GUARDIAN VARIABLE ACCOUNT 2
N-30D, 1997-03-06
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          ------------------------------------------------------------
          TABLE OF CONTENTS
          ------------------------------------------------------------

          ------------------------------------------------------------
          THE GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND
          ------------------------------------------------------------
          INTERVIEW WITH CHARLES E. ALBERS                           2
          ------------------------------------------------------------
          FUND PROFILE                                               4
          ------------------------------------------------------------
          THE GUARDIAN VARIABLE ACCOUNT 1                            6
          ------------------------------------------------------------
          THE GUARDIAN VARIABLE ACCOUNT 2                            7
          ------------------------------------------------------------
          COMBINED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                     8
          ------------------------------------------------------------
          THE GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND
          ------------------------------------------------------------
          SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS                                   11
          ------------------------------------------------------------
          FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                                      16
          ------------------------------------------------------------
          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                             18
          ------------------------------------------------------------
          FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                                      21
          ------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND
- -----------------------------------------------

OBJECTIVE:  LONG-TERM GROWTH OF CAPITAL
- -----------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO:  AT LEAST 80% COMMON STOCKS AND
            SECURITIES CONVERTIBLE INTO
            COMMON STOCKS
- -----------------------------------------------
INCEPTION:  JUNE 1, 1972
- -----------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1996: $1,428,191,372
- -----------------------------------------------

     "WE BELIEVE THAT SOUNDLY-BASED QUANTITATIVE
MODELS PROVIDE A VALUABLE TOOL TO THE EQUITY
PORTFOLIO MANAGER. AT THE SAME TIME,
FAST-BREAKING NEWS AND UNUSUAL INVESTMENT ISSUES
REQUIRE THE BALANCEDJUDGMENT OF A CAPABLE
PORTFOLIO MANAGER. WE BELIEVE THE BEST PATH TO
CONSISTENT RETURNS, IN EXCESS OF THE INDEXES,
REQUIRES THE SYNERGISTIC RESULTS OF COMBINING
GOOD QUANTITATIVE TOOLS WITH GOOD MANAGER JUDGMENT."

                    --CHARLES E. ALBERS
                      PORTFOLIO MANAGER
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND
- ---------------------------------------

[PHOTO]

Q. 1996 WAS ANOTHER OUTSTANDING YEAR FOR THE FUND. WHAT IS YOUR ASSESSMENT OF
HOW THE FUND PERFORMED?

A. The Fund had excellent performance in 1996, both in absolute and relative
terms. In absolute terms, the Fund produced a total return to shareholders of
26.5%, after expenses.(1) For the second year in a row, following 34.3% in 1995,
the Fund was able to produce excellent absolute returns. The Fund's 1996 return
of 26.5% also represented a solid return on a relative basis, when comparing the
Fund's returns to the average return of 19.2% shown by all Lipper U.S. Growth
Funds during the same period.(2) The Fund's performance ranked it solidly in the
top decile within Lipper's growth fund category, ranking number 63 out of 669
U.S. equity growth funds. The Fund also bettered the S&P 500 Composite Index,(5)
which returned 22.8%.

     Of course, from the shareholders' viewpoint, it's really the long-term
results that count the most. Here too, the Fund has done well, placing it in the
top 5% of Lipper Growth Funds over the last 5 years, ranking number 12 out of
255 for the 5-year period ended December 31, 1996. The Fund ranked number 22 out
of 163 similar funds for the 10-year period and number 8 out of 111 for the
15-year period ended December 31, 1996.

     According to Lipper,(3) the Fund has ranked in the top 10 of all U.S.
Equity funds over the 15-year period through year-end 1996 and has also earned a
spot on Barron's Magazine's "list of winners".(4) Clearly, our investment
methods have withstood the test of time.

Q. WHAT FACTORS AFFECTED FUND PERFORMANCE IN 1996?

A. Two factors deserve special mention here. First, for the second year in a
row, large-cap stocks outperformed small-cap stocks, as can be seen in the
following table:

                                     TOTAL RETURN %
                                   ------------------
                                    1995        1996
                                    ----        ----
Large-Cap (S&P 500)                +37.4%      +22.8%
Small-Cap (Russell 2000)(6)        +28.4%      +16.5%
                                   ------      ------
Difference                          +9.0%       +6.3%

     Fortunately, we perceived early in 1995 that a shift to large-caps would be
advantageous, and we tilted the GPAF portfolio accordingly, as shown in the
chart below. That shift had a very positive impact on investment performance in
both 1995 and 1996.

                     WEIGHTED AVERAGE MARKET CAPITALIZATION
                                  ($ BILLIONS)

                                   [BAR CHART]


          12/31/94     6/30/95     12/31/95     6/30/96     12/31/96
          --------     -------     --------     -------     --------
S&P         22.0        26.2         30.6        34.4         39.3
GPAF         6.0        14.9         24.6        34.7         37.7


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)  Total return figures are historical and assume the reinvestment of
     dividends and distributions and the deduction of all Fund expenses. Total
     return represents total return for Class A shares--returns for Class B
     shares would be lower to reflect higher operating expenses associated with
     the B share class. Total return figures do not take into account the
     current maximum sales charges except where noted. Returns represent past
     performance and are not a guarantee of future results. Investment return
     and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when
     redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Prior to August
     25, 1988, shares of the Fund were offered at a higher sales charge, so
     actual returns would have been somewhat lower.
(2)  Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. is an independent mutual fund monitoring
     and rating service and its database of performance information is based on
     historical total returns, which assume the reinvestment of dividends and
     distributions, and the deduction of all fund expenses. Lipper returns do
     not reflect the deduction of sales loads, and performance would be
     different if sales loads were deducted.
(3)  Lipper rankings were reported in Lipper's Mutual Funds Performance Analysis
     Special Report 4th Quarter 1996. Lipper rankings are based on total return
     and do not take into account any deductions for sales loads.
(4)  As reported in Barron's Magazine, dated January 6, 1997.
(5)  The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 large-cap U.S. stocks that
     is generally considered to be representative of U.S. stock market activity.
     The S&P Index is not available for direct investment and its returns do not
     reflect the fees and expenses that have been deducted from the Fund.
     Likewise, return figures for the S&P 500 Index do not reflect any sales
     charges that an investor may have to pay when purchasing or redeeming
     shares of the Fund.
(6)  The Russell 2000 Index is generally considered to be representative of
     small-capitalization issues in the U.S. stock market. The returns for the
     Russell 2000 do not reflect expenses which are deducted from the Fund's
     return.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The other factor which had a significant impact on 1996 results was our
proprietary stock scoring system. This system has historically provided us solid
guidance in stock selection, and this record continued into 1996. The predictive
power of this quantitative tool during 1996 can be seen in the table below.

                                    1996 PRICE PERFORMANCE (%)
                                    --------------------------
STOCK SCORING SYSTEM                S&P 500          NEXT 1500
      RANKING                       UNIVERSE           STOCKS
- --------------------                --------           ------
TOP QUINTILE                         19.4%             23.7%
UNIVERSE AVERAGE                     16.9%             15.2%
BOTTOM QUINTILE                       9.5%              6.3%
                             
     This table shows that, within the S&P 500 stock universe, the stock scoring
system's top-ranked quintile (20%) of stocks appreciated 19.4%, approximately
10% better than the S&P 500 stocks in the system's bottom-ranked quintile.
Moreover, in the "next 1500" universe of smaller stocks, the spread between the
top and bottom quintiles was much greater at 17.4%. Generally, we find that the
predictive power of our models is greater within our universe for smaller cap
stocks.

Q. WHAT STRATEGIES DID YOU USE TO MANAGE THE FUND DURING 1996?

A. There was no change in our strategic approach to managing the portfolio
during 1996. We believe that soundly-based quantitative models provide a
valuable tool to the equity portfolio manager. At the same time, fast-breaking
news and unusual investment issues require the balanced judgment of a capable
portfolio manager. We believe the best path to consistent returns, in excess of
the indexes, requires the synergistic results of combining good quantitative
tools with good manager judgment.

     Our quantitative tools look at the portfolio two different ways: "top-down"
and "bottom-up." The "top-down" approach involves a cluster of different
predictive models that we use to identify which portfolio style has the most
attractive performance prospects. The "bottom-up" approach uses our proprietary
stock scoring system to identify specific attractive stocks within our 2000
stock research universe. We believe that both the "top-down" and "bottom-up"
perspectives are important, and the best results can be achieved by combining
them both within one portfolio.

Q. WHAT HAVE BEEN THE PORTFOLIO'S WEIGHTS IN DIFFERENT ECONOMIC SECTORS, AND HOW
HAVE THESE WEIGHTINGS AFFECTED PERFORMANCE?

A. The attached table shows the Fund's portfolio weightings for all of the major
economic sectors for the year ended December 31, 1996. As you can see, our three
largest positions were in Financial (25.6%), Consumer Staples (19.3%) and Energy
(18.1%). During 1996, the portfolio's relative weightings in the different
sectors contributed positively to the Fund's good relative performance.
Specifically, the Fund's two most overweighted sectors at 12/31/96, relative to
the S&P 500, were in Financials and Energy. The Fund overweighted the Financial
sector by 10.6% and the Energy sector by 8.4%. Both of these sectors
outperformed the market during the year.

Q. LOOKING AHEAD TO 1997, HOW WILL YOU BE MANAGING THE FUND?

A. We continue to believe that well-established, large-cap companies have the
better prospects in 1997. This view is supported both by our quantitative "style
predictor" models and also by our fundamental investment judgment. The current
business cycle expansion is in its mature stage and competitive business
pressures are intensifying in many industries and, thus, overall profit growth
is slowing. We expect this to continue in 1997. In such an environment, we
believe it is the high-quality large-cap companies that are in the best position
to sustain growth of sales and profits. And, the logic is perfectly clear: the
stock prices of those high-quality companies should do fairly well, following
the relatively good fundamental company profits.

     As always, we will stay attuned to the changing investment environment. Our
goal is to produce superior results for our shareholders on a consistent basis.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                               3
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND PROFILE
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------

PIE CHART:

CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS       4%
COMMON STOCK                 96%

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

     The Guardian Park Avenue Fund portfolio holds 302 securities in a variety
of economic sectors. The portfolio manager's goal is to position the portfolio
for consistent performance in both "bull" and "bear" markets.

- -----------------------------------------------
GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND--
TOP 10 HOLDINGS AS OF 12/31/96

  1  General Electric                    2.99%
- -----------------------------------------------
  2  Citicorp                            2.53%
- -----------------------------------------------
  3  Exxon Corporation                   2.23%
- -----------------------------------------------
  4  Intel Corporation                   2.23%
- -----------------------------------------------
  5  Merck & Co.                         2.22%
- -----------------------------------------------
  6  McDonnell Douglas                   2.21%
- -----------------------------------------------
  7  Johnson & Johnson                   2.11%
- -----------------------------------------------
  8  Philip Morris                       2.11%
- -----------------------------------------------
  9  DuPont De Nemours                   1.85%
- -----------------------------------------------
 10  Bristol Myers Squibb                1.63%
- -----------------------------------------------

COMPARISON OF COMMON STOCKS HELD BY THE FUND ON DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996

       PIE CHART:                              PIE CHART:

CONGLOMERATES - 1.5%                    CONGLOMERATES - 1.8%
CONSUMER SERVICES - 2.4%                CONSUMER SERVICES - 1.7%
OTHER - 10.4%                           OTHER - 3.2%             
CONSUMER CYCLICAL - 3.2%                CONSUMER CYCLICAL - 3.4%  
TECHNOLOGY - 23.3%                      TECHNOLOGY - 16.9%        
FINANCIAL - 18.2%                       FINANCIAL - 25.6%         
CONSUMER STAPLES - 17.9%                CONSUMER STAPLES - 19.3%  
CAPITAL GOODS - 3.3%                    CAPITAL GOODS - 5.3%      
ENERGY - 12.4%                          ENERGY - 18.1%            
BASIC INDUSTRY - 7.4%                   BASIC INDUSTRY - 4.8%     

      1995                                     1996

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT


                  [GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION OF MOUNTAIN CHART]

          The Guardian Park Avenue Fund      $382,268
          S&P 500 Index                      $171,365
          Lipper U.S. Equity Growth
            Fund Average                     $150,775
          Cost of Living                     $ 38,331

A hypothetical $10,000 investment in Class A shares made at the inception of The
Guardian Park Avenue Fund on June 1, 1972 has a starting point of $9,550, which
reflects the current maximum sales charge for Class A shares of 4.5%. This
investment would have grown to $382,268 on December 31, 1996. We compare our
performance to that of the S&P 500 Index, which is an unmanaged index that is
generally considered the performance benchmark of the U.S. stock market. While
you may not invest directly in the S&P 500 Index, a similar hypothetical
investment would now be worth $171,365. The Fund also fared well relative to
other U.S. growth funds. The average return of U.S. equity growth funds reported
by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. measures the performance of other funds with
investment objectives and policies similar to those of The Guardian Park Avenue
Fund. The average of U.S. growth funds on the same $10,000 investment over the
same time period would have been $150,775. The Cost of Living, as measured by
the Consumer Price Index, which is generally representative of the level of U.S.
inflation, is also provided to lend a more complete understanding of the
investment's real worth.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS(1) FOR PERIODS ENDED 12/31/96

                                                                           SINCE INCEPTION
                                              1 YEAR   5 YEARS  10 YEARS      (6/1/72)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>      <C>       <C>           <C>   
AT NET ASSET VALUE(2) (WITHOUT SALES CHARGE)  26.49%   19.39%    16.03%        16.07%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A SHARES(3) (WITH SALES CHARGE)         20.80%   18.30%    15.50%        15.86%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 INDEX                                 22.82%   15.14%    15.15%        12.26%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

PERFORMANCE FOR CLASS B SHARES, WHICH BECAME EFFECTIVE ON MAY 1, 1996, WILL VARY
DUE TO DIFFERENCES IN EXPENSES CHARGED TO EACH SHARE CLASS.
(1)  Total return figures shown are historical and assume the reinvestment of
     dividends and distributions and the deduction of all Fund expenses. Total
     return figures do not take into account the current maximum sales charge of
     4.5%, except where indicated. Prior to August 25, 1988 shares of the Fund
     were offered at a higher sales charge, so actual returns would have been
     somewhat lower. Returns represent past performance and are not a guarantee
     of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so
     that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than
     the original cost.
(2)  Net Asset Value (NAV) assumes the reinvestment of all dividends and
     distributions and does not reflect the payment of sales charges.
(3)  Class A share performance assumes the current maximum front-end sales
     charge of 4.5%.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                               5
<PAGE>

                         THE GUARDIAN VARIABLE ACCOUNT 1
                       STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                                DECEMBER 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                <C>           <C>         
ASSETS
  Investment in The Guardian Park Avenue Fund (1,261,744
    shares at net asset value of $37.91 per share; FIFO
    Cost, $23,073,175) ..........................................                $ 47,832,704
                                                                                 ------------
LIABILITIES
  Due to The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc. .........                     912,673
                                                                                 ------------
  Total Liabilities .............................................                     912,673
                                                                                 ------------
NET ASSETS-- NOTE 3 .............................................                $ 46,920,031
                                                                                 ============

                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

INVESTMENT INCOME
  Income:
    Reinvested dividends ........................................                $    508,619
  Expense:              
    Mortality and expense risk charges-- Note 4 .................                     625,916
                                                                                 ------------
  Net investment income/(expense) ...............................                    (117,297)
                                                                                 ------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS
  Net realized gain/(loss) from sale of investments .............                   4,854,139
  Reinvested realized gain distributions ........................                   5,230,139
  Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments:
    End of year .................................................  $ 24,759,529
    Beginning of year ...........................................    24,578,308
                                                                   ------------
    Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) ............                     181,221
                                                                                 ------------
  Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments ......                  10,265,499
                                                                                 ------------
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS .                $ 10,148,202
                                                                                 ============
</TABLE>

                       STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ----------------------------
                                                                        1996           1995
                                                                   ------------   -------------
<S>                                                                <C>            <C>          
INCREASE/(DECREASE) FROM OPERATIONS
  Net investment income/(expense) ...............................  $   (117,297)  $    (77,234)
  Net realized gain/(loss) from sale of investments .............     4,854,139      2,782,652
  Reinvested realized gain distributions ........................     5,230,139      2,132,345
  Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments       181,221      5,975,150
                                                                   ------------   ------------ 
  Net increase/(decrease) resulting from operations .............    10,148,202     10,812,913
                                                                   ------------   ------------ 
CONTRACT TRANSACTIONS
  Net contract purchase payments ................................       130,131        222,679
  Redemptions and annuity benefits ..............................    (5,562,631)    (3,674,328)
                                                                   ------------   ------------ 
  Net increase/(decrease) from contract transactions ............    (5,432,500)    (3,451,649)
                                                                   ------------   ------------ 
ACTUARIAL INCREASE IN RESERVES FOR CONTRACTS IN PAYMENT PERIOD ..       171,373        132,877
                                                                   ------------   ------------ 
TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS .........................     4,887,075      7,494,141
NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1995 .................................    42,032,956     34,538,815
                                                                   ------------   ------------ 
NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1996-- NOTE 3 ........................  $ 46,920,031   $ 42,032,956
                                                                   ============   ============
</TABLE>

                       See notes to financial statements.

6
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         THE GUARDIAN VARIABLE ACCOUNT 2
                       STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                                DECEMBER 31, 1996

<S>                                                                <C>            <C>         
ASSETS
  Investment in The Guardian Park Avenue Fund (388,081
    shares at net asset value of $37.91 per share;
    FIFO Cost, $7,257,925) ......................................                 $ 14,712,165
                                                                                  ------------
LIABILITIES
  Annuitant Mortality Fluctuation Fund ..........................                       56,495
  Due to The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc. .........                      286,245
                                                                                  ------------
  Total Liabilities .............................................                      342,740
                                                                                  ------------
NET ASSETS-- NOTE 3 .............................................                 $ 14,369,425
                                                                                  ============

                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

INVESTMENT INCOME
  Income:
    Reinvested dividends ........................................                 $    154,250
  Expense:
    Mortality and expense risk charges-- Note 4 .................                      194,550
                                                                                  ------------
  Net investment income/(expense) ...............................                      (40,300)
                                                                                  ------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS
  Net realized gain/(loss) from sale of investments .............                      700,672
  Reinvested realized gain distributions ........................                    1,592,435
  Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments:
    End of year .................................................  $  7,454,240
    Beginning of year ...........................................     6,710,192
                                                                   ------------
    Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) ............                      744,048
                                                                                  ------------
  Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments ......                    3,037,155
                                                                                  ------------
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS .                 $  2,996,855
                                                                                  ============
</TABLE>

                      STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ----------------------------
                                                                        1996          1995
                                                                   ------------   ------------ 
<S>                                                                <C>            <C>          
INCREASE/(DECREASE) FROM OPERATIONS
  Net investment income/(expense) ...............................  $    (40,300)  $    (33,161)
  Net realized gain/(loss) from sale of investments .............       700,672        530,039
  Reinvested realized gain distributions ........................     1,592,435        615,555
  Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments       744,048      2,012,009
                                                                   ------------   ------------ 
  Net increase/(decrease) resulting from operations .............     2,996,855      3,124,442
                                                                   ------------   ------------ 
CONTRACT TRANSACTIONS
  Net contract purchase payments ................................        37,345         13,780
  Redemptions and annuity benefits ..............................      (848,821)      (753,331)
                                                                   ------------   ------------ 
  Net increase/(decrease) from contract transactions ............      (811,476)      (739,551)
                                                                   ------------   ------------ 
ACTUARIAL INCREASE IN RESERVES FOR CONTRACTS IN PAYMENT PERIOD ..        18,034         19,914
                                                                   ------------   ------------ 
TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS .........................     2,203,413      2,404,805
NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1995 .................................    12,166,012      9,761,207
                                                                   ------------   ------------ 
NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1996 -- NOTE 3 .......................  $ 14,369,425   $ 12,166,012
                                                                   ============   ============
</TABLE>

                       See notes to financial statements.


                                                                               7
<PAGE>

                         THE GUARDIAN VARIABLE ACCOUNT 1
                         THE GUARDIAN VARIABLE ACCOUNT 2
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                DECEMBER 31, 1996

NOTE 1 -- ORGANIZATION

     The Guardian Variable Account 1 (VA-1) and The Guardian Variable Account 2
(VA-2) are registered unit investment trusts under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, established by The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc.
(GIAC). GIAC is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Guardian Life Insurance Company
of America (Guardian Life). The mutual fund available under the contracts
supported by VA-1 and VA-2 is The Guardian Park Avenue Fund (the Fund). The Fund
has an investment advisory agreement with Guardian Investor Services
Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of GIAC. The VA-2 Separate Account has
two divisions, the VA-2 Division and the VA-19 Division. All VA-2 Separate
Account contract payments received subsequent to January 1, 1981 have been
allocated to the VA-19 Division.

     Under applicable insurance law, the assets and liabilities of VA-1 and VA-2
are clearly identified and distinguished from the other assets and liabilities
of GIAC. The assets of VA-1 and VA-2 will not be charged with any liabilities
arising out of any other business conducted by GIAC, but the obligations of VA-1
and VA-2, including the promise to make annuity payments, are obligations of
GIAC.

NOTE 2 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies of both
VA-1 and VA-2.

     Investments

     (a) Net proceeds from the sale of variable annuity contracts are invested
in shares of the Fund at the net asset value of the Fund's shares. All
distributions made by the Fund are reinvested in shares of the Fund. (b) The
market value of investments in the Fund is based on the net asset value at the
close of the period. (c) Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade
date and income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. (d) The cost of Fund shares
sold is determined on a first in, first out (FIFO) basis.

     During the years ended December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, VA-1
purchases of shares of the Fund aggregated $6,895,856 and $3,218,781,
respectively, and VA-2 purchases aggregated $1,929,219 and $822,741,
respectively. Aggregate sales of shares of the Fund amounted to $6,589,598 and
$4,143,790 for VA-1 and $1,009,010 and $856,665 for VA-2 for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, respectively.


8
<PAGE>

     Federal Income Taxes

     The operations of VA-1 and VA-2 are part of the operations of GIAC and, as
such, are included in the combined tax return of GIAC. GIAC is taxed as a life
insurance company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     Under the tax law, no federal income taxes are payable by GIAC with respect
to the operations of VA-1 and VA-2.

NOTE 3 -- NET ASSETS, DECEMBER 31, 1996

     At December 31, 1996, net assets for the VA-1 and VA-2 Separate Accounts
are comprised as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           UNITS         ACCUMULATION      TOTAL UNIT
                                           OWNED          UNIT VALUE          VALUE
                                           -----          ----------          -----
<S>                                     <C>               <C>             <C>        
VA-1 Separate Account:
  VA-1 Division ......................  132,869.032       $334.789490     $44,483,155
  Contracts receiving annuity benefits                                      2,436,876
                                                                          -----------
                                                                          $46,920,031
                                                                          ===========
VA-2 Separate Account:
  VA-2 Division. .....................   38,918.224       $302.901130     $11,788,374
  VA-19 Division .....................    5,841.210        294.824378       1,722,131
                                                                          -----------
                                                                           13,510,505
  Contracts receiving annuity benefits                                        858,920
                                                                          -----------
                                                                          $14,369,425
                                                                          ===========
</TABLE>

     In some instances the calculation of total assets may not agree due to
rounding.

NOTE 4 -- MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGES

     Charges for mortality and expense risk paid to GIAC are computed daily and
are equal to an annual rate of 1% of the average daily net assets.

     Currently, GIAC makes no charge against VA-1 and VA-2 for GIAC's federal
income taxes. However, GIAC reserves the right to charge taxes attributable to
VA-1 and VA-2 in the future.

NOTE 5 -- ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES FOR THE CURRENT YEAR END AND THE FOUR PRIOR
YEAR ENDS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,
                               1996          1995          1994          1993          1992
                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                        <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>        
VA-1 Separate Account:
  VA-1 Division .........  $334.789490   $267.313646   $201.042264   $205.991442   $172.958667
VA-2 Separate Account:
  VA-2 Division .........  $302.901130   $241.852311   $181.893203   $186.370977   $156.484543
  VA-19 Division ........  $294.824378   $235.403384   $177.043070   $181.401443   $152.311918

</TABLE>

                                                                               9
<PAGE>

                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                        ---------------------------------

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
THE GUARDIAN INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY, INC.
AND CONTRACTOWNERS OF THE GUARDIAN VARIABLE
ACCOUNT 1 AND THE GUARDIAN VARIABLE ACCOUNT 2

     In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities and
the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Guardian
Variable Account 1 and The Guardian Variable Account 2 at December 31, 1996, and
the results of each of their operations for the year then ended and the changes
in each of their net assets for each of the two years then ended, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the management of The Guardian Insurance & Annuity
Company, Inc.; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at
December 31, 1996 by correspondence with the transfer agents of the underlying
funds, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.


/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP


PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
New York, New York
February 11, 1997


10
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
- --------------------------------
DECEMBER 31, 1996

O    THE GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND

- --------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCKS -- 94.2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------
   Shares                                                Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------
AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE -- 4.9%
   147,049   Boeing Co.                         $   15,642,380
    48,889   Lockheed Martin Corp.                   4,473,343
   187,600   Logicon, Inc.                           6,847,400
   462,000   McDonnell Douglas Corp.                29,568,000
    93,950   Precision Castparts Corp.               4,662,269
    60,700   Rockwell Int'l. Corp.                   3,695,112
    36,000   Sundstrand Corp.                        1,530,000
     8,600   Trinity Industries, Inc.*                 323,885
    50,000   United Technologies Corp.               3,300,000
                                                --------------
                                                    70,042,389
- --------------------------------------------------------------
AIR TRANSPORTATION -- 0.3%                         
    44,800   AMR Corp. Del*                          3,948,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------
APPLIANCE AND FURNITURE -- 0.1%                    
    66,000   Furniture Brands Int'l., Inc.*            924,000
    20,000   Herman Miller, Inc.                     1,132,500
                                                --------------
                                                     2,056,500
- --------------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMOTIVE -- 0.6%                                 
   294,500   Ford Motor Co. DE*                      9,387,187
- --------------------------------------------------------------
BIOTECHNOLOGY -- 0.2%                              
    56,100   Amgen, Inc.*                            3,050,438
- --------------------------------------------------------------
BUILDING MATERIALS AND HOMEBUILDERS -- 1.0%   
    12,000   Armstrong World Industries, Inc.*         834,000
    24,700   Centex Corp.*                             929,337
    95,400   Coachmen Industries, Inc.               2,706,975
    58,000   Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.             1,595,000
    38,000   Kaufman & Broad Home Corp.*               489,250
    58,900   Lennar Corp.*                           1,605,025
    30,000   McGrath Rent Corp.                        772,500
    70,000   Oakwood Homes Corp.*                    1,601,250
    26,000   Pulte Corp.*                              799,500
    21,700   Sherwin-Williams Co.*                   1,215,200
    15,200   U.S. Home Corp.*                          395,200
    13,600   Vulcan Materials Co.                      827,900
     9,600   Webb (Del) Corp.                          157,200
                                                --------------
                                                    13,928,337
- --------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL GOODS-MISCELLANEOUS TECHNOLOGY -- 0.9%    
    50,555   Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.         1,175,404
    73,800   Minnesota Mining & Mfg. Co.             6,116,175
   102,975   Paychex, Inc.                           5,296,777
    37,300   Rexel, Inc.*                              592,137
    30,200   Schuller Corp.                            320,875
                                                --------------
                                                    13,501,368
- --------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL GOODS-TECHNOLOGY-TELECOMMUNICATIONS -- 0.1%
     9,200   Harris Corp., DE                          631,350
    37,500   Network Equip. Technologies*              618,750
                                                --------------
                                                     1,250,100
- --------------------------------------------------------------
CHEMICALS -- 2.5%                                  
    40,000   Avery Dennison Corp.                    1,415,000
   116,700   Cambrex Corp.                           3,821,925
   269,400   E.I. Dupont De Nemours, Inc.           25,424,625
    65,000   PPG Industries, Inc.                    3,648,125
    25,000   Rohm & Haas Co.*                        2,040,625
                                                --------------
                                                    36,350,300
- --------------------------------------------------------------
COAL -- 0.0%                                       
    17,000   Eastern Enterprises                       601,375
- --------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTER SOFTWARE -- 3.5%                          
    89,300   BMC Software, Inc.*                     3,682,375
    18,900   Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*             751,275
   160,500   Computer Associates Int'l., Inc.        7,984,875
    37,400   Compuware Corp.*                        1,874,675
   186,400   Electronic Data Systems Corp.           8,061,800
    38,000   Fair Isaac & Co., Inc.                  1,486,750
   240,000   Microsoft Corp.*                       19,830,000
    34,000   OneWave, Inc.*                            265,625
    56,000   Parametric Technology Corp.*            2,877,000
    59,000   Sterling Software, Inc.*                1,865,875
    50,000   SunGuard Data Systems, Inc.*            1,975,000
                                                --------------
                                                    50,655,250
- --------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTER SYSTEMS -- 3.2%                            
   198,000   Cisco Systems, Inc.*                   12,597,750
    60,300   Compaq Computer Corp.*                  4,477,275
    75,000   Computervision Corp.*                     693,750
    21,600   Diebold, Inc.                           1,358,100
    51,000   Health Mgmt. Systems, Inc.*               714,000
    52,000   Imitation Corp.*                        1,462,500
    61,000   Lexmark Int'l. Group, Inc.*             1,685,125
     5,500   Mylex Corp.*                               68,750
    75,000   Pitney Bowes Inc.*                      4,087,500
    60,000   SCI Systems, Inc.*                      2,677,500
   290,000   Storage Technology Corp.*              13,811,250
    65,200   Sun Microsystems, Inc.*                 1,674,825
    60,000   Tandem Computers, Inc.*                   825,000
                                                --------------
                                                    46,133,325
- --------------------------------------------------------------
CONGLOMERATES -- 1.8%                               
    65,300   Allied Signal, Inc.                     4,375,100
    90,000   Loews Corp.                             8,482,500
    47,300   Tenneco, Inc.*                          2,134,412
    95,000   Textron, Inc.                           8,953,750
                                                --------------
                                                    23,945,762
- --------------------------------------------------------------
COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES -- 0.7%                  
     8,000   Alberto-Culver Co.*                       330,000
   116,500   Gillette Co.                            9,057,875
    16,200   Helen of Troy Ltd.*                       356,400
                                                --------------
                                                     9,744,275
- --------------------------------------------------------------
                                               
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               
See notes to financial statements.               *Non-income producing security.
                                               
                                               
                                                                              11
<PAGE>                                         

THE GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND
Schedule Of Investments (Continued)

- --------------------------------------------------------------
   Shares                                                Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------
DRUGS AND HOSPITALS -- 11.8%                   
   182,400   Abbott Laboratories                $    9,256,800
    65,820   Allegiance Corp.                        1,818,277
   280,700   American Home Products Corp.           16,456,037
    29,100   Baxter Int'l., Inc.                     1,193,100
    27,400   Becton Dickinson & Co.                  1,188,475
   205,500   Bristol-Myers Squibb Corp.             22,348,125
    88,496   Eli Lilly & Co., Inc.                   6,460,208
    62,500   Genesis Health Ventures, Inc.*          1,945,312
    97,377   Guidant Corp.                           5,550,489
    67,000   Integrated Health Services, Inc.        1,633,125
   582,400   Johnson & Johnson                      28,974,400
    81,300   Kinetic Concepts, Inc.                    995,925
    38,900   Manor Care, Inc.*                       1,050,300
    82,200   Mariner Health Group, Inc.*               688,425
   382,300   Merck & Co., Inc.                      30,297,275
    60,000   Old Republic Int'l. Corp.*              1,605,000
   198,800   Pfizer, Inc.                           16,475,550
   141,200   Schering-Plough Corp.                   9,142,700
    33,500   Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.*               452,250
     8,000   Unitrin, Inc.                             446,000
   230,000   Universal Health Services, Inc.*        6,583,750
    47,500   Warner-Lambert Co.                      3,562,500
                                                --------------
                                                   168,124,023
- --------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT -- 3.4%                          
    81,800   Emerson Electric Co.                    7,914,150
   414,400   General Electric Co.                   40,973,800
                                                --------------
                                                    48,887,950
- --------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRONICS AND INSTRUMENTS -- 0.4%                  
    46,000   Analogic Corp.                          1,541,000
     7,700   Ascend Communications Inc.*               478,363
    21,200   Dynatech Corp.*                           938,100
    29,500   Intergraph Corp.*                         302,375
    15,300   Sanmina Corp.*                            864,450
    21,300   Solectron Corp.*                        1,136,887
                                                --------------
                                                     5,261,175
- --------------------------------------------------------------
ENERGY-MISCELLANEOUS -- 0.5%                        
   129,500   Giant Industries, Inc.                  1,813,000
   167,104   Holly Corp.                             4,470,032
    86,500   Howell Corp.                            1,292,094
                                                --------------
                                                     7,575,126
- --------------------------------------------------------------
ENTERTAINMENT -- 0.1%                               
   131,000   Galoob Toys, Inc.*                      1,834,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL-BANKS -- 10.8%                            
   150,600   Banc One Corp.                     $    6,475,800
    22,000   Bancorp Hawaii, Inc.                      924,000
   177,300   BankAmerica Corp.                      17,685,675
   109,100   Bank of Boston Corp.                    7,009,675
    87,600   Barnett Banks, Inc.                     3,602,550
    23,000   Central & Southern Hldgs. Co.             270,250
   188,060   Chase Manhattan Corp.                  16,784,355
   336,766   Citicorp                               34,686,765
    16,500   Comerica, Inc.                            864,188
    89,200   First Bank Systems Corp.                6,087,900
    73,800   First Chicago NBD Corp.                 3,966,750
    12,400   First Empire State Corp.                3,571,200
    20,000   First Merit Corp.                         710,000
   146,400   First Union Corp.                      10,833,600
    50,475   Hubco, Inc.                             1,236,641
    30,000   Mellon Bank Corp.                       2,130,000
   109,000   Nationsbank Corp.                      10,654,750
    82,748   Norwest Corp.                           3,599,538
    15,000   Provident Bancorp., Inc.*                 510,000
    22,500   Star Banc Corp.                         2,067,188
    40,000   State Street Boston Corp.               2,580,000
   340,000   Travelers Group, Inc.                  15,427,500
    15,000   UnionBanCal Corp.*                        795,000
    12,400   Zions Bancorp.                          1,289,600
                                                --------------
                                                   153,762,925
- --------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL-OTHERS -- 6.8%                          
   105,000   American Express Co.                    5,932,500
    16,400   Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc.*      469,450
    10,000   Duff & Phelps Cr. Rating Co.              241,250
    83,200   A.G. Edwards, Inc.                      2,797,600
    38,700   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.        4,261,838
   404,500   Federal National Mortgage Assn.        15,067,625
    13,000   Financial Sec. Assur. Holdings, Ltd.      427,375
   326,000   First USA, Inc.                        11,287,750
    62,000   Franklin Resources, Inc.                4,239,250
   388,400   Green Tree Financial Corp.             15,001,950
   100,000   Jefferies Group, Inc.                   4,037,500
    57,400   McDonald & Co. Investments, Inc.        1,994,650
   151,200   Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.              12,322,800
    52,000   J.P. Morgan & Co., Inc.                 5,076,500
   167,850   Morgan Keegan, Inc.                     2,874,431
    26,100   Morgan Stanley Group., Inc.             1,490,963
    67,300   Raymond James Financial, Inc.           2,027,412
    83,300   Salomon, Inc.*                          3,925,513
   120,000   Charles Schwab Corp.                    3,840,000
                                                --------------
                                                    97,316,357
- --------------------------------------------------------------


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Non-income producing security.               See notes to financial statements.


12

<PAGE>

THE GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND
Schedule of Investments (Continued)

- --------------------------------------------------------------
   Shares                                                Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL-THRIFT -- 3.1%                          
    39,200   Astoria Financial Corp.            $    1,445,500
   160,000   California Federal Bancorp, Inc.*       3,920,000
    93,187   Charter One Financial, Inc.             3,913,854
     5,500   CitFed Bancorp, Inc.*                     181,500
    47,000   Coastal Bancorp, Inc.                   1,075,125
   150,199   Collective Bancorp, Inc.                5,275,740
    45,400   Commercial Federal Corp.                2,179,200
    33,000   Greenpoint Financial Corp.              1,559,250
    76,000   Long Island Bancorp, Inc.               2,660,000
    27,060   MAF Bancorp, Inc.                         940,335
    20,960   Pacific Crest Capital, Inc.*              241,040
   127,200   Progressive Bank, Inc.                  2,893,800
   365,243   Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.                 4,793,814
    78,000   Standard Fed. Bancorp.                  4,436,250
   187,964   TCF Financial Corp.                     8,176,434
                                                --------------
                                                    43,691,842
- --------------------------------------------------------------
FOOD, BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO -- 4.6%                
   206,400   Anheuser Busch Cos., Inc.               8,256,000
    85,000   Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.              1,870,000
    70,000   Campbell Soup Co.                       5,617,500
    69,800   Coca Cola Co.                           3,385,300
    59,400   ConAgra, Inc.                           2,955,150
     4,128   Earthgrains Co.                           215,688
    50,000   Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea, Inc.*   1,593,750
    34,000   Hershey Foods Corp.                     1,487,500
    30,000   Interstate Bakeries Corp.*              1,473,750
   255,400   Philip Morris Cos., Inc.               28,764,425
    37,900   Ralston-Purina Group                    2,780,913
    12,000   Schweitzer-Mauduit Int'l., Inc.*          379,500
    38,800   Unilever NV                             6,799,700
                                                --------------
                                                    65,579,176
- --------------------------------------------------------------
FOOTWEAR -- 0.4%                                  
    88,200   Nike, Inc.                              5,269,950
- --------------------------------------------------------------
HARDWARE AND TOOLS -- 0.2%                         
   122,500   Black and Decker Corp.*                 3,690,313
- --------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS -- 1.1%                        
    13,000   Clorox Co.*                             1,304,875
    69,040   Kimberly Clark Corp.                    6,576,060
    79,300   Procter and Gamble Co.                  8,524,750
                                                --------------
                                                    16,405,685
- --------------------------------------------------------------
INSURANCE -- 3.5%                              
   105,200   Allstate Corp.                          6,088,450
    27,000   AMBAC, Inc.                             1,792,125
    74,000   Amer. Bankers Ins. Group, Inc.          3,783,250
    86,300   Amer. Int'l., Group, Inc.               9,341,975
    40,000   CMAC Investment Corp.                   1,470,000
    12,000   Enhance Finl. Svcs. Group, Inc.           438,000
    40,500   Executive Risk, Inc.                    1,498,500
    15,400   General Re Corp.                        2,429,350
    38,100   ITT Hartford Group, Inc.                2,571,750
    35,000   Jefferson Pilot Corp.                   1,981,875
    42,080   Liberty Financial Cos., Inc.            1,635,860
    67,000   MGIC Investment Corp.                   5,092,000
    30,800   Progressive Corp. of Ohio               2,075,150
    28,000   ReliaStar Financial Group*              1,617,000
    92,250   State Auto Financial Corp.              1,660,500
    63,000   Sun America, Inc.                       2,795,625
    38,500   Travelers Aetna Ppty. Cas. Corp.        1,361,938
                                                --------------
                                                    47,633,348
- --------------------------------------------------------------
LODGING -- 0.2%                                  
   175,000   Prime Hospitality Corp.*                2,821,875
- --------------------------------------------------------------
MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT -- 1.4%                  
    94,800   Caterpillar, Inc.                       7,133,700
    88,400   Deere and Co.                           3,591,250
    51,200   Illinois Tool Works, Inc.               4,089,600
    50,000   JLG Industries, Inc.                      800,000
    30,800   Robbins and Myers, Inc.                   770,000
    60,000   York Int'l., Corp.                      3,352,500
                                                --------------
                                                    19,737,050
- --------------------------------------------------------------
MERCHANDISING-DEPARTMENT STORES -- 0.5%          
    65,000   Carson Pirie Scott & Co.*               1,641,250
    40,000   Dollar General Corp.                    1,280,000
   330,200   K Mart Corp.*                           3,425,825
    16,000   MacFrugals Bargains Closeouts*            418,000
    13,000   Mercantile Stores, Inc.*                  641,875
                                                --------------
                                                     7,406,950
- --------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See notes to financial statements.               *Non-income producing security.


                                                                              13

<PAGE>

THE GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND
Schedule of Investments (Continued)

- --------------------------------------------------------------
   Shares                                                Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------
MERCHANDISING-DRUGS -- 0.4%                    
    52,000   DS Revco, Inc.*                    $    1,924,000
    56,200   Value Health, Inc.*                     1,095,900
    75,000   Walgreen Co.                            3,000,000
                                                --------------
                                                     6,019,900
- --------------------------------------------------------------
MERCHANDISING-FOOD -- 0.8%                         
    57,000   Kroger Co.*                             2,650,500
    44,000   Richfood Holdings, Inc.                 1,067,000
    87,500   Safeway, Inc.*                          3,740,625
    57,000   Supervalu, Inc.*                        1,617,375
    29,000   Vons Cos., Inc.*                        1,736,375
                                                --------------
                                                    10,811,875
- --------------------------------------------------------------
MERCHANDISING-SPECIAL -- 0.3%                      
   113,600   Claire's Stores, Inc.                   1,476,800
    23,900   Friedman's, Inc.*                         352,525
    83,560   Host Marriott Services Corp.*             762,485
    35,000   Pier 1 Imports, Inc.                      616,875
    10,000   Ross Stores, Inc.                         500,000
    20,000   Tiffany & Co.                             732,500
                                                --------------
                                                     4,441,185
- --------------------------------------------------------------
METALS AND MINING -- 0.5%                        
   130,000   ASARCO, Inc.*                           3,233,750
   115,100   Bethlehem Steel Corp.*                  1,035,900
    62,900   Cyprus Amax Minerals Co.*               1,470,288
    50,000   USX Steel Group*                        1,568,750
                                                --------------
                                                     7,308,688
- --------------------------------------------------------------
MISCELLANEOUS-CONSUMER GROWTH STAPLES -- 0.4% 
    59,200   Cognizant Corp.*                        1,953,600
    24,000   Interpublic Group Cos., Inc.*           1,140,000
    55,000   A.C. Nielson Corp.*                       831,875
    35,000   Omnicom Group                           1,601,250
                                                --------------
                                                     5,526,725
- --------------------------------------------------------------
NATURAL GAS-DIVERSIFIED -- 0.9%                    
   260,000   Enserch Corp.                           5,980,000
   158,300   Mitchell Energy & Dev. Corp.            3,502,387
    60,000   PanEnergy Corp.                         2,700,000
    43,000   Western Gas Res., Inc.                    827,750
                                                --------------
                                                    13,010,137
- --------------------------------------------------------------
OIL AND GAS PRODUCING -- 5.3%                      
   200,000   Alberta Energy Ltd.*                    4,800,000
   194,400   Apache Corp.                            6,876,900
   121,900   Basin Exploration, Inc.*                  761,875
   207,100   Tom Brown, Inc.*                        4,323,212
    90,000   Cairn Energy USA, Inc.*                   900,000
   185,000   Chieftain Int'l., Inc.*                 4,810,000
   153,000   Devon Energy Corp.                      5,316,750
    50,200   Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.*        2,861,400
   301,400   Enron Oil and Gas Co.                   7,610,350
   290,000   Enserch Exploration, Inc.*              3,407,500
    38,100   Forcenergy Gas Exploration, Inc.*       1,381,125
    54,700   Petroleum Sec. Australia Ltd.*          1,244,425
   497,300   Petromet Resources Ltd.*                1,056,762
    79,700   Pogo Producing Co.                      3,765,825
   770,000   Ranger Oil Ltd.*                        7,603,750
   245,000   Rigel Energy Corp.*                     2,434,688
   305,536   Seagull Energy Corp.*                   6,721,792
   127,600   St. Mary Land & Exploration Co.         3,174,050
    39,300   Snyder Oil Corp.                          682,838
    54,966   Union Pacific Resources Group, Inc.     1,607,756
    62,278   United Meridian Corp.*                  3,222,887
    13,400   Vintage Petroleum, Inc.                   462,300
   170,000   Wainoco Oil Ltd.*                         531,250
                                                --------------
                                                    75,557,435
- --------------------------------------------------------------
OIL AND GAS SERVICES -- 3.1%                       
    20,800   Cliffs Drilling Co.*                    1,315,600
    17,000   Cooper Cameron Corp.*                   1,300,500
    70,000   ENSCO Int'l., Inc.*                     3,395,000
    60,500   Halliburton Co.                         3,645,125
   179,200   Input/Output, Inc.*                     3,315,200
   329,400   Nabors Industries, Inc.*                6,340,950
   130,000   Noble Drilling Corp.*                   2,583,750
   124,700   Offshore Logistics, Inc.*               2,416,063
    60,000   Pride Petroleum Services, Inc.*         1,395,000
   107,800   Schlumberger Ltd.                      10,766,525
   130,000   Smith Int'l., Inc.*                     5,833,750
    72,400   Varco Int'l., Inc.*                     1,674,250
                                                --------------
                                                    43,981,713
- --------------------------------------------------------------
OIL-INTEGRATED-DOMESTIC -- 1.7%                    
    74,800   Amoco Corp.                             6,021,400
    54,500   Atlantic Richfield Co.                  7,221,250
   120,000   Murphy Oil Corp.                        6,675,000
   284,000   Tesoro Petroleum, Inc.*                 3,976,000
                                                --------------
                                                    23,893,650
- --------------------------------------------------------------
OIL-INTEGRATED-INTERNATIONAL -- 5.8%               
   168,800   Chevron Corp.                          10,972,000
   312,200   Exxon Corp.                            30,595,600
    70,900   Mobil Corp.                             8,667,525
   126,700   Royal Dutch Petroleum Co.              21,634,025
   109,200   Texaco, Inc.                           10,715,250
                                                --------------
                                                    82,584,400
- --------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Non-income producing security.               See notes to financial statements.


14

<PAGE>

THE GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND
Schedule of Investments (Continued)

- --------------------------------------------------------------
   Shares                                                Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------
PAPER AND FOREST PRODUCTS -- 1.0%              
    50,000   Caraustar Industries, Inc.         $    1,662,500
   331,500   Rayonier, Inc.                         12,721,312
                                                --------------
                                                    14,383,812
- --------------------------------------------------------------
PHOTOGRAPHY -- 0.5%                                
    86,100   Eastman Kodak Co.                       6,909,525
- --------------------------------------------------------------
PUBLISHING-NEWS -- 0.2%                            
    55,000   A.H. Belo Corp.                         1,918,125
     2,500   Washington Post Co.                       837,813
                                                --------------
                                                     2,755,938
- --------------------------------------------------------------
RAILROADS -- 0.8%                                  
    40,301   Burlington Northern Santa Fe            3,480,999
    45,800   Norfolk Southern Corp.*                 4,007,500
    64,900   Union Pacific Corp.                     3,902,113
                                                --------------
                                                    11,390,612
- --------------------------------------------------------------
SEMICONDUCTOR -- 2.3%                              
    58,500   Applied Magnetics Corp.*                1,747,687
   233,900   Intel Corp.*                           30,626,281
                                                --------------
                                                    32,373,968
- --------------------------------------------------------------
TEXTILE-APPAREL AND PRODUCTION -- 0.5%             
    72,200   Fruit of the Loom, Inc.*                2,734,575
    46,100   Russell Corp.                           1,371,475
    43,000   V.F. Corp.                              2,902,500
                                                --------------
                                                     7,008,550
- --------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSPORTATION-MISCELLANEOUS -- 0.0%                
   114,200   Maritrans, Inc.                           699,475
- --------------------------------------------------------------
TRUCKERS -- 0.0%                                   
    18,000   FRP Pptys., Inc.*                         459,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITIES-COMMUNICATIONS -- 1.0%                   
    76,600   Ameritech Corp.                         4,643,875
   106,100   Bellsouth Corp.                         4,283,787
    71,100   SBC Communications, Inc.                3,679,425
    41,100   Sprint Corp.                            1,638,862
    24,000   360 Communications Co.*                   555,000
                                                --------------
                                                    14,800,949
- --------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITIES-GAS AND PIPELINE -- 0.1%
    45,000   KN Energy, Inc.                         1,766,250
- --------------------------------------------------------------
             TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
              (COST $997,724,343)                1,345,276,138
- --------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT -- 5.5%
- --------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------
Principal                              Maturity
Amount                                   Date            Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------
$79,179,000   State Street Bank & Trust
              repurchase agreement,
              dated 12/31/96, maturity
              value $79,216,940
              5.75%, due 1/2/97
              (collateralized by
              $80,055,000 U.S. Treasury
              Notes, 6.00% due
              5/31/98)                  1/2/97  $   79,179,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------
              TOTAL REPURCHASE AGREEMENT
               (COST $79,179,000)                   79,179,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 99.7%
  (COST $1,076,903,343)                          1,424,455,138
CASH, RECEIVABLES AND OTHER ASSETS
  LESS PAYABLES--0.3%                                3,736,234
- --------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS -- 100.0%                            $1,428,191,372
- --------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See notes to financial statements.               *Non-income producing security.


                                                                              15
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------

O    THE GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND

- --------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
  Investments, at identified cost*              $1,076,903,343
==============================================================
  Investments, at market                         1,345,276,138
  Repurchase agreement                              79,179,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------
        TOTAL INVESTMENTS                        1,424,455,138
- --------------------------------------------------------------
  Cash                                                      22
  Receivable for securities sold                    32,066,379
  Receivable for fund shares sold                    5,022,025
  Dividends receivable                               1,705,117
  Interest receivable                                   17,758
- --------------------------------------------------------------
        TOTAL ASSETS                             1,463,266,439
- --------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES
  Payable for securities purchased                  21,011,921
  Distributions payable                              4,769,564
  Payable for shares redeemed                        6,385,750
  Accrued expenses                                     365,762
  Due to affiliates                                  2,542,070
- --------------------------------------------------------------
        TOTAL LIABILITIES                           35,075,067
- --------------------------------------------------------------
        NET ASSETS                              $1,428,191,372
==============================================================
COMPONENTS OF NET ASSETS
  Shares of beneficial interest of $0.01 
    par value outstanding (unlimited number 
    of shares authorized);
     Class A                                    $      367,246
     Class B                                             9,501
  Paid-in capital                                1,051,942,167
  Accumulated net realized gain on
    investments                                     28,320,663
  Net unrealized appreciation of investments       347,551,795
- --------------------------------------------------------------
        NET ASSETS                              $1,428,191,372
==============================================================
NET ASSETS:
  Class A                                       $1,392,185,697
  Class B                                           36,005,675
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Shares of beneficial interest of $0.01 par value
  Class A                                           36,724,597
  Class B                                              950,095
- --------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
  Class A                                       $        37.91
  Class B                                       $        37.90
- --------------------------------------------------------------
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE
  Class A Only (Net Asset Value x 104.71)**     $        39.70
- --------------------------------------------------------------
*    Includes repurchase agreement.
**   Based on sale of less than $100,000. On sales of $100,000 
     or more, the offering price is reduced.

- --------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT INCOME:
  Income:
    Dividends                                   $   19,019,449
    Interest                                         4,185,365
    Other income                                        46,889
- --------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    23,251,703
  Less: Foreign tax withheld                            54,912
- --------------------------------------------------------------
      Total Income                                  23,196,791
- --------------------------------------------------------------
  Expenses:
    Investment advisory fees -- Note 2               5,851,464
    12b-1 fees -- Note 3                               570,546
    Administrative fees                              1,106,372
    Transfer agent fees                              1,278,475
    Custodian fees                                     236,597
    Printing fees                                      139,575
    Registration fees                                  136,561
    Audit fees                                          20,500
    Trustees' fees -- Note 2                            18,300
    Legal fees                                          12,296
    Insurance expense                                    9,028
    Other                                                  705
- --------------------------------------------------------------
      Total Expenses                                 9,380,419
- --------------------------------------------------------------
  NET INVESTMENT INCOME                             13,816,372
- --------------------------------------------------------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
  ON INVESTMENTS -- NOTE 5
    Net realized gain on investments
      -- Note 1                                    140,062,592
    Net change in unrealized appreciation
      of investments -- Note 5                     128,623,359
- --------------------------------------------------------------
      NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON
        INVESTMENTS                                268,685,951
- --------------------------------------------------------------
    NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
      RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS                 $  282,502,323
==============================================================

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              See notes to financial statements.


                                                                              16
<PAGE>

THE GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND 
(Continued)

- --------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------

                                     Year Ended December 31,
                                   ---------------------------
                                       1996           1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
FROM OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income            $ 13,816,372   $  8,735,936
  Net realized gain on
    investments                     140,062,592     84,973,348
  Net change in unrealized
    appreciation of investments     128,623,359    138,277,500
- --------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
  RESULTING FROM
  OPERATIONS                        282,502,323    231,986,784
- --------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
  Net investment income:
    Class A                         (13,778,621)    (8,718,311)
    Class B                             (37,751)          --
  Distributions in excess on 
    net investment income:
    Class A                            (358,731)          --
    Class B                              (7,535)          --
  Net realized gain on 
    investments:
    Class A                        (146,944,706)   (48,212,589)
    Class B                          (2,841,272)          --
- --------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS TO
    SHAREHOLDERS                   (163,968,616)   (56,930,900)
- --------------------------------------------------------------
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
  Net increase in net assets
    from capital share
    transactions -- Note 6
      Class A                       301,588,369    156,301,684
      Class B                        35,794,701           --
- --------------------------------------------------------------
                                    337,383,070    156,301,684
- --------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS          455,916,777    331,357,568

NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year                   972,274,595    640,917,027
- --------------------------------------------------------------
End of year*                      1,428,191,372    972,274,595
==============================================================
* Includes undistributed net
  investment income of           $         --     $       --

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See notes to financial statements.

17
<PAGE>

NOTES TO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 1996

o    THE GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND

NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Guardian Park Avenue Fund (the Fund) is a diversified open-end management
investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the 1940 Act). GPAF, originally organized as a Delaware corporation in
1970, was reorganized into a Massachusetts business trust on April 28, 1989. On
December 30, 1992, a majority of the outstanding shares of GPAF voted in favor
of reorganizing the Fund as a series of the Park Avenue Portfolio, also a
Massachusetts business trust. The reorganization is expected to be effected in
February, 1993. Significant accounting policies of the Fund are as follows:

     GPAF, GAAF, GBGIF and GCMF (the Funds) offer two classes of shares. All
shares existing prior to May 1, 1996, were classified as Class A shares. Class A
shares are sold with an initial sales charge of up to 4.50% and a continuing
administrative fee of up to .25% on an annual basis. Class B shares are sold
without an initial sales charge but are subject to a distribution fee of .75%
and an administrative fee of up to .25% on an annual basis, and a contingent
deferred sales load (CDSL) of 4% imposed on certain redemptions. The two classes
of shares for each fund represent interests in the same portfolio of
investments, have the same rights and are generally identical in all respects
except that each class bears its separate distribution and certain class
expenses, and has exclusive voting rights with respect to any matter to which a
separate vote of any class is required.

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities 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.

Investments

     Equity and debt securities listed on domestic exchanges are valued at the
closing sales prices on such exchanges, or, lacking any sales, at the mean
between closing bid and asked prices. Securities traded in the over-the-counter
market are valued using the last sales price, when available. Otherwise,
over-the-counter securities are valued at the mean between the bid and asked
prices or yield equivalents as obtained from one or more dealers that make a
market in the securities.

     Certain debt securities may be valued each business day by an independent
pricing service ("Service") approved by the Board of Trustees. Debt securities
for which quoted bid prices, in the judgment of the Service, are readily
available and representative of the bid side of the market, are valued at the
mean between the quoted bid prices (as obtained by the Service from dealers in
such securities) and asked prices (as calculated by the Service based upon its
evaluation of the market for such securities). Other debt securities that are
valued by the Service are carried at fair value as determined by the Service,
based on methods which include consideration of: yields or prices of municipal
securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to
values from dealers; and general market conditions.

     Other securities, including securities for which market quotations are not
readily available, such as mortgage-backed securities and restricted securities,
are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction
of the Fund's Board of Trustees. Repurchase agreements are carried at cost which
approximates market value (see Note 4). Investment transactions are recorded on
the date of purchase or sale.

     Net realized gain or loss on sales of investments is determined on the
basis of identified cost. Interest income, including amortization of premium and
discount, is recorded when earned. Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend
date.

     All income, expenses (other than class-specific expenses) and realized and
unrealized gains or losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based
upon the relative value of shares of each class. Class-specific expenses which
include distribution and service fees and any other items that are specifically
attributed to a particular class, are charged directly to such class. For the
year ended December 31, 1996, distribution, administrative and transfer agent
fees were the only class-specific expenses.

Distributions to Shareholders

GPAF distributes each year as dividends or capital gains distributions
substantially all realized earnings by the Fund, if any.

     All dividends or distributions to the shareholders are recorded on the
ex-dividend date. Such distributions are determined in conformity with income
tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP). Differences between the recognition of income on an income tax basis and
a GAAP basis may cause temporary over distributions of net realized gains and
net investment income.

Federal Income Taxes

The Fund qualifies and intends to remain qualified to be taxed as a "regulated
investment company" under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (Code) and as such will not be subject to federal income tax on


18
<PAGE>

taxable income (including any realized capital gains) which is distributed in
accordance with the provisions of the Code. Therefore, no federal income tax
provision is required. 

Reclassification of Capital Accounts

     The treatment for financial statement purposes of distributions made during
the year from net investment income and net realized gains may differ from their
ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences primarily
are caused by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components
of income or capital gain; and the recharacterization of foreign exchange gains
or losses to either ordinary income or realized capital gains for federal income
tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are
reclassified in the components of net assets based on their ultimate
characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications
will have no effect on net assets, results of operations, or net asset value per
share of the Fund. 

During the year ended December 31, 1996, the Fund reclassified amounts to
paid-in capital from undistributed/(overdistributed) net investment income and
accumulated net realized gain on investments. Increases (decreases) to the
various capital accounts were as follows:

                   UNDISTRIBUTED               ACCUMULATED
  PAID-IN         NET INVESTMENT         NET REALIZED GAIN/LOSS
  CAPITAL             INCOME                 ON INVESTMENTS
  -------         --------------         ----------------------
$(683,284)           $366,266                   $317,018
                                        
NOTE 2. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
AND PAYMENTS TO RELATED PARTIES

The Fund has an investment advisory agreement with Guardian Investor Services
Corporation (GISC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Guardian Life Insurance
Company of America. The investment advisory agreement provides, among other
things, for the quarterly payment by the Fund of a fee calculated at an annual
rate of .50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

     In addition, pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, if total
expenses of the Fund, as defined, exceed 1% per annum of the average daily net
asset value of the Fund, GISC has agreed to assume any such excess. Total
expenses of the Fund did not exceed this limitation for the year ended December
31, 1996.

     The aggregate remuneration paid by the Fund to its unaffiliated trustees
($500 per meeting plus and annual stipend of $1,000) amounted to $18,300 for the
year ended December 31, 1996.

     Certain officers and trustees of the Fund are affiliated with GISC.

Administrative Services Agreement

     Pursuant to the Administrative Services Agreement adopted by the Portfolio
Funds on behalf of both classes of shares, each of the Portfolio Funds pays GISC
an administrative services fee up to an annual rate of .25% of the average daily
net assets. GPAF currently pays GISC up to .15% on an annual basis, of its
average daily net assets. For the year ended December 31, 1996, such fees
incurred under the Agreement based on the average daily net assets of Class A
and Class B shares were as follows:

                                     CLASS A       CLASS B
                                     -------       -------
Park Avenue Fund .............     $1,087,354      $19,018

NOTE 3. UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT AND
DISTRIBUTION PLAN

The Fund has entered into an Underwriting Agreement with GISC pursuant to which
GISC serves as the principal underwriter for shares of the Fund. As compensation
for its services, GISC received aggregate sales commissions of $4,205,282 for
the year ended December 31, 1996.

     Under a Distribution Plan adopted by the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under
the 1940 Act (the "12b-1 Plan"), each Multiple Class Fund is authorized to pay a
monthly 12b-1 fee at an annual rate of up to .75% of average daily net assets of
the Fund's Class B shares as compensation for distribution-related services
provided to the Class B shares of the Fund.

     For the year ended December 31, 1996, such charges were as follows:

                                     CLASS A       CLASS B
                                     -------       -------
Park Avenue Fund .............      $513,750       $56,796

     The Fund has also entered into a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the 1940 Act with GISC on behalf of the Class A shares. Effective May 1,
1996, the Plan has been made dormant and no 12b-1 fees are authorized to be paid
in connection with sales of Class A shares.

     GISC is entitled to retain any CDSL imposed on certain redemptions. For the
year ended December 31, 1996, such charges were $6,448.

NOTE 4. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS 

Collateral under repurchase agreements take the form of either cash or fully
negotiable U.S. Government securities. Repurchase agreements are fully
collateralized (including the interest earned thereon) and marked to market
daily while the agreements remain in force. If the value of the underlying
securities falls below the value of the repurchase price plus accrued interest,
the Fund will require the seller to deposit additional collateral by the next
business day. If the request


                                                                              19
<PAGE>

for additional collateral is not met, or the seller defaults, the Fund maintains
the right to sell the collateral and may claim any resulting loss against the
seller. The Board of Trustees evaluates the creditworthiness of broker-dealers
and banks engaged in repurchase agreements with the Fund. The Fund will not
enter into repurchase agreements for more than one week's duration (or invest in
any other securities which are not readily marketable) if more than 10% of its
net assets would be so invested. On December 30, 1992, the shareholders of GPAF
voted to amend the Fund's fundamental investment policies to permit up to 15% of
the Fund's net assets to be invested in securities which are not readily
marketable, including repurchase agreements which mature in more than seven
days.

NOTE 5. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS 

Purchases and proceeds from sales of securities (excluding short-term
securities) amounted to $885,822,928 and $702,242,362, respectively, during the
year ended December 31, 1996.

     Gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments aggregated
$356,005,274 and $8,453,479, respectively, resulting in net unrealized
appreciation of $347,551,795 at December 31, 1996.

     The cost of investments owned at December 31, 1996 for Federal income tax
purposes was the same for financial reporting purposes.

NOTE 6. FUND SHARES

TRANSACTIONS IN FUND SHARES WERE AS FOLLOWS:

O    THE GUARDIAN
     PARK AVENUE FUND            Year Ended December 31, 1996
                                 -----------------------------
                                    Shares          Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold:
    Class A                        64,654,097   $ 331,495,449
    Class B                           893,821      33,652,331
Shares issued to shareholders in 
  reinvestment of dividends from 
  net investment income and net 
  realized gains:
    Class A                         4,095,860     154,626,271
    Class B                            73,790       2,826,851
- --------------------------------------------------------------
                                   69,717,568     522,600,902
Less shares repurchased:
  Class A                         (60,643,315)   (184,533,351)
  Class B                             (17,517)       (684,481)
- --------------------------------------------------------------
  NET INCREASE                      9,056,736   $ 337,383,070
==============================================================


O    THE GUARDIAN
     PARK AVENUE FUND            Year Ended December 31, 1995
                                 -----------------------------
                                    Shares          Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold:
  Class A                           7,677,062   $ 248,191,463
  Class B                                --              --
Shares issued to shareholders in 
  reinvestment of dividends from 
  net investment income and net 
  realized gains:
    Class A                         1,609,384      54,438,335
    Class B                              --              --
- --------------------------------------------------------------
                                    9,286,446     302,629,798
Less shares repurchased:
  Class A                         (4,502,822)    (146,328,114)
  Class B                               --               --
- --------------------------------------------------------------
  NET INCREASE                     4,783,624    $ 156,301,684
==============================================================

NOTE 7. LINE OF CREDIT

A $20,000,000 line of credit available to The Guardian Park Avenue Fund and the
other related Guardian Funds has been established with Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company. The rate of interest charged on any borrowings is based upon the
prevailing Federal Funds rate at the time of the loan plus .25% calculated on a
360 day basis per annum. For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Fund had not
borrowed against this line of credit.


20
<PAGE>

- ---------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- ---------------------------------------------

O    THE GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND

SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE
PERIODS INDICATED: 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==================================================================================================================================
                                                                            -------
                                                                            CLASS A
                                                                            -------

                                                                    Year Ended December 31,                                       
                           -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               1996          1995         1994         1993         1992         1991         1990         1989   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>       
NET ASSET VALUE,
  BEGINNING OF
  PERIOD                   $     33.97    $   26.89    $   28.63    $   25.17    $   22.23    $   18.26    $   21.56    $   20.46 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT
  OPERATIONS
  Net investment
    income                        0.42         0.33         0.31         0.50         0.45         0.65         0.68         0.92 
  Net realized and
    unrealized gain/
    (loss) on
    investments                   8.41         8.87        (0.72)        4.56         4.05         5.71        (3.28)        3.88 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase/
    (decrease) from
    investment
    operations                    8.83         9.20        (0.41)        5.06         4.50         6.36        (2.60)        4.80 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO
  SHAREHOLDERS
  Dividends from net
    investment income            (0.42)       (0.33)       (0.31)       (0.50)       (0.44)       (0.66)       (0.70)       (0.98)
  Distributions in excess
    of net investment
    income                       (0.01)        --           --           --           --           --           --           --   
  Distributions from
    net realized gain
    on investments               (4.46)       (1.79)       (1.02)       (1.10)       (1.12)       (1.73)        --          (2.72)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total distributions            (4.89)       (2.12)       (1.33)       (1.60)       (1.56)       (2.39)       (0.70)       (3.70)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE,
  END OF PERIOD            $     37.91    $   33.97    $   26.89    $   28.63    $   25.17    $   22.23    $   18.26    $   21.56 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN*                    26.49%       34.28%       (1.44%)      20.28%       20.48%       35.16%      (12.21%)      23.66%
==================================================================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
  Net assets, end of
    period (000's
    omitted)               $ 1,392,186    $ 972,275    $ 640,917    $ 560,193    $ 335,660    $ 270,095    $ 216,457    $ 228,190 
  Ratio of expenses
    to average net
    assets                        0.79%        0.81%        0.84%        0.81%        0.68%        0.67%        0.69%        0.70%
  Ratio of net
    investment income
    to average net
    assets                        1.19%        1.07%        1.15%        1.89%        1.94%        2.96%        3.51%        4.01%
  Portfolio turnover
    ratio                           81%          78%          54%          46%          64%          57%          47%          47%
  Average rate of
    commissions
    paid**                 $     0.047                                                                                            
==================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


======================================================================  
                                    -------               -------
                                    CLASS A               CLASS B       
                                    -------               -------

                            Year Ended December 31,    May 1, 1996++    
                           -------------------------    to December     
                                 1988         1987       31, 1996       
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------  
NET ASSET VALUE,                                                        
  BEGINNING OF                                                          
  PERIOD                      $   18.63    $   20.74    $  36.26        
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------  
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT                                                  
  OPERATIONS                                                            
  Net investment                                                        
    income                         0.60         0.47        0.05        
  Net realized and                                                      
    unrealized gain/                                                    
    (loss) on                                                           
    investments                    3.23         0.20        6.10        
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------  
  Net increase/                                                         
    (decrease) from                                                     
    investment                                                          
    operations                     3.83         0.67        6.15        
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------  
DISTRIBUTIONS TO                                                        
  SHAREHOLDERS                                                          
  Dividends from net                                                    
    investment income             (0.55)       (0.60)      (0.05)       
  Distributions in excess                                               
    of net investment                                                   
    income                         --           --          --          
  Distributions from                                                    
    net realized gain                                                   
    on investments                (1.45)       (2.18)      (4.46)       
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------  
  Total distributions             (2.00)       (2.78)      (4.51)       
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------  
NET ASSET VALUE,                                                        
  END OF PERIOD               $   20.46    $   18.63    $  37.90        
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------  
TOTAL RETURN*                     20.78%        2.95%      17.35%       
======================================================================  
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                               
  Net assets, end of                                                    
    period (000's                                                       
    omitted)                  $ 176,000    $ 157,045    $ 36,006        
  Ratio of expenses                                                     
    to average net                                                      
    assets                         0.69%        0.68%       1.77%+      
  Ratio of net                                                          
    investment income                                                   
    to average net                                                      
    assets                         2.82%        2.08%       0.04%+      
  Portfolio turnover                                                    
    ratio                            58%          50%         81%       
  Average rate of                                                       
    commissions                                                         
    paid**                                              $  0.047        
======================================================================  
*    Excludes effect of sales load.
**   For fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995, a fund is
     required to disclose its average commission rate per share for trades on
     which commissions are charged.
+    Annualized.
++   Commencement of operations.


                                                                              21
<PAGE>

- ---------------------------------------
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
- ---------------------------------------


BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND SHAREHOLDERS
THE GUARDIAN PARK AVENUE FUND

     We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the schedule of investments of The Guardian Park Avenue Fund as of
December 31, 1996, and the related statement of operations for the year then
ended, and the statement of changes in net assets and the financial highlights
for each of the years indicated therein. These financial statements and
financial highlights are the responsibility of the Portfolio's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
financial highlights 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 and financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of
securities owned as of December 31, 1996, by correspondence with the custodian
and brokers. 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 statement and financial highlights referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the
Fund at December 31, 1996, the results of its operations for the year then
ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period
then ended and financial highlights for each of the indicated periods, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP


ERNST & YOUNG LLP

New York, New York
February 7, 1997


22
<PAGE>


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<PAGE>

[LOGO]  THE GUARDIAN(R)

        THE GUARDIAN
        INSURANCE & ANNUITY
        COMPANY, INC.

        A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF
        THE GUARDIAN LIFE INSURANCE
        COMPANY OF AMERICA

        ANNUAL REPORT
        TO CONTRACTOWNERS


        THE GUARDIAN
        VARIABLE ACCOUNT 1


        THE GUARDIAN
        VARIABLE ACCOUNT 2


        Executive Offices
        201 Park Avenue South
        New York, NY 10003

        Customer Service Office
        P.O. Box 26210
        Lehigh Valley, PA 18002-6210
        1-800-221-3253

        DECEMBER 31, 1996



[LOGO]  THE GUARDIAN (R)                                       FIRST CLASS MAIL
                                                               U.S. POSTAGE PAID
        THE GUARDIAN INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY, INC.         PERMIT NO. 45
        201 PARK AVENUE SOUTH                                  NEWARK, NJ
        NEW YORK, NY 10003


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE GUARDIAN VARIABLE ACCOUNT 2
     This schedule contains financial information extracted from the "Annual
Report to Shareholders" dated December 31, 1996.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000044417
<NAME> THE GUARDIAN VARIABLE ACCOUNT 2
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        7,257,925
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      14,712,165
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              14,712,165
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      342,740
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            342,740
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                     (40,300)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                      2,293,107
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     7,454,240
<NET-ASSETS>                                14,369,425
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              154,250
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 194,550
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                       (40,300)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                     2,293,107
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      744,048
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        2,996,885
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          194,550
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                194,550
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        13,267,719
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                      3,037,155
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   .015
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>


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