective Underlying Mutual Funds.
Additional Premium payments, upon acceptance, will be allocated to the
Nationwide Separate Account Money Market Fund unless the Policy Owner specifies
otherwise (see "Premium Payments").
Each of the Underlying Mutual Fund options is a registered investment company
which receives investment advice from a registered investment adviser:
1) Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund, managed by Fidelity
Management & Research Company;
2) Nationwide Separate Account Trust, managed by Nationwide Advisory
Services, Inc.; and
3) The One(R) Group Investment Trust, managed by Banc One Investment
Advisers Corporation.
A summary of investment objectives is contained in the description of each
Underlying Mutual Fund below. More detailed information may be found in the
current prospectus for each Underlying Mutual Fund option. A prospectus for the
Underlying Mutual Fund option(s) being considered must accompany this prospectus
and should be read in conjunction herewith.
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund
The Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund is an open-end, diversified
management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on
November 13, 1981. The Fund's shares are purchased by insurance companies to
fund benefits under variable insurance and annuity policies. Fidelity Management
& Research Company ("FMR") is the Fund's manager.
-Equity-Income Portfolio
Investment Objective: To seek reasonable income by investing primarily in
income-producing equity securities. In choosing these securities FMR also
will consider the potential for capital appreciation. The Portfolio's goal
is to achieve a yield which exceeds the composite yield on the securities
comprising the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index.
-Overseas Portfolio
Investment Objective: To seek long term growth of capital primarily through
investments in foreign securities. The Overseas Portfolio provides a means
for investors to diversify their own portfolios by participating in
companies and economies outside of the United States.
Nationwide Separate Account Trust
Nationwide Separate Account Trust is a diversified, open-end management
investment company created under the laws of Massachusetts. The Nationwide
Separate Account Trust offers shares under this Contract in the two Underlying
Mutual Funds listed below, each with its own investment objectives. Currently,
shares of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust will be sold only to life
insurance company separate accounts to fund the benefits under variable
insurance or annuity policies issued by life insurance companies. The assets of
the Nationwide Separate Account Trust are managed by Nationwide Advisory
Services, Inc. of One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company.
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-Money Market Fund
Investment Objective: To seek as high a level of current income as is
considered consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity by
investing primarily in money market instruments.
-Total Return Fund
Investment Objective: To obtain a reasonable long-term total return (i.e.,
earnings growth plus potential dividend yield) on invested capital from a
flexible combination of current return and capital gains through
investments in common stocks, convertible issues, money market instruments
and bonds with a primary emphasis on common stocks.
The One(R) Group Investment Trust
The One(R)Group Investment Trust is a diversified, open-end management
investment company organized under the laws of Massachusetts by a Declaration of
Trust, dated June 7, 1993. The One(R) Group Investment Trust offers shares in
the four separate mutual funds (the "Funds") shown below, each with its own
investment objective. The shares of the Funds are sold only to Nationwide Life
and Annuity Insurance Company to fund the benefits of The One(R) Investors
Annuity and certain other separate accounts funding variable annuity contracts
and variable life policies issued by other life insurance companies and
qualified pension and retirement plans. The assets of The One(R) Group
Investment Trust are managed by Banc One Investment Advisers Corporation.
-Asset Allocation Fund
Investment Objective: To seek total return while preserving capital.
-Government Bond Fund
Investment Objective: To seek a high level of current income with liquidity
and safety of principal.
-Growth Opportunities Fund
Investment Objective: To seek growth of capital and, secondarily, current
income, by investing primarily in equity securities. Issuers will include
medium sized companies with a history of above-average growth or companies
that are expected to enter periods of above-average growth, and smaller
companies which are positioned in emerging growth industries.
-Large Company Growth Fund
Investment Objective: To seek long-term capital appreciation and growth of
income by investing primarily in equity securities. The weighted average
capitalization of the companies in which the Fund invests will always be in
excess of the market median capitalization of the S & P 500 Index.
Reinvestment
The Funds described above have as a policy the distribution of dividends in the
form of additional shares (or fractions thereof) of the Underlying Mutual Funds.
The distribution of additional shares will not affect the number of Accumulation
Units attributable to a particular Policy (see "Allocation of Cash Value").
Transfers
Transfers may be made either in writing or, in states allowing such transfers,
by telephone. In states allowing telephone transfers, and if the Policy Owner so
elects, the Company will also permit the Policy Owner to utilize the Telephone
Exchange Privilege for exchanging amounts among sub-account options. The Company
will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
telephone are genuine. Such procedures may include any or all of the following,
or such other procedures as the Company may, from time to time, deem reasonable:
requesting identifying information, such as name, contract number, Social
Security Number, and/or personal identification number; tape recording all
telephone transactions; and providing written confirmation thereof to both the
Policy Owner and any agent of record at the last address of record. Although
failure to follow reasonable procedures may result in the Company's liability
for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone transfers, the
Company will not be liable for following instructions communicated by telephone
which it reasonably believes to be genuine. Any losses incurred pursuant to
actions taken by the Company in reliance on telephone instructions reasonably
believed to be genuine shall be borne by the Policy Owner. The Company may
determine to withdraw the Telephone Exchange Privilege, upon 30 days written
notice to Policy Owners.
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Dollar Cost Averaging
The Policy Owner may direct the Company to automatically transfer from the Money
Market sub-account to any other sub-account within the Variable Account on a
monthly basis. This service is intended to allow the Policy Owner to utilize
Dollar Cost Averaging, a long-term investment program which provides for
regular, level investments over time. The Company makes no guarantees that
Dollar Cost Averaging, will result in a profit or protect against loss in a
declining market. To qualify for Dollar Cost Averaging, there must be a minimum
total Cash Value, less Policy Indebtedness, of $15,000. Transfers for purposes
of Dollar Cost Averaging can only be made from the Money Market sub-account. The
minimum monthly Dollar Cost Averaging transfer is $100. A written election of
this service, on a form provided by the Company, must be completed by the Policy
Owner in order to begin transfers. Once elected, transfers from the Money Market
sub-account will be processed monthly until either the value in the Money Market
sub-account is completely depleted or the Policy Owner instructs the Company in
writing to cancel the monthly transfers.
The Company reserves the right to discontinue offering Dollar Cost Averaging
upon 30 days written notice to Policy Owners. However, any such discontinuation
would not affect Dollar Cost Averaging programs already commenced. Currently,
the Company does not assess a charge for this service, but reserves the right to
assess a charge up to an annual maximum of $10.00 for this service.
Substitution of Securities
If shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options should no longer be available
for investment by the Variable Account or, if in the judgment of the Company's
management further investment in such Underlying Mutual Funds should become
inappropriate in view of the purposes of the Policy, the Company may substitute
shares of another Underlying Mutual Fund for shares already purchased or to be
purchased in the future by Net Premium payments under the Policy. No
substitution of securities in the Variable Account may take place without prior
approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and under such requirements
as it and any state insurance department may impose.
Voting Rights
Voting rights under the Policies apply only with respect to Cash Value allocated
to the sub-accounts of the Variable Account.
In accordance with its view of present applicable law, the Company will vote the
shares of the Underlying Mutual Funds held in the Variable Account at regular
and special meetings of the shareholders of the Underlying Mutual Funds in
accordance with instructions received from Policy Owners. However, if the
Investment Company Act of 1940 or any regulation thereunder should be amended or
if the present interpretation thereof should change, and as a result the Company
determines that it is permitted to vote the shares of the Underlying Mutual
Funds in its own right, the Company may elect to do so.
The Policy Owner shall have the voting interest under a Policy. The number of
shares in each sub-account for which the Policy Owner may give voting
instructions is determined by dividing any portion of the Policy's Cash Value
derived from participation in that Underlying Mutual Fund by the net asset value
of one share of that Underlying Mutual Fund.
The number of shares which a person has a right to vote will be determined as of
a date chosen by the Company, but not more than 90 days prior to the meeting of
the Underlying Mutual Fund. Voting instructions will be solicited by written
communication prior to such meeting.
The Company will vote Underlying Mutual Fund shares in accordance with
instructions received from the Policy Owners. Underlying Mutual Fund shares held
by the Company or by the Variable Account as to which no timely instructions are
received will be voted by the Company in the same proportion as the voting
instructions which are received.
Each person having a voting interest in the Variable Account will receive
periodic reports relating to investments of the Variable Account, the Underlying
Mutual Funds' proxy material and a form with which to give such voting
instructions.
Notwithstanding contrary Policy Owner voting instructions, the Company may vote
Underlying Mutual Fund shares in any manner necessary to enable the Underlying
Mutual Fund to: (1) make or refrain from making any change in the investments or
investment policies for any of the Underlying Mutual Funds, if required by an
insurance regulatory authority; (2) refrain from making any change in the
investment policies or any investment adviser or principal underwriter of any
portfolio which may be initiated by Policy Owners or the Underlying Mutual
Fund's Board of Directors, provided the Company's disapproval of the change is
reasonable and, in the case of a
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<PAGE> 15
change in the investment policies or investment adviser, based on a good faith
determination that such change would be contrary to state law or otherwise
inappropriate in light of the portfolio's objective and purposes; or (3) enter
into or refrain from entering into any advisory agreement or underwriting
contract, if required by any insurance regulatory authority.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE POLICIES
Underwriting and Issuance
- -Minimum Requirements for Issuance of a Policy
The Policies are designed to provide life insurance coverage and the flexibility
to vary the amount and frequency of premium payments. At issue, the Policy Owner
selects the initial Specified Amount and premium. The minimum Specified Amount
is $50,000. Policies may be issued to Insureds with issue ages 80 or younger.
Before issuing any Policy, the Company requires satisfactory evidence of
insurability which may include a medical examination. For multiple life cases,
Policies may be underwritten on either a guaranteed or simplified issue basis.
Policies may be issued on a guaranteed issue basis based upon the following
conditions: (i) the Participant is a full-time employee and has been working
continuously for a specified number of months prior to the date of application;
(ii) minimum participation levels among employees are met; and (iii) the amount
of coverage on any Participant must be specified, based upon the number of
participating lives. Currently, the maximum amount of insurance available under
a guaranteed issue is $500,000 per Participant.
If the criteria for guaranteed issue as set forth above are not met, Policies
may be issued on a simplified issue basis based upon receipt of medical history
and other personal information, such as driving record, previous insurance
ratings or coverage denials with respect to any proposed insured. Further,
certain minimum participation levels among employees must be met in order to
qualify for simplified issue basis. Maximum issue amounts on a simplified issue
basis are determined based upon the number of participating lives. The maximum
available insurance for either a guaranteed issue basis or a simplified issue
basis will be reduced by any corresponding amounts of employer-sponsored
insurance currently in force.
- -Premium Payments
The Initial Premium for a Policy is payable in full at the Company's Home
Office. Upon payment of an initial premium, temporary insurance may be provided,
subject to a maximum amount. The effective date of permanent insurance coverage
is dependent upon completion of all underwriting requirements, payment of the
Initial Premium, and delivery of the Policy while the Insured is still living.
Premiums other than the Initial Premium may be paid at any time while the Policy
is in force subject to the limits described below.
The Company reserves the right to require satisfactory evidence of insurability
before accepting any additional premium payment which results in an increase in
the net amount at risk. Also, the Company will refund any portion of any premium
payment which is determined to be in excess of the premium limit established by
law to qualify the Policy as a contract for life insurance. The Company may also
require that any existing Policy Indebtedness is repaid prior to accepting any
additional premium payments. Additional premium payments or other changes to the
contract, may jeopardize the Policy's non-modified endowment status. The Company
will monitor premiums paid and other policy transactions and will notify the
Policy Owner when non-modified endowment contract status is in jeopardy (see
"Tax Matters").
Allocation of Cash Value
When the Policy is issued, the Net Premiums will be allocated to the Nationwide
Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund sub-account until the expiration of the
period in which the Policy Owner may exercise his or her short-term right to
cancel the Policy. At the expiration of the period in which the Policy Owner may
exercise his or her short term right to cancel the Policy, shares of the
Underlying Mutual Funds specified by the Policy Owner are purchased at net asset
value for the respective sub-account(s). The Policy Owner may change the
allocation of Net Premiums or may transfer Cash Value from one sub-account to
another, subject to such terms and conditions as may be imposed by each
Underlying Mutual Fund and as set forth in the prospectus.
The designation of investment allocations will be made by the prospective Policy
Owner at the time of application for a Policy. The Policy Owner may change the
way in which future Net Premiums are allocated by giving written notice to the
Company. All percentage allocations must be in whole numbers, and must be at
least 5%. The sum of allocations must equal 100%.
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Short-Term Right to Cancel Policy
A Policy may be returned for cancellation and a full refund of premium within 10
days after the Policy is received, within 45 days after the application for
insurance is signed, or within 10 days after the Company mails or delivers a
Notice of Right of Withdrawal, whichever is latest. The Policy can be mailed or
delivered to the registered representative who sold it, or to the Company.
Immediately after such mailing or delivery, the Policy will be deemed void from
the beginning. The Company will refund the total premiums paid within seven days
after it receives the Policy.
POLICY CHARGES
Deductions from Premiums
The Company deducts a sales load from each premium payment received not to
exceed 9% of each premium payment for years 1-7, and 5% in years 8 and after.
The Company also deducts a tax expense charge of 4% from all premium payments.
This charge reimburses the Company for premium taxes imposed by various state
and local jurisdictions and for federal taxes imposed under Section 848 of the
Code. This Charge includes a premium tax deduction rate of 2.5% and a federal
tax deduction rate of 1.5%.
The 2.5% premium tax deduction rate approximates the Company's average expense
for state and local premium tax. Premium taxes vary by jurisdiction ranging in
rate from zero to more than 4%. The premium tax deduction is made whether or not
any premium tax applies and the deduction may be higher or lower than the
premium tax imposed. The 1.5% federal tax deduction rate is designed to
reimburse the Company for expenses incurred from federal taxes imposed under
Section 848 of the Code (enacted by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of
1990). The federal tax deduction rate is a factor the Company must use when
computing the maximum sales load chargeable under SEC rules. The Company does
not expect to make a profit from the tax expense charge.
Deductions from Cash Value
The Company also deducts the following charges from the Policy's Cash Value on
the Policy Date and each subsequent Monthly Anniversary Day:
1. monthly cost of insurance; plus
2. monthly cost of any additional benefits provided by riders; plus
3. monthly administrative expense; plus
4. monthly mortality and expense risk.
These deductions will be charged proportionately to the Cash Value in each
Variable Account sub-account.
- -Monthly Cost of Insurance Charge
The monthly cost of insurance charge for each policy month is determined by
multiplying the monthly cost of insurance rate by the net amount at risk. The
net amount at risk is the difference between the death benefit and the Policy's
Cash Value, each calculated at the beginning of the policy month.
If death benefit Option 1 is in effect and there have been increases in the
Specified Amount, then the Cash Value shall first be considered a part of the
initial Specified Amount. If the Cash Value exceeds the initial Specified
Amount, it shall then be considered a part of the additional increases in
Specified Amount resulting from the increases in the order of the increases.
Monthly cost of insurance rates will not exceed those guaranteed in the Policy.
Guaranteed cost of insurance rates are based on the Blended 1980 Commissioners
Standard Ordinary Unisex Mortality Table B (80% Male/20% Female), Age Last
Birthday. Guaranteed cost of insurance rates for Policies issued on a
substandard basis are based on appropriate percentage multiples of the table for
the comparable standard risk. These mortality tables are not sex distinct. In
addition, separate mortality tables will be used for standard and non-tobacco.
The rate class of an Insured may affect the cost of insurance rate. The Company
currently places Insureds into both standard rate classes and substandard
classes that involve a higher mortality risk. In an otherwise identical Policy,
an Insured in the standard rate class will have a lower cost of insurance than
an Insured in a rate class with higher mortality risks. The Company may also
issue certain Policies on a Guaranteed or Simplified issue
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<PAGE> 17
basis to certain categories of individuals. Due to the underwriting criteria
established for Policies issued on a Guaranteed or Simplified issue basis,
actual rates will be higher than the current cost of insurance rates being
charged under Policies are subject to regular underwriting.
- -Monthly Administrative Charge
The Company deducts a monthly Administrative Expense Charge to reimburse it for
certain expenses related to maintenance of the Policies, accounting and record
keeping and periodic reporting to Policy Owners. This charge is designed only to
reimburse the Company for certain actual administrative expenses. The Company
does not expect to recover from this charge any amount in excess of aggregate
maintenance expenses. Currently, this charge is $15 per month in the first year,
$5 per month in renewal years. The Company may at its sole discretion increase
this charge. However, the Company guarantees that this charge will never exceed
$10.00 per month in renewal years.
- -Monthly Mortality and Expense Risk Charge
The Company assumes certain risks for guaranteeing the mortality and expense
charges. The mortality risk assumed under the Policies is that the Insured may
die sooner than expected. The expense risk assumed is that the actual expenses
incurred in issuing and administering the Policy may be greater than expected.
In addition, the Company assumes risks associated with the non-recovery of
policy issue, underwriting and other administrative expenses due to a Policy
which lapses or is surrendered in the early Policy Years.
To compensate the Company for assuming these risks associated with the Policy,
the Company deducts a mortality and expense risk charge at the beginning of each
policy month. The Mortality and Expense Risk Charge will apply solely to the
assets in the Variable Account. This charge will be deducted proportionately
from the assets in the Variable Account sub-accounts.
The Mortality and Expense Risk Charge is equivalent to an annual effective rate
of 0.65%.
Deductions from the Sub-Accounts
The Company does not currently assess any charge for income taxes incurred by
the Company as a result of the operations of the sub-accounts of the Variable
Account (see "Taxation of the Company"). The Company reserves the right to
assess a charge for such taxes against the Variable Account if the Company
determines that such taxes will be incurred.
HOW THE CASH VALUE VARIES
On any date during the Policy Year, the Cash Value equals the Cash Value on the
preceding Valuation Date, plus any Net Premium applied since the previous
Valuation Date, minus any partial surrenders, plus or minus any investment
results, and less any Policy Charges.
There is no guaranteed Cash Value. The Cash Value will vary with the investment
experience of the Variable Account and/or Policy Loan Account depending on the
allocation of Cash Value by the Policy Owner.
How the Investment Experience is Determined
The Cash Value in each sub-account is converted to Accumulation Units of that
sub-account. The conversion is accomplished by dividing the amount of Cash Value
allocated to a sub-account by the value of an Accumulation Unit for the
sub-account of the Valuation Period during which the allocation occurs.
The value of an Accumulation Unit for each sub-account was arbitrarily set
initially at $10 when the Underlying Mutual Fund shares in that sub-account were
available for purchase. The value for any subsequent Valuation Period is
determined by multiplying the Accumulation Unit value for each sub-account for
the immediately preceding Valuation Period by the Net Investment Factor for the
sub-account during the subsequent Valuation Period. The value of an Accumulation
Unit may increase or decrease from Valuation Period to Valuation Period. The
number of Accumulation Units will not change as a result of investment
experience.
Net Investment Factor
The Net Investment Factor for any Valuation Period is determined by dividing (a)
by (b) where:
(a) is the net of:
(1) the net asset value per share of the Underlying Mutual Fund held in
the sub-account determined at the end of the current Valuation Period,
plus
(2) the per share amount of any dividend or capital gain distributions
made by the Underlying Mutual Fund held in the sub-account if the
"ex-dividend" date occurs during the current Valuation Period.
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(b) is the net of:
(1) the net asset value per share of the Underlying Mutual Fund held in
the sub-account determined at the end of the immediately preceding
Valuation Period, plus or minus
(2) the per share charge or credit, if any, for any taxes reserved for in
the immediately preceding Valuation Period (see "Charge For Tax
Provisions").
For Underlying Mutual Fund options that credit dividends on a daily basis and
pay such dividends once a month, the Net Investment Factor allows for the
monthly reinvestment of these daily dividends.
The Net Investment Factor may be greater or less than one; therefore, the value
of an Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease. It should be noted that
changes in the Net Investment Factor may not be directly proportional to changes
in the net asset value of Underlying Mutual Fund shares, because of the
deduction for Mortality and Expense Risk Charge, and any charge or credit for
tax reserves.
Valuation of Assets
Underlying Mutual Fund shares in the Variable Account will be valued at their
net asset value.
Determining the Cash Value
The Cash Value is the sum of the value of all Variable Account Accumulation
Units and any amount in the Policy Loan Account attributable to the Policy. The
number of Accumulation Units credited per each sub-account is determined by
dividing the net amount allocated to the sub-account by the Accumulation Unit
Value for the sub-account for the Valuation Period during which the premium is
received by the Company. In the event part or all of the Cash Value is
surrendered or charges or deductions are made against the Cash Value, an
appropriate number of Accumulation Units from the Variable Account will be
deducted.
The Cash Value in the Policy Loan Account is credited with interest daily at an
effective annual rate which the Company periodically declares. The annual
effective rate will never be less than 4%. Upon request, the Company will inform
the Policy Owner of the then applicable rates for the Policy Loan Account.
Valuation Periods and Valuation Dates
A Valuation Period is the period commencing with the close of business on a
Valuation Date and ending at the close of business for the next succeeding
Valuation Date. A Valuation Date is each day that the New York Stock Exchange
and the Company's Home Office are open for business or any other day during
which there is sufficient degree of trading that the current net asset value of
the Accumulation Units might be materially affected.
SURRENDERING THE POLICY FOR CASH
Right to Surrender
The Policy Owner may surrender the Policy in full at any time while the Insured
is living and receive its Cash Surrender Value. The cancellation will be
effective as of the date the Company receives a proper written request for
cancellation and the Policy. Such written request must be signed and, where
permitted, the signature guaranteed by a member firm of the New York, American,
Boston, Midwest, Philadelphia or Pacific Stock Exchange, or by a Commercial Bank
or a Savings and Loan, which is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation. In some cases, the Company may require additional documentation of
a customary nature.
Cash Surrender Value
The Cash Surrender Value increases or decreases daily to reflect the investment
experience of the Variable Account and the daily crediting of interest in the
Policy Loan Account. The Cash Surrender Value equals the Policy's Cash Value,
next computed after the date the Company receives a proper written request for
surrender and the Policy, minus any charges, Indebtedness or other deductions
due on that date.
Partial Surrenders
Partial Surrenders may be made at any time after the first Policy Anniversary.
Partial surrenders will be permitted only if they satisfy the following
requirements:
1. The minimum partial surrender is $500;
2. The partial surrender may not reduce the Specified Amount to less than
the Minimum Issue Amount ($50,000);
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3. After the partial surrender, the Policy continues to qualify as life
insurance;
4. The maximum partial surrender is equal to the available Cash Surrender
Value less the greater of $500 and three monthly deductions.
The Company reserves the right to limit the number of partial surrenders in each
Policy Year.
When a partial surrender is made, the Cash Value is reduced by the amount of the
partial surrender. Also, under death benefit Option 1, the Specified Amount is
reduced by the amount of the partial surrender. The Company reserves the right
to deduct a fee for each partial surrender of not more than the lesser of $25
and 2% of the amount of the partial surrender.
On a current basis, the Company does not deduct the above fee. Certain partial
surrenders may result in currently taxable income and tax penalties (see "Tax
Matters").
Maturity Proceeds
The Maturity Date is the Policy Anniversary on or next following the Insured's
100th birthday. The maturity proceeds will be payable to the Policy Owner on the
Maturity Date provided the Policy is still in force. The Maturity Proceeds will
be equal to the amount of the Policy's Cash Value, less any Indebtedness.
Income Tax Withholding
Federal law requires the Company to withhold income tax from any portion of
surrender proceeds that is subject to tax, unless the Policy Owner advises the
Company, in writing, of his or her request not to withhold.
If the Policy Owner requests that the Company not withhold taxes, or if the
taxes withheld are insufficient, the Policy Owner may be liable for payment of
an estimated tax. The Policy Owner should consult his or her tax advisor.
In certain employer-sponsored life insurance arrangements, including equity
split dollar arrangements, participants may be required to report for income tax
purposes, one or more of the following: (1) the value each year of the life
insurance protection provided, (2) an amount equal to any employer-paid
premiums; or (3) some or all of the amount by which the current value exceeds
the employer's interest in the Contract. Participants should consult with the
sponsor or the administrator of the Plan, and/or with their personal tax or
legal advisor, to determine the tax consequences, if any, of their
employer-sponsored life insurance arrangements.
POLICY LOANS
Taking a Policy Loan
After the first Policy Year, the Policy Owner may take a Policy loan using the
Policy as security. Maximum Policy Indebtedness is limited to 90% of the Cash
Surrender Value. The Company will not grant a loan for an amount less than $200.
Should the Death Proceeds become payable, the Policy be surrendered, or the
Policy mature while a loan is outstanding, the amount of Policy Indebtedness
will be deducted from the death benefit, Cash Surrender Value or the maturity
value, respectively.
Any request for a Policy loan must be in written form satisfactory to the
Company. The request must be signed and, where permitted, the signature
guaranteed by a member firm of the New York, American, Boston, Midwest,
Philadelphia or Pacific Stock Exchange; or by a Commercial Bank or a Savings and
Loan which is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Certain
policy loans may result in currently taxable income and tax penalties (see "Tax
Matters").
A Policy Owner considering the use of policy loans in connection with his or her
retirement income plan should consult his or her personal tax adviser regarding
potential tax consequences that may arise if necessary payments are not made to
keep the Policy from lapsing. The amount of such payments necessary to prevent
the Policy from lapsing would increase with age (see "Tax Matters").
Effect on Investment Performance
When a loan is made, an amount equal to the amount of the loan is transferred
from the Variable Account to the Policy Loan Account. If the assets relating to
a Policy are held in more than one sub-account, withdrawals from sub-accounts
will be made in proportion to the assets in each Variable sub-account at the
time of the loan. The amount taken out of the Variable Account will not be
affected by the Variable Account's investment experience while the loan is
outstanding.
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Interest
On a current basis, policy loans are credited with an annual effective rate of
5.1% during policy years 1 through 10 and an annual effective rate of 6% during
the 11th and subsequent policy years. The rate is guaranteed never to be lower
than 4%. The Company may change the current interest crediting rate on policy
loans at any time at its sole discretion. The loan interest rate is 6% per year
for all Policy loans. In the event that it is determined that such loans will be
treated, as a result of the differential between the interest crediting rate and
the loan interest rate, as taxable distributions under any applicable ruling,
regulation, or court decision, the Company retains the right to increase the net
cost (by decreasing the interest crediting rate) on all subsequent policy loans
to an amount that would result in the transaction being treated as a loan under
Federal tax law. If this amount is not prescribed by such ruling, regulation, or
court decision, the amount will be that which the Company considers to be more
likely to result in the transaction being treated as a loan under Federal tax
law.
Amounts transferred to the Policy Loan Account will earn interest daily from the
date of transfer. The earned interest is transferred from the Policy Loan
Account to the Variable Account on each Policy Anniversary or at the time of
loan repayment. It will be allocated according to the Fund allocation factors in
effect at the time of the transfer.
Interest is charged daily and is payable at the end of each Policy Year or at
the time of loan repayment. Unpaid interest will be added to the existing Policy
Indebtedness as of the due date and will be charged interest at the same rate as
the rest of the Indebtedness.
Whenever the total Policy Indebtedness exceeds the Cash Value, the Company will
send a notice to the Policy Owner and the assignee, if any. The Policy will
terminate without value 61 days after the mailing of the notice unless a
sufficient repayment is made during that period. A repayment is sufficient if it
is large enough to reduce the total Policy Indebtedness to an amount equal to
the total Cash Value plus an amount sufficient to continue the Policy in force
for 3 months.
Effect on Death Benefit and Cash Value
A Policy loan, whether or not repaid, will have a permanent effect on the Death
Benefit and Cash Value because the investment results of the Variable Account
will apply only to the non-loaned portion of the Cash Value. The longer the loan
is outstanding, the greater the effect is likely to be. Depending on the
investment results of the Variable Account while the loan is outstanding, the
effect could be favorable or unfavorable.
Repayment
All or part of the Indebtedness may be repaid at any time while the Policy is in
force during the Insured's lifetime. Any payment intended as a loan repayment,
rather than a premium payment, must be identified as such. Loan repayments will
be credited to the Variable sub-accounts in proportion to the Policy Owner's
Underlying Mutual Fund allocation factors in effect at the time of the
repayment. Each repayment may not be less than $50.
HOW THE DEATH BENEFIT VARIES
Calculation of the Death Benefit
At issue, the Policy Owner selects the Specified Amount. While the Policy is in
force, the death benefit will never be less than the Specified Amount. The death
benefit may vary with the Cash Value of the Policy, which depends on investment
performance.
The Policy Owner may choose one of two death benefit options. Under Option 1,
the death benefit will be the greater of the Specified Amount or the Applicable
Percentage of Cash Value. Under Option 1, the amount of the death benefit will
ordinarily not change for several years to reflect the investment performance
and may not change at all. If investment performance is favorable the amount of
death benefit may increase. To see how and when investment performance will
begin to affect death benefits, please see the illustrations. Under Option 2,
the death benefit will be the greater of the Specified Amount plus the Cash
Value, or the Applicable Percentage of Cash Value and will vary directly with
the investment performance.
The term "Applicable Percentage" means the percentage shown in the "Applicable
Percentage of Cash Value Table."
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<PAGE> 21
APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE OF CASH VALUE TABLE
Attained Percentage Attained Percentage Attained Percentage
Age of Cash Value Age of Cash Value Age of Cash Value
--- ------------- --- ------------- --- -------------
0-40 250% 60 130% 80 105%
41 243% 61 128% 81 105%
42 236% 62 126% 82 105%
43 229% 63 124% 83 105%
44 222% 64 122% 84 105%
45 215% 65 120% 85 105%
46 209% 66 119% 86 105%
47 203% 67 118% 87 105%
48 197% 68 117% 88 105%
49 191% 69 116% 89 105%
50 185% 70 115% 90 105%
51 178% 71 113% 91 104%
52 171% 72 111% 92 103%
53 164% 73 109% 93 102%
54 157% 74 107% 94 101%
55 150% 75 105% 95 101%
56 146% 76 105% 96 101%
57 142% 77 105% 97 101%
58 138% 78 105% 98 101%
59 134% 79 105% 99 101%
100 100%
Proceeds Payable on Death
The actual Death Proceeds payable on the Insured's death will be the death
benefit as described above, less any Policy Indebtedness and less any unpaid
Policy Charges. Under certain circumstances, the Death Proceeds may be adjusted
(see "Incontestability", "Error in Age ", and "Suicide").
RIGHT TO EXCHANGE FOR A FIXED BENEFIT POLICY
The Policy Owner may exchange the Policy for a flexible premium adjustable life
insurance policy offered by the Company on the Policy Date. The benefits for the
new policy will not vary with the investment experience of a separate account.
The exchange must be elected within 24 months from the Policy Date. No evidence
of insurability will be required.
The Policy Owner and Beneficiary under the new policy will be the same as those
under the exchanged Policy on the effective date of the exchange. The new policy
will have a death benefit on the exchange date not more than the death benefit
of the original Policy immediately prior to the exchange date. The new policy
will have the same Policy Date and issue age as the original Policy. The initial
Specified Amount and any increases in Specified Amount will have the same rate
class as those of the original Policy. Any indebtedness may be transferred to
the new policy.
The exchange may be subject to an equitable adjustment in rates and values to
reflect variances, if any, in the rates and values between the two Policies.
After adjustment, if any excess is owed the Policy Owner, the Company will pay
the excess to the Policy Owner in cash. The exchange may be subject to federal
income tax withholding (see "Income Tax Withholding").
CHANGES OF INVESTMENT POLICY
The Company may materially change the investment policy of the Variable Account.
The Company must inform the Policy Owners and obtain all necessary regulatory
approvals. Any change must be submitted to the various state insurance
departments which may disapprove it if deemed detrimental to the interests of
the Policy Owners or if it renders the Company's operations hazardous to the
public. If a Policy Owner objects, the Policy may be converted to a
substantially comparable General Account life insurance policy offered by the
Company on the life of the Insured. The Policy Owner has the later of 60 days (6
months in Pennsylvania) from the date of the investment policy change or 60 days
(6 months in Pennsylvania) from being informed of such change to make this
conversion. The Company will not require evidence of insurability for this
conversion.
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<PAGE> 22
The new policy will not be affected by the investment experience of any separate
account. The new policy will be for an amount of insurance not exceeding the
death benefit of the Policy converted on the date of such conversion.
GRACE PERIOD
If the Cash Surrender Value on a Monthly Anniversary Day is not sufficient to
cover the current Policy Charges, a Grace Period of 61 days from the Monthly
Anniversary Day will be allowed for the payment of sufficient premium to cover
the current Policy Charges due plus an amount equal to three times the current
monthly deduction. The Company will send such a notice at the start of the Grace
Period to the Policy Owner's last known address. If the Insured dies during the
Grace Period, the Company will pay the Death Proceeds.
REINSTATEMENT
If the Grace Period ends and the Policy Owner has neither paid the required
premium nor surrendered the Policy for its Cash Surrender Value, the Policy
Owner may reinstate the Policy by:
1. submitting a written request at any time within 3 years after the end
of the Grace Period and prior to the Maturity Date;
2. providing evidence of insurability satisfactory to the Company;
3. paying sufficient premium to cover all policy charges that were due
and unpaid during the Grace Period;
4. paying sufficient premium to keep the Policy in force for 3 months
from the date of reinstatement; and
5. paying or reinstating any indebtedness against the Policy which
existed at the end of the Grace Period.
The effective date of a reinstated Policy will be the Monthly Anniversary Day on
or next following the date the application for reinstatement is approved by the
Company. If your Policy is reinstated, the Cash Value on the date of
reinstatement, but prior to applying any premiums or loan repayments received,
will be set equal to the Cash Value at the end of the Grace Period.
Unless the Policy Owner has provided otherwise, all amounts will be allocated
based on the Underlying Mutual Fund allocation factors in effect at the start of
the Grace Period.
CHANGES IN EXISTING INSURANCE COVERAGE
The Policy Owner may request certain changes in the insurance coverage under the
Policy. Any request must be in writing and received at the Company's Home
Office. No change will take effect unless the Cash Surrender Value, after the
change, is sufficient to keep the Policy in force for at least 3 months.
Specified Amount Increases
After the first Policy Year, the Policy Owner may request an increase to the
Specified Amount. Any increase will be subject to the following conditions:
1. satisfactory evidence of insurability must be provided;
2. the increase must be for a minimum of $10,000; and
3. age limits are the same as for a new issue.
Any approved increase will have an effective date of the Monthly Anniversary Day
on or next following the date the Company approves the supplemental application.
The Company reserves the right to limit the number of Specified Amount increases
to one each Policy Year.
Specified Amount Decreases
After the first Policy Year, the Policy Owner may also request a decrease to the
Specified Amount. Any approved decrease will be effective on the Monthly
Anniversary Day on or next following the date the Company receives the request.
Any such decrease shall reduce insurance in the following order:
1. against insurance provided by the most recent increase;
2. against the next most recent increases successively; and
3. against insurance provided under the original application.
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<PAGE> 23
The Company reserves the right to limit the number of Specified Amount decreases
to one each Policy Year. The Company will refuse a request for a decrease which
would:
1. reduce the Specified Amount to less than $50,000; or
2. disqualify the Policy as a contract for life insurance.
Changes in the Death Benefit Option
After the first Policy Year, the Policy Owner may change the death benefit
option under the Policy. If the change is from Option 1 to Option 2, the
Specified Amount will be decreased by the amount of the Cash Value. If the
change is from Option 2 to Option 1, the Specified Amount will be increased by
the amount of the Cash Value. Evidence of insurability is not required for a
change from Option 2 to Option 1. The Company reserves the right to require
evidence of insurability for a change from Option 1 to Option 2. The effective
date of the change will be the Monthly Anniversary Day on or next following the
date the Company approves the request for change. Only one change of option is
permitted per Policy Year. A change in death benefit option will not be
permitted if it results in the total premiums paid exceeding the then current
maximum premium limitations prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service to
qualify the Policy as a life insurance contract.
OTHER POLICY PROVISIONS
Policy Owner
While the Insured is living, all rights in this Policy are vested in the Policy
Owner named in the application or as subsequently changed, subject to
assignment, if any.
The Policy Owner may name a contingent Policy Owner or a new Policy Owner while
the Insured is living. Any change must be in a written form satisfactory to the
Company and recorded at the Company's Home Office. Once recorded, the change
will be effective when signed. The change will not affect any payment made or
action taken by the Company before it was recorded. The Company may require that
the Policy be submitted for endorsement before making a change.
If the Policy Owner is other than the Insured and names no contingent Policy
Owner, and dies before the Insured, the Policy Owner's rights in this Policy
belong to the Policy Owner's estate.
Beneficiary
The Beneficiary(ies) shall be as named in the application or as subsequently
changed, subject to assignment, if any.
The Policy Owner may name a new Beneficiary while the Insured is living. Any
change must be in a written form satisfactory to the Company and recorded at the
Company's Home Office. Once recorded, the change will be effective when signed.
The change will not affect any payment made or action taken by the Company
before it was recorded.
If any Beneficiary predeceases the Insured, that Beneficiary's interest passes
to any surviving Beneficiary(ies), unless otherwise provided. Multiple
Beneficiaries will be paid in equal shares, unless otherwise provided. If no
named Beneficiary survives the Insureds, the Death Proceeds shall be paid to the
Policy Owner or the Policy Owner's estate.
Assignment
While the Insured is living, the Policy Owner may assign his or her rights in
the Policy. The assignment must be in writing, signed by the Policy Owner and
recorded by the Company at its Home Office. Any assignment will not affect any
payments made or actions taken by the Company before it was recorded. The
Company is not responsible for any assignment not submitted for recording, nor
is the Company responsible for the sufficiency or validity of any assignment.
The assignment will be subject to any Indebtedness owed to the Company before it
was recorded.
Incontestability
The Company will not contest payment of the Death Proceeds based on the initial
Specified Amount after the Policy has been in force during the Insured's
lifetime for 2 years from the Policy Date. For any increase in Specified Amount
requiring evidence of insurability, the Company will not contest payment of the
Death Proceeds based on such an increase after it has been in force during the
Insured's lifetime for 2 years from its effective date.
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<PAGE> 24
Error in Age
If the age of the Insured has been misstated, the affected benefits will be
adjusted. The amount of the death benefit will be 1. multiplied by 2. and then
the result added to 3., where:
1. is the amount of the death benefit at the time of the Insured's death
reduced by the amount of the Cash Value at the time of the Insured's
death;
2. is the ratio of the monthly cost of insurance applied in the policy
month of death and the monthly cost of insurance that should have been
applied at the true age in the policy month of death; and
3. is the Cash Value at the time of the Insured's death.
Suicide
If the Insured dies by suicide, while sane or insane, within two years from the
Policy Date, the Company will pay no more than the sum of the premiums paid,
less any Indebtedness. If the Insured dies by suicide, while sane or insane,
within two years from the date an application is accepted for an increase in the
Specified Amount, the Company will pay no more than the amount paid for such
additional benefit.
Nonparticipating Policies
These are nonparticipating Policies on which no dividends are payable. These
Policies do not share in the profits or surplus earnings of the Company.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES
The Policies will be sold by licensed insurance agents in those states where the
Policies may lawfully be sold. Such agents will be registered representatives of
broker dealers registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 who are
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD). The
Policies will be distributed by the General Distributor, Nationwide Advisory
Services, Inc. (NAS), located at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio, 43216,
also serves as principal underwriter for the Trust. NAS acts as general
distributor for the Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account, Nationwide DC
Variable Account, Nationwide DCVA-II, Nationwide Variable Account-II, Nationwide
Variable Account-5, Nationwide Variable Account-8, Nationwide VA Separate
Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate Account-B, Nationwide VA Separate Account-C,
Nationwide VL Separate Account-A, Nationwide VL Separate Account - B, Nationwide
VLI Separate Account-2, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3, NACo Variable Account
and the Nationwide Variable Account, all of which are separate investment
accounts of the Company or its parent company, Nationwide Life Insurance
Company. NAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company.
NAS also acts as principal underwriter for the Nationwide Investing Foundation,
Nationwide Separate Account Trust, Financial Horizons Investment Trust,
Nationwide Investing Foundation II, and Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust, which
are open-end management investment companies.
CUSTODIAN OF ASSETS
The Company, located at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio, 43216, serves as
the Custodian of the assets of the Variable Account. The Company also serves as
Trustee for the Trust (see Section entitled "The Variable Account").
TAX MATTERS
Policy Proceeds
Section 7702 of the Code provides that if certain tests are met, a Policy will
be treated as a life insurance policy for federal tax purposes. The Company will
monitor compliance with these tests. The Policy should thus receive the same
federal income tax treatment as fixed benefit life insurance. As a result, the
Death Proceeds payable under a Policy are excludable from gross income of the
beneficiary under Section 101 of the Code.
Section 7702A of the Code defines modified endowment contracts as those policies
issued or materially changed on or after June 21, 1988 on which the total
premiums paid during the first seven years exceed the amount that would have
been paid if the policy provided for paid up benefits after seven level annual
premiums (see "Information about the Policies"). The Code provides for taxation
of surrenders, partial surrenders, loans, collateral assignments and other
pre-death distributions from modified endowment contracts (other than certain
distributions to terminally ill or chronically ill individuals) are subject to
federal income taxes a manner similar to the way annuities are taxed. Modified
endowment contract distributions are defined by the Code as amounts not
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<PAGE> 25
received as an annuity and are taxable to the extent the cash value of the
policy exceeds, at the time of distribution, the premiums paid into the policy.
A 10% tax penalty generally applies to the taxable portion of such distributions
unless the Policy Owner is an individual and is over age 59 1/2 or disabled.
Under certain circumstances, certain distributions made under a Policy on the
life of a "terminally ill individual" or a "chronically ill individual", as
those terms are defined in the Code, are excludible from gross income.
The Policies offered by this prospectus may or may not be issued as modified
endowment contracts. The Company will monitor premiums paid and will notify the
Policy Owner when the policy's non-modified endowment status is in jeopardy. If
a policy is not a modified endowment contract, a cash distribution during the
first 15 years after a policy is issued which causes a reduction in death
benefits may still become fully or partially taxable to the Owner pursuant to
Section 7702(f)(7) of the Code. The Policy Owner should carefully consider this
potential effect and seek further information before initiating any changes in
the terms of the policy. Under certain conditions, a policy may become a
modified endowment as a result of a material change or a reduction in benefits
as defined by Section 7702A(c) of the Code.
In addition to meeting the tests required under Sections 7702, Section 817(h) of
the Code requires that the investments of separate accounts such as the Variable
Account be adequately diversified. Regulations under 817(h) provide that a
variable life policy that fails to satisfy the diversification standards will
not be treated as life insurance unless such failure was inadvertent, is
corrected, and the Policy Owner or the Company pays an amount to the Internal
Revenue Service. The amount will be based on the tax that would have been paid
by the Policy Owner if the income, for the period the policy was not
diversified, had been received by the Policy Owner. If the failure to diversify
is not corrected in this manner, the Policy Owner will be deemed the owner of
the underlying securities and taxed on the earnings of his or her account.
Representatives of the Internal Revenue Service have suggested, from time to
time, that the number of Underlying Mutual Funds available or the number of
transfer opportunities available under a variable product may be relevant in
determining whether the product qualifies for the desired tax treatment. No
formal guidance has been issued in this area. Should the Secretary of the
Treasury issue additional rules or regulations limiting the number of Underlying
Mutual Funds, transfers between Underlying Mutual Funds, exchanges of Underlying
Mutual Funds or changes in investment objectives of Underlying Mutual Funds such
that the Policy would no longer qualify as life insurance under Section 7702 of
the Code, the Company will take whatever steps are available to remain in
compliance.
The Company will monitor compliance with these regulations and, to the extent
necessary, will change the objectives or assets of the sub-account investments
to remain in compliance.
A total surrender or cancellation of the Policy by lapse or the maturity of the
Policy on its Maturity Date may have adverse tax consequences. If the amount
received by the Policy Owner plus total Policy Indebtedness exceeds the premiums
paid into the Policy, the excess generally will be treated as taxable income,
regardless of whether or not the Policy is a modified endowment contract.
Generally the taxable portion of any distribution from a contract to a
nonresident alien of the United States is subject to tax withholding at a rate
equal to thirty percent (30%) of such amount or, if applicable, a lower treaty
rate. A payment may not be subject to withholding where the recipient
sufficiently establishes that such payment is effectively connected to the
recipient's conduct of a trade or business in the United States and such payment
is includable in the recipient's gross income.
- - Federal Estate and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes
The federal estate tax is integrated with the federal gift tax under a unified
tax rate schedule. In general, an estate of less than $600,000 (inclusive of
certain predeath gifts) will not incur a federal estate tax liability. In
addition, an unlimited marital deduction may be available for federal estate tax
purposes, for certain amounts that pass to the surviving spouse.
When the Insured dies, the death benefit will generally be included in the
lnsured's federal gross estate if: (1) the proceeds were payable to or for the
benefit of the Insured's estate; or (2) the Insured held any "incident of
ownership" in the Policy at death or at any time within three years of death. An
incident of ownership is, in general, any right that may be exercised by the
Policy, such as the right to borrow on the Policy, or the right to name a new
Beneficiary.
If the Policy Owner (whether or not he or she is the Insured) transfers
ownership of the Policy to another person, such transfer may be subject to a
federal gift tax. In addition, if such Policy Owner transfers the Policy to
someone two or more generations younger than the Policy Owner, the transfer may
be subject to the federal generation-skipping transfer tax ("GSTT"), the taxable
amount being the value of the policy.
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Similarly, if the Beneficiary is two or more generations younger than the
Insured, the payment of the Death Proceeds at the death of the Insured may be
subject to the GSTT. Pursuant to regulations recently promulgated by the U.S.
Treasury Department, the Company may be required to withhold a portion of the
Death Proceeds and pay them directly to the Internal Revenue Service as the GSTT
liability.
The GSTT provisions generally apply to the same transfers that are subject to
estate or gift taxes.
The tax rate is a flat rate equal to the maximum estate tax rate (currently
55%), and there is a provision for an aggregate $1 million exemption. Due to the
complexity of these rules, the Policy Owner should consult with counsel and
other competent advisors regarding these taxes,
- - Non-Resident Aliens
Distributions to nonresident aliens ("NRAs") are generally subject to federal
income tax and tax withholding, at a statutory rate of 30% of the amount of
income that is distributed. The Company is required to withhold such amount from
the Distribution and remit it to the Internal Revenue Service. Distributions to
certain NRAs may be subject to lower, or in certain instances zero, tax and
withholding rates, if the United States has entered into an applicable treaty.
However, in order to obtain the benefits of such treaty provisions, the NRA must
give to the Company sufficient proof of his or her residency and citizenship in
the form and manner prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, for
any Distribution made after December 31, 1997, the NRA must obtain an individual
Taxpayer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service, and furnish
that number to the Company prior to the Distribution. If the Company does not
have the proper proof of citizenship or residency and (for Distributions after
December 31, 1997) a proper individual Taxpayer Identification Number prior to
any Distribution, the Company will be required to withhold 30% of the income,
regardless of any treaty provision.
A payment may not be subject to withholding where the recipient sufficiently
establishes to the Company that such payment is effectively connected to the
recipient's conduct of a trade or business in the United States and that such
payment is includable in the recipient's gross income for United States federal
income tax purposes, Any such distributions may be subject to back-up
withholding at the statutory rate (currently 31%) if not taxpayer identification
number, or an incorrect taxpayer identification number, is provided.
State and local estate, inheritance income and other tax consequences of
ownership or receipt of Policy proceeds depend on the circumstances of each
Policy Owner or Beneficiary.
Taxation of the Company
The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under the Code. Since the
Variable Account is not a separate entity from the Company and its operations
form a part of the Company, it will not be taxed separately as a "regulated
investment company" under Sub-chapter M of the Code. Investment income and
realized capital gains on the assets of the Variable Account are reinvested and
taken into account in determining the value of Accumulation Units. As a result,
such investment income and realized capital gains are automatically applied to
increase reserves under the Policies.
The Company does not initially expect to incur any Federal income tax liability
that would be chargeable to the Variable Account. Based upon these expectations,
no charge is currently being made against the Variable Account for federal
income taxes. If, however, the Company determines that on a separate company
basis such taxes may be incurred, it reserves the right to assess a charge for
such taxes against the Variable Account.
The Company may also incur state and local taxes (in addition to premium taxes)
in several states. At present, these taxes are not significant. If they
increase, however, charges for such taxes may be made.
Tax Changes
The foregoing discussion, which is based on the Company's understanding of
federal tax laws as they are currently interpreted by the Internal Revenue
Service, is general and is not intended as tax advice.
In the recent past, the Code has been subjected to numerous amendments and
changes, and it is reasonable to believe that it will continue to be revised.
The United States Congress has, in the past, considered numerous legislative
proposals that, if enacted, could change the tax treatment of the Policies. It
is reasonable to believe that such proposals, and other proposals will be
considered in the future, and some may be enacted into law. In addition, the
U.S. Treasury Department may amend existing regulations, issue new regulations,
or adopt new interpretations of existing law that may be at variance with its
current positions on these matters. In addition, current state law (which is not
discussed herein), and future amendments to state law, may affect the tax
consequences of the Policy.
If the Policy Owner, Insured, or Beneficiary or other person receiving any
benefit or interest in or from the Policy is not both a resident and citizen of
the United States, there may be a tax imposed by a foreign country, in
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<PAGE> 27
addition to any tax imposed by the United States. The foreign law (including
regulations, rulings, and case law) may change and impose additional taxes on
the Policy, the Death Benefit, or other Distributions and/or ownership of the
Policy, or a treaty may be amended and all or part of the favorable treatment
may be eliminated.
Any or all of the foregoing may change from time to time without any notice, and
the tax consequences arising out of a Policy may be changed retroactively. There
is no way of predicting if when, and to what extent any such change may take
place. No representation is made as to the likelihood of the continuation of
these current laws, interpretations, and policies.
THE FOREGOING IS A GENERAL EXPLANATION AS TO CERTAIN TAX MATTERS PERTAINING TO
INSURANCE POLICIES. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE, AND SHOULD NOT
TAKE THE PLACE OF YOUR INDEPENDENT LEGAL, TAX AND/OR FINANCIAL ADVISOR.
THE COMPANY
The life insurance business, which includes product lines in health insurance
and annuities, is the only business in which the Company is engaged.
The Company markets its Policies through independent insurance brokers, general
agents, and registered representatives of registered NASD broker/dealer firms.
The Company serves as depositor for the Nationwide VA Separate Account-A,
Nationwide VA Separate Account-B, Nationwide VA Separate Account-C, Nationwide
VL Separate Account-A and Nationwide VL Separate Account-B, each of which is a
registered investment company, and each of which is a separate investment
account of the Company.
The Company, in common with other insurance companies, is subject to regulation
and supervision by the regulatory authorities of the states in which it is
licensed to do business. A license from the state insurance department is a
prerequisite to the transaction of insurance business in that state. In general,
all states have statutory administrative powers. Such regulation relates, among
other things, to licensing of insurers and their agents, the approval of policy
forms, the methods of computing reserves, the form and content of statutory
financial statements, the amount of policyholders' and stockholders' dividends,
and the type of distribution of investments permitted.
The Company operates in the highly competitive field of life insurance. There
are approximately 2,300 stock, mutual and other types of insurers in the life
insurance business in the United States, and a large number of them compete with
the registrant in the sale of insurance policies.
As is customary in insurance company groups, employees are shared with the other
insurance companies in the group. In addition to its direct salaried employees,
the Company shares employees with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and
Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
The Company does not presently own or lease any materially important physical
properties when its property holdings are viewed in relation to its total
assets. The Company shares Home Office, other facilities and equipment with
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
COMPANY MANAGEMENT
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company, together with Nationwide Mutual
Insurance Company, Nationwide Indemnity Company, Nationwide Mutual Fire
Insurance Company, Nationwide Life Insurance Company, Nationwide Property and
Casualty Insurance Company, National Casualty Company, West Coast Life Insurance
Company, Scottsdale Indemnity Company and Nationwide General Insurance Company
and their affiliate companies comprise the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise.
The companies comprising the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise have substantially
common boards of directors and officers. Nationwide Life Insurance Company is
the sole shareholder of Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company.
Directors of the Company
Director
Name Since Principal Occupation
---- ----- --------------------
Lewis J. Alphin 1993 Farm Owner and Operator (1)
Keith W. Eckel 1996 Partner, Fred W. Eckel Sons; President,
Eckel Farms, Inc. (1)
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Willard J. Engel 1994 General Manager Lyon County Co-Operative
Oil Company (1)
Fred C. Finney 1992 Owner and Operator, Moreland Fruit Farm;
Operator, Melrose Orchard (1)
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr. * + 1969 Chief Executive Officer, Fuellgraf
Electric Company. (1)
Joseph J. Gasper*+ 1996 President and Chief Operating Officer,
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance
Company and Nationwide Life Insurance
Company. (2)
Henry S. Holloway *+ 1986 Farm Owner and Operator (1)
Dimon Richard McFerson *+ 1988 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise (2)
David O. Miller *+ 1985 President, Owen Potato Farm, Inc.;
Partner, M&M Enterprises (1)
C. Ray Noecker 1994 Owner and Operator, Noecker Farms (1)
James F. Patterson + 1989 Vice President, Pattersons, Inc.;
President, Patterson Farms, Inc. (1)
Arden L. Shisler *+ 1984 President and Chief Executive Officer,
K&B Transport, Inc. (1)
Robert L. Stewart 1989 Owner and Operator, Sunnydale Farms and
Mining (1)
Nancy C. Thomas * 1986 Farm Owner and Operator. (1)
Harold W. Weihl 1990 Farm Owner and Operator, Weihl Farms (1)
*Member, Executive Committee +Member, Investment Committee
1) Principal occupation for last five years.
2) Prior to assuming this current position, Messrs. McFerson and Gasper held
other executive management positions with the companies.
Each of the directors is a director of the other major insurance affiliates of
the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, except Mr. Gasper who is a director only of
the Company and Nationwide Life Insurance Company. Messrs. McFerson and Gasper
are directors of Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc., a registered broker-dealer.
Messrs. Holloway, McFerson, Miller, Patterson, Shisler and Fuellgraf are
directors of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. Messrs. Fuellgraf, McFerson,
Ms. Thomas and Mr. Weihl are trustees of Nationwide Investing Foundation, a
registered investment company. Mr. McFerson is trustee of Nationwide Separate
Account Trust, Financial Horizons Investment Trust, Nationwide Investing
Foundation II and Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust, registered investment
companies. Mr. Engel is a director of Western Cooperative Transport.
Executive Officers of the Company
Name Office Held
- ---- -----------
Dimon Richard McFerson Chairman and Chief Executive Officer-Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise
Joseph J. Gasper President and Chief Operating Officer
Gordon E. McCutchan Executive Vice President, Law and Corporate
Services and Secretary
Robert A. Oakley Executive Vice President-Chief Financial Officer
Robert J. Woodward, Jr. Executive Vice President-Chief Investment Officer
James E. Brock Senior Vice President - Life Company Operations
W. Sidney Druen Senior Vice President and General Counsel and
Assistant Secretary
Harvey S. Galloway, Jr. Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary
Richard A. Karas Senior Vice President - Sales and Financial
Services
Mark R. Thresher Vice President - Controller
Duane M. Campbell Vice President - Treasurer
25
<PAGE> 29
Mr. Gasper is also President and Chief Operating Officer of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company. Mr. Galloway is also an officer of Nationwide Mutual
Insurance Company and Nationwide Life Insurance Company. Each of the other
officers listed above is also an officer of each of the companies comprising the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. Each of the executive officers listed above has
been associated with the registrant in an executive capacity for more than the
past five years, except Mr. Thresher, who joined the Registrant in 1996. From
1988-1996, Mr. Thresher served as a partner in the accounting firm KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP and lead partner for Nationwide Insurance Enterprise from 1993-1996.
OTHER CONTRACTS ISSUED BY THE COMPANY
The Company does presently and will, from time to time, offer variable contracts
and policies with benefits which vary in accordance with the investment
experience of a separate account of the Company.
STATE REGULATION
The Company is subject to the laws of Ohio governing insurance companies and to
regulation by the Ohio Insurance Department. An annual statement in a prescribed
form is filed with the Insurance Department each year covering the operation of
the Company for the preceding year and its financial condition as of the end of
such year. Regulation by the Insurance Department includes periodic examination
to determine the Company's contract liabilities and reserves so that the
Insurance Department may certify the items are correct. The Company's books and
accounts are subject to review by the Insurance Department at all times and a
full examination of its operations is conducted periodically by the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners. Such regulation does not, however,
involve any supervision of management or investment practices or policies. In
addition, the Company is subject to regulation under the insurance laws of other
jurisdictions in which it may operate.
REPORTS TO POLICY OWNERS
The Company will mail to the Policy Owner, at the last known address of record,
an annual statement showing the amount of the current death benefit, the Cash
Value, and Cash Surrender Value, premiums paid and monthly charges deducted
since the last report, the amounts invested in each sub-account of the Variable
Account, and any Policy Indebtedness.
Policy Owners will also be sent annual and semi-annual reports containing
financial statements for the Variable Account as required by the 1940 Act.
In addition, Policy Owners will receive statements of significant transactions,
such as changes in Specified Amount, changes in death benefit option, changes in
future premium allocation, transfers among sub-accounts, premium payments,
loans, loan repayments, reinstatement and termination.
ADVERTISING
The Company is also ranked and rated by independent financial rating services,
including Moody's, Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best Company. The purpose of these
ratings is to reflect the financial strength or claims-paying ability of the
Company. The ratings are not intended to reflect the investment experience or
financial strength of the Variable Account. The Company may advertise these
ratings from time to time. In addition, the Company may include in certain
advertisements, endorsements in the form of a list of organizations, individuals
or other parties which recommend the Company or the Contracts. Furthermore, the
Company may occasionally include in advertisements comparisons of currently
taxable and tax deferred investment programs, based on selected tax brackets, or
discussions of alternative investment vehicles and general economic conditions.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation
incidental to the business to which the Company and the Variable Account are
parties or to which any of their property is the subject.
The General Distributor, Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc., is not engaged in
any material litigation of any nature.
EXPERTS
The financial statements have been included herein reliance upon the report of
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants, and upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
26
<PAGE> 30
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
Policies 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 Variable Account, the Company, and the Policies
offered hereby. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the content of
Policies and other legal instruments are summaries. For a complete statement of
the terms thereof, reference is made to such instruments as filed.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Legal matters in connection with the Policies described herein are being passed
upon by Druen, Rath & Dietrich, One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216. All
the members of such firm are employed by the Nationwide Mutual Insurance
Company.
27
<PAGE> 31
APPENDIX 1
ILLUSTRATIONS OF CASH VALUES,
CASH SURRENDER VALUES,
AND DEATH BENEFITS
The illustrations in this prospectus have been prepared to help show how values
under the Policies change with investment performance. The illustrations
illustrate how Cash Values, Cash Surrender Values and death benefits under a
Policy would vary over time if the hypothetical gross investment rates of return
were a uniform annual effective rate of either 0%, 6% or 12%. If the
hypothetical gross investment rate of return averages 0%, 6% or 12% over a
period of years, but fluctuates above or below those averages for individual
years, the Cash Values, Cash Surrender Values and death benefits may be
different. For a hypothetical return of 0%, the second illustration also
illustrates when the Policy would go into default, at which time additional
premium payments would be required to continue the Policy in force. The
illustrations also assume there is no Policy Indebtedness, no additional premium
payments are made, and there are no changes in the Specified Amount or death
benefit option.
The amounts shown for the Cash Value, Cash Surrender Value and death benefit as
of each Policy Anniversary reflect the fact that the net investment return on
the assets held in the sub-accounts is lower than the gross return. This is due
to the charges made against the assets of the sub-accounts for assuming
mortality and expense risks. The mortality and expense risk charges are
equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.65% of the daily net asset value of
the Variable Account. In addition, the net investment returns also reflect the
deduction of Underlying Mutual Fund investment advisory fees and other expenses
which are equivalent to an annual effective rate of .75% of the daily net asset
value of the Variable Account. This annual effective rate is calculated based
upon the average of the most currently available underlying fund total operating
expenses. The Underlying Mutual Funds are subject to the following fee waiver or
expense reimbursement arrangements:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND EXPENSES WITHOUT REIMBURSEMENT OR WAIVER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Variable Insurance The Adviser has voluntarily agreed subject to
Products Fund - Equity-Income revision or termination to reimburse a fund
Portfolio if, and to the extent that, its aggregate
operating expenses, including management
fees, exceed a specified annual rate for the
fund. The expense cap is: 1.50% imposed on
October 9, 1986. Since the expense ratio is
significantly below the expense cap there is
no reimbursement and none anticipated during
the current year. Since there is no
reimbursement the discontinuance of the
arrangement has no effect on total fund
operating expenses.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Variable Insurance The Adviser has voluntarily agreed subject to
Products Fund - Overseas revision or termination to reimburse a fund
Portfolio if, and to the extent that, its aggregate
operating expenses, including management
fees, exceed a specified annual rate for the
fund. The expense cap is: 1.50% imposed on
January 28, 1986. Since the expense ratio is
significantly below the expense cap there is
no reimbursement and none anticipated during
the current year. Since there is no
reimbursement the discontinuance of the
arrangement has no effect on total fund
operating expenses.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive
Trust-Asset Allocation Fund all or part of its fees in order to limit the
Funds' operating expenses to not more than
1.00% of the average daily net assets. It is
likely that this voluntary waiver arrangement
will continue during the current year;
however, the Adviser may seek to eliminate or
modify the fee waiver if necessary. The fee
will be imposed to the extent any such waiver
is eliminated or modified.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive
Trust-Government Bond Fund all or part of its fees in order to limit the
Funds' operating expenses to not more than
.75% of the average daily net assets. It is
likely that this voluntary waiver arrangement
will continue during the current year;
however, the Adviser may seek to eliminate or
modify the fee waiver if necessary. The fee
will be imposed to the extent any such waiver
is eliminated or modified.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive
Trust-Large Company Growth all or part of its fees in order to limit the
Fund Funds' operating expenses to not more than
1.00% of the average daily net assets. It is
likely that this voluntary waiver arrangement
will continue during the current year;
however, the Adviser may seek to eliminate or
modify the fee waiver if necessary. The fee
will be imposed to the extent any such waiver
is eliminated or modified.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One(R) Group Investment The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive
Trust-Growth Opportunities all or part of its fees in order to limit the
Fund Funds' operating expenses to not more than
1.10% of the average daily net assets. It is
likely that this voluntary waiver arrangement
will continue during the current year;
however, the Adviser may seek to eliminate or
modify the fee waiver if necessary. The fee
will be imposed to the extent any such waiver
is eliminated or modified.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28
<PAGE> 32
The illustrations also reflect the fact that the Company makes monthly charges
for providing insurance protection. Guaranteed values reflect the maximum cost
of insurance charges guaranteed in the Policy. The values shown are for Policies
which are issued as standard. Policies issued on a substandard basis would
result in lower Cash Values and Death benefits than those illustrated.
Guaranteed values in the illustrations also reflect the fact that the Company
deducts the following charges from premium payments:
Years 1-7 Years 8+
--------- --------
Sales load 9% 5%
Tax expense charge 4% 4%
In addition, the illustrations reflect the fact that the Company deducts a
monthly administrative charge at the beginning of each Policy Month. This
monthly administrative expense charge is $15 per month in the first year, $5 per
month in renewal years. Guaranteed values reflect the $10.00 maximum monthly
administrative charge under the Policy in renewal years. The illustrations also
reflect the fact that no charges for federal or state income taxes are currently
made against the Variable Account. If such a charge is made in the future, it
will require a higher gross investment return than illustrated in order to
produce the net after-tax returns shown in the illustrations.
Upon request, the Company will furnish a comparable illustration based on the
proposed Insured's age, sex, smoking classification, rating classification and
premium payment requested.
29
<PAGE> 33
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 1
$6,000 ANNUAL PREMIUM: $250,000 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
UNISEX: NON-TOBACCO: NON-MEDICAL: AGE 45
GUARANTEED VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
0% Hypothetical 6% Hypothetical 12% Hypothetical
Gross Investment Return Gross Investment Return Gross Investment Return
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Premiums
Paid Plus Cash Cash Cash
Policy Interest Cash Surr Death Cash Surr Death Cash Surr Death
Year at 5% Value Value Benefit Value Value Benefit Value Value Benefit
---- ----- ----- ----- ------- ----- ----- ------- ----- ----- -------
<C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 6,300 4,145 4,145 250,000 4,422 4,422 250,000 4,699 4,699 250,000
2 12,915 8,242 8,242 250,000 9,055 9,055 250,000 9,903 9,903 250,000
3 19,861 12,229 12,229 250,000 13,847 13,847 250,000 15,600 15,600 250,000
4 27,154 16,103 16,103 250,000 18,801 18,801 250,000 21,841 21,841 250,000
5 34,811 19,862 19,862 250,000 23,922 23,922 250,000 28,683 28,683 250,000
6 42,852 23,498 23,498 250,000 29,211 29,211 250,000 36,186 36,186 250,000
7 51,295 27,003 27,003 250,000 34,668 34,668 250,000 44,416 44,416 250,000
8 60,159 30,606 30,606 250,000 40,547 40,547 250,000 53,714 53,714 250,000
9 69,467 34,055 34,055 250,000 46,606 46,606 250,000 63,929 63,929 250,000
10 79,241 37,343 37,343 250,000 52,850 52,850 250,000 75,163 75,163 250,000
11 89,503 40,461 40,461 250,000 59,285 59,285 250,000 87,535 87,535 250,000
12 100,278 43,403 43,403 250,000 65,917 65,917 250,000 101,181 101,181 250,000
13 111,592 46,167 46,167 250,000 72,763 72,763 250,000 116,265 116,265 250,000
14 123,471 48,741 48,741 250,000 79,830 79,830 250,000 132,966 132,966 250,000
15 135,945 51,110 51,110 250,000 87,125 87,125 250,000 151,492 151,492 250,000
16 149,042 53,254 53,254 250,000 94,658 94,658 250,000 172,083 172,083 250,000
17 162,794 55,153 55,153 250,000 102,436 102,436 250,000 195,023 195,023 250,000
18 177,234 56,770 56,770 250,000 110,466 110,466 250,000 220,426 220,426 277,737
19 192,396 58,070 58,070 250,000 118,757 118,757 250,000 248,348 248,348 307,952
20 208,316 59,021 59,021 250,000 127,330 127,330 250,000 279,042 279,042 340,431
21 225,031 59,592 59,592 250,000 136,216 136,216 250,000 312,791 312,791 375,349
22 242,583 59,752 59,752 250,000 145,456 145,456 250,000 349,837 349,837 416,306
23 261,012 59,472 59,472 250,000 155,102 155,102 250,000 390,500 390,500 460,790
24 280,363 58,710 58,710 250,000 165,213 165,213 250,000 435,128 435,128 509,100
25 300,681 57,403 57,403 250,000 175,855 175,855 250,000 484,102 484,102 561,558
26 322,015 55,459 55,459 250,000 187,106 187,106 250,000 537,834 537,834 618,509
27 344,415 52,759 52,759 250,000 199,060 199,060 250,000 596,996 596,996 674,605
28 367,936 49,142 49,142 250,000 211,843 211,843 250,000 662,204 662,204 735,046
29 392,633 44,424 44,424 250,000 225,626 225,626 250,000 734,181 734,181 800,257
30 418,565 38,409 38,409 250,000 240,517 240,517 257,353 813,793 813,793 870,758
</TABLE>
(1) NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.
(2) GUARANTEED VALUES REFLECT CURRENT COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES AND A MONTHLY
$15 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE FOR THE FIRST POLICY YEAR AND $10
THEREAFTER. GUARANTEED VALUES REFLECT A 13% OF PREMIUM CHARGE ON ALL
PREMIUMS PAID IN THE FIRST SEVEN YEARS AND A 9% OF PREMIUM CHARGE ON ALL
PREMIUMS PAID THEREAFTER.
(3) NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS INVESTMENT
RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.
(*) UNLESS ADDITIONAL PREMIUM IS PAID, THE POLICY WILL NOT STAY IN FORCE.
THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM
THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A PERIOD
OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY
YEARS.. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR THE TRUST THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
30
<PAGE> 34
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 1
$15,000 PREMIUM FOR 7 YEARS: $300,000 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
UNISEX: NON-TOBACCO: NON-MEDICAL: AGE 45
GUARANTEED VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
0% Hypothetical 6% Hypothetical 12% Hypothetical
Gross Investment Return Gross Investment Return Gross Investment Return
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Premiums
Paid Plus Cash Cash Cash
Policy Interest Cash Surr Death Cash Surr Death Cash Surr Death
Year at 5% Value Value Benefit Value Value Benefit Value Value Benefit
---- ----- ----- ----- ------- ----- ----- ------- ----- ----- -------
<C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 15,750 11,724 11,724 300,000 12,461 12,461 300,000 13,198 13,198 300,000
32,288 23,311 23,311 300,000 25,516 25,516 300,000 27,810 27,810 300,000
3 49,652 34,703 34,703 300,000 39,136 39,136 300,000 43,929 43,929 300,000
4 67,884 45,903 45,903 300,000 53,349 53,349 300,000 61,723 61,723 300,000
5 87,029 56,912 56,912 300,000 68,187 68,187 300,000 81,378 81,378 300,000
6 107,130 67,728 67,728 300,000 83,682 83,682 300,000 103,103 103,103 300,000
7 128,237 78,351 78,351 300,000 99,867 99,867 300,000 127,133 127,133 300,000
8 134,648 75,830 75,830 300,000 103,057 103,057 300,000 139,236 139,236 300,000
9 141,381 73,199 73,199 300,000 106,295 106,295 300,000 152,586 152,586 300,000
10 148,450 70,442 70,442 300,000 109,575 109,575 300,000 167,332 167,332 300,000
11 155,872 67,540 67,540 300,000 112,889 112,889 300,000 183,640 183,640 300,000
12 163,666 64,476 64,476 300,000 116,235 116,235 300,000 201,706 201,706 300,000
13 171,849 61,238 61,238 300,000 119,611 119,611 300,000 221,726 221,726 314,851
14 180,442 57,801 57,801 300,000 123,009 123,009 300,000 243,801 243,801 336,446
15 189,464 54,135 54,135 300,000 126,419 126,419 300,000 268,107 268,107 359,263
16 198,937 50,201 50,201 300,000 129,824 129,824 300,000 294,882 294,882 383,347
17 208,884 45,957 45,957 300,000 133,210 133,210 300,000 324,311 324,311 415,118
18 219,328 41,337 41,337 300,000 136,547 136,547 300,000 356,651 356,651 449,380
19 230,295 36,274 36,274 300,000 139,807 139,807 300,000 392,189 392,189 486,315
20 241,809 30,697 30,697 300,000 142,966 142,966 300,000 431,249 431,249 526,124
21 253,900 24,536 24,536 300,000 146,001 146,001 300,000 474,196 474,196 569,035
22 266,595 17,717 17,717 300,000 148,891 148,891 300,000 521,321 521,321 620,372
23 279,924 10,163 10,163 300,000 151,617 151,617 300,000 573,032 573,032 676,178
24 293,921 1,775 1,775 300,000 154,153 154,153 300,000 629,773 629,773 736,835
25 308,617 * * * 156,455 156,455 300,000 692,026 692,026 802,750
26 324,048 * * * 158,461 158,461 300,000 760,314 760,314 874,361
27 340,250 * * * 160,088 160,088 300,000 835,518 835,518 944,135
28 357,262 * * * 161,228 161,228 300,000 918,427 918,427 1,019,454
29 375,126 * * * 161,756 161,756 300,000 1,009,975 1,009,975 1,100,873
30 393,882 * * * 161,540 161,540 300,000 1,111,275 1,111,275 1,189,065
</TABLE>
(1) NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.
(2) GUARANTEED VALUES REFLECT CURRENT COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES AND A MONTHLY
$15 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE FOR THE FIRST POLICY YEAR AND $10
THEREAFTER. GUARANTEED VALUES REFLECT A 13% OF PREMIUM CHARGE ON ALL
PREMIUMS PAID IN THE FIRST SEVEN YEARS AND A 9% OF PREMIUM CHARGE ON ALL
PREMIUMS PAID THEREAFTER.
(3) NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS INVESTMENT
RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.
(*) UNLESS ADDITIONAL PREMIUM IS PAID, THE POLICY WILL NOT STAY IN FORCE.
THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM
THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A PERIOD
OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY
YEARS.. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR THE TRUST THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
31
<PAGE> 35
<PAGE> 1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance
Company, as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related statements of income,
shareholder's equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1996. 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 Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
In 1994, the Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115,
Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Columbus, Ohio
January 31, 1997
<PAGE> 2
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Balance Sheets
December 31, 1996 and 1995
($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Assets 1996 1995
------ ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Investments (notes 4, 7 and 8):
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities (cost $640,303 in 1996; $539,214 in 1995) $ 648,076 555,751
Equity securities (cost $10,854 in 1996; $10,256 in 1995) 12,254 11,407
Mortgage loans on real estate, net 150,997 104,736
Real estate, net 1,090 1,117
Policy loans 126 94
Short-term investments (note 12) 492 4,844
---------- -------
813,035 677,949
---------- -------
Cash 4,296 --
Accrued investment income 9,189 8,464
Deferred policy acquisition costs 16,168 23,405
Deferred federal income tax (note 6) 4,735 --
Other assets 32,747 208
Assets held in Separate Accounts (note 7) 486,251 257,556
---------- -------
$1,366,421 967,582
========== =======
Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
------------------------------------
Future policy benefits and claims (notes 5 and 7) $ 80,720 621,280
Funds withheld under coinsurance agreement with affiliate (note 12) 679,571 --
Accrued federal income tax (note 6):
Current 7,914 708
Deferred -- 2,830
---------- -------
7,914 3,538
---------- -------
Other liabilities 27,928 5,031
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts (note 7) 486,251 257,556
---------- -------
1,282,384 887,405
---------- -------
Commitments (notes 7 and 8)
Shareholder's equity (notes 3, 4 and 11):
Capital shares, $40 par value. Authorized, issued and outstanding 66,000 shares 2,640 2,640
Additional paid-in capital 52,960 52,960
Retained earnings 25,209 20,123
Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net 3,228 4,454
---------- -------
84,037 80,177
---------- -------
$1,366,421 967,582
========== =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE> 3
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Statements of Income
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
-------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues (note 13):
Investment product and universal life insurance product policy charges $ 6,656 4,322 3,601
Traditional life insurance premiums 246 674 311
Net investment income (note 4) 51,045 49,108 45,030
Realized losses on investments (note 4) (3) (702) (625)
-------- ------- -------
57,944 53,402 48,317
-------- ------- -------
Benefits and expenses:
Benefits and claims 35,524 34,180 29,870
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 7,380 5,508 6,940
Other operating expenses (note 12) 7,247 6,567 6,320
-------- ------- -------
50,151 46,255 43,130
-------- ------- -------
Income before federal income tax expense 7,793 7,147 5,187
-------- ------- -------
Federal income tax expense (benefit) (note 6):
Current 9,612 2,012 2,103
Deferred (6,905) 361 (244)
-------- ------- -------
2,707 2,373 1,859
-------- ------- -------
Net income $ 5,086 4,774 3,328
======== ======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE> 4
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Statements of Shareholder's Equity
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unrealized
gains (losses)
Additional on securities Total
Capital paid-in Retained available-for- shareholder's
shares capital earnings sale, net equity
------- ---------- -------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1994:
Balance, beginning of year $2,640 43,960 12,021 38 58,659
Capital contribution -- 9,000 -- -- 9,000
Net income -- -- 3,328 -- 3,328
Adjustment for change in accounting for
certain investments in debt and equity
securities, net (note 3) -- -- -- 4,698 4,698
Unrealized losses on securities available-
for-sale, net -- -- -- (8,439) (8,439)
------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Balance, end of year $2,640 52,960 15,349 (3,703) 67,246
====== ====== ====== ====== =======
1995:
Balance, beginning of year 2,640 52,960 15,349 (3,703) 67,246
Net income -- -- 4,774 -- 4,774
Unrealized gains on securities available-
for-sale, net -- -- -- 8,157 8,157
------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Balance, end of year $2,640 52,960 20,123 4,454 80,177
====== ====== ====== ====== =======
1996:
Balance, beginning of year 2,640 52,960 20,123 4,454 80,177
Net income -- -- 5,086 -- 5,086
Unrealized losses on securities available-
for-sale, net -- -- -- (1,226) (1,226)
------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Balance, end of year $2,640 52,960 25,209 3,228 84,037
====== ====== ====== ====== =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE> 5
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
--------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 5,086 4,774 3,328
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs (19,987) (6,754) (7,283)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 7,380 5,508 6,940
Commission and expense allowances under coinsurance
agreement with affiliate (note 12) 26,473 -- --
Amortization and depreciation 1,721 878 473
Realized losses on invested assets, net 3 702 625
Deferred federal income tax (benefit) expense (6,905) 361 (244)
Increase in accrued investment income (725) (423) (750)
(Increase) decrease in other assets (32,539) 62 (126)
(Decrease) increase in policy liabilities and funds withheld
on coinsurance agreement with affiliate (7,101) 627 926
Increase (decrease) in accrued federal income tax payable 7,206 698 (254)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 22,897 368 (505)
--------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by operating activities 3,509 6,801 3,130
--------- ------- -------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale 73,966 41,729 24,850
Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale 2,480 3,070 13,170
Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity -- 11,251 8,483
Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate 10,975 8,673 5,733
Proceeds from sale of real estate -- 655 --
Proceeds from repayments of policy loans 23 50 2
Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired (179,671) (79,140) (94,130)
Cost of fixed maturity securities held-to maturity acquired -- (8,000) (15,544)
Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired (57,395) (18,000) (11,000)
Cost of real estate acquired -- (10) (52)
Policy loans issued (55) (66) (80)
Short-term investments, net 4,352 (4,479) 1,407
--------- ------- -------
Net cash used in investing activities (145,325) (44,267) (67,161)
--------- ------- -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from capital contribution -- -- 9,000
Increase in investment product and universal life insurance
product account balances 235,286 79,523 95,254
Decrease in investment product and universal life insurance
product account balances (89,174) (42,057) (40,223)
--------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by financing activities 146,112 37,466 64,031
--------- ------- -------
Net increase in cash 4,296 -- --
Cash, beginning of year -- -- --
--------- ------- -------
Cash, end of year $ 4,296 -- --
========= ======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE> 6
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
($000's omitted)
(1) Organization and Description of Business
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (the Company) is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC).
The Company sells primarily fixed and variable rate annuities through
banks and other financial institutions. In addition, the Company sells
universal life and other interest-sensitive life insurance products and is
subject to competition from other financial services providers throughout
the United States. The Company is subject to regulation by the Insurance
Departments of states in which it is licensed, and undergoes periodic
examinations by those departments.
The following is a description of the most significant risks facing life
insurers and how the Company mitigates those risks:
Legal/Regulatory Risk is the risk that changes in the legal or
regulatory environment in which an insurer operates will create
additional expenses not anticipated by the insurer in pricing its
products. That is, regulatory initiatives, new legal theories or
insurance company insolvencies through guaranty fund assessments may
create costs for the insurer beyond those currently recorded in the
financial statements. The Company mitigates this risk by operating
throughout the United States, thus reducing its exposure to any single
jurisdiction, and also by employing underwriting practices which
identify and minimize the adverse impact of this risk.
Credit Risk is the risk that issuers of securities owned by the Company
or mortgagors on mortgage loans on real estate owned by the Company
will default. The Company minimizes this risk by adhering to a
conservative investment strategy, by maintaining credit and collection
policies and by providing for any amounts deemed uncollectible.
Interest Rate Risk is the risk that interest rates will change and
cause a decrease in the value of an insurer's investments. This change
in rates may cause certain interest-sensitive products to become
uncompetitive or may cause disintermediation. The Company mitigates
this risk by charging fees for non-conformance with certain policy
provisions, by offering products that transfer this risk to the
purchaser, and/or by attempting to match the maturity schedule of its
assets with the expected payouts of its liabilities. To the extent that
liabilities come due more quickly than assets mature, an insurer would
have to borrow funds or sell assets prior to maturity and potentially
recognize a gain or loss.
(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The significant accounting policies followed by the Company that
materially affect financial reporting are summarized below. The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) which differ from
statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory
authorities. An Annual Statement, filed with the Department of Insurance
of the State of Ohio (the Department), is prepared on the basis of
accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Department. Prescribed
statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as well as state
laws, regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory
accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed.
The Company has no material permitted statutory accounting practices.
In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ
significantly from those estimates.
<PAGE> 7
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
The most significant estimates include those used in determining deferred
policy acquisition costs, valuation allowances for mortgage loans on real
estate and real estate investments and the liability for future policy
benefits and claims. Although some variability is inherent in these
estimates, management believes the amounts provided are adequate.
(a) Valuation of Investments and Related Gains and Losses
The Company is required to classify its fixed maturity securities and
equity securities as either held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or
trading. Fixed maturity securities are classified as held-to-maturity
when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the
securities to maturity and are stated at amortized cost. Fixed maturity
securities not classified as held-to-maturity and all equity securities
are classified as available-for-sale and are stated at fair value, with
the unrealized gains and losses, net of adjustments to deferred policy
acquisition costs and deferred federal income tax, reported as a
separate component of shareholder's equity. The adjustment to deferred
policy acquisition costs represents the change in amortization of
deferred policy acquisition costs that would have been required as a
charge or credit to operations had such unrealized amounts been
realized. The Company has no fixed maturity securities classified as
held-to-maturity or trading as of December 31, 1996 or 1995.
Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at the unpaid principal
balance less valuation allowances. The Company provides valuation
allowances for impairments of mortgage loans on real estate based on a
review by portfolio managers. The measurement of impaired loans is
based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at
the loan's effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the
fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent.
Loans in foreclosure and loans considered to be impaired are placed on
non-accrual status. Interest received on non-accrual status mortgage
loans on real estate are included in interest income in the period
received.
Real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and
valuation allowances. Other long-term investments are carried on the
equity basis, adjusted for valuation allowances. Impairment losses are
recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of
impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be
generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying amount.
Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on
the basis of specific security identification. Estimates for valuation
allowances and other than temporary declines are included in realized
gains and losses on investments.
(b) Revenues and Benefits
Investment Products and Universal Life Insurance Products: Investment
products consist primarily of individual variable and fixed annuities
and annuities without life contingencies. Universal life insurance
products include universal life insurance, variable universal life
insurance and other interest-sensitive life insurance policies.
Revenues for investment products and universal life insurance products
consist of net investment income, asset fees, cost of insurance, policy
administration and surrender charges that have been earned and assessed
against policy account balances during the period. Policy benefits and
claims that are charged to expense include interest credited to policy
account balances and benefits and claims incurred in the period in
excess of related policy account balances.
Traditional Life Insurance Products: Traditional life insurance
products include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and
benefits and consist primarily of certain annuities with life
contingencies. Premiums for traditional life insurance products are
recognized as revenue when due. Benefits and expenses are associated
with earned premiums so as to result in recognition of profits over the
life of the contract. This association is accomplished by the provision
for future policy benefits and the deferral and amortization of policy
acquisition costs.
<PAGE> 8
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(c) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
The costs of acquiring new business, principally commissions, certain
expenses of the policy issue and underwriting department and certain
variable agency expenses have been deferred. For investment products
and universal life insurance products, deferred policy acquisition
costs are being amortized with interest over the lives of the policies
in relation to the present value of estimated future gross profits from
projected interest margins, asset fees, cost of insurance, policy
administration and surrender charges. For years in which gross profits
are negative, deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized based on
the present value of gross revenues. Deferred policy acquisition costs
are adjusted to reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses on
fixed maturity securities available-for-sale as described in note 2(a).
(d) Separate Accounts
Separate Account assets and liabilities represent contractholders'
funds which have been segregated into accounts with specific investment
objectives. The investment income and gains or losses of these accounts
accrue directly to the contractholders. The activity of the Separate
Accounts is not reflected in the statements of income and cash flows
except for the fees the Company receives.
(e) Future Policy Benefits
Future policy benefits for investment products in the accumulation
phase, universal life insurance and variable universal life insurance
policies have been calculated based on participants' contributions plus
interest credited less applicable contract charges.
(f) Federal Income Tax
The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC). The members of the
consolidated tax return group have a tax sharing agreement which
provides, in effect, for each member to bear essentially the same
federal income tax liability as if separate tax returns were filed.
The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for
income tax. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are
recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences
between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and
liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax
credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered
or settled. Under this method, the effect on deferred tax assets and
liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the
period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are
established when necessary to reduce the deferred tax assets to the
amounts expected to be realized.
(g) Reinsurance Ceded
Reinsurance premiums ceded and reinsurance recoveries on benefits and
claims incurred are deducted from the respective income and expense
accounts. Assets and liabilities related to reinsurance ceded are
reported on a gross basis.
(h) Statements of Cash Flows
The Company routinely invests its available cash balances in highly
liquid, short-term investments with affiliated companies. See note 12.
As such, the Company had no cash balance as of December 31, 1995 and
1994.
<PAGE> 9
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(i) Reclassification
Certain items in the 1995 and 1994 financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the 1996 presentation.
(3) Change in Accounting Principle
Effective January 1, 1994, the Company changed its method of accounting
for certain investments in debt and equity securities in connection with
the issuance of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115
Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. As of
January 1, 1994, the Company classified fixed maturity securities with
amortized cost and fair value of $380,974 and $399,556, respectively, as
available-for-sale and recorded the securities at fair value. Previously,
these securities were recorded at amortized cost. The effect as of January
1, 1994, has been recorded as a direct credit to shareholder's equity as
follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Excess of fair value over amortized cost of fixed maturity
securities available-for-sale $ 18,582
Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs (11,355)
Deferred federal income tax (2,529)
--------
$ 4,698
========
</TABLE>
(4) Investments
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities
available-for-sale were as follows as of December 31, 1996 and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Gross
Amortized unrealized unrealized Estimated
1996: cost gains losses fair value
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
government corporations and agencies $ 3,695 7 (78) 3,624
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 269 -- (2) 267
Debt securities issued by foreign governments 6,129 133 (8) 6,254
Corporate securities 393,371 5,916 (1,824) 397,463
Mortgage-backed securities 236,839 4,621 (992) 240,468
-------- ------- -------- -------
Total fixed maturity securities 640,303 10,677 (2,904) 648,076
Equity securities 10,854 1,540 (140) 12,254
-------- ------- -------- -------
$651,157 12,217 (3,044) 660,330
======== ======= ======== =======
1995:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
government corporations and agencies $ 3,492 18 -- 3,510
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 271 -- (1) 270
Debt securities issued by foreign governments 6,177 301 -- 6,478
Corporate securities 332,425 10,116 (925) 341,616
Mortgage-backed securities 196,849 7,649 (621) 203,877
-------- ------- -------- -------
Total fixed maturity securities 539,214 18,084 (1,547) 555,751
Equity securities 10,256 1,151 -- 11,407
-------- ------- -------- -------
$549,470 19,235 (1,547) 567,158
======== ======= ======== =======
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 10
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities
available-for-sale as of December 31, 1996, by contractual maturity, are
shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities
because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or
without call or prepayment penalties.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amortized Estimated
cost fair value
--------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Due in one year or less $ 43,219 43,441
Due after one year through five years 198,045 200,453
Due after five years through ten years 121,820 122,595
Due after ten years 40,380 41,119
-------- -------
403,464 407,608
Mortgage-backed securities 236,839 240,468
-------- -------
$640,303 648,076
======== =======
</TABLE>
The components of unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net,
were as follows as of December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Gross unrealized gains $ 9,173 17,688
Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition
costs (4,207) (10,836)
Deferred federal income tax (1,738) (2,398)
------- -------
$ 3,228 4,454
======= =======
</TABLE>
An analysis of the change in gross unrealized gains (losses) on securities
available-for-sale and fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity follows
for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
-------- ------ -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities $ (8,764) 30,647 (32,692)
Equity securities 249 1,283 (190)
Fixed maturity securities
held-to-maturity -- 3,941 (8,407)
-------- ------ -------
$ (8,515) 35,871 (41,289)
======== ====== =======
</TABLE>
Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 1996, 1995
and 1994 were $2,480, $3,070 and $13,170, respectively. During 1996, gross
gains of $181 ($64 and $373 in 1995 and 1994, respectively) and no gross
losses ($6 and $73 in 1995 and 1994, respectively) were realized on those
sales.
During 1995, the Company transferred fixed maturity securities classified
as held-to-maturity with amortized cost of $2,000 to available-for-sale
securities due to evidence of a significant deterioration in the issuer's
creditworthiness. The transfer of those fixed maturity securities resulted
in a gross unrealized loss of $600.
As permitted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Special Report,
A Guide to Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, issued in November 1995, the
Company transferred all of its fixed maturity securities previously
classified as held-to-maturity to available-for-sale. As of December 14,
1995, the date of transfer, the fixed maturity securities had amortized
cost of $77,405, resulting in a gross unrealized gain of $1,709.
The Company has no investments which were non-income producing for the
twelve month period preceding December 31, 1996 ($996 of fixed maturity
securities in 1995).
<PAGE> 11
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of $108 as
of December 31, 1996 ($81 as of December 31, 1995) and valuation
allowances of $229 as of December 31, 1996 ($229 as of December 31, 1995).
The recorded investment of mortgage loans on real estate considered to be
impaired (under SFAS No. 114 - Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a
Loan as amended by SFAS No. 118 - Accounting by Creditors for Impairment
of a Loan Income Recognition and Disclosure) as of December 31, 1996 was
$955 ($966 as of December 31, 1995), which includes $955 (none as of
December 31, 1995) of impaired mortgage loans on real estate for which the
related valuation allowance was $184 (none as of December 31, 1995) and
none ($966 as of December 31, 1995) of impaired mortgage loans on real
estate for which there was no valuation allowance. During 1996, the
average recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans on real estate was
approximately $964 ($242 in 1995) and interest income recognized on those
loans was $16 (none in 1995), which is equal to interest income recognized
using a cash-basis method of income recognition.
Activity in the valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real
estate is summarized for the year ended December 31, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Allowance, beginning of year $750 860
Additional charged to operations 184 --
Reduction of the allowance credited
to operations -- (110)
---- ----
Allowance, end of year $934 750
==== ====
</TABLE>
An analysis of investment income by investment type follows for the years
ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross investment income:
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities $40,552 35,093 36,720
Equity securities 598 713 16
Fixed maturity securities
held-to-maturity -- 4,530 540
Mortgage loans on real estate 9,991 9,106 8,437
Real estate 214 273 175
Short-term investments 507 348 207
Other 57 41 19
------- ------ ------
Total investment income 51,919 50,104 46,114
Less: investment expenses 874 996 1,084
------- ------ ------
Net investment income $51,045 49,108 45,030
======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
An analysis of realized gains (losses) on investments, net of valuation
allowances, by investment type follows for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
----- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale $ 181 (822) 260
Mortgage loans on real estate (184) 110 (832)
Real estate and other -- 10 (53)
----- ---- ----
$ (3) (702) (625)
===== ==== ====
</TABLE>
Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $3,403 and $2,806 as
of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, were on deposit with various
regulatory agencies as required by law.
<PAGE> 12
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(5) Future Policy Benefits
The liability for future policy benefits for investment contracts has been
established based on policy terms, interest rates and various contract
provisions. The average interest rate credited on investment product
policies was approximately 5.6%, 5.6% and 5.3% for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
(6) Federal Income Tax
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) as of December 31,
1996 and 1995 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
-------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Liabilities in Separate Accounts $ 5,311 3,445
Future policy benefits 1,070 5,249
Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate 407 338
Other assets and other liabilities 3,836 708
-------- -------
Total gross deferred tax assets 10,624 9,740
-------- -------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed maturity securities 3,268 6,308
Deferred policy acquisition costs 2,131 6,262
Equity securities 490 --
-------- -------
Total gross deferred tax liabilities 5,889 12,570
-------- -------
$ 4,735 (2,830)
======== =======
</TABLE>
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management
considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the
total gross deferred tax assets will not be realized. All future
deductible amounts can be offset by future taxable amounts or recovery of
federal income tax paid within the statutory carryback period. The Company
has determined that valuation allowances are not necessary as of December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 based on its analysis of future deductible
amounts.
Total federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S.
federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Amount % Amount % Amount %
------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Computed (expected) tax expense $ 2,728 35.0 $ 2,501 35.0 $ 1,815 35.0
Tax exempt interest and dividends
received deduction (175) (2.3) (150) (2.1) (50) (1.0)
Other, net 154 2.0 22 0.3 94 1.8
------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ----
Total (effective rate of each year) $ 2,707 34.7 $ 2,373 33.2 $ 1,859 35.8
======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ====
</TABLE>
Total federal income tax paid was $2,335, $1,314 and $2,357 during the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
<PAGE> 13
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(7) Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments
SFAS No. 107 - Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (SFAS
107) requires disclosure of fair value information about existing on and
off-balance sheet financial instruments. SFAS 107 defines the fair value
of a financial instrument as the amount at which the financial instrument
could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. In
cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on
estimates using present value or other valuation techniques.
These techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used,
including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Although
fair value estimates are calculated using assumptions that management
believes are appropriate, changes in assumptions could cause these
estimates to vary materially. In that regard, the derived fair value
estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets
and, in many cases, could not be realized in the immediate settlement of
the instruments. SFAS 107 excludes certain assets and liabilities from its
disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts
presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
Although insurance contracts, other than policies such as annuities that
are classified as investment contracts, are specifically exempted from
SFAS 107 disclosures, estimated fair value of policy reserves on life
insurance contracts is provided to make the fair value disclosures more
meaningful.
The tax ramifications of the related unrealized gains and losses can have
a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered
in the estimates.
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
estimating its fair value disclosures:
Cash, short-term investments and policy loans: The carrying amount
reported in the balance sheets for these instruments approximates their
fair value.
Fixed maturity and equity securities: Fair value for fixed maturity
securities is based on quoted market prices, where available. For fixed
maturity securities not actively traded, fair value is estimated using
values obtained from independent pricing services or, in the case of
private placements, is estimated by discounting expected future cash
flows using a current market rate applicable to the yield, credit
quality and maturity of the investments. The fair value for equity
securities is based on quoted market prices.
Separate Account assets and liabilities: The fair value of assets held
in Separate Accounts is based on quoted market prices. The fair value
of liabilities related to Separate Accounts is the amount payable on
demand, which includes certain surrender charges.
Mortgage loans on real estate: The fair value for mortgage loans on
real estate is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, 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. Fair value for mortgages
in default is the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.
Investment contracts: Fair value for the Company's liabilities under
investment type contracts is disclosed using two methods. For
investment contracts without defined maturities, fair value is the
amount payable on demand. For investment contracts with known or
determined maturities, fair value is estimated using discounted cash
flow analysis. Interest rates used are similar to currently offered
contracts with maturities consistent with those remaining for the
contracts being valued.
Policy reserves on life insurance contracts: The estimated fair value
is the amount payable on demand. Also included are disclosures for the
Company's limited payment policies, which the Company has used
discounted cash flow analyses similar to those used for investment
contracts with known maturities to estimate fair value.
<PAGE> 14
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
Commitments to extend credit: Commitments to extend credit have nominal
value because of the short-term nature of such commitments. See note 8.
Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments subject
to SFAS 107 and policy reserves on life insurance contracts were as
follows as of December 31, 1996 and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
----------------------- -----------------------
Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated
amount fair value amount fair value
-------- ---------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Assets
Investments:
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities $648,076 648,076 555,751 555,751
Equity securities 12,254 12,254 11,407 11,407
Mortgage loans on real estate, net 150,997 152,496 104,736 111,501
Policy loans 126 126 94 94
Short-term investments 492 492 4,844 4,844
Cash 4,296 4,296 -- --
Assets held in Separate Accounts 486,251 486,251 257,556 257,556
Liabilities
Investment contracts 75,417 72,262 616,984 601,582
Policy reserves on life insurance contracts 5,303 5,390 4,296 4,520
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts 486,251 471,125 257,556 246,996
</TABLE>
(8) Additional Financial Instruments Disclosures
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk: The Company is a party
to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course
of business through management of its investment portfolio. These
financial instruments include commitments to extend credit in the form of
loans. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit
risk in excess of amounts recognized on the balance sheets.
Commitments to fund fixed rate mortgage loans on real estate are
agreements to lend to a borrower, and are subject to conditions
established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration
dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a deposit.
Commitments extended by the Company are based on management's case-by-case
credit evaluation of the borrower and the borrower's loan collateral. The
underlying mortgage property represents the collateral if the commitment
is funded. The Company's policy for new mortgage loans on real estate is
to lend no more than 75% of collateral value. Should the commitment be
funded, the Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of
nonperformance by the borrower is represented by the contractual amounts
of these commitments less the net realizable value of the collateral. The
contractual amounts also represent the cash requirements for all unfunded
commitments. Commitments on mortgage loans on real estate of $19,500
extending into 1997 were outstanding as of December 31, 1996.
Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk: The Company grants mainly
commercial mortgage loans on real estate to customers throughout the
United States. The Company has a diversified portfolio with no more than
31% (28% in 1995) in any geographic area and no more than 5% (15% in 1995)
with any one borrower.
<PAGE> 15
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
The summary below depicts loans by remaining principal balance as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Apartment
Office Warehouse Retail & other Total
-------- --------- ------ --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996:
East North Central $ 1,968 2,324 8,203 7,867 20,362
East South Central -- -- 1,828 11,591 13,419
Mountain -- 1,394 -- 1,986 3,380
Middle Atlantic 2,817 -- 883 1,990 5,690
New England 1,993 868 1,944 -- 4,805
Pacific 3,883 15,779 10,093 9,273 39,028
South Atlantic 9,926 -- 16,209 20,520 46,655
West North Central 2,000 -- -- -- 2,000
West South Central 3,824 -- 1,995 10,847 16,666
-------- ------ ------ ------- --------
$ 26,411 20,365 41,155 64,074 152,005
======== ====== ====== =======
Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount 1,008
--------
Total mortgage loans on real estate, net $150,997
========
1995:
East North Central $ 1,854 878 8,263 3,940 14,935
East South Central -- -- 1,877 11,753 13,630
Mountain -- -- -- 1,964 1,964
Middle Atlantic 882 1,820 901 -- 3,603
New England -- 895 1,963 -- 2,858
Pacific 1,923 8,600 8,211 8,838 27,572
South Atlantic 3,953 -- 9,928 15,797 29,678
West North Central -- 1,500 -- -- 1,500
West South Central 3,881 969 -- 4,932 9,782
-------- ------ ------ ------- --------
$ 12,493 14,662 31,143 47,224 105,522
======== ====== ====== =======
Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount 786
--------
Total mortgage loans on real estate, net $104,736
========
</TABLE>
(9) Pension Plan
The Company is a participant, together with other affiliated companies, in
a pension plan covering all employees who have completed at least one
thousand hours of service within a twelve-month period and who have met
certain age requirements. Benefits are based upon the highest average
annual salary of a specified number of consecutive years of the last ten
years of service. The Company funds an allocation of pension costs accrued
for employees of affiliates whose work efforts benefit the Company.
Effective January 1, 1995, the plan was amended to provide enhanced
benefits for participants who met certain eligibility requirements and
elected early retirement no later than March 15, 1995. The entire cost of
the enhanced benefit was borne by NMIC and certain of its property and
casualty insurance company affiliates.
Effective December 31, 1995, the Nationwide Insurance Companies and
Affiliates Retirement Plan was merged with the Farmland Mutual Insurance
Company Employees' Retirement Plan and the Wausau Insurance Companies
Pension Plan to form the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Retirement Plan.
Immediately prior to the merger, the plans were amended to provide
consistent benefits for service after January 1, 1996. These amendments
had no significant impact on the accumulated benefit obligation or
projected benefit obligation as of December 31, 1995.
<PAGE> 16
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
Pension costs charged to operations by the Company during the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $189, $214 and $265, respectively.
The net periodic pension cost for the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
Retirement Plan as a whole for the year ended December 31, 1996 and for
the Nationwide Insurance Companies and Affiliates Retirement Plan as a
whole for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
--------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost (benefits earned during the period) $ 75,466 64,524 64,740
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 105,511 95,283 73,951
Actual return on plan assets (210,583) (249,294) (21,495)
Net amortization and deferral 101,795 143,353 (62,150)
--------- -------- -------
$ 72,189 53,866 55,046
========= ======== =======
</TABLE>
Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Weighted average discount rate 6.00% 7.50% 5.75%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels 4.25% 6.25% 4.50%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 6.75% 8.75% 7.00%
</TABLE>
Information regarding the funded status of the Nationwide Insurance
Enterprise Retirement Plan as a whole as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Accumulated benefit obligation:
Vested $ 1,338,554 1,236,730
Nonvested 11,149 26,503
----------- ----------
$ 1,349,703 1,263,233
=========== ==========
Net accrued pension expense:
Projected benefit obligation for services rendered to date $ 1,847,828 1,780,616
Plan assets at fair value 1,947,933 1,738,004
----------- ----------
Plan assets in excess of (less than) projected benefit
obligation 100,105 (42,612)
Unrecognized prior service cost 37,870 42,845
Unrecognized net gains (201,952) (63,130)
Unrecognized net asset at transition 37,158 41,305
----------- ----------
$ (26,819) (21,592)
=========== ==========
</TABLE>
Basis for measurements, funded status of plan:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Weighted average discount rate 6.50% 6.00%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels 4.75% 4.25%
</TABLE>
Assets of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Retirement Plan are invested
in group annuity contracts of NLIC and Employers Life Insurance Company of
Wausau, a wholly owned subsidiary of NLIC.
<PAGE> 17
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(10) Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
In addition to the defined benefit pension plan, the Company, together
with other affiliated companies, participates in life and health care
defined benefit plans for qualifying retirees. Postretirement life and
health care benefits are contributory and generally available to full time
employees who have attained age 55 and have accumulated 15 years of
service with the Company after reaching age 40. Postretirement health care
benefit contributions are adjusted annually and contain cost-sharing
features such as deductibles and coinsurance. In addition, there are caps
on the Company's portion of the per-participant cost of the postretirement
health care benefits. These caps can increase annually, but not more than
three percent. The Company's policy is to fund the cost of health care
benefits in amounts determined at the discretion of management. Plan
assets are invested primarily in group annuity contracts of NLIC.
The Company elected to immediately recognize its estimated accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation, however, certain affiliated companies
elected to amortize their initial transition obligation over periods
ranging from 10 to 20 years.
The Company's accrued postretirement benefit expense as of December 31,
1996 and 1995 was $840 and $808, respectively, and the net periodic
postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $78, $66
and $119, respectively.
The amount of NPPBC for the plan as a whole for the years ended December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
-------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost (benefits attributed to employee service during the year) $ 6,541 6,235 8,586
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 13,679 14,151 14,011
Actual return on plan assets (4,348) (2,657) (1,622)
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates 173 2,966 568
Net amortization and deferral 1,830 (1,619) 1,622
-------- ------- -------
$ 17,875 19,076 23,165
======== ======= =======
</TABLE>
Information regarding the funded status of the plan as a whole as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Accrued postretirement benefit expense:
Retirees $ 92,954 88,680
Fully eligible, active plan participants 23,749 28,793
Other active plan participants 83,986 90,375
--------- --------
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) 200,689 207,848
Plan assets at fair value 63,044 54,325
--------- --------
Plan assets less than accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (137,645) (153,523)
Unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates 1,654 1,827
Unrecognized net gains (23,225) (1,038)
--------- --------
$(159,216) (152,734)
========= ========
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 18
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
Actuarial assumptions used for the measurement of the APBO as of December
31, 1996 and 1995 and the NPPBC for 1996, 1995 and 1994 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1996 1995 1995 1994
APBO NPPBC APBO NPPBC NPPBC
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Discount rate 7.25% 6.65% 6.75% 8.00% 7.00%
Long-term rate of return on plan
assets, net of tax -- 4.80% -- 8.00% N/A
Assumed health care cost trend rate:
Initial rate 11.00% 11.00% 11.00% 10.00% 12.00%
Ultimate rate 6.00% 6.00% 6.00% 6.00% 6.00%
Uniform declining period 12 Years 12 Years 12 Years 12 Years 12 Years
</TABLE>
The health care cost trend rate assumption has an effect on the amounts
reported. For the plan as a whole, a one percentage point increase in the
assumed health care cost trend rate would increase the APBO as of December
31, 1996 by $701 and the NPPBC for the year ended December 31, 1996 by
$83.
(11) Regulatory Risk-Based Capital and Dividend Restriction
Ohio, the Company's state of domicile, imposes minimum risk-based capital
requirements that were developed by the NAIC. The formulas for determining
the amount of risk-based capital specify various weighting factors that
are applied to financial balances or various levels of activity based on
the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance is determined by a
ratio of the company's regulatory total adjusted capital, as defined by
the NAIC, to its authorized control level risk-based capital, as defined
by the NAIC. Companies below specific trigger points or ratios are
classified within certain levels, each of which requires specified
corrective action. The Company exceeds the minimum risk-based capital
requirements.
The statutory capital shares and surplus of the Company as reported to
regulatory authorities as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $71,390,
$54,978 and $48,947, respectively. The statutory net income of the Company
as reported to regulatory authorities for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 was $670, $8,023 and $6,173, respectively.
The Company is limited in the amount of shareholder dividends it may pay
without prior approval by the Department. As of December 31, 1996, the
maximum amount available for dividend payment from the Company to its
shareholder without prior approval of the Department is $7,139.
The Company currently does not expect such regulatory requirements to
impair its ability to pay operating expenses and stockholder dividends in
the future.
(12) Transactions With Affiliates
The Company leases office space from NMIC and certain of its subsidiaries.
For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company made
lease payments to NMIC and its subsidiaries of $410, $287 and $341,
respectively.
<PAGE> 19
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
Pursuant to a cost sharing agreement among NMIC and certain of its direct
and indirect subsidiaries, including the Company, NMIC provides certain
operational and administrative services, such as sales support,
advertising, personnel and general management services, to those
subsidiaries. Expenses covered by this agreement are subject to allocation
among NMIC, the Company and other affiliates. Amounts allocated to the
Company were $2,682, $2,596 and $2,503 in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. The allocations are based on techniques and procedures in
accordance with insurance regulatory guidelines. Measures used to allocate
expenses among companies include individual employee estimates of time
spent, special cost studies, salary expense, commissions expense and other
methods agreed to by the participating companies that are within industry
guidelines and practices. The Company believes these allocation methods
are reasonable. In addition, the Company does not believe that expenses
recognized under the inter-company agreements are materially different
than expenses that would have been recognized had the Company operated on
a stand alone basis. Amounts payable to NMIC from the Company under the
cost sharing agreement were $2,275 and $1,186 as of December 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively.
Effective December 31, 1996, the Company entered into an intercompany
reinsurance agreement with NLIC whereby certain inforce and subsequently
issued fixed individual deferred annuity contracts are ceded on a 100%
coinsurance with funds withheld basis. Under 100% coinsurance with funds
withheld agreements, invested assets are retained by the ceding company
and liabilities for future policy benefits are transferred to the assuming
company. In addition, net investment earnings on the invested assets
retained by the ceding company are to be paid to the assuming company.
Under terms of the Company's agreement, the investment risk associated
with changes in interest rates is borne by NLIC. Risk of asset default is
retained by the Company, although a fee is paid by NLIC to the Company for
the Company's retention of such risk. The agreement will remain inforce
until all contract obligations are settled. The ceding of risk does not
discharge the original insurer from its primary obligation to the
contractholder. The Company believes that the terms of the 100%
coinsurance with funds withheld agreement are consistent in all material
respects with what the Company could have obtained with unaffiliated
parties.
The Company has recorded a liability equal to the amount due to NLIC as of
December 31, 1996 for $679,571, which represents the future policy
benefits of the fixed individual deferred annuity contracts ceded. In
consideration for the initial inforce business reinsured, NLIC agreed to
pay the Company $26,473 in commission and expense allowances which were
applied to the Company's deferred policy acquisition costs as of December
31, 1996. No significant gain or loss was recognized as a result of the
agreement.
The Company and various affiliates entered into agreements with Nationwide
Cash Management Company (NCMC) and California Cash Management Company
(CCMC), both affiliates, under which NCMC and CCMC act as common agents in
handling the purchase and sale of short-term securities for the respective
accounts of the participants. Amounts on deposit with NCMC and CCMC were
$492 and $4,844 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and are
included in short-term investments on the accompanying balance sheets.
Certain annuity products are sold through an affiliated company, which is
a subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation. Total commissions paid to the
affiliate for the three years ended December 31, 1996 were $14,644, $5,949
and $6,633, respectively.
(13) Segment Information
The Company has three primary segments: Variable Annuities, Fixed
Annuities and Life Insurance. The Variable Annuities segment consists of
annuity contracts that provide the customer with the opportunity to invest
in mutual funds managed by an affiliated company and independent
investment managers, with the investment returns accumulating on a
tax-deferred basis. The Fixed Annuities segment consists of annuity
contracts that generate a return for the customer at a specified interest
rate, fixed for a prescribed period, with returns accumulating on a
tax-deferred basis. The Life Insurance segment consists of insurance
products that provide a death benefit and may also allow the customer to
build cash value on a tax-deferred basis. In addition, the Company reports
corporate expenses and investments, and the related investment income
supporting capital not specifically allocated to its product segments in a
Corporate and Other segment. In addition, all realized gains and losses
are reported in the Corporate and Other segment.
<PAGE> 20
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
During 1996, the Company changed its reporting segments to better reflect
the way the businesses are managed. Prior periods have been restated to
reflect these changes.
The following table summarizes the revenues and income (loss) before
federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994 and assets as of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, by business
segment.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
----------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Variable Annuities $ 4,591 2,927 2,435
Fixed Annuities 51,643 50,056 44,812
Life Insurance 165 185 179
Corporate and Other 1,545 234 891
----------- -------- --------
$ 57,944 53,402 48,317
=========== ======== ========
Income (loss) before federal income tax expense:
Variable Annuities 1,094 1,196 658
Fixed Annuities 5,156 5,633 5,093
Life Insurance (1) (381) (990)
Corporate and Other 1,544 699 426
----------- -------- --------
$ 7,793 7,147 5,187
=========== ======== ========
Assets:
Variable Annuities 503,111 267,097 185,332
Fixed Annuities 787,682 643,313 606,696
Life Insurance 2,597 2,665 2,677
Corporate and Other 73,031 54,507 38,335
----------- -------- --------
$ 1,366,421 967,582 833,040
=========== ======== ========
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 36
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
This Registration Statement comprises the following papers and documents:
The facing sheet.
Cross-reference to items required by Form N-8B-2.
The prospectus consisting of 51 pages.
Representations and Undertakings.
The Signatures.
Accountants' Consent
The following exhibits required by Forms N-8B-2 and S-6:
1. Power of Attorney dated April Attached hereto.
2, 1997
2. Resolution of the Depositor's Filed with initial registration (File
Board of Directors authorizing No. 333-12333) and is hereby
the establishment of the incorporated by reference.
Registrant, adopted
3. Distribution Contracts Underwriting or Distribution of
contracts between the Registrant and
Principal Underwriter - Filed previously
in connection with Registration
Statement (SEC File No. 33-86408) on
November 14, 1994 and hereby
incorporated by reference.
4. Form of Security Filed with initial registration (File
No. 333-12333) and is hereby
incorporated by reference.
5. Articles of Incorporation of Filed with initial registration (File
Depositor No. 333-12333) and is hereby
incorporated by reference.
6. Application form of Security Filed with initial registration (File
No. 333-12333) and is hereby
incorporated by reference.
7. Opinion of Counsel Filed with initial registration (File
No. 333-12333) and is hereby
incorporated by reference.
<PAGE> 37
Representations and Undertakings
The Registrant and the Company hereby make the following representations and
undertakings:
(a) This filing is made pursuant to Rules 6c-3 and 6e-3(T) under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the "Act"). The Registrant and the Company elect to be
governed by Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(13)(i)(A) under the Act with respect to the Policies
described in the prospectus. The Policies have been designed in such a way as to
qualify for the exemptive relief from various provisions of the Act afforded by
Rule 6e-3(T).
(b) Paragraph (b) (13) (iii) (F) of Rule 6e-3(T) is being relied on for the
deduction of the mortality and expense risk charges ("risk charges") assumed by
the Company under the Policies. The Company represents that the risk charges are
within the range of industry practice for comparable policies and reasonable in
relation to all of the risks assumed by the issuer under the Policies. Actuarial
memoranda demonstrating the reasonableness of these charges are maintained by
the Company, and will be made available to the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") on request.
(c) That there is a reasonable likelihood that the distribution financing
arrangement of the separate account will benefit the separate account and the
contractholders and will keep and make available to the Commission on request a
memorandum setting forth the basis for this representation.
(d) That the separate account will invest only in management investment
companies which have undertaken to have a board of directors, a majority of whom
are not interested persons of the company, formulate and approve any plan under
Rule 12b-1 to finance distribution expenses.
(e) Subject to the terms and conditions of Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant hereby undertakes to file with the
Commission such supplementary and periodic information, documents, and reports
as may be prescribed by any rule or regulation of the Commission heretofore or
hereafter duly adopted pursuant to authority conferred in that section.
(f) That the fees and charges deducted under the Policy in the aggregate are
reasonable in relation to the services rendered, the expenses expected to be
incurred, and the risks assumed by the Company.
<PAGE> 38
Accountants' Consent
The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company:
We consent to the use of our report included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Columbus, Ohio
April 28, 1997
<PAGE> 39
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant,
NATIONWIDE VL SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B, has caused this pre-effective amendment to be
signed on its behalf in the City of Columbus, and State of Ohio, on this 28th
day of April, 1997.
NATIONWIDE VL SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B
------------------------------------
(Registrant)
(Seal) NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY
INSURANCE COMPANY
------------------------------------
Attest: (Sponsor)
W. SIDNEY DRUEN By: JOSEPH P. RATH
- ----------------------------- ---------------------------------
W. Sidney Druen Joseph P. Rath
Assistant Secretary Vice President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration
Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities
indicated on the 28th day of April, 1997.
Signature Title
LEWIS J. ALPHIN Director
- -----------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin
KEITH W. ECKEL Director
- -----------------------------------
Keith W. Eckel
WILLARD J. ENGEL Director
- -----------------------------------
Willard J. Engel
FRED C. FINNEY Director
- -----------------------------------
Fred C. Finney
CHARLES L. FUELLGRAF, JR. Director
- -----------------------------------
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.
JOSEPH J. GASPER President/Chief Operating Officer
- ----------------------------------- and Director
Joseph J. Gasper
HENRY S. HOLLOWAY Chairman of the Board and Director
- ----------------------------------
Henry S. Holloway
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer-
DIMON RICHARD MCFERSON Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Director
- -----------------------------------
Dimon Richard McFerson
DAVID O. MILLER Director
- -----------------------------------
David O. Miller
C. RAY NOECKER Director
- -----------------------------------
C. Ray Noecker
ROBERT A. OAKLEY Executive Vice President-
- ----------------------------------- Chief Financial Officer
Robert A. Oakley
JAMES F. PATTERSON Director By JOSEPH P. RATH
- ----------------------------------- ---------------------
James F. Patterson Joseph P. Rath
Director Attorney-in-Fact
ARDEN L. SHISLER
- -----------------------------------
Arden L. Shisler
ROBERT L. STEWART Director
- -----------------------------------
Robert L. Stewart
NANCY C. THOMAS Director
- -----------------------------------
Nancy C. Thomas
HAROLD W. WEIHL Director
- -----------------------------------
Harold W. Weihl
<PAGE> 1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned as
directors and/or officers of NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, and NATIONWIDE
LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY, both Ohio corporations, which have filed or
will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the provisions
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, various Registration Statements and
amendments thereto for the registration under said Act of Individual Deferred
Variable Annuity Contracts in connection with MFS Variable Account, Nationwide
Variable Account, Nationwide Variable Account-II, Nationwide Variable Account-3,
Nationwide Variable Account-4, Nationwide Variable Account-5, Nationwide
Variable Account-6, Nationwide Fidelity Advisor Variable Account, Nationwide
Multi-Flex Variable Account, Nationwide Variable Account-8, Nationwide VA
Separate Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate Account-B, Nationwide VA Separate
Account-C and Nationwide VA Separate Account-Q; and the registration of fixed
interest rate options subject to a market value adjustment offered under some or
all of the aforementioned individual Variable Annuity Contracts in connection
with Nationwide Multiple Maturity Separate Account and Nationwide Multiple
Maturity Separate Account-A, and the registration of Group Flexible Fund
Retirement Contracts in connection with Nationwide DC Variable Account,
Nationwide DCVA-II, and NACo Variable Account; and the registration of Group
Common Stock Variable Annuity Contracts in connection with Separate Account No.
1; and the registration of variable life insurance policies in connection with
Nationwide VLI Separate Account, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2, Nationwide
VLI Separate Account-3, Nationwide VL Separate Account-A and Nationwide VL
Separate Account-B, hereby constitutes and appoints Dimon Richard McFerson,
Joseph J. Gasper, W. Sidney Druen, and Joseph P. Rath, and each of them with
power to act without the others, his/her attorney, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for and in his/her name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to approve, and sign such Registration Statements and
any and all amendments thereto, with power to affix the corporate seal of said
corporation thereto and to attest said seal and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby granting unto said attorneys, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and
thing requisite to all intents and purposes as he/she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming that which said attorneys, or any of
them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This instrument may
be executed in one or more counterparts.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have herewith set their names and
seals as of this 2nd day of April, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
/s/ Lewis J. Alphin /s/ David O. Miller
- ------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin, Director David O. Miller, Director
/s/ Keith W. Eckel /s/ C. Ray Noecker
- ------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
Keith W. Eckel, Director C. Ray Noecker, Director
/s/ Willard J. Engel /s/ Robert A. Oakley
- ------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Willard J. Engel, Director Robert A. Oakley, Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
/s/ Fred C. Finney /s/ James F. Patterson
- ------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Fred C. Finney, Director James F. Patterson, Director
/s/ Charles L. Fuellgraf /s/ Arden L. Shisler
- ------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr., Director Arden L. Shisler, Director
/s/ Joseph J. Gasper /s/ Robert L. Stewart
- ------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Joseph J. Gasper, President and Chief Operating Officer Robert L. Stewart, Director
and Director
/s/ Henry S. Holloway /s/ Nancy C. Thomas
- ------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Henry S. Holloway, Chairman of the Board, Director Nancy C. Thomas, Director
/s/ Dimon Richard McFerson /s/ Harold W. Weihl
- ------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Dimon Richard McFerson, Chairman and Chief Executive Harold W. Weihl, Director
Officer-Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Director
</TABLE>
