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NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts
Issued by Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company
through its Nationwide VA Separate Account-D
The date of this prospectus is December 8, 2000.
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Variable annuities are complex investment products with unique benefits and
advantages that may be particularly useful to many investors in meeting
long-term savings and retirement needs. There are, however, costs and charges
associated with some of these unique benefits - costs and charges that do not
exist or are not present with other investment products. With help from
financial consultants or advisers, investors are encouraged to compare and
contrast the costs and benefits of the variable annuity described in this
prospectus with those of other investment products, including other variable
annuity or variable life insurance products offered by Nationwide Life and
Annuity Insurance Company and its affiliates. This process will aid in
determining whether the purchase of the contract described in this prospectus is
consistent with an individual's goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, marital
status, tax situation, and other personal characteristics and needs.
THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS BASIC INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE CONTRACTS
BEFORE INVESTING. PLEASE READ THIS PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY AND KEEP IT FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
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The following underlying mutual funds are available under the contracts:
W&R TARGET FUNDS, INC.
- Asset Strategy Portfolio
- Balanced Portfolio
- Bond Portfolio
- Core Equity Portfolio
- Growth Portfolio
- High Income Portfolio
- International Portfolio
- Limited-Term Bond Portfolio
- Money Market Portfolio
- Science and Technology Portfolio
- Small Cap Portfolio
Purchase payments not invested in the underlying mutual funds of the Nationwide
VA Separate Account-D ("variable account") can be allocated to the fixed account
or the Guaranteed Term Options (Guaranteed Term Options may not be available in
every jurisdiction - refer to your contract for specific information.
The Statement of Additional Information (dated December 8, 2000) which contains
additional information about the contracts and the variable account, has been
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and is incorporated
herein by reference. The table of contents for the Statement of Additional
Information is on page 47.
For general information or to obtain FREE copies of the:
- Statement of Additional Information;
- prospectus, annual report or semi-annual report for any underlying
mutual fund;
- prospectus for the Guaranteed Term Options; or
- required Nationwide forms,
call: 1-866-221-1100
TDD 1-800-238-3035
or write:
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY
INSURANCE COMPANY
P.O. BOX 182449
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43218-2449
The Statement of Additional Information and other material incorporated by
reference can be found on the SEC website at:
www.sec.gov
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THIS ANNUITY IS NOT:
- A BANK DEPOSIT - FEDERALLY INSURED
- ENDORSED BY A BANK OR - AVAILABLE IN
GOVERNMENT AGENCY EVERY STATE
Investors assume certain risks when investing in the contracts, including the
possibility of losing money.
These contracts are offered to customers of brokerage firms. No brokerage firm
is responsible for the guarantees under the contracts. Guarantees under the
contracts are the sole responsibility of Nationwide.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC, NOR HAS THE
SEC PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS
ACCUMULATION UNIT- An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the variable
account value before the annuitization date.
ANNUITIZATION DATE- The date on which annuity payments begin.
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE- The date on which annuity payments are scheduled to
begin. This date may be changed by the contract owner with Nationwide's consent.
ANNUITY UNIT- An accounting unit of measure used to calculate variable annuity
payments.
CONTRACT VALUE- The total value of all accumulation units plus any amount held
in the fixed account and any amount held under Guaranteed Term Options.
CONTRACT YEAR- Each year the contract is in force beginning with the date the
contract is issued.
FIXED ACCOUNT- An investment option which is funded by the general account of
Nationwide.
GENERAL ACCOUNT- All assets of Nationwide other than those of the variable
account or in other separate accounts that have been or may be established by
Nationwide.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT- An account that qualifies for favorable tax
treatment under Section 408(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, but does not
include Roth IRAs.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITY- An annuity contract that qualifies for favorable
tax treatment under Section 408(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, but does not
include Roth IRAs.
INVESTMENT-ONLY CONTRACT- A contract purchased by a Qualified Pension,
Profit-Sharing or Stock Bonus Plan as defined by Section 401(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
NATIONWIDE- Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company.
NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACT- A contract which does not qualify for favorable tax
treatment as a Qualified Plan, Individual Retirement Account, IRA, Roth IRA, SEP
IRA, Simple IRA or Tax Sheltered Annuity.
QUALIFIED PLANS- Retirement plans which receive favorable tax treatment under
Section 401 or 403(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
ROTH IRA- An annuity contract which qualifies for favorable tax treatment under
Section 408A of the Internal Revenue Code.
SEP IRA- An annuity contract which qualifies for favorable tax treatment under
Section 408(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.
SIMPLE IRA- An annuity contract which qualifies for favorable tax treatment
under Section 408(p) of the Internal Revenue Code.
SUB-ACCOUNTS- Divisions of the variable account to which underlying mutual fund
shares are allocated and for which accumulation units and annuity units are
separately maintained - each sub-account corresponds to a single underlying
mutual fund.
TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY- An annuity that qualifies for favorable tax treatment
under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Tax Sheltered Annuities
described in this prospectus are not subject to the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974.
VALUATION PERIOD- Each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business.
VARIABLE ACCOUNT- Nationwide VA Separate Account-D, a separate account of
Nationwide that contains variable account allocations. The variable account is
divided into sub-accounts, each of which invests in shares of a separate
underlying mutual fund.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS...............................3
SUMMARY OF STANDARD CONTRACT EXPENSES...................6
ADDITIONAL CONTRACT OPTIONS.............................7
SUMMARY OF ADDITIONAL CONTRACT
OPTIONS............................................8
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES..................9
EXAMPLE................................................10
SYNOPSIS OF THE CONTRACTS..............................11
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...................................12
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY..........12
GENERAL DISTRIBUTOR....................................12
TYPES OF CONTRACTS.....................................12
Non-Qualified Contracts
Individual Retirement Annuities (IRAs)
Simplified Employee Pension IRAs
(SEP IRAs)
Simple IRAs
Roth IRAs
Tax Sheltered Annuities (Non-ERISA)
Qualified Plans
INVESTING IN THE CONTRACT..............................14
The Variable Account and Underlying Mutual Funds
Guaranteed Term Options
The Fixed Account
STANDARD CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS........................17
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge
Contract Maintenance Charge
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
Premium Taxes
OPTIONAL CONTRACT BENEFITS, CHARGES AND
DEDUCTIONS........................................19
CDSC Option
Death Benefit Options
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Options
Nursing Home and Long Term Care Option
CONTRACT OWNERSHIP.....................................20
Joint Ownership
Contingent Ownership
Annuitant
Beneficiary and Contingent Beneficiary
OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT..............................22
Minimum Initial and Subsequent Purchase Payments
Pricing
Allocation of Purchase Payments
Determining the Contract Value
Transfers Prior to Annuitization
Transfers After Annuitization
Transfer Requests
RIGHT TO REVOKE........................................25
SURRENDER (REDEMPTION).................................25
Partial Surrenders (Partial Redemptions)
Full Surrenders (Full Redemptions)
Surrenders Under a Texas Optional
Retirement Program or a Louisiana
Optional Retirement Plan
Surrenders Under a Tax Sheltered Annuity
LOAN PRIVILEGE.........................................27
Minimum & Maximum Loan Amounts
Loan Processing Fee
How Loan Requests are Processed
Loan Interest
Loan Repayment
Distributions & Annuity Payments
Transferring the Contract
Grace Period & Loan Default
ASSIGNMENT.............................................29
CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES................................29
Asset Rebalancing
Dollar Cost Averaging
Systematic Withdrawals
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE..............................30
ANNUITIZING THE CONTRACT...............................30
Annuitization Date
Annuitization
Fixed Payment Annuity
Variable Payment Annuity
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Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Options ("GMIB")
Annuity Payment Options
DEATH BENEFITS.........................................35
Death of Contract Owner - Non-Qualified Contracts
Death of Annuitant - Non-Qualified Contracts
Death of Contract Owner/Annuitant
Death Benefit Payment
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS.................................36
Required Distributions for Non-Qualified Contracts
Required Distributions for Tax Sheltered Annuities
Required Distributions for Individual
Retirement Annuities, SEP IRAs, and Simple
IRAs
Required Distributions for Roth IRAs
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.............................39
Federal Income Taxes
Withholding
Non-Resident Aliens
Federal Estate, Gift, and Generation
Skipping Transfer Taxes
Charge for Tax
Diversification
Tax Changes
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS................................44
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.....................................45
ADVERTISING...........................................45
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.............................47
APPENDIX A: OBJECTIVES FOR UNDERLYING
MUTUAL FUNDS.......................................48
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SUMMARY OF STANDARD CONTRACT EXPENSES
The expenses listed below are charged to all contracts unless:
- the contract owner meets an available exception under the contract; or
- a contract owner has replaced a standard benefit with an available
option for an additional charge.
CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge ("CDSC") (as a percentage
of purchase payments surrendered)................8%(1)
Range of CDSC over time:
Number of Completed Years from CDSC
Date of Purchase Payment Percentage
0 8%
-------------------------------- ------------------------
1 8%
-------------------------------- ------------------------
2 7%
-------------------------------- ------------------------
3 6%
-------------------------------- ------------------------
4 5%
-------------------------------- ------------------------
5 4%
-------------------------------- ------------------------
6 3%
-------------------------------- ------------------------
7 2%
-------------------------------- ------------------------
8 0%
-------------------------------- ------------------------
(1) Each contract year, the contract owner may withdraw without a CDSC the
greatest of:
1) the lesser of:
a) 12% of the following: the total of all purchase payments that are
subject to CDSC, less any purchase payments previously withdrawn
that were subject to CDSC at the time of withdrawal; or
b) 12% of the contract value; or
2) current contract year earnings; or
3) any amount withdrawn to meet minimum distribution requirements under
the Internal Revenue Code.
This free withdrawal privilege is non-cumulative. Free amounts not taken
during any given contract year cannot be taken as free amounts in a subsequent
contract year (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge").
Withdrawals may be restricted for contracts issued as Tax Sheltered Annuities
or other Qualified Plans due to Internal Revenue Code restrictions.
CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE.....................$30(2)
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES(3)
(as a percentage of the daily net assets of the variable account)
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge..............1.35%
Total Variable Account Charges..............1.35%(4)
(2) Each year, on the contract anniversary, Nationwide will deduct the Contract
Maintenance Charge. Nationwide will waive the Contract Maintenance Charge
on any contract anniversary that the contract value is $50,000 or more.
(3) These charges apply only to sub-account allocations. They do not apply to
allocations made to the fixed account or to the Guaranteed Term Options.
They are charged on a daily basis at the annual rate noted above.
(4) Charges shown include the standard death benefit (see "Death Benefit
Payment").
Nationwide may assess a loan processing fee at the time each new loan is
processed. The loan processing fee, if assessed, will not exceed $25 per loan
processed. Loans are only available for contracts issued as Tax Sheltered
Annuities. Loans are not available in all states. In addition, some states may
not permit Nationwide to assess a loan processing fee (see "Loan Privilege").
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ADDITIONAL CONTRACT OPTIONS
For an additional charge, the following options are available to contract owners
(upon approval by state insurance authorities). These options must be elected at
the time of application and will replace the corresponding standard contract
benefits.
If the contract owner chooses one or more of the following optional benefits, a
corresponding charge will be deducted. Charges for optional benefits are IN
ADDITION TO the standard variable account charges. Except as otherwise noted,
optional benefit charges will only apply to allocations made to the variable
account and are charged as a percentage of the daily net assets of the variable
account.
7 YEAR CDSC OPTION
For an additional charge at an annualized rate of 0.05% of the daily net assets
of the variable account, an applicant may elect a seven year CDSC schedule,
instead of the standard eight year CDSC schedule (see "CDSC Option").
Range of 7 year CDSC over time:
NUMBER OF COMPLETED YEARS FROM CDSC
DATE OF PURCHASE PAYMENT PERCENTAGE
0 8%
------------------------------------ --------------------
1 7%
------------------------------------ --------------------
2 6%
------------------------------------ --------------------
3 5%
------------------------------------ --------------------
4 4%
------------------------------------ --------------------
5 3%
------------------------------------ --------------------
6 2%
------------------------------------ --------------------
7 0%
------------------------------------ --------------------
7 Year CDSC Option ............................0.05%
Total Variable Account Charges
(including 7 Year CDSC Option
only)......................................1.40%
DEATH BENEFIT OPTIONS
For an additional charge at an annualized rate of either 0.15% or 0.05% of the
daily net assets of the variable account, an applicant may elect one of two
death benefit options as a replacement for the standard death benefit (see
"Death Benefit Options").
Maximum Anniversary Death Benefit.............0.15%
Total Variable Account Charges
(including Maximum Anniversary
Death Benefit only).......................1.50%
Five Year Reset Death Benefit..................0.05%
Total Variable Account Charges
(including Five Year Reset Death
Benefit only).............................1.40%
GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT OPTIONS
For an additional charge at an annualized rate of either 0.45% or 0.30% of the
daily net assets of the variable account, an applicant may elect one of two
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit options (see "Guaranteed Minimum Income
Benefit Options").
5% Interest Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Option 0.45%
Total Variable Account Charges
(including the 5% Interest Guaranteed
Minimum Income Benefit
Option only)..............................1.80%
Maximum Anniversary Guaranteed Minimum
Income Benefit Option........................0.30%
Total Variable Account Charges
(including the Maximum Anniversary
Guaranteed Minimum Income
Benefit Option only).....................1.65%
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NURSING HOME AND LONG TERM CARE OPTION
For an additional charge at an annualized rate of 0.05% of the daily net assets
of the variable account, an applicant may elect to purchase the Nursing Home and
Long Term Care Option (see "Nursing Home and Long Term Care Option").
Nursing Home and Long Term Care
Option.........................................0.05%
Total Variable Account Charges
(including Nursing Home and Long
Term Care Option only)....................1.40%
SUMMARY OF ADDITIONAL CONTRACT OPTIONS
If the contract owner elects all of the additional contract options that are
available under the contract, the maximum variable account charges the contract
owner would pay would be an annualized rate of 2.05% of the daily net assets of
the variable account. The maximum charges consist of the following:
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge
(applicable to all contracts)................1.35%
7 Year CDSC Option.............................0.05%
Maximum Anniversary Death Benefit..............0.15%
5% Interest Guaranteed Minimum Income
Benefit Option...............................0.45%
Nursing Home and Long Term Care
Option.......................................0.05%
TOTAL VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES
WHEN THE MAXIMUM OPTIONS
ARE ELECTED..................................2.05%
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The expenses shown below are deducted by the underlying mutual fund before it
provides Nationwide with the daily net asset value. Nationwide then deducts
applicable variable account charges from the net asset value in calculating the
unit value of the corresponding sub-account. The management fees and other
expenses are more fully described in the prospectus for each underlying mutual
fund. Information relating to the underlying mutual funds was provided by the
underlying mutual funds and not independently verified by Nationwide.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES
(as a percentage of underlying mutual fund net assets)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Other 12b-1 Total Underlying Mutual
Fees Expenses Fees Fund Expenses
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
W&R Target Funds, Inc. - Asset Strategy Portfolio 0.74% 0.14% 0.24% 1.12%
W&R Target Funds, Inc. - Balanced Portfolio 0.65% 0.06% 0.24% 0.95%
W&R Target Funds, Inc. - Bond Portfolio 0.52% 0.06% 0.24% 0.82%
W&R Target Funds, Inc. - Core Equity Portfolio 0.69% 0.02% 0.24% 0.95%
W&R Target Funds, Inc. - Growth Portfolio 0.69% 0.02% 0.24% 0.95%
W&R Target Funds, Inc. - High Income Portfolio 0.63% 0.05% 0.24% 0.92%
W&R Target Funds, Inc. - International Portfolio 0.82% 0.15% 0.24% 1.21%
W&R Target Funds, Inc. - Limited-Term Bond Portfolio 0.52% 0.15% 0.24% 0.91%
W&R Target Funds, Inc. - Money Market Portfolio 0.44% 0.08% 0.24% 0.76%
W&R Target Funds, Inc. - Science and Technology 0.80% 0.06% 0.24% 1.10%
Portfolio
W&R Target Funds, Inc. - Small Cap Portfolio 0.84% 0.04% 0.24% 1.12%
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</TABLE>
None of the underlying mutual funds are subject to fee waivers or expense
reimbursements.
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EXAMPLE
The following chart shows the expenses (in dollars) that would be incurred under
this contract assuming a $1,000 investment, 5% annual return, and no change in
expenses. These dollar figures are illustrative only and should not be
considered a representation of past or future expenses. Actual expenses may be
greater or less than those shown below.
The example reflects expenses of both the variable account and the underlying
mutual funds. The example reflects the 7 Year CDSC Option schedule and assumed
variable account charges of 2.05%, which is the maximum charge for the maximum
number of rider options. For those contracts that do not elect the maximum
number of rider options, the expenses would be reduced. The Contract Maintenance
Charge is reflected as a percentage of the average account value. Since the
average contract value is greater than $1,000, the expense effect of the
Contract Maintenance Charge is reduced accordingly. Deductions for premium taxes
are not reflected but may apply.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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If you surrender your contract If you do not surrender your If you annuitize your
at the end of the applicable contract at the end of the contract
time period applicable time period at the end of the applicable
time period
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1 Yr. 3 Yrs. 5 Yrs. 10 Yrs. 1 Yr. 3 Yrs 5 Yrs. 10 Yrs. 1 Yr. 3 Yrs. 5 Yrs. 10 Yrs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
W&R Target Funds, Inc. - 106 162 220 382 36 109 185 382 * 109 185 382
Asset Strategy Portfolio
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W&R Target Funds, Inc. - 105 157 211 366 34 104 176 366 * 104 176 366
Balanced Portfolio
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W&R Target Funds, Inc. - Bond 103 153 205 353 33 100 170 353 * 100 170 353
Portfolio
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W&R Target Funds, Inc. - Core 105 157 211 366 34 104 176 366 * 104 176 366
Equity Portfolio
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W&R Target Funds, Inc. - 105 157 211 366 34 104 176 366 * 104 176 366
Growth Portfolio
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W&R Target Funds, Inc. - High 104 156 210 363 34 103 175 363 * 103 175 363
Income Portfolio
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W&R Target Funds, Inc. - 107 165 225 391 37 112 189 391 * 112 189 391
International Portfolio
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W&R Target Funds, Inc. - 104 156 210 362 34 103 174 362 * 103 174 362
Limited-Term Bond Portfolio
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W&R Target Funds, Inc. - 103 151 202 347 32 98 167 347 * 98 167 347
Money Market Portfolio
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W&R Target Funds, Inc. - 106 162 219 380 36 109 184 380 * 109 184 380
Science and Technology
Portfolio
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W&R Target Funds, Inc. - 106 162 220 382 36 109 185 382 * 109 185 382
Small Cap Portfolio
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</TABLE>
*Annuitization is not permitted during the first two contract years.
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SYNOPSIS OF THE CONTRACTS
The contracts described in this prospectus are flexible purchase payment
contracts. The contracts may be issued as either individual or group contracts.
In those states where contracts are issued as group contracts, references
throughout this prospectus to "contract(s)" will also mean "certificate
agreement(s)."
The contracts can be categorized as:
- Investment-only;
- Non-Qualified;
- Individual Retirement Annuities;
- Roth IRAs;
- SEP IRAs;
- Simple IRAs;
- Tax Sheltered Annuities (Non-ERISA); and
- Charitable Remainder Trusts.
For more detailed information with regard to the differences in the contract
types, please see "Types of Contracts" later in this prospectus.
MINIMUM INITIAL AND SUBSEQUENT PURCHASE PAYMENTS
---------------------- ----------------- ----------------
MINIMUM INITIAL MINIMUM
CONTRACT PURCHASE PAYMENT SUBSEQUENT
TYPE PURCHASE
PAYMENTS
---------------------- ----------------- ----------------
Investment-only $2,000 $1,000*
---------------------- ----------------- ----------------
Non-Qualified $2,000 $1,000*
---------------------- ----------------- ----------------
IRA $2,000 $1,000*
---------------------- ----------------- ----------------
Roth IRA $2,000 $1,000*
---------------------- ----------------- ----------------
SEP IRA $2,000 $1,000*
---------------------- ----------------- ----------------
Simple IRA $2,000 $1,000*
---------------------- ----------------- ----------------
Tax Sheltered Annuity $2,000 $1,000*
---------------------- ----------------- ----------------
Charitable Remainder $2,000 $1,000*
Trust
---------------------- ----------------- ----------------
*For subsequent purchase payments sent via automatic deposit, the minimum
subsequent purchase payment is $100.
Guaranteed Term Options
Guaranteed Term Options are separate investment options under the contract. The
minimum amount that may be allocated to a Guaranteed Term Option is $1,000.
CHARGES AND EXPENSES
Nationwide deducts a Mortality and Expense Risk Charge equal to an annual rate
of 1.35% of the daily net assets of the variable account. Nationwide assesses
this charge in return for bearing certain mortality and expense risks, and for
certain administrative expenses.
A $30 Contract Maintenance Charge is assessed to each contract on the contract
anniversary date (and on the surrender date upon full surrender of the
contract). This charge will be waived for each year that the contract value is
$50,000 or more on the contract anniversary.
Nationwide does not deduct a sales charge from purchase payments upon deposit
into the contract. However, Nationwide will deduct a CDSC if any amount is
withdrawn from the contract. This CDSC reimburses Nationwide for sales expenses.
The amount of the CDSC will not exceed 8% of purchase payments surrendered.
A 7 Year CDSC Option is available to contract owners at the time of contract
issuance. Nationwide will deduct an additional charge equal to an annual rate of
0.05% of the daily net assets of the variable account if the contract owner
elects the 7 Year CDSC Option.
Two optional death benefits are available to contract owners at the time of
contract issuance. Nationwide will deduct an additional charge equal to an
annual rate of 0.15% of the daily net assets of the variable account if the
contract owner elects the Maximum Anniversary Death Benefit or an additional
0.05% if the contract owner elects the Five Year Reset Death Benefit (see "Death
Benefit Payment").
Two Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit options are available under the contract.
If the contract owner elects one of the Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit
options, Nationwide will deduct an additional charge at an annual rate of 0.45%
or 0.30% of the daily net assets of the variable account, depending on which
option was chosen (see "Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefits").
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An optional Nursing Home and Long Term Care option is available under the
contract. Nationwide will deduct an additional 0.05% of the daily net assets of
the variable account if the contract owner elects the Nursing Home and Long Term
Care option (see "Nursing Home and Long Term Care Option").
Upon annuitization of the contract, any amounts assessed for any rider options
elected will be waived and only those charges applicable to the base contract
will be assessed.
ANNUITY PAYMENTS
Annuity payments begin on the annuitization date. The payments will be based on
the annuity payment option chosen at the time of application (see "Annuity
Payment Options").
TAXATION
How a contract is taxed depends on the type of contract issued and the purpose
for which the contract is purchased. Nationwide will charge against the contract
any premium taxes levied by any governmental authority (see "Federal Tax
Considerations" and "Premium Taxes").
TEN DAY FREE LOOK
Contract owners may return the contract for any reason within ten days of
receipt and Nationwide will refund the contract value or other amounts required
by law (see "Right to Revoke").
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial statements for Nationwide are located in the Statement of Additional
Information. A current Statement of Additional Information may be obtained,
without charge, by contacting Nationwide's home office at the telephone number
listed on page 1 of this prospectus.
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
Nationwide is a stock life insurance company organized under Ohio law in
February, 1981, with its home office at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio
43215. Nationwide is a provider of life insurance, annuities and retirement
products.
GENERAL DISTRIBUTOR
The contracts are distributed by the general distributor, Waddell & Reed, Inc.,
6300 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas 66202.
TYPES OF CONTRACTS
The contracts described in this prospectus are classified according to the tax
treatment they are subject to under the Internal Revenue Code. The following is
a general description of the various types of contracts. Eligibility
requirements, tax benefits (if any), limitations, and other features of the
contracts will differ depending on the type of contract.
NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
A Non-Qualified Contract is a contract that does not qualify for certain tax
benefits under the Internal Revenue Code, and which is not an IRA, Roth IRA, SEP
IRA, Simple IRA, Investment-only Contract, or Tax Sheltered Annuity.
Upon the death of the owner of a Non-Qualified Contract, mandatory distribution
requirements are imposed to ensure distribution of the entire balance in the
contract within a required period of time.
Non-Qualified Contracts that are owned by natural persons allow for the deferral
of taxation on the income earned in the contract until it is distributed or
deemed to be distributed.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES (IRAS)
Individual Retirement Annuities are contracts that are issued by insurance
companies and satisfy the following requirements:
- the contract is not transferable by the owner;
- the premiums are not fixed;
- the annual premium cannot exceed $2,000 (although rollovers of greater
amounts from
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Qualified Plans, Tax Sheltered Annuities and other IRAs can be
received);
- certain minimum distribution requirements must be satisfied after the
owner attains the age of 70 1/2;
- the entire interest of the owner in the contract is nonforfeitable;
and
- after the death of the owner, additional distribution requirements may
be imposed to ensure distribution of the entire balance in the
contract within the statutory period of time.
Depending on the circumstance of the owner, all or a portion of the
contributions made to the account may be deducted for federal income tax
purposes.
Failure to make the mandatory distributions can result in an additional penalty
tax of 50% of the excess of the amount required to be distributed over the
amount that was actually distributed.
IRAs may receive rollover contributions from other Individual Retirement
Accounts and Individual Retirement Annuities, from Tax Sheltered Annuities, and
from qualified retirement plans, including 401(k) plans.
For further details regarding IRAs, please refer to the disclosure statement
provided when the IRA was established.
SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION IRAS (SEP IRAS)
A SEP IRA is a written plan established by an employer for the benefit of
employees which permits the employer to make contributions to an IRA established
for the benefit of each employee.
An employee may make deductible contributions to a SEP IRA in the same way, and
with the same restrictions and limitations, as for an IRA. In addition, the
employer may make contributions to the SEP IRA, subject to dollar and percentage
limitations imposed by both the Internal Revenue Code and the written plan.
A SEP IRA plan established by an employer must satisfy certain requirements:
- minimum participation rules;
- top-heavy contribution rules;
- nondiscriminatory allocation rules; and
- requirements regarding a written allocation formula.
In addition, the plan cannot restrict withdrawals of non-elective contributions,
and must restrict withdrawals of elective contributions before March 15th of the
following year.
SIMPLE IRAS
A Simple IRA is an individual retirement annuity which is funded exclusively by
a qualified salary reduction arrangement and satisfies the following:
- vesting requirements,
- participation requirements; and
- administrative requirements.
The funds contributed to a Simple IRA cannot be commingled with funds in IRAs or
SEP IRAs.
A Simple IRA cannot receive rollover distributions except from another Simple
IRA.
ROTH IRAS
Roth IRA contracts are contracts that satisfy the following requirements:
- the contract is not transferable by the owner;
- the premiums are not fixed;
- the annual premium cannot exceed $2,000 (although rollovers of greater
amounts from other Roth IRAs and IRAs can be received);
- the entire interest of the owner in the contract is nonforfeitable;
and
- after the death of the owner, certain distribution requirements may be
imposed to ensure distribution of the entire balance in the contract
within the statutory period of time.
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A Roth IRA can receive a rollover from an IRA; however, the amount rolled over
from the IRA to the Roth IRA is required to be included in the owner's federal
gross income at the time of the rollover, and will be subject to federal income
tax.
There are income limitations on eligibility to participate in a Roth IRA and
additional income limitations for eligibility to roll over amounts from an IRA
to a Roth IRA. For further details regarding Roth IRAs, please refer to the
disclosure statement provided when the Roth IRA was established.
TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES
Certain tax-exempt organizations (described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code) and public school systems may establish a plan under which annuity
contracts can be purchased for their employees. These annuity contracts are
often referred to as Tax Sheltered Annuities.
Purchase payments made to Tax Sheltered Annuities are excludible from the income
of the employee, up to statutory maximum amounts. These amounts should be set
forth in the plan adopted by the employer.
The owner's interest in the contract is nonforfeitable (except for failure to
pay premiums) and cannot be transferred. Certain minimum distribution
requirements must be satisfied after the owner attains the age of 70 1/2, and
after the death of the owner. Additional distribution requirements may be
imposed to ensure distribution of the entire balance in the contract within the
statutory period of time.
QUALIFIED PLANS
Contracts that are owned by Qualified Plans are not intended to confer tax
benefits on the beneficiaries of the plan; they are used as investment vehicles
for the plan. The income tax consequences to the beneficiary of a Qualified Plan
are controlled by the operation of the plan, not by operation of the assets in
which the plan invests.
Beneficiaries of Qualified Plans should contact their employer and/or trustee of
the plan to obtain and review the plan, trust, summary plan description and
other documents for the tax and other consequences of being a participant in a
qualified plan.
INVESTING IN THE CONTRACT
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS
Nationwide VA Separate Account-D is a variable account that contains the
underlying mutual funds listed in Appendix A. The variable account was
established on July 26, 2000, pursuant to Ohio law. Although the variable
account is registered with the SEC as a unit investment trust pursuant to the
Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"), the SEC does not supervise the
management of Nationwide or the variable account.
Income, gains, and losses credited to, or charged against, the variable account
reflect the variable account's own investment experience and not the investment
experience of Nationwide's other assets. The variable account's assets are held
separately from Nationwide's assets and are not chargeable with liabilities
incurred in any other business of Nationwide. Nationwide is obligated to pay all
amounts promised to contract owners under the contracts.
The variable account is divided into sub-accounts, each corresponding to a
single underlying mutual fund. Nationwide uses the assets of each sub-account to
buy shares of the underlying mutual funds based on contract owner instructions.
There are two sub-accounts for each underlying mutual fund. One sub-account
contains shares attributable to accumulation units under Non-Qualified
Contracts. The other contains shares attributable to accumulation units under
Investment-only Contracts, Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP IRAs, Simple
IRAs, Roth IRAs, and Tax Sheltered Annuities.
Each underlying mutual fund's prospectus contains more detailed information
about that fund. Prospectuses for the underlying mutual
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<PAGE> 15
funds should be read in conjunction with this prospectus.
Underlying mutual funds in the variable account are NOT publicly traded funds.
They are only available as investment options in variable life insurance
policies or variable annuity contracts issued by life insurance companies, or in
some cases, through participation in certain qualified pension or retirement
plans.
The investment advisers of the underlying mutual funds may manage publicly
traded mutual funds with similar names and investment objectives. However, the
underlying mutual funds are NOT directly related to any publicly traded mutual
fund. Contract owners should not compare the performance of a publicly traded
fund with the performance of underlying mutual funds participating in the
variable account. The performance of the underlying mutual funds could differ
substantially from that of any publicly traded funds.
Voting Rights
Contract owners who have allocated assets to the underlying mutual funds are
entitled to certain voting rights. Nationwide will vote contract owner shares at
special shareholder meetings based on contract owner instructions. However, if
the law changes allowing Nationwide to vote in its own right, it may elect to do
so.
Contract owners with voting interests in an underlying mutual fund will be
notified of issues requiring the shareholders' vote as soon as possible before
the shareholder meeting. Notification will contain proxy materials and a form
with which to give Nationwide voting instructions. Nationwide will vote shares
for which no instructions are received in the same proportion as those that are
received.
The number of shares which a contract owner may vote is determined by dividing
the cash value of the amount they have allocated to an underlying mutual fund by
the net asset value of the underlying mutual fund. Nationwide will designate a
date for this determination not more than 90 days before the shareholder
meeting.
Material Conflicts
The underlying mutual funds may be offered through separate accounts of other
insurance companies, as well as through other separate accounts of Nationwide.
Nationwide does not anticipate any disadvantages to this. However, it is
possible that a conflict may arise between the interests of the variable account
and one or more of the other separate accounts in which these underlying mutual
funds participate.
Material conflicts may occur due to a change in law affecting the operations of
variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts, or differences
in the voting instructions of the contract owners and those of other companies.
If a material conflict occurs, Nationwide will take whatever steps are necessary
to protect contract owners and variable annuity payees, including withdrawal of
the variable account from participation in the underlying mutual fund(s)
involved in the conflict.
Substitution of Securities
Nationwide may substitute, eliminate, or combine shares of another underlying
mutual fund for shares already purchased or to be purchased in the future if
either of the following occurs:
1) shares of a current underlying mutual fund are no longer available for
investment; or
2) further investment in an underlying mutual fund is inappropriate.
No substitution, elimination, or combination of shares may take place without
the prior approval of the SEC.
GUARANTEED TERM OPTIONS
Guaranteed Term Options are separate investment options under the contract. A
Guaranteed Term Option prospectus should be read along with this prospectus. The
minimum amount that may be allocated to a Guaranteed Term Option is $1,000.
Allocations to the Guaranteed Term Options are not subject to variable account
charges.
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Guaranteed Term Options provide a guaranteed rate of interest over four
different maturity durations: three (3), five (5), seven (7) or ten (10) years.
Note: The guaranteed term may last for up to 3 months beyond the 3, 5, 7, or 10
year period since every guaranteed term will end on the final day of a calendar
quarter.
For the duration selected, Nationwide will declare a guaranteed interest rate.
That rate will be credited to amounts allocated to the Guaranteed Term Option
UNLESS a distribution is taken before the maturity date. If a distribution
occurs before the maturity date, the amount distributed will be subject to a
market value adjustment. A market value adjustment can increase or decrease the
amount distributed depending on current interest rate fluctuations. No market
value adjustment will be applied if Guaranteed Term Option allocations are held
to maturity.
Because a market value adjustment can affect the value of a distribution, its
effects should be carefully considered before surrendering or transferring from
Guaranteed Term Options. When actual interest rates are higher than the
guaranteed rate, a market value adjustment would reduce the value of the amount
distributed. When actual interest rates are lower than the guaranteed rate, the
value of the amount distributed would increase.
Guaranteed Term Options are available only during the accumulation phase of a
contract. They are not available after the annuitization date. In addition,
Guaranteed Term Options are not available for use with Asset Rebalancing, Dollar
Cost Averaging, or Systematic Withdrawals.
Guaranteed Term Options may not be available in every state.
THE FIXED ACCOUNT
The fixed account is an investment option that is funded by assets of
Nationwide's general account. The general account contains all of Nationwide's
assets other than those in other Nationwide separate accounts. It is used to
support Nationwide's annuity and insurance obligations and may contain
compensation for mortality and expense risks. The general account is not subject
to the same laws as the variable account and the SEC has not reviewed material
in this prospectus relating to the fixed account. However, information relating
to the fixed account is subject to federal securities laws relating to the
accuracy and completeness of prospectus disclosure.
Purchase payments will be allocated to the fixed account by election of the
contract owner. The fixed account is not available for contracts issued in the
State of South Carolina.
The investment income earned by the fixed account will be allocated to the
contracts at varying guaranteed interest rate(s) depending on the following
categories of fixed account allocations:
- New Money Rate - The rate credited on the fixed account allocation when the
contract is purchased or when subsequent purchase payments are made.
Subsequent purchase payments may receive different New Money Rates than the
rate when the contract was issued, since the New Money Rate is subject to
change based on market conditions.
- Variable Account to Fixed Rate - Allocations transferred from any of the
underlying investment options in the variable account to the fixed account
may receive a different rate. The rate may be lower than the New Money
Rate. There may be limits on the amount and frequency of movements from the
variable account to the fixed account.
- Renewal Rate - The rate available for maturing fixed account allocations
which are entering a new guarantee period. The contract owner will be
notified of this rate in a letter issued with the quarterly statements when
any of the money in the contract owner's fixed account matures. At that
time, the contract owner will have an opportunity to leave the money in the
fixed account and receive the Renewal Rate or the contract owner can move
the money to any of the other underlying mutual fund options.
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- Dollar Cost Averaging Rate - From time to time, Nationwide may offer a more
favorable rate for an initial purchase payment into a new contract when
used in conjunction with a Dollar Cost Averaging program.
All of these rates are subject to change on a daily basis; however, once applied
to the fixed account, the interest rates are guaranteed until the end of the
calendar quarter during the 12 month anniversary in which the fixed account
allocation occurs.
Credited interest rates are annualized rates - the effective yield of interest
over a one-year period. Interest is credited to each contract on a daily basis.
As a result, the credited interest rate is compounded daily to achieve the
stated effective yield.
The guaranteed rate for any purchase payment will be effective for not less than
twelve months. Nationwide guarantees that the rate will not be less than 3.0%
per year.
Any interest in excess of 3.0% will be credited to fixed account allocations at
Nationwide's sole discretion. The contract owner assumes the risk that interest
credited to fixed account allocations may not exceed the minimum guarantee of
3.0% for any given year.
Nationwide guarantees that the fixed account contract value will not be less
than the amount of the purchase payments allocated to the fixed account, plus
interest credited as described above, less surrenders and any applicable charges
including CDSC.
STANDARD CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE
Nationwide deducts a Mortality and Expense Risk Charge from the variable
account. This amount is computed on a daily basis and is equal to an annual rate
of 1.35% of the daily net assets of the variable account.
The mortality risk charge compensates Nationwide for guaranteeing the annuity
purchase rates of the contracts. This guarantee ensures that the annuity
purchase rates will not change regardless of the death rates of annuity payees
or the general population. The mortality risk charge also compensates Nationwide
for risks assumed in connection with the standard death benefit, but only
partially compensates Nationwide in connection with the two optional death
benefits, for which there are separate charges.
The expense risk charge compensates Nationwide for guaranteeing that charges
will not increase regardless of actual expenses.
If the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge is insufficient to cover actual
expenses, the loss is borne by Nationwide.
CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE
Nationwide deducts an annual Contract Maintenance Charge of $30 on each contract
anniversary and upon full surrender of the contract. This charge reimburses
Nationwide for administrative expenses involved in issuing and maintaining the
contract.
The deduction of the Contract Maintenance Charge will be taken proportionately
from each sub-account and the fixed account based on the value in each option as
compared to the total contract value.
If, on any contract anniversary (or on the date of a full surrender), the
contract value is $50,000 or more, Nationwide will waive the Contract
Maintenance Charge for that year.
Nationwide will not increase the Contract Maintenance Charge. Nationwide will
not reduce or eliminate the Contract Maintenance Charge where it would be
discriminatory or unlawful.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
No sales charge deduction is made from the purchase payments when amounts are
deposited into the contracts. However, if any part of the contract is
surrendered, Nationwide will deduct a CDSC. The CDSC will not exceed 8% of
purchase payments surrendered.
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The CDSC is calculated by multiplying the applicable CDSC percentage (noted
below) by the amount of purchase payments surrendered. For purposes of
calculating the CDSC, surrenders are considered to come first from the oldest
purchase payment made to the contract, then the next oldest purchase payment,
and so forth. Earnings are not subject to the CDSC. However, earnings may not be
distributed prior to the distribution of all purchase payments. (For tax
purposes, a surrender is usually treated as a withdrawal of earnings first.)
The CDSC applies as follows:
NUMBER OF COMPLETED YEARS CDSC
FROM DATE OF PURCHASE PERCENTAGE
PAYMENT
----------------------------- ---------------------------
0 8%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
1 8%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
2 7%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
3 6%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
4 5%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
5 4%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
6 3%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
7 2%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
8 0%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
The CDSC is used to cover sales expenses, including commissions (maximum of
7.75% of purchase payments), production of sales material and other promotional
expenses. If expenses are greater than the CDSC, the shortfall will be made up
from Nationwide's general account, which may indirectly include portions of the
variable account charges, since Nationwide may generate a profit from these
charges.
All or a portion of any withdrawal may be subject to federal income taxes.
Contract owners taking withdrawals before age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10%
penalty tax.
Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
Each contract year, the contract owner may withdraw without a CDSC the greatest
of:
1) the lesser of:
a) 12% of the following: the total of all purchase payments that are
subject to CDSC, less any purchase payments previously withdrawn that
were subject to CDSC at the time of withdrawal; or
b) 12% of the contract value; or
2) current contract year earnings; or
3) any amount withdrawn to meet minimum distribution requirements under the
Internal Revenue Code.
This CDSC-free privilege is non-cumulative. Free amounts not taken during any
given contract year cannot be taken as free amounts in a subsequent contract
year.
In addition, no CDSC will be deducted:
1) upon the annuitization of contracts which have been in force for at
least two years;
2) upon payment of a death benefit; or
3) from any values which have been held under a contract for at least 8
years.
No CDSC applies to transfers among sub-accounts or between or among the
Guaranteed Term Options, the fixed account and/or the variable account.
Nationwide may waive the CDSC if a contract described in this prospectus is
exchanged for another Nationwide contract (or a contract of any of its
affiliated insurance companies). A CDSC may apply to the contract received in
the exchange.
A contract held by a Charitable Remainder Trust may withdraw CDSC-free the
greater of (a) or (b), where:
a) is the amount which would otherwise be available for withdrawal
without a CDSC; and
b) is the difference between the total purchase payments made to the
contract as of the date of the withdrawal (reduced by previous
withdrawals) and the contract value at the close of the day prior to
the date of the withdrawal.
The CDSC will not be eliminated if to do so would be unfairly discriminatory or
prohibited by state law.
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Terminal Illness and Disability
No CDSC will be charged if:
1) The contract owner has been diagnosed by a physician (after contract
issuance) to have a terminal illness; and
2) Nationwide receives and records a letter from that physician indicating
such diagnosis.
In addition, no CDSC will be charged if after contract issuance and before the
contract owner attains age 65, the contract owner becomes disabled.
Written notice and proof of terminal illness or disability must be received in a
form satisfactory to Nationwide and recorded at Nationwide's home office prior
to waiver of the CDSC.
For those contracts that have a non-natural person as the contract owner acting
as an agent for a natural person, the annuitant may exercise the rights of the
contract owner for the purposes described in this provision. If the non-natural
contract owner does NOT own the contract as an agent for a natural person (e.g.,
the contract owner is a corporation or a trust for the benefit of an entity),
the annuitant may NOT exercise the rights described in this provision.
PREMIUM TAXES
Nationwide will charge against the contract value any premium taxes levied by a
state or other government entity. Premium tax rates currently range from 0% to
5%. This range is subject to change. The method used to assess premium tax will
be determined by Nationwide at its sole discretion in compliance with state law.
If applicable, Nationwide will deduct premium taxes from the contract either at:
1) the time the contract is surrendered;
2) annuitization; or
3) such earlier date as Nationwide becomes subject to premium taxes.
Premium taxes may be deducted from death benefit proceeds.
OPTIONAL CONTRACT BENEFITS, CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
Upon annuitization of the contract, any amounts assessed for any optional
benefits elected will be waived and only those charges applicable to the base
contract will be assessed.
CDSC OPTION
7 Year CDSC Option
For an additional charge at an annualized rate of 0.05% of the daily net assets
of the variable account, the contract owner may choose the 7 Year CDSC option.
Under this option, CDSC will not exceed 8% of purchase payments surrendered. The
CDSC schedule is as follows:
NUMBER OF COMPLETED YEARS CDSC
FROM DATE OF PURCHASE PERCENTAGE
PAYMENT
----------------------------- ---------------------------
0 8%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
1 7%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
2 6%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
3 5%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
4 4%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
5 3%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
6 2%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
7 0%
----------------------------- ---------------------------
DEATH BENEFIT OPTIONS
If the contract owner chooses an optional death benefit, Nationwide will deduct
a charge equal to an annualized rate of either 0.15% (for the Maximum
Anniversary Death Benefit) or 0.05% (for the Five Year Reset Death Benefit) of
the daily net assets of the variable account, depending upon which option was
chosen.
Nationwide may lower either of these charges at any time without notifying
contract owners. Further information about these benefits can be found in the
"Death Benefit Payment" provision. All of the following death benefit options
may not be available in every state.
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Maximum Anniversary Death Benefit
If the annuitant dies before the annuitization date, the death benefit will be
the greatest of:
1) the contract value;
2) the total of all purchase payments, less an adjustment for amounts
surrendered; or
3) the highest contract value on any contract anniversary before the
annuitant's 86th birthday, less an adjustment for amounts subsequently
surrendered, plus purchase payments received after that contract
anniversary.
The adjustment for amounts surrendered will reduce items (2) and (3) above in
the same proportion that the contract value was reduced on the date(s) of the
partial surrender(s).
Five Year Reset Death Benefit
If the annuitant dies before the annuitization date, the death benefit will be
the greatest of:
1) the contract value; or
2) the total of all purchase payments, less an adjustment for amounts
surrendered; or
3) the contract value as of the most recent five year contract
anniversary before the annuitant's 86th birthday, less an adjustment
for amounts subsequently surrendered, plus purchase payments received
after that five year contract anniversary.
The adjustment for amounts surrendered will reduce items (2) and (3) above in
the same proportion that the contract value was reduced on the date(s) of the
partial surrender(s).
GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT OPTIONS
The contract owner can purchase one of two Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit
options at the time of application. If elected, Nationwide will deduct an
additional charge of either 0.45% or 0.30% of the daily net assets of the
variable account, depending on which option was chosen. Guaranteed Minimum
Income Benefit options provide for a minimum guaranteed value that may replace
the contract value as the amount to be annuitized under certain circumstances. A
Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit may afford protection against unfavorable
investment performance.
NURSING HOME AND LONG TERM CARE OPTION
For an additional charge at an annualized rate of 0.05% of the daily net assets
of the variable account, the contract owner may elect the Nursing Home and Long
Term Care Option. If this option is elected, Nationwide will waive any
applicable CDSC upon notification that the contract owner has been confined to a
nursing home or long term care facility for a continuous 90-day period that
began on or after the third contract anniversary. Nationwide must receive the
notification during the period of confinement or within 90 days after release.
Written notice and proof of confinement must be received in a form satisfactory
to Nationwide and recorded at Nationwide's home office prior to waiver of the
CDSC.
For those contracts that have a non-natural person as the contract owner acting
as an agent for a natural person, the annuitant may exercise the rights of the
contract owner for the purposes described in this provision. If the non-natural
contract owner does NOT own the contract as an agent for a natural person (e.g.,
the contract owner is a corporation or a trust for the benefit of an entity),
the annuitant may NOT exercise the rights described in this provision.
CONTRACT OWNERSHIP
The contract owner has all rights under the contract. Purchasers who name
someone other than themselves as the contract owner will have no rights under
the contract.
Contract owners of Non-Qualified Contracts may name a new contract owner at any
time before the annuitization date. Any change of contract owner automatically
revokes any prior contract owner designation. Changes in contract ownership may
result in federal income taxation and may be subject to state and federal gift
taxes.
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A change in contract ownership must be submitted in writing and recorded at
Nationwide's home office. Once recorded, the change will be effective as of the
date signed. However, the change will not affect any payments made or actions
taken by Nationwide before it was recorded.
The contract owner may also request a change in the annuitant, contingent
annuitant, contingent owner, beneficiary, or contingent beneficiary before the
annuitization date. These changes must be:
- on a Nationwide form;
- signed by the contract owner; and
- received at Nationwide's home office before the annuitization date.
Nationwide must review and approve any change requests. If the contract owner is
not a natural person and there is a change of the annuitant, distributions will
be made as if the contract owner died at the time of the change.
On the annuitization date, the annuitant will become the contract owner, unless
the contract owner is a Charitable Remainder Trust.
JOINT OWNERSHIP
Joint owners each own an undivided interest in the contract.
Contract owners can name a joint owner at any time before annuitization subject
to the following conditions:
- joint owners can only be named for Non-Qualified Contracts;
- joint owners must be spouses at the time joint ownership is requested,
unless state law requires Nationwide to allow non-spousal joint
owners;
- the exercise of any ownership right in the contract will generally
require a written request signed by both joint owners;
- an election in writing signed by both contract owners must be made to
authorize Nationwide to allow the exercise of ownership rights
independently by either joint owner; and
- Nationwide will not be liable for any loss, liability, cost, or
expense for acting in accordance with the instructions of either joint
owner.
CONTINGENT OWNERSHIP
The contingent owner is entitled to certain benefits under the contract if a
contract owner who is NOT the annuitant dies before the annuitization date and
there is no surviving joint owner.
The contract owner may name or change a contingent owner at any time before the
annuitization date. To change the contingent owner, a written request must be
submitted to Nationwide. Once Nationwide has recorded the change, it will be
effective as of the date it was signed, whether or not the contract owner was
living at the time it was recorded. The change will not effect any action taken
by Nationwide before the change was recorded.
ANNUITANT
The annuitant is the person who will receive annuity payments and upon whose
continuation of life any annuity payment involving life contingencies depends.
This person must be age 90 or younger at the time of contract issuance (age 82
or younger if electing a Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Option), unless
Nationwide approves a request for an annuitant of greater age. The annuitant may
be changed before the annuitization date with Nationwide's consent.
BENEFICIARY AND CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY
The beneficiary is the person who is entitled to the death benefit if the
annuitant dies before the annuitization date and there is no joint owner. The
contract owner can name more than one beneficiary. Multiple beneficiaries will
share the death benefit equally, unless otherwise specified.
The contract owner may change the beneficiary or contingent beneficiary during
the annuitant's lifetime by submitting a written request to
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<PAGE> 22
Nationwide. Once recorded, the change will be effective as of the date it was
signed, whether or not the annuitant was living at the time it was recorded. The
change will not effect any action taken by Nationwide before the change was
recorded.
OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT
MINIMUM INITIAL AND SUBSEQUENT PURCHASE PAYMENTS
MINIMUM MINIMUM
CONTRACT INITIAL SUBSEQUENT
TYPE PURCHASE PAYMENTS
PAYMENT
------------------------- ---------------- -----------------
Investment-only $2,000 $1,000*
------------------------- ---------------- -----------------
Non-Qualified $2,000 $1,000*
------------------------- ---------------- -----------------
IRA $2,000 $1,000*
------------------------- ---------------- -----------------
Roth IRA $2,000 $1,000*
------------------------- ---------------- -----------------
SEP IRA $2,000 $1,000*
------------------------- ---------------- -----------------
Simple IRA $2,000 $1,000*
------------------------- ---------------- -----------------
Tax Sheltered Annuity $2,000 $1,000*
------------------------- ---------------- -----------------
Charitable Remainder $2,000 $1,000*
Trust
------------------------- ---------------- -----------------
*For subsequent purchase payments sent via automatic deposit, the minimum
subsequent purchase payment is $100.
Subsequent purchase payments may not be permitted in some states under certain
circumstances.
Guaranteed Term Options
Guaranteed Term Options are separate investment options under the contract. The
minimum amount that may be allocated to a Guaranteed Term Option is $1,000.
PRICING
Initial purchase payments allocated to sub-accounts will be priced at the
accumulation unit value determined no later than 2 business days after receipt
of an order to purchase if the application and all necessary information are
complete. If the application is not complete, Nationwide may retain a purchase
payment for up to 5 business days while attempting to complete it. If the
application is not completed within 5 business days, the prospective purchaser
will be informed of the reason for the delay. The purchase payment will be
returned unless the prospective purchaser specifically consents to allow
Nationwide to hold the purchase payment until the application is completed.
Subsequent purchase payments will be priced based on the next available
accumulation unit value after the payment is received. The cumulative total of
all purchase payments under contracts issued by Nationwide on the life of any
one annuitant cannot exceed $1,000,000 without Nationwide's prior consent.
Purchase payments will not be priced when the New York Stock Exchange is closed
or on the following nationally recognized holidays:
- New Year's Day - Independence Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Labor Day
- Presidents' Day - Thanksgiving
- Good Friday - Christmas
- Memorial Day
Nationwide also will not price purchase payments if:
1) trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted;
2) an emergency exists making disposal or valuation of securities held in
the variable account impracticable; or
3) the SEC, by order, permits a suspension or postponement for the
protection of security holders.
Rules and regulations of the SEC will govern as to when the conditions described
in (2) and (3) exist. If Nationwide is closed on days when New York Stock
Exchange is open, contract value may be affected since the contract owner will
not have access to their account.
ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS
Nationwide allocates purchase payments to sub-accounts, the fixed account,
and/or Guaranteed Term Options as instructed by the contract owner. Shares of
the underlying mutual funds allocated to the sub-accounts are purchased at net
asset value, then converted into accumulation units. Contract owners can change
allocations or make exchanges among the sub-accounts and the fixed account or
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<PAGE> 23
Guaranteed Term Options. However, no change may be made that would result in an
amount less than 1% of the purchase payments being allocated to any sub-account.
Certain transactions may be subject to conditions imposed by the underlying
mutual funds, as well as those set forth in the contract.
DETERMINING THE CONTRACT VALUE
The contract value is the sum of:
1) the value of amounts allocated to the sub-accounts of the variable
account;
2) amounts allocated to the fixed account; and
3) amounts allocated to a Guaranteed Term Option.
If part or all of the contract value is surrendered, or charges are assessed
against the whole contract value, Nationwide will deduct a proportionate amount
from each sub-account, the fixed account and any Guaranteed Term Option based on
current cash values.
Determining Variable Account Value - Valuing an Accumulation Unit
Purchase payments or transfers allocated to sub-accounts are accounted for in
accumulation units. Accumulation unit values (for each sub-account) are
determined by calculating the net investment factor for the underlying mutual
funds for the current valuation period and multiplying that result with the
accumulation unit values determined on the previous valuation period.
Nationwide uses the net investment factor as a way to calculate the investment
performance of a sub-account from valuation period to valuation period. For each
sub-account, the net investment factor shows the investment performance of the
underlying mutual fund in which a particular sub-account invests, including the
charges assessed against that sub-account for a valuation period.
The net investment factor is determined by dividing (a) by (b), and then
subtracting (c) from the result, where:
a) is the sum of:
1) the net asset value of the underlying mutual fund as of the end of the
current valuation period; and
2) the per share amount of any dividend or income distributions made by
the underlying mutual fund (if the date of the dividend or income
distribution occurs during the current valuation period);
b) is the net asset value of the underlying mutual fund determined as of the
end of the preceding valuation period; and
c) is a factor representing the daily variable account charges, which may
include charges for contract options chosen by the contract owner. The
factor is equal to an annual rate ranging from 1.35% to 2.05% of the daily
net assets of the variable account, depending on which contract features
the contract owner chose.
Based on the net investment factor, the value of an accumulation unit may
increase or decrease. Changes in the net investment factor may not be directly
proportional to changes in the net asset value of the underlying mutual fund
shares because of the deduction of variable account charges.
Though the number of accumulation units will not change as a result of
investment experience, the value of an accumulation unit may increase or
decrease from valuation period to valuation period.
Determining Fixed Account Value
Nationwide determines the value of the fixed account by:
1) adding all amounts allocated to the fixed account, minus any amounts
previously transferred or withdrawn; and
2) adding any interest earned on the amounts allocated.
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Determining the Guaranteed Term Option Value
Nationwide determines the value of a Guaranteed Term Option by:
1) adding all amounts allocated to any Guaranteed Term Option, minus amounts
previously transferred or withdrawn (which may be subject to a market value
adjustment); and
2) adding any interest earned on the amounts allocated to any Guaranteed Term
Option.
TRANSFERS PRIOR TO ANNUITIZATION
Transfers from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account or a Guaranteed Term
Option
Fixed account allocations may be transferred to the variable account or to a
Guaranteed Term Option only upon reaching the end of an interest rate guarantee
period. Normally, Nationwide will permit 100% of such fixed account allocations
to be transferred to the variable account or a Guaranteed Term Option; however
Nationwide may, under certain economic conditions and at its discretion, limit
the maximum transferable amount. Under no circumstances will the maximum
transferable amount be less than 10% of the fixed account allocation reaching
the end of an interest rate guarantee period. Transfers of the fixed account
allocations must be made within 45 days after reaching the end of an interest
rate guarantee period.
Contract owners who use Dollar Cost Averaging may transfer from the fixed
account to the variable account (but not to Guaranteed Term Options) under the
terms of that program (see "Dollar Cost Averaging").
Transfers to the Fixed Account
Variable account allocations may be transferred to the fixed account at any
time. Normally, Nationwide will not restrict transfers from the variable account
to the fixed account; however, Nationwide may establish a maximum transfer limit
from the variable account to the fixed account. Except as noted below, under no
circumstances will the transfer limit be less than 10% of the current value of
the variable account, less any transfers made in the 12 months preceding the
date the transfer is requested, but not including transfers made prior to the
imposition of the transfer limit. However, where permitted by state law,
Nationwide reserves the right to refuse transfers or purchase payments to the
fixed account (whether from the variable account or a Guaranteed Term Option)
when the fixed account value is greater than or equal to 30% of the contract
value at the time the purchase payment is made or the transfer is requested.
Transfers from a Guaranteed Term Option
Transfers from a Guaranteed Term Option prior to maturity are subject to a
market value adjustment.
Transfers Among the Sub-Accounts
Allocations may be transferred among the sub-accounts once per valuation period.
TRANSFERS AFTER ANNUITIZATION
After annuitization, transfers may only be made on the anniversary of the
annuitization date.
TRANSFER REQUESTS
Nationwide will accept transfer requests in writing or, in those states that
allow them, over the telephone. Nationwide will use reasonable procedures to
confirm that telephone instructions are genuine and will not be liable for
following telephone instructions that it reasonably determined to be genuine.
Nationwide may withdraw the telephone exchange privilege upon 30 days written
notice to contract owners.
Amounts transferred to the variable account will receive the accumulation unit
value next determined after the transfer request is received.
Interest Rate Guarantee Period
The interest rate guarantee period is the period of time that the fixed account
interest rate is guaranteed to remain the same.
Within 45 days of the end of an interest rate guarantee period, transfers may be
made from the fixed account to the variable account or to
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<PAGE> 25
the Guaranteed Term Options. Nationwide will determine the amount that may be
transferred and will declare this amount at the end of the guarantee period.
This amount will not be less than 10% of the amount in the fixed account that is
maturing.
For new purchase payments allocated to the fixed account, or transfers to the
fixed account from the variable account or a Guaranteed Term Option, this period
begins on the date of deposit or transfer and ends on the one year anniversary
of the deposit or transfer. The guaranteed interest rate period may last for up
to 3 months beyond the 1 year anniversary because guaranteed terms end on the
last day of a calendar quarter.
The interest rate guarantee period does not in any way refer to interest rate
crediting practices connected with Guaranteed Term Options.
During an interest rate guarantee period, transfers cannot be made from the
fixed account and amounts transferred to the fixed account must remain on
deposit.
Market Timing Firms
Some contract owners may use market timing firms or other third parties to make
transfers on their behalf. Generally, in order to take advantage of perceived
market trends, market timing firms will submit transfer or exchange requests on
behalf of multiple contract owners at the same time. Sometimes this can result
in unusually large transfers of funds. These large transfers might interfere
with the ability of Nationwide or the underlying mutual fund to process
transactions. This can potentially disadvantage contract owners not using market
timing firms. To avoid this, Nationwide may modify transfer and exchange rights
of contract owners who use market timing firms (or other third parties) to
transfer or exchange funds on their behalf.
The exchange and transfer rights of individual contract owners will not be
modified in any way when instructions are submitted directly by the contract
owner, or by the contract owner's representative (as authorized by the execution
of a valid Nationwide Limited Power of Attorney Form).
To protect contract owners, Nationwide may refuse exchange and transfer
requests:
- submitted by any agent acting under a power of attorney on behalf of more
than one contract owner; or
- submitted on behalf of individual contract owners who have executed
pre-authorized exchange forms which are submitted by market timing firms
(or other third parties) on behalf of more than one contract owner at the
same time.
Nationwide will not restrict exchange rights unless Nationwide believes it to be
necessary for the protection of all contract owners.
RIGHT TO REVOKE
Contract owners have a ten day "free look" to examine the contract. The contract
may be returned to Nationwide's home office for any reason within ten days of
receipt and Nationwide will refund the contract value or another amount required
by law. The refunded contract value will reflect the deduction of any contract
charges, unless otherwise required by law. All Individual Retirement Annuity,
SEP IRA, Simple IRA, and Roth IRA refunds will be a return of purchase payments.
State and/or federal law may provide additional free look privileges.
Liability of the variable account under this provision is limited to the
contract value in each sub-account on the date of revocation. Any additional
amounts refunded to the contract owner will be paid by Nationwide.
SURRENDER (REDEMPTION)
Contract owners may surrender some or all of their contract value before the
earlier of the annuitization date or the annuitant's death. Surrender requests
must be in writing and Nationwide may require additional information. When
taking a full surrender, the contract must
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<PAGE> 26
accompany the written request. Nationwide may require a signature guarantee.
Nationwide is required by state law to reserve the right to postpone payment of
assets in the fixed account for a period of up to six months from the date of
the surrender request.
Nationwide will pay any amounts surrendered from the sub-accounts within 7 days.
However, Nationwide may suspend or postpone payment when it is unable to price a
purchase payment or transfer.
PARTIAL SURRENDERS (PARTIAL REDEMPTIONS)
Nationwide will surrender accumulation units from the sub-accounts and an amount
from the fixed account and Guaranteed Term Options. The amount withdrawn from
each investment option will be in proportion to the value in each option at the
time of the surrender request.
A CDSC may apply. The contract owner may take the CDSC from either:
a) the amount requested; or
b) the contract value remaining after the contract owner has received the
amount requested.
If the contract owner does not make a specific election, any applicable CDSC
will be taken from the amount requested.
The CDSC deducted is a percentage of the amount requested by the contract owner.
Amounts deducted for CDSC are not subject to subsequent CDSC.
FULL SURRENDERS (FULL REDEMPTIONS)
The contract value upon full surrender may be more or less than the total of all
purchase payments made to the contract. The contract value will reflect variable
account charges, underlying mutual fund charges and the investment performance
of the underlying mutual funds. A CDSC may apply.
SURRENDERS UNDER A TEXAS OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM OR A LOUISIANA OPTIONAL
RETIREMENT PLAN
Redemption restrictions apply to contracts issued under the Texas Optional
Retirement Program or the Louisiana Optional Retirement Plan.
The Texas Attorney General has ruled that participants in contracts issued under
the Texas Optional Retirement Program may only take withdrawals if:
- the participant dies;
- the participant retires;
- the participant terminates employment due to total disability; or
- the participant that works in a Texas public institution of higher
education terminates employment.
A participant under a contract issued under the Louisiana Optional Retirement
Plan may only take distributions from the contract upon retirement or
termination of employment. All retirement benefits under this type of plan must
be paid as lifetime income; lump sum cash payments are not permitted, except for
death benefits.
Due to the restrictions described above, a participant under either of these
plans will not be able to withdraw cash values from the contract unless one of
the applicable conditions is met. However, contract value may be transferred to
other carriers, subject to any CDSC.
Nationwide issues this contract to participants in the Texas Optional Retirement
Program in reliance upon and in compliance with Rule 6c-7 of the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Nationwide issues this contract to participants in the
Louisiana Optional Retirement Plan in reliance upon and in compliance with an
exemptive order that Nationwide received from the SEC on August 22, 1990.
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<PAGE> 27
SURRENDERS UNDER A TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY
Contract owners of a Tax Sheltered Annuity may surrender part or all of their
contract value before the earlier of the annuitization date or the annuitant's
death, except as provided below:
A. Contract value attributable to contributions made under a qualified cash or
deferred arrangement (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section
402(g)(3)(A)), a salary reduction agreement (within the meaning of Internal
Revenue Code Section 402(g)(3)(C)), or transfers from a Custodial Account
(described in Section 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code), may be
surrendered only:
1. when the contract owner reaches age 59 1/2, separates from service,
dies or becomes disabled (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code
Section 72(m)(7)); or
2. in the case of hardship (as defined for purposes of Internal Revenue
Code Section 401(k)), provided that any such hardship surrender may
NOT include any income earned on salary reduction contributions.
B. The surrender limitations described in Section A also apply to:
1. salary reduction contributions to Tax Sheltered Annuities made for
plan years beginning after December 31, 1988;
2. earnings credited to such contracts after the last plan year beginning
before January 1, 1989, on amounts attributable to salary reduction
contributions; and
3. all amounts transferred from 403(b)(7) Custodial Accounts (except that
earnings and employer contributions as of December 31, 1988 in such
Custodial Accounts may be withdrawn in the case of hardship).
C. Any distribution other than the above, including a ten day free look
cancellation of the contract (when available) may result in taxes,
penalties and/or retroactive disqualification of a Tax Sheltered Annuity.
In order to prevent disqualification of a Tax Sheltered Annuity after a ten day
free look cancellation, Nationwide will transfer the proceeds to another Tax
Sheltered Annuity upon proper direction by the contract owner.
These provisions explain Nationwide's understanding of current withdrawal
restrictions. These restrictions may change.
Distributions pursuant to Qualified Domestic Relations Orders will not violate
the restrictions stated above.
LOAN PRIVILEGE
The loan privilege is ONLY available to owners of Tax Sheltered Annuities. These
contract owners can take loans from the contract value beginning 30 days after
the contract is issued up to the annuitization date. Loans are subject to the
terms of the contract, the plan and the Internal Revenue Code. Nationwide may
modify the terms of a loan to comply with changes in applicable law.
MINIMUM & MAXIMUM LOAN AMOUNTS
Contract owners may borrow a minimum of $1,000, unless Nationwide is required by
law to allow a lesser minimum amount. Each loan must individually satisfy the
contract minimum amount.
Nationwide will calculate the maximum nontaxable loan amount based upon
information provided by the participant or the employer. Loans may be taxable if
a participant has additional loans from other plans. The total of all
outstanding loans must not exceed the following limits:
--------------- --------------------------
CONTRACT MAXIMUM OUTSTANDING LOAN
VALUES BALANCE ALLOWED
--------------- --------------------------
up to $20,000 up to 80% of contract
value (not more than
$10,000)
--------------- --------------------------
$20,000 and up to 50% of contract
over value (not more than
$50,000*)
--------------- --------------------------
*The $50,000 limit will be reduced by the highest outstanding balance owed
during the previous 12 months.
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<PAGE> 28
For salary reduction Tax Sheltered Annuities, loans may be secured only by the
contract value.
LOAN PROCESSING FEE
Nationwide may charge a loan processing fee at the time each new loan is
processed. The loan processing fee, if assessed, will not exceed $25 per loan
processed. This fee compensates Nationwide for expenses related to administering
and processing loans. Loans are not available in all states. In addition, some
states may not allow Nationwide to assess a loan processing fee.
The fee is taken from the sub-accounts, fixed account, and Guaranteed Term
Options in proportion to the contract value at the time the loan is processed.
HOW LOAN REQUESTS ARE PROCESSED
All loans are made from the collateral fixed account. Nationwide transfers
accumulation units in proportion to the assets in each sub-account to the
collateral fixed account until the requested amount is reached. If there are not
enough accumulation units available in the contract to reach the requested loan
amount, Nationwide next transfers contract value from the fixed account. Any
remaining required collateral will be transferred from the Guaranteed Term
Options. Transfers from the Guaranteed Term Options may be subject to a market
value adjustment. No CDSC will be deducted on transfers related to loan
processing.
LOAN INTEREST
The outstanding loan balance in the collateral fixed account is credited with
interest until the loan is repaid in full. The interest rate will be 2.25% less
than the loan interest rate fixed by Nationwide, unless otherwise required by
state regulations. The interest rate is guaranteed never to fall below 3.0%.
Specific loan terms are disclosed at the time of loan application or issuance.
LOAN REPAYMENT
Loans must be repaid in five years. However, if the loan is used to purchase the
contract owner's principal residence, the contract owner has 15 years to repay
the loan.
Contract owners must identify loan repayments as loan repayments or they will be
treated as purchase payments and will not reduce the outstanding loan. Payments
must be substantially level and made at least quarterly.
Loan repayments will consist of principal and interest in amounts set forth in
the loan agreement. Repayments are allocated to the sub-accounts in accordance
with the contract, unless Nationwide and the contract owner have agreed to amend
the contract at a later date on a case by case basis.
Loan repayments to the Guaranteed Term Options must be at least $1,000. If the
proportional share of the repayment to the Guaranteed Term Option is less than
$1,000, that portion of the repayment will be allocated to the Money Market
Portfolio unless the contract owner directs otherwise.
DISTRIBUTIONS & ANNUITY PAYMENTS
Distributions made from the contract while a loan is outstanding will be reduced
by the amount of the outstanding loan plus accrued interest if:
- the contract is surrendered;
- the contract owner/annuitant dies;
- the contract owner who is not the annuitant dies prior to
annuitization; or
- annuity payments begin.
TRANSFERRING THE CONTRACT
Nationwide reserves the right to restrict any transfer of the contract while the
loan is outstanding.
GRACE PERIOD & LOAN DEFAULT
If a loan payment is not made when due, interest will continue to accrue. A
grace period may be available (please refer to the terms of the loan agreement).
If a loan payment is not made by the end of the applicable grace period, the
entire loan will be treated as a deemed distribution and will be taxable to the
borrower. This deemed
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<PAGE> 29
distribution may also be subject to an early withdrawal tax penalty by the
Internal Revenue Service.
After default, interest will continue to accrue on the loan. Defaulted amounts,
plus interest, are deducted from the contract value when the participant is
eligible for a distribution of at least that amount. Additional loans are not
available while a previous loan is in default.
ASSIGNMENT
Contract rights are personal to the contract owner and may not be assigned
without Nationwide's written consent.
A Non-Qualified Contract owner may assign some or all rights under the contract.
An assignment must occur before annuitization while the annuitant is alive. Once
proper notice of assignment is recorded by Nationwide's home office, the
assignment will become effective as of the date the written request was signed.
Investment-only Contracts, Individual Retirement Annuities, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs,
Simple IRAs, and Tax Sheltered Annuities may not be assigned, pledged or
otherwise transferred except where allowed by law.
Nationwide is not responsible for the validity or tax consequences of any
assignment. Nationwide is not liable for any payment or settlement made before
the assignment is recorded. Assignments will not be recorded until Nationwide
receives sufficient direction from the contract owner and the assignee regarding
the proper allocation of contract rights.
Amounts pledged or assigned will be treated as distributions and will be
included in gross income to the extent that the cash value exceeds the
investment in the contract for the taxable year in which it was pledged or
assigned. Amounts assigned may be subject to a tax penalty equal to 10% of the
amount included in gross income.
Assignment of the entire contract value may cause the portion of the contract
value exceeding the total investment in the contract and previously taxed
amounts to be included in gross income for federal income tax purposes each year
that the assignment is in effect.
CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES
ASSET REBALANCING
Asset Rebalancing is the automatic reallocation of contract values to the
sub-accounts on a predetermined percentage basis. Asset Rebalancing is not
available for assets held in the fixed account or the Guaranteed Term Options.
Requests for Asset Rebalancing must be on a Nationwide form.
Asset Rebalancing occurs every three months or on another frequency if permitted
by Nationwide. If the last day of the three month period falls on a Saturday,
Sunday, recognized holiday, or any other day when the New York Stock Exchange is
closed, Asset Rebalancing will occur on the next business day.
Asset Rebalancing may be subject to employer limitations or restrictions for
contracts issued to a Tax Sheltered Annuity plan. Contract owners should consult
a financial adviser to discuss the use of Asset Rebalancing.
Nationwide reserves the right to stop establishing new Asset Rebalancing
programs.
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING
Dollar Cost Averaging is a long-term transfer program that allows you to make
regular, level investments over time. It involves the automatic transfer of a
specified amount from the fixed account and/or certain sub-accounts into other
sub-accounts. Nationwide does not guarantee that this program will result in
profit or protect contract owners from loss.
Contract owners direct Nationwide to automatically transfer specified amounts
from the fixed account and the Money Market Portfolio to any other underlying
mutual fund. Dollar Cost Averaging transfers may not be directed to Guaranteed
Term Options.
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<PAGE> 30
Transfers occur monthly or on another frequency if permitted by Nationwide.
Nationwide will process transfers until either the value in the originating
investment option is exhausted, or the contract owner instructs Nationwide in
writing to stop the transfers.
Nationwide reserves the right to stop establishing new Dollar Cost Averaging
programs.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS
Systematic Withdrawals allow contract owners to receive a specified amount (of
at least $100) on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. Requests
for Systematic Withdrawals and requests to discontinue Systematic Withdrawals
must be in writing.
The withdrawals will be taken from the sub-accounts and the fixed account
proportionately unless Nationwide is instructed otherwise. Systematic
Withdrawals are not available from the Guaranteed Term Options.
Nationwide will withhold federal income taxes from Systematic Withdrawals unless
otherwise instructed by the contract owner. The Internal Revenue Service may
impose a 10% penalty tax if the contract owner is under age 59 1/2 unless the
contract owner has made an irrevocable election of distributions of
substantially equal payments.
A CDSC may apply to amounts taken through Systematic Withdrawals.
If the contract owner takes Systematic Withdrawals, the maximum amount that can
be withdrawn annually without a CDSC is the greatest of:
1) the lesser of:
a) 12% of the following: the total of all purchase payments that are
subject to CDSC, less any purchase payments previously withdrawn
that were subject to CDSC at the time of withdrawal; or
b) 12% of the contract value; or
2) current contract year earnings; or
3) any amount withdrawn to meet minimum distribution requirements under
the Internal Revenue Code.
The CDSC-free withdrawal privilege for Systematic Withdrawals is non-cumulative.
Free amounts not taken during any contract year cannot be taken as free amounts
in a subsequent contract year.
Nationwide reserves the right to stop establishing new Systematic Withdrawal
programs. Systematic Withdrawals are not available before the end of the ten day
free look period (see "Right to Revoke").
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE
The annuity commencement date is the date on which annuity payments are
scheduled to begin. The contract owner may change the annuity commencement date
before annuitization. This change must be in writing and approved by Nationwide.
ANNUITIZING THE CONTRACT
ANNUITIZATION DATE
The annuitization date is the date that annuity payments begin. It will be the
first day of a calendar month unless otherwise agreed, and must be at least 2
years after the contract is issued. If the contract is issued to fund a Tax
Sheltered Annuity, annuitization may occur during the first 2 years subject to
Nationwide's approval.
ANNUITIZATION
Annuitization is the period during which annuity payments are received. It is
irrevocable once payments have begun. Upon arrival of the annuitization date,
the annuitant must choose:
1) an annuity payment option; and
2) either a fixed payment annuity, variable payment annuity, or an
available combination.
Nationwide guarantees that each payment under a fixed payment annuity will be
the same throughout annuitization. Under a variable
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<PAGE> 31
payment annuity, the amount of each payment will vary with the performance of
the underlying mutual funds chosen by the contract owner.
FIXED PAYMENT ANNUITY
A fixed payment annuity is an annuity where the amount of the annuity payments
remains level.
The first payment under a fixed payment annuity is determined on the
annuitization date based on the annuitant's age (in accordance with the
contract) by:
1) deducting applicable premium taxes from the total contract value; then
2) applying the contract value amount specified by the contract owner to
the fixed payment annuity table for the annuity payment option
elected.
Subsequent payments will remain level unless the annuity payment option elected
provides otherwise. Nationwide does not credit discretionary interest during
annuitization.
VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY
A variable payment annuity is an annuity where the amount of the annuity
payments will vary depending on the performance of the underlying mutual funds
selected.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY MAY NOT BE ELECTED WHEN EXERCISING A GUARANTEED
MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT OPTION.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first payment under a variable payment annuity is determined on the
annuitization date based on the annuitant's age (in accordance with the
contract) by:
1) deducting applicable premium taxes from the total contract value; then
2) applying the contract value amount specified by the contract owner to
the variable payment annuity table for the annuity payment option
elected.
The dollar amount of the first payment is converted into a set number of annuity
units that will represent each monthly payment. This is done by dividing the
dollar amount of the first payment by the value of an annuity unit as of the
annuitization date. This number of annuity units remains fixed during
annuitization.
The second and subsequent payments are determined by multiplying the fixed
number of annuity units by the annuity unit value for the valuation period in
which the payment is due. The amount of the second and subsequent payments will
vary with the performance of the selected underlying mutual funds. Nationwide
guarantees that variations in mortality experience from assumptions used to
calculate the first payment will not affect the dollar amount of the second and
subsequent payments.
Value of an Annuity Unit
Annuity unit values for sub-accounts are determined by:
1) multiplying the annuity unit value for the immediately preceding business
day by the net investment factor for the subsequent business day (see
"Determining the Contract Value"); and then
2) multiplying the result from (1) by the assumed investment rate of 3.5%
adjusted for the number of days in the valuation period.
Assumed Investment Rate
An assumed investment rate is the percentage rate of return assumed to determine
the amount of the first payment under a variable payment annuity. Nationwide
uses the assumed investment rate of 3.5% to calculate the first annuity payment
and to calculate the investment performance of an underlying mutual fund in
order to determine subsequent payments under a variable payment annuity. An
assumed investment rate is the percentage rate of return required to maintain
level variable annuity payments. Subsequent variable annuity payments may be
more or less than the first payment based on whether actual investment
performance of the underlying mutual funds is higher or lower than the assumed
investment rate of 3.5%.
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<PAGE> 32
Exchanges among Underlying Mutual Funds
Exchanges among underlying mutual funds during annuitization must be in writing.
Exchanges may only be made on each anniversary of the annuitization date.
FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS
Payments are made based on the annuity payment option selected, unless:
- the amount to be distributed is less than $5,000, in which case Nationwide
may make one lump sum payment of the contract value; or
- an annuity payment would be less than $50, in which case Nationwide can
change the frequency of payments to intervals that will result in payments
of at least $50. Payments will be made at least annually.
GUARANTEED MINIMUM INCOME BENEFIT OPTIONS ("GMIB")
What is a GMIB?
A GMIB is a benefit which ensures the availability of a minimum amount when the
contract owner wishes to annuitize the contract. This minimum amount, referred
to as the Guaranteed Annuitization Value, may be used at specified times to
provide a guaranteed level of determinable lifetime annuity payments. The GMIB
may provide protection in the event of lower contract values that may result
from the investment performance of the contract.
How is the Guaranteed Annuitization Value Determined?
There are two options available at the time of application. The Guaranteed
Annuitization Value is determined differently based on which option the contract
owner elects.
Calculation Under the 5% Interest GMIB Option
The Guaranteed Annuitization Value is equal to (a) - (b), but will never be
greater than 200% of all purchase payments, where:
a) is the sum of all purchase payments, plus interest accumulated at a
compounded annual rate of 5% starting at the date of issue and ending on
the contract anniversary occurring immediately prior to the annuitant's
86th birthday;
b) is the reduction to (a) due to surrenders made from the contract. All such
reductions will be proportionately the same as reductions to the contract
value caused by surrenders. For example, a surrender which reduces the
contract value by 25% will also reduce the Guaranteed Annuitization Value
by 25%.
Special Restrictions for the 5% Interest GMIB Option
After the first contract year, if the value of the contract owner's fixed
account allocation becomes greater than 30% of the contract value in any
contract year due to:
1) the application of additional purchase payments;
2) surrenders; or
3) transfers from the variable account,
then 0% interest will accrue in that contract year for purposes of calculating
the Guaranteed Annuitization Value.
If the contract owner's fixed account allocation becomes greater than 30% of the
contract value solely as a result of fluctuations in the value of the variable
account, then interest will continue to accrue for the purposes of the
Guaranteed Annuitization Value at 5% annually, subject to the other terms and
conditions outlined herein.
Calculation Under the Maximum Anniversary GMIB Option
The Guaranteed Annuitization Value will be equal to the highest contract value
on any contract anniversary occurring prior to the annuitant's 86th birthday,
less an adjustment for amounts surrendered, plus purchase payments received
after that contract anniversary.
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GMIB Illustrations for the 5% Interest GMIB Option
The following charts illustrate the amount of income that will be provided to an
annuitant if the contract owner annuitizes the contract at the 7th, 10th or 15th
contract anniversary date, under the 5% Interest GMIB Option. Since the 5%
Interest GMIB Option is determined by the amount of purchase payments made to
(and withdrawals taken from) the contract, the illustrations do not reflect
contract level expenses, charges based on other options, underlying mutual fund
expenses, or other costs associated with the contract.
The illustrations assume the following:
- An initial purchase payment of $100,000 is made to the contract and
allocated to the variable account;
- There are no surrenders from the contract or transfers to the fixed account
(raising the fixed account value to greater than 30% of the contract
value);
- The contract is issued to a MALE at age 55, 65 or 70;
- A Life Annuity with 120 Months Guaranteed Fixed Payment Annuity Option is
elected.
7 Years in Accumulation
$140,710.04 for GMIB at Annuitization
--------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------
Male Age at Male Age at GMIB Purchase Monthly
Issue Annuitization Rate* GMIB
--------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------
55 62 $4.72 $664.15
--------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------
65 72 $5.96 $838.63
--------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------
70 77 $6.79 $955.42
--------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------
10 Years in Accumulation
$162,889.46 for GMIB at Annuitization
--------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------
Male Age at Male Age at GMIB Purchase Monthly
Issue Annuitization Rate* GMIB
--------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------
55 65 $5.03 $819.33
--------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------
65 75 $6.44 $1,049.01
--------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------
70 80 $7.32 $1,192.35
--------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------
15 Years in Accumulation
$200,000.00 for GMIB at Annuitization
---------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------
Male Age at Male Age at GMIB Purchase Monthly
Issue Annuitization Rate* GMIB
---------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------
55 70 $5.66 $1,132.00
---------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------
65 80 $7.32 $1,464.00
---------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------
70 85 $8.18 $1,636.00
---------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------
*Guaranteed Monthly Benefit per $1,000 applied.
The illustrations should be used as a tool to assist an investor in determining
whether purchasing and exercising the 5% Interest GMIB Option is right for them.
The guaranteed purchase rates assumed in the illustrations may not apply in some
states, or for contracts issued under an employer sponsored plan. Different
guaranteed purchase rates will also apply for females, for males who annuitize
at ages other than the ages shown above, or for annuitizations under other
annuity payment options. Where different guaranteed purchase rates apply, GMIB
amounts shown above will be different. In all cases, the guaranteed purchase
rates used to calculate the GMIB will be the same as the purchase rates
guaranteed in the contract for fixed annuitizations without the GMIB.
The purchase rates available in connection with annuitization options under a
GMIB are minimum guaranteed purchase rates. Alternative purchase rates, which
may be more favorable, may apply to annuitizations which occur without a GMIB
option.
When May the Guaranteed Annuitization Value be Used?
The contract owner may use the Guaranteed Annuitization Value by annuitizing the
contract during the thirty day period following any contract anniversary:
1) after the contract has been in effect for seven years; AND
2) the annuitant has attained age 60.
What Annuity Payment Options May Be Used With the Guaranteed Annuitization
Value?
The contract owner may elect any life contingent FIXED ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION
calculated using the guaranteed annuity purchase rates set forth in the
contract. Such Fixed Annuity Payment Options include:
- Life Annuity;
- Joint and Last Survivor Annuity; and
- Life Annuity with 120 or 240 Monthly Payments Guaranteed.
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Other GMIB Terms and Conditions
**PLEASE READ CAREFULLY**
- The GMIB must be elected at the time of application.
- The annuitant must be age 82 or younger at the time the contract is issued.
The GMIB is irrevocable and will remain for as long as the contract remains in
force.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS TO KEEP IN MIND REGARDING THE
GMIB OPTION
While a GMIB does provide a Guaranteed Annuitization Value, A GMIB MAY NOT BE
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL INVESTORS and should be understood completely and analyzed
thoroughly before being elected.
- A GMIB DOES NOT in any way guarantee the performance of any underlying
mutual fund, or any other investment option available under the contract.
- Once elected, the GMIB is irrevocable, meaning that even if the investment
performance of underlying mutual funds or other available investment
options surpasses the minimum guarantees associated with the GMIB, the GMIB
charges will still be assessed.
- The GMIB in no way restricts or limits the rights of contract owners to
annuitize the contract at other times permitted under the contract, nor
will it in any way restrict the right to annuitize the contract using
contract values that may be higher than the Guaranteed Annuitization Value.
- Please take advantage of the guidance of a qualified financial adviser in
evaluating the GMIB options, and all other aspects of the contract.
GMIB may not be approved in all state jurisdictions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTIONS
Contract owners must elect an annuity payment option before the annuitization
date. The annuity payment options are:
1) LIFE ANNUITY - An annuity payable periodically, but at least annually,
for the lifetime of the annuitant. Payments will end upon the
annuitant's death. For example, if the annuitant dies before the second
annuity payment date, the annuitant will receive only one annuity
payment. The annuitant will only receive two annuity payments if he or
she dies before the third annuity payment date, and so on.
2) JOINT AND LAST SURVIVOR ANNUITY - An annuity payable periodically, but
at least annually, during the joint lifetimes of the annuitant and a
designated second individual. If one of these parties dies, payments
will continue for the lifetime of the survivor. As is the case under
option 1, there is no guaranteed number of payments. Payments end upon
the death of the last surviving party, regardless of the number of
payments received.
3) LIFE ANNUITY WITH 120 OR 240 MONTHLY PAYMENTS GUARANTEED - An annuity
payable monthly during the lifetime of the annuitant. If the annuitant
dies before all of the guaranteed payments have been made, payments will
continue to the end of the guaranteed period and will be paid to a
designee chosen by the annuitant at the time the annuity payment option
was elected.
The designee may elect to receive the present value of the remaining
guaranteed payments in a lump sum. The present value will be computed as
of the date Nationwide receives the notice of the annuitant's death.
If no annuity payment option is elected as of the annuitization date, Nationwide
will use the Life Annuity with 240 Monthly Payments
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Guaranteed as the default annuity payment option.
Not all of the annuity payment options may be available in all states. Contract
owners may request other options before the annuitization date. These options
are subject to Nationwide's approval.
No distribution for Non-Qualified Contracts will be made until an annuity
payment option has been elected. Individual Retirement Annuities and Tax
Sheltered Annuities are subject to the "minimum distribution" requirements set
forth in the plan, contract, and the Internal Revenue Code.
DEATH BENEFITS
DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER - NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
If the contract owner who is not the annuitant dies before the annuitization
date, the joint owner becomes the contract owner. If no joint owner is named,
the contingent owner becomes the contract owner. If no contingent owner is
named, the last surviving contract owner's estate becomes the contract owner.
If the contract owner and annuitant are the same, and the contract
owner/annuitant dies before the annuitization date, the contingent owner will
not have any rights in the contract unless the contingent owner is also the
beneficiary.
Distributions under Non-Qualified Contracts will be made pursuant to the
"Required Distributions for Non-Qualified Contracts" provision.
DEATH OF ANNUITANT - NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
If the annuitant who is not a contract owner dies before the annuitization date,
a death benefit is payable to the beneficiary unless a contingent annuitant is
named. If a contingent annuitant is named, the contingent annuitant becomes the
annuitant and no death benefit is payable.
The beneficiary may elect to receive the death benefit:
1) in a lump sum;
2) as an annuity; or
3) in any other manner permitted by law and approved by Nationwide.
The beneficiary must notify Nationwide of this election within 60 days of the
annuitant's death.
If no beneficiaries survive the annuitant, the contingent beneficiary receives
the death benefit. Contingent beneficiaries will share the death benefit
equally, unless otherwise specified.
If no beneficiaries or contingent beneficiaries survive the annuitant, the
contract owner or the last surviving contract owner's estate will receive the
death benefit.
If the contract owner is a Charitable Remainder Trust and the annuitant dies
before the annuitization date, the death benefit will accrue to the Charitable
Remainder Trust. Any designation in conflict with the Charitable Remainder
Trust's right to the death benefit will be void.
If the annuitant dies after the annuitization date, any benefit that may be
payable will be paid according to the selected annuity payment option.
DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER/ANNUITANT
If a contract owner who is also the annuitant dies before the annuitization
date, a death benefit is payable according to the "Death of Annuitant -
Non-Qualified Contracts" provision.
A joint owner will receive a death benefit if a contract owner/annuitant dies
before the annuitization date.
If the contract owner/annuitant dies after the annuitization date, any benefit
that may be payable will be paid according to the selected annuity payment
option.
DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT
Contract owners may elect one of two death benefits options available under the
contract at the time of application (not all death benefit options may be
available in all states). If no death benefit option is elected at the time of
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application, the death benefit will be the standard death benefit.
The death benefit value is determined as of the date Nationwide receives:
1) proper proof of the annuitant's death;
2) an election specifying the distribution method; and
3) any state required form(s).
If a contract owner who is also the annuitant dies, and the beneficiary is the
contract owner/ annuitant's spouse who is:
a) eligible to continue the contract; and
b) entitled to a death benefit,
then the spousal-beneficiary shall have the option of continuing the contract
with the contract value adjusted to include the difference between the death
benefit (if greater than the contract value) and the contract value at the time
of the contract owner/annuitant's death.
Standard Death Benefit
If the annuitant dies before the annuitization date, the death benefit will be
the greater of:
1) the contract value; or
2) the total of all purchase payments, less an adjustment for amounts
surrendered.
The adjustment for amounts surrendered will reduce item (2) in the same
proportion that the contract value was reduced on the date(s) of the partial
surrender(s).
Maximum Anniversary Death Benefit
If the annuitant dies before the annuitization date, the death benefit will be
the greatest of:
1) the contract value;
2) the total of all purchase payments, less an adjustment for amounts
surrendered; or
3) the highest contract value on any contract anniversary prior to the
annuitant's 86th birthday, less an adjustment for amounts subsequently
surrendered, plus purchase payments received after that contract
anniversary.
The adjustment for amounts surrendered will reduce items (2) and (3) above in
the same proportion that the contract value was reduced on the date(s) of the
partial surrender(s).
Five Year Reset Death Benefit
If the annuitant dies before the annuitization date, the death benefit will be
the greatest of:
1) the contract value;
2) the total of all purchase payments, less an adjustment for amounts
surrendered; or
3) the contract value as of the most recent five year contract
anniversary before the annuitant's 86th birthday, less an adjustment
for amounts subsequently surrendered, plus purchase payments received
after that five year contract anniversary.
The adjustment for amounts surrendered will reduce items (2) and (3) above in
the same proportion that the contract value was reduced on the date(s) of the
partial surrender(s).
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
Internal Revenue Code Section 72(s) requires Nationwide to make certain
distributions when a contract owner dies. The following distributions will be
made according to those requirements:
1) If any contract owner dies on or after the annuitization date and before
the entire interest in the contract has been distributed, then the
remaining interest must be distributed at least as rapidly as the
distribution method in effect on the contract owner's death.
2) If any contract owner dies before the annuitization date, then the entire
interest in the contract (consisting of either the death benefit or the
contract value reduced by charges set forth elsewhere in the contract) will
be distributed within 5 years
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of the contract owner's death, provided however:
a) any interest payable to or for the benefit of a natural person
(referred to herein as a "designated beneficiary"), may be distributed
over the life of the designated beneficiary or over a period not
longer than the life expectancy of the designated beneficiary.
Payments must begin within one year of the contract owner's death
unless otherwise permitted by federal income tax regulations; and
b) if the designated beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the deceased
contract owner, the spouse can choose to become the contract owner
instead of receiving a death benefit. Any distributions required under
these distribution rules will be made upon that spouse's death.
In the event that the contract owner is NOT a natural person (e.g., a trust or
corporation), then, for purposes of these distribution provisions:
a) the death of the annuitant will be treated as the death of a contract
owner;
b) any change of annuitant will be treated as the death of a contract owner;
and
c) in either case, the appropriate distribution will be made upon the death or
change, as the case may be.
These distribution provisions do not apply to any contract exempt from Section
72(s) of the Internal Revenue Code by reason of Section 72(s)(5) or any other
law or rule.
The designated beneficiary must elect a method of distribution and notify
Nationwide of this election within 60 days of the contract owner's death.
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES
Distributions from Tax Sheltered Annuities will be made according to the Minimum
Distribution and Incidental Benefit ("MDIB") provisions of Section 401(a)(9) of
the Internal Revenue Code. Distributions will be made to the annuitant according
to the annuity payment option selected over a period not longer than:
a) the life of the annuitant or the joint lives of the annuitant and the
annuitant's designated beneficiary; or
b) a period not longer than the life expectancy of the annuitant or the joint
life expectancies of the annuitant and the annuitant's designated
beneficiary.
Required distributions will not be withdrawn from this contract if they are
being withdrawn from another Tax Sheltered Annuity of the annuitant.
If the annuitant's entire interest in a Tax Sheltered Annuity will be
distributed in equal or substantially equal payments over a period described in
a) or b), the payments will begin on the required beginning date. The required
beginning date is the later of:
a) April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the
annuitant reaches age 70 1/2; or
b) the annuitant's retirement date.
Provision b) does not apply to any employee who is a 5% owner (as defined in
Section 416 of the Internal Revenue Code) with respect to the plan year ending
in the calendar year when the employee attains the age of 70 1/2.
Distribution commencing on the required distribution date must satisfy minimum
distribution and incidental benefit provisions set forth in the Internal Revenue
Code. Those provisions require that distributions cannot be less than the amount
determined by dividing the annuitant's interest in the Tax Sheltered Annuity
determined by the end of the previous calendar year by:
a) the annuitant's life expectancy; or if applicable;
b) the joint and survivor life expectancy of the annuitant and the annuitant's
beneficiary.
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The life expectancies and joint life expectancies are determined by reference to
Treasury Regulation 1.72-9.
If the annuitant dies before distributions begin, the interest in the Tax
Sheltered Annuity must be distributed by December 31 of the calendar year in
which the fifth anniversary of the annuitant's death occurs unless:
a) the annuitant names his or her surviving spouse as the beneficiary and
the spouse chooses to receive distribution of the contract in
substantially equal payments over his or her life (or a period not longer
than his or her life expectancy) and beginning no later than December 31
of the year in which the annuitant would have attained age 70 1/2; or
b) the annuitant names a beneficiary other than his or her surviving spouse
and the beneficiary elects to receive distribution of the contract in
substantially equal payments over his or her life (or a period not longer
than his or her life expectancy) beginning no later than December 31 of
the year following the year in which the annuitant dies.
If the annuitant dies after distributions have begun, distributions must
continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule used before the annuitant's
death.
If distribution requirements are not met, a penalty tax of 50% is levied on the
difference between the amount that should have been distributed for that year
and the amount that actually was distributed for that year.
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES, SEP IRAS, AND SIMPLE
IRAS
Distributions from an Individual Retirement Annuity, SEP IRA or Simple IRA must
begin no later than April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in
which the contract owner reaches age 70 1/2. Distribution may be paid in a lump
sum or in substantially equal payments over:
a) the contract owner's life or the lives of the contract owner and his or her
spouse or designated beneficiary; or
b) a period not longer than the life expectancy of the contract owner or the
joint life expectancy of the contract owner and the contract owner's
designated beneficiary.
If the contract owner dies before distributions begin, the interest in the
Individual Retirement Annuity, SEP IRA or Simple IRA must be distributed by
December 31 of the calendar year in which the fifth anniversary of the contract
owner's death occurs, unless:
a) the contract owner names his or her surviving spouse as the beneficiary and
such spouse chooses to:
1) treat the contract as an Individual Retirement Annuity, SEP IRA or
Simple IRA established for his or her benefit; or
2) receive distribution of the contract in substantially equal payments
over his or her life (or a period not longer than his or her life
expectancy) and beginning no later than December 31 of the year in
which the contract owner would have reached age 70 1/2; or
b) the contract owner names a beneficiary other than his or her surviving
spouse and such beneficiary elects to receive a distribution of the
contract in substantially equal payments over his or her life (or a period
not longer than his or her life expectancy) beginning no later than
December 31 of the year following the year of the contract owner's death.
Required distributions will not be withdrawn from this contract if they are
being withdrawn from another Individual Retirement Annuity, Individual
Retirement Account, SEP IRA or Simple IRA of the contract owner.
If the contract owner dies after distributions have begun, distributions must
continue at least
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as rapidly as under the schedule being used before the contract owner's death.
However, a surviving spouse who is the beneficiary under the annuity payment
option may treat the contract as his or her own, in the same manner as is
described in section (a)(1) of this provision.
If distribution requirements are not met, a penalty tax of 50% is levied on the
difference between the amount that should have been distributed for that year
and the amount that actually was distributed for that year.
A portion of each distribution will be included in the recipient's gross income
and taxed at ordinary income tax rates. The portion of a distribution which is
taxable is based on the ratio between the amount by which non-deductible
purchase payments exceed prior non-taxable distributions and total account
balances at the time of the distribution. The owner of an Individual Retirement
Annuity, SEP IRA or Simple IRA must annually report the amount of non-deductible
purchase payments, the amount of any distribution, the amount by which
non-deductible purchase payments for all years exceed nontaxable distributions
for all years, and the total balance of all Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP
IRAs or Simple IRAs.
Individual Retirement Annuity, SEP IRA or Simple IRA distributions will not
receive the favorable tax treatment of a lump sum distribution from a Qualified
Plan. If the contract owner dies before the entire interest in the contract has
been distributed, the balance will also be included in his or her gross estate.
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR ROTH IRAS
The rules for Roth IRAs do not require distributions to begin during the
contract owner's lifetime.
When the contract owner dies, the interest in the Roth IRA must be distributed
by December 31 of the calendar year in which the fifth anniversary of his or her
death occurs, unless:
a) the contract owner names his or her surviving spouse as the beneficiary and
the spouse chooses to:
1) treat the contract as a Roth IRA established for his or her benefit;
or
2) receive distribution of the contract in substantially equal payments
over his or her life (or a period not longer than his or her life
expectancy) and beginning no later than December 31 of the year
following the year in which the contract owner would have reached age
70 1/2; or
b) the contract owner names a beneficiary other than his or her surviving
spouse and the beneficiary chooses to receive distribution of the contract
in substantially equal payments over his or her life (or a period not
longer than his or her life expectancy) beginning no later than December 31
of the year following the year in which the contract owner dies.
Distributions from Roth IRAs may be either taxable or nontaxable, depending upon
whether they are "qualified distributions" or "non-qualified distributions" (see
"Federal Tax Considerations").
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
The tax consequences of purchasing a contract described in this prospectus will
depend on:
- the type of contract purchased;
- the purposes for which the contract is purchased; and
- the personal circumstances of individual investors having interests in the
contracts.
See "Synopsis of the Contracts" for a brief description of the various types of
contracts and the different purposes for which the contracts may be purchased.
Existing tax rules are subject to change, and may affect individuals differently
depending on
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their situation. Nationwide does not guarantee the tax status of any contracts
or any transactions involving the contracts.
If the contract is purchased as an investment of certain retirement plans (such
as qualified retirement plans, Individual Retirement Accounts, and custodial
accounts as described in Sections 401, 408(a), and 403(b)(7) of the Internal
Revenue Code), tax advantages enjoyed by the contract owner and/or annuitant may
relate to participation in the plan rather than ownership of the annuity
contract. Such plans are permitted to purchase investments other than annuities
and retain tax-deferred status.
The following is a brief summary of some of the federal income tax
considerations related to the contracts. In addition to the federal income tax,
distributions from annuity contracts may be subject to state and local income
taxes. The tax rules across all states and localities are not uniform and
therefore will not be discussed in this prospectus. Tax rules that may apply to
contracts issued in U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam are also not
discussed. Nothing in this prospectus should be considered to be tax advice.
Contract owners and prospective contract owners are encouraged to consult a
financial consultant, tax advisor or legal counsel to discuss the taxation and
use of the contracts.
The Internal Revenue Code sets forth different income tax rules for the
following types of annuity contracts:
- Individual Retirement Annuities;
- SEP IRAs;
- Simple IRAs;
- Roth IRAs;
- Tax Sheltered Annuities; and
- Non-Qualified Contracts.
Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP IRAs and Simple IRAs
Distributions from Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP IRAs and Simple IRAs are
generally taxed when received. If any of the amount contributed to the IRA was
nondeductible for federal income tax purposes, then a portion of each
distribution is excludable from income.
If distributions of income from an IRA are made prior to the date that the owner
attains the age of 59 1/2 years, the income is subject to both the regular
income tax and an additional penalty tax of 10%. (For Simple IRAs, the 10%
penalty is increased to 25% if the distribution is made during the 2 year period
beginning on the date that the individual first participated in the Simple IRA.)
The penalty tax can be avoided if the distribution is:
- made to a beneficiary on or after the death of the owner;
- attributable to the owner becoming disabled (as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code);
- part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made not less
frequently than annually made for the life (or life expectancy) of the
owner, or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the owner and his
or her designated beneficiary;
- used for qualified higher education expenses; or
- used for expenses attributable to the purchase of a home for a qualified
first-time buyer.
Roth IRAs
Distributions of earnings from Roth IRAs are taxable or nontaxable depending
upon whether they are "qualified distributions" or "non-qualified
distributions." A "qualified distribution" is one that satisfies the five-year
rule and meets one of the following requirements:
- it is made on or after the date on which the contract owner attains age 59
1/2;
- it is made to a beneficiary (or the contract owner's estate) on or after
the death of the contract owner;
- it is attributable to the contract owner's disability; or
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- it is used for expenses attributable to the purchase of a home for a
qualified first-time buyer.
The five year rule generally is satisfied if the distribution is not made within
the five taxable year period beginning with the first taxable year in which a
contribution is made to any Roth IRA established for the owner.
A qualified distribution is not included in gross income for federal income tax
purposes.
A non-qualified distribution is not includible in gross income to the extent
that the distribution, when added to all previous distributions, does not exceed
that total amount of contributions made to the Roth IRA. Any non-qualified
distribution in excess of the aggregate amount of contributions will be included
in the contract owner's gross income in the year that is distributed to the
contract owner.
Special rules apply for Roth IRAs that have proceeds received from an IRA prior
to January 1, 1999 if the owner elected the special 4-year income averaging
provisions that were in effect for 1998.
If non-qualified distributions of income from a Roth IRA are made prior to the
date that the owner attains the age of 59 1/2 years, the income is subject to
both the regular income tax and an additional penalty tax of 10%. The penalty
tax can be avoided if the distribution is:
- made to a beneficiary on or after the death of the owner;
- attributable to the owner becoming disabled as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code;
- part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made not less
frequently than annually made for the life (or life expectancy) of the
owner, or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the owner and his
or her designated beneficiary;
- for qualified higher education expenses; or
- used for expenses attributable to the purchase of a home for a qualified
first-time buyer.
If the contract owner dies before the contract is completely distributed, the
balance may be included in the contract owner's gross estate for tax purposes.
Tax Sheltered Annuities
Distributions from Tax Sheltered Annuities are generally taxed when received. A
portion of each distribution is excludable from income based on a formula
established pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code. The formula excludes from
income the amount invested in the contract divided by the number of anticipated
payments until the full investment in the contract is recovered. Thereafter all
distributions are fully taxable.
If a distribution of income is made from a Tax Sheltered Annuity prior to the
date that the owner attains the age of 59 1/2 years, the income is subject to
both the regular income tax and an additional penalty tax of 10%. The penalty
tax can be avoided if the distribution is:
- made to a beneficiary on or after the death of the owner;
- attributable to the owner becoming disabled as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code;
- part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made not less
frequently than annually made for the life (or life expectancy) of the
owner, or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the owner and his
or her designated beneficiary;
- for qualified higher education expenses;
- used for expenses attributable to the purchase of a home for a qualified
first-time buyer; or
- made to the owner after separation from service with his or her employer
after age 55.
Non-Qualified Contracts - Natural Persons as Contract Owners
Generally, the income earned inside a Non-Qualified Contract that is owned by a
natural person is not taxable until it is distributed from the contract.
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Distributions before the annuitization date are taxable to the contract owner to
the extent that the cash value of the contract exceeds the contract owner's
investment at the time of the distribution. Distributions, for this purpose,
include partial surrenders, any portion of the contract that is assigned or
pledged; or any portion of the contract that is transferred by gift. For these
purposes, a transfer by gift may occur upon annuitization if the contract owner
and the annuitant are not the same individual.
With respect to annuity distributions on or after the annuitization date, a
portion of each annuity payment is excludable from taxable income. The amount
excludable is based on the ratio between the contract owner's investment in the
contract and the expected return on the contract. Once the entire investment in
the contract is recovered, all distributions are fully includable in income. The
maximum amount excludable from income is the investment in the contract. If the
annuitant dies before the entire investment in the contract has been excluded
from income, and as a result of the annuitant's death no more payments are due
under the contract, then the unrecovered investment in the contract may be
deducted on his or her final tax return.
In determining the taxable amount of a distribution, all annuity contracts
issued after October 21, 1988 by the same company to the same contract owner
during the same calendar year will be treated as one annuity contract.
A special rule applies to distributions from contracts that have investments
that were made prior to August 14, 1982. For those contracts, distributions that
are made prior to the annuitization date are treated first as a recovery of the
investment in the contract as of that date. A distribution in excess of the
amount of the investment in the contract as of August 14, 1982, will be treated
as taxable income.
The Internal Revenue Code imposes a penalty tax if a distribution is made before
the contract owner reaches age 59 1/2. The amount of the penalty is 10% of the
portion of any distribution that is includible in gross income. The penalty tax
does not apply if the distribution is:
- the result of a contract owner's death;
- the result of a contract owner's disability, as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code;
- one of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made over the life
(or life expectancy) of the contract owner or the joint lives (or joint
life expectancies) of the contract owner and the beneficiary selected by
the contract owner to receive payment under the annuity payment option
selected by the contract owner; or
- is allocable to an investment in the contract before August 14, 1982.
Non-Qualified Contracts - Non-Natural Persons as Contract Owners
The previous discussion related to the taxation of Non-Qualified Contracts owned
by individuals. Different rules (the so-called "non-natural persons" rules)
apply if the contract owner is not a natural person.
Generally, contracts owned by corporations, partnerships, trusts, and similar
entities are not treated as annuity contracts under the Internal Revenue Code.
Therefore, income earned under a Non-Qualified Contract that is owned by a
non-natural person is taxed as ordinary income during the taxable year that it
is earned. Taxation is not deferred, even if the income is not distributed out
of the contract. The income is taxable as ordinary income, not capital gain.
The non-natural persons rules do not apply to all entity-owned contracts. A
contract that is owned by a non-natural person as an agent of an individual is
treated as owned by the individual. This would cause the contract to be treated
as an annuity under the Internal Revenue Code, allowing tax deferral. However,
this exception does not apply when the non-natural person is an employer that
holds the contract under a non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement for
one or more employees.
The non-natural persons rules also do not apply to contracts that are:
- acquired by the estate of a decedent by reason of the death of the
decedent;
42
<PAGE> 43
- issued in connection with certain qualified retirement plans and individual
retirement plans;
- purchased by an employer upon the termination of certain qualified
retirement plans.
WITHHOLDING
Pre-death distributions from the contracts are subject to federal income tax.
Nationwide will withhold the tax from the distributions unless the contract
owner requests otherwise. If the distribution is from a Tax Sheltered Annuity,
it will be subject to mandatory 20% withholding that cannot be waived, unless:
- the distribution is made directly to another Tax Sheltered Annuity or IRA;
or
- the distribution satisfies the minimum distribution requirements imposed by
the Internal Revenue Code.
In addition, under some circumstances, the Internal Revenue Code will not permit
contract owners to waive withholding. Such circumstances include:
- if the payee does not provide Nationwide with a taxpayer identification
number; or
- if Nationwide receives notice from the Internal Revenue Services that the
taxpayer identification number furnished by the payee is incorrect.
If a contract owner is prohibited from waiving withholding, as described above,
the distribution will be subject to mandatory back-up withholding. Mandatory
back-up withholding rates are 31% of income that is distributed.
NON-RESIDENT ALIENS
Generally, a pre-death distribution from a contract to a non-resident alien is
subject to federal income tax at a rate of 30% of the amount of income that is
distributed. Nationwide is required to withhold this amount and send it to the
Internal Revenue Service. Some distributions to non-resident aliens may be
subject to a lower (or no) tax if a treaty applies. In order to obtain the
benefits of such a treaty, the non-resident alien must:
1) provide Nationwide with proof of residency and citizenship (in accordance
with Internal Revenue Service requirements); and
2) provide Nationwide with an individual taxpayer identification number.
If the non-resident alien does not meet the above conditions, Nationwide will
withhold 30% of income from the distribution.
Another way to avoid the 30% withholding is for the non-resident alien to
provide Nationwide with sufficient evidence that:
1) the distribution is connected to the non-resident alien's conduct of
business in the United States; and
2) the distribution is includible in the non-resident alien's gross income for
United States federal income tax purposes.
Note that these distributions may be subject to back-up withholding, currently
31%, if a correct taxpayer identification number is not provided.
FEDERAL ESTATE, GIFT, AND GENERATION SKIPPING TRANSFER TAXES
The following transfers may be considered a gift for federal gift tax purposes:
- a transfer of the contract from one contract owner to another; or
- a distribution to someone other than a contract owner.
Upon the contract owner's death, the value of the contract may subject to estate
taxes, even if all or a portion of the value is also subject to federal income
taxes.
Section 2612 of the Internal Revenue Code may require Nationwide to determine
whether a death benefit or other distribution is a "direct skip" and the amount
of the resulting generation skipping transfer tax, if any. A direct skip is when
property is transferred to, or a death benefit or other distribution is made to:
43
<PAGE> 44
a) an individual who is two or more generations younger than the contract
owner; or
b) certain trusts, as described in Section 2613 of the Internal Revenue Code
(generally, trusts that have no beneficiaries who are not 2 or more
generations younger than the contract owner).
If the contract owner is not an individual, then for this purpose ONLY,
"contract owner" refers to any person:
- who would be required to include the contract, death benefit, distribution,
or other payment in his or her federal gross estate at his or her death; or
- who is required to report the transfer of the contract, death benefit,
distribution, or other payment for federal gift tax purposes.
If a transfer is a direct skip, Nationwide will deduct the amount of the
transfer tax from the death benefit, distribution or other payment, and remit it
directly to the Internal Revenue Service.
CHARGE FOR TAX
Nationwide is not required to maintain a capital gain reserve liability on
Non-Qualified Contracts. If tax laws change requiring a reserve, Nationwide may
implement and adjust a tax charge.
DIVERSIFICATION
Internal Revenue Code Section 817(h) contains rules on diversification
requirements for variable annuity contracts. A variable annuity contract that
does not meet these diversification requirements will not be treated as an
annuity, unless:
- the failure to diversify was accidental;
- the failure is corrected; and
- a fine is paid to the Internal Revenue Service.
The amount of the fine will be the amount of tax that would have been paid by
the contract owner if the income, for the period the contract was not
diversified, had been received by the contract owner.
If the violation is not corrected, the contract owner will be considered the
owner of the underlying securities and will be taxed on the earnings of his or
her contract. Nationwide believes that the investments underlying this contract
meet these diversification requirements.
TAX CHANGES
The foregoing tax information is based on Nationwide's understanding of federal
tax laws. It is NOT intended as tax advice. All information is subject to change
without notice. For more details, contact your personal tax and/or financial
advisor.
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS
Nationwide will mail contract owners statements and reports. Therefore, contract
owners should promptly notify Nationwide of any address change.
These mailings will contain:
- statements showing the contract's quarterly activity;
- confirmation statements showing transactions that affect the contract's
value. Confirmation statements will not be sent for recurring transactions
(i.e., Dollar Cost Averaging or salary reduction programs). Instead,
confirmation of recurring transactions will appear in the contract's
quarterly statements;
- semi-annual reports as of June 30 containing financial statements for the
variable account; and
- annual reports as of December 31 containing financial statements for the
variable account.
Contract owners should review statements and confirmations carefully. All errors
or corrections must be reported to Nationwide immediately to assure proper
crediting to the contract. Unless Nationwide is notified within
44
<PAGE> 45
30 days of receipt of the statement, Nationwide will assume statements and
confirmation statements are correct.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Nationwide is a party to litigation and arbitration proceedings in the ordinary
course of its business, none of which is expected to have a material adverse
effect on Nationwide.
In recent years, life insurance companies have been named as defendants in
lawsuits, including class action lawsuits relating to life insurance and annuity
pricing and sales practices. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in
substantial jury awards or settlements.
On October 29, 1998, Nationwide was named in a lawsuit filed in Ohio state court
related to the sale of deferred annuity products for use as investments in
tax-deferred contributory retirement plans (Mercedes Castillo v. Nationwide
Financial Services, Inc., Nationwide Life Insurance Company and Nationwide Life
and Annuity Insurance Company). On May 3, 1999, the complaint was amended to,
among other things, add Marcus Shore as a second plaintiff. The amended
complaint is brought as a class action on behalf of all persons who purchased
individual deferred annuity contracts or participated in group annuity contracts
sold by Nationwide and the other named Nationwide affiliates which were used to
fund certain tax-deferred retirement plans. The amended complaint seeks
unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. No class has been certified. On
June 11, 1999, Nationwide and the other named defendants filed a motion to
dismiss the amended complaint. On March 8, 2000, the court denied the motion to
dismiss the amended complaint filed by Nationwide and other named defendants.
Nationwide intends to defend this lawsuit vigorously.
There can be no assurance that any litigation relating to pricing or sales
practices will not have a material adverse effect on Nationwide in the future.
The general distributor, Waddell & Reed, Inc., is not engaged in any litigation
of any material nature.
ADVERTISING
A "yield" and "effective yield" may be advertised for the Money Market
Portfolio. "Yield" is a measure of the net dividend and interest income earned
over a specific seven-day period (which period will be stated in the
advertisement) expressed as a percentage of the offering price of the Money
Market Portfolio's units. Yield is an annualized figure, which means that it is
assumed that the Money Market Portfolio generates the same level of net income
over a 52-week period. The "effective yield" is calculated similarly but
includes the effect of assumed compounding, calculated under rules prescribed by
the SEC. The effective yield will be slightly higher than yield due to this
compounding effect.
Nationwide may advertise the performance of a sub-account in relation to the
performance of other variable annuity sub-accounts, underlying mutual fund
options with similar or different objectives, or the investment industry as a
whole. Other investments to which the sub-accounts may be compared include, but
are not limited to:
- precious metals;
- real estate;
- stocks and bonds;
- closed-end funds;
- bank money market deposit accounts and passbook savings;
- CDs; and
- the Consumer Price Index.
Market Indexes
The sub-accounts will be compared to certain market indexes, such as:
- S&P 500;
- Shearson/Lehman Intermediate Government/Corporate Bond Index;
- Shearson/Lehman Long-Term Government/Corporate Bond Index;
- Donoghue Money Fund Average;
45
<PAGE> 46
- U.S. Treasury Note Index;
- Bank Rate Monitor National Index of 2 1/2 Year CD Rates; and
- Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Tracking & Rating Services; Publications
Nationwide's rankings and ratings are sometimes published by other services,
such as:
- Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.;
- CDA/Wiesenberger;
- Morningstar;
- Donoghue's;
- magazines such as:
- Money;
- Forbes;
- Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine;
- Financial World;
- Consumer Reports;
- Business Week;
- Time;
- Newsweek;
- National Underwriter; and
- News and World Report;
- LIMRA;
- Value;
- Best's Agent Guide;
- Western Annuity Guide;
- Comparative Annuity Reports;
- Wall Street Journal;
- Barron's;
- Investor's Daily;
- Standard & Poor's Outlook; and
- Variable Annuity Research & Data Service (The VARDS Report).
These rating services and publications rank the underlying mutual funds'
performance against other funds. These rankings may or may not include the
effects of sales charges or other fees.
Financial Rating Services
Nationwide is also ranked and rated by independent financial rating services,
among which are Moody's, Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best Company. Nationwide may
advertise these ratings. These ratings reflect Nationwide's financial strength
or claims-paying ability. The ratings are not intended to reflect the investment
experience or financial strength of the variable account.
Some Nationwide advertisements and endorsements may include lists of
organizations, individuals or other parties that recommend Nationwide or the
contract. Furthermore, Nationwide may occasionally advertise comparisons of
currently taxable and tax deferred investment programs, based on selected tax
brackets, or discussions of alternative investment vehicles and general economic
conditions.
Historical Performance of the Sub-Accounts
Nationwide will advertise historical performance of the sub-accounts. Nationwide
may advertise for the sub-account's standardized average annual total return
("standardized return") calculated in a manner prescribed by the SEC, and
non-standardized total return ("non-standardized return").
Standardized return shows the percentage rate of return of a hypothetical
initial investment of $1,000 for the most recent one, five and ten year periods
(or for a period covering the time the underlying mutual fund has been available
in the variable account if it has not been available for one of the prescribed
periods). This calculation reflects the 7 Year CDSC Option schedule and the
variable account charges that would be assessed to a contract if the maximum
number of rider options are chosen (2.05%). Standardized return does not reflect
the deduction of state premium taxes, which may be imposed by certain states.
Non-standardized return is calculated similarly to standardized return except
non-standardized return assumes an initial investment of $10,000, with variable
account charges of 1.35%. No CDSC is reflected. An assumed initial investment of
$10,000 is used because that amount more accurately reflects the average
contract size.
Both methods of calculation reflect total return for the most recent one, five
and ten year periods (or for a period covering the time the underlying mutual
fund has been in existence).
46
<PAGE> 47
For those underlying mutual funds which have not been available for one of the
prescribed periods, the non-standardized total return illustrations will show
the investment performance the underlying mutual funds would have achieved had
they been available in the variable account for one of the periods. If the
underlying mutual fund has been available in the variable account for less than
one year (or if the underlying mutual fund has been effective for less than one
year) standardized and non-standardized performance is not annualized.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PAGE
General Information and History..........................................1
Services.................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered.....................................2
Underwriters.............................................................2
Calculations of Performance..............................................2
Annuity Payments.........................................................3
Financial Statements.....................................................4
47
<PAGE> 48
APPENDIX A: OBJECTIVES FOR UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS
The underlying mutual funds listed below are designed primarily as investments
for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by
insurance companies.
There is no guarantee that the investment objectives will be met.
W&R TARGET FUNDS, INC.
The Fund is an open-end, diversified management company organized as a Maryland
corporation on December 2, 1986. The Fund sells its shares only to the separate
accounts of participating insurance companies to fund certain variable life
insurance policies and variable annuity contracts. Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company is the Fund's investment advisor.
ASSET STRATEGY PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: The Asset Strategy Portfolio seeks high total return
over the long-term. It seeks to achieve its goal by allocating its assets
among stocks, bonds and short-term instruments, both in the United States
and abroad.
BALANCED PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: The Balanced Portfolio seeks as a primary goal,
current income, with a secondary goal of long-term appreciation of capital.
It invests primarily in a mix of stocks, fixed-income securities and cash,
depending on market conditions.
BOND PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: The Bond Portfolio seeks a reasonable return with
emphasis on preservation of capital. It seeks to achieve its goal by
investing primarily in domestic debt securities, usually of investment
grade.
CORE EQUITY PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: The Core Equity Portfolio seeks capital growth and
income. It seeks to achieve its goals by investing primarily in common
stocks of large U.S. and foreign companies that have a record of paying
regular dividends on common stock or have the potential for capital
appreciation, or are expected to resist market decline.
GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: The Growth Portfolio seeks capital growth, with a
secondary goal of current income. It seeks to achieve its goal by investing
primarily in common stocks of U.S. and foreign companies.
HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: The High Income Portfolio seeks as a primary goal,
high current income with a secondary goal of capital growth. It seeks to
achieve its goals by investing primarily in high-yield, high-risk,
fixed-income securities of U.S. and foreign issuers, the risks of which are
consistent with the Portfolio's goals.
INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: The International Portfolio seeks as a primary goal,
long-term appreciation of capital, with a secondary goal of current income.
It seeks to achieve its goals by investing primarily in common stocks of
foreign companies that may have the potential for long-term growth.
LIMITED-TERM BOND PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: The Limited-Term Bond Portfolio seeks a high level of
current income consistent with preservation of capital. It seeks to achieve
its goal by investing primarily in investment-grade debt securities of U.S.
issuers, including U.S. Government securities.
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: The Money Market Portfolio seeks current income
consistent with stability of principal. It seeks to achieve it goal by
investing in U.S. dollar-denominated high quality money market obligations
and instruments.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: The Science and Technology Portfolio seeks long-term
capital growth. It seeks to achieve its goals
48
<PAGE> 49
by concentrating its investments primarily in science and technology equity
securities of U.S. and foreign companies.
SMALL CAP PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: The Small Cap Portfolio seeks capital growth. It
seeks to achieve its goal by investing primarily in common stocks of
companies that are relatively new or unseasoned, companies in their early
stages of development, or smaller companies positioned in new or in
emerging industries where the opportunity for rapid growth is above
average.
49
<PAGE> 50
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DECEMBER 8, 2000
DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
ISSUED BY NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
THROUGH ITS NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-D
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It contains
additional information than set forth in the prospectus and should be read in
conjunction with the prospectus dated December 8, 2000. The prospectus may be
obtained from Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company by writing P.O. Box
182449, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2449, or calling 1-866-221-1100, TDD
1-800-238-3035.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
General Information and History........................................1
Services...............................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered...................................2
Underwriters...........................................................2
Calculations of Performance............................................2
Annuity Payments.......................................................3
Financial Statements...................................................4
GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY
Nationwide VA Separate Account-D is a separate investment account of Nationwide
Life and Annuity Insurance Company ("Nationwide") (formerly Financial Horizons
Life Insurance Company). All of Nationwide 's common stock is owned by
Nationwide Life Insurance Company, which is owned by Nationwide Financial
Services, Inc. ("NFS"), a holding company. NFS has two classes of common stock
outstanding with different voting rights enabling Nationwide Corporation (the
holder of all of the outstanding Class B Common Stock) to control NFS.
Nationwide Corporation is a holding company, as well. All of the common stock is
held by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (95.24%) and Nationwide Mutual Fire
Insurance Company (4.76%), the ultimate controlling persons of the Nationwide
group of companies. The Nationwide group of companies is one of America's
largest insurance and financial services family of companies, with combined
assets of over $120 billion as of December 31, 1999.
SERVICES
Nationwide, which has responsibility for administration of the contracts and the
variable account, maintains records of the name, address, taxpayer
identification number, and other pertinent information for each contract owner
and the number and type of contract issued to each contract owner and records
with respect to the contract value of each contract.
The custodian of the assets of the variable account is Nationwide. Nationwide
will maintain a record of all purchases and redemption of shares of the
underlying mutual funds. Nationwide, or affiliates of Nationwide may have
entered into agreements with either the investment adviser or distributor for
the underlying mutual funds. The agreements relate to administrative services
furnished by Nationwide or an affiliate of Nationwide and provide for an annual
fee based on the average aggregate net assets of the variable account (and other
separate accounts of Nationwide or life insurance company subsidiaries of
Nationwide) invested in particular underlying mutual funds. These fees in no way
affect the net asset value of the underlying mutual funds or fees paid by the
contract owner.
1
<PAGE> 51
The audited financial statements have been included herein in reliance upon the
reports of KPMG LLP, independent certified public accountants, Two Nationwide
Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
PURCHASE OF SECURITIES BEING OFFERED
The contracts will be sold by licensed insurance agents in the states where the
contracts may be lawfully 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").
UNDERWRITERS
The contracts, which are offered continuously, are distributed by Waddell &
Reed, Inc., 6300 Lamar Ave, Overland Park, Kansas 66202. No underwriting
commissions have paid by Nationwide to Waddell & Reed, Inc.
CALCULATIONS OF PERFORMANCE
Any current yield quotations of the Money Market Portfolio, subject to Rule 482
of the Securities Act of 1933, will consist of a seven calendar day historical
yield, carried at least to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The yield will be
calculated by determining the net change, exclusive of capital changes, in the
value of a hypothetical pre-existing account having a balance of one
accumulation unit at the beginning of the base period, subtracting a
hypothetical charge reflecting deductions from contract owner accounts, and
dividing the net change in account value by the value of the account at the
beginning of the period to obtain a base period return, and multiplying the base
period return by (365/7) or (366/7) in a leap year. The Money Market Portfolio's
effective yield is computed similarly, but includes the effect of assumed
compounding on an annualized basis of the current unit value yield quotations of
the Money Market Portfolio.
The Money Market Portfolio's yield and effective yield will fluctuate daily.
Actual yields will depend on factors such as the type of instruments in the
fund's portfolio, portfolio quality and average maturity, changes in interest
rates, and the fund's expenses. Although the Money Market Portfolio determines
its yield on the basis of a seven day period, it may use a different time period
on occasion. The yield quotes may reflect the expense limitation described
"Investment Manager and Other Services" in the Money Market Portfolio 's
Statement of Additional Information. There is no assurance that the yields
quoted on any given occasion will remain in effect for any period of time and
there is no guarantee that the net asset values will remain constant. It should
be noted that a contract owner's investment in the Money Market Portfolio is not
guaranteed or insured. Yields of other money market funds may not be comparable
if a different base period or another method of calculation is used.
All performance advertising will include quotations of standardized average
annual total return, calculated in accordance with a standard method prescribed
by rules of the SEC. Standardized average annual total return is found by taking
a hypothetical $1,000 investment in each of the sub-accounts' units on the first
day of the period at the offering price, which is the accumulation unit value
per unit ("initial investment") and computing the ending redeemable value
("redeemable value") of that investment at the end of the period. The redeemable
value is then divided by the initial investment and this quotient is taken to
the Nth root (N represents the number of years in the period) and 1 is
subtracted from the result which is then expressed as a percentage, carried to
at least the nearest hundredth of a percent. Standardized average annual total
return reflects the deduction of variable account charges of 2.05% which
includes the 7 Year CDSC Option, the Maximum Anniversary Death Benefit, the 5%
Interest Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Option, and the Nursing Home and Long
Term Care Option. No deduction is made for premium taxes which may be assessed
by certain states. Non-standardized total
2
<PAGE> 52
return may also be advertised, and is calculated in a manner similar to
standardized average annual total return except the non-standardized total
return is based on a hypothetical initial investment of $10,000. An assumed
initial investment of $10,000 will be used because that figure more closely
approximates the size of a typical contract than does the $1,000 figure used in
calculating the standardized average annual total return quotations.
The standardized average annual total return and non-standardized average annual
total return quotations will be current to the last day of the calendar quarter
preceding the date on which an advertisement is submitted for publication. The
standardized average annual return will be based on rolling calendar quarters
and will cover periods of one, five, and ten years, or a period covering the
time the underlying mutual fund has been available in the variable account if
the underlying mutual fund has not been available for one of the prescribed
periods. Non-standardized average annual total return will based on rolling
calendar quarters and will cover periods of one, five and ten years, or a period
covering the time the underlying mutual fund has been in existence. If the
underlying mutual fund has been available in the variable account for less than
one year (or if the underlying mutual fund has been effective for less than one
year), standardized and non-standardized performance is not annualized.
Quotations of average annual total return and total return are based upon
historical earnings and will fluctuate. Any quotation of performance is not a
guarantee of future performance. Factors affecting a sub-account's performance
include general market conditions, operating expenses and investment management.
A contract owner's account when redeemed may be more or less than the original
cost.
ANNUITY PAYMENTS
See "Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments" located in the prospectus.
3
<PAGE> 53
<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, 1999 and 1998, 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, 1999. 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, 1999 and 1998, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
Columbus, Ohio
January 28, 2000
<PAGE> 2
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Balance Sheets
($000's omitted, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
-------------------------------
Assets 1999 1998
------ --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Investments:
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities $ 1,051,556 $ 904,946
Equity securities 5,659 20,853
Mortgage loans on real estate, net 330,068 268,894
Real estate, net 2,200 2,250
Policy loans 465 332
Short-term investments 706 2,277
--------------- ---------------
1,390,654 1,199,552
--------------- ---------------
Cash 4,280 2
Accrued investment income 13,906 11,645
Deferred policy acquisition costs 92,025 53,007
Reinsurance receivable from affiliate 91,667 -
Other assets 42,851 41,542
Assets held in separate accounts 2,127,080 1,533,690
--------------- ---------------
$ 3,762,463 $ 2,839,438
=============== ===============
Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
------------------------------------
Future policy benefits and claims $ 1,480,807 $ 1,163,829
Other liabilities 41,308 25,933
Liabilities related to separate accounts 2,127,080 1,533,690
--------------- ---------------
3,649,195 2,723,452
--------------- ---------------
Commitments and contingencies (notes 8 and 12)
Shareholder's equity:
Common stock, $40 par value. Authorized, issued and outstanding 66,000 shares 2,640 2,640
Additional paid-in capital 52,960 52,960
Retained earnings 59,536 50,331
Accumulated other comprehensive income (1,868) 10,055
--------------- ---------------
113,268 115,986
--------------- ---------------
$ 3,762,463 $ 2,839,438
=============== ===============
</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
($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
------------- ------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Policy charges $44,793 $28,549 $11,244
Life insurance premiums 292 63 363
Net investment income 13,959 11,314 11,577
Realized gains (losses) on investments 5,208 696 (246)
Other income 1,059 1,165 1,057
------------- ------------- --------------
65,311 41,787 23,995
------------- ------------- --------------
Benefits and expenses:
Interest credited to policyholder account balances 8,548 4,881 3,948
Other benefits and claims 5,210 1,586 433
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 13,592 4,348 1,402
Other operating expenses 24,185 8,952 1,860
------------- ------------- --------------
51,535 19,767 7,643
------------- ------------- --------------
Income before federal income tax expense 13,776 22,020 16,352
Federal income tax expense 4,571 7,501 5,749
------------- ------------- --------------
Net income $ 9,205 $14,519 $10,603
============= ============= ==============
</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, 1999, 1998 and 1997
($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Accumulated
Additional other Total
Common paid-in Retained comprehensive shareholder's
stock capital earnings income equity
------------ -------------- -------------- ----------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
December 31, 1996 $2,640 $52,960 $25,209 $ 3,228 $ 84,037
Comprehensive income:
Net income - - 10,603 - 10,603
Net unrealized gains on securities
available-for-sale arising during the year - - - 3,940 3,940
---------------
Total comprehensive income 14,543
------------ -------------- -------------- ----------------- ---------------
December 31, 1997 2,640 52,960 35,812 7,168 98,580
Comprehensive income:
Net income - - 14,519 - 14,519
Net unrealized gains on securities
available-for-sale arising during the year - - - 2,887 2,887
---------------
Total comprehensive income 17,406
------------ -------------- -------------- ----------------- ---------------
December 31, 1998 2,640 52,960 50,331 10,055 115,986
Comprehensive income:
Net income - - 9,205 - 9,205
Net unrealized losses on securities
available-for-sale arising during the year - - - (11,923) (11,923)
---------------
Total comprehensive income (2,718)
------------ -------------- -------------- ----------------- ---------------
December 31, 1999 $2,640 $52,960 $59,536 $(1,868) $113,268
============ ============== ============== ================= ===============
</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
($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
------------- ---------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 9,205 $ 14,519 $ 10,603
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Interest credited to policyholder account balances 8,548 4,881 3,948
Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs (33,965) (29,216) (20,099)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 13,592 4,348 1,402
Amortization and depreciation 1,351 (479) 250
Realized (gains) losses on invested assets, net (5,208) (696) 246
Increase in accrued investment income (2,261) (867) (1,589)
Increase in policy liabilities and funds withheld
on coinsurance agreement with affiliate 160,246 139,991 228,898
Other, net 20,486 (29,802) 14,370
------------- ---------------- ---------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 171,994 102,679 238,029
------------- ---------------- ---------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale 137,210 117,228 95,366
Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale 73,864 17,403 30,431
Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate 32,397 28,180 15,199
Proceeds from sale of real estate - 707 -
Proceeds from repayments of policy loans 109 99 67
Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired (375,642) (242,516) (267,899)
Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired (93,500) (78,180) (84,736)
Cost of real estate acquired - (3) (13)
Policy loans issued (242) (216) (155)
Short-term investments, net 1,571 16,691 (18,476)
------------- ---------------- ---------------
Net cash used in investing activities (224,233) (140,607) (230,216)
------------- ---------------- ---------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase in investment product and universal life insurance
product account balances 192,893 74,828 6,952
Decrease in investment product and universal life insurance
product account balances (136,376) (42,061) (13,898)
------------- ---------------- ---------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 56,517 32,767 (6,946)
------------- ---------------- ---------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash 4,278 (5,161) 867
Cash, beginning of year 2 5,163 4,296
Cash, end of year $ 4,280 $ 2 $ 5,163
============= ================ ===============
</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, 1999, 1998 and 1997
($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 provides long-term savings and retirement products,
including variable annuities, fixed annuities and life insurance.
(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, 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.
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 accumulated other comprehensive income in
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, 1999 or 1998.
<PAGE> 7
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
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 is included in interest income in the period received.
Real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and
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 deferred annuities. Universal life insurance products
include universal life insurance, variable universal life
insurance, corporate owned 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.
(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 sales 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.
<PAGE> 8
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(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. The average interest rate credited on investment product
policy reserves was 4.5%, 5.1% and 5.1% for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
(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 revenues ceded and reinsurance recoveries on benefits
and expenses incurred are deducted from the respective income and
expense accounts. Assets and liabilities related to reinsurance
ceded are reported on a gross basis.
(h) RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In March 1998, The American Institute of Certified Public
Accountant's Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued
Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of
Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." The
SOP, which has been adopted prospectively as of January 1, 1999,
requires the capitalization of certain costs incurred in
connection with developing or obtaining internal use software.
Prior to the adoption of SOP 98-1, the Company expensed internal
use software related costs as incurred. The effect of adopting the
SOP was to increase net income for 1999 by $431.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
issued Statement No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities" (FAS 133). FAS 133 establishes accounting
and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging
activities. Contracts that contain embedded derivatives, such as
certain investment and insurance contracts, are also addressed by
the Statement. FAS 133 requires that an entity recognize all
derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of
financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. In
July 1999 the FASB issued Statement No. 137 which delayed the
effective date of FAS 133 to fiscal years beginning after June 15,
2000. The Company plans to adopt this Statement in first quarter
2001 and is currently evaluating the impact on results of
operations and financial condition.
(i) RECLASSIFICATION
Certain items in the 1998 and 1997 financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the 1999 presentation.
<PAGE> 9
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(3) INVESTMENTS
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated
fair value of securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1999 and
1998 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Gross
Amortized unrealized unrealized Estimated
cost gains losses fair value
--------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
December 31, 1999:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
government corporations and agencies $ 36,717 $ 2 $ (1,198) $ 35,521
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 302 - (7) 295
Debt securities issued by foreign governments 2,256 2 (22) 2,236
Corporate securities 773,869 2,208 (13,367) 762,710
Mortgage-backed securities 252,668 1,001 (2,875) 250,794
--------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------
Total fixed maturity securities 1,065,812 3,213 (17,469) 1,051,556
Equity securities 1,990 3,669 - 5,659
--------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------
$1,067,802 $6,882 $(17,469) $1,057,215
===========================================================
December 31, 1998:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
government corporations and agencies $ 15,577 $ 232 $ (11) $ 15,798
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 332 1 - 333
Debt securities issued by foreign governments 4,015 23 - 4,038
Corporate securities 602,925 15,446 (358) 618,013
Mortgage-backed securities 261,225 5,605 (66) 266,764
--------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------
Total fixed maturity securities 884,074 21,307 (435) 904,946
Equity securities 15,323 5,530 - 20,853
--------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------
$899,397 $26,837 $(435) $925,799
=============== ============= ============= ===============
</TABLE>
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1999, by expected
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 $ 50,029 $ 49,799
Due after one year through five years 399,476 393,204
Due after five years through ten years 331,022 326,616
Due after ten years 285,285 281,937
------------ ---------------
$1,065,812 $1,051,556
============ ===============
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 10
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
The components of unrealized gains (losses) on securities
available-for-sale, net, were as follows as of December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Gross unrealized gains (losses) $(10,587) $26,402
Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs 7,714 (10,933)
Deferred federal income tax 1,006 (5,414)
------------- --------------
$ (1,868) $10,055
============= ==============
</TABLE>
An analysis of the change in gross unrealized gains (losses) on
securities available-for-sale follows for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities $ (35,128) $ 3,922 $ 9,177
Equity securities (1,861) 2,467 1,663
------------- ------------- -------------
$ (36,989) $ 6,389 $10,840
============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 1999,
1998 and 1997 were $73,864, $17,403 and $30,431, respectively. During
1999, gross gains of $297 ($509 and $825 in 1998 and 1997,
respectively) and gross losses of $37 (none and $1,124 in 1998 and
1997, respectively) were realized on those sales. See note 10.
The Company has no investments which were non-income producing for the
twelve month periods preceding December 31, 1999 and 1998.
Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of $155
as of December 31, 1999 ($105 as of December 31, 1998). There was no
valuation allowance as of December 31, 1999 or 1998.
The recorded investment of mortgage loans on real estate considered to
be impaired as of December 31, 1999 was $881 ($890 as of December 31,
1998). No valuation allowance has been recorded for these loans as of
December 31, 1999 or 1998. During 1999, the average recorded investment
in impaired mortgage loans on real estate was approximately $885 ($178
in 1998) and there was no interest income recognized on those loans.
Interest income recognized on impaired loans was $15 in 1998, which is
equal to interest income recognized using a cash-basis method of income
recognition.
The valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real estate was
$750 for the year ended December 31, 1999 and remains unchanged from
the previous two years.
An analysis of investment income by investment type follows for the
years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------------ ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross investment income:
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities $66,160 $56,398 $53,491
Equity securities - - 375
Mortgage loans on real estate 23,475 21,124 14,862
Real estate 413 379 318
Short-term investments 1,580 1,361 899
Other 334 178 90
------------ ----------- -----------
Total investment income 91,962 79,440 70,035
Less:
Investment expenses 2,040 1,773 1,386
Net investment income ceded (note 11) 75,963 66,353 57,072
------------ ----------- -----------
Net investment income $13,959 $11,314 $11,577
============ =========== ===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 11
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
An analysis of realized gains (losses) on investments, net of valuation
allowances, by investment type follows for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------------ ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale $ 260 $ 509 $(299)
Mortgage loans on real estate 7 - 53
Real estate and other 4,941 187 -
------------ ----------- ------------
$ 5,208 $ 696 $(246)
============ =========== ============
</TABLE>
Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $3,540 and $3,562
as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, were on deposit with
various regulatory agencies as required by law.
(4) DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company uses derivative financial instruments, principally interest
rate swaps, interest rate futures contracts and foreign currency swaps,
to manage market risk exposures associated with changes in interest
rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Provided they meet specific
criteria, interest rate swaps and futures are considered hedges and are
accounted for under the accrual method and deferral method,
respectively. The Company has no significant derivative positions that
are not considered hedges.
Interest rate swaps are primarily used to convert specific investment
securities from a fixed-rate to a floating-rate basis. Amounts
receivable or payable under these agreements are recognized as an
adjustment to net investment income consistent with the nature of the
hedged item. The changes in fair value of the interest rate swap
agreements are not recognized on the balance sheet, except for interest
rate swaps designated as hedges of fixed maturity securities
available-for-sale, for which changes in fair values are reported in
accumulated other comprehensive income.
Interest rate futures contracts are primarily used to hedge the risk of
adverse interest rate changes related to the Company's mortgage loan
commitments and anticipated purchases of fixed rate investments. Gains
and losses are deferred and, at the time of closing, reflected as an
adjustment to the carrying value of the related mortgage loans or
investments. The carrying value adjustments are amortized into net
investment income over the life of the related mortgage loans or
investments.
Foreign currency swaps are used to convert cash flows from specific
investments denominated in foreign currencies into U.S. dollars at
specified exchange rates. Gains and losses on foreign currency swaps
are recorded in earnings based on the related spot foreign exchange
rate at the end of the reporting period. Gains and losses on these
contracts offset those recorded as a result of translating the hedged
foreign currency denominated investments to U.S. dollars.
The following table summarizes the notional amount of derivative
financial instruments classified as hedges outstanding as of December
31, 1999. Prior to 1999 the Company's activities in derivatives were
not significant.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Interest rate swaps
<S> <C>
Pay fixed/receive variable rate swaps hedging investments $ 1,585
Foreign currency swaps
Hedging foreign currency denominated investments $ 1,420
Interest rate futures contracts $ 2,483
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 12
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(5) FEDERAL INCOME TAX
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
components of the net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 1999 and
1998 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Future policy benefits $ 17,454 $ 16,670
Liabilities in separate accounts 15,603 12,477
Fixed maturity securities 3,905 -
Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate 266 263
------------ ------------
Total gross deferred tax assets 37,228 29,410
------------ ------------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed maturity securities - 8,669
Deferred policy acquisition costs 15,624 8,103
Equity securities 1,284 1,935
Other 13,799 10,422
------------ ------------
Total gross deferred tax liabilities 30,707 29,129
------------ ------------
Net deferred tax asset $ 6,521 $ 281
============ ============
</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, 1999, 1998 and 1997 based on its analysis of future
deductible amounts.
The Company's current federal income tax liability was $1,860 and
$1,522 as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
Federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31 was as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------------ ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Currently payable $ 4,391 $10,014 $2,458
Deferred tax expense (benefit) 180 (2,513) 3,291
------------ ----------- ------------
$ 4,571 $ 7,501 $5,749
============ =========== ============
</TABLE>
Total federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S.
federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
Amount % Amount % Amount %
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Computed (expected) tax expense $4,822 35.0 $7,707 35.0 $5,723 35.0
Tax exempt interest and dividends
received deduction (255) (1.8) (223) (1.0) - -
Other, net 4 - 17 0.1 26 (0.2)
----------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Total (effective rate of each year) $4,571 33.2 $7,501 34.1 $5,749 35.2
=========== ======== =========== ======== =========== ========
</TABLE>
Total federal income tax paid was $4,053, $9,298 and $9,566 during the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
<PAGE> 13
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
(6) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Comprehensive Income includes net income as well as certain items that
are reported directly within separate components of shareholder's
equity that bypass net income. Currently, the Company's only component
of Other Comprehensive Income is unrealized gains (losses) on
securities available-for-sale. The related before and after federal tax
amounts are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------------- ------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale
arising during the period:
Gross $ (36,729) $ 6,898 $10,541
Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs 18,645 (1,947) (4,778)
Related federal income tax (expense) benefit 6,330 (1,733) (2,017)
------------- ------------- --------------
Net (11,754) 3,218 3,746
------------- ------------- --------------
Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses on
securities available-for-sale realized during the
period:
Gross (260) (509) 299
Related federal income tax expense (benefit) 91 178 (105)
------------- ------------- --------------
Net (169) (331) 194
------------- ------------- --------------
Total Other Comprehensive Income $ (11,923) $ 2,887 $ 3,940
============= ============= ==============
</TABLE>
(7) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following disclosures summarize the carrying amount and estimated
fair value of the Company's financial instruments. Certain assets and
liabilities are specifically excluded from the disclosure requirements
of financial instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts
presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
The fair value of a financial instrument is defined 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. Many of the Company's
assets and liabilities subject to the disclosure requirements are not
actively traded, requiring fair values to be estimated by management
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.
Although insurance contracts, other than policies such as annuities
that are classified as investment contracts, are specifically exempted
from the disclosure requirements, 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.
<PAGE> 14
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
estimating its fair value disclosures:
FIXED MATURITY AND EQUITY SECURITIES: The 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. The carrying amount and fair value for fixed
maturity and equity securities exclude the fair value of
derivatives contracts designated as hedges of fixed maturity and
equity securities.
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.
POLICY LOANS, SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AND CASH: The carrying amount
reported in the balance sheets for these instruments approximates
their fair value.
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 is net of certain surrender
charges.
INVESTMENT CONTRACTS: The 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.
COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND CREDIT: Commitments to extend credit have
nominal fair value because of the short-term nature of such
commitments. See note 8.
FUTURES CONTRACTS: The fair value for futures contracts is based
on quoted market prices.
INTEREST RATE AND FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAPS: The fair value for
interest rate and foreign currency swaps are calculated with
pricing models using current rate assumptions.
<PAGE> 15
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments
subject to disclosure requirements and policy reserves on life
insurance contracts were as follows as of December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
------------------------------- -------------------------------
Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated
amount fair value amount fair value
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Assets:
Investments:
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities $ 1,051,556 $ 1,051,556 $ 904,946 $ 904,946
Equity securities 5,659 5,659 20,853 20,853
Mortgage loans on real estate, net 330,068 324,610 268,894 276,387
Policy loans 465 465 332 332
Short-term investments 706 706 2,277 2,277
Cash 4,280 4,280 2 2
Assets held in separate accounts 2,127,080 2,127,080 1,533,690 1,533,690
Liabilities:
Investment contracts (1,335,787) (1,283,459) (1,153,930) (1,113,584)
Policy reserves on life insurance contracts (145,020) (145,370) (9,899) (10,517)
Liabilities related to separate accounts (2,127,080) (2,082,541) (1,533,690) (1,501,255)
Derivative financial instruments:
Interest rate swaps hedging assets 109 109 - -
Foreign currency swaps (18) (18) - -
Futures contracts 21 21 - -
</TABLE>
(8) RISK DISCLOSURES
The following is a description of the most significant risks facing
life insurers and how the Company mitigates those risks:
CREDIT RISK: The risk that issuers of securities owned by the Company
or mortgagors on mortgage loans on real estate owned by the Company
will default or that other parties which owe the Company money, will
not pay. 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: 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.
LEGAL/REGULATORY RISK: The risk that changes in the legal or regulatory
environment in which an insurer operates will result in increased
competition, reduced demand for a company's products, or create
additional expenses not anticipated by the insurer in pricing its
products. 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.
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 and derivative financial instruments. These
instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in
excess of amounts recognized on the balance sheets.
<PAGE> 16
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
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 $10,039 extending into
2000 were outstanding as of December 31, 1999.
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 30% (33% in 1998) in any geographic area and no more than 5% (6%
in 1998) with any one borrower as of December 31, 1999. As of December
31, 1999 22% (36% in 1998) of the remaining principal balance of the
Company's commercial mortgage loan portfolio financed apartment
building properties.
(9) PENSION PLAN AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
The Company is a participant, together with other affiliated companies,
in a pension plan covering all employees who have completed at least
one year of service. The Company funds pension costs accrued for direct
employees plus an allocation of pension costs accrued for employees of
affiliates whose work efforts benefit the Company. Assets of the
Retirement Plan are invested in group annuity contracts of NLIC.
Pension costs charged to operations by the Company during the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 were $127, $235 and $257,
respectively.
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 (APBO), 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,
1999 and 1998 was $1,040 and $1,008, respectively, and the net periodic
postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1999, 1998 and 1997 was $177,
$130 and $94, respectively.
<PAGE> 17
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
Information regarding the funded status of the pension plan as a whole
and the postretirement life and health care benefit plan as a whole as
of December 31, 1999 and 1998 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits
--------------------------- ---------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $2,185,000 $ 2,033,800 $ 270,100 $ 237,900
Service cost 80,000 87,600 14,200 9,800
Interest cost 109,900 123,400 17,600 15,400
Actuarial (gain) loss (95,000) 123,200 (64,400) 15,600
Plan settlement in 1999/curtailment in 1998 (396,100) (107,200) - -
Benefits paid (72,400) (75,800) (11,000) (8,600)
Acquired companies - - 13,300 -
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Benefit obligation at end of year 1,811,400 2,185,000 239,800 270,100
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 2,541,900 2,212,900 77,900 69,200
Actual return on plan assets 161,800 300,700 3,500 5,000
Employer contribution 12,400 104,100 20,900 12,100
Plan settlement (396,100) - - -
Benefits paid (72,400) (75,800) (11,000) (8,400)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 2,247,600 2,541,900 91,300 77,900
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Funded status 436,200 356,900 (148,500) (192,200)
Unrecognized prior service cost 28,200 31,500 - -
Unrecognized net (gains) losses (402,000) (345,700) (46,700) 16,000
Unrecognized net (asset) obligation at transition (7,700) (11,000) 1,100 1,300
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost $ 54,700 $ 31,700 $ (194,100) $ (174,900)
============= ============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
Basis for measurements, funded status of the pension plan and
postretirement life and health care benefit plan:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits
--------------------------- ---------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Weighted average discount rate 7.00% 5.50% 7.80% 6.65%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels 5.25% 3.75% - -
Assumed health care cost trend rate:
Initial rate - - 15.00% 15.00%
Ultimate rate - - 5.50% 8.00%
Uniform declining period - - 5 Years 15 Years
</TABLE>
The net periodic pension cost for the pension plan as a whole for the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost (benefits earned during the period) $ 80,000 $ 87,600 $ 77,300
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 109,900 123,400 118,600
Expected return on plan assets (160,300) (159,000) (139,000)
Recognized gains (9,100) (3,800) -
Amortization of prior service cost 3,200 3,200 3,200
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation (asset) (1,400) 4,200 4,200
------------- -------------- --------------
$ 22,300 $ 55,600 $ 64,300
============= ============== ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 18
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
Effective December 31, 1998, Wausau Service Corporation (WSC) ended its
affiliation with Nationwide Insurance and employees of WSC ended
participation in the plan. A curtailment gain of $67,100 resulted
(consisting of a $107,200 reduction in the projected benefit
obligation, net of the write-off of the $40,100 remaining unamortized
transition obligation related to WSC). During 1999, the plan
transferred assets to settle its obligation related to WSC employees. A
settlement gain of $32.9 million was recognized.
Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost for the pension plan:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Weighted average discount rate 6.08% 6.00% 6.50%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels 4.33% 4.25% 4.75%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.33% 7.25% 7.25%
</TABLE>
The amount of NPPBC for the postretirement benefit plan as a whole for
the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost (benefits attributed to employee service
during the year) $14,200 $ 9,800 $ 7,000
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 17,600 15,400 14,000
Actual return on plan assets (3,500) (5,000) (3,600)
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates 600 200 200
Net amortization and deferral (1,800) 1,200 (500)
------------- -------------- -------------
$27,100 $21,600 $17,100
============= ============== =============
</TABLE>
Actuarial assumptions used for the measurement of the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) and the NPPBC for the
postretirement benefit plan for 1999, 1998 and 1997 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NPPBC:
Discount rate 6.65% 6.70% 7.25%
Long term rate of return on plan
assets, net of tax 7.15% 5.83% 5.89%
Assumed health care cost trend rate:
Initial rate 15.00% 12.00% 11.00%
Ultimate rate 5.50% 6.00% 6.00%
Uniform declining period 5 Years 12 Years 12 Years
</TABLE>
For the postretirement benefit plan as a whole, a one percentage point
increase or decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would
have no impact on the APBO as of December 31, 1999 and have no impact
on the NPPBC for the year ended December 31, 1999.
(10) SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY, REGULATORY RISK-BASED CAPITAL, RETAINED EARNINGS
AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
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.
<PAGE> 19
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
The statutory capital and surplus of the Company as reported to
regulatory authorities as of December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 was
$63,275, $70,135 and $74,820, respectively. The statutory net (loss)
income of the Company as reported to regulatory authorities for the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 was $(305), $(3,371) and
$7,446, respectively.
The Company is limited in the amount of shareholder dividends it may
pay without prior approval by the Department. As of December 31, 1999,
the maximum amount available for dividend payment from the Company to
its shareholder without prior approval of the Department was $6,328.
The Company currently does not expect such regulatory requirements to
impair its ability to pay operating expenses and stockholder dividends
in the future.
(11) TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The Company leases office space from NMIC and certain of its
subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the
Company made lease payments to NMIC and its subsidiaries of $660, $430
and $703, respectively.
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. Measures used
to allocate expenses among companies include individual employee
estimates of time spent, special cost studies, salary expense,
commission expense and other methods agreed to by the participating
companies that are within industry guidelines and practices. In
addition, beginning in 1999 Nationwide Services Company, a subsidiary
of NMIC, provides computer, telephone, mail, employee benefits
administration, and other services to NMIC and certain of its direct
and indirect subsidiaries, including the Company, based on specified
rates for units of service consumed. For the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company made payments to NMIC and Nationwide
Services Company totaling $5,150, $2,933, and $2,564, respectively. In
addition, the Company does not believe that expenses recognized under
these agreements are materially different than expenses that would have
been recognized had the Company operated on a stand-alone basis.
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. On December 31,
1997, the agreement was amended to a modified coinsurance basis. Under
modified coinsurance agreements, invested assets and liabilities for
future policy benefits are retained by the ceding company and net
investment earnings on the invested assets are 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. Amounts ceded to NLIC in 1999 are included in NLIC's results
of operations for 1999 and include premiums of $258,468 ($241,503 and
$300,617 in 1998 and 1997, respectively), net investment income of
$75,963 ($66,353 and $57,072 in 1998 and 1997, respectively) and
benefits, claims and other expenses of $319,240 ($296,659 and $343,426
in 1998 and 1997, respectively). In consideration for the initial
inforce business reinsured, NLIC paid 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.
During 1999, the Company entered into an intercompany reinsurance
agreement with NLIC wherby certain life insurance contracts are ceded
on a 100% coinsurance basis. Amounts ceded to NLIC include premiums of
$87,696 and expenses of $3,150 during 1999 and policy reserves of
$91,667 as of December 31, 1999.
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 reinsurance agreements with affiliates are consistent in
all material respects with what the Company could have obtained with
unaffiliated parties.
<PAGE> 20
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
During 1997, the Company sold fixed maturity securities
available-for-sale at fair value of $27,253 to NLIC. The Company
recognized a $693 gain on the transactions.
The Company and various affiliates entered into agreements with
Nationwide Cash Management Company (NCMC), an affiliate, under which
NCMC acts as common agent in handling the purchase and sale of
short-term securities for the respective accounts of the participants.
Amounts on deposit with NCMC were $706 and $2,277 as of December 31,
1999 and 1998, respectively, and are included in short-term investments
on the accompanying balance sheets.
(12) CONTINGENCIES
On October 29, 1998, the Company was named in a lawsuit filed in Ohio
state court related to the sale of deferred annuity products for use as
investments in tax-deferred contributory retirement plans (Mercedes
Castillo v. Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company).
On May 3, 1999, the complaint was amended to, among other things, add
Marcus Shore as a second plaintiff. The amended complaint is brought as
a class action on behalf of all persons who purchased individual
deferred annuity contracts or participated in group annuity contracts
sold by the Company and the other named Company affiliates which were
used to fund certain tax-deferred retirement plans. The amended
complaint seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. No class
has been certified. On June 11, 1999, the Company and the other named
defendants filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. On March 8,
2000, the court denied the motion to dismiss the amended complaint
filed by the Company and other named defendants. The Company intends to
defend this lawsuit vigorously.
(13) SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company uses differences in products as the basis for defining its
reportable segments. The Company reports three product segments:
Variable Annuities, Fixed Annuities and Life Insurance.
The Variable Annuities segment consists of annuity contracts that
provide the customer with access to a wide range of investment options,
tax-deferred accumulation of savings, asset protection in the event of
an untimely death, and flexible payout options including a lump sum,
systematic withdrawal or a stream of payments for life. The Company's
variable annuity products consist almost entirely of flexible premium
deferred variable annuity contracts.
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, tax-deferred accumulation of savings, and flexible
payout options including a lump sum, systematic withdrawal or a stream
of payments for life. Such contracts consist of single premium deferred
annuities, flexible premium deferred annuities and single premium
immediate annuities. The Fixed Annuities segment includes the fixed
option under variable annuity contracts.
The Life Insurance segment consists of insurance products, including
variable universal life insurance and corporate-owned life insurance
products, that provide a death benefit and may also allow the customer
to build cash value on a tax-deferred basis.
In addition to the product segments, the Company reports corporate
revenue and expenses, investments and related investment income
supporting capital not specifically allocated to its product segments,
and all realized gains and losses on investments in a Corporate and
Other segment.
<PAGE> 21
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
The following table summarizes the financial results of the Company's
business segments for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Variable Fixed Life Corporate
Annuities Annuities Insurance and Other Total
--------- --------- --------- --------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999:
Net investment income (1) $ (2,304) $ 8,550 $ 1,596 $ 6,117 $ 13,959
Other operating revenue 26,187 3,310 16,647 -- 46,144
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating revenue (2) 23,883 11,860 18,243 6,117 60,103
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Interest credited to policyholder
account balances -- 6,561 1,987 -- 8,548
Amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs 7,686 963 4,943 -- 13,592
Other benefits and expenses 13,593 7,378 8,424 -- 29,395
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total expenses 21,279 14,902 15,354 -- 51,535
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income (loss) before
federal income tax 2,604 (3,042) 2,889 6,117 8,568
Realized gains on investments -- -- -- 5,208 5,208
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Consolidated income (loss) before
federal tax expense $ 2,604 $ (3,042) $ 2,889 $ 11,325 $ 13,776
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Assets as of year end $ 1,957,486 $ 1,352,324 $ 382,388 $ 70,265 $ 3,762,463
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
1998:
Net investment income (1) $ (1,417) $ 6,792 $ 408 $ 5,531 $ 11,314
Other operating revenue 18,209 3,182 8,386 -- 29,777
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating revenue (2) 16,792 9,974 8,794 5,531 41,091
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Interest credited to policyholder
account balances -- 4,660 221 -- 4,881
Amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs 3,466 508 374 -- 4,348
Other benefits and expenses 4,442 2,087 4,009 -- 10,538
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total expenses -- 7,908 7,255 4,604 19,767
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income before federal
income tax 8,884 2,719 4,190 5,531 21,324
Realized gains on investments -- -- -- 696 696
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Consolidated income before
federal tax expense $ 8,884 $ 2,719 $ 4,190 $ 6,227 $ 22,020
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Assets as of year end $ 1,502,829 $ 1,162,040 $ 92,482 $ 82,087 $ 2,839,438
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 22
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)
Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Variable Fixed Life Corporate
Annuities Annuities Insurance and Other Total
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997:
Net investment income (1) $ (873) $ 5,927 $ 166 $ 6,357 $ 11,577
Other operating revenue 10,823 1,825 16 - 12,664
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- -------------
Total operating revenue (2) 9,950 7,752 182 6,357 24,241
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- -------------
Interest credited to policyholder
account balances - 3,856 92 - 3,948
Amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs 1,035 347 20 - 1,402
Other benefits and expenses 1,648 347 298 - 2,293
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- -------------
Total expenses 2,683 4,550 410 - 7,643
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- -------------
Operating income (loss) before
federal income tax 7,267 3,202 (228) 6,357 16,598
Realized losses on investments - - - (246) (246)
--------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- -------------
Consolidated income (loss) before
federal tax expense $ 7,267 $ 3,202 $ (228) $ 6,111 $ 16,352
=============== =============== =============== ================ =============
Assets as of year end $ 925,021 $ 989,116 $ 2,228 $ 88,933 $2,005,298
=============== =============== =============== ================ =============
</TABLE>
----------
(1) The Company's method of allocating net investment income results in a
charge (negative net investment income) to the Variable Annuities segment
which is recognized in the Corporate and Other segment. The charge relates
to non-invested assets which support this segment on a statutory basis.
(2) Excludes realized gains and losses on investments.
The Company has no significant revenue from customers located outside of
the United States nor does the Company have any significant long-lived
assets located outside the United States.
