<PAGE> 1
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
'33 Act File No. 2-75174
'40 Act File No. 811-3338
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT OF 1933
Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 [x]
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Amendment No. 27 [x]
NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
(Exact Name of Registrant)
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Name of Depositor)
ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
(Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (614) 249-7111
DENNIS W. CLICK, SECRETARY, ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
This Post-Effective Amendment amends the Registration Statement in respect of
the Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, and the Financial
Statements.
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
[X] on May 1, 1998 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
================================================================================
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MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED BY FORM N-4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-4 ITEM PAGE
<S> <C> <C>
Part A INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
Item 1. Cover page......................................................................................3
Item 2. Definitions.....................................................................................5
Item 3. Synopsis or Highlights.........................................................................15
Item 4. Condensed Financial Information................................................................17
Item 5. General Description of Registrant, Depositor, and Portfolio Companies..........................22
Item 6. Deductions and Expenses........................................................................23
Item 7. General Description of Variable Annuity Contracts..............................................26
Item 8. Annuity Period.................................................................................34
Item 9. Death Benefit and Distributions................................................................35
Item 10. Purchases and Contract Value...................................................................26
Item 11. Redemptions....................................................................................29
Item 12. Taxes..........................................................................................39
Item 13. Legal Proceedings..............................................................................50
Item 14. Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information...................................50
Part B INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Item 15. Cover Page.....................................................................................57
Item 16. Table of Contents..............................................................................57
Item 17. General Information and History................................................................57
Item 18. Services.......................................................................................57
Item 19. Purchase of Securities Being Offered...........................................................58
Item 20. Underwriters...................................................................................58
Item 21. Calculation of Performance.....................................................................58
Item 22. Annuity Payments...............................................................................59
Item 23. Financial Statements...........................................................................60
Part C OTHER INFORMATION
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits..............................................................98
Item 25. Directors and Officers of the Depositor.......................................................100
Item 26. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or Registrant................102
Item 27. Number of Contract Owners.....................................................................111
Item 28. Indemnification...............................................................................111
Item 29. Principal Underwriter.........................................................................111
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records..............................................................112
Item 31. Management Services...........................................................................112
Item 32. Undertakings..................................................................................113
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 3
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
HOME OFFICE
P.O. BOX 182437
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43216
1-800-451-0070, TDD 1-800-238-3035
DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
ISSUED BY THE NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
THROUGH ITS NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
The Contracts described in this prospectus are Flexible Purchase Payment
Contracts (collectively referred to as the "Contracts"). Reference throughout
the prospectus to Contracts will mean individual Contracts as well as
"Certificates" issued under Group Flexible Fund Retirement Contracts. For such
Group Contracts, references to "Contract Owner" will mean the "Participant"
unless the Plan otherwise permits or requires the Contract Owner to exercise
such rights under the authority of the Plan terms. The Contracts are sold to for
use in retirement plans which may qualify for special federal tax treatment
under the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). The Contracts are sold as either:
Non-Qualified Contracts; IRAs; Roth IRAs; SEP IRAs; Tax Sheltered Annuities; or
Qualified Contracts. Annuity payments under the Contracts are deferred until a
selected later date.
Purchase Payments are allocated to the Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account
("Variable Account"), a separate account of Nationwide Life Insurance Company
(the "Company"). The Underlying Mutual Funds are 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 Variable Account uses its assets to
purchase shares at Net Asset Value in one or more of the following Sub-Accounts
of the Underlying Mutual Fund options:
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
- AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund
- AIM V.I. International Equity Fund
AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE PORTFOLIOS, INC., A MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN CENTURY(SM)
FAMILY OF INVESTMENTS
- American Century VP Advantage
- American Century VP Capital Appreciation
- American Century VP Income & Growth
DREYFUS STOCK INDEX FUND, INC.
THE DREYFUS SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GROWTH FUND, INC.
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
- Capital Appreciation Portfolio
- Quality Bond Portfolio
- Small Cap Portfolio
FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND
-VIP Equity-Income Portfolio
-VIP High Income Portfolio*
JANUS ASPEN SERIES
- International Growth Portfolio
NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST
- Government Bond Fund
- Money Market Fund
- Nationwide High Income Bond Fund
- Total Return Fund
NEUBERGER & BERMAN ADVISERS MANAGEMENT TRUST
- AMT Balanced Portfolio
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STRONG OPPORTUNITY FUND II, INC. (FORMERLY STRONG SPECIAL FUND II, INC.)
TEMPLETON VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND
- Templeton International Fund Class I
*The Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio may invest in lower quality debt
securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.
This prospectus provides you with basic information you should know about the
Contracts issued by the Variable Account before investing. You should read it
and keep it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information dated
May 1, 1998, containing further information about the Contracts and the Variable
Account has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). You
can obtain a copy without charge from the Company by calling 1-800-451-0070, TDD
1-800-238-3035, or by writing P. O. Box 182437, Columbus, Ohio 43216.
THE BENEFITS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN EVERY
JURISDICTION. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR CONTRACT FOR SPECIFIC BENEFIT INFORMATION.
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.
THE SEC MAINTAINS A WEB SITE, www.sec.gov, THAT CONTAINS THE STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AS WELL AS ANY MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
RELATING TO THIS PROSPECTUS.
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED MAY 1, 1998, IS INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION APPEARS ON PAGE 48 OF THE PROSPECTUS.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1998.
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GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS
ACCUMULATION UNIT- An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the Variable
Account Contract Value prior to the Annuitization Date.
ANNUITANT- The person designated to receive annuity payments during
Annuitization and upon whose continuation of life any annuity payment involving
life contingencies depends. This person must be age 78 or younger at the time of
Contract issuance. The Annuitant may be changed prior to the Annuitization Date
with the consent of the Company.
ANNUITIZATION- The period during which annuity payments are received.
ANNUITIZATION DATE- The date on which annuity payments commence at
Annuitization.
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE- The date on which annuity payments are scheduled to
commence. The Annuity Commencement Date is shown on the Data Page of the
Contract. The Annuity Commencement Date may be changed by the Contract Owner
with the consent of the Company.
ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION- The chosen form of annuity payments. Several options are
available under this Contract.
ANNUITY UNIT- An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the value of
Variable Annuity payments.
BENEFICIARY- The person designated to receive certain benefits under the
Contract when the Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date. The
Beneficiary can be changed by the Contract Owner as set forth in the Contract.
CODE- The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
COMPANY- Nationwide Life Insurance Company
CONTINGENT ANNUITANT- The person who may be the recipient of certain rights or
benefits under the Contract when the Annuitant dies before the Annuitization
Date. If a Contingent Annuitant is designated and the Annuitant dies before the
Annuitization Date, the Contingent Annuitant becomes the Annuitant. The Contract
Owner's right to name a Contingent Annuitant may be restricted under the
provisions of any retirement or deferred compensation plan for which this
Contract is issued. A Contingent Annuitant may not be named for Contracts issued
as Qualified Contracts, IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs or Tax Sheltered Annuities.
CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY- The person designated to be the Beneficiary if the named
Beneficiary is not living at the time of the death of the Annuitant.
CONTINGENT OWNER- A Contingent Owner succeeds to the right of the Contract Owner
upon the Contract Owner's death before Annuitization. The Contract Owner's right
to name a Contingent Owner may be restricted under the provisions of the
retirement or deferred compensation plan for which this Contract is issued. For
Contracts issued in the state of New York, references throughout this prospectus
to "Contingent Owner" will mean "Owner's Beneficiary." A Contingent Owner may
not be named for Contracts issued as Qualified Contracts, IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP
IRAs, or Tax Sheltered Annuities.
CONTRACT- The Deferred Variable Annuity Contract described in this prospectus.
CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY- An anniversary of the Date of Issue of the Contract.
CONTRACT OWNER - The person who possesses all rights under the Contract,
including the right to designate and change any designations of the Owner,
Contingent Owner, Annuitant, Contingent Annuitant, Beneficiary, Contingent
Beneficiary, Annuity Payment Option, and the Annuity Commencement Date. The
Contract Owner is the person named as Owner on the application, unless changed.
CONTRACT VALUE- The sum of the value of all Accumulation Units plus any amount
in the Fixed Account.
CONTRACT YEAR- Each year the Contract remains in force commencing with the Date
of Issue.
DATE OF ISSUE- The date shown as the Date of Issue on the Data Page of the
Contract.
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DEATH BENEFIT- The benefit payable upon the death of the Annuitant or the
Contingent Annuitant, if applicable. This benefit does not apply upon the death
of the Contract Owner when the Contract Owner and Annuitant are not the same
person. If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any benefit that may
be payable will be as specified in the Annuity Payment Option elected.
DISTRIBUTION- Any payment of part or all of the Contract Value.
ERISA- The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
FIXED ACCOUNT- An investment option which is funded by the General Account of
the Company.
FIXED PAYMENT ANNUITY- An annuity providing for payments which are guaranteed by
the Company as to dollar amount during Annuitization.
GENERAL ACCOUNT- All assets of the Company other than those of the Variable
Account or in other separate accounts that have been or may be established by
the Company.
HOME OFFICE- The main office of the Company located in Columbus, Ohio.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT- An account that qualifies for favorable tax
treatment under Section 408 of the Code, but does not include Roth Individual
Retirement Accounts, which qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section
408A of the Code.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITY ("IRA")- An annuity contract which qualifies for
favorable tax treatment under Section 408 of the Code, but does not include Roth
IRAs, which qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 408A of the Code.
INTEREST RATE GUARANTEE PERIOD- The interval of time during which an interest
rate credited to the Fixed Account is guaranteed to remain the same. For new
Purchase Payments allocated to the Fixed Account or transfers from the Variable
Account, this period begins upon the date of deposit or transfer and ends at the
end of the calendar quarter at least one year from deposit or transfer. At the
end of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period, a new interest rate is declared with
an Interest Rate Guarantee Period starting at the end of the prior period and
ending at the end of the calendar quarter one year later.
NET ASSET VALUE- The value of one share of an underlying Mutual fund at the end
of a market day or at the close of the New York Stock Exchange. Net Asset Value
is computed by adding the value of all portfolio holdings plus other assets,
deducting liabilities and then dividing the result by the number of shares
outstanding.
NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACT- A Contract which does not qualify for favorable tax
treatment under Sections 401 and 403(a) (Qualified Plans), 408 (IRAs), 408A
(Roth IRAs) or 403(b) (Tax Sheltered Annuities) of the Code.
PLAN PARTICIPANT- The person for whom contributions are being made to a
Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity either through employer contributions or
employee salary reduction contributions.
PURCHASE PAYMENT- A deposit of new value into the Contract. The term "Purchase
Payment" does not include transfers among the Sub-Accounts.
QUALIFIED CONTRACT- A contract issued to fund a Qualified Plan.
QUALIFIED PLANS- Retirement plans which receive favorable tax treatment under
Section 401 or 403(a) of the Code.
ROTH IRA- An annuity contract which qualifies for favorable tax treatment under
Section 408A of the Code.
SEP IRA- A retirement plan which receives favorable tax treatment under Section
408(k) of the Code.
SUB-ACCOUNTS- Separate and distinct divisions of the Variable Account, to which
specific Mutual Fund shares are allocated and for which Accumulation Units and
Annuity Units are separately maintained.
TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY- An annuity which qualifies for favorable tax treatment
under Section 403(b) of the Code.
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND- A registered open-end management investment company in
which the assets of the Sub-Accounts will be invested.
UNIFIED BILLING AUTHORITY- A program established to collect and electronically
forward to the Company, Purchase Payments from multiple employers whose
employees have authorized regular Purchase Payments to Tax Sheltered Annuity
Contracts pursuant to a payroll deduction authorization, resulting in the
systematic updating of each Contract Owner's Contract Value and record of
Purchase Payments on a predetermined basis. Unified Billing Authorities may be
established (on a statewide basis) on behalf of school districts and school
district employees within certain states.
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VALUATION DATE- Each day the New York Stock Exchange and the Home Office are
open for business or any other day during which there is a sufficient degree of
trading of the Underlying Mutual Fund shares that the current Variable Account
Contract Value might be materially affected.
VALUATION PERIOD- The period of time commencing at the close of a Valuation Date
and ending at the close of business for the next succeeding Valuation Date.
VARIABLE ACCOUNT- Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account, a separate investment
account of the Company into which Variable Account Purchase Payments are
allocated. The Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts, each of which
invests in shares of a separate mutual fund.
VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY- An annuity providing for payments which are not
predetermined or guaranteed as to dollar amount and which vary in amount with
the investment experience of the Variable Account.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
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PAGE
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GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS...........................................................................................3
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES........................................................................................8
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES.............................................................................10
EXAMPLE............................................................................................................11
SYNOPSIS...........................................................................................................13
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION....................................................................................15
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY..................................................................................20
NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC..................................................................................20
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT...............................................................................................20
Underlying Mutual Fund Options..........................................................................20
Voting Rights...........................................................................................21
Substitution of Securities..............................................................................21
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS......................................................................21
Variable Account Charges................................................................................21
Mortality Risk Charge...................................................................................21
Expense Risk Charge.....................................................................................21
Administration Charge...................................................................................22
Actuarial Risk Charge...................................................................................22
Other Charges Which May Be Assessed to the Contract Value...............................................22
Contract Maintenance Charge.............................................................................22
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC")...............................................................22
Waiver of the CDSC......................................................................................23
Premium Taxes...........................................................................................24
OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT..........................................................................................24
Investments of the Variable Account.....................................................................24
Allocation of Purchase Payments and Contract Value......................................................24
Value of a Variable Account Accumulation Unit...........................................................24
Net Investment Factor...................................................................................25
Determining the Contract Value..........................................................................25
Right to Revoke.........................................................................................25
Transfers...............................................................................................25
Contract Ownership......................................................................................26
Contingent Ownership....................................................................................27
Beneficiary.............................................................................................27
Surrender (Redemption)..................................................................................27
Surrenders Under a Qualified Contract or Tax-Sheltered Annuity Contract.................................28
Loan Privilege..........................................................................................28
Assignment..............................................................................................29
CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES............................................................................................30
Asset Rebalancing.......................................................................................30
Dollar Cost Averaging...................................................................................30
Systematic Withdrawals..................................................................................30
ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD, DEATH BENEFIT, AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS.....................................................31
Annuity Commencement Date...............................................................................31
Annuitization...........................................................................................31
Fixed Payment Annuity - First and Subsequent Payments...................................................31
Variable Payment Annuity - First and Subsequent Payments................................................31
Variable Payment Annuity - Assumed Investment Rate......................................................31
Variable Payment Annuity - Value of an Annuity Unit.....................................................31
Variable Payment Annuity - Exchanges Among Underlying Mutual Fund Options...............................32
Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments................................................................32
Annuity Payment Options.................................................................................32
Death of Contract Owner - Non-Qualified Contracts.......................................................32
Death of Annuitant - Non-Qualified Contracts............................................................32
Death of Contract Owner/Annuitant.......................................................................33
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Death Benefit Payment...................................................................................33
Required Distributions for Non-Qualified Contracts.....................................................34
Required Distributions for Qualified Plans or Tax Sheltered Annuities...................................34
Required Distributions for IRAs or SEP IRAs.............................................................36
Required Distributions for Roth IRAs...................................................................36
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.........................................................................................37
Federal Income Taxes....................................................................................37
Puerto Rico.............................................................................................38
Non-Qualified Contracts - Natural Persons as Contract Owners............................................38
Non-Qualified Contracts - Non-Natural Persons as Contract Owners........................................39
Qualified Plans, IRAs, SEP IRAs and Tax Sheltered Annuities.............................................39
Roth IRAs..............................................................................................40
Withholding.............................................................................................40
Federal Estate, Gift, and Generation Skipping Transfer Taxes............................................40
Charge for Tax..........................................................................................41
Diversification.........................................................................................41
Tax Changes.............................................................................................41
GENERAL INFORMATION................................................................................................42
Contract Owner Inquiries................................................................................42
Statements and Reports..................................................................................42
Advertising.............................................................................................42
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUES........................................................................................48
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS..................................................................................................48
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...........................................................48
APPENDIX A.........................................................................................................49
APPENDIX B.........................................................................................................50
</TABLE>
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SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES
CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC")(1)............... 7%
RANGE OF CDSC OVER TIME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF COMPLETED YEARS CDSC PERCENTAGE NUMBER OF COMPLETED YEARS CDSC PERCENTAGE
FROM DATE OF PURCHASE FROM DATE OF PURCHASE
PAYMENT PAYMENT
<S> <C> <C> <C>
0 7% 4 3%
1 6% 5 2%
2 5% 6 1%
3 4% 7 0%
</TABLE>
MAXIMUM ANNUAL CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE(2)............................ $30
VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
Actuarial Risk Fee(3)............................................. 1.30%
1 Starting with the second year after a Purchase Payment has been made, the
Contract Owner may withdraw without a CDSC the greater of:
(a) an amount equal to 10% of that Purchase Payment; or
(b) any amount withdrawn in order for the Contract to meet minimum
distribution requirements under the Code.
Withdrawals may be restricted for Contracts issued pursuant to the terms
of a Tax Sheltered Annuity or other Qualified Plan. This CDSC-free
withdrawal 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" for additional provisions).
2 The Contract Maintenance Charge is deducted on each Contract Anniversary
and on the date of surrender in any year in which the entire Contract
Value is surrendered (see "Contract Maintenance Charge"). For Tax
Sheltered Annuity Contracts issued on or after the later of May 1, 1997,
or the date on which state insurance authorities approve corresponding
contractual modifications, the Contract Maintenance Charge will be waived
in those states in which a Unified Billing Authority Program, or any such
similar program, is being utilized to process Purchase Payments. The
Contract Maintenance Charge will be waived for Qualified Plans (as
defined by Section 401(k) of the Code) issued on or after the later of
November 3, 1997, or the date on which state insurance authorities
approve corresponding contract modifications.
3 For Contracts issued before November 3, 1997 or in states which have not
approved the applicable Contract modifications, the Company will assess a
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge equal to an annual rate of 1.25% of the
daily net assets of the Variable Account and an Administration Charge
equal to an annual rate of 0.05% of the daily net assets of the Variable
Account (see "Expenses of the Variable Account for Contracts Issued
Before November 3, 1997").
For Contracts issued on or after the later of November 3, 1997, or the
date on which state insurance authorities approve corresponding Contract
modifications, the Company will assess an Actuarial Risk Fee equal to an
annual rate of 1.30% of the daily net assets of the Variable Account (see
"Expenses of the Variable Account for Contracts Issued On or After
November 3, 1997").
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MAXIMUM CONTRACT EXCHANGE FEE (WHEN APPLICABLE)(4)........................ $40
4 When a Contract described in this prospectus is exchanged for another
Contract issued by the Company or any of its affiliated insurance
companies, of the type and class which the Company has determined is
eligible for such an exchange, the Company may waive the CDSC on the
first Contract. A CDSC may apply to the contract received in the
exchange. In determining which contracts may be of the same type and
class as this Contract, the Company will apply its rules and regulations
applicable thereto, including assessing any fees deemed reasonable for
processing the exchange. In no event will such fee exceed $40. This
exchange processing fee may be in addition to any Contract Maintenance
Charge which may be applicable upon the surrender of a Contract.
MAXIMUM SCHOOL DISTRICT PROCESSING FEE
(WHEN APPLICABLE)(5)...............GREATER OF $30 OR 0.40% OF THE CONTRACT VALUE
5 For Contracts issued on or after the later of November 3, 1997, or the
date on which insurance authorities approve corresponding Contract
modifications, the Company reserves the right to charge against the
Contract Value the amount of any charges assessed by school districts in
connection with the processing of payroll amounts submitted to the
Company as Purchase Payments. Such amounts will not exceed the greater of
$30 or 0.40% of the Contract Value. If such charges are assessed, the
Company may deduct the charge at its sole discretion from the Contract
Value at either:
(1) the time the Contract is surrendered;
(2) annually;
(3) at Annuitization; or
(4) at such date as the Company may become subject to such
charges.
The Company will only take amounts billed by school districts out of the
Contract Value. Under no circumstances will such charges be assessed in a
discriminatory manner.
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UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES(1)
(AS A PERCENTAGE OF UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND AVERAGE NET ASSETS,
AFTER EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fees Other Expenses Total Mutual
Fund Expenses
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.- AIM 0.65% 0.10% 0.75%
V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.- AIM 0.75% 0.40% 1.15%
V.I. International Equity Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable Portfolios, 1.00% 0.00% 1.00%
Inc.- American Century VP Advantage
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable Portfolios, 1.00% 0.00% 1.00%
Inc.- American Century VP Capital
Appreciation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.- 0.70% 0.00% 0.70%
American Century VP Income & Growth
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc. 0.25% 0.03% 0.28%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth 0.75% 0.01% 0.76%
Fund, Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund - Capital 0.75% 0.05% 0.80%
Appreciation Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund - Quality 0.65% 0.10% 0.75%
Bond Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund - Small Cap 0.75% 0.03% 0.78%
Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio* 0.50% 0.07% 0.57%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio 0.59% 0.12% 0.71%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Aspen Series - International Growth 0.67% 0.29% 0.96%
Portfolio*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Government Bond Fund 0.50% 0.08% 0.58%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Money Market Fund 0.40% 0.08% 0.48%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Nationwide High Income Bond Fund* 0.80% 0.15% 0.95%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Total Return Fund 0.60% 0.07% 0.67%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman AMT - Balanced Portfolio 0.85% 0.19% 1.04%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc. 1.00% 0.15% 1.15%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Templeton Variable Products Series 0.69% 0.19% 0.88%
Fund-Templeton International Fund Class 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
1 The Mutual Fund expenses shown above are assessed at the Underlying
Mutual Fund level and are not direct charges against Variable Account
assets or reductions from Contract Values. These Underlying Mutual Fund
expenses are taken into consideration in computing each Underlying Mutual
Fund's Net Asset Value, which is the share price used to calculate the
unit values of the Variable Account. The Management Fees and Other
Expenses are more fully described in the prospectus for each Underlying
Mutual Fund. The information relating to the Underlying Mutual Fund
expenses was provided by the Underlying Mutual Fund and was not
independently verified by the Company. Except as otherwise noted below,
the Management Fees and Other Expenses are not currently subject to fee
waivers or expense reimbursements.
*The investment adviser for the indicated Underlying Mutual Fund has
voluntarily agreed to reimburse a portion of the management fees and/or other
expenses resulting in a reduction of total expenses. Absent any partial
reimbursement, "Management Fees" and "Other Expenses" would have been 0.50%
and 0.08% for Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio, 0.67% and 0.41% for Janus
Aspen Series - International Growth Portfolio and 0.80% and 1.38% for the
NSAT-Nationwide High Income Bond Fund.
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EXAMPLE(1)
The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be incurred
under this Contract assuming a $1000 initial Purchase Payment and 5% annual
return. These dollar figures are illustrative only and should not be considered
a representation of past or future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or
lesser than those shown below. The expense amounts presented are derived from a
formula which allows the maximum $30 Contract Maintenance Charge to be expressed
as a percentage of the average Contract account size for existing Contracts.
Since the average Contract account size for Contracts issued under this
prospectus is greater than $1000, the expense effect of the Contract Maintenance
Charge is reduced accordingly.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you surrender your If you do not surrender your If you annuitize your
Contract at the end of the Contract at the end of the Contract at the end of the
applicable time period applicable time period applicable time period
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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>
AIM Variable 93 116 149 262 23 71 122 262 * 71 122 262
Insurance Fund, Inc.-
AIM V.I. Capital
Appreciation Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIM Variable 97 129 170 304 27 84 143 304 * 84 143 304
Insurance Fund, Inc.-
AIM V.I.
International Equity
Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century 96 124 163 288 26 79 136 288 * 79 136 288
Variable Portfolios,
Inc.-
American Century VP
Advantage
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century 96 124 163 288 26 79 136 288 * 79 136 288
Variable Portfolios,
Inc.-
American Century VP
Capital Appreciation
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century 93 115 147 257 23 70 120 257 * 70 120 257
Variable Portfolios,
Inc.- American
Century VP Income &
Growth
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index 88 102 124 211 18 57 97 211 * 57 97 211
Fund, Inc.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dreyfus Socially 93 117 150 263 23 72 123 263 * 72 123 263
Responsible Growth
Fund, Inc.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable 94 118 152 267 24 73 125 267 * 73 125 267
Investment Fund -
Capital Appreciation
Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable 93 116 149 262 23 71 122 262 * 71 122 262
Investment Fund -
Quality Bond Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable 94 117 151 265 24 72 124 265 * 72 124 265
Investment Fund -
Small Cap Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP 91 111 140 243 21 66 113 243 * 66 113 243
Equity-Income
Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP High 93 115 147 258 23 70 120 258 * 70 120 258
Income Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Aspen 95 123 160 284 25 78 133 284 * 78 133 284
Series - International
Growth Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Government Bond 91 111 140 244 21 66 113 244 * 66 113 244
Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Money Market 90 108 135 233 20 63 108 233 * 63 108 233
Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Nationwide High 95 123 160 283 25 78 133 283 * 78 133 283
Income Bond Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
11
13 of 120
<PAGE> 14
EXAMPLE(1)
(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you surrender your If you do not surrender your If you annuitize your
Contract at the end of the Contract at the end of the Contract at the end of the
applicable time period applicable time period applicable time period
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NSAT - Total Return 92 114 145 254 22 69 118 254 * 69 118 254
Fund
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman 96 126 165 292 26 81 138 292 * 81 138 292
AMT - Balanced
Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Opportunity 97 129 170 304 27 84 143 304 * 84 143 304
Fund II, Inc.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Templeton Variable 95 121 156 276 25 76 129 276 * 76 129 276
Products Series
Fund-Templeton
International Fund
Class 1
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
*The Contracts sold under this prospectus do not permit Annuitizations during
the first two Contract Years.
1 For certain contracts which are exchanged for other contracts issued by
the Company or an affiliate of the Company, the CDSC may be waived and a
processing fee not to exceed $40 may be applied (see "Contract Exchange
Fees"). Under such circumstances, the expenses described above would be
adjusted to reflect the processing fee and the waiver of the CDSC.
The purpose of the Summary of Contract Expenses and Example is to assist the
Contract Owner in understanding the various costs and expenses that will be
borne directly or indirectly when investing in the Contract. The expenses of the
Variable Account as well as those of the Underlying Mutual Funds are reflected
in the Example. For more complete descriptions of the expenses of the Variable
Account, see "Variable Account Charges and Other Deductions." For more complete
information regarding expenses paid out of the assets of the Underlying Mutual
Fund options, see the prospectus for each Underlying Mutual Fund. Deductions for
premium taxes may also apply but are not reflected in the Example shown above
(see "Premium Taxes").
12
14 of 120
<PAGE> 15
SYNOPSIS
The Contracts can be categorized as follows: (1) Non-Qualified (2) IRAs; (3)
Roth IRAs; (4) SEP IRAs; (5) Tax Sheltered Annuities; and (6) Qualified.
The initial first year Purchase Payment must be at least $1,500 for
Non-Qualified Contracts. However, if periodic payments are expected by the
Company, this initial first year minimum may be satisfied by Purchase Payments
made on an annualized basis. The cumulative total of all purchase payments under
contracts issued by the Company on the life of any one Annuitant may not exceed
$1,000,000 without the prior consent of the Company (see "Allocation of Purchase
Payments and Contract Value").
The Company does not deduct a sales charge from Purchase Payments made to these
Contracts. However, if any part of the Contract Value is surrendered, the
Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct from the Contract Value a CDSC.
The CDSC will not exceed the lesser of: (1) 7% of the amount surrendered; or (2)
7% of the total of all Purchase Payments made within 84 months prior to the date
of the surrender request. This charge, when applicable, is imposed to permit the
Company to recover sales expenses which have been advanced by the Company. The
Company will waive the CDSC under Tax Sheltered Annuity (403(b)) Contracts and
Qualified Contracts issued pursuant to Section 401 of the Code when the Contract
Owner:
(1) separates from service and has participated in the Contract for 5
years;
(2) has participated in the Contract for 10 years with active deferrals,
(3) dies;
(4) becomes disabled;
(5) experiences a hardship; or,
(6) annuitizes after completing 2 years in the Contract (see "Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge").
In addition, on each Contract Anniversary the Company will deduct a maximum
Contract Maintenance Charge of $30 from the Contract Value. This charge is
designed to reimburse the Company for administrative expenses related to the
issuance and maintenance of the Contracts (see "Contract Maintenance Charge").
The Contract Maintenance Charge will be waived for:
(1) Tax Sheltered Annuity Contracts issued on or after the later of May
1, 1997, or the date on which the state insurance authorities in a
state having a Unified Billing Authority approve corresponding
contract modifications; or
(2) for Contracts issued as Qualified Plans (as defined by Section
401(k) of the Code) on or after the later of November 3, 1997, or
the date on which state insurance authorities approve the
corresponding Contract modifications.
For Contracts issued before November 3, 1997 or in states which have not
approved the applicable Contract modifications, the Company will assess a
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge equal to an annual rate of 1.25% of the daily
net assets of the Variable Account and an Administration Charge equal to an
annual rate of 0.05% of the daily net assets of the Variable Account (see
"Expenses of the Variable Account for Contracts Issued Before November 3,
1997").
For Contracts issued on or after the later of November 3, 1997 or the date on
which state insurance authorities approve corresponding Contract modifications,
the Company will deduct an Actuarial Risk Charge equal to an annual rate of
1.30% of the daily net assets of the Variable Account for actuarial risks
assumed by the Company (see "Charges of the Variable Account and Other
Deductions").
Upon Annuitization the selected Annuity Payment Option will begin (see "Annuity
Payment Option"). However, if the net amount to be applied to any Annuity
Payment Option at the Annuitization Date is less than $500, the Contract Value
may be distributed in lump sum in lieu of annuity payments. If any annuity
payment would be less than $20, the Company will have the right to change the
frequency of payments to such intervals as will result in payments of at least
$20. In no event, however, will annuity payments be made less frequently than
annually (see "Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments").
Taxation of the Contracts will depend on the type of Contract issued (see
"FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS"). In addition, the Company will charge against the
Purchase Payments or the Contract Value the amount of any premium taxes levied
by a state or any other governmental entity (see "Premium Taxes").
The Contract Owner has a ten day free look to examine the Contract. Within ten
days of the date the Contract is received, it may be returned for any reason to
the Home Office at the address shown on page 1 of the
13
15 of 120
<PAGE> 16
prospectus. If the Contract is returned to the Company in a timely manner, the
Company will void the Contract and refund the Contract Value in full unless
otherwise required by law. State and/or federal law may provide additional free
look privileges. All IRA, Roth IRA and SEP IRA refunds will be return of
Purchase Payments (see "Right to Revoke").
14
16 of 120
<PAGE> 17
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION*
Accumulation Unit values for an Accumulation Unit outstanding throughout the
period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCUMULATION UNIT ACCUMULATION UNIT NUMBER OF
VALUE VALUE PERCENT CHANGE ACCUMULATION
AT BEGINNING AT END IN ACCUMULATION UNITS AT END OF
FUND OF PERIOD OF PERIOD UNIT VALUE THE PERIOD YEAR
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AIM Variable 10.000000 9.498576 -5.01% 2066 1997**
Insurance Funds,
Inc.- AIM V.I.
Capital Appreciation
Fund- Q
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
AIM Variable 10.000000 9.913890 -0.86% 591 1997**
Insurance Funds,
Inc.- AIM V.I.
International Equity
Fund- Q
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
American Century 14.055040 15.651770 11.36% 442,702 1997
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Variable Portfolios, 13.035463 14.055040 7.82% 511,115 1996
Inc.-
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
American Century VP 11.312248 13.035463 15.23% 513,818 1995
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Advantage-Q 11.343435 11.312248 -0.27% 518,729 1994
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
10.757355 11.343435 5.45% 467,066 1993
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
11.325089 10.757355 -5.01% 319,109 1992
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
10.000000 11.325089 13.25% 10,677 1991
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
American Century 15.531281 14.829811 -4.52% 1,536,676 1997
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Variable Portfolios, 16.447846 15.531281 -5.57% 1,991,010 1996
Inc.-
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
American Century VP 12.711014 16.447846 29.40% 1,986,887 1995
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Capital Appreciation-Q 13.030369 12.711014 -2.45% 1,855,905 1994
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
11.967533 13.030369 8.88% 1,492,249 1993
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
12.290177 11.967533 -2.63% 846,374 1992
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
10.000000 12.290177 22.90% 18,446 1991
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
American Century 10.000000 10.403924 4.04% 18,598 1997**
Variable Portfolios,
Inc.- American
Century VP Income &
Growth- Q
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
The Dreyfus Socially 15.953248 20.223412 26.77% 967,914 1997
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Responsible Growth 13.333625 15.953248 19.65% 399,889 1996
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Fund Inc.,- Q 10.039093 13.333625 32.82% 94,479 1995
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
10.000000 10.039093 0.39% 16,111 1994
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
Dreyfus Stock Index 16.698256 21.913276 31.23% 2,033,357 1997
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Fund , Inc.- Q 13.807559 16.698256 20.94% 995,299 1996
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
10.227308 13.807559 35.01% 489,045 1995
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
10.271065 10.227308 -0.43% 297,344 1994
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
10.000000 10.271065 2.71% 65,529 1993
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
Dreyfus Variable 10.000000 10.244238 2.44% 2,752 1997*
Investment Fund-
Capital Appreciation
Portfolio- Q
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
Dreyfus Variable 10.679640 11.533218 7.99% 377,157 1997
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Investment Fund- 10.493309 10.679640 1.78% 202,913 1996
Quality
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Bond Portfolio-Q 10.000000 10.493309 4.93% 9,201 1995
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
Dreyfus Variable 15.245571 17.567589 15.23% 3,392,727 1997
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Investment Fund- Small 13.249127 15.245571 15.07% 1,991,389 1996
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Cap Portfolio-Q 10.374796 13.249127 27.70% 709,274 1995
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
10.000000 10.374796 3.75% 137,041 1994
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
Fidelity VIP Equity- 16.255386 20.553936 26.44% 4,809,504 1997
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Income Portfolio- Q 14.412060 16.255386 12.79% 3,685,628 1996
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
10.808255 14.412060 33.34% 2,504,171 1995
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
10.227513 10.808255 5.68% 1,591,113 1994
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
10.000000 10.227513 2.28% 345,527 1993
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
Fidelity VIP High 13.256841 15.396163 16.14% 1,184,586 1997
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Income Portfolio-Q 11.779381 13.256841 12.54% 621,493 1996
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
9.895223 11.779381 19.04% 210,727 1995
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
10.000000 9.895223 -1.05% 33,204 1994
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
</TABLE>
15
17 of 120
<PAGE> 18
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
Accumulation Unit values for an Accumulation Unit outstanding throughout the
period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCUMULATION ACCUMULATION NUMBER OF
UNIT VALUE UNIT VALUE PERCENT CHANGE IN ACCUMULATION
AT BEGINNING AT END ACCUMULATION UNIT UNITS AT END OF
FUND OF PERIOD OF PERIOD VALUE THE PERIOD YEAR
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Janus Aspen Series- 10.000000 9.952334 -0.48% 978 1997**
International Growth
Portfolio- Q
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
NSAT-Government 30.092479 32.572519 -8.24% 2,630,778 1997
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Bond Fund-Q 29.463573 30.092479 2.13% 2,948,795 1996
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
25.138302 29.463573 17.21% 3,276,421 1995
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
26.318797 25.138302 -4.49% 3,538,336 1994
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
24.348055 26.318797 8.09% 3,946,493 1993
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
22.869936 24.348055 6.46% 2,650,975 1992
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
19.854919 22.869936 15.19% 1,805,156 1991
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
18.372987 19.854919 8.07% 1,291,591 1990
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
16.331709 18.372987 12.50% 1,182,905 1989
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
15.312739 16.331709 6.65% 1,184,100 1988
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
NSAT- Money Market 20.329483 21.120495 3.89% 1,487,528 1997
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Fund-Q* 19.595876 20.329483 3.74% 1,617,637 1996
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
18.790546 19.595876 4.29% 1,618,571 1995
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
18.325918 18.790546 2.54% 1,636,119 1994
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
18.069824 18.325918 1.42% 1,647,900 1993
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
17.705124 18.069824 2.06% 1,840,923 1992
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
16.950132 17.705124 4.45% 2,323,043 1991
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
15.891433 16.950132 6.66% 2,678,914 1990
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
14.760926 15.891433 7.66% 2,395,888 1989
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
13.935064 14.760926 5.93% 2,117,718 1988
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
NSAT- Total Return 62.170693 79.422176 27.75% 5,163,514 1997
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Fund-Q 51.701438 62.170693 20.25% 5,119,908 1996
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
40.575816 51.701438 27.42% 5,049,123 1995
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
40.671816 40.575816 -0.24% 5,094,417 1994
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
37.150744 40.671816 9.48% 4,467,810 1993
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
34.794462 37.150744 6.77% 3,578,781 1992
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
25.454897 34.794462 36.69% 2,974,227 1991
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
28.044760 25.454897 -9.23% 2,734,562 1990
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
25.094601 28.044760 11.76% 2,897,067 1989
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
21.178453 25.094601 18.49% 2,746,255 1988
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
NSAT- Nationwide High 10.000000 10.206766 2.07% 279 1997**
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Income Bond Fund-Q
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
Neuberger & Berman - 15.563120 18.349145 17.90% 1,725,578 1997
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
AMT Balanced Portfolio 14.753402 15.563120 5.49% 1,766,421 1996
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Q 12.077573 14.753402 22.16% 1,697,674 1995
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
12.661508 12.077573 -4.61% 1,651,413 1994
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
12.050347 12.661508 5.07% 1,478,589 1996
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
11.299008 12.050347 6.65% 743,247 1992
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
10.000000 11.29008 12.99% 13,232 1991
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
Strong Opportunity Fund 12.193238 15.098205 23.82% 897,935 1997
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
II, Inc.- Q 10.456863 12.193238 16.61% 408,289 1996
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
10.000000 10.456863 4.57% 14,374 1995
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
Templeton Variable 13.869569 15.599596 12.47% 1,817,862 1997
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Products Series Fund- 11.329203 13.869569 22.42% 1,044,821 1996
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Templeton 9.913613 11.329203 14.28% 503,599 1995
International
------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------
Fund- Class I- Q 10.000000 9.913613 -0.86% 161,196 1994
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
AIM Variable Insurance 10.000000 9.498576 -5.01% 626 1997**
Funds, Inc.- AIM V.I.
Capital Appreciation
Fund- NQ
======================= =================== =================== ================== ================== ==========
</TABLE>
16
18 of 120
<PAGE> 19
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
Accumulation Unit values for an Accumulation Unit outstanding throughout the
period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCUMULATION ACCUMULATION NUMBER OF
UNIT VALUE UNIT VALUE PERCENT CHANGE IN ACCUMULATION
AT BEGINNING AT END ACCUMULATION UNIT UNITS AT END OF
FUND OF PERIOD OF PERIOD VALUE THE PERIOD YEAR
========================= ================= ================= =================== =================== ==========
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AIM Variable Insurance 10.000000 9. 913890 -0.86% 0 1997**
Funds, Inc.- AIM V.I.
International Equity
Fund- NQ
========================= ================= ================= =================== =================== ==========
American Century 14.055040 15.651770 11.36% 169,301 1997
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
Variable Portfolios, 13.053463 14.055040 7.82% 199,799 1996
Inc.- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
American Century VP 11.312248 13.035463 15.23% 209,516 1995
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
Advantage- NQ 11.343435 11.312248 -0.27% 237,606 1994
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
10.757355 11.343435 5.45% 225,188 1993
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
11.325089 10.757355 -5.01% 163,922 1992
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
10.000000 11.325089 13.25% 3,898 1991
========================= ================= ================= =================== =================== ==========
American Century 15.079515 17.013707 12.83% 25,000 1997
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
Variable Portfolios, 13.802855 15.079515 9.25% 25,000 1996
Inc.- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
American Century VP 11.822996 13.802855 16.75% 25,000 1995
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
Advantage- NQ 11.701906 11.822996 1.03% 25,000 1994
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
(Depositor Only) 10.953160 11.701906 6.84% 25,000 1993
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
11.380926 10.953160 -3.76% 25,000 1992
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
10.000000 11.380926 13.81% 25,000 1991
========================= ================= ================= =================== =================== ==========
American Century 15.531281 14.829811 -4.52% 643,504 1997
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
Variable Portfolios, 16.447846 15.531281 -5.57% 896,863 1996
Inc.- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
American Century VP 12.711014 16.447846 29.40% 956,826 1995
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
Capital Appreciation - NQ 13.030369 12.711014 -2.45% 1,058,520 1994
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
11.967533 13.030369 8.88% 984,830 1993
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
12.290177 11.967533 -2.63% 508,166 1992
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
10.000000 12.290177 22.90% 25,910 1991
========================= ================= ================= =================== =================== ==========
American Century 10.000000 10.403924 4.04% 2,246 1997**
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
Variable Portfolios
Inc.-
American Century VP
Income & Growth - NQ
========================= ================= ================= =================== =================== ==========
The Dreyfus Socially 15.953248 20.223412 26.77% 59,654 1997
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
Responsible Growth 13.333625 15.953248 19.65% 30,211 1996
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
Fund- Inc.- NQ 10.039093 13.333625 32.82% 7,847 1995
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
10.000000 10.039093 0.39% 1,221 1994
========================= ================= ================= =================== =================== ==========
Dreyfus Stock Index 16.698256 21.913276 31.23% 456,511 1997
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
Fund, Inc.- NQ 13.807559 16.698256 20.94% 321,661 1996
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
10.227308 13.807559 35.01% 210,808 1995
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
10.271065 10.227308 -0.43% 185,724 1994
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
10.000000 10.271065 2.71% 100,168 1993
========================= ================= ================= =================== =================== ==========
Dreyfus Variable 10.000000 10.244238 2.44% 487 1997**
Investment Fund-
Capital Appreciation
Portfolio- NQ
========================= ================= ================= =================== =================== ==========
Dreyfus Variable 10.679640 11.533218 7.99% 30,747 1997
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
Investment Fund- Quality 10.493309 10.679640 1.78% 13,559 1996
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
Bond Portfolio-NQ 10.000000 10.493309 4.93% 626 1995
========================= ================= ================= =================== =================== ==========
Dreyfus Variable 15.245571 17.567589 15.23% 173,470 1997
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
Investment Fund- Small 13.249127 15.245571 15.07% 132,109 1996
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
Cap Portfolio-NQ 10.374796 13.249127 27.70% 57,885 1995
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
10.000000 10.374796 3.75% 21,950 1994
========================= ================= ================= =================== =================== ==========
Fidelity VIP Equity- 16.255386 20.553936 26.44% 1,235,093 1997
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
Income Portfolio- NQ 14.412060 16.255386 12.79% 1,140,873 1996
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
10.808255 14.412060 33.34% 1,004,513 1995
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
10.227513 10.808255 5.68% 917,381 1994
----------------- ----------------- ------------------- ------------------- ----------
10.000000 10.227513 2.28% 368,492 1993
========================= ================= ================= =================== =================== ==========
Fidelity VIP High 13.256841 15.396163 16.14% 70,227 1997
----------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------- ----------
Income Portfolio-NQ 11.779381 13.256841 12.54% 33,405 1996
----------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------- ----------
9.895223 11.779381 19.04% 11,249 1995
----------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------- ----------
10.000000 9.895223 -1.05% 2,726 1994
========================= ================= ================= =================== =================== ==========
</TABLE>
17
19 of 120
<PAGE> 20
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
Accumulation Unit values for an Accumulation Unit outstanding throughout the
period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCUMULATION ACCUMULATION NUMBER OF
UNIT VALUE UNIT VALUE PERCENT CHANGE IN ACCUMULATION
AT BEGINNING AT END ACCUMULATION UNIT UNITS AT END OF
FUND OF PERIOD OF PERIOD VALUE THE PERIOD YEAR
========================= ================== ================= ================== =================== ==========
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Janus Aspen Series- 10.000000 9.952334 -0.48% 2,117 1997**
International Growth
Portfolio- NQ
========================= ================== ================= ================== =================== ==========
NSAT- Government Bond 30.103580 32.584532 8.24% 1,136,230 1997
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
Fund-NQ 29.474435 30.103580 2.13% 1,371,551 1996
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
25.147577 29.474435 17.21% 1,618,704 1995
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
26.328516 25.147577 -4.49% 1,893,807 1994
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
24.357055 26.328516 8.09% 2,350,137 1993
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
22.878402 24.357055 6.46% 1,501,470 1992
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
19.862268 22.878402 15.19% 976,874 1991
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
18.379796 19.862268 8.07% 750,363 1990
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
16.337763 18.379796 12.50% 756,058 1989
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
15.318418 16.337763 6.65% 845,602 1988
========================= ================== ================= ================== =================== ==========
NSAT- Nationwide High 10.000000 10.206766 2.07% 0 1997**
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
Income Bond Fund- NQ
========================= ================== ================= ================== =================== ==========
NSAT-Money Market 22.088348 22.947799 3.89% 476,129 1997
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
Fund-NQ* 21.291272 22.088348 3.74% 600,726 1996
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
20.416267 21.291272 4.29% 665,100 1995
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
19.911440 20.416267 2.54% 831,132 1994
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
19.633190 19.911440 1.42% 819,892 1993
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
19.236937 19.633190 2.06% 1,117,454 1992
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
18.416623 19.236937 4.45% 1,684,322 1991
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
17.266332 18.416623 6.66% 2,083,996 1990
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
16.038015 17.266332 7.66% 2,127,690 1989
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
15.140691 16.038015 5.93% 2,219,382 1988
========================= ================== ================= ================== =================== ==========
NSAT-Total Return Fund 60.382482 77.137765 27.75% 2,084,153 1997
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
Fund-NQ 50.214359 60.382482 20.25% 2,180,633 1996
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
39.408735 50.214359 27.42% 2,273,685 1995
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
39.501981 39.408735 -0.24% 2,360,160 1994
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
36.082181 39.501981 9.48% 2,184,517 1993
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
33.793676 36.082181 6.77% 1,671,604 1992
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
24.722750 33.793676 36.69% 1,370,409 1991
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
27.238121 24.722750 -9.23% 1,268,584 1990
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
24.372817 27.238121 11.76% 1,476,049 1989
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
20.569309 24.372817 18.49% 1,458,246 1988
========================= ================== ================= ================== =================== ==========
Neuberger & Berman - 15.563120 18.349145 17.90% 620,264 1997
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
AMT- Balanced Portfolio 14.753402 15.563120 5.49% 702,451 1996
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
NQ 12.077573 14.753402 22.16% 728,876 1995
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
12.661508 12.077573 -4.61% 844,181 1994
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
12.050347 12.661508 5.07% 927,960 1993
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
11.299008 12.050347 6.65% 370,418 1992
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
10.000000 11.299008 12.99% 14,765 1991
========================= ================== ================= ================== =================== ==========
Strong Opportunity Fund 12.193238 15.098205 23.82% 62,437 1997
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
II, Inc.-NQ 10.456863 12.193238 16.61% 35,456 1996
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
10.000000 10.456863 4.57% 1,437 1995
========================= ================== ================= ================== =================== ==========
Templeton Variable 13.869569 15.599596 12.47% 96,813 1997
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
Products Series Fund- 11.329203 13.869569 22.42% 66,863 1996
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
Templeton International 9.913613 11.329203 14.28% 39,371 1995
------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ----------
Fund Class I-NQ 10.000000 9.913613 -0.86% 24,273 1994
========================= ================== ================= ================== =================== ==========
</TABLE>
18
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<PAGE> 21
* The 7-day yield on the NSAT-Money Market Fund as of December 31, 1997 was
4.05%
** AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.-AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund,
AIM Variable Insurance Fund, Inc.-AIM V.I. International Equity Fund,
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.-American Century VP Income &
Growth, Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund-Capital Appreciation Portfolio,
NSAT Nationwide High Income Bond Portfolio and Janus Aspen
Series-International Growth Portfolio were added to the Variable Account
effective November 3, 1997, and therefore the Condensed Financial
Information illustrates the period from November 3, 1997 until December 31,
1997.
19
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<PAGE> 22
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
The Company is a stock life insurance company organized under the laws of the
State of Ohio in March 1929. The Company is a member of the "Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise," with its Home Office at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus,
Ohio 43215. The Company is a provider of life insurance, annuities and
retirement products. It is admitted to do business in all states, the District
of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.
The Contracts are distributed by the General Distributor, Nationwide Advisory
Services, Inc. ("NAS"), Three Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215. NAS is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company.
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
The Variable Account was established by the Company on October 7, 1981 pursuant
to Ohio law. The Company has caused the Variable Account to be registered with
the SEC as a unit investment trust pursuant to the Investment Company Act of
1940 ("1940 Act"). Such registration does not involve supervision of the
management of the Variable Account or of the Company by the SEC.
The Variable Account is a separate investment account of the Company and as
such, is not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business the
Company may conduct. The Company does not guarantee the investment performance
of the Variable Account. Obligations under the Contracts, however, are
obligations of the Company. Income, gains and losses of the Variable Account,
whether or not realized, are credited to or charged against the Variable Account
without regard to other income, gains, or losses of the Company.
Purchase Payments are allocated among one or more Sub-Accounts corresponding to
one or more of the Underlying Mutual Funds designated by the Contract Owner.
There are two Sub-Accounts within the Variable Account for each of the
Underlying Mutual Fund options which may be designated by the Contract Owner.
One such Sub-Account contains the Underlying Mutual Fund shares attributable to
Accumulation Units under Qualified Contracts, IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and Tax
Sheltered Annuities and one such Sub-Account contains the Underlying Mutual Fund
shares attributable to Accumulation Units under Non-Qualified Contracts.
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTIONS
A Contract Owner may choose from among a number of different Underlying Mutual
Fund options. See Appendix B which contains a summary of investment objectives
for each Underlying Mutual Fund. More detailed information may be found in the
current prospectus for each Underlying Mutual Fund. Prospectuses for the
Underlying Mutual Funds should be read in conjunction with this prospectus. A
copy of each prospectus may be obtained without charge from the Company by
calling 1-800-451-0070, TDD 1-800-238-3035, or writing P.O. Box 182437,
Columbus, Ohio 43216.
The Underlying Mutual Fund options are NOT available to the general public
directly. The Underlying Mutual Funds are 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.
Some of the Underlying Mutual Funds have been established by investment advisers
which manage publicly traded mutual funds having similar names and investment
objectives. While some of the Underlying Mutual Funds may be similar to, and may
in fact be modeled after, publicly traded mutual funds, Contract purchasers
should understand that the Underlying Mutual Funds are not otherwise directly
related to any publicly traded mutual fund. Consequently, the investment
performance of publicly traded mutual funds and any corresponding Underlying
Mutual Funds may differ substantially.
The Underlying Mutual Funds may also be available to registered separate
accounts offering variable annuity and variable life products of other
participating insurance companies, as well as to the Variable Account and other
separate accounts of the Company. Although the Company does not anticipate any
disadvantages to this, there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise
between the interest of the Variable Account and one or more of the other
separate accounts in which the Underlying Mutual Funds participate. A conflict
may occur due to a number of reasons including: 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. or some other reason. In the event of conflict, the Company will take
any steps 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.
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<PAGE> 23
VOTING RIGHTS
Voting rights under the Contracts apply ONLY with respect to amounts allocated
to the Sub-Accounts.
In accordance with its view of applicable law, the Company will vote the shares
of the Underlying Mutual Funds at regular and special meetings of the
shareholders. These shares will be voted in accordance with instructions
received from Contract Owners. If the 1940 Act or any regulation thereunder
should be amended or if the present interpretation changes permitting the
Company to vote the shares of the Underlying Mutual Funds in its own right, it
may elect to do so.
The Contract Owner is the person who has the voting interest under the Contract.
The number of Underlying Mutual Fund shares attributable to each Contract Owner
is determined by dividing the Contract Owner's interest in each respective
Sub-Account by the Net Asset Value of the Underlying Mutual Fund corresponding
to the Sub-Account. The number of shares which may be voted will be determined
as of the date to be chosen by the Company not more than 90 days prior to the
meeting of the Underlying Mutual Fund. Each person having a voting interest will
receive periodic reports relating to the Underlying Mutual Fund, proxy material
and a form with which to give such voting instructions.
Voting instructions will be solicited by written communication at least 21 days
prior to such meeting. Underlying Mutual Fund shares to which no timely
instructions are received will be voted by the Company in the same proportion as
the voting instructions which are received with respect to all contracts
participating in the Variable Account.
SUBSTITUTION OF SECURITIES
If the shares of the Underlying Mutual Funds options are no longer be available
for investment by the Variable Account or if, in the judgment of the Company's
management, further investment in such Underlying Mutual Fund shares is
inappropriate, the Company may eliminate Sub-Accounts, combine two or more
Sub-Accounts or substitute shares of another underlying mutual funds for
underlying mutual funds already purchased or to be purchased in the future with
Purchase Payments under the Contract. No substitution of securities in the
Variable Account may take place without prior approval of the SEC
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES
All of the charges described in this section apply to Variable Account
allocations. Allocations to the Fixed Account are subject to CDSC and premium
tax deductions, if applicable, but are not subject to charges exclusive to the
Variable Account.
EXPENSES OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT FOR CONTRACTS ISSUED BEFORE NOVEMBER 3, 1997
(OR BEFORE SUCH DATE ON WHICH INSURANCE AUTHORITIES HAVE APPROVED CORRESPONDING
CONTRACT MODIFICATIONS)
For Contracts issued before November 3, 1997 or before such date on which state
insurance authorities approve corresponding Contract modifications, the Variable
Account is responsible for: (1) administration expenses relating to the issuance
and maintenance of the Contracts; (2) mortality risk charge associated with
guaranteeing the annuity purchase rates at issue for the life of the Contracts;
and (3) expense risk charge associated with guaranteeing that the Mortality
Risk, Expense Risk, Contract Maintenance Charge and Administration Charge will
not change regardless of actual expenses. If these charges are insufficient to
cover these expenses, the loss will be borne by the Company.
MORTALITY RISK CHARGE
The Company deducts a Mortality Risk Charge from the Variable Account. This
amount is computed on a daily basis, and is equal to an annual rate of 0.80% of
the daily net assets of the Variable Account. By guaranteeing the Contract's
annuity rate, the Company assumes the Mortality Risk. These guarantees cannot
change regardless of the death rates of persons receiving annuity payments or of
the general population.
EXPENSE RISK CHARGE
The Company deducts an Expense Risk Charge from the Variable Account. This
amount is computed on a daily basis, and is equal to an annual rate of 0.45% of
the daily net assets of the Variable Account. The Company will not increase
charges for administration of the Contracts regardless of its actual expenses.
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<PAGE> 24
ADMINISTRATION CHARGE
The Company deducts an Administration Charge equal on an annual basis to 0.05%
of the daily net assets of the Variable Account. The Administration Charge is
designed only to reimburse the Company for administrative expenses.
EXPENSES OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT FOR CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 3,
1997 (OR THE DATE ON WHICH STATE INSURANCE AUTHORITIES APPROVE APPLICABLE
CONTRACT MODIFICATIONS)
ACTUARIAL RISK CHARGE
The Variable Account is responsible for "actuarial risk" expenses which consist
of: (1) administration expenses relating to the issuance and maintenance of the
Contracts; and (2) mortality risk charges. For assuming such actuarial risks,
the Company deducts an expense from the Variable Account equal to an annual rate
of 1.30% of the daily net assets of the Variable Account. This deduction is made
from each Sub-Account of the Variable Account in the same proportion that the
Contract Value in each Sub-Account bears to the total Contract Value in the
Variable Account.
The Company is of the opinion that the Actuarial Risk Charge, in the aggregate,
is reasonable in relation to the services rendered, the expenses expected to be
incurred, and the risks assumed by the Company.
OTHER CHARGES WHICH MAY BE ASSESSED TO THE CONTRACT VALUE
For Contracts issued on or after the later of November 3, 1997 or the date on
which state insurance authorities approve corresponding Contract modifications,
the Company may charge against the Contract Value the amount of any charges
assessed to the Company by individual school districts for the processing of
employee payroll deductions. The Company will deduct such charges from the
Contract Value:
(1) at the time the Contract is surrendered;
(2) annually;
(3) at Annuitization; or
(4) on such date as the Company may become subject to such charges.
The method used to recoup such expenses will be determined by the Company at its
sole discretion and may be subject to change without prior notice to Contract
Owners. The assessment of this charge is designed only to reimburse the Company
for expenses levied by individual school districts.
CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE
Each year on the Contract Anniversary (and on the date of surrender in any year
in which the entire Contract Value is surrendered), the Company deducts a
Contract Maintenance Charge of $30 from the Contract Value to reimburse it for
administrative expenses relating to the issuance and maintenance of the
Contract. For Tax Sheltered Annuity Contracts issued on or after the later of
May 1, 1997, or the date on which state insurance authorities approve
corresponding Contract modifications, the Contract Maintenance Charge will be
waived in those states in which a Unified Billing Authority Program, or any such
similar program, is being utilized to process Purchase Payments. The Contract
Maintenance Charge will also be waived for Qualified Plans (as defined by
Section 401(k) of the Code) issued on or after the later of November 3, 1997, or
the date on which state insurance authorities approve corresponding Contract
modifications.
If assessed, the Contract Maintenance Charge will be allocated between the Fixed
Account and Variable Account in the same proportion as the Purchase Payment
investment allocations are to the Fixed Account and Variable Account. In any
Contract Year when a Contract is surrendered for its full value on any date
other than the Contract Anniversary, the Contract Maintenance Charge will be
deducted at the time of such surrender. The amount of the Contract Maintenance
Charge may not be increased by the Company. In no event will the reduction or
elimination of the Contract Maintenance Charge be permitted where such reduction
or elimination will be unfairly discriminatory to any person, or where it is
prohibited by state law. The Contract Maintenance Charge is designed only to
reimburse the Company for administrative expenses.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ("CDSC")
No deduction for sales charges is made from the Purchase Payments for these
Contracts. However, if any part of the Contract Value is surrendered, the
Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct a CDSC (see "Waiver of CDSC"). The
CDSC will not exceed the lesser of: (1) 7% of the amount surrendered; or (2) 7%
of the total of all Purchase Payments made within 84 months prior to the date of
the surrender request. The CDSC, when it is
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<PAGE> 25
applicable, will be used to cover expenses relating to the sale of the
Contracts, including commissions paid to sales personnel, the costs of
preparation of sales literature and other promotional activity. The Company
attempts to recover its distribution costs relating to the sale of the Contracts
from the CDSC. Any shortfall will be made up from the General Account of the
Company, which may indirectly include portions of the Mortality and Expense Risk
Charges, or if applicable, of the Actuarial Risk Charge, since the Company may
generate a profit from these charges. The maximum amount that may be paid to
selling agent on the sale of these Contracts is 6.0% of Purchase Payments.
The CDSC is calculated by multiplying the applicable CDSC percentages noted
below by the Purchase Payments that are surrendered. For purposes of calculating
the CDSC, surrenders are considered to come first from the oldest Purchase
Payment, then the next oldest Purchase Payment and so forth. For tax purposes, a
surrender is usually treated as a withdrawal of earnings first.
The CDSC applies to Purchase Payments as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF COMPLETED YEARS CDSC PERCENTAGE NUMBER OF COMPLETED YEARS CDSC PERCENTAGE
FROM DATE OF PURCHASE FROM DATE OF PURCHASE
PAYMENT PAYMENT
<S> <C> <C> <C>
0 7% 4 3%
1 6% 5 2%
2 5% 6 1%
3 4% 7 0%
</TABLE>
WAIVER OF THE CDSC
Starting with the second year after a Purchase Payment has been made, the
Contract Owner may withdraw without a CDSC the greater of:
(a) an amount equal to 10% of each Purchase Payment; or
(b) any amount to meet minimum distribution requirements under the Code.
This CDSC 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. Withdrawals may be restricted for Contracts issued pursuant to
the terms of a Tax Sheltered Annuity or other Qualified Plan.
In addition, no CDSC will be deducted:
(1) upon 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 in a Contract for at least 84
months.
For Tax Sheltered Annuity Contracts, Qualified Contracts and SEP-IRA Contracts,
the Company will waive the CDSC when :
(a) the Plan Participant has participated in the Contract for 10 years
of active deferrals;
(b) the Plan Participant dies;
(c) the Plan Participant experiences a hardship (as provided in Code
Section 403(b) and as defined by Code Section 401(k)), provided that
any surrender of Contract Value in the case of hardship may not
include any income attributable to salary reduction contributions;
(d) the Plan Participant annuitizes after completing 2 years in the
Contract;
(e) the Plan Participant has separated from service (as defined in Code
Section 401(k)(2)(B)) and participated in this Contract for 5 years;
or
(f) the Plan Participant becomes disabled (within the meaning of Code
Section 72(m)(7)).
The Contract Owner may be subject to income tax on all or a portion of any such
withdrawals and to a 10% tax penalty if the Contract Owner takes withdrawals
prior to age 59-1/2 (see "Non Qualified Contracts - Natural Persons as Contract
Owners").
No CDSC will apply upon the transfer of values among the Sub-Accounts or between
the Fixed Account and Variable Account. When a Contract described in this
prospectus is exchanged for another Contract issued by
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<PAGE> 26
the Company or any of its affiliated insurance companies, of the type and class
which the Company has determined is eligible for such exchange, the Company may
waive the CDSC on the first Contract. A CDSC may apply to the contract received
in the exchange. In determining which contracts may be of the same type and
class as this Contract, the Company will apply its rules and regulations
applicable thereto, including assessing any fees deemed reasonable for
processing the exchange. In no event will such fee exceed $40.00. This exchange
processing fee may be in addition to any Contract Maintenance Charge which may
be applicable upon the surrender of a Contract. In no event will elimination of
CDSC be permitted where such elimination will be unfairly discriminatory to any
person or where prohibited by state law.
PREMIUM TAXES
The Company will charge against the Contract Value any premium taxes levied by a
state or any other governmental entity upon Purchase Payments received by the
Company. Premium tax rates currently range from 0% to 3.5%. This range is
subject to change. The method used to recoup premium tax will be determined by
the Company at its sole discretion and in compliance with state law. The Company
currently deducts such charges from the Contract Value either at: (1) the time
the Contract is surrendered; (2) Annuitization; or (3) such earlier date as the
Company may become subject to such taxes.
OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT
INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
The Contract Owner may have Purchase Payments allocated among one or more of the
Sub-Accounts. Shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options specified by the
Contract Owner are purchased at Net Asset Value for the respective Sub-Accounts
and converted into Accumulation Units. The Contract Owner may change the
allocation of Purchase Payments or may exchange amounts among the Sub-Accounts.
Such transactions may be subject to conditions imposed by the Underlying Mutual
Funds, as well as those set forth in the Contract.
ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND CONTRACT VALUE
Purchase Payments are allocated to the Fixed Account or to one or more
Sub-Accounts in accordance with the designation of the Underlying Mutual Funds
by the Contract Owner and converted into Accumulation Units.
The initial first year Purchase Payment must be at least $1,500 for
Non-Qualified Contracts. Subsequent Purchase Payments, if any, after the first
Contract Year must be at least $10 each. However, if periodic payments are
expected by the Company, the initial first year minimum may be satisfied by
Purchase Payments made on an annualized basis. The Company, however, reserves
the right to lower the subsequent Purchase Payment minimum for employer
sponsored deduction programs. The cumulative total of all purchase payments
under contracts issued by the Company on the life of any one Annuitant may not
exceed $1,000,000 without prior consent of the Company.
THE PURCHASER IS CAUTIONED THAT INVESTMENT RETURN ON SMALL INITIAL AND
SUBSEQUENT PURCHASE PAYMENTS MAY BE LESS THAN CHARGES ASSESSED BY THE COMPANY.
The initial Purchase Payment allocated to designated Sub-Accounts will be priced
no later than 2 business days after receipt of an order to purchase, if the
application and all information necessary for processing the purchase order are
complete. The Company may, however, retain the Purchase Payment for up to 5
business days while attempting to complete an incomplete application. If the
application cannot be made complete within 5 business days, the prospective
purchaser will be informed of the reasons for the delay and the Purchase Payment
will be returned immediately unless the prospective purchaser specifically
consents to the Company retaining the Purchase Payment until the application is
complete. Thereafter, subsequent Purchase Payments will be priced on the basis
of the Accumulation Unit value next computed for the appropriate Sub-Account
after the additional Purchase Payment is received.
Purchase Payments will not be priced on the following nationally recognized
holidays: New Year's Day; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Presidents Day; Good
Friday; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving and Christmas.
VALUE OF A VARIABLE ACCOUNT ACCUMULATION UNIT
The Accumulation Unit value for any Valuation Period is determined by
multiplying the Accumulation Unit value for each Sub-Account for the immediately
preceding Valuation Period by the net investment factor for the Sub-Account
during the subsequent Valuation Period. Though the number of Accumulation Units
will not change as a result of investment experience, the value of a
Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease from Valuation Period to Valuation
Period.
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<PAGE> 27
NET INVESTMENT FACTOR
The net investment factor for any Valuation Period is determined by dividing (a)
by (b) and subtracting (c) from the result where:
(a) is the net of:
(1) the Net Asset Value per share of the Underlying Mutual Fund held
in the Sub-Account determined at the end of the current Valuation
Period; and
(2) the per share amount of any dividend or capital gain Distributions
made by the Underlying Mutual Fund held in the Sub-Account if the
"ex-dividend" date occurs during the current Valuation Period.
(b) is the Net Asset Value per share of the Underlying Mutual Fund held in
the Sub-Account determined at the end of the immediately preceding
Valuation Period.
(c) is a factor representing the daily Mortality Risk Charge, Expense Risk
Charge and Administration Charge, or if applicable, the Actuarial Risk
Fee. Such factor is equal to an annual rate of 1.30% of the daily net
assets of the Variable Account.
The net investment factor may be greater or less than one; therefore, the value
of an Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease. It should be noted that
changes in the net investment factor may not be directly proportional to changes
in the Net Asset Value of Underlying Mutual Fund shares, because of the
deduction for Mortality Risk Charge, Expense Risk Charge and Administration
Charge, or if applicable, the Actuarial Risk Fee.
DETERMINING THE CONTRACT VALUE
The Contract Value is the sum of the value of all Accumulation Units and amounts
allocated and credited to the Fixed Account. The number of Accumulation Units
credited to each Sub-Account is determined by dividing the net amount allocated
to the Sub-Account by the Accumulation Unit value for the Sub-Account for the
Valuation Period during which the Purchase Payment is received by the Company.
If part or all of the Contract Value is surrendered or charges or deductions are
made against the Contract Value, an appropriate number of Accumulation Units
from the Sub-Accounts and an appropriate amount from the Fixed Account will be
deducted in the same proportion that the Contract Owner's interest in the
Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account bears to the total Contract Value.
RIGHT TO REVOKE
The Contract Owner has a ten day free look to examine the Contract. Within ten
days of the date the Contract is received, it may be returned to the Home Office
at the address shown on page 1 of this prospectus. If the Contract is returned
to the Company in a timely manner, the Company will void the Contract and refund
the Contract Value in full, unless otherwise required by law. State and/or
federal law may provide additional free look privileges. All IRA, Roth IRA and
SEP IRA refunds will be return of Purchase Payments.
The 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 the Company.
TRANSFERS
The Contract Owner may request a transfer of up to 100% of the Variable Account
Contract Value to the Fixed Account without penalty or adjustment. The Company
reserves the right to restrict transfers from the Variable Account to the Fixed
Account to 25% of the Contract Value for any 12 month period. All amounts
transferred to the Fixed Account must remain on deposit in the Fixed Account
until the expiration of the Interest Rate Guarantee Period. In addition,
transfers from the Fixed Account may not be made prior to the end of the then
current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. The Interest Rate Guarantee Period for
any amount allocated to the Fixed Account expires on the final day of a calendar
quarter during which the one year anniversary of the allocation to the Fixed
Account occurs. For all transfers involving the Variable Account, the Contract
Owner's value in each Sub-Account will be determined as of the date the transfer
request is received in the Home Office in good order. Once the Contract has been
Annuitized, transfers may only be made on each anniversary of the Annuitization
Date.
A Contract Owner may at the maturity of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period
transfer a portion of the value of the Fixed Account to the Variable Account.
The amount that may be transferred from the Fixed Account to the Variable
Account will be determined by the Company at its sole discretion, but will not
be less than 10% of the total value of the portion of the Fixed Account that is
maturing. The amount that may be transferred will be declared upon the
expiration date of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. The specific
percentage
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<PAGE> 28
will be declared upon the expiration date of the guaranteed period. Transfers
from the Fixed Account must be made within 45 days after the expiration date of
the then current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. Contract Owners who have
entered into a Dollar Cost Averaging agreement with the Company (see "Dollar
Cost Averaging") may transfer from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account
under the terms of that agreement.
Transfers may be made either in writing or, in states allowing such transfers,
by telephone. This telephone exchange privilege is made available to Contract
Owners automatically without the Contract Owner's election. The Company will
employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
telephone are genuine. Such procedures may include any or all of the following:
requesting identifying information, such as name, contract number, Social
Security Number, and/or personal identification number; tape recording all
telephone transactions, and providing written confirmation thereof to both the
Contract Owner and any agent of record, at the last address of record; or such
other procedures as the Company may deem reasonable. The Company will not be
liable for following instructions communicated by telephone which it reasonably
believes to be genuine. Any losses incurred pursuant to actions taken by the
Company in reliance on telephone instructions reasonably believed to be genuine
will be borne by the Contract Owner. The Company may withdraw the telephone
exchange privilege upon 30 days written notice to Contract Owners.
Contracts described in this prospectus may be sold to individuals who
independently utilize the services of a firm or individual engaged in market
timing. Generally, such firms or individuals obtain authorization from multiple
Contract Owners to make transfers and exchanges among the Sub-Accounts on the
basis of perceived market trends. Because of the unusually large transfers of
funds associated with some of these transactions, the ability of the Company or
Underlying Mutual Funds to process such transactions may be compromised, and the
execution of such transactions may possibly disadvantage or work to the
detriment of other Contract Owners not utilizing market timing services.
Accordingly, the right to exchange Contract Values among the Sub-Accounts may be
subject to modification if such rights are exercised by a market timing firm or
any other third party authorized to initiate transfer or exchange transactions
on behalf of multiple Contract Owners. THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUAL CONTRACT OWNERS
TO EXCHANGE CONTRACT VALUES, WHEN INSTRUCTIONS ARE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY BY THE
CONTRACT OWNER, OR BY THE CONTRACT OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE OF RECORD AS
AUTHORIZED BY THE EXECUTION OF A VALID NATIONWIDE LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY
FORM, WILL NOT BE MODIFIED IN ANY WAY. In modifying such rights, the Company
may, among other things, not accept:
(1) the transfer or exchange instructions of any agent acting under a power
of attorney on behalf or more than one Contract Owner; or
(2) the transfer or exchange instructions of individual Contract Owners who
have executed preauthorized transfer or 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.
The Company will not impose any such restrictions or otherwise modify exchange
rights unless such action is reasonably intended to prevent the use of such
rights in a manner that will disadvantage or potentially impair the contract
rights of other Contract Owners.
CONTRACT OWNERSHIP
Unless the Contract otherwise provides, the Contract Owner has all rights under
the Contract. PURCHASERS NAMING SOMEONE OTHER THAN THEMSELVES AS OWNER WILL HAVE
NO RIGHTS UNDER THE CONTRACT. Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract
Owner may name a new Contract Owner in Non-Qualified Contracts. Such change may
be subject to state and federal gift taxes and may also result in federal income
taxation. Any change of Contract Owner designation will automatically revoke any
prior Contract Owner designation. Once proper notice of the change is recorded
by the Home Office, the change will become effective as of the date the written
request was signed. A change of Contract Owner will not apply and will not be
effective with respect to any payment made or action taken by the Company prior
to the time that the change was recorded by the Home Office.
Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner may request a change in the
Annuitant, the Contingent Annuitant, Contingent Owner, Beneficiary, or
Contingent Beneficiary. Such a request must be made in writing on a form
acceptable to the Company and must be signed by the Contract Owner. Such request
must be received at the Home Office prior to the Annuitization Date. Any such
change is subject to review and approval by the Company. 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.
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On the Annuitization Date, the Annuitant will become the Contract Owner.
CONTINGENT OWNERSHIP
The Contingent Owner is the person who may receive certain benefits under the
Contract if a Contract Owner, who is not the Annuitant, dies prior to the
Annuitization Date. If no Contingent Owner survives the Contract Owner, all
rights and interest in the Contract will vest in the Contract Owner's estate. If
a Contract Owner who is also the Annuitant dies before the Annuitization Date,
the Contingent Owner will not have any rights in the Contract, unless the
Contingent Owner is also the named Beneficiary.
Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract Owner may change
the Contingent Owner prior to the Annuitization Date by written notice to the
Company. Once proper notice of the change is recorded by the Home Office, the
change will become effective as of the date the written request was signed, but
without further liability as to any payment or settlement made by the Company
before receipt of the change.
BENEFICIARY
The Beneficiary is the person(s) who may receive certain benefits under the
Contract in the event the Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date. If
more than one Beneficiary survives the Annuitant, each will share equally unless
otherwise specified in the Beneficiary designation. If no Beneficiary survives
the Annuitant, all rights and interest of the Beneficiary will vest in the
Contingent Beneficiary. If more than one Contingent Beneficiary survives, each
will share equally unless otherwise specified in the Contingent Beneficiary
designation. If no Contingent Beneficiary survives the Annuitant, all rights and
interest of the Contingent Beneficiary will vest with the Contract Owner or the
estate of the last surviving Contract Owner.
Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract Owner may change
the Beneficiary or Contingent Beneficiary during the lifetime of the Annuitant
by written notice to the Company. Once proper notice or the change is recorded
by the Home Office, the change will become effective as of the date the written
request was signed, whether or not the Annuitant is living at the time of
recording, but without further liability as to any payment or settlement made by
the Company before receipt of such change.
SURRENDER (REDEMPTION)
Prior to the earlier of the Annuitization Date or the death of the Annuitant,
the Company will allow the Contract Owner to surrender a portion or all of the
Contract Value. The request for surrender must be made in writing and must
include the Contract when surrendering the Contract in full. In some cases, the
Company will require additional documentation. The Company may require that the
signature(s) be guaranteed by a member firm of a major stock exchange or other
depository institution required to give such a guaranty.
When requested, the Company will surrender a number of Accumulation Units from
the Variable Account and an amount from the Fixed Account necessary to equal the
gross dollar amount requested, less any applicable CDSC (see "Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge"). The number of Accumulation Units surrendered from each
Sub-Account and the amount surrendered from the Fixed Account will be in the
same proportion that the Contract Owner's interest in the Sub-Accounts and Fixed
Account bears to the total Contract Value.
The Company will pay any amounts surrendered from the Sub-Accounts within 7
days. However, the Company reserves the right to suspend or postpone the date of
any payment or valuation of any benefit or values for any Valuation Period when:
(1) the New York Stock Exchange ("Exchange") is closed;
(2) trading on the Exchange is restricted;
(3) an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of securities held
in the Variable Account is not reasonably practicable or it is not
reasonably practicable to determine the value of the Variable
Account's net assets; or
(4) the SEC, by order, permits such suspension or postponement for the
protection of security holders.
The applicable rules and regulations of the SEC will govern as to whether the
conditions prescribed in (2) and (3) exist.
The Contract Value on surrender may be more or less than the total of Purchase
Payments made by a Contract Owner, depending on the market value of the
Underlying Mutual Fund shares.
With respect to Contracts issued under the Texas Optional Retirement Program,
the Texas Attorney General has ruled that withdrawal benefits are available only
in the event of a participant's death, retirement, termination of
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employment due to total disability, or other termination of employment in a
Texas public institution of higher education. A participant will not, therefore,
be entitled to the right of withdrawal in order to receive the cash values
credited to such participant under the Contract unless one of the foregoing
conditions has been satisfied. The value of such Contracts may, however, be
transferred to other contracts or other carriers during the period of
participation in the Optional Retirement Program. The Company issues this
Contract to participants in the Optional Retirement Program in reliance upon,
and in compliance with, Rule 6c-7 of the 1940 Act.
SURRENDERS UNDER A QUALIFIED PLAN OR TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY CONTRACT
Except as provided below, the Contract Owner may surrender part or all of the
Contract Value at any time this Contract is in force prior to the earlier of the
Annuitization Date or the death of the Annuitant:
A. The surrender of Contract Value attributable to contributions made
pursuant to a qualified cash or deferred arrangement (within the meaning
of Code Section 402(g)(3)(A)), a salary reduction agreement (within the
meaning of Code Section 402(g)(3)(C)), or transfers from a Custodial
Account described in Section 403(b)(7) of the Code(403(b)(7) Custodial
Accounts), may be executed only:
1. when the Contract Owner attains age 59-1/2, separates from
service, dies, or becomes disabled (within the meaning of Code
Section 72(m)(7)); or
2. in the case of hardship (as defined for purposes of Code Section
401(k)), provided that any surrender of Contract Value in the case
of hardship may not include any income attributable to salary
reduction contributions.
B. The surrender limitations described in A above also applies 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 exercise of a
contractual ten day free look provision (when available) may result in
the immediate application of taxes and penalties of a Qualified Contract
or Tax Sheltered Annuity.
A premature Distribution may not be eligible for rollover treatment. To assist
in preventing disqualification in the event of a ten day free look, the Company
will agree to transfer the proceeds to another contract which meets the
requirements of Section 403(b) of the Code, upon proper direction by the
Contract Owner. The foregoing is the Company's understanding of the withdrawal
restrictions which are currently applicable under Code Section 401(k)(2)(B),
Code Section 403(b)(11) and Revenue Ruling 90-24. Such restrictions are subject
to legislative change and/or reinterpretation. Distributions pursuant to
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders will not be considered to be in violation of
the restrictions stated in this provision.
The Contract surrender provisions may also be modified pursuant to the plan
terms and tax provisions of the Code when the Contract is issued to fund a
Qualified Plan.
LOAN PRIVILEGE
Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner of a Qualified Contract or
Tax Sheltered Annuity Contract may receive a loan from the Contract Value,
subject to the terms of the Contract, the Plan, and the Code, which may impose
restrictions on loans.
Loans from Qualified Contracts or Tax Sheltered Annuities, are available
beginning 30 days after the Date of Issue. The Contract Owner may borrow a
minimum of $1,000, unless a lower minimum is mandated by state law. In non-ERISA
plans, for Contract Values up to $20,000, the maximum loan balance which may be
outstanding at any time is 80% of the Contract Value, but not more than $10,000.
If the Contract Value is $20,000 or more, the maximum loan balance which may be
outstanding at any time is 50% of the Contract Value, but not more than $50,000.
For ERISA plans, the maximum loan balance which may be outstanding at any time
is 50% of the Contract Value, but not more than $50,000. The $50,000 limit will
be reduced by the highest loan balance owed during the prior one-year period.
Additional loans are subject to the Contract minimum amount. The aggregate of
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all loans may not exceed the Contract Value limitations stated in this
provision. For salary reduction Tax Sheltered Annuities, loans may only be
secured by the Contract Value.
All loans are made from a collateral fixed account. An amount equal to the
principal amount of the loan will be transferred to the collateral fixed
account. The Company will transfer to the collateral fixed account the
Sub-Account's Accumulation Units in proportion to the assets in each option
until the required balance is reached or all such Accumulation Units are
exhausted. Any additional requested collateral will next be transferred from the
Fixed Account. No withdrawal charges are deducted at the time of the loan, or on
the transfer from the Variable Account to the collateral fixed account.
Until the loan has been repaid in full, that portion of the collateral fixed
account equal to the outstanding loan balance will be credited with interest at
a rate 2.25% less than the loan interest rate fixed by the Company for the term
of the loan. However, the interest rate credited to the collateral fixed account
will never be less than 3.0%. Specific loan terms are disclosed at the time of
loan application or loan issuance.
Loans must be repaid in substantially level payments, not less frequently than
quarterly, within five years. Loans used to purchase the principal residence of
the Contract Owner must be repaid within 15 years. During the loan term, the
outstanding balance of the loan will continue to earn interest at an annual rate
as specified in the loan agreement. Loan repayments will consist of principal
and interest in amounts set forth in the loan agreement. Loan repayments will be
allocated among the Sub-Accounts in accordance with the Contract, unless the
Contract Owner and Company agree to amend the Contract at a later date on a case
by case basis.
Any amounts distributed will be reduced by the amount of the loan outstanding,
plus accrued interest if:
(1) the Contract is surrendered;
(2) the Contract Owner/Annuitant dies; or
(3) the Contract Owner who is not the Annuitant dies prior to
Annuitization.
In addition, the Contract Value will be reduced by the amount of any outstanding
loans plus accrued interest if annuity payments begin while the loan is
outstanding. Until the loan is repaid, the Company reserves the right to
restrict any transfer of the Contract which would otherwise qualify as a
transfer as permitted in the Code.
If a loan payment is not made when due, interest will continue to accrue. A
grace period may be available under the terms of the loan agreement. If a loan
payment is not made when due, or by the end of the applicable grace period, then
the entire loan will be treated as a deemed Distribution, will be taxable to the
borrower, and may be subject to the early withdrawal tax penalty. Interest will
continue to accrue on the loan after default. Any defaulted amounts, plus
accrued interest, will be deducted from the Contract when the participant
becomes eligible for a Distribution of at least that amount. Additional loans
may not be available while a previous loan remains in default.
Loans may also be subject to additional limitations or restrictions under the
terms a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan. Loans permitted under this
Contract may still be taxable in whole or part if the participant has additional
loans from other plans or contracts. The Company will calculate the maximum
nontaxable loan based on the information provided by the participant or the
employer.
Loan repayments must be identified as such or else they will be treated as
Purchase Payments, and will not be used to reduce the outstanding loan principal
or interest due. The Company reserves the right to modify the loan's terms or
procedures if there is a change applicable law. The Company also reserves the
right to assess a loan processing fee.
IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs and Non-Qualified Contracts are not eligible for
loans.
ASSIGNMENT
The Contract Owner of a Non-Qualified Contract may assign some or all of the
rights under the Contract at any time during the lifetime of the Annuitant prior
to the Annuitization Date. Once proper notice of assignment is recorded by the
Home Office, the assignment will become effective as of the date the written
request was signed. The Company is not responsible for the validity or tax
consequences of any assignment. The Company will not be liable for any payment
or other settlement made by the Company before the recording of the assignment.
Where necessary for the proper administration of the terms of the Contract, an
assignment will not be recorded until the Company has received sufficient
direction from the Contract Owner and assignee as to the proper allocation of
Contract rights under the assignment.
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Any portion of Contract Value attributable to Purchase Payments made after
August 13, 1982, which is pledged or assigned after August 13, 1982, will be
treated as a Distribution 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. In addition, any Contract Value assigned
may be subject to a tax penalty equal to 10% of the assigned amount which is
included in gross income. All rights in the Contract are personal to the
Contract Owner and may not be assigned without written consent of the Company.
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.
IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, Tax Sheltered Annuities and Qualified Contracts may
not be assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred except under such conditions
as may be allowed by law.
CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES
ASSET REBALANCING- The Contract Owner may direct the automatic reallocation of
Contract Values to the Sub-Accounts on a predetermined percentage basis. Asset
Rebalancing will occur every three months or on another frequency authorized by
the Company. 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, the Asset Rebalancing reallocation will occur on the first business day
after that day. Asset Rebalancing requests must be in writing on a form provided
by the Company. The Contract Owner may want to contact a financial adviser in
order to discuss the use of Asset Rebalancing.
Asset Rebalancing may be subject to employer imposed limitations or restrictions
for Contracts issued to a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan.
The Company reserves the right to discontinue establishing new Asset Rebalancing
programs. The Company also reserves the right to assess a processing fee for
this service.
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING- If the Contract Value is $5,000 or more, the Contract
Owner may direct the Company to automatically transfer a specified amount from
the Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio, NSAT-Government Bond Fund, NSAT-Money
Market Fund, NSAT-Nationwide High Income Bond Fund or the Fixed Account to any
other Sub-Account. Dollar Cost Averaging will occur on a monthly basis or on
another frequency permitted by the Company. Dollar Cost Averaging is long-term
investment program which provides for regular, level investments over time.
There is no guarantee that Dollar Cost Averaging will result in a profit or
protect against loss. The minimum monthly Dollar Cost Averaging transfer is
$100. Monthly transfers from the Fixed Account must be equal to or less than
1/30th of the Fixed Account when the program is requested. Transfers will be
processed until either the value in the originating Sub-Account is exhausted or
the Contract Owner instructs the Home Office in writing to cancel the transfers.
The Company reserves the right to discontinue establishing new Dollar Cost
Averaging programs. The Company also reserves the right to assess a processing
fee for this service.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS- A Contract Owner may elect to begin receiving
withdrawals of a specified dollar amount (of at least $100) on a monthly,
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. The withdrawals will be taken from the
Sub-Account and the Fixed Account on a pro-rated basis. A CDSC may apply (see
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charge"). Unless otherwise directed by the Contract
Owner, the Company will withhold federal income taxes. In addition, a 10%
penalty tax may be assessed by the IRS 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. Withdrawals may be discontinued at any time by
notifying the Home Office in writing.
The Company reserves the right to discontinue establishing new Systematic
Withdrawal programs. The Company also reserves the right to assess a processing
fee for this service. Systematic Withdrawals are not available prior to the
expiration of the ten day free look provision of the Contract. (see "Right to
Revoke").
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ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD, DEATH BENEFIT, AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE
An Annuity Commencement Date will be selected. Such date will be the first day
of a calendar month unless otherwise agreed upon. The date must be at least 2
years after the Date of Issue. In the event the Contract is issued subject to
the terms of a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan, Annuitization may
occur during the first 2 years subject to approval by the Company.
The Annuity Commencement Date may be changed by the Contract Owner in writing
subject to approval by the Company.
ANNUITIZATION
Annuitization is irrevocable once payments have begun. When making an
Annuitization election, the Annuitant must choose:
(1) an Annuity Payout Option; and
(2) either a Fixed Payment Annuity, Variable Payment Annuity or an
available combination.
If a Variable Payment Annuity is elected, all amounts in the Fixed Account must
be transferred to the Sub-Accounts prior to the Annuitization Date.
Payments under a Fixed Payment Annuity are guaranteed by the Company as to the
dollar amount during the annuity payment period. The dollar amount of each
payment under a Variable Payment Annuity will vary depending on the performance
of the selected Underlying Mutual Fund options. The dollar amount of each
variable payment could be higher or lower than a previous payment.
FIXED PAYMENT ANNUITY - FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS
The first payment under a Fixed Payment Annuity will be determined by applying
the portion of the total Contract Value specified by the Contract Owner to the
Fixed Payment Annuity table then in effect for the Annuity Payment Option
elected, after deducting any applicable premium taxes from the total Contract
Value. This will be done at the Annuitization Date on an age last birthday
basis. Subsequent payments will remain level unless the Annuity Payment Option
elected provides otherwise. The Company does not credit discretionary interest
paid by the Company to payments during the annuity payment period.
VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS
The first payment under a Variable Payment Annuity will be determined by
applying the portion of the total Contract Value specified by the Contract Owner
to the Variable Annuity table then effect for the Annuity Payment Option
elected, after deducting any applicable premium taxes from the total Contract
Value. This will be done at the Annuitization Date on an age last birthday
basis. The dollar amount of the first payment is divided by the value of an
Annuity Unit as of the Annuitization Date to establish the number of Annuity
Units representing each monthly annuity payment. This number of Annuity Units
remains fixed during the annuity payment period. The dollar amount of the second
and subsequent payments is not predetermined and may change from month to month.
The dollar amount of each subsequent payment is 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 Company guarantees that the dollar amount of
each payment after the first will not be affected by variations in mortality
experience from mortality assumptions used to determine the first payment.
VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - ASSUMED INVESTMENT RATE
A 3.5% assumed investment rate is built into the Variable Payment Annuity
purchase rate basis in the Contracts. A higher assumption would mean a higher
initial payment but more slowly rising or more rapidly falling subsequent
payments. A lower assumption would have the opposite effect. If the actual net
investment rate is at the annual rate of 3.5%, the annuity payments will be
level.
VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - VALUE OF AN ANNUITY UNIT
The value of an Annuity Unit for a Sub-Account for any subsequent Valuation
Period is determined by multiplying the Annuity Unit value from the immediately
preceding Valuation Period by the net investment factor for the Valuation Period
for which the Annuity Unit value is being calculated, and multiplying the result
by an interest factor to neutralize the assumed investment rate of 3.5% per
annum built into the Variable Payment Annuity purchase rate basis in the
Contracts (see "Net Investment Factor").
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VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - EXCHANGES AMONG UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTIONS
During the annuity payment period, exchanges among the Underlying Mutual Fund
options must be made in writing and the exchange will take place on the
anniversary of the Annuitization Date.
FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS
Payments will be made based on the Annuity Payment Option selected. However, if
the net amount available under any Annuity Payment Option is less than $500, the
Company will have the right to pay such amount in one lump sum in lieu of
periodic annuity payments. In addition, if the payments to be provided would be
or become less than $20, the Company will have the right to change the frequency
of payments to such intervals as will result in payments of at least $20. In no
event will the Company make payments under an annuity option less frequently
than annually.
ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTIONS
The Contract Owner may, upon prior written notice to the Company, at any time
prior to the Annuitization Date, elect one of the following Annuity Payment
Options:
(1) Life Annuity-An annuity payable periodically, but at least annually,
during the lifetime of the Annuitant, ending with the last payment due
prior to the death of the Annuitant. 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
designated second individual and continuing thereafter during the
lifetime of the survivor. AS IS THE CASE UNDER OPTION 1 ABOVE, THERE IS
NO MINIMUM NUMBER OF PAYMENTS GUARANTEED UNDER THIS OPTION. PAYMENTS
CEASE UPON THE DEATH OF THE LAST SURVIVING ANNUITANT 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 be made for the remainder of the selected guaranteed period
to a designee chosen by the Contract Owner at the time the Annuity
Payment Option was elected.
Alternatively, the designee may elect to receive the present value of any
remaining guaranteed payments in a lump sum. The present value will be
computed as of the date on which the Company receives the notice of the
Annuitant's death.
Some of the stated Annuity Options may not be available in all states. The
Contract Owner may request an alternative option prior to the Annuitization Date
subject to approval by the Company.
For Non-Qualified Contracts, no Distribution will be made until an Annuity
Payment Option has been elected. Qualified Contracts, IRAs, SEP IRAs and Tax
Sheltered Annuities are subject to the "minimum distribution" requirements set
forth in the plan, Contract, or Code.
DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER - NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
For Non-Qualified Contracts, if the Contract Owner and the Annuitant are not the
same and a Contract Owner dies prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contingent
Owner becomes the new Contract Owner. If a Contingent Owner is not named or
predeceases the Contract Owner, then Distribution of the Contract will be made
to the Annuitant, unless the Contract Owner has named his or her estate at the
time of application to receive the Distribution. The entire interest in the
Contract Value less any applicable deductions (which may include a CDSC) will be
distributed in accordance with "Required Distributions for Non-Qualified
Contracts" provision.
DEATH OF ANNUITANT - NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
If the Contract Owner and Annuitant are not the same, and the Annuitant dies
prior to the Annuitization Date, a Death Benefit will be payable to the
Beneficiary, the Contingent Beneficiary, the Contract Owner, or the last
surviving Contract Owner's estate, as specified in the "Beneficiary" provision,
unless there is a surviving Contingent Annuitant. In such case, the Contingent
Annuitant becomes the Annuitant and no Death Benefit is payable.
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The Beneficiary may elect to receive the Death Benefit:
(1) in a lump sum Distribution;
(2) as an annuity payout; or
(3) as any other Distribution permitted by law and approved by the
Company.
An election must be received by the Company within 60 days of the Annuitant's
death. 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 any Contract Owner and Annuitant are the same, and the Annuitant dies before
the Annuitization Date, a Death Benefit will be payable to the Beneficiary, the
Contingent Beneficiary, the Contract Owner, or the last surviving Contract
Owner's estate, as specified in the "Beneficiary" provision and in accordance
with the appropriate "Required Distributions" provisions.
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 BENEFIT PAYMENT
For Contracts issued on or after the later of November 3, 1997, or the date on
which state insurance authorities approve the corresponding Contract
modifications, if the Annuitant dies prior to the first day of the calendar
month following his or her 75th birthday, the dollar amount of the Death Benefit
will be the greatest of:
(1) the Contract Value;
(2) the sum of all Purchase Payments, less an adjustment for amounts
surrendered; or
(3) the Contract Value as of the most recent five year Contract
Anniversary occurring prior to the Annuitant's 75th birthday, less
an adjustment for amounts surrendered, plus Purchase Payments
received after that five year Contract Anniversary Date.
The adjustment for amounts surrendered will reduce items (2) and (3) above in
the same proportion that the Contract Value was reduced on the dates of the
partial surrenders.
For Contracts issued prior to November 3, 1997 and for Contracts issued in those
states where contractual changes outlining the Death Benefit described above
have not been approved, if the Annuitant dies prior to the first day of the
calendar month after his or her 75th birthday, the dollar amount of the Death
Benefit will be the greater of:
(1) the sum of all Purchase Payments, increased at an annual rate of 5%
simple interest from the date of each Purchase Payment, for each
full year the payment has been in force, less any amounts
surrendered, or
(2) the Contract Value.
Please note that insurance regulations in the States of New York and North
Carolina do not permit the Death Benefit as described in (1) above. Therefore,
for those Contracts issued in the States of New York and North Carolina, the
amount of the Death Benefit will be the greater of: (1) the sum of all Purchase
Payments, less any amounts previously surrendered; or (2) Contract Value.
For Tax Sheltered Annuity Contracts issued on or after the later of May 1, 1997,
or the date on which state insurance authorities approve applicable Contract
modifications and before May 1, 1998, or the date on which insurance authorities
approve applicable Contract modifications, in state jurisdictions in which a
Unified Billing Authority is utilized in processing Purchase Payments, the Death
Benefit will be the greater of:
(1) the sum of all Purchase Payments, less any amounts previously
surrendered; or
(2) the Contract Value.
For Tax Sheltered Annuity Contracts issued on or after May 1, 1998, or the date
on which insurance authorities approve applicable Contract modifications in
state jurisdictions in which a Unified Billing Authority is utilized in
processing Purchase Payments, the Death Benefit will be the greater of;
(1) the sum of all Purchase Payments, less an adjustment for amounts
surrendered; or
(2) the Contract Value
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The adjustment for amounts surrendered will reduce item (1) above in the same
proportion that the Contract Value was reduced on the date(s) of the partial
surrender(s).
If the Annuitant dies after the first day of the calendar month after the his or
her 75th birthday and prior to Annuitization, the Death Benefit will equal the
Contract Value.
The Death Benefit value is determined as of the Valuation Date at or next
following the date the Home Office receives:
(1) proper proof of the Annuitant's death;
(2) an election specifying the Distribution Method;
(3) any state required form(s).
If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, payment will be determined
according to the selected Annuity Payment Option.
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
Upon the death of any Contract Owner or Joint Owner (including an Annuitant who
becomes the Contract Owner on the Annuitization Date), certain distributions for
Non-Qualified Contracts issued on or after January 19, 1985, are required by
Section 72(s) of the Code. Notwithstanding any provision of the Contract to the
contrary, the following Distributions will be made in accordance with such
requirements:
1. If any Contract Owner dies on or after the Annuitization Date and
before the entire interest under the Contract has been distributed,
then the remaining interest will be distributed at least as rapidly
as under the method of distribution in effect as of the date of the
Contract Owner's death.
2. If any Contract Owner dies prior to the Annuitization Date, then the
entire interest in the Contract (consisting of either the Death
Benefit or the Contract Value reduced by certain charges as set forth
elsewhere in the Contract) will be distributed within 5 years of the
death of the Contract Owner, 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 extending beyond the life expectancy of the
designated beneficiary. Payments must begin within one year of
the date 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 may elect to become the
Contract Owner in lieu of receiving a Death Benefit, and any
distributions required under these distribution rules will be
made upon the death of the spouse.
In the event that this Contract is owned by a person that 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 any
Contract Owner;
(b) any change of the Annuitant will be treated as the death of
any Contract Owner; and
(c) in either case the appropriate distribution required under
these distribution rules will be made upon the death or
change, as the case may be. The Annuitant is the primary
annuitant as defined in Section 72(s)(6)(B) of the Code.
These distribution provisions will not be applicable to any Contract that is not
required to be subject to the provisions of 72(s) of the Code by reason of
Section 72(s)(5) or any other law or rule.
Upon the death of a Contract Owner, the designated Beneficiary must elect a
method of distribution which complies with the above distribution provisions and
which is acceptable to the Company. Such election must be received by the
Company within 60 days of the Contract Owner's death.
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR QUALIFIED PLANS OR TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES
Amounts in a Qualified Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity Contract will be
distributed in a manner consistent with the Minimum Distribution and Incidental
Benefit (MDIB) provisions of Section 401(a)(9) of the Code and applicable
regulations. Amounts will be paid, notwithstanding anything else contained
herein, to the Annuitant under the Annuity Payments Option selected, over a
period not exceeding:
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(a) the life of the Annuitant or the joint lives of the Annuitant
and the Annuitant's designated beneficiary under the selected
Annuity Payment Option; or
(b) a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the
Annuitant or the joint life expectancies of the Annuitant and
the Annuitant's designated beneficiary under the selected
annuity Payment Option.
For Tax Sheltered Annuity Contracts, no Distributions will be required from this
Contract if Distributions otherwise required from this Contract are being
withdrawn from another Tax Sheltered Annuity of the Annuitant.
If the Annuitant's entire interest in a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity
is to be distributed in equal or substantially equal payments over a period
described in (a) or (b) above, such payments will commence on the required
beginning date, which is the later of:
(a) the first day of April following the calendar year in which the
Annuitant attains age 70-1/2; or
(b) when the Annuitant retires.
However, provision (b) does not apply to any employee who is a 5% Owner (as
defined in Section 416 of the Code) with respect to the plan year ending in the
calendar year in which the employee attains the age of 70-1/2.
If the Annuitant dies prior to the commencement of his or her Distribution, the
interest in the Qualified Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity must be distributed
by December 31 of the calendar year in which the fifth anniversary of his or her
death occurs unless:
(a) the Annuitant names his or her surviving spouse as the
Beneficiary and the spouse elects to receive Distribution of the
Contract in substantially equal payments over his or her life
(or a period not exceeding his or her life expectancy) and
commencing not 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 a
Distribution of the Contract in substantially equal payments
over his or her life (or a period not exceeding his or her life
expectancy) commencing not later than December 31 of the year
following the year in which the Annuitant dies.
If the Annuitant dies after Distribution has commenced, the Distribution must
continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used prior to his or
her death.
Payments commencing on the required beginning date will not be less than the
lesser of the quotient obtained by dividing the entire interest of the Annuitant
by the life expectancy of the Annuitant, or the joint life expectancies of the
Annuitant and the Annuitant's designated beneficiary (if the Annuitant dies
prior to the required beginning date) or the Beneficiary under the selected
Annuity Payment Option (if the Annuitant dies after the required beginning date)
whichever is applicable under the applicable minimum distribution or MDIB
provisions. Life expectancy and joint life expectancies are computed by the use
of return multiples contained in Section 1.72-9 of the Treasury Regulations.
If amounts distributed to the Annuitant are less than those mentioned above, a
penalty tax of 50% is levied on the excess of the amount that should have been
distributed for that year over the amount that actually was distributed for that
year.
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REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR IRAS OR SEP IRAS
Distribution from an IRA or SEP IRA must begin no later than April 1 of the
calendar year following the calendar year in which the Contract Owner attains
age 70-1/2. Distribution may be payable 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 extending beyond 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 prior to the commencement of his or her Distribution,
the interest in the IRA or SEP 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 such spouse elects to:
(i) treat the annuity as an IRA or SEP IRA established for his or
her benefit; or
(ii) receive Distribution of the Contract in substantially equal
payments over his or her life (or a period not exceeding his
or her life expectancy) and commencing not later than
December 31 of the year in which the Contract Owner would
have attained age 70-1/2; or
(b) The Contract Owner names a Beneficiary other than his or her
surviving spouse and the Beneficiary elects to receive a
Distribution of the Contract in substantially equal payments over
his or her life (or a period not exceeding his or her life
expectancy) commencing not later than December 31 of the year
following the year in which the Contract Owner dies.
No Distribution will be required from this Contract if Distributions otherwise
required from this Contract are being withdrawn from another IRA or SEP IRA of
the Contract Owner.
If the Contract Owner dies after Distribution has commenced, Distribution must
continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used prior to his or
her death, except that 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)(i) of this provision.
If the amounts distributed to the Contract Owner are less than those mentioned
above, a penalty tax of 50% is levied on the excess of the amount that should
have been distributed for that year over the amount that actually was
distributed for that year.
A pro-rata portion of all Distributions will be included in the gross income of
the person receiving the Distribution and taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
The portion of the 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 IRA or SEP 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 non-taxable Distributions
for all years, and the total balance of all IRAs.
IRA and SEP IRA Distributions will not receive the benefit of the tax treatment
of a lump sum Distribution from a Qualified Plan. If the Contract Owner dies
prior to the time Distribution of his or her interest in the annuity is
completed, the balance will also be included in his or her gross estate.
Simplified Employee Pensions (SEPs) and Salary Reduction Simplified Employee
Pensions (SAR SEPs), described in Section 408(k) of the Code are taxed in a
manner similar to IRAs, and are subject to similar distribution requirements as
IRAs. SAR SEPs cannot be established after 1996.
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR ROTH IRAS
Distributions from a Roth IRA, unlike other IRAs, are not required to commence
during the lifetime of the Contract Owner.
Upon the death of the Contract Owner, the Contract Owner's 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:
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(a) The Contract Owner names his or her surviving spouse as the
Beneficiary and such spouse elects to:
(i) treat the annuity as a Roth IRA established for his or her
benefit; or
(ii) receive Distribution of the account in substantially equal
payments over his or her life (or a period not exceeding his
or her life expectancy) and commencing not later than
December 31 of the year following the year in which the
Contract Owner would have attained 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 exceeding his or her life expectancy)
commencing not later than December 31 of the following 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 "nonqualified distributions" (see
"Federal Income Taxes").
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
The Company does not make any guarantee regarding the tax status for any
Contract or any transaction involving the Contracts. Contract Owners should
consult a financial consultant, legal counsel or tax advisor to discuss in
detail the taxation and the use of the Contracts.
Section 72 of the Code governs federal income taxation of annuities in general.
That section sets forth different rules for: (1) Qualified Contracts; (2) IRAs,
including SEP IRAs; (3) Roth IRAs; (4) Tax Sheltered Annuities; and (5)
Non-Qualified Contracts. Each type of annuity is discussed below.
Distributions to participants from Qualified Contracts or Tax Sheltered
Annuities are generally taxed when received. A portion of each Distribution is
excludable from income based on formula required by the Code. The formula
required by the Code excludes from income an amount equal to the investment in
the Contract divided by the number of anticipated payments, as determined
pursuant to Section 72(d) of the Code, until the full investment in the Contract
is recovered; thereafter all Distributions are fully taxable.
Distributions from IRAs and SEP IRAs and Contracts owned by Individual
Retirement Accounts are generally taxed when received. The portion of each
payment which is excludable is based on the ratio between the amount by which
nondeductible Purchase Payments to all Contracts exceeds prior non-taxable
Distributions from the Contracts, and the total account balances in the
Contracts at the time of the Distribution. The owner of such IRAs or SEP IRAs or
the Annuitant under Contracts held by Individual Retirement Accounts must
annually report to the IRS the amount of nondeductible Purchase Payments, the
amount of any Distribution, the amount by which nondeductible Purchase Payments
for all years exceed non-taxable Distributions for all years, and the total
balance in all IRAs, SEP IRAs and Individual Retirement Accounts.
Distributions of earnings from Roth IRAs are taxable or nontaxable, depending
upon whether they are "qualified distributions" or "nonqualified distributions."
A "qualified distribution" is one that satisfies the five year rule and meets
one of the following four requirements: (i) it is made on or after the date on
which the Contract Owner attains the age of 59-1/2; (ii) it is made to a
Beneficiary (or the Contract Owner's estate) on or after the death of the
Contract Owner; (iii) it is attributable to the Contract Owner's disability; or
(iv) it is a qualified first-time homebuyer distribution (as defined in Section
72(t)(2)(F) of the Code). If the Roth IRA does not have any qualified rollover
contributions from a retirement plan other than a Roth IRA (or income allocable
thereto), the five year rule is satisfied if the Distribution is not made within
the five year period beginning with the first contribution to the Roth IRA. If
the Roth IRA has any qualified rollover contributions from a retirement plan
other than a Roth IRA (or income allocable thereto), the five year rule is
satisfied if the Distribution is not made within the five taxable year period
commencing with the taxable year in which the qualified rollover contribution
was made.
A nonqualified distribution is any Distribution that is not a qualified
distribution.
A qualified distribution is not included in gross income for federal income tax
purposes. A nonqualified distribution is not includible in gross income to the
extent that such Distribution, when added to all previous Distributions, does
not exceed that aggregate amount of contributions made to the Roth IRA. Any
nonqualified 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.
Taxable Distributions will not receive the benefit of the tax treatment of a
lump sum Distribution from a qualified plan. If the Contract Owner dies prior to
the complete Distribution of the Contract, the balance will also be included in
the Contract Owner's gross estate for federal estate tax purposes.
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A change of the Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant may be treated by the IRS as a
taxable transaction.
PUERTO RICO
Under the Puerto Rico tax code, Distributions from a Non-Qualified Contract
prior to Annuitization are treated as nontaxable return of principal until the
principal is fully recovered; thereafter, all Distributions are fully taxable.
Distributions after Annuitization are treated as part taxable income and part
nontaxable return of principal. The amount excluded from gross income after
Annuitization is equal to the amount of the Distribution in excess of 3% of the
total Purchase Payments paid, until an amount equal to the total Purchase
Payments paid has been excluded; thereafter, the entire Distribution is included
in gross income. Puerto Rico does not impose an early withdrawal penalty tax.
Generally, Puerto Rico does not require income tax to be withheld from
Distributions of income. A personal adviser should be consulted.
NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS - NATURAL PERSONS AS CONTRACT OWNERS
The rules applicable to Non-Qualified Contracts provide that a portion of each
annuity payment received is excludable from taxable income based on the ratio
between the Contract Owner's investment in the Contract and the expected return
on the Contract until the investment has been recovered; thereafter the entire
amount is includable in income. The maximum amount excludable from income is the
investment in the Contract. If the Annuitant dies prior to excluding from income
the entire investment in the Contract, the Annuitant's final tax return may
reflect a deduction for the balance of the investment in the Contract.
Distributions made from the Contract prior to 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, dividends, loans, or any portion
of the Contract which is assigned or pledged; or for Contracts issued after
April 22, 1987, any portion of the Contract 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. 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 any 12 month period, will be
treated as one annuity contract. Additional limitations on the use of multiple
contracts may be imposed by Treasury Regulations. Distributions prior to the
Annuitization Date with respect to that portion of the Contract invested prior
to August 14, 1982, 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 Tax Reform Act of 1986 has changed the tax treatment of certain
Non-Qualified Contracts held by entities other than individuals. Such entities
are taxed currently on the earnings on the Contract which are attributable to
contributions made to the Contract after February 28, 1986. There are exceptions
for immediate annuities and certain Contracts owned for the benefit of an
individual. An immediate annuity, for purposes of this discussion, is a single
premium Contract on which payments begin within one year of purchase. If this
Contract is issued as the result of an exchange described in Section 1035 of the
Code, for purposes of determining whether the Contract is an immediate annuity,
it will generally be considered to have been purchased on the purchase date of
the contract given up in the exchange.
Code Section 72 also provides for a penalty tax, equal to 10% of the portion of
any Distribution that is includable in gross income, if such Distribution is
made prior to attaining age 59-1/2. The penalty tax does not apply if the
Distribution is attributable to the Contract Owner's death, disability, or is
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 for the purchase of an immediate annuity, or is allocable to
an investment in the Contract before August 14, 1982. A Contract Owner wishing
to begin taking Distributions to which the 10% tax penalty does not apply should
forward a written request to the Company. Upon receipt of a written request from
the Contract Owner, the Company will inform the Contract Owner of the procedures
pursuant to Company policy and subject to limitations of the Contract including
but not limited to first year withdrawals. Such election shall be irrevocable
and may not be amended or changed.
In order to qualify as an annuity contract under Section 72 of the Code, the
contract must provide for Distribution of the entire contract to be made upon
the death of a Contract Owner. If a Contract Owner dies prior to the
Annuitization Date, then the Joint Contract Owner, the Contingent Owner or other
named recipient must receive the Distribution within 5 years of the Contract
Owner's death. However, the recipient may elect for payments to be made over
his/her life or life expectancy provided that such payments begin within one
year from the death of the Contract Owner. If the Joint Contract Owner,
Contingent Owner or other named recipient is the surviving spouse, the spouse
may be treated as the Contract Owner and the Contract may be continued
throughout the
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life of the surviving spouse. In the event the Contract Owner dies on or after
the Annuitization Date and before the entire interest has been distributed, the
remaining portion must be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of
Distribution being used on the date of the Contract Owner's death (see "Required
Distribution For Qualified Plans and Tax Sheltered Annuities"). If the Contract
Owner is not a natural person, the death of the Annuitant (or a change in the
Annuitant) will result in a Distribution pursuant to these rules, regardless of
whether a Contingent Annuitant is named.
The Code requires that any election to receive an annuity in lieu of a lump sum
payment must be made within 60 days after the lump sum becomes payable
(generally, the election must be made within 60 days after the death of a
Contract Owner or the Annuitant). If the election is made more than 60 days
after the lump sum first becomes payable, the election will be ignored for tax
purposes, and the entire amount of the lump sum will be subject to immediate
tax. If the election is made within the 60 day period, each Distribution will be
taxable when it is paid.
NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS - NON-NATURAL PERSONS AS CONTRACT OWNERS
The foregoing discussion of the taxation of Non-Qualified Contracts applies to
Contracts owned (or, pursuant to Section 72(u) of the Code, deemed to be owned)
by individuals.
As a general rule, contracts owned by corporations, partnerships, trusts, and
similar entities ("non-natural persons"), rather than by one or more
individuals, are not treated as annuity contracts for most purposes under the
Code; in particular, they are not treated as annuity contracts for purposes of
Section 72. Therefore, the taxation rules for Distributions, as described above,
do not apply to Non-Qualified Contracts owned by non-natural persons. Rather the
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,
and is not deferred, even if the income is not distributed out of the Contract
to the Contract Owner.
The foregoing non-natural person rule does not apply to all entity-owned
contracts. A Contract that is owned by a non-natural person as an agent for an
individual is treated as owned by the individual. This exception does not apply,
however, to a non-natural person who is an employer that holds the Contract
under a non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement for one or more
employees.
The non-natural person rules also do not apply to a Contract that is:
(a) acquired by the estate of a decedent by reason of the death of the
decedent;
(b) issued in connection with certain qualified retirement plans and
individual retirement plans;
(c) used in connection with certain structured settlements;
(d) purchased by an employer upon the termination of certain qualified
retirement plans; or
(e) an immediate annuity.
QUALIFIED PLANS, IRA, SEP IRAS AND TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES
Contract Owners seeking information regarding eligibility, limitations on
permissible amounts of Purchase Payments, and the tax consequences of
distributions from Qualified Plans, Tax Sheltered Annuities, IRAs, SEP IRAs and
other plans that receive favorable tax treatment should seek competent advice;
the terms of such plans may limit the rights available under the Contracts.
Pursuant to Section 403(b)(1)(E) Code, a Contract that is issued as a
Tax-Sheltered Annuity is required to limit the amount of the Purchase Payment
for any year to an amount that does not exceed the limit set forth in Section
402(g) of the Code, as it is from time to time increased to reflect increases in
the cost of living. This limit may be reduced by any deposits, contributions or
payments made to any other Tax-Sheltered Annuity or other plan, contract or
arrangement by or on behalf of the Contract Owner.
The Code permits the rollover of most Distributions from Qualified Plans to
other Qualified Plans, IRAs or SEP IRAs. Most Distributions from Tax-Sheltered
Annuities may be rolled into another Tax-Sheltered Annuity, IRA or SEP IRA.
Distributions that may not be rolled over are those which are:
(a) one of a series of substantially equal annual (or more frequent)
payments made:
(i) over the life (or life expectancy) of the Contract Owner;
(ii)over the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the
Contract Owner and the Contract Owner's designated Beneficiary;
or
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(iii) for a specified period of ten years or more; or
(b) a required minimum distribution.
Any Distribution eligible for rollover will be subject to federal tax
withholding at a rate of twenty percent (20%) unless the Distribution is
transferred directly to an appropriate plan as described above.
The Contract is available for Qualified Plans electing to comply with Section
404(c) of ERISA. It is the responsibility of the plan and its fiduciaries to
determine and satisfy the requirements of Section 404(c).
IRAs and SEP IRAs may not provide life insurance benefits. If the Death Benefit
exceeds the greater of the cash value of the Contract or the sum of all Purchase
Payments (less any surrenders), it is possible the IRS could determine that the
IRA or SEP IRA did not qualify for the desired tax treatment.
ROTH IRAS
The Contract may be purchased as a Roth IRA. The Contract Owner should seek
competent advice as to the tax consequences associated with the use of a
Contract as a Roth IRA, for information regarding eligibility to invest in a
Roth IRA, for limitations on permissible amounts of Purchase Payments that may
be made to a Roth IRA, and as to the tax consequences of Distributions from Roth
IRAs.
The Code permits the rollover of most Distributions from Individual Retirement
Accounts or IRAs to Roth IRAs. The rollovers are subject to federal income tax
as Distributions from the Individual Retirement Account or IRA. For rollovers
that take place in 1998, the income from rollover is included in income ratably
over the four year period commencing in 1998. For rollovers in subsequent years,
the entire amount of income from the rollover will be required to be included in
income in the year of the rollover Distribution from the Individual Retirement
Account or IRA.
A Distribution from a Roth IRA that received the proceeds of a rollover from an
Individual Retirement Account or IRA within the previous five years could be
subject to a 10% penalty even if the Distribution is not taxable. In addition,
if the rollover from the Individual Retirement Account or IRA was made in 1998
and the income from that rollover was included in income ratably over a four
year period, a Distribution from the Roth IRA within four years of the rollover
may be subject to an additional 10% penalty.
WITHHOLDING
The Company is required to withhold tax from certain Distributions to the extent
that such Distribution would constitute income to the Contract Owner or other
payee. The Contract Owner or other payee is entitled to elect not to have
federal income tax withheld from certain types of Distributions, but may be
subject to penalties in the event insufficient federal income tax is withheld
during a calendar year. However, if the IRS notifies the Company that the
Contract Owner or other payee has furnished an incorrect taxpayer identification
number, or if the Contract Owner or other payee fails to provide a taxpayer
identification number, the Distributions may be subject to back-up withholding
at the statutory rate which is presently 31% and which cannot be waived by the
Contract Owner or other payee.
FEDERAL ESTATE, GIFT, AND GENERATION SKIPPING TRANSFER TAXES
A transfer of the Contract from one Contract Owner to another, or the payment of
a Distribution under the Contract to someone other than a Contract Owner, may
constitute a gift for federal gift tax purposes. Upon the death of the Contract
Owner, the value of the Contract may be included in his or her gross estate for
federal estate tax purposes, even if all or a portion of the value is also
subject to federal income taxes.
The Company may be required to determine whether the Death Benefit or any other
payment or Distribution constitutes a "direct skip" as defined in Section 2612
of the Code, and the amount of the generation skipping transfer tax, if any,
resulting from such direct skip. A direct skip may occur when property is
transferred to, or a Death Benefit or other Distribution is made to:
(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 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.
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If the Company determines that a generation-skipping transfer tax is required to
be paid by reason of a direct skip, the Company is required to reduce the amount
of such Death Benefit, Distribution, or other payment by such tax liability, and
pay the tax liability directly to the IRS.
Federal estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax consequences, and
state and local estate, inheritance, succession, generation skipping transfer,
and other tax consequences of owning or transferring a Contract, and of
receiving a Distribution, Death Benefit, or other payment, depend on the
circumstances of the person owning or transferring the Contract, or person
receiving a Distribution, Death Benefit, or other payment.
CHARGE FOR TAX
The Company is no longer required to maintain a capital gain reserve liability
on Non-Qualified Contracts since capital gains attributable to assets held in
Sub-Accounts for such Contracts are not taxable to the Company. However, the
Company reserves the right to implement and adjust the tax charge in the future
if the tax laws change.
DIVERSIFICATION
The IRS has promulgated regulations under Section 817(h) of the Code relating to
diversification standards for the investments underlying a variable annuity
contract. The regulations provide that a variable annuity contract which does
not satisfy the diversification standards will not be treated as an annuity
contract, unless the failure to satisfy the regulations was inadvertent, the
failure is corrected, and the Contract Owner or the Company pays an amount to
the IRS. The amount will be based on the 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 failure to diversify is not
corrected in this manner, the Contract Owner contract will be deemed the owner
of the underlying securities and will be taxed on the earnings of his or her
account. The Company believes, under its interpretation of the Code and
regulations thereunder, that the investments underlying this Contract meet these
diversification standards.
Representatives of the IRS have suggested, from time to time, that the number of
Underlying Mutual Funds available or the number of transfer opportunities
available under a variable product may be relevant in determining whether the
product qualifies for the desired tax treatment. No formal guidance has been
issued in this area. Should the Secretary of the Treasury issue additional rules
or regulations limiting the number of Underlying Mutual Funds, transfers between
Underlying Mutual Funds, exchanges of Underlying Mutual Funds or changes in
investment objectives of Underlying Mutual Funds such that the Contract would no
longer qualify as an annuity under Section 72 of the Code, the Company will take
whatever steps are available to remain in compliance.
TAX CHANGES
The Code has been subjected to numerous amendments and changes and it is
reasonable to believe that it will continue to be revised. The United States
Congress has considered numerous legislative proposals that, if enacted, could
change the tax treatment of the Contracts. It is reasonable to believe that such
proposals, may be enacted into law. In addition, the Treasury Department may
amend existing regulations, issue new regulations, or adopt new interpretations
of existing law that may be in variance with its current positions on these
matters. In addition, state law (which is not discussed herein) may affect the
tax consequences of the Contract.
The foregoing discussion, which is based on the Company's understanding of
federal tax laws as they are currently interpreted by the IRS, is general and is
not intended as tax advice. Statutes, regulations, and rulings are subject to
interpretation by the courts. The courts may determine that a different
interpretation than the currently favored interpretation is appropriate, thereby
changing the operation of the rules that are applicable to annuity contracts.
Any of the foregoing may change from time to time without any notice, and the
tax consequences arising out of a Contract may be changed retroactively. There
is no way of predicting whether, when, and to what extent any such change may
take place. No representation is made as to the likelihood of the continuation
of these current laws, interpretations and policies.
THE FOREGOING IS A GENERAL EXPLANATION AS TO CERTAIN TAX MATTERS PERTAINING TO
ANNUITY CONTRACTS. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE, AND SHOULD NOT
TAKE THE PLACE OF YOUR INDEPENDENT LEGAL, TAX AND/OR FINANCIAL ADVISOR.
41
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<PAGE> 44
GENERAL INFORMATION
CONTRACT OWNER INQUIRIES
Contract Owner inquiries may be directed to the Company by writing P.O. Box
182437, Columbus, Ohio 43216, or calling 1-800-451-0070, TDD 1-800-238-3035.
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS
The Company will mail to Contract Owners, at their last known address, any
statements and reports required by law. Contract Owners should promptly notify
the Company of any address change. Statements are mailed detailing the
Contract's quarterly activity. The Company will also send a confirmation
statement to Contract Owners each time a transaction is made affecting the
Contract Value. However, instead of receiving an immediate confirmation of
transactions made pursuant to some types of recurring payment plans (such as a
dollar cost averaging program or salary reduction arrangement), the Contract
Owner may receive confirmation of such transactions in their quarterly
statements. The Contract Owner should review the information in these statements
carefully. All errors or corrections must be reported to the Company immediately
to assure proper crediting to the Contract. The Company will assume all
transactions are accurately reported on quarterly statements or confirmation
statements unless the Contract Owner notifies the Home Office within 30 days
after receipt of the statement. The Company will also send to Contract Owners a
semi-annual report as of June 30 and an annual report as of December 31,
containing financial statements for the Variable Account.
ADVERTISING
A "yield" and "effective yield" may be advertised for the NSAT-Money Market
Fund. "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 NSAT-Money Market Fund's
units. Yield is an annualized figure, which means that it is assumed that the
NSAT-Money Market Fund 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.
The Company may also from time to time advertise the performance of a
Sub-Account of the Variable Account relative to the performance of other
variable annuity sub-accounts or 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; CDs; bank
money market deposit accounts and passbook savings; and the Consumer Price
Index.
The Sub-Accounts may also be compared to certain market indexes, which may
include, but are not limited to: S&P 500; Shearson/Lehman Intermediate
Government/Corporate Bond Index; Shearson/Lehman Long-Term Government/Corporate
Bond Index; Donoghue Money Fund Average; U.S. Treasury Note Index; Bank Rate
Monitor National Index of 2 1/2 Year CD Rates; and Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Normally these rankings and ratings are published by independent tracking
services and publications of general interest including, but not limited to:
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, U.S. News and World Report; rating services such as LIMRA, Value,
Best's Agent Guide, Western Annuity Guide, Comparative Annuity Reports; and
other publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Investor's Daily,
and Standard & Poor's Outlook. In addition, Variable Annuity Research & Data
Service (The VARDS Report) is an independent rating service that ranks over 500
variable annuity funds based upon total return performance. These rating
services and publications rank the performance of the Underlying Mutual Fund
options against all underlying mutual funds over specified periods and against
underlying mutual funds in specified categories. The rankings may or may not
include the effects of sales charges or other fees.
The Company is also ranked and rated by independent financial rating services,
among which are Moody's, Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best Company. The purpose of
these ratings is to reflect the financial strength or claims-paying ability of
the Company. The ratings are not intended to reflect the investment experience
or financial strength of the Variable Account. The Company may advertise these
ratings from time to time. In addition, the Company may include in certain
advertisements, endorsements in the form of a list of organizations, individuals
or other parties which recommend the Company or the Contracts. Furthermore, the
Company may occasionally include in advertisements comparisons of currently
taxable and tax deferred investment programs, based on selected tax brackets, or
discussions of alternative investment vehicles and general economic conditions.
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<PAGE> 45
The Company may, from time to time, advertise several types of historical
performance of the Sub-Accounts. The Company may advertise for the Sub-Account's
standardized "average annual total return," calculated in a manner prescribed by
the SEC, and nonstandardized "total return." "Average annual total return"
illustrates 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 the Underlying Mutual Fund option has not been available for the
prescribed periods. THIS CALCULATION REFLECTS THE DEDUCTION OF ALL APPLICABLE
CHARGES MADE TO THE CONTRACTS EXCEPT FOR PREMIUM TAXES, WHICH MAY BE IMPOSED BY
CERTAIN STATES.
Nonstandardized "total return," calculated similar to standardized "average
annual total return," illustrates the percentage rate of return of a
hypothetical initial investment of $10,000 for the most recent one, five and ten
year periods, or for a period covering the time the Underlying Mutual Fund
option has been in existence. For those Underlying Mutual Fund options which
have not been held as Sub-Accounts for one of the prescribed periods, the
nonstandardized total return illustrations will show the investment performance
such Underlying Mutual Fund options would have achieved (reduced by the same
charges except the CDSC) had such Underlying Mutual Fund options been available
in the Variable Account for the periods quoted. THE CDSC IS NOT REFLECTED
BECAUSE THE CONTRACTS ARE DESIGNED FOR LONG TERM INVESTMENT. THE CDSC, IF
REFLECTED, WOULD DECREASE THE LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE SHOWN. AN INITIAL INVESTMENT
OF $10,000 IS ASSUMED BECAUSE THAT AMOUNT MORE CLOSELY APPROXIMATES THE SIZE OF
A TYPICAL CONTRACT THAN DOES THE $1,000 ASSUMPTION USED IN CALCULATING THE
STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN QUOTATIONS.
The standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized total return
quotations reflected below are calculated as described in this section using
Underlying Mutual Fund performance for the period ended December 31, 1997.
However, the Company generally provides performance quotations on a more
frequent basis, the results of which could reflect better or worse results than
shown below. The quotations and other comparative material advertised by the
Company are based upon historical earnings and are not intended to represent or
guarantee future results. A Contract Owner's Contract Value at redemption may be
more or less than the original cost.
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<PAGE> 46
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=====================================================================================================================
SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS 1 Year to 5 Years to 10 Years or Date Date Fund
12/31/97 12/31/97 Fund Available in Available in
Variable Account to Variable Account
12/31/97
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AIM Variable Insurance Funds, N/A N/A -35.52% 11-03-97
Inc.- AIM V.I. Capital
Appreciation Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIM Variable Insurance Funds, N/A N/A -14.72% 11-03-97
Inc.- AIM V.I. International
Equity Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable 2.96% 4.64% 4.06% 08-15-91
Portfolios, Inc.- American
Century VP Advantage
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable -12.47% 1.29% 3.25% 02-14-91
Portfolios, Inc.- American
Century VP Capital Appreciation
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable N/A N/A 18.32% 11-03-97
Portfolios, Inc.- American
Century VP Income & Growth
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dreyfus Socially 18.37% N/A 17.61% 05-02-94
Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc. 22.83% N/A 16.45% 09-20-93
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable Investment N/A N/A 6.41% 11-03-97
Fund- Capital Appreciation
Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable Investment -0.41% N/A 0.55% 09-01-95
Fund- Quality Bond Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable Investment 6.83% N/A 13.01% 05-02-94
Fund- Small Cap Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income 18.04% N/A 14.73% 09-20-93
Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP High Income 7.74% N/A 8.59% 05-02-94
Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 47
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=====================================================================================================================
SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS 1 Year to 5 Years to 10 Years or Date Date Fund
12/31/97 12/31/97 Fund Available in Available in
Variable Account to Variable Account
12/31/97
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Janus Aspen Series- N/A N/A -12.55% 11-03-97
International Growth Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Government Bond Fund -0.16% 2.80% 5.51%* 12-17-82
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Money Market Fund -4.51% -0.22% 1.52%* 12-07-82
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT- Nationwide High Income N/A N/A 3.76% 11-03-97
Bond Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Total Return Fund 19.35% 13.55% 12.02%* 12-21-82
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman AMT- 9.50% 5.60% 6.48% 02-14-91
Balanced Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc. 15.42% N/A 13.89% 09-01-95
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Templeton Variable Products 4.07% N/A 9.00% 05-02-94
Series Fund-Templeton
International Fund Class 1
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
*Represents 10 years to 12-31-97.
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<PAGE> 48
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
NON-STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=====================================================================================================================
SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS 1 Year to 5 Years to 10 Years to Date Fund
12/31/97 12/31/97 12/31/97 or Life of Effective
Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AIM Variable Insurance Funds, 11.75% N/A 16.88% 05-05-93
Inc.- AIM V.I. Capital
Appreciation Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIM Variable Insurance Funds, 5.25% N/A 11.19% 05-05-93
Inc.- AIM V.I. International
Equity Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable 11.06% 7.52% 6.94% 08-01-91
Portfolios, Inc.- American
Century VP Advantage
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable -4.82% 4.12% 7.07%* 11-20-87
Portfolios, Inc.- American
Century VP Capital Appreciation
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable N/A N/A N/A 10-30-97
Portfolios, Inc.- American
Century VP Income & Growth
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dreyfus Socially 26.47% N/A 19.63% 10-06-93
Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc. 30.93% 17.90% 14.09% 09-29-89
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable Investment 26.11% N/A 17.81% 04-05-93
Fund- Capital Appreciation
Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable Investment 7.69% 6.71% 7.91% 08-31-90
Fund- Quality Bond Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable Investment 14.93% 24.32% 42.04% 08-31-90
Fund- Small Cap Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income 26.14% 18.35% 15.04%* 10-09-86
Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP High Income 15.84% 12.21% 11.13%* 09-19-85
Portfolio
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 49
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
NON-STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=====================================================================================================================
SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS 1 Year to 5 Years to 10 Years or Date Date Fund
12/31/97 12/31/97 Fund Available in Effective
Variable Account to
12/31/97
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Janus Aspen Series- 16.69% N/A 17.49% 05-02-94
International Growth Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Government Bond Fund 7.94% 5.72% 7.63%* 11-08-82
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Money Market Fund 3.59% 2.88% 4.00%* 11-10-81
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Nationwide High Income N/A N/A N/A 10-31-97
Bond Fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT - Total Return Fund 27.45% 16.16% 13.94%* 11-08-82
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman AMT- 17.60% 8.50% 9.54% 02-28-89
Balanced Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Opportunity Fund II, 23.52% 17.54% 18.28% 05-08-92
Inc.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Templeton Variable Products 12.17% 16.95% 13.29% 05-01-92
Series Fund-Templeton
International Fund Class 1
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
*Represents 10 years to 12-31-97.
47
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<PAGE> 50
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUES
The Company has developed a plan to address issues related to the Year 2000. The
problem relates to many existing computer programs using only two digits to
identify a year in the date field. These programs were designed and developed
without considering the impact of the upcoming change in the century. If not
corrected, many computer applications could fail or create erroneous results by
or at the Year 2000. The Company has been evaluating its exposure to the Year
2000 issue through a review of all of its operating systems as well as
dependencies on the systems of others since 1996. The Company expects all system
changes and replacements needed to achieve Year 2000 compliance to be completed
by the end of 1998. Compliance testing will be completed in the first quarter of
1999. The Company charges all costs associated with these system changes as the
costs are incurred.
Operating expenses in 1997 include approximately $45 million on technology
projects, which includes costs related to Year 2000 and the development of a new
policy administration system for traditional life insurance products and other
system enhancements. The Company anticipates spending a comparable amount in
1998 on technology projects, including Year 2000 initiatives. These expenses do
not have an effect on the assets of the Variable Account and are not charged
through to the Contract Owner.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company 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 the Company.
The General Distributor, Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. is not engaged in
any litigation of any material nature.
In recent years, life insurance companies have been named as defendants in
lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, relating to life insurance pricing
and sales practices. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in substantial
jury awards or settlements. In February 1997, Nationwide Life Insurance Company
was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court related to
the sale of whole life policies on a "vanishing premium" basis (John H. Snyder
v. Nationwide Life Insurance Co.). The plaintiff in such lawsuit seeks to
represent a national class of Nationwide Life policyholders and claims
unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. This lawsuit has not been
certified as a class action. In April 1997, a motion to dismiss the Snyder
complaint in its entirety was filed by the defendants, and the plaintiff has
opposed such motion.
In November 1997, two plaintiffs, one who was the owner of a variable life
insurance contract and the other who was the owner of a variable annuity
contract, commenced an action against Nationwide Life Insurance Company and the
American Century group of defendants (Robert Young and David D. Distad v.
Nationwide Life Insurance Company et al.). In this action, plaintiffs seek to
represent a class of variable life insurance contract owners and variable
annuity contract owners whom they claim were allegedly misled when purchasing
these variable contracts into believing that some portion of their premiums were
invested in a publicly traded mutual fund when, in fact, the premium monies were
invested in a mutual fund whose shares may only be purchased by insurance
companies. The complaint seeks unspecified compensatory, treble and punitive
damages. In January 1998, both Nationwide Life Insurance Company and American
Century filed motions to dismiss the entire complaint. Plaintiffs' counsel have
opposed these motions and the federal court in Texas heard arguments on the
motions to dismiss in April 1998. This lawsuit is in an early stage and has not
been certified as a class action. Nationwide Life Insurance Company intends to
defend this case vigorously.
There can be no assurance that any litigation relating to pricing and sales
practices will not have a material adverse effect on the Company in the future.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PAGE
General Information and History..............................................1
Services.....................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered.........................................2
Underwriters.................................................................2
Calculation of Performance...................................................2
Annuity Payments.............................................................3
Financial Statements.........................................................4
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<PAGE> 51
APPENDIX A
Purchase Payments under the Fixed Account of the Contract and transfers to the
Fixed Account become part of the general account of the Company, which support
insurance and annuity obligations. Because of exemptive and exclusionary
provisions, interests in the general account have not been registered under the
"1933 Act" nor is the general account registered as an investment company under
the "1940 Act." Accordingly, neither the general account nor any interest
therein are subject to the provisions of the 1933 or 1940 Acts, and we have been
advised that the staff of the SEC has not reviewed the disclosures in this
prospectus which relate to the Fixed Account. Disclosures regarding the Fixed
Account and the general account may be subject to certain provisions of the
federal securities law relating to the accuracy and completeness of statements
made in prospectuses.
FIXED ACCOUNT ALLOCATIONS
THE FIXED ACCOUNT
The Fixed Account is made up of all the general assets of the Company, other
than those in the Variable Account and any other segregated asset account.
Purchase Payments will be allocated to the Fixed Account by election of the
Contract Owner.
The Company will invest the assets of the Fixed Account in those assets chosen
by the Company and allowed by applicable law. Investment income from such assets
will be allocated by the Company between itself and the Contracts participating
in the Fixed Account.
Investment income from the Fixed Account includes compensation for mortality and
expense risks borne by the Company in connection with Fixed Account Contracts.
The amount of such investment income allocated to the contracts will vary from
at the sole discretion of the Company at such rate(s) as the Company
prospectively declares. The guaranteed rate for any Purchase Payment will remain
in effect for a period not less than twelve months. However, the Company
guarantees that it will credit interest at not less than 3.0% per year. ANY
INTEREST CREDITED TO AMOUNTS ALLOCATED TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT IN EXCESS OF 3.0%
PER YEAR WILL BE DETERMINED AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE COMPANY. 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. New Purchase
Payments deposited to the Contract which are allocated to the Fixed Account may
receive a different rate of interest than money transferred from the
Sub-Accounts to the Fixed Account and amounts maturing in the Fixed Account at
the expiration of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period.
The Company 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 any applicable charges including
CDSC.
TRANSFERS
For transfers from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account, refer to the
"Transfers" provision of the prospectus.
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<PAGE> 52
APPENDIX B
OBJECTIVES FOR PARTICIPATING UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS
THE UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS LISTED BELOW ARE DESIGNED PRIMARILY AS INVESTMENT
VEHICLES FOR VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS AND VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
ISSUED BY INSURANCE COMPANIES. THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES WILL BE ACHIEVED.
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. is an open-end, series, management investment
company. Shares of the Funds are currently offered to insurance company separate
accounts to fund benefits of variable annuity contracts and variable life
insurance policies. A I M Advisors, Inc. ("AIM"), the investment advisor for
each Fund, continuously reviews and, from time to time, changes the portfolio
holdings of each Fund in pursuit of each Fund's objective.
-AIM V.I. CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND
The Fund's investment objective is to seek capital appreciation through
investments in common stocks, with emphasis on medium-sized and smaller
emerging growth companies. The Fund's portfolio is primarily comprised of
securities of two basic categories of companies: (1) "core" companies,
which AIM considers to have experienced above-average and consistent
long-term growth in earnings and to have excellent prospects for
outstanding future growth, and (2) "earnings acceleration" companies
which AIM believes are currently enjoying a dramatic increase in profits.
Any income received from such securities held by the Fund is incidental.
-AIM V.I. INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
The Fund's investment objective is to seek to provide long-term growth of
capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of international equity
securities the issuers of which are considered by AIM to have strong
earnings momentum. It is expected that the Fund's portfolio, when fully
invested, will generally be comprised of two basic categories of foreign
companies: (1) "core" companies, which AIM considers to have experienced
consistent long-term growth in earnings and to have strong prospects for
outstanding future growth, and (2) companies that AIM believes are
currently experiencing a greater than anticipated increase in earnings.
Any income realized by the Fund will be incidental and will not be an
important criterion in the selection of portfolio securities.
AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE PORTFOLIOS, INC., A MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN CENTURY(SM)
FAMILY OF INVESTMENTS
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. was organized as a Maryland
corporation in 1987. It is a diversified, open-end management investment
company, which offers its shares only as investment vehicles for variable
annuity and variable life insurance products of insurance companies. American
Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. is managed by American Century Investment
Management, Inc.
-AMERICAN CENTURY VP ADVANTAGE
Investment Objective: Current income and capital growth. The Fund will
seek to achieve its objective by investing in three types of securities.
The Fund's investment manager intends to invest approximately (i) 20% of
the Fund's assets in securities of the United States government and its
agencies and instrumentalities and repurchase agreements collateralized
by such securities with a weighted average maturity of six months or
less, i.e., cash or cash equivalents; (ii) 40% of the Fund's assets in
fixed income securities of the United States government and its agencies
and instrumentalities with a weighted average maturity of three to ten
years; and (iii) 40% of the Fund's assets in equity securities that are
considered by management to have better-than-average prospects for
appreciation. Assets will be purchased or sold, as the case may be, as is
necessary in response to changes in market value to maintain the asset
mix of the Fund's portfolio at approximately 60% cash, cash equivalents
and fixed income securities and 40% equity securities. There can be no
assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
-AMERICAN CENTURY VP CAPITAL APPRECIATION
Investment Objective: Capital growth. The Fund will seek to achieve its
objective by investing in common stocks (including securities convertible
into common stocks and other equity equivalents) that meet certain
fundamental and technical standards of selection and have, in the opinion
of the Fund's investment
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<PAGE> 53
manager, better than average potential for appreciation. The Fund tries
to stay fully invested in such securities, regardless of the movement of
stock prices generally.
The Fund may invest in cash and cash equivalents temporarily or when it
is unable to find common stocks meeting its criteria of selection. It may
purchase securities only of companies that have a record of at least
three years continuous operation. There can be no assurance that the Fund
will achieve its investment objective.
-AMERICAN CENTURY VP INCOME & GROWTH
Investment Objective: Dividend growth, current income and capital
appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by
investing primarily in common stocks. The investment manager constructs
the portfolio to match the risk characteristics of the S&P 500 Stock
Index and then optimizes each portfolio to achieve the desired balance of
risk and return potential. This includes targeting a dividend yield that
exceeds that of the S&P 500. Such a management technique, known as
portfolio optimization, may cause the Fund to be more heavily invested in
some industries than in others. However, the Fund may not invest more
than 25% of its total assets in companies whose principal business
activities are in the same industry.
DREYFUS STOCK INDEX FUND
The Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc. ("Fund") is an open-end, non-diversified,
management investment company incorporated under Maryland law on January 24,
1989 and commenced operations on September 29, 1989. The Fund offers its shares
only as investment vehicles for variable annuity and variable life insurance
products of insurance companies. The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus") serves as
the Fund's manager, while Mellon Equity Associates, an affiliate of Dreyfus,
serves as the Fund's index manager.
Investment Objective: To provide investment results that correspond to
the price and yield performance of publicly traded common stocks in the
aggregate, as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock
Price Index. The Fund is neither sponsored by nor affiliated with
Standard & Poor's Corporation.
THE DREYFUS SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GROWTH FUND, INC.
The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. is an open-end, diversified,
management investment company incorporated under Maryland law on July 20, 1992
and commenced operations on October 7, 1993. The Fund offers its share only as
investment vehicles for variable annuity and variable life insurance products of
insurance companies. The Dreyfus Corporation serves as the Fund's investment
adviser. NCM Capital Management Group, Inc. serves as the Fund's sub-investment
adviser and provides day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio.
Investment Objective: Capital growth through equity investment in
companies that, in the opinion of the Fund's advisers, not only meet
traditional investment standards, but which also show evidence that they
conduct their business in a manner that contributes to the enhancement
of the quality of life in America. Current income is secondary to the
primary goal.
DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund ("Fund") is an open-end, management investment
company. It was organized as an unincorporated business trust under the laws of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on October 29, 1986 and commenced operations
on August 31, 1990. The Fund offers its shares only as investment vehicles for
variable annuity and variable life insurance products of insurance companies.
The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus") serves as the Fund's manager. Dreyfus is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Mellon Bank Corporation.
-CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: The Portfolio's primary investment objective is to
provide long-term capital growth consistent with the preservation of
capital; current income is a secondary investment objective. This
Portfolio invests primarily in the common stocks of domestic and foreign
issuers.
-QUALITY BOND PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: To provide the maximum amount of current income to
the extent consistent with the preservation of capital and the
maintenance of liquidity. The Portfolio invests in debt obligations of
corporations, the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities,
and major U.S. banking institutions. At least 80% of the value of the
Portfolio's net assets will consist of obligation of securities
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<PAGE> 54
issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government
or its agencies or instrumentalities and corporations which, at the time
of purchase by the Portfolio's, are rated at least A by Moody's or
Standard & Poor's, or determined to be of comparable quality by The
Dreyfus Corporation. The Quality Bond Portfolio also may invest in
Municipal Obligations. In addition, at least 65% of the value of the
Series assets (except when maintaining a temporary defensive position)
will be invested in bond, debentures and other debt instruments.
-SMALL CAP PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: Seeks to maximize capital appreciation. The
Portfolio invests principally in common stocks. This Portfolio will be
particularly alert to companies which Dreyfus considers to be emerging
smaller-sized companies believed to be characterized by new or innovative
products, services or processes which should enhance prospects for growth
in future earnings.
FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND
The Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund (VIP) is an open-end, diversified,
management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on
November 13, 1981. Shares of VIP Fund are purchased by insurance companies to
fund benefits under variable life insurance policies and variable annuity
contracts. Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR") is the manager for VIP
Fund and its portfolios.
-VIP EQUITY-INCOME PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: Reasonable income by investing primarily in
income-producing equity securities. In choosing these securities FMR also
will consider the potential for capital appreciation. The Portfolio's
goal is to achieve a yield which exceeds the composite yield on the
securities comprising the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price
Index.
-VIP HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: High level of current income by investing primarily
in high-risk, lower-rated, high-yielding, fixed-income securities, while
also considering growth of capital. FMR will seek high current income
normally by investing the Portfolio's assets as follows:
- at least 65% in income-producing debt securities and preferred
stocks, including convertible securities
- up to 20% in common stocks and other equity securities when
consistent with the Portfolio's primary objective or acquired as
part of a unit combining fixed-income and equity securities
Higher yields are usually available on securities that are lower-rated or
that are unrated. Lower-rated securities are usually defined as Ba or
lower by Moody's Investor Services, Inc. ("Moody's"); BB or lower by
Standard & Poor's and may be deemed to be of a speculative nature. The
Portfolio may also purchase lower-quality bonds such as those rated Ca3
by Moody's or C- by Standard & Poor's which provide poor protection for
payment of principal and interest (commonly referred to as "junk bonds").
For a further discussion of lower-rated securities, please see the "Risks
of Lower-Rated Debt Securities" section of the Portfolio's prospectus.
JANUS ASPEN SERIES
The Janus Aspen Series is an open-end, management investment company whose
shares are offered in connection with investment in and payments under variable
annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies, as well as certain
qualified retirement plans. Janus Capital Corporation serves as investment
adviser to each Portfolio.
-INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: Seeks long-term growth of capital. It pursues this
objective primarily through investments in common stocks of issuers
located outside the United States. The Portfolio has the flexibility to
invest in a worldwide basis in companies and other organizations of any
size, regardless of country of organization or place of principal
business activity. The Portfolio normally invests at least 65% of its
total assets in securities of issuers from at least five different
countries, excluding the United States. Although the Portfolio intends to
invest substantially all of its assets in issuers located outside the
United States, it may at times invest in U.S. issuers, and it may at
times invest all of its assets in fewer than five countries or even in a
single country.
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<PAGE> 55
NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST
Nationwide Separate Account Trust ("NSAT") is a diversified open-end management
investment company created under the laws of Massachusetts. NSAT offers shares
in the funds listed below, each with its own investment objectives. Shares of
NSAT will be sold primarily to life insurance company separate accounts to fund
the benefits under variable life insurance policies and variable annuity
contracts issued by life insurance companies. The assets of NSAT are managed by
Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Nationwide Life Insurance Company.
-GOVERNMENT BOND FUND
Investment Objective: As high a level of income as is consistent with the
preservation of capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of
securities issued or backed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities.
-MONEY MARKET FUND
Investment Objective: As high a level of current income as is considered
consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity by investing
primarily in money market instruments.
-NATIONWIDE HIGH INCOME BOND FUND
Investment Objective: Seeks to provide high current income by investing
primarily in a professionally managed, diversified portfolio of fixed
income securities. To meet its objective, the Fund intends to invest at
least 65% of its assets in lower-rated fixed income securities such as
preferred stocks, bonds, debentures, notes, equipment lease certificates
and equipment trust certificates which are rated BBB or lower by S&P or
Fitch Investors Service or Baa or lower by Moody's (or if not rated, are
determined by the Fund's subadviser to be of a comparable quality). Such
investments are commonly referred to as "junk bonds." For a further
discussion of lower-rated securities, please see the "High Yield
Securities" section of the Fund's prospectus. Federated Investment
Counseling serves as the Fund's subadviser.
-TOTAL RETURN FUND
Investment Objective: Capital growth by investing in common stocks of
companies that NAS believes will have above-average earnings or otherwise
provide investors with above-average potential for capital appreciation.
To maximize this potential, NAS may also utilize from time to time,
securities convertible into common stock, warrants and options to
purchase such stocks.
NEUBERGER & BERMAN ADVISERS MANAGEMENT TRUST
Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust ("N&B AMT") is an open-end
diversified management investment company established as a Massachusetts
business trust on December 14, 1983. Shares of the N&B Trust are offered in
connection with certain variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance
policies issued through life insurance company separate accounts and are also
offered directly to qualified pension and retirement plans outside of the
separate account context. The investment adviser is Neuberger & Berman
Management Incorporated ("N&B Management").
-AMT BALANCED PORTFOLIO
Investment Objective: Long-term capital growth and reasonable current
income without undue risk to principal. The Portfolio will seek to
achieve its objective through investment of a portion of its assets in
common stocks and a portion of its assets in debt securities. N&B
Management anticipates that the Portfolio's investments will normally be
managed so that approximately 60% of the Portfolio's total assets will be
invested in common stocks and the remaining assets will be invested in
debt securities. However, depending on the N&B Management's views
regarding current market trends, the common stock portion of the
Portfolio's investments may be adjusted downward as low as 50% or upward
as high as 70%. At least 25% of the Portfolio's assets will be invested
in fixed income senior securities.
STRONG OPPORTUNITY FUND II, INC. (FORMERLY "STRONG SPECIAL FUND II, INC.")
Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc. is a diversified, open-end management company
commonly called a Mutual Fund. The Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc. was
incorporated in Wisconsin and may only be purchased by the separate accounts of
insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and
variable life insurance policies. Strong Capital Management Inc. (the "Advisor")
serves as investment advisor for the Fund.
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<PAGE> 56
Investment Objective: Capital appreciation through investments in a
diversified portfolio of equity securities.
TEMPLETON VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND
Templeton Variable Products Series Fund is an open-end, diversified management
investment company organized as a business trust under the laws of Massachusetts
on February 25, 1988. The Trust was organized primarily as an investment vehicle
for use in connection with variable annuity contracts and variable life
insurance policies offered by life insurance companies The investment manager is
Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc.
-TEMPLETON INTERNATIONAL FUND CLASS I
Investment Objective: To seek long-term capital growth through a flexible
policy of investing in stocks and debt obligations of companies and
governments outside the United States. Any income realized will be
incidental.
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<PAGE> 57
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MAY 1, 1998
DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS ISSUED
BY THE NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
THROUGH ITS NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It contains
information in addition to and more detailed than set forth in the prospectus
and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated May 1, 1998. The
prospectus may be obtained from Nationwide Life Insurance Company by writing
P.O. Box 182437, One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216, or calling
1-800-451-0070, TDD 1-800-238-3035.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
General Information and History...........................................1
Services..................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered......................................2
Underwriters..............................................................2
Calculation of Performance................................................2
Annuity Payments..........................................................3
Financial Statements......................................................4
GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY
Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account is a separate investment account of
Nationwide Life Insurance Company ("Company"). The Company is a member of the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. All of the Company's common stock 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 its common stock is held by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (95.3%) and
Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company (4.7%), the ultimate controlling
persons of Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. The Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
is one of America's largest insurance and financial services family of
companies, with combined assets of over $83.2 billion as of December 31, 1997.
The Company, 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 such Contract Owner and
records with respect to the Contract Value of each Contract.
The Custodian of the assets of the Variable Account is the Company. The Company
will maintain a record of all purchases and redemptions of shares of the
Underlying Mutual Fund options. The Company, or affiliates of the Company, may
have entered into agreements with either the investment adviser or distributor
for several of the Underlying Mutual Funds. The agreements relate to
administrative services furnished by the Company or an affiliate of the Company
and provide for an annual fee based on the average aggregate net assets of the
Variable Account (and other separate accounts of the Company or life insurance
company subsidiaries of the Company) 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.
SERVICES
The audited financial statements have been included herein in reliance upon the
reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants, Two
Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, and upon the authority of said firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
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<PAGE> 58
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").
When a Contract described in the prospectus is exchanged for another contract
issued by the Company or any of its affiliated insurance companies of the type
and class which the Company determines is eligible for such an exchange, the
Company may waive any remaining Contingent Deferred Sales Charges on the first
Contract. A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge may apply to the contract received
in the exchange.
UNDERWRITERS
The Contracts, which are offered continuously, are distributed by Nationwide
Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"), One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. During the fiscal years ended December
31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, no underwriting commissions were paid by the Company
to NAS.
CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE
Any current yield quotations of the NSAT Money Market Fund, 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 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. At December 31, 1997, the NSAT- Money Market Fund's
seven-day current unit value yield was 4.05%. The NSAT-Money Market Fund
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 Fund. At December 31, 1997 the seven-day effective yield was 4.13%.
The NSAT-Money Market Fund 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 NSAT-Money Market Fund determines
its yield on the basis of a seven calendar 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 NSAT-Money Market
Fund'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 NSAT-Money Market Fund
is not guaranteed or insured. Yield 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 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 a maximum $30 Contract Maintenance Charge and a
1.30% Mortality, Expense Risk and Administration Charge (or if applicable,
Actuarial Risk Fee). The redeemable value also reflects the effect of any
applicable CDSC that may be imposed at the end of the period (see "Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge" located in the prospectus). No deduction is made for
premium taxes which may be assessed by certain states. Nonstandardized total
return may also be advertised, and is calculated in a manner similar to
standardized average annual total return except the nonstandardized total return
is based on a hypothetical initial investment of $10,000 and does not reflect
the deduction of any applicable CDSC. Reflecting the CDSC would decrease the
level of the performance advertised. The CDSC is not reflected because the
Contract is designed for long term investment. 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.
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<PAGE> 59
The amount of the hypothetical initial investment used affects performance
because the Contract Maintenance Charge is fixed per Contract charge.
The standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized 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. The nonstandardized annual total 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 in existence.
ANNUITY PAYMENTS
See "Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments" located in the prospectus.
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<PAGE> 1
Independent Auditors' Report
The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and
Contract Owners of Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and
contract owners' equity of Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account as of December
31, 1997, and the related statements of operations and changes in contract
owners' equity for each of the years in the two year period then ended. 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. Our procedures included
confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 1997, by correspondence with
the transfer agents of the underlying mutual funds. 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 Multi-Flex
Variable Account as of December 31, 1997, and the results of its operations and
its changes in contract owners' equity for each of the years in the two year
period then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
[KPMG Peat Marwick LLP]
Columbus, Ohio
February 6, 1998
<PAGE> 2
NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
DECEMBER 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS:
<S> <C>
Investments at market value:
AIM VI - Capital Appreciation Fund (AIMCapAp)
1,176 shares (cost $24,970) $ 25,574
AIM VI - International Equity Fund (AIMIntEq)
342 shares (cost $5,736) 5,854
American Century VP - American Century VP Advantage (ACVPAdv)
1,515,831 shares (cost $8,571,312) 10,004,485
American Century VP - American Century VP Capital Appreciation (ACVPCapAp)
3,340,132 shares (cost $32,358,628) 32,332,478
American Century VP - American Century VP Income & Growth (ACVPIncGr)
40,232 shares (cost $215,810) 216,851
The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. (DrySRGro)
832,225 shares (cost $18,087,400) 20,780,648
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)
2,118,846 shares (cost $42,816,299) 54,560,283
Dreyfus VIF - Capital Appreciation Portfolio (DryCapAp)
1,189 shares (cost $33,421) 33,176
Dreyfus VIF - Quality Bond Portfolio (DryQualBd)
401,049 shares (cost $4,606,369) 4,704,307
Dreyfus VIF - Small Cap Portfolio (DrySmCap)
1,096,414 shares (cost $56,041,300) 62,649,112
Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)
5,117,230 shares (cost $93,055,663) 124,246,336
Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio (FidVIPHI)
1,422,624 shares (cost $17,358,279) 19,319,228
Janus AS - Janus Aspen International Growth Portfolio (JanASIntGr)
1,667 shares (cost $31,017) 30,798
Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund (NSATCapAp)
3,189,257 shares (cost $41,868,525) 67,644,137
Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd)
10,794,099 shares (cost $120,611,240) 122,836,848
Nationwide SAT - High Income Bond Fund (NSATHIncBd)
280 shares (cost $2,821) 2,839
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
42,381,871 shares (cost $42,381,871) 42,381,871
Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)
34,877,449 shares (cost $359,099,234) 571,292,619
Neuberger & Berman AMT - Balanced Portfolio (NBAMTBal)
2,418,213 shares (cost $36,854,018) 43,044,185
Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc. (StOpp2)
668,192 shares (cost $12,668,641) 14,499,776
Templeton VPS - Templeton International Fund (TemIntFd)
1,480,080 shares (cost $25,554,716) 29,868,011
---------------
Total investments 1,220,479,416
Accounts receivable 23,711
---------------
Total assets 1,220,503,127
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 16,421
---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY (NOTE 4) $ 1,220,486,706
===============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE> 4
NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL AIMCapAp
------------------------------- ------------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
--------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ................................ $ 22,670,838 21,119,041 5 -
Mortality, expense and administration
charges (note 2) .................................. (14,230,283) (11,142,442) (12) -
--------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net investment activity ........................... 8,440,555 9,976,599 (7) -
--------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............... 93,597,620 74,149,404 - -
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................... (74,653,108) (63,374,669) - -
--------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Realized gain (loss) on investments ............... 18,944,512 10,774,735 - -
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..... 143,730,354 53,497,947 603 -
--------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net gain (loss) on investments .................... 162,674,866 64,272,682 603 -
--------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Reinvested capital gains ............................ 36,308,617 32,886,488 66 -
--------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
equity resulting from operations .............. 207,424,038 107,135,769 662 -
--------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
contract owners ................................... 173,043,544 133,336,058 6,451 -
Transfers between funds ............................. - - 18,462 -
Redemptions ......................................... (97,519,435) (74,091,271) - -
Annuity benefits .................................... (99,001) (88,867) - -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......... (1,743,035) (1,406,646) (2) -
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......... (824,723) (829,238) - -
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................... 22,836 38,880 (3) -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net equity transactions ......................... 72,880,186 56,958,916 24,908 -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............... 280,304,224 164,094,685 25,570 -
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......... 940,182,482 776,087,797 - -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............... $1,220,486,706 940,182,482 25,570 -
============== ============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AIMIntEq ACVPAdv
----------------------------- ------------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ................................ 1 - 158,735 239,211
Mortality, expense and administration
charges (note 2) .................................. (2) - (128,515) (127,401)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net investment activity ........................... (1) - 30,220 111,810
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............... - - 1,974,464 818,375
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................... - - (1,635,650) (703,197)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Realized gain (loss) on investments ............... - - 338,814 115,178
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..... 118 - 195,541 75,872
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net gain (loss) on investments .................... 118 - 534,355 191,050
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Reinvested capital gains ............................ 4 - 548,350 463,336
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
equity resulting from operations .............. 121 - 1,112,925 766,196
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
contract owners ................................... 5,619 - 764,476 855,091
Transfers between funds ............................. 120 - (1,266,044) (503,780)
Redemptions ......................................... - - (944,093) (494,204)
Annuity benefits .................................... - - (7) -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......... - - (16,700) (17,911)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......... - - (14,965) (11,016)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................... (1) - 12 472
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net equity transactions ......................... 5,738 - (1,477,321) (171,348)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............... 5,859 - (364,396) 594,848
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......... - - 10,368,913 9,774,065
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............... 5,859 - 10,004,517 10,368,913
============= ============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 5
NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACVPCapAp ACVPIncGr
------------------------------- ------------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
--------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ................................ $ - - - -
Mortality, expense and administration
charges (note 2) .................................. (488,542) (636,076) (77) -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net investment activity ........................... (488,542) (636,076) (77) -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............... 11,459,625 4,150,694 557 -
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................... (9,640,042) (2,959,651) (538) -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Realized gain (loss) on investments ............... 1,819,583 1,191,043 19 -
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..... (3,909,793) (8,723,996) 1,041 -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net gain (loss) on investments .................... (2,090,210) (7,532,953) 1,060 -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Reinvested capital gains ............................ 818,434 5,470,200 - -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
equity resulting from operations .............. (1,760,318) (2,698,829) 983 -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
contract owners ................................... 3,208,021 5,651,967 22,410 -
Transfers between funds ............................. (9,312,700) (3,186,737) 193,474 -
Redemptions ......................................... (4,504,076) (3,161,270) - -
Annuity benefits .................................... (7) - - -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......... (72,900) (91,978) (17) -
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......... (78,351) (81,116) - -
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................... (174) 2,592 9 -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net equity transactions ......................... (10,760,187) (866,542) 215,876 -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............... (12,520,505) (3,565,371) 216,859 -
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......... 44,852,368 48,417,739 - -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............... $ 32,331,863 44,852,368 216,859 -
=============== ============= ============== ==============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DrySRGro DryStkix
---------------------------- ------------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
------------ ------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ................................ 75,046 14,833 633,022 329,372
Mortality, expense and administration
charges (note 2) .................................. (179,325) (46,207) (504,354) (197,346)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net investment activity ........................... (104,279) (31,374) 128,668 132,026
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............... 421,736 125,914 707,521 225,077
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................... (251,714) (90,420) (457,827) (174,914)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Realized gain (loss) on investments ............... 170,022 35,494 249,694 50,163
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..... 2,221,298 359,594 7,644,619 2,404,759
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net gain (loss) on investments .................... 2,391,320 395,088 7,894,313 2,454,922
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Reinvested capital gains ............................ 585,969 265,581 1,507,200 339,241
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
equity resulting from operations .............. 2,873,010 629,295 9,530,181 2,926,189
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
contract owners ................................... 8,956,132 3,838,392 15,881,608 7,214,548
Transfers between funds ............................. 2,728,693 1,182,521 9,231,643 3,028,873
Redemptions ......................................... (588,429) (138,371) (1,971,994) (793,292)
Annuity benefits .................................... - - - -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......... (41,768) (13,276) (80,253) (33,672)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......... (8,178) (2,093) (22,485) (16,134)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................... (21) 647 1,530 1,162
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net equity transactions ......................... 11,046,429 4,867,820 23,040,049 9,401,485
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............... 13,919,439 5,497,115 32,570,230 12,327,674
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......... 6,861,492 1,364,377 21,990,935 9,663,261
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............... 20,780,931 6,861,492 54,561,165 21,990,935
============= ============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
(Continued)
<PAGE> 6
NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DryCapAp DryQualBd
------------------------------- ------------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
--------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ................................ $ 205 - 214,911 68,688
Mortality, expense and administration
charges (note 2) .................................. (16) - (43,572) (14,429)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net investment activity ........................... 189 - 171,339 54,259
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............... - - 376,870 104,785
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................... - - (380,850) (108,407)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Realized gain (loss) on investments ............... - - (3,980) (3,622)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..... (245) - 83,709 14,065
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net gain (loss) on investments .................... (245) - 79,729 10,443
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Reinvested capital gains ............................ 17 - 29,382 -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
equity resulting from operations .............. (39) - 280,450 64,702
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
contract owners ................................... 11,423 - 2,268,714 1,746,654
Transfers between funds ............................. 21,796 - (54,361) 412,493
Redemptions ......................................... - - (90,499) (13,748)
Annuity benefits .................................... - - - -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......... (4) - (10,521) (1,238)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......... - - (1,276) (121)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................... 5 - 96 (17)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net equity transactions ......................... 33,220 - 2,112,153 2,144,023
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............... 33,181 - 2,392,603 2,208,725
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......... - - 2,311,843 103,118
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............... $ 33,181 - 4,704,446 2,311,843
============== ============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DrySmCap FidVIPEI
----------------------------- ------------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ................................ 66,440 60,127 1,376,653 81,351
Mortality, expense and administration
charges (note 2) .................................. (618,547) (260,455) (1,336,938) (843,539)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net investment activity ........................... (552,107) (200,328) 39,715 (762,188)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............... 577,816 114,434 1,484,034 674,379
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................... (353,809) (78,010) (998,925) (519,060)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Realized gain (loss) on investments ............... 224,007 36,424 485,109 155,319
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..... 3,539,427 1,994,080 15,867,413 6,196,919
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net gain (loss) on investments .................... 3,763,434 2,030,504 16,352,522 6,352,238
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Reinvested capital gains ............................ 3,506,010 917,183 6,921,505 2,332,075
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
equity resulting from operations .............. 6,717,337 2,747,359 23,313,742 7,922,125
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
contract owners ................................... 24,803,583 16,810,842 25,054,542 19,827,675
Transfers between funds ............................. 2,005,819 3,403,166 4,912,332 3,672,891
Redemptions ......................................... (3,029,006) (656,196) (7,187,817) (3,324,003)
Annuity benefits .................................... - - (998) -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......... (190,393) (86,630) (217,473) (140,866)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......... (31,745) (10,126) (84,502) (71,790)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................... (50) 1,337 1,072 3,240
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net equity transactions ......................... 23,558,208 19,462,393 22,477,156 19,967,147
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............... 30,275,545 22,209,752 45,790,898 27,889,272
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......... 32,373,939 10,164,187 78,456,637 50,567,365
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............... 62,649,484 32,373,939 124,247,535 78,456,637
============= ============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 7
NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FidVIPHI JanASIntgr
------------------------------- ------------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
--------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ................................ $ 662,094 228,296 33 -
Mortality, expense and administration
charges (note 2) .................................. (177,447) (69,808) (22) -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net investment activity ........................... 484,647 158,488 11 -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............... 328,986 150,976 - -
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................... (284,239) (135,558) - -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Realized gain (loss) on investments ............... 44,747 15,418 - -
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..... 1,402,718 392,462 (219) -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net gain (loss) on investments .................... 1,447,465 407,880 (219) -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Reinvested capital gains ............................ 81,832 44,667 - -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
equity resulting from operations .............. 2,013,944 611,035 (208) -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
contract owners ................................... 7,922,442 4,579,733 4,995 -
Transfers between funds ............................. 1,346,162 1,035,603 26,016 -
Redemptions ......................................... (594,910) (137,260) - -
Annuity benefits .................................... - - - -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......... (42,994) (20,338) - -
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......... (7,262) (1,771) - -
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................... 44 137 (1) -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net equity transactions ......................... 8,623,482 5,456,104 31,010 -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............... 10,637,426 6,067,139 30,802 -
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......... 8,681,879 2,614,740 - -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............... $ 19,319,305 8,681,879 30,802 -
============== ============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NSATCapAp NSATGvtBd
----------------------------- ------------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ................................ 621,889 605,147 7,524,704 8,323,251
Mortality, expense and administration
charges (note 2) .................................. (771,115) (547,337) (1,616,047) (1,778,825)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net investment activity ........................... (149,226) 57,810 5,908,657 6,544,426
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............... 4,734,284 4,849,353 19,995,640 19,548,741
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................... (2,574,052) (3,368,161) (20,441,064) (19,797,914)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Realized gain (loss) on investments ............... 2,160,232 1,481,192 (445,424) (249,173)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..... 12,931,948 6,345,678 4,218,681 (3,789,649)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net gain (loss) on investments .................... 15,092,180 7,826,870 3,773,257 (4,038,822)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Reinvested capital gains ............................ 1,431,110 1,385,825 - -
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
equity resulting from operations .............. 16,374,064 9,270,505 9,681,914 2,505,604
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
contract owners ................................... 3,933,159 3,652,787 6,432,559 7,028,459
Transfers between funds ............................. 3,829,604 4,408,321 (8,165,800) (8,764,388)
Redemptions ......................................... (4,705,611) (4,363,953) (14,959,843) (14,629,983)
Annuity benefits .................................... (4,444) (3,562) (18,506) (18,802)
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......... (61,538) (56,195) (159,430) (188,842)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......... (36,519) (39,686) (128,121) (164,770)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................... 1,147 3,728 2,917 4,112
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net equity transactions ......................... 2,955,798 3,601,440 (16,996,224) (16,734,214)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............... 19,329,862 12,871,945 (7,314,310) (14,228,610)
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......... 48,315,224 35,443,279 130,153,978 144,382,588
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............... 67,645,086 48,315,224 122,839,668 130,153,978
============= ============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
(Continued)
<PAGE> 8
NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NSATHIncBd NSATMyMkt
------------------------------- ------------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
--------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ................................ $ 30 - 2,286,364 2,221,179
Mortality, expense and administration
charges (note 2) .................................. (4) - (583,593) (586,368)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net investment activity ........................... 26 - 1,702,771 1,634,811
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............... - - 22,275,683 16,825,670
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................... - - (22,275,683) (16,825,670)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Realized gain (loss) on investments ............... - - - -
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..... 18 - - -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net gain (loss) on investments .................... 18 - - -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Reinvested capital gains ............................ - - - -
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
equity resulting from operations .............. 44 - 1,702,771 1,634,811
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
contract owners ................................... 70 - 16,515,995 12,586,742
Transfers between funds ............................. 2,734 - (13,814,402) (6,202,854)
Redemptions ......................................... - - (8,106,654) (7,615,191)
Annuity benefits .................................... - - (4,656) (5,312)
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......... - - (59,936) (67,312)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......... - - (47,539) (59,147)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................... - - (112) 1,445
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net equity transactions ......................... 2,804 - (5,517,304) (1,361,629)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............... 2,848 - (3,814,533) 273,182
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......... - - 46,180,606 45,907,424
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............... $ 2,848 - 42,366,073 46,180,606
============== ============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NSATTotRe NBAMTBaL
----------------------------- ------------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
------------- ------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ................................ 7,841,110 7,984,819 704,341 838,838
Mortality, expense and administration
charges (note 2) .................................. (6,817,098) (5,386,397) (534,476) (489,489)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net investment activity ........................... 1,024,012 2,598,422 169,865 349,349
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............... 24,399,427 23,953,506 4,206,979 2,368,955
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................... (11,146,878) (16,293,604) (3,740,040) (2,120,743)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Realized gain (loss) on investments ............... 13,252,549 7,659,902 466,939 248,212
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..... 92,265,314 48,966,019 4,192,554 (3,276,246)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net gain (loss) on investments .................... 105,517,863 56,625,921 4,659,493 (3,028,034)
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Reinvested capital gains ............................ 18,191,970 16,952,052 1,807,809 4,664,756
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
equity resulting from operations .............. 124,733,845 76,176,395 6,637,167 1,986,071
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
contract owners ................................... 35,235,957 34,517,904 3,791,197 4,763,121
Transfers between funds ............................. 7,251,400 1,127,420 (2,569,977) (1,712,251)
Redemptions ......................................... (45,327,124) (36,069,802) (3,117,346) (2,295,068)
Annuity benefits .................................... (70,375) (61,191) (8) -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......... (623,664) (582,331) (67,133) (66,349)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......... (290,852) (313,761) (53,200) (52,996)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................... 17,772 18,381 402 956
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net equity transactions ......................... (3,806,886) (1,363,380) (2,016,065) 637,413
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............... 120,926,959 74,813,015 4,621,102 2,623,484
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......... 450,382,051 375,569,036 38,423,351 35,799,867
------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............... 571,309,010 450,382,051 43,044,453 38,423,351
============= ============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 9
NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
StOpp2 TemIntFd
------------------------------- ------------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
--------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ................................ $ 38,347 15,972 466,908 107,957
Mortality, expense and administration
charges (note 2) .................................. (128,404) (26,821) (302,177) (131,944)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net investment activity ........................... (90,057) (10,849) 164,731 (23,987)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............... 82,371 73,157 571,627 165,388
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................... (69,365) (68,700) (402,432) (130,660)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Realized gain (loss) on investments ............... 13,006 4,457 169,195 34,728
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..... 1,422,166 405,504 1,653,443 2,132,886
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net gain (loss) on investments .................... 1,435,172 409,961 1,822,638 2,167,614
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Reinvested capital gains ............................ 691,280 20,084 187,679 31,488
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
equity resulting from operations .............. 2,036,395 419,196 2,175,048 2,175,115
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
contract owners ................................... 6,100,729 3,778,181 12,123,462 6,483,962
Transfers between funds ............................. 1,528,491 1,095,893 2,086,538 1,002,829
Redemptions ......................................... (534,715) (44,718) (1,857,318) (354,212)
Annuity benefits .................................... - - - -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......... (34,063) (2,768) (64,246) (36,940)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......... (7,263) (572) (12,465) (4,139)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................... (368) 142 (1,440) 546
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net equity transactions ......................... 7,052,811 4,826,158 12,274,531 7,092,046
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............... 9,089,206 5,245,354 14,449,579 9,267,161
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......... 5,410,688 165,334 15,418,578 6,151,417
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............... $ 14,499,894 5,410,688 29,868,157 15,418,578
============== ============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 10
NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Organization and Nature of Operations
The Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account (the Account) was
established pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of
Nationwide Life Insurance Company (the Company) on October 7, 1981. The
Account has been registered as a unit investment trust under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. On August 21, 1991, the Company (the
Depositor) transferred to the Account 50,000 shares of the American
Century VP - American Century VP Advantage fund for which the Account
was credited with 25,000 accumulation units. The value of the
accumulation units purchased by the Company on August 21, 1991 was
$250,000.
The Company offers tax qualified and non-tax qualified Individual
Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts through the Account. The primary
distributions for the contracts is through Company Agents and an
affiliated sales organization; however, other distributors may be
utilized.
(b) The Contracts
Only contracts without a front-end sales charge, but with a contingent
deferred sales charge and certain other fees, are offered for purchase.
See note 2 for a discussion of contract expenses. With certain
exceptions, contract owners in either the accumulation or payout phase
may invest in any of the following:
Funds of the AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. (AIM VI);
AIM VI - Capital Appreciation Fund (AIMCapAp)*
AIM VI - International Equity Fund (AIMIntEq)*
Portfolios of the American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.
(American Century VP) (formerly TCI Portfolios, Inc.);
American Century VP - American Century VP Advantage (ACVPAdv)
(formerly TCI Portfolios - TCI Advantage)
American Century VP - American Century VP Capital Appreciation
(ACVPCapAp) (formerly TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth)
American Century VP - American Century VP Income & Growth
(ACVPIncGr)*
The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. (DrySRGro)*
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)
Portfolios of the Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund (Dreyfus VIF);
Dreyfus VIF - Capital Appreciation Portfolio (DryCapAp)*
Dreyfus VIF - Quality Bond Portfolio (DryQualBd)*
Dreyfus VIF - Small Cap Portfolio (DrySmCap)*
Portfolios of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund
(Fidelity VIP);
Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)
Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio (FidVIPHI)*
Portfolio of the Janus Aspen Series (Janus AS);
Janus AS - Janus Aspen International Growth Portfolio
(JanASIntGr)*
<PAGE> 11
Funds of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust (Nationwide SAT)
(managed for a fee by an affiliated investment advisor);
Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund (NSATCapAp)
Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd)
Nationwide SAT - High Income Bond Fund (NSATHIncBd)*
Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)
Portfolio of the Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust
(Neuberger & Berman AMT);
Neuberger & Berman AMT - Balanced Portfolio (NBAMTBal)
Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc. (StOpp2)*
(formerly Strong Special Fund II, Inc.)
Portfolio of the Templeton Variable Products Series Fund
(Templeton VPS);
Templeton VPS - Templeton International Fund (TemIntFd)*
At December 31, 1997, contract owners have invested in all of the above
funds. The contract owners' equity is affected by the investment
results of each fund, equity transactions by contract owners and
certain contract expenses (see note 2). The accompanying financial
statements include only contract owners' purchase payments pertaining
to the variable portions of their contracts and exclude any purchase
payments for fixed dollar benefits, the latter being included in the
accounts of the Company.
(c) Security Valuation, Transactions and Related Investment Income
The market value of the underlying mutual funds is based on the closing
net asset value per share at December 31, 1997. The cost of investments
sold is determined on a specific identification basis. Investment
transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy
or sell is executed) and dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend
date.
(d) Federal Income Taxes
Operations of the Account form a part of, and are taxed with,
operations of the Company which is taxed as a life insurance company
under the Internal Revenue Code.
The Company does not provide for income taxes within the Account. Taxes
are the responsibility of the contract owner upon termination or
withdrawal.
(e) Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles may require management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, if
any, at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
(f) Reclassifications
Certain 1996 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current
period presentation.
*This fund is only available for contracts issued to Plans established under the
NEA Valuebuilder Annuity.
<PAGE> 12
(2) EXPENSES
The Company does not deduct a sales charge from purchase payments received
from the contract owners. However, if any part of the contract value of
such contracts is surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions,
deduct from a contract owner's contract value a contingent deferred sales
charge. For contracts issued prior to February 1, 1989, the contingent
deferred sales charge will be equal to 5% of the lesser of the total of all
purchase payments made within 96 months prior to the date of the request
for surrender or the amount surrendered. For contracts issued on or after
February 1, 1989, the Company will deduct a contingent deferred sales
charge not to exceed 7% of the lesser of purchase payments or the amount
surrendered, such charge declining 1% per year, to 0%, after the purchase
payment has been held in the contract for 84 months. No sales charges are
deducted on redemptions used to purchase units in the fixed investment
options of the Company.
The following contract charges are deducted by the Company: (a) an annual
contract maintenance charge of $30, with certain exceptions, which is
satisfied by surrendering units; and (b) for contracts issued prior to
February 1, 1989, a charge for mortality and expense risk assessed through
the daily unit value calculation equal to an annual rate of 0.80% and
0.50%, respectively; for contracts issued on or after February 1, 1989, a
mortality risk charge, an expense risk charge and an administration charge
assessed through the daily unit value calculation equal to an annual rate
of 0.80%, 0.45% and 0.05%, respectively. No charges were deducted from the
initial funding, or from earnings thereon.
(3) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company performs various services on behalf of the Mutual Fund
Companies in which the Account invests and may receive fees for the
services performed. These services include, among other things, shareholder
communications, preparation, postage, fund transfer agency and various
other record keeping and customer service functions. These fees are paid to
an affiliate of the Company.
<PAGE> 13
(4) COMPONENTS OF CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
The following is a summary of contract owners' equity at December 31, 1997,
for each series, in both the accumulation and payout phases.
Contract owners' equity represented by:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL
Contracts in accumulation phase: UNITS UNIT VALUE RETURN
-------- --------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AIM VI - Capital Appreciation Fund:
Tax qualified 2,066 $ 9.498576 $ 19,624 (5)%(a)
Non-tax qualified 626 9.498576 5,946 (5)%(a)
AIM VI - International Equity Fund:
Tax qualified 591 9.913890 5,859 (1)%(a)
American Century VP - American Century
VP Advantage:
Tax qualified 442,702 15.651770 6,929,070 11%
Non-tax qualified 169,301 15.651770 2,649,860 11%
Initial Funding by Depositor 25,000 17.013707 425,343 13%
American Century VP - American Century
VP Capital Appreciation:
Tax qualified 1,536,676 14.829811 22,788,615 (5)%
Non-tax qualified 643,504 14.829811 9,543,043 (5)%
American Century VP - American Century
VP Income & Growth:
Tax qualified 18,598 10.403924 193,492 4%(a)
Non-tax qualified 2,246 10.403924 23,367 4%(a)
The Dreyfus Socially Responsible
Growth Fund, Inc.:
Tax qualified 967,914 20.223412 19,574,524 27%
Non-tax qualified 59,654 20.223412 1,206,407 27%
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund:
Tax qualified 2,033,357 21.913276 44,557,513 31%
Non-tax qualified 456,511 21.913276 10,003,652 31%
Dreyfus VIF - Capital Appreciation Portfolio:
Tax qualified 2,752 10.244238 28,192 2%(a)
Non-tax qualified 487 10.244238 4,989 2%(a)
Dreyfus VIF - Quality Bond Portfolio:
Tax qualified 377,157 11.533218 4,349,834 8%
Non-tax qualified 30,747 11.533218 354,612 8%
Dreyfus VIF - Small Cap Portfolio:
Tax qualified 3,392,727 17.567589 59,602,034 15%
Non-tax qualified 173,470 17.567589 3,047,450 15%
Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio:
Tax qualified 4,809,504 20.553936 98,854,237 26%
Non-tax qualified 1,235,093 20.553936 25,386,022 26%
Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio:
Tax qualified 1,184,586 15.396163 18,238,079 16%
Non-tax qualified 70,227 15.396163 1,081,226 16%
Janus AS - Janus Aspen
International Growth Portfolio:
Tax qualified 978 9.952334 9,733 0%(a)
Non-tax qualified 2,117 9.952334 21,069 0%(a)
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 14
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund:
Tax qualified 2,023,820 23.867569 48,303,663 33%
Non-tax qualified 808,136 23.867569 19,288,242 33%
Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund:
Tax qualified 2,630,778 32.572519 85,691,066 8%
Non-tax qualified 1,136,230 32.584532 37,023,523 8%
Nationwide SAT - High Income Bond Fund:
Tax qualified 279 10.206766 2,848 2%(a)
Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund:
Tax qualified 1,487,528 21.120495 31,417,328 4%
Non-tax qualified 476,129 22.947799 10,926,113 4%
Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund:
Tax qualified 5,163,514 79.422176 410,097,518 28%
Non-tax qualified 2,084,153 77.137765 160,766,904 28%
Neuberger & Berman AMT - Balanced Portfolio:
Tax qualified 1,725,578 18.349145 31,662,881 18%
Non-tax qualified 620,264 18.349145 11,381,314 18%
Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc.:
Tax qualified 897,935 15.098205 13,557,207 24%
Non-tax qualified 62,437 15.098205 942,687 24%
Templeton VPS - Templeton International Fund:
Tax qualified 1,817,862 15.599596 28,357,913 12%
Non-tax qualified 96,813 15.599596 1,510,244 12%
======== ========
Reserves for annuity contracts in payout phase:
Tax qualified 383,997
Non-tax qualified 269,466
-----------
$ 1,220,486,706
===============
</TABLE>
(a) This investment option was not being utilized for the entire period.
<PAGE> 61
<PAGE> 1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors
Nationwide Life Insurance Company:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries (collectively the Company), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., as of December 31, 1997 and
1996, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholder's equity
and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1997. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Columbus, Ohio
January 30, 1998
<PAGE> 2
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions of dollars)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
-----------------------------------
ASSETS 1997 1996
------
----------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Investments:
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
Fixed maturity securities $13,204.1 $12,304.6
Equity securities 80.4 59.1
Mortgage loans on real estate, net 5,181.6 5,272.1
Real estate, net 311.4 265.8
Policy loans 415.3 371.8
Other long-term investments 25.2 28.7
Short-term investments 358.4 4.8
---------- ---------
19,576.4 18,306.9
---------- ---------
Cash 175.6 43.8
Accrued investment income 210.5 210.2
Deferred policy acquisition costs 1,665.4 1,366.5
Investment in subsidiaries classified as discontinued operations - 485.7
Other assets 438.4 426.5
Assets held in Separate Accounts 37,724.4 26,926.7
---------- ---------
$59,790.7 $47,766.3
========== =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
------------------------------------
Future policy benefits and claims $18,702.8 $17,600.6
Other liabilities 885.6 1,101.1
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts 37,724.4 26,926.7
---------- ---------
57,312.8 45,628.4
---------- ---------
Commitments and contingencies (notes 7 and 13)
Shareholder's equity:
Common stock, $1 par value. Authorized 5.0 million shares;
3.8 million shares issued and outstanding 3.8 3.8
Additional paid-in capital 914.7 527.9
Retained earnings 1,312.3 1,432.6
Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net 247.1 173.6
---------- ---------
2,477.9 2,137.9
---------- ---------
$59,790.7 $47,766.3
========== =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE> 3
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in millions of dollars)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------------- ------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Investment product and universal life insurance product policy charges $ 545.2 $ 400.9 $ 286.6
Traditional life insurance premiums 205.4 198.6 199.1
Net investment income 1,409.2 1,357.8 1,294.0
Realized gains (losses) on investments 11.1 (0.3) (1.7)
Other 46.5 35.9 20.7
---------- ---------- ----------
2,217.4 1,992.9 1,798.7
---------- ---------- ----------
Benefits and expenses:
Interest credited to policyholder account balances 1,016.6 982.3 950.3
Other benefits and claims 178.2 178.3 165.2
Policyholder dividends on participating policies 40.6 41.0 39.9
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 167.2 133.4 82.7
Other operating expenses 384.9 342.4 273.0
---------- ---------- ----------
1,787.5 1,677.4 1,511.1
---------- ---------- ----------
Income from continuing operations before federal income tax expense 429.9 315.5 287.6
Federal income tax expense 150.2 110.9 99.8
---------- ---------- ----------
Income from continuing operations 279.7 204.6 187.8
Income from discontinued operations (less federal income tax expense
of $4.5 and $7.4 in 1996 and 1995, respectively) - 11.3 24.7
---------- ---------- ----------
Net income $ 279.7 $ 215.9 $ 212.5
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE> 4
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity
(in millions of dollars)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unrealized
gains
(losses)
Additional on securities Total
Common paid-in Retained available- shareholder's
stock capital earnings for-sale, net equity
----------- ------------- -------------- ---------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
December 31, 1994 $3.8 $ 606.2 $1,378.2 $(119.7) $1,868.5
Capital contribution - 51.0 - (4.1) 46.9
Net income - - 212.5 - 212.5
Dividends to shareholder - - (7.5) - (7.5)
Unrealized gains on securities available-
for-sale, net - - - 508.1 508.1
-------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
December 31, 1995 3.8 657.2 1,583.2 384.3 2628.5
Net income - - 215.9 - 215.9
Dividends to shareholder - (129.3) (366.5) (39.8) (535.6)
Unrealized losses on securities available-
for-sale, net - - - (170.9) (170.9)
-------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
December 31, 1996 3.8 527.9 1,432.6 173.6 2,137.9
Capital contribution - 836.8 - - 836.8
Net income - - 279.7 - 279.7
Dividends to shareholder - (450.0) (400.0) - (850.0)
Unrealized gains on securities available-
for-sale, net - - - 73.5 73.5
-------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
December 31, 1997 $3.8 $ 914.7 $1,312.3 $ 247.1 $2,477.9
======== ======== ======== ======== =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE> 5
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in millions of dollars)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------------------------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 279.7 $ 215.9 $ 212.5
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Interest credited to policyholder account balances 1,016.6 982.3 950.3
Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs (487.9) (422.6) (321.3)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 167.2 133.4 82.7
Amortization and depreciation (2.0) 7.0 10.2
Realized (gains) losses on invested assets, net (11.1) (0.3) 3.3
(Increase) decrease in accrued investment income (0.3) 2.8 (16.9)
(Increase) decrease in other assets (12.7) (38.9) 39.9
(Decrease) increase in policy liabilities (23.1) (151.0) 123.9
Increase in other liabilities 230.6 191.4 27.0
Other, net (10.9) (61.7) 1.8
----------- --------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,146.1 858.3 1,113.4
----------- --------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale 993.4 1,162.8 634.6
Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale 574.5 299.6 107.3
Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity - - 564.4
Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate 437.3 309.0 207.8
Proceeds from sale of real estate 34.8 18.5 48.3
Proceeds from repayments of policy loans and sale of other invested assets 22.7 22.8 53.6
Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired (2,828.1) (1,573.6) (1,942.4)
Cost of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity acquired - - (593.6)
Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired (752.2) (972.8) (796.0)
Cost of real estate acquired (24.9) (7.9) (10.9)
Policy loans issued and other invested assets acquired (62.5) (57.7) (75.9)
Short-term investments, net (354.8) 28.0 77.8
----------- --------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (1,959.8) (771.3) (1,725.0)
----------- --------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from capital contributions 836.8 - -
Cash dividends paid - (50.0) (7.5)
Increase in investment product and universal life insurance
product account balances 2,488.5 1,781.8 1,883.7
Decrease in investment product and universal life insurance
product account balances (2,379.8) (1,784.5) (1,258.7)
----------- --------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 945.5 (52.7) 617.5
----------- --------- --------
Net increase in cash 131.8 34.3 5.9
Cash, beginning of year 43.8 9.5 3.6
----------- --------- --------
Cash, end of year $ 175.6 $ 43.8 $ 9.5
=========== ========= =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE> 6
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
(1) ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Prior to January 27, 1997, Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC) was
wholly owned by Nationwide Corporation (Nationwide Corp.). On that
date, Nationwide Corp. contributed the outstanding shares of NLIC's
common stock to Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NFS), a holding
company formed by Nationwide Corp. in November 1996 for NLIC and the
other companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that offer
or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. On March 11
1997, NFS completed an initial public offering of its Class A common
stock.
During 1996 and 1997, Nationwide Corp. and NFS completed certain
transactions in anticipation of the initial public offering that
focused the business of NFS on long-term savings and retirement
products. On September 24, 1996, NLIC declared a dividend payable to
Nationwide Corp. on January 1, 1997 consisting of the outstanding
shares of common stock of certain subsidiaries that do not offer or
distribute long-term savings or retirement products. In addition,
during 1996, NLIC entered into two reinsurance agreements whereby all
of NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business was
ceded to two affiliates effective January 1, 1996. These subsidiaries,
through December 31, 1996, and all accident and health and group life
insurance business have been accounted for as discontinued operations
for all periods presented. See notes 11 and 15. Additionally, NLIC paid
$900.0 million of dividends, $50.0 million to Nationwide Corp. on
December 31, 1996 and $850.0 million to NFS, which then made an
equivalent dividend to Nationwide Corp., on February 24, 1997.
NFS contributed $836.8 million to the capital of NLIC during March
1997.
Wholly owned subsidiaries of NLIC include Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company (NLAIC), Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc.,
Nationwide Investment Services Corporation and NWE, Inc. NLIC and its
subsidiaries are collectively referred to as "the Company."
The Company is a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement
products. The Company is subject to regulation by the Insurance
Departments of states in which it is licensed, and undergoes periodic
examinations by those departments.
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The significant accounting policies followed by the Company that
materially affect financial reporting are summarized below. The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which differ
from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by
regulatory authorities. Annual Statements for NLIC and NLAIC, filed
with the Department of Insurance of the State of Ohio (the Department),
are 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.
<PAGE> 7
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
In preparing the consolidated 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 consolidated 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) CONSOLIDATION POLICY
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NLIC
and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Subsidiaries that are
classified and reported as discontinued operations are not
consolidated but rather are reported as "Investment in
subsidiaries classified as discontinued operations" in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets and "Income from
discontinued operations" in the accompanying consolidated
statements of income. All significant intercompany balances and
transactions have been eliminated.
(b) VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS AND RELATED GAINS AND LOSSES
The Company is required to classify its fixed maturity securities
and equity securities as either held-to-maturity,
available-for-sale or trading. Fixed maturity securities are
classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the positive
intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity and are
stated at amortized cost. Fixed maturity securities not classified
as held-to-maturity and all equity securities are classified as
available-for-sale and are stated at fair value, with the
unrealized gains and losses, net of adjustments to deferred policy
acquisition costs and deferred federal income tax, reported as a
separate component of shareholder's equity. The adjustment to
deferred policy acquisition costs represents the change in
amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs that would have
been required as a charge or credit to operations had such
unrealized amounts been realized. The Company has no fixed
maturity securities classified as held-to-maturity or trading as
of December 31, 1997 or 1996.
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. Other long-term investments are carried on
the equity basis, adjusted for valuation allowances. Impairment
losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when
indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash
flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the
assets' carrying amount.
Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are
determined on the basis of specific security identification.
Estimates for valuation allowances and other than temporary
declines are included in realized gains and losses on investments.
<PAGE> 8
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
(c) REVENUES AND BENEFITS
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE PRODUCTS:
Investment products consist primarily of individual and group
variable and fixed annuities. Universal life insurance products
include universal life insurance, variable universal life
insurance and other interest-sensitive life insurance policies.
Revenues for investment products and universal life insurance
products consist of net investment income, asset fees, cost of
insurance, policy administration and surrender charges that have
been earned and assessed against policy account balances during
the period. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense
include interest credited to policy account balances and benefits
and claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy
account balances.
TRADITIONAL LIFE INSURANCE PRODUCTS: Traditional life insurance
products include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums
and benefits and consist primarily of whole life insurance,
limited-payment life insurance, term life insurance and 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.
(d) 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(b). For traditional life insurance products, these deferred
policy acquisition costs are predominantly being amortized with
interest over the premium paying period of the related policies in
proportion to the ratio of actual annual premium revenue to the
anticipated total premium revenue. Such anticipated premium
revenue was estimated using the same assumptions as were used for
computing liabilities for future policy benefits.
(e) SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
Separate Account assets and liabilities represent contractholders'
funds which have been segregated into accounts with specific
investment objectives. For all but $365.5 million of separate
account assets, 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 consolidated
statements of income and cash flows except for the fees the
Company receives.
(f) 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.
Future policy benefits for traditional life insurance policies
have been calculated using a net level premium method based on
estimates of mortality, morbidity, investment yields and
withdrawals which were used or which were being experienced at the
time the policies were issued, rather than the assumptions
prescribed by state regulatory authorities. See note 4.
<PAGE> 9
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
(g) PARTICIPATING BUSINESS
Participating business represents approximately 50% in 1997 (52%
in 1996 and 54% in 1995) of the Company's life insurance in force,
77% in 1997 (78% in 1996 and 79% in 1995) of the number of life
insurance policies in force, and 27% in 1997 (40% in 1996 and 47%
in 1995) of life insurance statutory premiums. The provision for
policyholder dividends is based on current dividend scales and is
included in "Future policy benefits and claims" in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
(h) FEDERAL INCOME TAX
The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC), the majority
shareholder of Nationwide Corp. The members of the consolidated
tax return group have a tax sharing arrangement 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.
(i) REINSURANCE CEDED
Reinsurance premiums ceded and reinsurance recoveries on benefits
and claims incurred are deducted from the respective income and
expense accounts. Assets and liabilities related to reinsurance
ceded are reported on a gross basis. All of the Company's accident
and health and group life insurance business is ceded to
affiliates and is accounted for as discontinued operations. See
notes 11 and 15.
(j) RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 130 - REPORTING
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME was issued in June 1997 and is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The statement
establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive
income and its components in a full set of financial statements.
Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a
period except those resulting from investments by shareholders and
distributions to shareholders and includes net income.
Comprehensive income would be reported in addition to earnings
amounts currently presented. The Company will adopt the statement
and begin reporting comprehensive income in the first quarter of
1998.
(k) RECLASSIFICATION
Certain items in the 1996 and 1995 consolidated financial
statements have been reclassified to conform to the 1997
presentation.
<PAGE> 10
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated 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, 1997 and
1996 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Gross
Amortized unrealized unrealized Estimated
(in millions of dollars) cost gains losses fair value
-------------- ------------ ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
December 31, 1997:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
government corporations and agencies $ 305.1 $ 8.6 $ - $ 313.7
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 1.6 - - 1.6
Debt securities issued by foreign governments 93.3 2.7 (0.2) 95.8
Corporate securities 8,698.7 355.5 (11.5) 9,042.7
Mortgage-backed securities 3,634.2 118.6 (2.5) 3,750.3
------------ --------- --------- -----------
Total fixed maturity securities 12,732.9 485.4 (14.2) 13,204.1
Equity securities 67.8 12.9 (0.3) 80.4
------------ --------- --------- -----------
$ 12,800.7 $ 498.3 $ (14.5) $ 13,284.5
============ ========= ========= ===========
December 31, 1996:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
government corporations and agencies $ 275.7 $ 4.8 $ (1.3) $ 279.2
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 6.2 0.5 - 6.7
Debt securities issued by foreign governments 100.7 2.1 (0.9) 101.9
Corporate securities 7,999.3 285.9 (33.7) 8,251.5
Mortgage-backed securities 3,589.0 91.4 (15.1) 3,665.3
------------ --------- --------- -----------
Total fixed maturity securities 11,970.9 384.7 (51.0) 12,304.6
Equity securities 43.9 15.6 (0.4) 59.1
------------ --------- --------- -----------
$ 12,014.8 $ 400.3 $ (51.4) $ 12,363.7
============ ========= ========= ===========
</TABLE>
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1997, by contractual
maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from
contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or
prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amortized Estimated
(in millions of dollars) cost fair value
-------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
Due in one year or less $ 419.2 $ 422.1
Due after one year through five years 4,573.5 4,708.4
Due after five years through ten years 2,772.6 2,879.7
Due after ten years 1,333.4 1,443.6
----------- -----------
9,098.7 9,453.8
Mortgage-backed securities 3,634.2 3,750.3
----------- -----------
$ 12,732.9 $ 13,204.1
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 11
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
The components of unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale,
net, were as follows as of December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of dollars) 1997 1996
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Gross unrealized gains $ 483.8 $349.0
Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs (103.7) (81.9)
Deferred federal income tax (133.0) (93.5)
-------- -------
$ 247.1 $173.6
======== =======
</TABLE>
An analysis of the change in gross unrealized gains (losses) on
securities available-for-sale and fixed maturity securities
held-to-maturity follows for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
----------- ------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities $137.5 $(289.2) $876.3
Equity securities (2.7) 8.9 -
Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity - - 75.6
------- ------- -------
$134.8 $(280.3) $ 951.9
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 1997,
1996 and 1995 were $574.5 million, $299.6 million and $107.3 million,
respectively. During 1997, gross gains of $9.9 million ($6.6 million
and $4.8 million in 1996 and 1995, respectively) and gross losses of
$18.0 million ($6.9 million and $2.1 million in 1996 and 1995,
respectively) were realized on those sales. In addition, gross gains of
$15.1 million and gross losses of $0.7 million were realized in 1997
when the Company paid a dividend to NFS, which then made an equivalent
dividend to Nationwide Corp., consisting of securities having an
aggregate fair value of $850.0 million.
During 1995, the Company transferred fixed maturity securities
classified as held-to-maturity with amortized cost of $25.4 million to
available-for-sale securities due to evidence of a significant
deterioration in the issuer's creditworthiness. The transfer of those
fixed maturity securities resulted in a gross unrealized loss of $3.5
million.
As permitted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Special
Report, A GUIDE TO IMPLEMENTATION OF STATEMENT 115 ON ACCOUNTING FOR
CERTAIN INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES, issued in November
1995, the Company transferred nearly all of its fixed maturity
securities previously classified as held-to-maturity to
available-for-sale. As of December 14, 1995, the date of transfer, the
fixed maturity securities had amortized cost of $3.32 billion,
resulting in a gross unrealized gain of $155.9 million.
The recorded investment of mortgage loans on real estate considered to
be impaired as of December 31, 1997 was $19.9 million ($51.8 million as
of December 31, 1996), which includes $3.9 million ($41.7 million as of
December 31, 1996) of impaired mortgage loans on real estate for which
the related valuation allowance was $0.1 million ($8.5 million as of
December 31, 1996) and $16.0 million ($10.1 million as of December 31,
1996) of impaired mortgage loans on real estate for which there was no
valuation allowance. During 1997, the average recorded investment in
impaired mortgage loans on real estate was approximately $31.8 million
($39.7 million in 1996) and interest income recognized on those loans
was $1.0 million ($2.1 million in 1996), which is equal to interest
income recognized using a cash-basis method of income recognition.
<PAGE> 12
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
Activity in the valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real
estate is summarized for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of dollars) 1997 1996
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Allowance, beginning of year $51.0 $49.1
(Reductions) additions charged to operations (1.2) 4.5
Direct write-downs charged against the allowance (7.3) (2.6)
------ ------
Allowance, end of year $42.5 $51.0
====== ======
</TABLE>
Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of $45.1
million as of December 31, 1997 ($30.3 million as of December 31, 1996)
and valuation allowances of $11.1 million as of December 31, 1997
($15.2 million as of December 31, 1996).
Investments that were non-income producing for the twelve month period
preceding December 31, 1997 amounted to $19.4 million ($26.8 million
for 1996) and consisted of $3.0 million ($0.2 million in 1996) in
securities available-for-sale, $16.4 million ($20.6 million in 1996) in
real estate and none ($5.9 million in 1996) in other long-term
investments.
An analysis of investment income by investment type follows for the
years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
----------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross investment income:
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities $ 911.6 $ 917.1 $ 685.8
Equity securities 0.8 1.3 1.3
Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity - - 201.8
Mortgage loans on real estate 457.7 432.8 395.5
Real estate 42.9 44.3 38.3
Short-term investments 22.7 4.2 10.6
Other 21.0 4.0 7.2
-------- -------- --------
Total investment income 1,456.7 1,403.7 1,340.5
Less investment expenses 47.5 45.9 46.5
-------- -------- --------
Net investment income $1,409.2 $1,357.8 $1,294.0
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
An analysis of realized gains (losses) on investments, net of valuation
allowances, by investment type follows for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities $ 3.6 $(3.5) $ 4.2
Equity securities 2.7 3.2 3.4
Mortgage loans on real estate 1.6 (4.1) (7.1)
Real estate and other 3.2 4.1 (2.2)
------ ------ ------
$11.1 $(0.3) $(1.7)
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $6.2 million as
of December 31, 1997 and 1996 were on deposit with various
regulatory agencies as required by law.
<PAGE> 13
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
(4) FUTURE POLICY BENEFITS AND CLAIMS
The liability for future policy benefits for investment contracts
represents approximately 86% and 87% of the total liability for future
policy benefits as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
average interest rate credited on investment product policies was
approximately 6.1%, 6.3% and 6.6% for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
The liability for future policy benefits for traditional life insurance
policies has been established based upon the following assumptions:
INTEREST RATES: Interest rates vary by issue year and were 6.9%
and 6.6% in 1997 and 1996, respectively. Interest rates have
generally ranged from 6.0% to 10.5% for previous issue years.
WITHDRAWALS: Rates, which vary by issue age, type of coverage and
policy duration, are based on Company experience.
MORTALITY: Mortality and morbidity rates are based on published
tables, modified for the Company's actual experience.
The Company has entered into a reinsurance contract to cede a portion
of its general account individual annuity business to The Franklin Life
Insurance Company (Franklin). Total recoveries due from Franklin were
$220.2 million and $240.5 million as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The contract is immaterial to the Company's results of
operations. The ceding of risk does not discharge the original insurer
from its primary obligation to the policyholder. Under the terms of the
contract, Franklin has established a trust as collateral for the
recoveries. The trust assets are invested in investment grade
securities, the market value of which must at all times be greater than
or equal to 102% of the reinsured reserves.
The Company has reinsurance agreements with certain affiliates as
described in note 11. All other reinsurance agreements are not material
to either premiums or reinsurance recoverables.
(5) FEDERAL INCOME TAX
The Company's current federal income tax liability was $60.1 million
and $30.2 million as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
<PAGE> 14
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
components of the net deferred tax liability as of December 31, 1997
and 1996 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of dollars) 1997 1996
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Future policy benefits $200.1 $183.0
Liabilities in Separate Accounts 242.0 188.4
Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate 19.0 23.4
Other assets and other liabilities 59.2 53.7
------- ------
Total gross deferred tax assets 520.3 448.5
Less valuation allowance (7.0) (7.0)
------- ------
Net deferred tax assets 513.3 441.5
------- ------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition costs 480.5 399.3
Fixed maturity securities 193.3 133.2
Deferred tax on realized investment gains 40.1 37.6
Equity securities and other long-term investments 7.5 8.2
Other 22.2 25.4
------- ------
Total gross deferred tax liabilities 743.6 603.7
------- ------
Net deferred tax liability $230.3 $162.2
======= ======
</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. Nearly all future
deductible amounts can be offset by future taxable amounts or recovery
of federal income tax paid within the statutory carryback period. There
has been no change in the valuation allowance for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.
Federal income tax expense attributable to income from continuing
operations for the years ended December 31 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Currently payable $121.7 $116.5 $88.7
Deferred tax expense (benefit) 28.5 (5.6) 11.1
------ ------ ------
$150.2 $110.9 $99.8
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
Total federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S.
federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
(in millions of dollars) Amount % Amount % Amount %
---------------------- ------------- -------- ------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Computed (expected) tax expense $150.5 35.0 $110.4 35.0 $100.6 35.0
Tax exempt interest and dividends
received deduction - 0.0 (0.2) (0.1) - 0.0
Other, net (0.3) (0.1) 0.7 0.3 (0.8) (0.3)
------ ---- ------ ---- ------ ----
Total (effective rate of each year) $150.2 34.9 $110.9 35.2 $ 99.8 34.7
====== ==== ====== ==== ====== ====
</TABLE>
Total federal income tax paid was $91.8 million, $115.8 million and
$51.8 million during the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
<PAGE> 15
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
(6) 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 to be 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.
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.
MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE, NET: 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 mortgage loans in default is the estimated fair
value of the underlying collateral.
POLICY LOANS, SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AND CASH: The carrying amount
reported in the consolidated 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 includes 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.
<PAGE> 16
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
POLICY RESERVES ON LIFE INSURANCE CONTRACTS: Included are
disclosures for individual life insurance, universal life
insurance and supplementary contracts with life contingencies for
which 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 13.
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>
1997 1996
------------------------------ -------------------------------
Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated
(in millions of dollars) amount fair value amount fair value
------------------------------ --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Assets:
Investments:
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities $13,204.1 $13,204.1 $12,304.6 $12,304.6
Equity securities 80.4 80.4 59.1 59.1
Mortgage loans on real estate, net 5,181.6 5,509.7 5,272.1 5,397.9
Policy loans 415.3 415.3 371.8 371.8
Short-term investments 358.4 358.4 4.8 4.8
Cash 175.6 175.6 43.8 43.8
Assets held in Separate Accounts 37,724.4 37,724.4 26,926.7 26,926.7
Liabilities:
Investment contracts 14,708.2 14,322.1 13,914.4 13,484.5
Policy reserves on life insurance contracts 3,345.4 3,182.4 3,392.8 3,197.5
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts 37,724.4 36,747.0 26,926.7 26,164.2
</TABLE>
(7) RISK DISCLOSURES
The following is a description of the most significant risks facing
life insurers and how the Company mitigates those risks:
LEGAL/REGULATORY RISK: The risk that changes in the legal or regulatory
environment in which an insurer operates will result in increased
competition, reduce 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 offering a wide range of
products and by operating throughout the United States, thus reducing
its exposure to any single product or jurisdiction, and also by
employing underwriting practices which identify and minimize the
adverse impact of this risk.
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, including reinsurers, which owe the
Company money, will not pay. The Company minimizes this risk by
adhering to a conservative investment strategy, by maintaining
reinsurance and credit and collection policies and by providing for any
amounts deemed uncollectible.
<PAGE> 17
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
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.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK: The Company is a
party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the
normal course of business through management of its investment
portfolio. These financial instruments include commitments to extend
credit in the form of loans. These instruments involve, to varying
degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized on the
consolidated balance sheets.
Commitments to fund fixed rate mortgage loans on real estate are
agreements to lend to a borrower, and are subject to conditions
established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed
expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment
of a deposit. Commitments extended by the Company are based on
management's case-by-case credit evaluation of the borrower and the
borrower's loan collateral. The underlying mortgage property represents
the collateral if the commitment is funded. The Company's policy for
new mortgage loans on real estate is to lend no more than 75% of
collateral value. Should the commitment be funded, the Company's
exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the borrower
is represented by the contractual amounts of these commitments less the
net realizable value of the collateral. The contractual amounts also
represent the cash requirements for all unfunded commitments.
Commitments on mortgage loans on real estate of $341.4 million
extending into 1998 were outstanding as of December 31, 1997. The
Company also had $63.9 million of commitments to purchase fixed
maturity securities outstanding as of December 31, 1997.
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 20% (21% in 1996) in any geographic area and no more than 2% (2%
in 1996) with any one borrower as of December 31, 1997. As of December
31, 1997, 46% (44% in 1996) of the remaining principal balance of the
Company's commercial mortgage loan portfolio financed retail
properties.
The Company had a significant reinsurance recoverable balance from one
reinsurer as of December 31, 1997 and 1996. See note 4.
(8) PENSION PLAN
The Company is a participant, together with other affiliated companies,
in a pension plan covering all employees who have completed at least
one year of service. Benefits are based upon the highest average annual
salary of a specified number of consecutive years of the last ten years
of service. The Company funds pension costs accrued for direct
employees plus an allocation of pension costs accrued for employees of
affiliates whose work efforts benefit the Company.
Effective January 1, 1995, the plan was amended to provide enhanced
benefits for participants who met certain eligibility requirements and
elected early retirement no later than March 15, 1995. The entire cost
of the enhanced benefit was borne by NMIC and certain of its property
and casualty insurance company affiliates.
<PAGE> 18
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
Effective December 31, 1995, the Nationwide Insurance Companies and
Affiliates Retirement Plan was merged with the Farmland Mutual
Insurance Company Employees' Retirement Plan and the Wausau Insurance
Companies Pension Plan to form the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
Retirement Plan (the Retirement Plan). Immediately prior to the merger,
the plans were amended to provide consistent benefits for service after
January 1, 1996. These amendments had no significant impact on the
accumulated benefit obligation or projected benefit obligation as of
December 31, 1995.
Pension costs charged to operations by the Company during the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $7.5 million, $7.4
million and $10.5 million, respectively.
The Company had no net accrued pension expense as of December 31, 1997
($1.1 million as of December 31, 1996).
The net periodic pension cost for the Retirement Plan as a whole for
the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for the Nationwide
Insurance Companies and Affiliates Retirement Plan as a whole for the
year ended December 31, 1995 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost (benefits earned during the period) $ 77.3 $ 75.5 $ 64.5
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 118.6 105.5 95.3
Actual return on plan assets (328.0) (210.6) (249.3)
Net amortization and deferral 196.4 101.8 143.4
-------- -------- --------
$ 64.3 $ 72.2 $ 53.9
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Weighted average discount rate 6.50% 6.00% 7.50%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels 4.75% 4.25% 6.25%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.25% 6.75% 8.75%
</TABLE>
Information regarding the funded status of the Retirement Plan as a
whole as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of dollars) 1997 1996
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Accumulated benefit obligation:
Vested $1,547.5 $1,338.6
Nonvested 13.5 11.1
-------- ---------
$1,561.0 $1,349.7
======== =========
Net accrued pension expense:
Projected benefit obligation for services rendered to date $2,033.8 $1,847.8
Plan assets at fair value 2,212.9 1,947.9
--------- ---------
Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation 179.1 100.1
Unrecognized prior service cost 34.7 37.9
Unrecognized net gains (330.7) (202.0)
Unrecognized net asset at transition 33.3 37.2
--------- ---------
$ (83.6) $ (26.8)
========= =========
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 19
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
Basis for measurements, funded status of plan:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Weighted average discount rate 6.00% 6.50%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels 4.25% 4.75%
</TABLE>
Assets of the Retirement Plan are invested in group annuity contracts
of NLIC and Employers Life Insurance Company of Wausau (ELICW).
(9) POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
In addition to the defined benefit pension plan, the Company, together
with other affiliated companies, participates in life and health care
defined benefit plans for qualifying retirees. Postretirement life and
health care benefits are contributory and generally available to full
time employees who have attained age 55 and have accumulated 15 years
of service with the Company after reaching age 40. Postretirement
health care benefit contributions are adjusted annually and contain
cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance. In addition,
there are caps on the Company's portion of the per-participant cost of
the postretirement health care benefits. These caps can increase
annually, but not more than three percent. The Company's policy is to
fund the cost of health care benefits in amounts determined at the
discretion of management. Plan assets are invested primarily in group
annuity contracts of NLIC.
The Company elected to immediately recognize its estimated accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation (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,
1997 and 1996 was $36.5 million and $34.9 million, respectively, and
the net periodic postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1997, 1996 and
1995 was $3.0 million, $3.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
Information regarding the funded status of the plan as a whole as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of dollars) 1997 1996
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Accrued postretirement benefit expense:
Retirees $ 93.3 $ 93.0
Fully eligible, active plan participants 31.6 23.7
Other active plan participants 113.0 84.0
-------- --------
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 237.9 200.7
Plan assets at fair value 69.2 63.0
-------- --------
Plan assets less than accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (168.7) (137.7)
Unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates 1.5 1.7
Unrecognized net losses (gains) 1.6 (23.2)
-------- --------
$(165.6) $(159.2)
======== ========
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 20
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
The amount of NPPBC for the plan as a whole for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost (benefits attributed to employee
service during the year) $ 7.0 $ 6.5 $ 6.2
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation 14.0 13.7 14.2
Actual return on plan assets (3.6) (4.3) (2.7)
Amortization of unrecognized transition
obligation of affiliates 0.2 0.2 3.0
Net amortization and deferral (0.5) 1.8 (1.6)
------- ------ ------
$17.1 $17.9 $19.1
======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
Actuarial assumptions used for the measurement of the APBO and the
NPPBC for 1997, 1996 and 1995 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
APBO:
Discount rate 6.70% 7.25% 6.75%
Assumed health care cost trend rate:
Initial rate 12.13% 11.00% 11.00%
Ultimate rate 6.12% 6.00% 6.00%
Uniform declining period 12 Years 12 Years 12 Years
NPPBC:
Discount rate 7.25% 6.65% 8.00%
Long term rate of return on plan
assets, net of tax 5.89% 4.80% 8.00%
Assumed health care cost trend rate:
Initial rate 11.00% 11.00% 10.00%
Ultimate rate 6.00% 6.00% 6.00%
Uniform declining period 12 Years 12 Years 12 Years
</TABLE>
For the plan as a whole, a one percentage point increase in the assumed
health care cost trend rate would increase the APBO as of December 31,
1997 by $0.4 million and have no impact on the NPPBC for the year ended
December 31, 1997.
(10) SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY, REGULATORY RISK-BASED CAPITAL, RETAINED EARNINGS
AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
Ohio, NLIC's and NLAIC'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. NLIC and NLAIC each exceed
the minimum risk-based capital requirements.
<PAGE> 21
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
The statutory capital and surplus of NLIC as of December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995 was $1.13 billion, $1.00 billion and $1.36 billion,
respectively. The statutory net income of NLIC for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $111.7 million, $73.2 million and
$86.5 million, respectively.
As a result of the $850.0 million dividend paid on February 24, 1997,
any dividend paid by NLIC during the twelve-month period immediately
following the $850.0 million dividend would be an extraordinary
dividend under Ohio insurance laws. Accordingly, no such dividend could
be paid without prior regulatory approval. The Company has no reason to
believe that any reasonably foreseeable dividend to be paid by NLIC
would not receive the required approval.
In addition, the payment of dividends by NLIC may also be subject to
restrictions set forth in the insurance laws of New York that limit the
amount of statutory profits on NLIC's participating policies (measured
before dividends to policyholders) that can inure to the benefit of the
Company and its shareholder.
The Company currently does not expect such regulatory requirements to
impair its ability to pay operating expenses and shareholder dividends
in the future.
(11) TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
As part of the restructuring described in note 1, NLIC paid a dividend
valued at $485.7 million to Nationwide Corp. on January 1, 1997
consisting of the outstanding shares of common stock of ELICW, National
Casualty Company (NCC) and West Coast Life Insurance Company (WCLIC).
Also, on February 24, 1997, NLIC paid a dividend to NFS, and NFS paid
an equivalent dividend to Nationwide Corp., consisting of securities
having an aggregate fair value of $850.0 million. The Company
recognized a gain of $14.4 million on the transfer of securities.
The Company leases office space from NMIC and certain of its
subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the
Company made lease payments to NMIC and its subsidiaries of $8.4
million, $9.1 million and $9.0 million, 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. Amounts
allocated to the Company were $85.8 million, $101.6 million and $107.1
million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The allocations are based
on techniques and procedures in accordance with insurance regulatory
guidelines. Measures used to allocate expenses among companies include
individual employee estimates of time spent, special cost studies,
salary expense, commissions expense and other methods agreed to by the
participating companies that are within industry guidelines and
practices. The Company believes these allocation methods are
reasonable. In addition, the Company does not believe that expenses
recognized under the inter-company agreements are materially different
than expenses that would have been recognized had the Company operated
on a stand alone basis. Amounts payable to NMIC from the Company under
the cost sharing agreement were $20.5 million and $15.1 million as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The Company also participates in intercompany repurchase agreements
with affiliates whereby the seller will transfer securities to the
buyer at a stated value. Upon demand or a stated period, the securities
will be repurchased by the seller at the original sales price plus a
price differential. Transactions under the agreements during 1997 and
1996 were not material. The Company believes that the terms of the
repurchase agreements are materially consistent with what the Company
could have obtained with unaffiliated parties.
<PAGE> 22
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
Intercompany reinsurance agreements exist between NLIC and,
respectively, NMIC and ELICW whereby all of NLIC's accident and health
and group life insurance business is ceded on a modified coinsurance
basis. NLIC entered into the reinsurance agreements during 1996 because
the accident and health and group life insurance business was unrelated
to the Company's long-term savings and retirement products.
Accordingly, the accident and health and group life insurance business
has been accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods
presented. Under modified coinsurance agreements, invested assets are
retained by the ceding company and investment earnings are paid to the
reinsurer. Under the terms of the Company's agreements, the investment
risk associated with changes in interest rates is borne by ELICW or
NMIC, as the case may be. Risk of asset default is retained by the
Company, although a fee is paid by ELICW or NMIC, as the case may be,
to the Company for the Company's retention of such risk. The agreements
will remain in force until all policy obligations are settled. However,
with respect to the agreement between NLIC and NMIC, either party may
terminate the contract on January 1 of any year with prior notice. The
ceding of risk does not discharge the original insurer from its primary
obligation to the policyholder. The Company believes that the terms of
the modified coinsurance agreements are consistent in all material
respects with what the Company could have obtained with unaffiliated
parties. Amounts ceded to NMIC and ELICW for the years ended December
31, 1997 and 1996 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---------------------------- ----------------------------
(in millions of dollars) NMIC ELICW NMIC ELICW
-------------- ------------- ----------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Premiums $ 91.4 $199.8 $ 97.3 $224.2
Net investment income and other revenue $ 10.7 $ 13.4 $ 10.9 $ 14.8
Benefits, claims and other expenses $100.7 $225.9 $100.5 $246.6
</TABLE>
The Company and various affiliates entered into agreements with
Nationwide Cash Management Company (NCMC), an affiliate, under which
NCMC acts as a 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 $211.0 million and $4.8 million as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and are included in
short-term investments on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
On March 1, 1995, Nationwide Corp. contributed all of the outstanding
shares of common stock of Farmland Life Insurance Company (Farmland) to
NLIC. Farmland merged into WCLIC effective June 30, 1995. The
contribution resulted in a direct increase to consolidated
shareholder's equity of $46.9 million. As discussed in note 15, WCLIC
is accounted for as discontinued operations.
Certain annuity products are sold through three affiliated companies,
which are also subsidiaries of NFS. Total commissions and fees paid to
these affiliates for the three years ended December 31, 1997 were $66.1
million, $76.9 million and $57.3 million, respectively.
(12) BANK LINES OF CREDIT
In August 1996, NLIC, along with NMIC, entered into a $600.0 million
revolving credit facility which provides for a $600.0 million loan over
a five year term on a fully revolving basis with a group of national
financial institutions. The credit facility provides for several and
not joint liability with respect to any amount drawn by either NLIC or
NMIC. NLIC and NMIC pay facility and usage fees to the financial
institutions to maintain the revolving credit facility. All previously
existing line of credit agreements were canceled. In September 1997,
the credit agreement was amended to include NFS as a party to and
borrower under the agreement.
<PAGE> 23
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
(13) CONTINGENCIES
The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits. In the opinion of
management, the effects, if any, of such lawsuits are not expected to
be material to the Company's financial position or results of
operations.
(14) SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company has three product segments: Variable Annuities, Fixed
Annuities and Life Insurance. The Variable Annuities segment consists
of annuity contracts that provide the customer with the opportunity to
invest in mutual funds managed by the Company and independent
investment managers, with the investment returns accumulating on a
tax-deferred basis. The Fixed Annuities segment consists of annuity
contracts that generate a return for the customer at a specified
interest rate, fixed for a prescribed period, with returns accumulating
on a tax-deferred basis. The Fixed Annuities segment also includes the
fixed option under the Company's variable annuity contracts. The Life
Insurance segment consists of insurance products that provide a death
benefit and may also allow the customer to build cash value on a
tax-deferred basis. In addition, the Company reports corporate expenses
and investments, and the related investment income supporting capital
not specifically allocated to its product segments in a Corporate and
Other segment. In addition, all realized gains and losses and
investment management fees and other revenue earned from mutual funds,
other than the portion allocated to the variable annuities and life
insurance segments, are reported in the Corporate and Other segment.
The following table summarizes revenues and income from continuing
operations before federal income tax expense for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and assets as of December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995, by segment.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Variable Annuities $ 404.0 $ 284.6 $ 189.1
Fixed Annuities 1,141.4 1,092.6 1,052.0
Life Insurance 473.1 435.6 409.1
Corporate and Other 198.9 180.1 148.5
----------- ---------- ----------
$ 2,217.4 $ 1,992.9 $ 1,798.7
=========== ========== ==========
Income from continuing operations before federal income tax
expense:
Variable Annuities $ 150.9 $ 90.3 $ 50.8
Fixed Annuities 169.5 135.4 137.0
Life Insurance 70.9 67.2 67.6
Corporate and Other 38.6 22.6 32.2
----------- ---------- ----------
$ 429.9 $ 315.5 $ 287.6
=========== ========== ==========
Assets:
Variable Annuities $ 35,278.7 $ 25,069.7 $ 17,333.0
Fixed Annuities 14,436.3 13,994.7 13,250.4
Life Insurance 3,901.4 3,353.3 3,027.4
Corporate and Other 6,174.3 5,348.6 4,896.8
----------- ---------- ----------
$ 59,790.7 $ 47,766.3 $ 38,507.6
=========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 24
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
(15) DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
As discussed in note 1, NFS is a holding company for NLIC and certain
other companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that offer
or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. Prior to the
contribution by Nationwide Corp. of the outstanding common stock of
NLIC to NFS, NLIC effected certain transactions with respect to certain
subsidiaries and lines of business that were unrelated to long-term
savings and retirement products.
On September 24, 1996, NLIC's Board of Directors declared a dividend
payable to Nationwide Corp. on January 1, 1997 consisting of the
outstanding shares of common stock of three subsidiaries: ELICW, NCC
and WCLIC. ELICW writes group accident and health and group life
insurance business and maintains it offices in Wausau, Wisconsin. NCC
is a property and casualty company with offices in Scottsdale, Arizona
that serves as a fronting company for a property and casualty
subsidiary of NMIC. WCLIC writes high dollar term life insurance
policies and is located in San Francisco, California. ELICW, NCC and
WCLIC have been accounted for as discontinued operations in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements through December 31,
1996. The Company did not recognize any gain or loss on the disposal of
these subsidiaries.
Also, during 1996, NLIC entered into two reinsurance agreements whereby
all of NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business was
ceded to ELICW and NMIC, effective January 1, 1996. See note 11 for a
complete discussion of the reinsurance agreements. The Company has
discontinued its accident and health and group life insurance business
and in connection therewith has entered into reinsurance agreements to
cede all existing and any future writings to other affiliated
companies. NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business
is accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
The Company did not recognize any gain or loss on the disposal of the
accident and health and group life insurance business. The assets,
liabilities, results of operations and activities of discontinued
operations are distinguished physically, operationally and for
financial reporting purposes from the remaining assets, liabilities,
results of operations and activities of the Company.
A summary of the results of operations of discontinued operations for
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
-------------- ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ - $ 668.9 $ 776.9
Net income $ - $ 11.3 $ 24.7
</TABLE>
A summary of the assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as
of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in millions of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
-------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Assets, consisting primarily of investments $247.3 $3,288.5 $3,206.7
Liabilities, consisting primarily of policy benefits and claims $247.3 $2,802.8 $2,700.0
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 62
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Item 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(a) To be filed by Financial Statements:
(1) Financial statements included PAGE
in Prospectus
(Part A):
Condensed Financial Information. 17
(2) Financial statements included
in Part B:
Those financial statements required by 60
Item 23 to be included in Part B have been
incorporated therein by reference to the
Statement of Additional Information
(Part A).
Nationwide Multi-Flex Separate Account:
Independent Auditors' Report. 60
Statements of Assets, Liabilities
and Contract Owners' Equity as of December 31, 1997. 61
Statements of Operations and Changes
in Contract Owners Equity for the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996. 63
Notes to Financial Statements. 69
Nationwide Life Insurance Company:
Independent Auditors' Report. 74
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997
and 1996. 75
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995. 76
Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity for the
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995. 77
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995. 78
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 79
Schedule I - Consolidated Summary of Investments - Other
Than Investments in Related Parties 116
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information 117
Schedule IV - Reinsurance 118
Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 119
</TABLE>
98 of 120
<PAGE> 63
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Item 24. (b) Exhibits
(1) Resolution of the Depositor's Board of
Directors authorizing the establishment of
the Registrant - Filed previously with
this Registration Statement File No.
(2-75174) and hereby incorporated by
reference.
(2) Not Applicable
(3) Underwriting or Distribution contracts
between the Registrant and Principal
Underwriter - Filed previously with this
Registration Statement File No. (2-75174)
and hereby incorporated by reference.
(4) The form of the variable annuity contract
Filed previously with this Registration
Statement File No. (2-75174) and hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
(5) Variable Annuity Application - Filed previously with this Registration Statement
File No. (2-75174) and hereby incorporated by reference.
(6) Articles of Incorporation of Depositor
Filed previously with this Registration
Statement File No. (2-75174) and hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
(7) Not Applicable
(8) Not Applicable
(9) Opinion of Counsel - Filed previously with
this Registration Statement File No. (2-75174) and hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
(10) Not Applicable
(11) Not Applicable
(12) Not Applicable
(13) Performance Advertising Calculation
Schedule - Filed previously with this
Registration Statement File No. (2-75174) and hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
</TABLE>
99 of 120
<PAGE> 64
Item 25. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND OFFICES
BUSINESS ADDRESS WITH DEPOSITOR
<S> <C>
Lewis J. Alphin Director
519 Bethel Church Road
Mount Olive, NC 28365
A. I. Bell Director
4121 North River Road West
Zanesville, OH 43701
Keith W. Eckel Director
1647 Falls Road
Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Willard J. Engel Director
300 East Marshall Street
Marshall, MN 56258
Fred C. Finney Director
1558 West Moreland Road
Wooster, OH 44691
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr. Director
600 South Washington Street
Butler, PA 16001
Joseph J. Gasper President and Chief Operating Officer
One Nationwide Plaza and Director
Columbus, OH 43215
Dimon R. McFerson Chairman and Chief Executive Officer-
One Nationwide Plaza Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
Columbus, OH 43215 and Director
David O. Miller Chairman of the Board and Director
115 Sprague Drive
Hebron, OH 43025
Yvonne L. Montgomery Director
2859 Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30339
C. Ray Noecker Director
2770 Winchester Southern S.
Ashville, OH 43103
James F. Patterson Director
8765 Mulberry Road
Chesterland, OH 44026
</TABLE>
100 of 120
<PAGE> 65
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND OFFICES
BUSINESS ADDRESS WITH DEPOSITOR
<S> <C>
Arden L. Shisler Director
1356 North Wenger Road
Dalton, OH 44618
Robert L. Stewart Director
88740 Fairview Road
Jewett, OH 43986
Nancy C. Thomas Director
10835 Georgetown Street NE
Louisville, OH 44641
Harold W. Weihl Director
14282 King Road
Bowling Green, OH 43402
Dennis W. Click Vice President and Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
Robert A. Oakley Executive Vice President-
One Nationwide Plaza Chief Financial Officer
Columbus, OH 43215
Robert J. Woodward Jr. Executive Vice President
One Nationwide Plaza Chief Investment Officer
Columbus, OH 43215
W. Sidney Druen Senior Vice President and General
One Nationwide Plaza Counsel and Assistant Secretary
Columbus, OH 43215
Harvey S. Galloway, Jr. Senior Vice President-Chief Actuary-
One Nationwide Plaza Life, Health and Annuities
Columbus, OH 43215
Richard A. Karas Senior Vice President - Sales -
One Nationwide Plaza Financial Services
Columbus, OH 43215
Susan A. Wolken Senior Vice President - Life
One Nationwide Plaza Company Operations
Columbus, OH 43215
Michael D. Bleiweiss Vice President-
One Nationwide Plaza Individual Annuity Operations
Columbus, OH 43215
</TABLE>
101 of 120
<PAGE> 66
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND OFFICES
BUSINESS ADDRESS WITH DEPOSITOR
<S> <C>
Matthew S. Easley Vice President -
One Nationwide Plaza Life Marketing and Administrative Services
Columbus, OH 43215
Timothy E. Murphy Vice President-
One Nationwide Plaza Strategic Marketing
Columbus, Ohio 43215
R. Dennis Noice Vice President-
One Nationwide Plaza Retail Operations
Columbus, OH 43215
Joseph P. Rath
One Nationwide Plaza Vice President
Columbus, OH 43215
</TABLE>
Item 26. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE DEPOSITOR
OR REGISTRANT.
* Subsidiaries for which separate financial statements are
filed
** Subsidiaries included in the respective consolidated
financial statements
*** Subsidiaries included in the respective group financial
statements filed for unconsolidated subsidiaries
**** other subsidiaries
102 of 120
<PAGE> 67
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NO. VOTING
SECURITIES
STATE (SEE ATTACHED
OF ORGANIZATION CHART) UNLESS
COMPANY OTHERWISE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
INDICATED
<S> <C> <C>
Affiliate Agency, Inc. Delaware Life Insurance Agency
Affiliate Agency of Ohio, Inc. Ohio Life Insurance Agency
Allnations, Inc. Ohio Promotes cooperative insurance corporations
worldwide
American Marine Underwriters, Inc. Florida Underwriting Manager
Auto Direkt Insurance Company Germany Insurance Company
The Beak and Wire Corporation Ohio Radio Tower Joint Venture
California Cash Management Company California Inactive
Colonial County Mutual Insurance Texas Insurance Company
Company
Colonial Insurance Company of Wisconsin Insurance Company
Wisconsin
Columbus Insurance Brokerage and Germany Insurance Broker
Service GMBH
Companies Agency, Inc. Wisconsin Insurance Broker
Companies Agency Insurance Services California Insurance Broker
of California
Companies Agency of Alabama, Inc. Alabama Insurance Broker
Companies Agency of Georgia, Inc. Georgia Insurance Broker
Companies Agency of Idaho, Inc. Idaho Insurance Broker
Companies Agency of Kentucky, Inc. Kentucky Insurance Broker
Companies Agency of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Insurance Broker
Inc.
Companies Agency of New York, Inc. New York Insurance Broker
Companies Agency of Pennsylvania, Inc. Pennsylvania Insurance Broker
Companies Agency of Phoenix, Inc. Arizona Insurance Broker
Companies Agency of Texas, Inc. Texas Local Recording Agent (P&C)
Companies Annuity Agency of Texas, Texas Group and Variable Contract Agent
Inc.
Cooperative Service Company Nebraska Insurance Agency
Countrywide Services Corporation Delaware Products Liability, Investigative and Claims
Management Services
EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU Wisconsin Mutual Insurance Company
A Mutual Company
</TABLE>
103 of 120
<PAGE> 68
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NO. VOTING
SECURITIES
STATE (SEE ATTACHED
OF ORGANIZATION CHART) UNLESS
COMPANY OTHERWISE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
INDICATED
<S> <C> <C>
** Employers Life Insurance Company of Wisconsin Life Insurance Company
Wausau
F & B, Inc. Iowa Insurance Agency
Farmland Mutual Insurance Company Iowa Mutual Insurance Company
Financial Horizons Distributors Alabama Life Insurance Agency
Agency of Alabama, Inc.
Financial Horizons Distributors Ohio Life Insurance Agency
Agency of Ohio, Inc.
Financial Horizons Distributors Oklahoma Life Insurance Agency
Agency of Oklahoma, Inc.
Financial Horizons Distributors Texas Life Insurance Agency
Agency of Texas, Inc.
* Financial Horizons Investment Trust Massachusetts Investment Company
Financial Horizons Securities Oklahoma Broker Dealer
Corporation
Gates, McDonald & Company Ohio Cost Control Business
Gates, McDonald & Company of Nevada Nevada Self-Insurance Administration Claims
Examinations and Data Processing Services
Gates, McDonald & Company of New New York Workers Compensation Claims Administration
York, Inc.
Gates McDonald Health Plus, Inc. Ohio Managed Care Organization
Greater La Crosse Health Plans, Inc. Wisconsin Commercial Health and Medicare Supplement
Insurance
Insurance Intermediaries, Inc. Ohio Insurance Broker and Insurance Agency
Irvin L. Schwartz and Associates, Inc. Ohio Insurance Agency
Key Health Plan, Inc. California Pre-paid Health Plans
Landmark Financial Services of New New York Life Insurance Agency
York, Inc.
Leben Direkt Insurance Company Germany Life Insurance Company
Lone Star General Agency, Inc. Texas Insurance Agency
** MRM Investments, Inc. Ohio Owns and Operates a Recreational Ski Facility
** National Casualty Company Wisconsin Insurance Company
National Casualty Company of America, Great Britain Insurance Company
Ltd.
** National Premium and Benefit Delaware Insurance Administrative Services
Administration Company
** Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. Ohio Registered Broker-Dealer, Investment Manager
and Administrator
</TABLE>
104 of 120
<PAGE> 69
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NO. VOTING
SECURITIES
STATE (SEE ATTACHED
OF ORGANIZATION CHART) UNLESS
COMPANY OTHERWISE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
INDICATED
<S> <C> <C>
Nationwide Agency, Inc. Ohio Insurance Agency
Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Iowa Insurance Company
Company
Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust Massachusetts Investment Company
Nationwide Cash Management Company Ohio Investment Securities Agent
Nationwide Community Urban Ohio Redevelopment of blighted areas within the
Redevelopment Corporation City of Columbus, Ohio
Nationwide Corporation Ohio Organized for the purpose of acquiring,
holding, encumbering, transferring, or
otherwise disposing of shares, bonds, and
other evidences of indebtedness, securities,
and contracts of other persons, associations,
corporations, domestic or foreign and to form
or acquire the control of other corporations
Nationwide/Dispatch LLC Ohio Engaged in related Arena development Activity
Nationwide Financial Institution Delaware Insurance Agency
Distributors Agency, Inc.
Nationwide Financial Services Capital Delaware Statutory Business Trust
Trust
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. Delaware Organized for the purpose of acquiring,
holding, encumbering, transferring, or
otherwise disposing of shares, bonds, and
other evidences of indebtedness, securities,
and contracts of other persons, associations,
corporations, domestic or foreign and to form
or acquire the control of other corporations
Nationwide General Insurance Company Ohio Insurance Company
Nationwide Global Holdings, Inc. Ohio Holding Company for Enterprise International
Operations
Nationwide Health Plans, Inc. Ohio Health Maintenance Organization
* Nationwide Indemnity Company Ohio Reinsurance Company
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Ohio Membership Non-Profit Corporation
Foundation
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Ohio Performs shares services functions for the
Services, Ltd. Enterprise
Nationwide Insurance Golf Charities, Ohio Membership Non-Profit Corporation
Inc.
Nationwide Investing Foundation Michigan Investment Company
* Nationwide Investing Massachusetts Investment Company
Foundation II
Nationwide Investing Foundation III Ohio Investment Company
</TABLE>
105 of 120
<PAGE> 70
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NO. VOTING
SECURITIES
STATE (SEE ATTACHED
OF ORGANIZATION CHART) UNLESS
COMPANY OTHERWISE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
INDICATED
<S> <C> <C>
Nationwide Investment Services Oklahoma Registered Broker-Dealer in Deferred
Corporation Compensation Market
Nationwide Investors Services, Inc. Ohio Stock Transfer Agent
** Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Ohio Life Insurance Company
Company
** Nationwide Life Insurance Company Ohio Life Insurance Company
Nationwide Lloyds Texas Texas Lloyds Company
Nationwide Management Systems, Inc. Ohio Offers Preferred Provider Organization and
Other Related Products and Services
Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Ohio Mutual Insurance Company
Company
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company Ohio Mutual Insurance Company
Nationwide Properties, Ltd. Ohio Develops, owns and operates real estate and
real estate investments
Nationwide Property and Casualty Ohio Insurance Company
Insurance Company
Nationwide Realty Investors, Ltd. Ohio Develops, owns and operates real estate and
real estate investments
* Nationwide Separate Account Trust Massachusetts Investment Company
NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services, Delaware Life Insurance Agency
Inc.
NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Alabama Life Insurance Agency
Alabama, Inc.
NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Arizona Life Insurance Agency
Arizona, Inc.
NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Montana Life Insurance Agency
Montana, Inc.
NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Nevada Life Insurance Agency
Nevada, Inc.
NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Ohio Life Insurance Agency
Ohio, Inc.
NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Oklahoma Life Insurance Agency
Oklahoma, Inc.
NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Texas Life Insurance Agency
Texas, Inc.
NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of Wyoming Life Insurance Agency
Wyoming, Inc.
NEA Valuebuilder Services Insurance Massachusetts Life Insurance Agency
Agency, Inc.
Neckura General Insurance Company Germany Insurance Company
Neckura Holding Company Germany Administrative Service for Neckura Insurance
Group
Neckura Insurance Company Germany Insurance Company
Neckura Life Insurance Company Germany Life Insurance Company
</TABLE>
106 of 120
<PAGE> 71
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NO. VOTING
SECURITIES
STATE (SEE ATTACHED
OF ORGANIZATION CHART) UNLESS
COMPANY OTHERWISE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
INDICATED
<S> <C> <C>
NWE, Inc. Ohio Special Investments
PEBSCO of Massachusetts Insurance Massachusetts Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
Agency, Inc. Plans for Public Employees
PEBSCO of Texas, Inc. Texas Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
Plans for Public Employees
Pension Associates of Wausau, Inc. Wisconsin Pension plan administration, record keeping
and consulting and compensation consulting
Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation Wisconsin Health Maintenance Organization
Prevea Health Insurance Plan, Inc. Wisconsin Health Maintenance Organization
Public Employees Benefit Services Delaware Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
Corporation Plans for Public Employees
Public Employees Benefit Services Alabama Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
Corporation of Alabama Plans for Public Employees
Public Employees Benefit Services Arkansas Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
Corporation of Arkansas Plans for Public Employees
Public Employees Benefit Services Montana Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
Corporation of Montana Plans for Public Employees
Public Employees Benefit Services New Mexico Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
Corporation of New Mexico Plans for Public Employees
Scottsdale Indemnity Company Ohio Insurance Company
Scottsdale Insurance Company Ohio Insurance Company
Scottsdale Surplus Lines Insurance Arizona Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance Company
Company
SVM Sales GmbH, Neckura Insurance Germany Sales support for Neckura Insurance Group
Group
TIG Countrywide Insurance Group California Independent Agency Personal Lines Underwriter
Wausau (Bermuda) Ltd. Bermuda Rent-a-captive Reinsurer
Wausau Business Insurance Company Wisconsin Insurance Company
Wausau General Insurance Company Illinois Insurance Company
Wausau Insurance Company (U.K.) United Kingdom Insurance and Reinsurance Company
Limited
Wausau International Underwriters California Special Risks, Excess and Surplus Lines
Insurance Underwriting Manager
** Wausau Preferred Health Insurance Wisconsin Insurance and Reinsurance Company
Company
Wausau Service Corporation Wisconsin Holding Company
Wausau Underwriters Insurance Company Wisconsin Insurance Company
</TABLE>
107 of 120
<PAGE> 72
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NO. VOTING SECURITIES
(SEE ATTACHED CHART) UNLESS
STATE OTHERWISE INDICATED
OF ORGANIZATION
COMPANY PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
<S> <C> <C> <C>
* MFS Variable Account Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Account
* NACo Variable Account Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Account
* Nationwide DC Variable Account Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Account
Nationwide DCVA-II Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Account
* Separate Account No. 1 Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Account
* Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Account
* Nationwide VA Separate Account-A Ohio Nationwide Life and Annuity Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Separate Account
* Nationwide VA Separate Account-B Ohio Nationwide Life and Annuity Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Separate Account
* Nationwide VA Separate Account-C Ohio Nationwide Life and Annuity Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Separate Account
Nationwide VA Separate Account-Q Ohio Nationwide Life and Annuity Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Separate Account
* Nationwide Variable Account Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Account
* Nationwide Variable Account-II Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Account
* Nationwide Variable Account-3 Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Account
* Nationwide Variable Account-4 Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Account
* Nationwide Variable Account-5 Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Account
* Nationwide Fidelity Advisor Variable Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Account Account
* Nationwide Variable Account-6 Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Account
Nationwide Variable Account-8 Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Account
* Nationwide Variable Account-9 Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Annuity Contracts
Account
* Nationwide VL Separate Ohio Nationwide Life and Annuity Issuer of Life Insurance
Account-A Separate Account Policies
Nationwide VL Separate Ohio Nationwide Life and Annuity Issuer of Life Insurance
Account-B Separate Account Policies
Nationwide VL Separate Ohio Nationwide Life and Annuity Issuer of Life Insurance
Account C Separate Account Policies
* Nationwide VLI Separate Account Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Life Insurance
Account Policies
* Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2 Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Life Insurance
Account Policies
* Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3 Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Life Insurance
Account Policies
Nationwide VLI Separate Account-4 Ohio Nationwide Life Separate Issuer of Life Insurance
Account Policies
</TABLE>
108 of 120
<PAGE> 73
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(left side)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------
| NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |
| GOLF CHARITIES, INC. |
| |
| MEMBERSHIP |
| NONPROFIT |
| CORPORATION |
- ------------------------
------------------------------------------
| EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU |
| A MUTUAL COMPANY |
| (EMPLOYERS) |
| |========================================
| Contribution Note Cost |
| ----------------- ---- |
| Casualty $400,000,000 |
------------------------------------------
|
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
| | |
- --------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
| KEY HEALTH PLAN, INC. | | WAUSAU INSURANCE CO. | | WAUSAU SERVICE | | |
| | | (U.K.) LIMITED | | CORPORATION (WSC) | | NATIONWIDE LLOYDS |
|Common Stock: 1,000 | |Common Stock: 8,506,800 | |Common Stock: 1,000 Shares| | |
|------------ Shares | |------------ Shares | |------------ | | |
| | | | | |=========| |
| Cost | | Cost | | Cost | || | A TEXAS LLOYDS |
| ---- | | ---- | | ---- | || | |
|Employers- | |Employers- | |Employers- | || | |
| 80% $1,828,478 | |100% $18,683,300| |100% $176,763,000| || | |
- --------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------- || ---------------------------
| ||
--------------------------------------------------------------------- ||
| | | ||
- --------------------------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------------- | || ---------------------------
| WAUSAU BUSINESS | | | COMPANIES AGENCY | | | COUNTRYWIDE SERVICES | | || | |
| INSURANCE COMPANY | | | OF KENTUCKY, INC. | | | CORPORATION | | || | |
|Common Stock: 10,900,000 | | |Common Stock: 1,000 | | |Common Stock: 100 Shares | | || | COMPANIES |
|------------ Shares | | |------------ Shares | | |------------ | | || | AGENCY OF |
| |---|---| | |---| | | ||==| TEXAS, INC. |
| Cost | | | Cost | | | Cost | | || | |
| ---- | | | ---- | | | ---- | | || | |
|WSC-100% $33,800,000| | |WSC-100% $1,000 | | |WSC-100% $145,852 | | || | |
- --------------------------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------------- | || ---------------------------
| | | ||
- --------------------------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------------- | || ---------------------------
| WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS | | | COMPANIES AGENCY | | | WAUSAU GENERAL | | || | |
| INSURANCE COMPANY | | | OF MASSACHUSETTS, INC. | | | INSURANCE COMPANY | | || | |
|Common Stock: 8,750 | | |Common Stock: 1,000 | | |Common Stock: 200,000 | | || | COMPANIES ANNUITY |
|------------ Shares | | |------------ Shares | | |------------ Shares | | || | AGENCY OF |
| |---|---| | |---| | | ====| TEXAS, INC. |
| Cost | | | Cost | | | Cost | | | |
| ---- | | | ---- | | | ---- | | | |
|WSC-100% $69,560,006| | |WSC-100% $1,000 | | |WSC-100% $39,000,000 | | | |
- --------------------------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------------- | ---------------------------
| | |
- --------------------------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------------- | ---------------------------
| GREATER LA CROSSE | | | COMPANIES AGENCY | | | WAUSAU INTERNATIONAL | | | AMERICAN MARINE |
| HEALTH PLANS, INC. | | | OF NEW YORK, INC. | | | UNDERWRITERS | | | UNDERWRITERS, INC. |
|Common Stock: 3,000 | | |Common Stock: 1,000 | | |Common Stock: 1,000 | | |Common Stock: 20 |
|------------ Shares | | |------------ Shares | | |------------ Shares | | |------------ Shares |
| |---|---| | |---| | |------| |
| Cost | | | Cost | | | Cost | | | Cost |
| ---- | | | ---- | | | ---- | | | ---- |
|WSC-33.3% $1,461,761 | | |WSC-100% $1,000 | | |WSC-100% $10,000 | | |WSC-100% $248,222 |
- --------------------------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------------- | ---------------------------
| | |
- --------------------------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------------- | ---------------------------
| COMPANIES AGENCY | | | COMPANIES AGENCY | | | COMPANIES AGENCY | | | COMPANIES |
| OF ALABAMA, INC. | | | OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC. | | | INSURANCE SERVICES | | | AGENCY, INC. |
| | | | | | | OF CALIFORNIA | | | |
|Common Stock: 1,000 | | |Common Stock: 1,000 | | |Common Stock: 1,000 | | |Common Stock: 100 |
|------------ Shares | | |------------ Shares | |---|------------ Shares | |------|------------ Shares |
| |---|---| | | | | | |
| Cost | | | Cost | | | Cost | | Cost |
| ---- | | | ---- | | | ---- | | ---- |
|WSC-100% $100 | | |WSC-100% $100 | | |WSC-100% $1,000 | |WSC-100% $10,000 |
- --------------------------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------------- ---------------------------
| | |
- --------------------------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------------- ---------------------------
| COMPANIES AGENCY | | | COMPANIES AGENCY | | | PHYSICIANS PLUS | | PENSION ASSOCIATES |
| OF IDAHO, INC. | | | OF PHOENIX, INC. | | | INSURANCE | | OF WAUSAU, INC. |
| | | | | | | CORPORATION | |Common Stock: 1,000 |
|Common Stock: 1,000 | | |Common Stock: 1,000 | | |Common Stock: 7,150 | |------------ Shares |
|------------ Shares | | |------------ Shares | | |------------ Shares | | |
| |-------| | |---|Preferred Stock: 11,540 | | |
| | | | | | |--------------- Shares | |Companies Cost |
| | | | | | | | |Agency, Inc. ---- |
| Cost | | | Cost | | | Cost | |(Wisconsin)-100% $10,000 |
| ---- | | | ---- | | | ---- | | |
|WSC-100% $1,000 | | |WSC-100% $1,000 | | |WSC-33-1/3% $6,215,459| | |
- --------------------------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------------- ---------------------------
| |
| --------------------------- | ----------------------------
| | WAUSAU | | | PREVEA HEALTH |
| | (BERMUDA) LTD. | | | INSURANCE PLAN, INC. |
| | Common Stock: 120,000 | | |Common Stock: 3,000 Shares|
| | ------------- Shares | | |------------ |
----| | ----| |
| | | |
| Cost | | Cost |
| ---- | | ---- |
| WSC-100% $5,000,000| |WSC-33-1/3% $500,000 |
--------------------------- ----------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 74
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R) (middle)
<S> <C> <C>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
| |
| |
| NATIONWIDE MUTUAL |
=======| INSURANCE COMPANY |================================================
| (CASUALTY) |
| |
| |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
| || |
| || -------------------------------------------------------------
| || ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| || | |
- -------------------------------- || | -------------------------------- --------------------------------
| ALLNATIONS, INC. | || | | NATIONWIDE GENERAL | | NECKURA HOLDING |
|Common Stock: 10,330 Shares | || | | INSURANCE COMPANY | | COMPANY (NECKURA) |
|------------ | || | | | | |
| Cost | || | |Common Stock: 20,000 | |Common Stock: 10,000 |
| ---- | || | |------------ Shares | |------------ Shares |
|Casualty-18.6% $88,320 | || | | Cost | | Cost |
|Fire-18.6% $88,463 | || | | ---- | | ---- |
|Preferred Stock: 1,466 Shares | || |----|Casualty-100% $5,944,422 | ---------|Casualty-100% $87,943,140 |
|--------------- | || | | | | | |
| Cost | || | | | | | |
| ---- | || | | | | | |
|Casualty-6.8% $100,000 | || | | | | | |
|Fire-6.8% $100,000 | || | | | | | |
- -------------------------------- || | -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
|| | |
- -------------------------------- || | -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
| FARMLAND MUTUAL | || | | NATIONWIDE PROPERTY | | | NECKURA |
| INSURANCE COMPANY | || | | AND CASUALTY | | | INSURANCE COMPANY |
|Guaranty Fund | || | | INSURANCE COMPANY | | | |
|------------ |========= |----|Common Stock: 60,000 | |--------|Common Stock: 6,000 |
|Certificate |-------- | |------------ Shares | | |------------ Shares |
|----------- Cost | | | | Cost | | | Cost |
| ---- | | | | ---- | | |Neckura- ---- |
|Casualty $500,000 | | | |Casualty-100% $6,000,000 | | |100% DM 6,000,000 |
- -------------------------------- | | -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
| | | |
- -------------------------------- | | -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
| F & B, INC. | | | | COLONIAL INSURANCE | | | NECKURA LIFE |
| | | | | COMPANY OF WINCONSIN | | | INSURANCE COMPANY |
|Common Stock: 1 Share | | | | (COLONIAL) | | | |
|------------ | ------| |----|Common Stock: 1,750 | |--------|Common Stock: 4,000 |
| Cost | | | |------------ Shares | | |------------ Shares |
| ---- | | | | Cost | | | Cost |
|Farmland | | | | ---- | | | ---- |
|Mutual-100% $10 | | | |Casualty-100% $41,750,000 | | |Neckura-100% DM 15,825,681 |
- -------------------------------- | | -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
| | |
- -------------------------------- | | -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
| COOPERATIVE SERVICE | | | | SCOTTSDALE | | | NECKURA GENERAL |
| COMPANY | | | | INSURANCE COMPANY | | | INSURANCE COMPANY |
|Common Stock: 600 Shares | | | | (SIC) | | | |
|------------ | | | |Common Stock: 30,136 | | |Common Stock: 1,500 |
| Cost |-------- |----|------------ Shares | ---- |--------|------------ Shares |
| ---- | | | Cost | | | | Cost |
|Farmland $3,506,173 | | | ---- | | | | ---- |
|Mutual-100% | | |Casualty-100% $150,000,000 | | | |Neckura-100% DM 1,656,925 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
- -------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | | --------------------------------
| | |
- -------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | | --------------------------------
| NATIONWIDE AGRIBUSINESS | | | SCOTTSDALE | | | | COLUMBUS INSURANCE |
| INSURANCE COMPANY | | | SURPLUS LINES | | | | BROKERAGE AND SERVICE |
|Common Stock: 1,000,000 | | | INSURANCE COMPANY | | | | GmbH |
|------------ Shares |------------ | | Common Stock: 100,000 | | | |Common Stock: 1 Share |
| | | | ------------ Shares | ---| |--------|------------ |
| Cost | | | | | | | Cost |
|Casualty-99.9% ---- | | | Cost | | | | ---- |
|Other Capital: $26,714,335 | | | ---- | | | |Neckura-100% DM 51,639 |
|------------- | | | SIC-100% $6,000,000 | | | | |
|Casualty-Ptd. $ 713,576 | | | | | | | |
- -------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | | --------------------------------
| | |
- -------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | | --------------------------------
| NATIONAL CASUALTY | | | NATIONAL PREMIUM & | | | | LEBEN DIREKT |
| COMPANY | | | BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION | | | | INSURANCE COMPANY |
| (NC) | | | COMPANY | | | | |
|Common Stock: 100 Shares | | |Common Stock: 10,000 | | | |Common Stock: 4,000 Shares |
|------------ |------------- |------------ Shares |----- ---------|------------ |
| Cost | | Cost | | | Cost |
| ---- | | ---- | | | ---- |
|Casualty-100% $67,442,439 | |Scottsdale-100% $10,000 | | |Neckura-100% DM 4,000,000 |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
| |
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
| NCC OF AMERICA, LTD. | | SVM SALES | | | AUTO DIREKT |
| (INACTIVE) | | GmbH | | | INSURANCE COMPANY |
| | | | | | |
| | |Common Stock: 50 Shares | | |Common Stock: 1,500 Shares |
| | |------------ |----------------- |------------ |
| | | Cost | | Cost |
|NC-100% | | ---- | | ---- |
| | |Neckura-100% DM 50,000 | |Neckura-100% DM 1,643,149 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 75
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(right side)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
------------------------
| NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |
| ENTERPRISE FOUNDATION|
| |
| MEMBERSHIP |
| NONPROFIT |
| CORPORATION |
------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
| |
| |
| NATIONWIDE MUTUAL |
=======| FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| (FIRE) |
| |
| |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
- --------------- --------------------------------------------------
| |
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| | | |
| -------------------------------- | -------------------------------- ----------------------------------
| | SCOTTSDALE | | | NATIONWIDE | | NATIONWIDE |
| | INDEMNITY COMPANY | | | COMMUNITY URBAN | | CORPORATION |
| | | | | REDEVELOPMENT | | |
| | | | | CORPORATION | |Common Stock: Control: |
| |Common Stock: 50,000 | | |Common Stock: 10 Shares | |------------ ------- |
|-----|------------ Shares | |----|------------ | |$13,642,432 100% |
| | Cost | | | Cost | | Shares Cost |
| | ---- | | | ---- | | ------ ---- |
| |Casualty-100% $8,800,000 | | |Casualty-100% $1,000 | |Casualty 12,992,922 $751,352,485|
| | | | | | |Fire 649,510 24,007,936|
| | | | | | | (See Page 2) |
| -------------------------------- | -------------------------------- ----------------------------------
| |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
| | NATIONWIDE | | | INSURANCE |
| | INDEMNITY COMPANY | | | INTERMEDIARIES, INC. |
| | | | | |
|-----|Common Stock: 28,000 | |----|Common Stock: 1,615 |
| |------------ Shares | | |------------ Shares |
| | Cost | | | Cost |
| | ---- | | | ---- |
| |Casualty-100% $294,529,000 | | |Casualty-100% $1,615,000 |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
| |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
| | LONE STAR | | | NATIONWIDE CASH |
| | GENERAL AGENCY, INC. | | | MANAGEMENT COMPANY |
| | | | |Common Stock: 100 Shares |
------|Common Stock: 1,000 | |----|------------ |
| |------------ Shares | | | Cost |
| | Cost | | | ---- |
| | ---- | | |Casualty-90% $9,000 |
| |Casualty-100% $5,000,000 | | |NW Adv. Serv. 1,000 |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
| || |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
| | COLONIAL COUNTY MUTUAL | | | CALIFORNIA CASH |
| | INSURANCE COMPANY | | | MANAGEMENT |
| | | | | (Inactive) |
| |Surplus Debentures | | | |
| |------------------ | |----| |
| | Cost | | | |
| | ---- | | | |
| |Colonial $500,000 | | |Casualty-100% |
| |Lone Star 150,000 | | | |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
| |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
| | TIG COUNTRYWIDE | | | THE BEAK AND |
| | INSURANCE COMPANY | | | WIRE CORPORATION |
| |Common Stock 12,500 | | | |
-----|------------ Shares | | |Common Stock: 750 Shares |
| | | -----|------------ |
| | Cost | | | Cost |
| | ---- | | | ---- |
| |Casualty-100% $215,273,000 | | |Casualty-100% $1,419,000 |
| | | | | |
| -------------------------------- | | |
| | --------------------------------
| |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------
| | NATIONWIDE INSURANCE | | | NATIONWIDE/DISPATCH LLC |
| | ENTERPRISE SERVICES, LTD. | | | |
| | | | | |
| |Single Member Limited | | | |
- - - |Liability Company | - - -| |
| | | |
| | | |
|Casualty-100% | |Casualty-90% |
| | | |
-------------------------------- | |
--------------------------------
Subsidiary Companies -- Solid Line
Contractual Association -- Double Lines
Limited Liability Company -- Dotted Line
December 31, 1997
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 76
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Left Side)
------------------------------------------------
| EMPLOYERS INSURANCE |
| OF WAUSAU |==========================================
| A MUTUAL COMPANY |
------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| | |
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
| NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE | | NATIONWIDE | | NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL |
| COMPANY (NW LIFE) | | FINANCIAL SERVICES | | INSTITUTION DISTRIBUTORS |
| | | CAPITAL TRUST | | AGENCY, INC. (NFIDAI) |
| Common Stock: 3,814,779 | | Preferred Stock: | | Common Stock: 1,000 |
| ------------ Shares | | --------------- | | ------------ Shares |
| | | | | |
| NFS--100% | | NFS--100% | | NFS--100% |
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
| ||
--------------------------- | --------------------------- --------------------------- || --------------------------
| NATIONWIDE LIFE AND | | | NATIONWIDE | | FINANCIAL HORIZONS | || | |
| ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY | | | ADVISORY SERVICES, INC. | | DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY | || | |
| | | | (NW ADV. SERV.) | | OF ALABAMA, INC. | || | |
| Common Stock: 66,000 | | | Common Stock: 7,676 | | Common Stock: 10,000 | || | FINANCIAL HORIZONS |
| ------------ Shares |--|--| ------------ Shares |==|| | ------------ Shares |--||==| DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY |
| | | | | || | | || | OF OHIO, INC. |
| Cost | | | Cost | || | Cost | || | |
| ---- | | | ---- | || | ---- | || | |
| NW Life -100% $58,070,003 | | | NW Life -100% $5,996,261 | || | NFIDAI -100% $100 | || | |
--------------------------- | --------------------------- || --------------------------- || --------------------------
| || ||
--------------------------- | --------------------------- || --------------------------- || --------------------------
| NWE, INC. | | | NATIONWIDE | || | LANDMARK FINANCIAL | || | |
| | | | INVESTORS SERVICES, INC. | || | SERVICES OF | || | |
| | | | | || | NEW YORK, INC. | || | |
| Common Stock: 100 | | | Common Stock: 5 Shares | || | Common Stock: 10,000 | || | FINANCIAL HORIZONS |
| ------------ Shares |--| | ------------ |==|| | ------------ Shares |--||==| DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY |
| | | | | || | | || | OF OKLAHOMA, INC. |
| Cost | | | Cost | || | Cost | || | |
| ---- | | | ---- | || | ---- | || | |
| NW Life -100% $35,971,375 | | | NW Adv. Serv. -100% $5,000| || | NFIDAI -100% $10,100 | || | |
--------------------------- | --------------------------- || --------------------------- || --------------------------
| || ||
--------------------------- | --------------------------- || --------------------------- || --------------------------
| NATIONWIDE INVESTMENT | | | FINANCIAL HORIZONS | || | FINANCIAL HORIZONS | || | |
| SERVICES CORPORATION | | | INVESTMENT TRUST | || | SECURITIES CORP. | || | |
| | | | | || | | || | |
| Common Stock: 5,000 | | | | || | Common Stock: 10,000 | || | FINANCIAL HORIZONS |
| ------------ Shares |--| | |==|| | ------------ Shares |--||==| DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY |
| | | | | || | | || | OF TEXAS, INC. |
| Cost | | | | || | Cost | || | |
| ---- | | | | || | ---- | || | |
| NW Life -100% $529,728 | | | COMMON LAW TRUST | || | NFIDAI -100% $153,000 | || | |
--------------------------- | --------------------------- || --------------------------- || --------------------------
| || ||
--------------------------- | --------------------------- || --------------------------- || --------------------------
| NATIONWIDE REALTY | | | NATIONWIDE | || | AFFILIATE AGENCY, INC. | || | |
| PROPERTIES, LTD. | | | INVESTING | || | | || | |
| | | | FOUNDATION | || | | || | |
| Units: | | | | || | Common Stock: 100 | || | AFFILIATE |
| ------ - -| | |==|| | ------------ Shares |--||==| AGENCY OF |
| | | | | || | | | OHIO, INC. |
| | | | | || | Cost | | |
| NW Life -90% | | | | || | ---- | | |
| NW Mutual-10% | | | COMMON LAW TRUST | || | NFIDAI -100% $100 | | |
--------------------------- | --------------------------- || --------------------------- --------------------------
| ||
--------------------------- | --------------------------- ||
| NATIONWIDE | | | NATIONWIDE | ||
| PROPERTIES, LTD. | | | INVESTING | ||
| | | | FOUNDATION II | ||
| Units: - -| | | ||
| ------ | | |==||
| | | | ||
| | | | ||
| NW Life -97.6% | | | ||
| NW Mutual -2.4% | | COMMON LAW TRUST | ||
--------------------------- --------------------------- ||
||
--------------------------- ||
| NATIONWIDE | ||
| SEPARATE ACCOUNT | ||
| TRUST | ||
| | ||
| |__||
| |
| |
| |
| COMMON LAW TRUST |
---------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 77
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Center)
NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE (R)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
------------------------------------------------
| NATIONWIDE MUTUAL |
========================================| INSURANCE COMPANY |==========================================
| (CASUALTY) |
------------------------------------------------
|
| ----------------------------------------------------------
| |
---------------------------------------
| NATIONWIDE CORPORATION (NW CORP) |
| Common Stock: Control |
| ------------ ------- |
| 13,642,432 100% |
| Shares Cost |
| ------ ---- |
| Casualty 12,992,922 $751,352,485 |
| Fire 649,510 24,007,936 |
---------------------------------------
|-----------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------- |
| NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL | |
| SERVICES, INC. (NFS) | |
| | |
| Common Stock: Control | |
| ------------ ------- | |
| | |
| | |
| Class A Public--100% | |
| Class B NW Corp--100% | |
--------------------------- |
| |
---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| | | |
--------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------- | -------------------------
| IRVIN L. SCHWARTZ | | PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFIT | | NEA VALUEBUILDER | | | NATIONWIDE GLOBAL |
| & ASSOCIATES | | SERVICES CORPORATION | | INVESTOR SERVICES, INC. | | | HOLDINGS, INC. |
| | | (PEBSCO) | | (NEA) | | | |
| Common Stock: Control | | Common Stock: 236,494 |==|| | Common Stock: 500 |= || | | Common Stock: 1 Share |
| ------------ ------- | | ------------ Shares | || | ------------ Shares | || |--| ------------ |
| | | | || | | || | | |
| | | | || | | || | | Cost |
| Class A Other -100% | | | || | | || | | ---- |
| Class B NFS -100% | | NFS -100% | || | NFS -100% | || | | NW Corp-100% $7,000,00 |
- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- || ---------------------------- || | --------------------------
--------------------------- || --------------------------- || |
| PEBSCO OF | || | NEA VALUEBUILDER | || | --------------------------
| ALABAMA | || | INVESTOR SERVICES | || | | MRM INVESTMENT, INC. |
| | || | OF ALABAMA, INC. | || | | |
| Common Stock: 100,000 | || | Common Stock: 500 | || | | |
| ------------ Shares |--|| | ------------ Shares |--|| __ | Common Stock: 1 Share |
| | || | | || | ----------- |
| Cost | || | Cost | || | |
| ---- | || | ---- | || | Cost |
| PEBSCO -100% $1,000 | || | NEA -100% $5,000 | || | ---- |
--------------------------- || --------------------------- || | NW Corp.-100% $7,000,000|
|| || --------------------------
--------------------------- || --------------------------- ||
| PEBSCO OF | || | NEA VALUEBUILDER | ||
| ARKANSAS | || | INVESTOR SERVICES | ||
| | || | OF ARIZONA, INC. | ||
| Common Stock: 50,000 | || | Common Stock: 100 | ||
| ------------ Shares |--|| | ------------ Shares |--||
| | || | | ||
| Cost | || | Cost | ||
| ---- | || | ---- | ||
| PEBSCO -100% $500 | || | NEA -100% $1,000 | ||
--------------------------- || --------------------------- ||
|| ||
--------------------------- || --------------------------- ||
| PEBSCO OF MASSACHUSETTS | || | NEA VALUEBUILDER | ||
| INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. | || | INVESTOR SERVICES | ||
| | || | OF MONTANA, INC. | ||
| Common Stock: 1,000 | || | Common Stock: 500 | ||
| ------------ Shares |--|| | ------------ Shares |--||
| | || | | ||
| Cost | || | Cost | ||
| ---- | || | ---- | ||
| PEBSCO -100% $1,000 | || | NEA -100% $500 | ||
--------------------------- || --------------------------- ||
|| ||
--------------------------- || --------------------------- || -------------------------
| PEBSCO OF | || | NEA VALUEBUILDER | || | NEA VALUEBUILDER |
| MONTANA | || | INVESTOR SERVICES | || | INVESTOR SERVICES |
| | || | OF NEVADA, INC. | || | OF OHIO, INC. |
| Common Stock: 500 | || | Common Stock: 500 | || | |
| ------------ Shares |--|| | ------------ Shares |--||====| |
| | || | | || | |
| Cost | || | Cost | || | |
| ---- | || | ---- | || | |
| PEBSCO -100% $500 | || | NEA -100% $500 | || | |
--------------------------- || --------------------------- || --------------------------
|| ||
--------------------------- || --------------------------- || -------------------------
| PEBSCO OF | || | NEA VALUEBUILDER | || | NEA VALUEBUILDER |
| NEW MEXICO | || | INVESTOR SERVICES | || | INVESTOR SERVICES |
| | || | OF WYOMING, INC. | || | OF OKLAHOMA, INC. |
| Common Stock: 1,000 | || | Common Stock: 500 | || | |
| ------------ Shares |--|| | ------------ Shares |--||====| |
| | || | | || | |
| Cost | || | Cost | || | |
| ---- | || | ---- | || | |
| PEBSCO -100% $1,000 | || | NEA -100% $500 | || | |
--------------------------- || --------------------------- || --------------------------
|| ||
--------------------------- || --------------------------- || --------------------------
| | || | NEA VALUEBUILDER | || | NEA VALUEBUILDER |
| | || | SERVICES INSURANCE | || | INVESTOR SERVICES |
| PEBSCO OF | || | AGENCY, INC. | || | OF TEXAS, INC. |
| TEXAS, INC. | || | Common Stock: 100 | || | |
| |==|| | ------------ Shares |--||=== | |
| | | | | |
| | | Cost | | |
| | | ---- | | |
| | | NEA -100% $1,000 | | |
--------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 78
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Right)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
------------------------------------------------
| NATIONWIDE MUTUAL |
========================================| FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY |
| (FIRE) |
------------------------------------------------
|
- -----------------------------------------------------------------|
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| | |
--------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------
| GATES, MCDONALD | | EMPLOYERS LIFE INSURANCE | | NATIONWIDE |
| & COMPANY (GATES) | | OF WAUSAU (ELIOW) | | HEALTH PLANS, INC. (NHP) |
| | | | | |
| Common Stock: 254 | | Common Stock: 250,000 | | Common Stock: 100 |
|-- | ------------ Shares | |--| ------------ Shares | |--| ------------ Shares |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Cost | | | Cost | | | Cost |
| | ---- | | | ---- | | | ---- |
| | NW CORP. -100% $25,683,532 | | | NW CORP. -100% $126,509,480 | | | NW CORP. -100% $14,603,732 |
| ----------------------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------------------------
| | |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------------------------
| | GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY | | | WAUSAU PREFERRED | | | NATIONWIDE MANAGEMENT |
| | OF NEW YORK, INC. | | | HEALTH INSURANCE CO. | | | SYSTEMS, INC. |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Common Stock: 3 | | | Common Stock: 200 | | | Common Stock: 100 |
|-- | ------------ Shares | |--| ------------ Shares | |--| ------------ Shares |
| | | | | | | |
| | Cost | | Cost | | | NHP Cost |
| | ---- | | ---- | | | ---- |
| | GATES -100% $106,947 | | ELIOW -100% $57,413,193 | | | Inc. -100% $25,149 |
| ----------------------------- ------------------------------ | ------------------------------
| |
| ----------------------------- | ------------------------------
| | GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY | | | NATIONWIDE |
| | OF NEVADA | | | AGENCY, INC. |
| | | | | |
| | Common Stock: 40 | | | Common Stock: 100 |
|-- | ------------ Shares | |--| ------------ Shares |
| | | | |
| | Cost | | Cost |
| | ---- | | NHP ---- |
| | Gates -100% $93,750 | | Inc. -99% $116,077 |
| ----------------------------- ------------------------------
|
| -----------------------------
| | GATESMCDONALD |
| | HEALTH PLUS, INC. |
| | |
| | Common Stock: 200 |
|-- | ------------ Shares |
| |
| Cost |
| ---- |
| Gates -100% $2,000,000 |
-----------------------------
Subsidiary Companies -- Solid Line
Contractual Association -- Double Line
Limited Liability Company -- Dotted Line
December 31, 1997
Page 2
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 79
Item 27. NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS
The number of Contract Owners of Qualified and Non-Qualified
Contracts as of January 31, 1998 was 42,940 and 1,277
respectively.
Item 28. INDEMNIFICATION
Provision is made in the Company's Amended and Restated Code of
Regulations and expressly authorized by the General Corporation
Law of the State of Ohio, for indemnification by the Company of
any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative by reason of the fact that such person is or was a
director, officer or employee of the Company, against expenses,
including attorneys fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding, to the extent and
under the circumstances permitted by the General Corporation Law
of the State of Ohio.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 ("Act") may be permitted to directors,
officers or persons controlling the Company pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, the Company has been informed that in the
opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
Item 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
(a) Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS") acts as general
distributor for the Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account,
Nationwide DC Variable Account, Nationwide DCVA-II,
Nationwide Variable Account-II, Nationwide Variable
Account-5, Nationwide Variable Account-6, Nationwide
Variable Account-8, Nationwide Variable Account-9,
Nationwide VA Separate Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate
Account-B, Nationwide VL Separate Account-C, Nationwide VA
Separate Account-C, Nationwide VL Separate Account-A,
Nationwide VL Separate Account-B, Nationwide VLI Separate
Account-2, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3, Nationwide VLI
Separate Account-4, NACo Variable Account and the Nationwide
Variable Account, all of which are separate investment
accounts of the Company or its affiliates.
NAS also acts as principal underwriter for Nationwide
Investing Foundation, Nationwide Separate Account Trust,
Financial Horizons Investment Trust, Nationwide Asset
Allocation Trust and Nationwide Investing Foundation II, and
Nationwide Investing Foundation III which are open-end
management investment companies.
(b) NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND OFFICES
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS WITH UNDERWRITER
<S> <C>
Joseph J. Gasper President and Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
Dimon Richard McFerson Chairman of the Board of Directors and
One Nationwide Plaza Chairman and
Columbus, OH 43215 Chief Executive Officer--Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise and Director
Gordon E. McCutchan
One Nationwide Plaza Executive Vice President-Law and
Columbus, OH 43215 Corporate Services and Director
Susan A. Wolken Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
</TABLE>
111 of 120
<PAGE> 80
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Robert J. Woodward, Jr. Executive Vice President - Chief Investment
One Nationwide Plaza Officer and Director
Columbus, OH 43215
Elizabeth A. Davin Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
W. Sidney Druen Senior Vice President and
One Nationwide Plaza General Counsel and
Columbus, OH 43215 Assistant Secretary
Dennis W. Click Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
Peter J. Neckermann Vice President
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
James F. Laird, Jr. Vice President and General
One Nationwide Plaza Manager
Columbus, OH 43215
Edwin P. Mc Causland Senior Vice President-Fixed Income
One Nationwide Plaza Securities
Columbus, OH 43215
William G. Goslee
One Nationwide Plaza Vice President
Columbus, OH 43215
Charles Bath
One Nationwide Plaza Vice President - Investments
Columbus, OH 43215
Joseph P. Rath Vice President - Compliance
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
Christopher A. Cray Treasurer
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
David E. Simaitis Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
Patricia J. Smith Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(c) NAME OF NET UNDERWRITING COMPENSATION ON
PRINCIPAL DISCOUNTS AND REDEMPTION OR BROKERAGE
UNDERWRITER COMMISSIONS ANNUITIZATION COMMISSIONS COMPENSATION
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Nationwide
Advisory N/A N/A N/A N/A
Services,
Inc.
</TABLE>
Item 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
Robert O. Cline
Nationwide Life Insurance Company
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
Item 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Not Applicable
112 of 120
<PAGE> 81
Item 32. UNDERTAKINGS
The Registrant hereby undertakes to:
(a) File a post-effective amendment to this registration
statement as frequently as is necessary to ensure that the
audited financial statements in the registration statement
are never more than 16 months old for so long as payments
under the variable annuity contracts may be accepted;
(b) Include either (1) as part of any application to purchase a
contract offered by the prospectus, a space that an
applicant can check to request a Statement of Additional
Information, or (2) a post card or similar written
communication affixed to or included in the prospectus that
the applicant can remove to send for a Statement of
Additional Information; and
(c) Deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any
financial statements required to be made available under
this form promptly upon written or oral request.
The Registrant represents that any of the Contracts which are
issued pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code are issued by the
Company through the Registrant in reliance upon, and in compliance
with a no-action letter issued by the staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission to the American Council of Life Insurance
(publicly available November 28, 1988) permitting withdrawal
restrictions to the extent necessary to comply with Section
403(b)(11) of the Code.
The Company represents that the fees and charges deducted under
the Contract in the aggregate are reasonable in relation to the
services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the
risks assumed by the Company.
113 of 120
<PAGE> 82
Offered by
Nationwide Life Insurance Company
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account
Deferred Variable Annuity Contract
PROSPECTUS
May 1, 1998
114 of 120
<PAGE> 83
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT AND REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and
Contract Owners of the Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account:
The audits referred to in our report on Nationwide Life Insurance Company (the
Company) dated January, 30, 1998 included the related financial statement
schedules as of December 31, 1997, and for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1997, included in the registration statement. These
financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statement schedules based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial
statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects
the information set forth herein.
We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the heading "Services" in the Statement of Additional Information.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Columbus, Ohio
April 29, 1998
115 of 120
<PAGE> 84
<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE I
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS -
OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
(in millions of dollars)
As of December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------
Column A Column B Column C Column D
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------
Amount at
which shown
in the
Market consolidated
Type of Investment Cost value balance sheet
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Bonds:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities $ 3,859.7 $ 3,981.7 $ 3,981.7
States, municipalities and political subdivisions 1.6 1.6 1.6
Foreign governments 93.3 95.8 95.8
Public utilities 1,555.3 1,609.8 1,609.8
All other corporate 7,223.0 7,515.2 7,515.2
---------- ---------- ----------
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 12,732.9 13,204.1 13,204.1
---------- ---------- ----------
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 67.8 78.0 78.0
Non-redeemable preferred stock - 2.4 2.4
---------- ---------- ----------
Total equity securities available-for-sale 67.8 80.4 80.4
---------- ---------- ----------
Mortgage loans on real estate, net 5,228.1 5,181.6 (1)
Real estate, net:
Investment properties 254.9 235.7 (1)
Acquired in satisfaction of debt 82.6 75.7 (1)
Policy loans 415.3 415.3
Other long-term investments 27.9 25.2 (2)
Short-term investments 358.4 358.4
---------- ----------
Total investments $19,167.9 $19,576.4
========== ==========
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Difference from Column B is primarily due to valuation allowances due to
impairments on mortgage loans on real estate and due to accumulated
depreciation and valuation allowances due to impairments on real estate.
See note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
(2) Difference from Column B is primarily due to operating gains (losses) of
investments in limited partnerships.
See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE> 2
SCHEDULE III
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
(in millions of dollars)
As of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the years then ended
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F
- -------------------------------- ----------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
Deferred Future policy Other policy
policy benefits, losses, Unearned claims and
acquisition claims and premiums benefits payable Premium
Segment costs loss expenses (1) (1) revenue
- ------------------------------- ------------------ -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
1997: Variable Annuities $1,018.4 $ - $ -
Fixed Annuities 277.9 14,103.1 27.3
Life Insurance 472.9 2,683.4 178.1
Corporate and Other (103.8) 1,916.3 -
-------- ------------- ---------
Total $1,665.4 $18,702.8 $ 205.4
======== ============= =========
1996: Variable Annuities $ 792.1 $ - $ -
Fixed Annuities 242.0 13,388.9 24.0
Life Insurance 414.4 2,391.5 174.6
Corporate and Other (82.0) 1,820.2 -
-------- ------------- ---------
Total $1,366.5 $17,600.6 $ 198.6
======== ============= =========
1995: Variable Annuities $ 569.8 $ - $ -
Fixed Annuities 220.7 12,759.3 32.8
Life Insurance 366.9 2,282.6 166.3
Corporate and Other (136.9) 1,730.0 -
-------- ------------- ---------
Total $1,020.5 $ 16,771.9 $ 199.1
======== ============= =========
- ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
Column A Column G Column H Column I Column J Column K
- ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ----------------
Net investment Benefits, claims, Amortization Other
income losses and of deferred policy operating Premiums
Segment (2) settlement expenses acquisition costs expenses written
(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
<C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997: Variable Annuities $ (26.8) $ 5.9 $ 87.8 $ 159.4
Fixed Annuities 1,098.2 846.7 39.8 85.4
Life Insurance 189.1 227.5 39.6 94.5
Corporate and Other 148.7 114.7 - 45.6
-------- ---------- ------- -------
Total $1,409.2 $ 1,194.8 $ 167.2 $ 384.9
======== ========== ======= =======
1996: Variable Annuities $ (21.4) $ 4.6 $ 57.4 $ 132.3
Fixed Annuities 1,050.6 838.5 38.6 79.7
Life Insurance 174.0 211.4 37.4 79.0
Corporate and Other 154.6 106.1 - 51.4
-------- ---------- ------- -------
Total $1,357.8 $ 1,160.6 $ 133.4 $ 342.4
======== ========== ======= =======
1995: Variable Annuities $ (17.6) $ 2.9 $ 26.3 $ 109.1
Fixed Annuities 1,002.7 805.0 29.5 80.3
Life Insurance 171.2 202.0 31.0 68.8
Corporate and Other 137.7 105.6 (4.1) 14.8
-------- ---------- ------- -------
Total $1,294.0 $ 1,115.5 $ 82.7 $ 273.0
======== ========== ======= =======
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Unearned premiums and other policy claims and benefits payable are included
in Column C amounts.
(2) Allocations of net investment income and certain operating expenses are
based on a number of assumptions and estimates, and reported operating
results would change by segment if different methods were applied.
See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE> 3
SCHEDULE IV
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
REINSURANCE
(in millions of dollars)
As of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the years then ended
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F
- ----------------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
Percentage
Ceded to Assumed of amount
Gross other from other Net assumed
amount companies companies amount to net
--------------- -------------- ------------- ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997:
Life insurance in force $ 52,648.4 $13,678.7 $ 289.7 $ 39,259.4 0.7%
=========== ========= ======== =========== =======
Premiums:
Life insurance $ 235.9 $ 32.7 $ 2.2 $ 205.4 1.1%
Accident and health insurance 261.2 272.6 11.4 - N/A
----------- ---------- --------- ----------- -------
Total $ 497.1 $ 305.3 $ 13.6 $ 205.4 6.6%
=========== ========= ========= =========== =======
1996:
Life insurance in force $47,150.6 $11,164.6 $ 288.6 $ 36,274.6 0.8%
=========== ========= ======== =========== =======
Premiums:
Life insurance $ 225.6 $ 29.3 $ 2.3 $ 198.6 1.2%
Accident and health insurance 291.9 305.8 13.9 - N/A
----------- --------- -------- ----------- -------
Total $ 517.5 $ 335.1 $ 16.2 $ 198.6 8.2%
=========== ========= ======== =========== =======
1995:
Life Insurance in force $41,087.9 $ 8,935.7 $ 391.2 $ 32,543.4 1.2%
=========== ========= ======== =========== =======
Premiums:
Life insurance $ 221.3 $ 24.4 $ 2.2 $ 199.1 1.1%
Accident and health insurance 298.0 313.0 15.0 - N/A
----------- --------- -------- ----------- -------
Total $ 519.3 $ 337.4 $ 17.2 $ 199.1 8.6%
=========== ========= ======== =========== =======
</TABLE>
- ----------
Note: The life insurance caption represents principally premiums from
traditional life insurance and life-contingent immediate annuities and
excludes deposits on investment products and universal life insurance
products.
See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE> 4
SCHEDULE V
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(in millions of dollars)
Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E
- --------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Balance at Charged to Charged to Balance at
beginning costs and other Deductions end of
Description of period expenses accounts (1) period
- --------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997:
Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities $ - $ 16.2 $ - $ 16.2 $ -
Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate 51.0 (1.2) - 7.3 42.5
Valuation allowances - real estate 15.2 (4.1) - - 11.1
-------- ------ ------- ------- -------
Total $ 66.2 $ 10.9 $ - $ 23.5 $ 53.6
======== ====== ======= ======= =======
1996:
Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate $ 49.1 $ 4.5 $ - $ 2.6 $ 51.0
Valuation allowances - real estate 25.8 (10.6) - - 15.2
-------- ------ ------- ------- -------
Total $ 74.9 $ (6.1) $ - $ 2.6 $ 66.2
======== ====== ======= ======= =======
1995:
Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities $ - $ 8.9 $ - $ 8.9 $ -
Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate 46.4 7.4 - 4.7 49.1
Valuation allowances - real estate 27.3 (1.5) - - 25.8
-------- ------ ------- ------- -------
Total $ 73.7 $ 14.8 $ - $ 13.6 $ 74.9
======== ====== ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Amounts represent direct write-downs charged against the valuation
allowance.
See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE> 85
SIGNATURES
As required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940
the Registrant, NATIONWIDE MULTIFLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT has caused this
Post-Effective Amendment to be signed on its behalf in the City of Columbus, and
State of Ohio, on this 29th day of April, 1998.
NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
--------------------------------------------------
(Registrant)
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
--------------------------------------------------
(Depositor)
By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH
--------------------------------------------------
Joseph P. Rath
Vice President- Product and Market Compliance
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 29th day
of April, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
<S> <C>
LEWIS J. ALPHIN Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin
A. I. BELL Director
- -------------------------------------------------
A. I. Bell
KEITH W. ECKEL Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Keith W. Eckel
WILLARD J. ENGEL Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Willard J. Engel
FRED C. FINNEY Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Fred C. Finney
CHARLES L. FUELLGRAF, JR. Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.
JOSEPH J. GASPER President and Chief
- ------------------------------------------------- Operating Office and Director
Joseph J. Gasper
DIMON R. McFERSON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
- ------------------------------------------------- Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Director
Dimon R. McFerson
DAVID O. MILLER Chairman of the Board and Director
- -------------------------------------------------
David O. Miller
YVONNE L. MONTGOMERY Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Yvonne L. Montgomery
C. RAY NOECKER Director
- -------------------------------------------------
C. Ray Noecker
ROBERT A. OAKLEY Executive Vice President-
- ------------------------------------------------- Chief Financial Officer
Robert A. Oakley
JAMES F. PATTERSON Director By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH
- ------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
James F. Patterson Joseph P. Rath
Attorney-in-Fact
ARDEN L. SHISLER Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Arden L. Shisler
ROBERT L. STEWART Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Robert L. Stewart
NANCY C. THOMAS Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Nancy C. Thomas
HAROLD W. WEIHL Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Harold W. Weihl
</TABLE>
120 of 120
