NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
485APOS, 1998-03-02
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<PAGE>   1
             As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
                                                '33 Act Registration No. 2-51911
                                               '40 Act Registration No. 811-2804


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D. C. 20549
                                    FORM N-4
                   REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
                                   ACT OF 1933
   
                      Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 [x]
    
                                       and
                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                         INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
   
                                Amendment No. 44
    
                         NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                           (Exact Name of Registrant)

                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                               (Name of Depositor)

                   ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
         (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

        Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (614) 249-7111

     DENNIS W. CLICK, SECRETARY, ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

    This Post-Effective Amendment amends the Registration Statement in respect
    of the Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, and the Financial
    Statements.

    It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate
    space):

           immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
- --------
           on (date), pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
- --------
   X       60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
- --------
           on (date), pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
- ---------


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<PAGE>   2
                         NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                     REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED BY FORM N-4

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-4   Item                                                                          Page

Part A  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
<S>         <C>                                                                     <C>
Item   1.   Cover page ............................................................    3
Item   2.   Definitions............................................................    5
Item   3.   Synopsis or Highlights.................................................   18
Item   4.   Condensed Financial Information........................................   19
Item   5.   General Description of Registrant, Depositor, and Portfolio Companies..   27
Item   6.   Deductions and Expenses................................................   28
Item   7.   General Description of Variable Annuity Contracts......................   30
Item   8.   Annuity Period.........................................................   34
Item   9.   Death Benefit..........................................................   34
Item   1.   Purchases and Contract Value...........................................   32
Item   11.  Redemptions............................................................   33
Item   12.  Taxes..................................................................   39
Item   13.  Legal Proceedings......................................................   40
Item   14.  Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information...........   40

Part B  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Item   15.  Cover Page.............................................................   48
Item   16.  Table of Contents......................................................   48
Item   17.  General Information and History........................................   48
Item   18.  Services...............................................................   48
Item   19.  Purchase of Securities Being Offered...................................   49
Item   20.  Underwriters...........................................................   49
Item   21.  Calculation of Performance.............................................   49
Item   22.  Annuity Payments.......................................................   55
Item   23.  Financial Statements...................................................   56

Part C  OTHER INFORMATION
Item   24.  Financial Statements and Exhibits......................................  140
Item   25.  Directors and Officers of the Depositor................................  143
Item   26.  Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or
            Registrant.............................................................  145
Item   27.  Number of Contract Owners..............................................  154
Item   28.  Indemnification........................................................  154
Item   29.  Principal Underwriters.................................................  154
Item   30.  Location of Accounts and Records.......................................  156
Item   31.  Management Services....................................................  156
Item   32.  Undertakings..........................................................   156
</TABLE>


                                    2 of 176
<PAGE>   3
                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                   Home Office
                                 P. O. Box 16766
                              One Nationwide Plaza
                              Columbus, Ohio 43216
                      1-800-545-4730 (TTY: 1-800-848-0833)

                    GROUP FLEXIBLE FUND RETIREMENT CONTRACTS
                 ISSUED BY THE NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

   
The Group Flexible Fund Retirement Contracts (the "Contract" or "Contracts")
described in this prospectus are designed for use in connection with
supplemental deferred compensation Plans for employees of tax exempt entities.
Contracts may be issued either as Allocated Contracts or Unallocated Contracts.
Such Plans will generally qualify for favorable tax treatment under Sections
401, 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code ("Code"), but may also include
other non-qualified deferred compensation plans.

Contracts will be issued only to fund deferred compensation Plans sponsored by
employers who are exempt from taxation. The employees are generally not subject
to tax until Distributions are received from the Plan. Purchase Payments made at
any time by or on behalf of any Participant must be at least $20 per month.
Rights and privileges under the Contracts may be exercised by the Contract Owner
to the extent such rights are not specifically reserved in the Plan for
Participants as a group or as individuals. The Contract Owner may not take any
action inconsistent with the rights of the Plan's Participants. The Participants
in such Plans have a contractual claim against the Contract Owner for the
benefits promised by such Plans.

Purchase Payments are allocated to the Nationwide DC Variable Account (the
"Variable Account"), a separate account of Nationwide Life Insurance Company
(the "Company"). The Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts, each of
which invests in shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options described below:
    

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                            <C>
AIM Weingarten Fund - Institutional Class                      MFS(R) Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A (formerly
                                                               "MFS(R) Capital Development Fund")

AIM Constellation Fund - Institutional Class                   MFS(R) High Income Fund - Class A

American Century: Twentieth Century Growth                     Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A

American Century: Twentieth Century International Growth       Nationwide(R) Bond Fund

American Century: Twentieth Century Select                     Nationwide(R) Fund

American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra                      Nationwide(R) Growth Fund

Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc.                              Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund

Dreyfus Cash Management - Class A                              Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust - The Aggressive Portfolio

Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund                                     Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust - The Conservative
                                                               Portfolio

Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.                               Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust - The Moderate Portfolio

Evergreen Income and Growth Fund (formerly Evergreen Total     Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust - The Moderately
Return Fund)                                                   Aggressive Portfolio

Federated GNMA Trust - Institutional Shares                    Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust - The Moderately
                                                               Conservative Portfolio

Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund:                     Nationwide Separate Account Trust - Nationwide Small
2-5 Years: Institutional Shares                                Company Fund

Fidelity Asset Manager(TM)                                     Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund, Inc.

Fidelity Contrafund                                            Neuberger & Berman Guardian Trust

Fidelity Equity-Income Fund                                    Neuberger & Berman Manhattan Fund, Inc.

Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio                             Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund, Inc.

Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund                                      Putnam Investors Fund - Class A
</TABLE>
    

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<PAGE>   4
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                            <C>
Fidelity OTC Portfolio                                         Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A

Fidelity Puritan Fund                                          Seligman Growth Fund, Inc. - Class A

INVESCO Industrial Income Fund (formerly "Financial            Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.
Industrial Income Fund, Inc.")

Janus Fund                                                     Templeton Foreign Fund - Class 1

Janus Twenty Fund                                              Templeton Global Smaller Companies Growth Fund - Class 1

Janus Worldwide Fund                                           T. Rowe Price International Stock Fund(R)

MAS Funds Fixed Income Portfolio                               Warburg Pincus Emerging Growth Fund

SEI Index Funds - S & P 500 Index Portfolio
</TABLE>


          NOT AVAILABLE TO CONTRACT OWNERS ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1994:



<TABLE>
<S>                                                            <C>
The Bond Fund of America (R), Inc.                             The Income Fund of America (R), Inc.
The Growth Fund of America (R), Inc.
</TABLE>


       NOT AVAILABLE FOR NEW CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 1, 1993:


             Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc. - Decatur Income Fund



       NOT AVAILABLE FOR NEW CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1987:


     Fidelity Capital & Income Fund (formerly "Fidelity High Income Fund")


This prospectus provides you with the basic information you should know about
the Contracts issued by the Variable Account before investing. You should read
it and keep it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information dated
May 1, 1998 containing further information about the Contracts and the Variable
Account has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). You
can obtain a copy without charge from the Company by calling the number listed
above, or writing P. O. Box 16766, One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC NOR HAS THE
SEC PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

THE SEC MAINTAINS A WEB SITE, WWW.SEC.GOV, THAT CONTAINS THE STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AS WELL AS MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE RELATING TO
THIS PROSPECTUS.

THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED MAY 1, 1998, IS INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION APPEARS ON PAGE 38 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.

                   THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1998.
    

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                                    4 of 176
<PAGE>   5
                                GLOSSARY OF TERMS

ACCUMULATION UNIT- A statistical index measuring the net investment results of
each Sub-Account. It is the unit of measurement used to determine the Contract
Value and each Participant Account value.

   
ALLOCATED CONTRACT- A Contract under which individual accounts are maintained by
the Company on behalf of each Participant.
    

   
BENEFICIARY- The person named on the application to receive certain benefits
under the Contract upon the death of the designated annuitant. The Beneficiary
can be changed by the Contract Owner as set forth in the Contract.
    

CODE- The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

COMPANY- Nationwide Life Insurance Company.

CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY- The person named on the application to be the alternate
Beneficiary if the named Beneficiary is not living at the time of the death of
the designated annuitant.

   
CONTRACT- The Group Flexible Fund Retirement Contract issued by the Company to
the Contract Owner under which the Company invests Purchase Payments made by the
Contract Owner and assists the Contract Owner in making Retirement Income
Payments at specified dates.
    

CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY- An anniversary of the date of issue of the Contract.

CONTRACT DATE- The date of issue shown on the Contract.

   
CONTRACT OWNER- The employer or other entity to which the Contract is issued.
    

CONTRACT VALUE- The sum of the value of all Accumulation Units attributable to
the Contract plus any amount held under the Contract in the General Account.

CONTRACT YEAR- Each period starting with either: (1) the Contract Date; or (2) a
Contract Anniversary. The Contract Year ends immediately prior to the next
Contract Anniversary.

DISTRIBUTION- Any payment by the Company of part or all of the Contract Value
under the Contract.

DISTRIBUTION PERIOD- The period during which payments are distributed from a
Participant Account.

   
GENERAL ACCOUNT- An account comprised of all assets of the Company other than
those in any segregated asset account.
    

GROUP FIXED CONTRACT- The Company's Group Fixed Fund Retirement Contract or
Group Fixed Tax Deferred Annuity Contract.

HOME OFFICE- The main office of the Company located in Columbus, Ohio.

   
INITIAL TRANSFER- The initial amount transferred by the Owner from an investment
product not offered by the Company. An Initial Transfer will be the initial
Purchase Payment under a Contract.
    

   
NET ASSET VALUE- The worth of one share of an Underlying Mutual Fund at the end
of a market day or at the close of the New York Stock Exchange. Net Asset Value
is computed by adding the value of all portfolio holdings plus other assets,
deducting liabilities and then dividing the result by the number of shares
outstanding.
    

OPTIONAL RETIREMENT INCOME FORMS- The method for making annuity payments.
Several forms are available under the Contract.

PARTICIPANT- An eligible employee, member, or other person who is entitled to
benefits under the Plan. Such persons are determined and reported to the Company
by the Contract Owner.

PARTICIPANT ACCOUNT- An account established by the Company for each Participant
in which all financial transactions occurring with respect to a Participant
under this Contract, other than the purchase and payment of an annuity made from
the General Account, are recorded.

   
PARTICIPANT ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE CHARGE- The maximum Participant Account
Maintenance Charge per Participant is $50. This charge is subject to negotiation
between the Contract Owner and the Company.
    

                                       3


                                    5 of 176
<PAGE>   6
PARTICIPANT ACCOUNT YEAR- For each Participant, the Participant Account Year is
each one year period starting with either the Participant Effective Date or a
Participant Anniversary.

PARTICIPANT ANNIVERSARY- An anniversary of the Participant Effective Date.

PARTICIPANT EFFECTIVE DATE- For each Participant, the Participant Effective Date
is the first date Accumulation Units are credited to the Participant's Account
on behalf of such Participant under the Contract.

PLAN- A retirement plan which receives favorable tax treatment under the Code.
The Plan document is referred to in the Contract as the Plan.

PURCHASE PAYMENT- A deposit of new value into the Contract. The term "Purchase
Payment" does not include transfers among the Sub-Accounts.

RETIREMENT COMMENCEMENT DATE- The date upon which Retirement Income Payments
commence.

RETIREMENT INCOME PAYMENTS- Periodic Distributions from a Participant Account
made by the Company to the Contract Owner during the Distribution Period.

RETIRED PARTICIPANT- A Participant for whom payments under an Optional
Retirement Income Form are being made.

SUB-ACCOUNT- A separate and distinct division of the Variable Account, to which
specific Underlying Mutual Fund shares are allocated and for which Accumulation
Units are separately maintained.

   
UNALLOCATED CONTRACT- A Contract under which a single account is maintained by
the Company on behalf of a Plan.
    

UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND- The registered management investment company, specified
in the Contract application, in which the assets of a Sub-Account of the
Variable Account will be invested.

VALUATION DATE- Each day the New York Stock Exchange and the Home Office are
open for business or any other day during which there is a sufficient degree of
trading of the Variable Account's Underlying Mutual Fund shares that the current
Net Asset Value of its Accumulation Units might be materially affected.

VALUATION PERIOD- The period of time commencing at the close of business of the
New York Stock Exchange and ending at the close of business for the next
succeeding Valuation Date.

   
VARIABLE ACCOUNT- Nationwide DC Variable Account, a segregated investment
account established by the Company in which amounts equivalent to the Company's
obligations under the Contract are held for all Participants, and for those
Participants during retirement who have annuitized.
    

   
VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSE FEE- A charge made for various risks assumed by
the Company and for administration of the Variable Account. The maximum charge
cannot exceed an amount equal to 0.95%, on an annual basis, of the average
account value.
    


                                       4



                                    6 of 176
<PAGE>   7
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                        <C>
GLOSSARY OF TERMS....................................................................................       3
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES.........................................................................       6
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES...............................................................       7
SYNOPSIS.............................................................................................      16
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION......................................................................      17
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY....................................................................      25
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT.................................................................................      25
         Voting Rights...............................................................................      25
PERIODIC REPORTS.....................................................................................      25
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS........................................................      26
         Contingent Deferred Sales Charge............................................................      26
         Participant Account Maintenance Charge......................................................      26
         Variable Account Annual Expense Fee.........................................................      27
         Premium Taxes and Other Expenses............................................................      27
         Experience Credits..........................................................................      27
DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACTS.........................................................................      28
         A.   General................................................................................      28
              Purpose of the Contracts...............................................................      28
              Modification of the Contract...........................................................      28
              Contract Rights and Privileges and Assignments.........................................      29
              Exchange Privilege.....................................................................      29
              Suspension and Termination.............................................................      29
         B.   Participant Account Values.............................................................      30
              Application of Purchase Payments.......................................................      30
              Additional Purchase Payments Prior to Commencement of Annuity Payment..................      30
              Crediting Accumulation Units...........................................................      30
              Variable Account Accumulation Unit Value...............................................      30
              Allocation of Purchase Payments........................................................      31
              Valuation of an Account................................................................      31
         C.   Redemption of Participant Accounts ....................................................      31
         D.   Distribution of Participant Accounts (Retirement Period)...............................      32
              Retirement Income Payments.............................................................      32
              Election of Income Form and Date.......................................................      32
              Allocation of Retirement Income........................................................      32
              Fixed Dollar Annuity...................................................................      32
              Minimum Payment........................................................................      32
              Death Benefit Before Retirement........................................................      32
              Optional Retirement Income Forms.......................................................      33
              Death of Retired Participant...........................................................      33
              Withdrawal.............................................................................      33
              Frequency of Payment...................................................................      33
              Determination of Payments Under Options A1 & A2........................................      34
              Determination of Payments Under Options B1 & B2........................................      34
              Determination of Amount of Variable Monthly Payments For First Year....................      34
              Determination of Amount of Variable Monthly Payments For the Second and
              Subsequent Years.......................................................................      34
              Alternate Assumed Investment Rate......................................................      34
GENERAL INFORMATION..................................................................................      35
         Substitution of Securities..................................................................      35
         Performance Advertising.....................................................................      35
         Contract Owner Inquiries....................................................................      36
         Net Investment Factor.......................................................................      36
         Valuation of Assets.........................................................................      37
         Federal Tax Status..........................................................................      37
         Contracts Issued Under the New York Model Plan..............................................      37
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS....................................................................................      38
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.............................................      38
APPENDIX.............................................................................................      39
</TABLE>
    
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<PAGE>   8
                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PARTICIPANT TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<S>                                                                                                 <C>
         Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge(1)..............................................      5%
         (as a percentage of Purchase Payments)

MAXIMUM PARTICIPANT ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE CHARGE(2) .................................................   $50


MAXIMUM VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSE FEE(3).....................................................  0.95% per annum
</TABLE>
    

(as a percentage of average account value)


(1) Imposed only when applicable (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge").
   
(2) The Participant Account Maintenance Charge is subject to negotiation (see
"Participant Account Maintenance Charge"). 
(3) The Variable Account Annual Expense Fee is subject to negotiation (see
"Variable Account Annual Expense Fee"). The maximum fee does not include any
expenses or premium taxes which may be imposed by the state in which the
Contract is issued. The Variable Account Annual Expense Fee does not include
deductions for management fees and other expenses made by the Underlying Mutual
Funds (see Underlying Mutual Fund Annual Expenses). 
    

                                       6


                                    8 of 176
<PAGE>   9
The purpose of the Summary of Contract Expenses and Example is to assist the
Participant in understanding the various costs and expenses that a Participant
will bear directly or indirectly when investing in the Contract. The Tables
reflect expenses of the Variable Account as well as the Underlying Mutual Fund
investment options. For a more detailed explanation of these expenses, see
"Charges and Other Deductions."

For more and complete information regarding expenses paid out of the assets of a
particular Underlying Mutual Fund, see the Underlying Mutual Fund's prospectus.
In addition to the expenses shown above, deductions for premium taxes may also
be applicable, depending upon the jurisdiction in which the Contract is sold
(see "Premium Taxes").

                    UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES(1)
                          (AFTER EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT)
         (as a percentage of Underlying Mutual Fund average net assets)

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Management          Other         12b-1        Total Fund
                                                    Fees           Expenses        Fees        Annual Expenses

<S>                                              <C>               <C>            <C>          <C>
   AIM Constellation Fund - Institutional           0.61%            0.05%        0.00%             0.66%
   Class


   AIM Weingarten Fund - Institutional Class        0.61%            0.04%        0.00%             0.65%


   American Century: Twentieth Century Growth       1.00%            0.00%        0.00%             1.00%


   American Century: Twentieth Century              1.45%            0.00%        0.00%             1.45%

   International Growth



   American Century: Twentieth Century Select       1.00%            0.00%        0.00%             1.00%


   American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra        1.00%            0.00%        0.00%             1.00%


   The Bond Fund of AmericaSM, Inc.                 0.35%            0.11%        0.25%             0.71%


   Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc.                0.59%            0.14%        0.14%             0.87%


   Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc.-Decatur        0.49%            0.20%        0.00%             0.69%
   Income Fund


   Dreyfus Cash Management - Class A                0.20%            0.00%        0.00%             0.20%


   Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund                       0.30%            0.25%        0.00%             0.55%


   Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.                 0.75%            0.36%        0.00%             1.11%


   Evergreen Income and Growth Fund                 0.98%            0.21%        0.00%             1.19%


   Federated GNMA Trust-Institutional Shares        0.40%            0.20%        0.00%             0.60%


   Federated U.S. Government Securities             0.40%            0.14%        0.00%             0.54%
   Fund:  2-5 Years - Institutional Shares


   Fidelity Asset Manager(TM)                       0.68%            0.27%        0.00%             0.95%


   Fidelity Capital & Income Fund                   0.62%            0.27%        0.00%             0.89%


   Fidelity Contrafund                              0.63%            0.27%        0.00%             0.90%


   Fidelity Equity-Income Fund                      0.45%            0.23%        0.00%             0.68%


   Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio               0.51%            0.24%        0.00%             0.75%


   Fidelity Magellan(R)  Fund                       0.47%            0.21%        0.00%             0.68%


   Fidelity OTC Portfolio                           0.53%            0.30%        0.00%             0.83%


   Fidelity Puritan Fund                            0.46%            0.28%        0.00%             0.74%


   The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc.              0.37%            0.13%        0.24%             0.74%


   The Income Fund of America(R), Inc.              0.30%            0.09%        0.23%             0.62%


   INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc.             0.51%            0.36%        0.25%             1.12%

   Janus Fund                                       0.65%            0.22%        0.00%             0.87%
</TABLE>
    


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                                    9 of 176
<PAGE>   10
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>           <C>              <C>
   Janus Twenty Fund                                0.66%            0.24%         0.00%            0.90%

   Janus Worldwide Fund                             0.67%            0.30%         0.00%            0.97%

   MAS Funds Fixed Income Portfolio                 0.38%            0.11%         0.00%            0.49%

   Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund        0.31%            0.23%         0.19%            0.73%
   - Class A

   MFS(R) Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A       0.90%            0.36%         0.25%            1.51%

   MFS(R) High Income Fund - Class A                0.45%            0.34%         0.26%            1.05%

   Nationwide(R) Bond Fund                          0.50%            0.20%         0.00%            0.70%

   Nationwide(R) Fund                               0.50%            0.11%         0.00%            0.61%

   Nationwide(R) Growth Fund                        0.50%            0.14%         0.00%            0.64%

   Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund                  0.45%            0.15%         0.00%            0.60%

   NSAT - Nationwide Small Company Fund             1.00%            0.10%         0.00%            1.10%

   Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund, Inc.           0.70%            0.12%         0.00%            0.82%

   Neuberger & Berman Guardian Trust                0.84%            0.00%         0.04%            0.88%

   Neuberger & Berman Manhattan Fund, Inc.          0.79%            0.19%         0.00%            0.98%

   Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund, Inc.           0.74%            0.10%         0.00%            0.84%

   NPMP - The Aggressive Portfolio                  0.50%            0.00%         0.00%            0.50%

   NPMP - The Conservative Portfolio                0.50%            0.00%         0.00%            0.50%

   NPMP - The Moderate Portfolio                    0.50%            0.00%         0.00%            0.50%

   NPMP - The Moderately Aggressive Portfolio       0.50%            0.00%         0.00%            0.50%

   NPMP - The Moderately Conservative               0.50%            0.00%         0.00%            0.50%

   Portfolio

   Putnam Investors Fund - Class A                  0.59%            0.19%         0.25%            1.03%

   Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A                    0.51%            0.27%         0.25%            1.03%

   SEI Index Funds -S&P 500 Index Portfolio         0.19%            0.06%         0.00%            0.25%

   Seligman Growth Fund, Inc. - Class A             0.70%            0.27%         0.23%            1.20%

   Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.                   1.00%            0.12%         0.00%            1.12%

   T. Rowe Price International Stock Fund(R)        0.68%            0.20%         0.00%            0.88%

   Templeton Foreign Fund  - Class I                0.61%            0.26%         0.25%            1.12%

   Templeton Global Smaller Companies Growth        0.75%            0.32%         0.20%            1.27%
   Fund - Class I

   Warburg Pincus Emerging Growth Fund              0.90%            0.37%         0.00%            1.27%
</TABLE>

(1)  The mutual fund expenses shown above are assessed at the Underlying
     Mutual Fund level and are not direct charges against Variable Account
     assets or reductions from Contract Values. These Underlying Mutual Fund
     expenses are taken into consideration in computing each Underlying
     Mutual Fund's Net Asset Value, which is the share price used to
     calculate the Variable Account's unit value. There are no front-end
     load fees (sales charges) at the Underlying Mutual Fund level. The
     following funds are subject to fee waivers or expense reimbursement
     arrangements:
    


                                       8



                                   10 of 176
<PAGE>   11
           FUND                                          EXPENSES WITHOUT
                                                       REIMBURSEMENT OR WAIVER

AIM Constellation Fund - Institutional Class           The Fund is currently
                                                       waiving a portion of its
                                                       fees. Had there been no
                                                       fee waivers during the
                                                       year, management fees
                                                       would have been 0.63% of
                                                       average net assets.




AIM Weingarten Fund - Institutional Class              The Fund is currently
                                                       waiving a portion of its
                                                       fees. Had there been no
                                                       fee waivers during the
                                                       year, management fees
                                                       would have been 0.63% of
                                                       average net assets.




Federated GNMA Trust - Institutional Shares            The total operating
                                                       expenses would have been
                                                       0.80% absent the
                                                       voluntary waiver of a
                                                       portion of the
                                                       shareholder service fee.




Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 2-5 Years   The total operating
- - Institutional Shares                                 expenses would have been
                                                       0.79% absent the
                                                       voluntary waiver of a
                                                       portion of the
                                                       shareholder service fee.




Fidelity Equity-Income Fund                            The Fund has entered into
                                                       arrangements with its
                                                       custodian and transfer
                                                       agent whereby interest
                                                       earned on uninvested cash
                                                       balances is used to
                                                       reduce custodian and
                                                       transfer agent expenses.
                                                       Including these
                                                       reductions, the total
                                                       operating expenses
                                                       presented in the table
                                                       would have been 0.68%.





Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio                     The Fund has entered into
                                                       arrangements with its
                                                       custodian and transfer
                                                       agent whereby interest
                                                       earned on uninvested cash
                                                       balances is used to
                                                       reduce custodian and
                                                       transfer agent expenses.
                                                       Including these
                                                       reductions, the total
                                                       operating expenses
                                                       presented in the table
                                                       would have been 0.75%.



Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund                              The Fund has entered into
                                                       arrangements with its
                                                       custodian and transfer
                                                       agent whereby interest
                                                       earned on uninvested cash
                                                       balances is used to
                                                       reduce custodian and
                                                       transfer agent expenses.
                                                       Including these
                                                       reductions, the total
                                                       operating expenses
                                                       presented in the table
                                                       would have been 0.95%.




Fidelity OTC Portfolio                                 The Fund has entered into
                                                       arrangements with its
                                                       custodian and transfer
                                                       agent whereby interest
                                                       earned on uninvested cash
                                                       balances is used to
                                                       reduce custodian and
                                                       transfer agent expenses.
                                                       Including these
                                                       reductions, the total
                                                       operating expenses
                                                       presented in the table
                                                       would have been 0.83%.


Fidelity Puritan Fund                                  The Fund has entered into
                                                       arrangements with its
                                                       custodian and transfer
                                                       agent whereby interest
                                                       earned on uninvested cash
                                                       balances is used to
                                                       reduce custodian and
                                                       transfer agent expenses.
                                                       Including these
                                                       reductions, the total
                                                       operating expenses
                                                       presented in the table
                                                       would have been 0.69%.





INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc.                   The management fee paid
                                                       by the Fund has been
                                                       reduced to an annual rate
                                                       of 0.45% on daily net
                                                       assets over $2 billion,
                                                       and to an annual rate of
                                                       0.40% on daily net assets
                                                       over $4 billion. In the
                                                       absence of the voluntary
                                                       expense limitation, the
                                                       Fund's "Management Fee"
                                                       and "Total Fund Operating
                                                       Expenses" would have been
                                                       0.51% and 0.96%
                                                       respectively.




Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund                        The Fund will waive 0.05%
                                                       of the total 0.50%
                                                       management fee until
                                                       further notice.




SEI Index Funds - S & P 500 Index Portfolio           The Fund's Manager has
                                                      waived, on a voluntary
                                                      basis, a portion of its
                                                      fee, and the
                                                      management/advisory fees
                                                      shown above reflect said
                                                      waiver. Absent such
                                                      waiver, the
                                                      management/advisory fees
                                                      would be .25% . The
                                                      Distributor has waived,
                                                      on a voluntary basis, all
                                                      or a portion of its
                                                      shareholder servicing
                                                      fee. Absent such waiver,
                                                      the shareholder servicing
                                                      fee would be .25%. Absent
                                                      these fee waivers, total
                                                      operating expenses would
                                                      be .56%.



The information relating to the Underlying Mutual Fund expenses was provided by
the Underlying Mutual Fund and was not independently verified by the Company.

                                       9


                                   11 of 176
<PAGE>   12
                                     EXAMPLE

The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be incurred
under the Contract assuming a $1000 initial Purchase Payment and a 5% annual
return on assets.

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               If you surrender your Contract at
                                                                             the end of the applicable time period
                                                                               1 Yr.   3 Yrs.    5 Yrs.   10
<S>                                                                          <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
AIM Constellation Fund - Institutional Class                                    67       103      141      248

AIM Weingarten Fund - Institutional Class                                       67       102      140      247

American Century:  Twentieth Century Growth                                     71       114      159      285

American Century:  Twentieth Century International Growth                       75       128      183      333

American Century:  Twentieth Century Select                                     71       114      159      285

American Century:  Twentieth Century Ultra                                      71       114      159      285

The Bond Fund of AmericaSM, Inc.                                                68       104      144      253

Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc.                                               69       109      152      271

Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc.-Decatur Income Fund                           67       104      142      251

Dreyfus Cash Management - Class A                                               62       88       116      195

Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund                                                      66       99       135      235

Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.                                                72       117      165      297

Evergreen Income and Growth Fund                                                73       120      169      306

Federated GNMA Trust-Institutional Shares                                       66       101      138      241

Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 2-5 Years - Institutional Shares     66       99       134      234

Fidelity Asset Manager(TM)                                                      70       112      156      280

Fidelity Capital & Income Fund                                                  69       110      153      273

Fidelity Contrafund                                                             70       110      154      274

Fidelity Equity-Income Fund                                                     67       103      142      250

Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio                                              68       106      146      258

Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund                                                       67       103      142      250

Fidelity OTC Portfolio                                                          69       108      150      267

Fidelity Puritan Fund                                                           68       105      145      257

The Growth Fund of America(R) Inc.                                              68       105      145      257

The Income Fund of America(R) Inc.                                              67       101      139      243

INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc.                                            72       117      166      298

Janus Fund                                                                      69       110      152      271

Janus Twenty Fund                                                               70       110      154      274

Janus Worldwide Fund                                                            70       113      158      282

MAS Funds Fixed Income Portfolio                                                65       97       132      228

Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A                             68       105      145      256

MFS(R) Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A                                      76       130      186      339

MFS(R) High Income Fund - Class A                                               71       115      162      291

Nationwide(R) Bond Fund                                                         67       104      143      252

Nationwide(R) Fund                                                              66       101      138      242

Nationwide(R) Growth Fund                                                       67       102      140      245

Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund                                                 66       101      138      241

Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund, Inc.                                          69       108      149      266
</TABLE>
    

                                       10


                                   12 of 176
<PAGE>   13
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               If you surrender your Contract at
                                                                             the end of the applicable time period
                                                                               1 Yr.   3 Yrs.    5 Yrs.   10
<S>                                                                             <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Neuberger & Berman Guardian Trust                                               69       110      153      272

Neuberger & Berman Manhattan Fund, Inc.                                         70       113      158      283

Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund, Inc.                                          69       108      151      268

NPMP - The Aggressive Portfolio                                                 65       98       132      230

NPMP - The Conservative Portfolio                                               65       98       132      230

NPMP - The Moderate Portfolio                                                   65       98       132      230

NPMP - The Moderately Aggressive Portfolio                                      65       98       132      230

NPMP - The Moderately Conservative Portfolio                                    65       98       132      230

NSAT - Nationwide Small Company Fund                                            72       117      164      296

Putnam Investors Fund - Class A                                                 71       115      161      289

Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A                                                   71       115      161      289

SEI Index Funds-S&P 500 Index Portfolio                                         63       90       118      201

Seligman Growth Fund, Inc. - Class A                                            73       120      170      307

Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.                                                  72       117      166      298

T. Rowe Price International Stock Fund(R)                                       69       110      153      272

Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I                                                72       117      166      298

Templeton Global Smaller Companies Growth Fund - Class I                        73       122      173      314

Warburg Pincus Emerging Growth Fund                                             73       122      173      314
</TABLE>
    

The Example should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or lesser than those shown.

                                       11

                                   13 of 176
<PAGE>   14
                                     EXAMPLE
                                   (CONTINUED)

The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be incurred
under the Contract assuming a $1000 initial Purchase Payment and a 5% annual
return on assets.

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 If you do not surrender your
                                                                                  Contract at the end of the
                                                                                    applicable time period
                                                                               1 Yr.   3 Yrs.    5 Yrs.     10
<S>                                                                            <C>     <C>       <C>       <C>
AIM Constellation Fund - Institutional Class                                    17       53        91      198

AIM Weingarten Fund - Institutional Class                                       17       52        90      197

American Century:  Twentieth Century Growth                                     21       64       109      235

American Century:  Twentieth Century International Growth                       25       78       133      283

American Century:  Twentieth Century Select                                     21       64       109      235

American Century:  Twentieth Century Ultra                                      21       64       109      235

The Bond Fund of AmericaSM, Inc.                                                18       54        94      203

Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc.                                               19       59       102      221

Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc.-Decatur Income Fund                           17       54        92      201

Dreyfus Cash Management - Class A                                               12       38        66      145

Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund                                                      16       49        85      185

Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.                                                22       67       115      247

Evergreen Income and Growth Fund                                                23       70       119      256

Federated GNMA Trust-Institutional Shares                                       16       51        88      191

Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 2-5 Years - Institutional Shares     16       49        84      184

Fidelity Asset Manager(TM)                                                      20       62       106      230

Fidelity Capital & Income Fund                                                  19       60       103      223

Fidelity Contrafund                                                             20       60       104      224

Fidelity Equity-Income Fund                                                     17       53        92      200

Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio                                              18       56        96      208

Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund                                                       17       53        92      200

Fidelity OTC Portfolio                                                          19       58       100      217

Fidelity Puritan Fund                                                           18       55        95      207

The Growth Fund of America(R) Inc.                                              18       55        95      207

The Income Fund of America(R) Inc.                                              17       51        89      193

INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc.                                            22       67       116      248

Janus Fund                                                                      19       60       102      221

Janus Twenty Fund                                                               20       60       104      224

Janus Worldwide Fund                                                            20       63       108      232

MAS Funds Fixed Income Portfolio                                                15       47        82      178

Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A                             18       55        95      206

MFS(R) Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A                                      26       80       136      289

MFS(R) High Income Fund - Class A                                               21       65       112      241

Nationwide(R) Bond Fund                                                         17       54        93      202

Nationwide(R) Fund                                                              16       51        88      192

Nationwide(R) Growth Fund                                                       17       52        90      195
</TABLE>
    

                                       12


                                   14 of 176
<PAGE>   15
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 If you do not surrender your
                                                                                  Contract at the end of the
                                                                                    applicable time period

                                                                               1 Yr.   3 Yrs.    5 Yrs.     10
<S>                                                                            <C>     <C>       <C>       <C>
Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund                                                 16       51        88      191

Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund, Inc.                                          19       58        99      216

Neuberger & Berman Guardian Trust                                               19       60       103      222

Neuberger & Berman Manhattan Fund, Inc.                                         20       63       108      233

Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund, Inc.                                          19       58       101      218

Nationwide Professionally Managed Portfolios - The Aggressive Portfolio           15       48        82      180

Nationwide Professionally Managed Portfolios - The Conservative Portfolio         15       48        82      180

Nationwide Professionally Managed Portfolios - The Moderate Portfolio             15       48        82      180

Nationwide Professionally Managed Portfolios - The Moderately Aggressive 
Portfolio                                                                       15       48        82      180

Nationwide Professionally Managed Portfolios - The Moderately Conservative
Portfolio                                                                       15       48        82      180

NSAT - Nationwide Small Company Fund                                            22       67       114      246

Putnam Investors Fund - Class A                                                 21       65       111      239

Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A                                                   21       65       111      239

SEI Index Funds-S&P 500 Index Portfolio                                         13       40        68      151

Seligman Growth Fund, Inc. - Class A                                            23       70       120      257

Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.                                                  22       67       116      248

T. Rowe Price International Stock Fund(R)                                       19       60       103      222

Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I                                                22       67       116      248

Templeton Global Smaller Companies Growth Fund - Class I                        23       72       123      264

Warburg Pincus Emerging Growth Fund                                             23       72       123      264
</TABLE>
    


The Example should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or lesser than those shown.

                                       13


                                   15 of 176
<PAGE>   16
                                     EXAMPLE
                                   (CONTINUED)

The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be incurred
under the Contract assuming a $1000 initial Purchase Payment and a 5% annual
return on assets.

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              If you annuitize your Contract at the
                                                                                 end of the applicable time period
                                                                               1 Yr.   3 Yrs.    5 Yrs.    10
<S>                                                                             <C>      <C>     <C>       <C>
AIM Constellation Fund - Institutional Class                                    17       53        91      198

AIM Weingarten Fund - Institutional Class                                       17       52        90      197

American Century:  Twentieth Century Growth                                     21       64       109      235

American Century:  Twentieth Century International Growth                       25       78       133      283

American Century:  Twentieth Century Select                                     21       64       109      235

American Century:  Twentieth Century Ultra                                      21       64       109      235

The Bond Fund of AmericaSM, Inc.                                                18       54        94      203

Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc.                                               19       59       102      221

Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc.-Decatur Income Fund                           17       54        92      201

Dreyfus Cash Management - Class A                                               12       38        66      145

Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund                                                      16       49        85      185

Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.                                                22       67       115      247

Evergreen Income and Growth Fund                                                23       70       119      256

Federated GNMA Trust-Institutional Shares                                       16       51        88      191

Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 2-5 Years - Institutional Shares     16       49        84      184

Fidelity Asset Manager(TM)                                                      20       62       106      230

Fidelity Capital & Income Fund                                                  19       60       103      223

Fidelity Contrafund                                                             20       60       104      224

Fidelity Equity-Income Fund                                                     17       53        92      200

Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio                                              18       56        96      208

Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund                                                       17       53        92      200

Fidelity OTC Portfolio                                                          19       58       100      217

Fidelity Puritan Fund                                                           18       55        95      207

The Growth Fund of America(R) Inc.                                              18       55        95      207

The Income Fund of America(R) Inc.                                              17       51        89      193

INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc.                                            22       67       116      248

Janus Fund                                                                      19       60       102      221

Janus Twenty Fund                                                               20       60       104      224

Janus Worldwide Fund                                                            20       63       108      232

MAS Funds Fixed Income Portfolio                                                15       47        82      178

Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A                             18       55        95      206

MFS(R) Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A                                      26       80       136      289

MFS(R) High Income Fund - Class A                                               21       65       112      241

Nationwide(R) Bond Fund                                                         17       54        93      202

Nationwide(R) Fund                                                              16       51        88      192

Nationwide(R) Growth Fund                                                       17       52        90      195

Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund                                                 16       51        88      191
</TABLE>
    

                                       14


                                   16 of 176
<PAGE>   17
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             If you annuitize your Contract at the
                                                                               end of the applicable time period
                                                                               1 Yr.   3 Yrs.    5 Yrs.    10

<S>                                                                             <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund, Inc.                                          19       58        99      216

Neuberger & Berman Guardian Trust                                               19       60       103      222

Neuberger & Berman Manhattan Fund, Inc.                                         20       63       108      233

Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund, Inc.                                          19       58       101      218

NPMP - The Aggressive Portfolio                                                 15       48        82      180

NPMP - The Conservative Portfolio                                               15       48        82      180

NPMP - The Moderate Portfolio                                                   15       48        82      180

NPMP - The Moderately Aggressive Portfolio                                      15       48        82      180

NPMP - The Moderately Conservative Portfolio                                    15       48        82      180

NSAT - Nationwide Small Company Fund                                            22       67       114      246

Putnam Investors Fund - Class A                                                 21       65       111      239

Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A                                                   21       65       111      239

SEI Index Funds-S&P 500 Index Portfolio                                         13       40        68      151

Seligman Growth Fund, Inc. - Class A                                            23       70       120      257

Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.                                                  22       67       116      248

T. Rowe Price International Stock Fund(R)                                       19       60       103      222

Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I                                                22       67       116      248

Templeton Global Smaller Companies Growth Fund - Class I                        23       72       123      264

Warburg Pincus Emerging Growth Fund                                             23       72       123      264
</TABLE>
    



The Example should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or lesser than those shown.

                                       15


                                   17 of 176
<PAGE>   18
                                    SYNOPSIS


   
The Contracts described in this prospectus are designed for use in connection
with supplemental deferred compensation Plans for employees of tax exempt
entities. The Plans generally will qualify for favorable tax treatment under
Section 401, 403(b), or 457 of the Code, but may also include other
non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Contracts will be issued only to
employers who are exempt from taxation to fund deferred compensation plans. The
employees generally are not subject to federal income tax on amounts deferred
under such plans until Distributions are received from the Plan. Purchase
Payments made at any time by or on behalf of any Participant must be at least
$20 per month.

Purchase Payments under the Contracts are placed in the Variable Account. The
Variable Account is a unit investment trust with Sub-Accounts having distinct
unit values, each reflecting investment results of a different Underlying Mutual
Fund. Amounts equivalent to the obligations of the Company under each
Sub-Account will be invested in the specified Underlying Mutual Fund (see
"Appendix of Participating Underlying Mutual Funds").
    

The Company does not deduct a sales charge from Purchase Payments made to these
Contracts. However, if any part of such Contracts is withdrawn, the Company
will, with certain exceptions, deduct from the Contract Value, a Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC") equal to not more than 5% of the lesser of the
total of all Purchase Payments made prior to the date of the request for
surrender, or the amount surrendered. This charge, when applicable, is imposed
to permit the Company to recover sales expenses which have been advanced by the
Company (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge").

   
Under certain Contracts, the Company may assess a Participant Account
Maintenance Charge. Under no circumstances will a Participant Account
Maintenance Charge be assessed unless the charge is specifically negotiated and
agreed upon by the Contract Owner and the Company. The maximum amount which may
be assessed is $50 (see "Participant Account Maintenance Charge"). Any
applicable premium taxes will be charged against the Contracts. If any premium
taxes are payable at the time Purchase Payments are made, the premium tax
deduction will be made prior to allocation to any Underlying Mutual Fund (see
"Premium Taxes").
    

   
A Variable Account Annual Expense Fee is assessed in connection with the
Company's contractual promise to accept various risks and for administrative
expenses associated with the issuance of the Contracts. This fee is subject to
negotiation and may vary from one Plan to another reflecting the unique
characteristics of different Plans when considered as a whole. This charge is
calculated as a percentage of assets and is deducted on each Valuation Date from
amounts held in the Variable Account. The maximum fee which may be assessed by
the Company is 0.95% per annum of the average account value (see "Variable
Account Annual Expense Fee"). In addition, the Underlying Mutual Funds make
certain deductions from their assets (see Underlying Mutual Fund Annual
Expenses).
    

   
The CDSC, Participant Account Maintenance Charge and Variable Account Expense
Fee, when negotiated, may be decreased upon notice to the Contract Owner (see
"Modification of the Contract").
    

                                       16


                                   18 of 176
<PAGE>   19
                         NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                         CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
               ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES (FOR AN ACCUMULATION UNIT
                       OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD)

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               ACCUMULATION          ACCUMULATION            NUMBER OF
                                UNIT VALUE            UNIT VALUE         ACCUMULATION UNITS
                               AT BEGINNING             AT END           OUTSTANDING AT THE
            FUND                OF PERIOD              OF PERIOD         END OF THE PERIOD      YEAR
<S>                              <C>                   <C>               <C>                    <C>
    AIM                          2.055366              0.309709              4,142,513          1997
    Constellation Fund -         1.776138              2.055366              6,309,167          1996
    Institutional Class          1.316836              1.776138              3,214,050          1995
                                 1.305850              1.316836              1,607,538          1994
                                 1.120568              1.305850              1,341,351          1993
                                 1.000000              1.120568                      0          1992

    AIM                          1.627524              2.038970                      0          1997
    Weingarten  Fund -           1.389659              1.627524              1,300,655          1996
    Institutional Class          1.035886              1.389659              1,097,067          1995
                                 1.044414              1.035886                870,956          1994
                                 1.034606              1.044414                936,998          1993
                                 1.000000              1.034606                      0          1992

    American Century:            4.562802              5.842997             23,886,079          1997
    Twentieth Century            4.005400              4.562802             12,224,812          1996
    Growth                       3.359891              4.005400             37,335,163          1995
                                 3.443124              3.359891             41,134,943          1994
                                 3.350122              3.443124             51,977,134          1993
                                 3.533694              3.350122             58,356,370          1992
                                 2.110582              3.533694             53,923,483          1991
                                 2.216085              2.110582             67,311,152          1990
                                 1.562983              2.216085             49,896,477          1989
                                 1.536055              1.562983             51,598,758          1988
                                 1.374167              1.536055             38,777,840          1987

    American Century:            1.572461              2.058976              1,111,408          1997
    Twentieth Century            1.331631              1.572461                 41,014          1996
    Select                       1.095899              1.331631              1,254,199          1995
                                 1.202996              1.095899                194,231          1994
                                 1.059075              1.202996                386,750          1993
                                 1.118927              1.059075                383,487          1992
                                 1.000000              1.118927                  2,950          1991

    American Century:            2.069865              2.524538            132,438,228          1997
    Twentieth Century            1.835553              2.069865             70,399,683          1996
    Ultra                        1.345904              1.835553            105,140,475          1995
                                 1.409710              1.345904             88,713,416          1994
                                 1.168340              1.409710             68,551,255          1993
                                 1.164722              1.168340             33,483,411          1992
                                 1.000000              1.164722                 11,412          1991
                                                                                                        

    The Bond Fund                2.155739              2.332586              5,345,075          1997
    of AmericaSM, Inc.           2.039710              2.155739              3,518,054          1996
                                 1.741422              2.039710              7,434,474          1995
                                 1.850918              1.741422              7,880,903          1994
                                 1.637181              1.850918              8,560,956          1993
                                 1.484255              1.637181              6,077,266          1992
                                 1.238222              1.484255              5,128,071          1991
                                 1.208717              1.238222              5,102,901          1990
                                 1.109668              1.208717              3,105,875          1989
                                 1.011923              1.109668              1,113,940          1988
                                 1.000000              1.011923                173,764          1987
                                                                                                     
</TABLE>
    



                                       17


                                   19 of 176
<PAGE>   20


                          CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                    (CONTINUED)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             ACCUMULATION    ACCUMULATION       NUMBER OF
                              UNIT VALUE      UNIT VALUE    ACCUMULATION UNITS
                             AT BEGINNING       AT END      OUTSTANDING AT THE
        FUND                  OF PERIOD       OF PERIOD     END OF THE PERIOD       YEAR
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>             <C>            <C>                     <C>
  Davis New York             1.686019           2.232520           199,664           1997
  Venture                    1.345221           1.686019         1,180,098           1996
  Fund, Inc.                 0.966146           1.345221         1,771,764           1995
                             0.994508           0.966146           720,917           1994
                             1.000000           0.994508             5,626           1993


  Delaware Group             2.280210           2.935219            96,261           1997
  Decatur Fund, Inc. -       1.910384           2.280210            78,578           1996
  Decatur Income Fund        1.449372           1.910384           100,636           1995
  Institutional Class        1.473401           1.449372           104,006           1994
                             1.289480           1.473401           281,500           1993
                             1.196471           1.289480           162,528           1992
                             0.991871           1.196471           106,856           1991
                             1.142606           0.991871            16,158           1990
                             1.000000           1.142606                 0           1989

  Dreyfus                    1.159356           1.212149           231,535           1997
  Cash                       1.110383           1.159356           618,162           1996
  Management* - Class        1.057458           1.110383         2,561,760           1995
  A                          1.025704           1.057458         2,324,960           1994
                             1.003770           1.025704            25,763           1993
                             1.000000           1.003770                 0           1992


  Dreyfus                    2.756438           3.532278        10,221,038           1997
  Third Century              2.238323           2.756438         3,824,949           1996
  Fund, Inc.                 1.663803           2.238323         6,501,520           1995
                             1.814915           1.663803         6,965,653           1994
                             1.740666           1.814915         8,765,880           1993
                             1.723855           1.740666         9,137,872           1992
                             1.259983           1.723855         5,165,976           1991
                             1.228377           1.259983         4,118,236           1990
                             1.057519           1.228377         1,659,197           1989
                             1.000000           0.837244         2,115,006           1987


Dreyfus S&P 500 Index        1.000000           1.217658        15,653,811           1997
 Fund


 Evergreen                   1.947502           2.422617         1,909,226           1997
  Income and  Growth         1.741651           1.947502         1,146,375           1996
  Fund  (formerly            1.419467           1.741651         3,257,653           1995
  Evergreen Total            1.531292           1.419467         4,439,096           1994
  Return Fund)               1.368966           1.531292         7,948,202           1993
                             1.256090           1.368966         6,846,744           1992
                             1.031024           1.256090         7,328,719           1991
                             1.110904           1.031024        13,632,891           1990
                             0.959913           1.110904        10,256,138           1989
                             0.837244           0.959913         5,595,414           1988
                             1.000000           0.837244         2,115,006           1987
</TABLE>
    

   
      *The 7-day yield on the Dreyfus Cash Management - Class A as of December
31, 1996 was 5.29%.
    


                                       18

                                   20 of 176
<PAGE>   21
                          CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                    (CONTINUED)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                             ACCUMULATION    ACCUMULATION       NUMBER OF
                              UNIT VALUE      UNIT VALUE    ACCUMULATION UNITS
                             AT BEGINNING       AT END      OUTSTANDING AT THE
        FUND                  OF PERIOD       OF PERIOD     END OF THE PERIOD       YEAR
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>             <C>            <C>                     <C>
  Federated GNMA             1.292380           1.393241            688,011           1997
  Trust-Institutional        1.243001           1.292380            548,815           1996
  Shares                     1.081229           1.243001            508,686           1995
                             1.119643           1.081229            422,171           1994
                             1.061001           1.119643            497,960           1993
                             1.000000           1.061001            305,851           1992


  Federated U.S.             1.144380           1.214470          2,077,904           1997
  Government                 1.115461           1.144380          1,214,422           1996
  Securities                 0.991595           1.115461          1,877,483           1995
  Fund: 2-5 Years -          1.020623           0.991595          1,280,899           1994
  Institutional Shares       1.000000           1.020623            696,793           1993


  Fidelity Asset             1.252704           1.517270          4,375,583           1997
  Manager(TM)                1.121926           1.252704          2,611,685           1996
                             0.958564           1.121926          5,838,128           1995
                             1.036089           0.958564          3,916,306           1994
                             1.000000           1.036089             79,714           1993


  Fidelity Capital           4.096488           4.654233            294,820           1997
  & Income Fund              3.712491           4.096488            125,230           1996
                             3.210584           3.712491            463,343           1995
                             3.397953           3.210584            561,985           1994
                             2.746533           3.397953            925,953           1993
                             2.165417           2.746533          1,032,492           1992
                             1.684020           2.165417          1,471,867           1991
                             1.768220           1.684020          4,160,164           1990
                             1.843890           1.768220          4,943,976           1989
                             1.653959           1.843890          4,248,205           1988
                             1.649063           1.653959          3,210,794           1987


  Fidelity                   2.059778           2.509557         99,795,570           1997
  Contrafund                 1.705419           2.059778         56,288,590           1996
                             1.263308           1.705419         62,585,233           1995
                             1.289799           1.263308         40,927,857           1994
                             1.072342           1.289799         14,514,807           1993
                             1.000000           1.072342            186,872           1992


  Fidelity                   5.359692           6.900916         42,604,023           1997
  Equity-Income              4.471070           5.359692         18,493,235           1996
  Fund                       3.424310           4.471070         35,553,370           1995
                             3.448520           3.424310         34,056,352           1994
                             2.869860           3.448520         41,743,016           1993
                             2.526472           2.869860         36,410,831           1992
                             1.971024           2.526472         40,239,204           1991
                             2.314450           1.971024         65,533,870           1990
                             1.968876           2.314450         62,489,636           1989
                             1.622650           1.968876         66,300,418           1988
                             1.665429           1.622650         55,094,558           1987


  Fidelity                   2.001775           2.581177          3,435,213           1997
  Growth &                   1.683805           2.001775          4,201,944           1996
  Income Portfolio           1.255568           1.683805          4,155,413           1995
                             1.239420           1.255568          2,808,994           1994
                             1.046808           1.239420          1,219,293           1993
                             1.000000           1.046808             85,896           1992
</TABLE>
    


                                       19

                                   21 of 176
<PAGE>   22
                          CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                    (CONTINUED)

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             ACCUMULATION    ACCUMULATION       NUMBER OF
                              UNIT VALUE      UNIT VALUE    ACCUMULATION UNITS
                             AT BEGINNING       AT END      OUTSTANDING AT THE
        FUND                  OF PERIOD       OF PERIOD     END OF THE PERIOD       YEAR
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>             <C>            <C>                     <C>
   Fidelity Magellan(R)       1.913110          2.398961         95,356,893          1997
   Fund                       1.729361          1.913110         56,756,036          1996
                              1.275955          1.729361         92,049,788          1995
                              1.311856          1.275955         68,044,510          1994
                              1.062405          1.311856         43,203,753          1993
                              1.000000          1.062405         10,591,374          1992


   Fidelity OTC Portfolio     1.494616          1.627259                  0          1997
                              1.219506          1.494616                  0          1996
                              1.000000          1.219506             64,305          1995


   Fidelity Puritan Fund      1.285134          1.557502                  0          1997
                              1.126715          1.285134                  0          1996
                              1.000000          1.126715             11,766          1995


   The Growth                 2.691979          3.382686          4,016,452          1997
   Fund of                    2.366626          2.691979          2,478,693          1996
   America(R), Inc.           1.840658          2.366626          6,716,573          1995
                              1.857739          1.840658          5,646,915          1994
                              1.638011          1.857739          5,353,392          1993
                              1.539692          1.638011          3,840,212          1992
                              1.144684          1.539692          1,551,711          1991
                              1.205372          1.144684            105,320          1990
                              1.000000          1.205372                  0          1989


   The Income                 2.160929          2.614863          7,017,085          1997
   Fund of                    1.893327          2.160929          5,291,391          1996
   America(R), Inc.           1.480756          1.893327          8,645,811          1995
                              1.533299          1.480756          7,829,528          1994
                              1.357846          1.533299          7,258,704          1993
                              1.223786          1.357846          3,016,773          1992
                              0.998504          1.223786            631,336          1991
                              1.000000          0.998504                  0          1990


   INVESCO                    1.678513          2.102364         10,884,376          1997
   Industrial                 1.451889          1.678513          7,428,110          1996
   Income Fund,  Inc.         1.151056          1.451889         10,632,818          1995
                              1.208959          1.151056          8,239,738          1994
                              1.045472          1.208959          3,039,640          1993
                              1.000000          1.045472             17,289          1992


   Janus Fund                 1.603290          1.948907         33,709,518          1997
                              1.353271          1.603290         15,851,766          1996
                              1.055481          1.353271         13,522,743          1995
                              1.077425          1.055481          7,345,306          1994
                              1.000000          1.077425          2,969,768          1993


   Janus Twenty              1.671698           2.147649              7,662          1997
   Fund                      1.320040           1.671698            149,425          1996
                             0.978264           1.320040             31,831          1995
                             1.058801           0.978264             11,285          1994
                             1.000000           1.058801                  0          1993
</TABLE>
    

                                       20

                                   22 of 176
<PAGE>   23
                          CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                    (CONTINUED)

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             ACCUMULATION    ACCUMULATION       NUMBER OF
                              UNIT VALUE      UNIT VALUE    ACCUMULATION UNITS
                             AT BEGINNING       AT END      OUTSTANDING AT THE
        FUND                  OF PERIOD       OF PERIOD     END OF THE PERIOD       YEAR
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>              <C>            <C>                     <C>
  MAS Funds Fixed            1.229760           1.335173         1,990,827           1997
  Income Portfolio           1.156444           1.229760           718,247           1996
                             0.980782           1.156444           366,064           1995
                             1.000000           0.980782            31,751           1994


   Massachusetts            10.880822          15.968069           450,089           1997
   Investors Growth          8.942612          10.880822           164,786           1996
   Stock Fund -              7.034148           8.942612           551,377           1995
   Class A                   7.613442           7.034148           604,020           1994
                             6.714892           7.613442           891,831           1993
                             6.368639           6.714892           914,534           1992
                             4.352449           6.368639         1,056,566           1991
                             4.612779           4.352449         1,577,501           1990
                             3.430876           4.612779         1,393,742           1989
                             3.326929           3.430876         2,091,280           1988
                             3.173352           3.326929         2,154,700           1987


   MFS(R)Growth              7.380232           9.012670         3,078,940           1997
   Opportunities             6.114190           7.380232           843,158           1996
   Fund - Class A            4.589533           6.114190         3,824,999           1995
                             4.834037           4.589533         4,635,532           1994
                             4.200054           4.834037         9,303,110           1993
                             3.936838           4.200054        10,600,796           1992
                             3.246855           3.936838        13,413,614           1991
                             3.427388           3.246855        23,047,089           1990
                             2.692907           3.427388        24,300,466           1989
                             2.493461           2.692907        28,164,998           1988
                             2.421913           2.493461        29,369,357           1987


   MFS(R)High                5.518160           6.168371           633,922           1997
   Income                    4.949752           5.518160           164,395           1996
   Fund -                    4.265493           4.949752           806,763           1995
   Class A                   4.422523           4.265493           877,250           1994
                             3.739642           4.422523         1,068,154           1993
                             3.225557           3.739642         1,036,507           1992
                             2.186959           3.225557         1,186,991           1991
                             2.651605           2.186959         2,159,639           1990
                             2.731036           2.651605         2,739,257           1989
                             2.453867           2.731036         2,747,679           1988
                             2.470209           2.453867         2,713,471           1987

</TABLE>
    


                                       21

                                   23 of 176
<PAGE>   24
                          CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                    (CONTINUED)

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             ACCUMULATION    ACCUMULATION       NUMBER OF
                              UNIT VALUE      UNIT VALUE    ACCUMULATION UNITS
                             AT BEGINNING       AT END      OUTSTANDING AT THE
        FUND                  OF PERIOD       OF PERIOD     END OF THE PERIOD       YEAR
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>             <C>            <C>                     <C>
   Nationwide(R)             2.001472             2.166981          51,355           1997
   Bond Fund                 1.991196             2.001472          26,395           1996
                             1.619166             1.991196          92,001           1995
                             1.778765             1.619166          51,492           1994
                             1.621957             1.778765         148,222           1993
                             1.516560             1.621957         197,350           1992
                             1.309926             1.516560         363,511           1991
                             1.222004             1.309926         420,858           1990
                             1.114209             1.222004         314,062           1989
                             1.039905             1.114209         188,045           1988
                             1.074676             1.039905          28,819           1987


   Nationwide(R)             14.964379          20.697282        3,635,254           1997
   Fund                      12.191058          14.964379        1,316,219           1996
                             9.468045           12.191058        2,905,460           1995
                             9.502760            9.468045        3,036,527           1994
                             8.985447            9.502760        3,690,273           1993
                             8.810680            8.985447        4,218,392           1992
                             6.830443            8.810680        3,906,633           1991
                             6.875188            6.830443        3,792,110           1990
                             5.187286            6.875188        2,756,965           1989
                             4.485232            5.187286        3,174,211           1988
                             4.438511            4.485232        2,879,455           1987


   Nationwide(R)             3.083008            3.854877        2,582,538          1997
   Growth Fund               2.667201            3.083008        1,156,065           1996
                             2.092009            2.667201        3,668,270           1995
                             2.081399            2.092009        3,759,425           1994
                             1.887524            2.081399        5,928,120           1993
                             1.792687            1.887524        5,747,753           1992
                             1.330199            1.792687        5,108,711           1991
                             1.452973            1.330199        7,279,598           1990
                             1.276112            1.452973        4,762,338           1989
                             1.051373            1.276112        1,947,635           1988
                             1.236522            1.051373          352,893           1987


   Nationwide(R)             2.884848            3.003821       18,830,414           1997
   Money Market              2.774433            2.884848        7,935,176           1996
   Fund*                     2.654661            2.774433       20,350,850           1995
                             2.583387            2.654661       18,028,497           1994
                             2.542721            2.583387       20,122,594           1993
                             2.487178            2.542721       22,067,362           1992
                             2.377082            2.487178       33,612,374           1991
                             2.224557            2.377082       48,721,235           1990
                             2.062504            2.224557       43,599,432           1989
                             1.944054            2.062504       39,596,561           1988
                             1.848104            1.944054       35,995,910           1987


   Neuberger & Berman        1.365700            1.595471          614,486           1997
   Guardian Fund, Inc.       1.169665            1.365700                0           1996
                             1.000000            1.696655                0           1995
</TABLE>
    

   
      *The 7-day yield on the Nationwide Money Market Fund as of December 31,
1996 was 3.89%.
    


                                       22

                                   24 of 176
<PAGE>   25
                          CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                    (CONTINUED)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             ACCUMULATION    ACCUMULATION       NUMBER OF
                              UNIT VALUE      UNIT VALUE    ACCUMULATION UNITS
                             AT BEGINNING       AT END      OUTSTANDING AT THE
        FUND                  OF PERIOD       OF PERIOD     END OF THE PERIOD       YEAR
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>              <C>            <C>                     <C>
  Neuberger &                2.458922           3.146989          39,662            1997
  Berman Manhattan           2.259932           2.458922         119,922            1996
  Fund, Inc.                 1.741549           2.259932         394,751            1995
                             1.823796           1.741549         406,054            1994
                             1.673695           1.823796         317,549            1993
                             1.434738           1.673695          56,526            1992
                             1.106565           1.434738           7,124            1991
                             1.214940           1.106565               0            1990
                             1.000000           1.214940               0            1989


  Neuberger & Berman         1.139543           1.458745       1,370,455            1997
  Partners Fund, Inc.        1.000000           1.139543               0            1996
                                **                 **                 **            1995


  Putnam                    13.594501          18.110411       2,476,574            1997
  Investors                 11.305164          13.594501         713,005            1996
  Fund -                     8.297318          11.305164       3,422,356            1995
  Class A                    8.652501           8.297318       3,674,131            1994
                             7.410567           8.652501       4,311,483            1993
                             6.934213           7.410567       4,294,647            1992
                             5.445269           6.934213       4,745,398            1991
                             5.654203           5.445269       6,112,297            1990
                             4.262206           5.654203       5,893,052            1989
                             4.003173           4.262206       9,986,301            1988
                             3.885972           4.003173      10,268,895            1987


  Putnam Voyager             3.074879           3.837109      35,911,119            1997
  Fund - Class A             2.752130           3.074879      18,151,250            1996
                             1.982311           2.752130      21,036,155            1995
                             1.992379           1.982311      14,803,070            1994
                             1.698751           1.992379      11,820,145            1993
                             1.563079           1.698751       7,640,204            1992
                             1.049811           1.563079       4,622,048            1991
                             1.000000           1.049811         290,518            1990

  SEI Index                  2.962497           3.905079       3,892,401            1997
  Funds - S&P 500            2.439184           2.962497         524,069            1996
  Index Portfolio            1.792835           2.439184       1,072,618            1995
                             1.792223           1.792835         722,997            1994
                             1.647325           1.792223         509,498            1993
                             1.548965           1.647325         257,368            1992
                             1.203412           1.548965         121,485            1991
                             1.254560           1.203412             509            1990
                             1.000000           1.254560               0            1989
</TABLE>
    


                                       23

                                   25 of 176
<PAGE>   26
                          CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                    (CONTINUED)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             ACCUMULATION    ACCUMULATION       NUMBER OF
                              UNIT VALUE      UNIT VALUE    ACCUMULATION UNITS
                             AT BEGINNING       AT END      OUTSTANDING AT THE
        FUND                  OF PERIOD       OF PERIOD     END OF THE PERIOD       YEAR
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>             <C>            <C>                     <C>
 Seligman                     10.720312         12.541848        227,045            1997
 Growth                        8.934609         10.720312        105,249            1996
 Fund, Inc. -                  7.020585          8.934609        277,527            1995
 Class A                       7.370495          7.020585        299,685            1994
                               6.989639          7.370495        513,220            1993
                               6.340967          6.989639        555,163            1992
                               4.611005          6.340967        685,494            1991
                               4.910683          4.611005        977,515            1990
                               3.714452          4.910683        916,525            1989
                               3.491789          3.714452      1,189,216            1988
                               3.351057          3.491789      1,200,692            1987


  Strong                       1.569484          1.928035              0            1997
  Common Stock                 1.315349          1.569484      2,665,795            1996
  Fund, Inc.                   1.002820          1.315349      1,353,697            1995
                               1.017301          1.002820        742,264            1994
                               1.000000          1.017301         16,364            1993


  T. Rowe Price                1.812062          1.843420     16,365,466            1997
  International                1.577274          1.812062      8,220,403            1996
  Stock Fund(R)                1.429428          1.577274     22,425,072            1995
                               1.454045          1.429428     18,673,315            1994
                               1.047655          1.454045     11,658,962            1993
                               1.095728          1.047655      4,370,293            1992
                               0.954695          1.095728      2,239,924            1991
                               1.000000          0.954695        441,232            1990


  Templeton                    1.774294          1.874393     43,044,777            1997
  Foreign                      1.518092          1.774294     27,327,650            1996
  Fund - Class I               1.378759          1.518092     32,915,364            1995
                               1.387073          1.378759     25,358,639            1994
                               1.023491          1.387073      6,636,629            1993
                               1.000000          1.023491              0            1992


  Templeton                    1.802963          1.912073              0            1997
  Smaller Companies            1.490946          1.802963        524,340            1996
  Growth Fund - Class I        1.279328          1.490946        382,441            1995
                               1.353616          1.279328        225,110            1994
                               1.036433          1.353616        117,690            1993
                               1.000000          1.036433              0            1992
</TABLE>
    


   
Accumulation Unit Value information is not available for American Century:
Twentieth Century Growth Fund, Janus Worldwide Fund, NPMP The Aggressive
Portfolio, NPMP - The Moderartely Aggressive Portfolio, NPMP - The Moderate
Portfolio, NPMP - The Moderately Conservative Portfolio, NPMP - The
Conservative Portfolio, Nationwide Separate Account Trust - Nationwide Small
Company Fund, Neuberger & Berman Guardian Trust, and Warburg Pincus Emerging
Growth Fund.
    

                                       24

                                   26 of 176
<PAGE>   27
                         NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

   
The Company is a stock life insurance company organized under the laws of the
State of Ohio in March, 1929. The Company is a member of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise, with its Home Office at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus,
Ohio 43215. The Company offers a complete line of life insurance, annuities and
retirement products. It is admitted to do business in all states, the District
of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
    

                               THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

   
The Nationwide DC Variable Account ("Variable Account") was established by the
Company on July 10, 1974 pursuant to Ohio law. The Variable Account is
registered with the SEC as a unit investment trust pursuant to the provisions of
the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"). Such registration does not
involve supervision of the management of the Variable Account or the Company by
the SEC.
    

   
The net Purchase Payments applied to the Variable Account are invested in shares
of the Underlying Mutual Funds available under the terms of the Contract. The
Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts, each of which represents a
separate Underlying Mutual Fund (see the "Appendix" for a description of the
investment objective of each Underlying Mutual Fund).
    

Each Sub-Account is administered and accounted for as a part of the separate
account, but the income, capital gains or losses of each Sub-Account are
credited to or charged against the assets held for that Sub-Account in
accordance with the terms of each Contract, without regard to other income,
capital gains or losses of any other Sub-Account, or arising out of any other
business the Company may conduct. The assets within each Sub-Account are not
chargeable with liabilities arising out of the business conducted by any other
Sub-Account, nor will the Variable Account as a whole be chargeable with
liabilities arising out of any other business the Company may conduct.

VOTING RIGHTS

   
The Variable Account will be owner of record of all Underlying Mutual Fund
shares purchased by the respective account until such Underlying Mutual Fund
shares are sold, but all securities will be held for the benefit of the Contract
Owners. In accordance with its view of applicable law, the Company will vote the
shares of the Underlying Mutual Funds at regular and special meetings of the
shareholders. These shares will be voted in accordance with instructions
received from Contract Owners. The Company will mail to each Contract Owner at
its last known address all periodic reports and proxy material of the applicable
Underlying Mutual Fund(s), and a form with which to give voting instructions.
Any Underlying Mutual Fund shares as to which no timely instructions are
received will be voted by the Company in the same proportion as the instructions
received from all persons furnishing timely instructions. A Contract Owner's
voting rights may decrease with the cancellation of Accumulation Units to make
annuity payments.
    

                                 PERIODIC REPORTS

   
The Company will, semi-annually, provide to each Participant, a Statement of
Assets, Liabilities and Contract Owners' Equity and a Statement of Operations
and Changes in Contract Owners' Equity of the Variable Account. Each Participant
and Retired Participant will also be informed, periodically, of the number of
Accumulation Units credited to his or her account as well as the total account
value.
    

   
The current prospectus of the Variable Account will be made available to
Participants through the Contract Owner. The Contract Owner may, under the terms
of the Plan, have an obligation to furnish additional information to
Participants, such as: a notice of any changes in the Plan or tax status of the
Plan, and the financial condition of the Contract Owner as it relates to
obligations under the Plan.
    


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<PAGE>   28
                   VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS

   
Charges associated with Contracts described in this prospectus may vary from
one Plan to another, depending on the nature of the Plan and the particular
needs and preferences of Contract Owners. Generally, all charges are
negotiable; this allows the Company and Contract Owners flexibility in "custom
designing" a charge structure that is consistent with the expectations and
preferences of Contract Owners, as well as the expenses (which will vary from
Plan to Plan) and profitability aims of the Company.

With respect to any existing Contract which may be re-negotiated, however, the
Company will not negotiate for, or impose, aggregate Contract charges greater
than those in effect prior to re-negotiation. In other words, charges under any
existing Contract which is re-negotiated may be lowered, but under no
circumstances will they be raised.

The Company is of the opinion that any charges negotiated and assessed under
any Contract in the aggregate are reasonable in relation to the services
rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred and the risks assumed by the
Company.
    

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE

   
No deduction for a sales charge is made from the Purchase Payments for these
Contracts. However, the CDSC, when it is applicable, will be used to cover
expenses relating to the sale of the Contracts, including commissions paid to
sales personnel, the costs of preparation of sales literature, and other
promotional activity.

If part or all of the Contract Value representing Participant Accounts that have
been established under the Contract and held in the Variable Account for less
than 16 years is surrendered, a CDSC, when it is applicable, will be assessed by
the Company. This charge will not exceed 5% of the lesser of: (1) the total of
all Purchase Payments received on behalf of the surrendering Participant or the
withdrawing Contract Owner prior to the date of the request for surrender; or
(2) the amount surrendered. The cumulative sum of all such charges, per
Participant, shall never exceed 5% (or such lesser percentage, if applicable) of
the total Purchase Payments made on behalf of such Participant for the 16 years
prior to the date the surrender is requested.
    

   
When a CDSC of less than 5% is negotiated and assessed, the reduced charge may
reflect actual variations in expenses, usually resulting from reduced marketing
expenses.
    

No CDSC will be imposed on Contract Value that is paid under:

     -        any life income payment option;

     -        designated period payment options of 5 or more years for a
              Participant who has a minimum of 5 Participant Account Years
              prior to the time the benefit payments are to commence; and

     -        a one-sum or periodic payment payable because of a
              Participant's death.

   
PARTICIPANT ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE CHARGE
    

   
A Participant Account Maintenance Charge, if assessed, will help the Company's
offset administrative expenses, and the Charge will not exceed the Company's
actual administrative expenses under the Contracts.
    

   
The Company will not assess a Participant Account Maintenance Charge unless the
charge is negotiated and contractually agreed upon between the Contract Owner
and the Company. Generally, Contract Owners negotiating for a Participant
Account Maintenance Charge, or a higher Participant Account Maintenance Charge,
will do so with the expectation of having the Company lower other fees
associated with the Contract. Conversely, the absence of a Participant Account
Maintenance Charge may be expected to increase other charges. The maximum amount
which may be assessed is $50. If a Participant Account Maintenance Charge is
negotiated, the Company will assess each Participant Account the negotiated
amount at the beginning of each Participant Account Year for the preceding
Participant Account Year, during both the accumulation and annuity periods.
    

   
The Participant Account Maintenance Charge is made by canceling a number of
Accumulation Units during both the accumulation and annuity periods, equal in
value to the applicable Participant Account Maintenance Charge. If a Participant
Account includes more than one Sub-Account, the deduction will be allocated
among Sub-Accounts on the basis of relative values at the time the deduction is
made.
    

   
If a Participant Account Maintenance Charge is negotiated, the Company will
assess the Participant Account Maintenance Charge on the date (other than a
Participant Anniversary) that amounts held in respect of a Participant are fully
withdrawn from the Variable Account. In such case, the amount of the Participant
Account Maintenance Charge will be 1/12 of the applicable Participant Account
Maintenance Charge, multiplied by the number of whole or partial calendar months
which have elapsed between the Participant Anniversary (or the Participant
Effective Date during the first Participant Account Year) and the date of full
withdrawal.
    

   
For those Plans which provide this Contract and certain other investment options
(such as the Company's Group Fixed Fund Retirement Contract), the Participant
Account Maintenance Charge under this Contract may be reduced so that the total
of the Participant Account Maintenance Charges and any similar administrative
charges imposed under other investment options available under the Plan will not
exceed the Participant Account Maintenance Charge assessed under this Contract.
In this event, such charge will be allocated among the Sub-
    


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<PAGE>   29
Accounts and amounts held in such other investment options available under the
Plan on the basis of the relative values of the Participant's Accounts at the
time the deduction is made.

   
THE PARTICIPANT ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE CHARGE WILL NOT BE ASSESSED UNLESS
NEGOTIATED BETWEEN THE CONTRACT OWNER AND THE COMPANY.
    

   
VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSE FEE ("VARIABLE ACCOUNT FEE")
    

   
Under the terms of the Contracts, the Company assumes various risks and incurs
administrative expenses associated with the issuance of the Contracts. For the
Company's contractual promise to accept these risks and expenses, the Contracts
provide for the deduction of a Variable Account Fee, which is calculated as a
percentage of assets and deducted on each Valuation Date from amounts held in
the Variable Account. On an annual basis the maximum Variable Account Fee is
0.95% of the average account value.
    

   
As with all other charges, this fee is subject to negotiation and may vary from
one Plan to another reflecting the unique characteristics of different Plans
when considered as a whole. In negotiating the amount of the fee, the Company
may consider factors which may reduce expenses incurred by the Company. These
factors might include, but are not limited to: (1) the size of the Plan; (2) the
number of eligible employees; (3) the number of Plan Participants; (4)
demographics of Plan Participants; (5) general economic conditions; (6) the
varying costs associated with the inclusion of Underlying Mutual Fund options;
(7) the type of Contract issued (for example, whether the Contract is issued as
an Allocated Contract or Unallocated Contract); (8) costs associated with
distribution of the Contract; (9) any recovery of any credits on Initial
Transfers; and (10) any other factors which the Company deems relevant.
    

   
    

   
The Variable Account's total expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996, were 0.97% of the average net assets. Deductions from and expenses paid
out of the assets of the Underlying Mutual Funds are described in the prospectus
for each Underlying Mutual Fund.
    

PREMIUM TAXES AND OTHER EXPENSES

   
The Company will charge against Purchase Payments or the Contract Value the
amount of any premium taxes levied by a state or any other governmental entity
upon Purchase Payments received by the Company. Premium tax rates currently
range from 0% to 3.5% per annum. This range is subject to change. The Company is
currently not deducting such taxes but reserves the right to do so when such
taxes are incurred. The method used to recoup premium tax expense will be
determined by the Company at its sole discretion and in compliance with state
law.

There are deductions and expenses paid out of the assets of the Underlying
Mutual Funds (see "Underlying Mutual Fund Annual Expenses") that are more fully
described in the prospectuses for the Underlying Mutual Funds.
    

EXPERIENCE CREDITS

   
The Contracts may either be participating or non-participating, depending upon
the state of issue. A participating Contract provides the right to participate
in the distribution of surplus of the Company. In the event that the Participant
Account Maintenance Charge and the Variable Account Annual Expense Fee collected
under this Contract accrue to the Company in excess of an amount deemed
necessary at the sole discretion of the Company's Board of Directors, such
excess may be allocated to the Contract by purchasing additional Accumulation
Units and crediting such additional units to the Participant Accounts. There
have not been any experience credits to date. The Company cannot offer any
assurance that there will be any experience credits on participating Contracts
in the future. With respect to non-participating Contracts, there is no right to
participate in the distribution of surplus.
    


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<PAGE>   30
                           DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACTS

A. GENERAL

   PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACTS

   The Contracts described in this prospectus are Group Flexible Fund Retirement
   Contracts designed to fund certain Plans generally established under either
   Section 401, 403(b) or 457 of the Code (although they may include certain
   other non-qualified deferred compensation plans) for employees of states and
   their political subdivisions and certain other organizations exempt from
   taxation.

   For Section 457 Plans established for the benefit of any organization that is
   exempt from the federal income tax, other than a governmental unit, all
   amounts of compensation deferred under the Plan, all property and rights
   purchased with such amounts, and all income attributable to such amounts,
   property, or rights, remain (until made available to a Participant or other
   Beneficiary) solely the property and the rights of the Contract Owner
   (without being restricted to the provision of benefits under the Plan),
   subject only to the claims of the Contract Owner's general creditors.

   For Section 457 Plans established by a state, a political subdivision of a
   state, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or political subdivision
   of a state after August 20, 1996, the assets and income of the Plan must be
   held in trust for the exclusive benefit of the Participants and the
   Beneficiaries of the Plan. For this purpose, custodial accounts and certain
   annuity contracts are treated as trusts. Section 457 Plans that were in
   existence on August 20, 1996 may be amended to satisfy the trust and
   exclusive benefit requirements any time prior to January 1, 1999, and must be
   amended not later than that date to continue to receive favorable tax
   treatment. Until the effective date of such amendment, such Plans may
   continue to qualify for favorable tax treatment by satisfying the
   requirements set forth above for other tax exempt organizations.

   A single group Contract is issued to the Contract Owner, covering all present
   and future participating employees. The Company will issue a certificate to
   the Contract Owner for delivery to each Retired Participant or other person
   for whom an Optional Retirement Income Form is purchased, setting forth in
   substance the benefits to which such person is entitled. In addition, if any
   applicable law requires, the Company will issue a descriptive certificate to
   the Contract Owner for delivery to any such person required by law to receive
   such certificate, setting forth in substance the benefits to which such
   person is entitled. For purposes of determining benefits payable under the
   Plan, an individual accumulation account is established for each Participant.
   The frequency of Purchase Payments is normally monthly, but may be adjusted
   to fit the payroll practices of the Contract Owner. Purchase Payments made at
   any time by or on behalf of any Participant must be at least $20 per month.

   
   The basic objectives of the Contracts are to provide each Participant with an
   initial Retirement Income Payment, which will tend to reflect the changes
   which have occurred in the cost of living during pre-retirement years
   (without the necessity of increased Purchase Payments to keep pace with any
   increase in the cost of living which might occur during those years), and to
   provide subsequent Retirement Income Payments which will tend to vary with
   the cost of living changes during the lifetime of the retiree. The Company
   seeks to accomplish these objectives by applying purchase rates contained in
   the Contract to the amounts accumulated through investment in Underlying
   Mutual Funds. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there is no assurance that these
   objectives will be attained. Historically, the value of a diversified
   portfolio of common stocks held for an extended period of time has tended to
   rise during periods of inflation. There has, however, been no exact
   correlation, and for some periods, the prices of securities have declined
   while the cost of living was rising.
    

   MODIFICATION OF THE CONTRACT

   
   The CDSC, Participant Account Maintenance Charge and Variable Account Annual
   Expense Fee, when negotiated, may be decreased upon notice to the Contract
   Owner.
    

   Other than as set forth above, the Company may modify the Contract at any
   time without consent of the Contract Owner or Participants. No such
   modification will be retroactive or affect Retired Participants in any manner
   without their written consent, unless such modification is considered
   necessary to obtain the benefit of federal or state statutes or regulations
   or to maintain qualification of the Plan.


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<PAGE>   31

     CONTRACT RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES AND ASSIGNMENTS

   
     The Contract belongs to the Contract Owner provided, however, that under
     Code Section 457 Plans, the Contract Owner must hold the Contract for the
     exclusive benefit of the Plan's Participants and Beneficiaries. All
     contractual rights and privileges may be exercised by the Contract Owner,
     subject to any rights specifically reserved in the Plan for Participants as
     a group or as individuals. With respect to 457 Plans, the Contract Owner
     may not take any action inconsistent with the rights of such 457 Plan's
     Participants. The Contract may not be assigned.
    

     EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE

     The Company will permit the Contract Owner or the Participant, if the Plan
     so provides, to exchange amounts among the Sub-Accounts as frequently as
     permitted by the Plan, subject to the limits and rules set by each
     Underlying Mutual Fund. For those Contracts where the Contract Owner has
     elected an exchange privilege, there will be no charge for exchanges among
     the Sub-Accounts.

   
     The Company will also permit the Participant to utilize the telephone
     exchange privilege, for exchanging amounts among Sub-Accounts, if forms are
     executed by the Contract Owner and Participant agreeing with certain
     restrictions applicable to such privilege. Telephone exchange requests must
     be received by the Company prior to the close of the New York Stock
     Exchange in order to receive that day's closing Sub-Account price. A
     telephone exchange request may not be revoked once instructions have been
     recorded and accepted. The Company will employ reasonable procedures to
     confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Such
     procedures may include any or all of the following: requesting identifying
     information, such as name, contract number, Social Security Number, and/or
     personal identification number; tape recording all telephone transactions
     and providing written confirmation thereof to the Contract Owner or
     Participant and any agent of record, at the last address of record; or any
     other procedures that the Company deems reasonable. Failure to follow
     reasonable procedures may result in the Company's liability for any losses
     due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone transfers. However, any losses
     incurred pursuant to actions taken by the Company in reliance on telephone
     instructions reasonably believed to be genuine shall be borne by the
     Participant. If the Participant is unable to execute an exchange request by
     telephone (for example, during times of unusual market activity), the
     Participant may consider placing the exchange order by mail. The Company
     may withdraw the telephone exchange privilege upon a thirty (30) day
     written notice to Contract Owners and Participants.
    

     On the date the Company receives an exchange request in good order, which
     includes all of the information necessary for processing the request, the
     Company will transfer the amount to be converted. Such transfers will be
     based on the Accumulation Unit values of the affected Sub-Accounts if
     received at the Home Office prior to the close of the New York Stock
     Exchange on a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for
     business. If the exchange request is received after the close of the New
     York Stock Exchange, the transfer will be based on the next business day
     which the New York Stock Exchange is open.

     For those Plans funded by this Contract and the Company's Group Fixed Fund
     Retirement Contract, the Contract Owner, or the Participant if the Plan so
     provides, may exchange Accumulation Units between any Sub-Account and the
     Group Fixed Fund Retirement Contract. Exchanges from the deposit fund to
     any Sub-Account will be subject to the limitations of the Group Fixed Fund
     Retirement Contract. Exchanges will be effective when received in good
     order at the Home Office.

     SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION

     The Contract may be suspended at the option of the Company upon written
     notice to the Contract Owner if: (a) the Contract Owner has failed to remit
     to the Company any Purchase Payment specified in the Plan; or (b) if the
     Company does not accept an amendment to the Plan, filed with the Company by
     the Contract Owner, which in the Company's opinion would adversely affect
     its financial experience with respect to the Contract. The Contract Owner
     may suspend the Contract upon 90 days written notice to the Company.
     Suspension of the Contract will become effective as of the ninety-first
     (91st) day following receipt of written notice by the Company. Suspension
     of the Contract means that no further Purchase Payments will be accepted by
     the Company except by mutual consent, and all other terms of the Contract
     will continue to apply. After suspension of the Contract has become
     effective, the Contract Owner may, upon 30 days written notice, terminate
     the Contract. Upon termination of the Contract, the Company will pay to the
     Contract Owner the value of the Contract, subject to applicable charges, in
     accordance with the terms of the


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<PAGE>   32
     Contract (see "Redemption of Participant Accounts"). Upon such termination
     by the Contract Owner, payment of Contract Values will be subject to any
     applicable CDSC.

B.   PARTICIPANT ACCOUNT VALUES

     APPLICATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS

     The Company will receive Purchase Payments from the Contract Owner in
     accordance with the requirements of the Plan. Net Purchase Payments
     received on behalf of Participants will be applied by the Company to
     purchase Accumulation Units of Sub-Accounts in accordance with the
     instructions of the Contract Owner. Purchase Payments made at any time by
     or on behalf of each Participant must be at least $20 per month. Purchase
     Payments must be no less than monthly, unless agreed to by the Company.

     An initial Purchase Payment will be priced not later than 2 business days
     after receipt of an order to purchase, if the application of the
     Participant and all information necessary for processing the purchase order
     are complete. The Company may retain the Purchase Payment for up to 5
     business days while attempting to complete an incomplete application. If
     the application cannot be made complete within 5 business days, the
     Contract Owner will be informed of the reasons for the delay and the
     Purchase Payment will be returned immediately unless the Contract Owner
     consents to the Company retaining the Purchase Payment until the
     application is made complete. Upon completion of such incomplete
     application, the Purchase Payment will be priced within 2 business days.

     Purchase Payments will not be priced on days when the New York Stock
     Exchange is not open for business.

   
     When permissible under state insurance law, the Company may credit up to 8%
     of an Initial Transfer into the Contract. This credit will reimburse the
     Contract Owner for any exit penalty associated with an investment product
     offered by a provider other than the Company. The Company will recover this
     credit by reducing service agent and/or broker compensation or through the
     negotiation of an increased Participant Account Maintenance Charge or
     Variable Account Annual Expense Fee.
    

     ADDITIONAL PURCHASE PAYMENT PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

   
     The Contract Owner will have the right to make one additional Purchase
     Payment in respect to a Participant for the purpose of increasing
     Retirement Income Payments. Notice of such payment shall be given to the
     Company at the time the notice to distribute is given, and such additional
     Purchase Payment must be made no later than the last business day prior to
     the date upon which Retirement Income Payments are to commence. Any such
     additional Purchase Payment will be subject to any applicable premium
     taxes. The annuity rates provided under this Contract at the time of issue
     will be applicable to the entire value, including any such additional
     Purchase Payment, of such account which does not exceed five times the
     Purchase Payment allocated to such account prior to the date notice to
     distribute is given. Any excess amount may be applied at annuity rates then
     offered by the Company for contracts of the same type as this Contract.
    

     CREDITING ACCUMULATION UNITS

   
     When a Purchase Payment is received by the Company, the net Purchase
     Payment for each Sub-Account is applied separately to provide Accumulation
     Units (calculated daily) which are credited to a Participant Account in
     accordance with the instructions of the Contract Owner. The number of
     Accumulation Units credited to each Participant Account for each
     Sub-Account is determined by dividing the net Purchase Payment allocated to
     that Sub-Account for that Participant by the value of the Accumulation Unit
     for that Sub-Account next computed following receipt of the Purchase
     Payment by the Company. The net Purchase Payment for each Participant is
     the total Purchase Payment for that Participant less any premium taxes then
     payable.
    

     VARIABLE ACCOUNT ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE

     The value of an Accumulation Unit for each Sub-Account was established at
     $1.00 as of the date Underlying Mutual Fund shares were available for
     purchase for that Sub-Account. The value of Accumulation Units for any
     Sub-Account for any subsequent business day is determined by multiplying
     the value for the preceding business day by the net investment factor for
     that Sub-Account for the period since that day (see the section entitled
     "Net Investment Factor"). A business day is any day on which the New York
     Stock Exchange is open for trading or any other day during which there is a
     sufficient degree of trading of the Underlying Mutual Fund shares that the
     current Net Asset Value of their Accumulation Units might be materially
     affected. Accumulation Units are calculated on a daily basis.


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     ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS

     The Contract Owner or Participant must specify the proportion of the
     Purchase Payments to be applied to provide benefits under any Sub-Account.
     The Company will permit the Contract Owner, or the Participant if the Plan
     so permits, to change the allocation percentages among Sub-Accounts for
     subsequent Purchase Payments, provided that no change may be made which
     would result in an amount less than 1% of the payment being allocated to
     any Sub-Account for any Participant. The Company will permit such
     allocation changes as frequently as permitted by the Plan. A change in
     allocation percentages will not affect Accumulation Units of any
     Sub-Account resulting from Purchase Payments made before the change.

     VALUATION OF AN ACCOUNT

     The sum of the value of all Accumulation Units credited to the Participant
     Account is the Participant Account value. Purchase Payments are allocated
     among the Sub-Accounts in accordance with the instructions of the Contract
     Owner.

     The value of a Participant's Account on any day can be determined by
     multiplying the total number of Accumulation Units credited to the account
     for each Sub-Account by the current Accumulation Unit value for that
     Sub-Account in respect of the Participant. Each Participant (or the
     Contract Owner) will be advised periodically of the number of Accumulation
     Units credited to his or her account for each Sub-Account, the current
     Accumulation Unit values, and the total value of his or her account. Such
     reports to Participants are for informational purposes only and should not
     be interpreted to mean that a Participant has any rights with respect to
     his or her account beyond that provided by the Contract Owner in accordance
     with the terms of the Plan.

     The Participant and Contract Owner should review the information in these
     reports carefully. All errors or corrections must be reported to the
     Company immediately to assure proper crediting to the Contract. The Company
     will assume all transactions are accurate unless the Participant or the
     Contract Owner notifies the Company otherwise within 30 days after receipt
     of the report.

     The principal underwriter and distributor of the Contracts is Nationwide
     Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"), located at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus,
     Ohio, 43215.

C.   REDEMPTION OF PARTICIPANT ACCOUNTS

     The Contract Owner's right to redeem Participant Accounts, either fully or
     partially, will be governed by the terms of the Plan which the Contract is
     issued to fund. It should be recognized that the value of the investment on
     redemption can be more or less than its cost. All such payments will be
     made by the Company to the Contract Owner, after the assessment of any
     applicable CDSC. It is the Contract Owner's obligation to distribute such
     payments to a Participant. The Company may undertake the obligation on
     behalf of the Contract Owner to distribute such payments, less the CDSC, if
     any, directly to a Participant by agreement with the Contract Owner. To the
     extent permitted by the Plan, a Participant Account may be redeemed fully
     or partially at any time prior to the date Retirement Income Payments
     commence for the Participant under either Option B1 or B2, subject to the
     CDSC. No partial redemption will directly affect future requirements to
     make Purchase Payments. If the Contract is terminated by the Contract
     Owner, all Participant Accounts in the Variable Account will be redeemed to
     the extent permitted by the Plan.

   
     A request for a partial redemption of a Participant Account containing more
     than one Sub-Account must specify the allocation of the partial redemption
     among the Sub-Accounts. However, if no such direction is contained in the
     request for a redemption, the Company may pro-rate the redemption among the
     applicable Sub-Accounts. Upon receipt at the Home Office of a written
     request for a full or partial redemption of a Participant Account, the
     Company will determine the value of the number of Accumulation Units
     redeemed, less any applicable CDSC, at the Accumulation Unit value next
     computed following receipt of such written request by the Company. Payment
     of any such amount will be made to the Contract Owner within 7 days of the
     date the request is received by the Company. Payment of redemption values
     may be suspended when redemption of the Underlying Mutual Fund shares is
     suspended: (i) during any period in which the New York Stock Exchange is
     closed; or (ii) in the event that the SEC may by order direct for the
     protection of Contract Owners or Participants. Instead of a lump sum
     Distribution of a full or partial redemption, the Contract Owner, or
     Participant if permitted by the Plan, may elect to have that amount paid in
     installments under Option A1 or A2, subject to the minimums applicable to
     these options.
    


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D.   DISTRIBUTION OF PARTICIPANT ACCOUNTS (RETIREMENT PERIOD)

     RETIREMENT INCOME PAYMENTS

   
     The period during which a Participant Account is paid out in periodic
     installments is known as the Distribution Period. Because periodic
     Distributions will normally be made after the Participant retires, the
     Distribution Period is also called the retirement period. All such periodic
     Distributions will be made by the Company to the Contract Owner. It is the
     Contract Owner's obligation to pay such amounts to a Participant. The
     Company may undertake the obligation on behalf of the Contract Owner to pay
     such amounts directly to a Participant by agreement with the Contract
     Owner. Retirement Income Payments under Options B1 and B2 are determined on
     the basis of: (i) the mortality tables specified in the Contract; (ii) the
     adjusted age of the Retired Participant; (iii) the type of Retirement
     Income Payment option(s) selected; and (iv) in the case of variable
     payments, the investment performance of the Sub-Accounts elected. While the
     Company may be obligated to make variable Retirement Income Payments under
     the Contract, the amount of each such payment is not guaranteed. The dollar
     amount of variable payments will reflect investment gains and losses, and
     investment income of the Sub-Accounts on which they are based, but they
     will not be affected by adverse mortality experience or by an increase in
     the Company's expenses above the amount provided for in the Contracts.
    

     ELECTION OF INCOME FORM AND DATE

     The Contracts provide for Retirement Income Payments to begin on the date
     and under the retirement options elected in accordance with the Plan. At
     least one month prior to a Participant's Retirement Commencement Date, the
     Contract Owner may, by written election to the Company at its Home Office,
     elect any one of the retirement income options described in the "Optional
     Retirement Income Forms" section. The Plan may restrict changes in election
     of retirement income options.

     ALLOCATION OF RETIREMENT INCOME

     At retirement, Accumulation Units in a Participant's Account may be used to
     purchase a Fixed Dollar Annuity for the Participant. For Participants
     electing Options A1 or A2 as described in the "Optional Retirement Income
     Forms" section, Accumulation Units in a Participant's Account of any
     Sub-Account will be used to provide variable Retirement Income Payments as
     described further in this prospectus.

     FIXED DOLLAR ANNUITY

     A fixed dollar annuity is an annuity with payments which are guaranteed as
     to dollar amount during the retirement period. The first fixed dollar
     payment will be determined by applying the value of the General Account
     Contract Value to the applicable Annuity Table in accordance with the
     Optional Retirement Income Form elected. This will be done at the
     retirement date. Fixed dollar annuity payments after the first will not be
     less than the first fixed dollar annuity payment. The availability of fixed
     dollar annuity contracts under a particular Plan is subject to the election
     of the Contract Owner.

     MINIMUM PAYMENT

     If the present value of the Participant's accrued benefit at the time of
     retirement is less than $3,500, the Company will have the right to make a
     lump sum Distribution to such Retired Participant.

     DEATH BENEFIT BEFORE RETIREMENT

     In the event a Participant dies before his or her retirement income
     commences, a death benefit equal to the value of such Participant Account
     will be paid as provided by the Plan upon: (1) the Company's receipt of
     verification and proof of death; and (2) the Company's verification of
     Beneficiary designations. If the Plan so provides, a Beneficiary may elect
     either to receive the value in a lump sum or to apply it under any of the
     Optional Retirement Income Forms contained in the Contract (subject to the
     minimums applicable to such optional forms). Monthly payments due under
     such options may be fixed, variable, or a combination of fixed and
     variable.


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<PAGE>   35
     OPTIONAL RETIREMENT INCOME FORMS

     The availability of the following Optional Retirement Income Forms is
     subject to the election of the Contract Owner.

         OPTION A1- Payments for a Designated Period. Payments will be made
         monthly for any specified number of years not to exceed 30. The amount
         of each variable payment will be determined by multiplying (a) by (b)
         where: (a) is the Accumulation Unit value for the date the payment is
         made; and (b) is the number of Accumulation Units applied under this
         option divided by the number of payments selected. Exchanges between
         the investment options are permitted subject to limitations outlined in
         the Company's Group Fixed Fund Retirement Contract. A period certain
         payment period of less than 5 years for a Participant who has less than
         a minimum of 5 Participant Account Years would result in imposition of
         the applicable CDSC.

         OPTION A2 - Payments of a Designated Amount. Payments will be made
         monthly in equal installments (not less than $25 per month) until the
         amount applied, adjusted each Valuation Date for investment results, is
         exhausted. The final installment will be the sum remaining with the
         Company. Exchanges between the investment options are permitted subject
         to limitations outlined in the Company's Group Fixed Fund Retirement
         Contract.

         OPTION B1- Life Income with Payment Certain. Payments will be made at
         least on an annual basis during the lifetime of a Participant. A period
         certain of 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 or 360 months may be chosen. If the
         Participant dies prior to the end of such period certain, payments will
         continue to the designated Beneficiary for the remainder of the
         selected period certain.

         OPTION B2 - Joint and Survivor Life Income. Payments will be made
         monthly during the joint lifetime of an individual and another named
         individual. Payments will continue to be made as long as either is
         living. This option will permit the choice of 100%, 75%, 66% or 50% of
         the original payment amount to be paid to the Beneficiary. Payments
         will stop with the last payment due prior to the death of the
         Beneficiary. If the Beneficiary predeceases the designated annuitant,
         then payments continue at 100% to the designated annuitant.

         OTHER FORMS AND BENEFIT PAYMENTS- With the consent of the Company, the
         amount due upon Distribution may be applied on any other mutually
         agreeable basis.

     Exchanges processed while Participants are receiving payments pursuant to
     Option A1 may change the number of Accumulation Units remaining. In this
     event, the payment amount must be recalculated.

     DEATH OF RETIRED PARTICIPANT

     If any Retired Participant dies while receiving payments, any death benefit
     payable will be determined in accordance with the retirement income form
     elected. Calculation of the present value of any remaining payments certain
     for purposes of making a lump sum payment will be based on the same assumed
     investment rate used by the Company in determining the payments certain
     prior to the death of the Retired Participant.

     WITHDRAWAL

     If permitted by the Plan, any amount remaining under Option A1 or A2 may be
     withdrawn, or if that amount is at least $5,000, it may be applied under
     either Option B1 or B2, subject to the minimum payment requirements
     described previously. Unless prohibited by the Plan, a Beneficiary
     receiving payments certain under Option B1 after the death of a Retired
     Participant may elect at any time to receive the present value at the
     current dollar amount of the remaining number of payments certain in a
     single payment, calculated on the basis of the assumed investment rate used
     in computing the amount of the previous payments.

     FREQUENCY OF PAYMENT

     At the election of the Retired Participant, and with the consent of the
     Contract Owner, payments made under any option may be made annually,
     semi-annually, or quarterly instead of monthly. Any change in frequency of
     payments must be on the anniversary of the commencement of Retirement
     Income Payments.


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     DETERMINATION OF PAYMENTS UNDER OPTIONS A1 AND A2

     Monthly payments under Options A1 and A2 will be determined in the manner
     set forth in the description of the options. As each payment is made under
     either of these options, a number of Accumulation Units equal in value to
     the payment will be canceled.

     DETERMINATION OF PAYMENTS UNDER OPTIONS B1 AND B2

     Variable monthly payments under Options B1 and B2 will be determined
     annually and will remain level throughout the year. Each year, as of the
     anniversary of the commencement of Retirement Income Payments, a new
     variable monthly payment will be determined and that new payment will
     remain level for that year. An adjusted age is used to determine the amount
     of monthly payment for each year. Such adjusted age may not be the same as
     the actual age of the Retired Participant.

     DETERMINATION OF AMOUNT OF VARIABLE MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR FIRST YEAR

     In determining the amount of Retirement Income Payments under Options B1
     and B2, the value held on behalf of a Participant is determined by
     multiplying the number of Accumulation Units in each Sub-Account for that
     account by the Accumulation Unit value for that Sub-Account on the last
     business day of the second calendar week immediately preceding the date on
     which the first payment is due.

     The first year variable monthly payment for each Sub-Account is determined
     by dividing the value of the Accumulation Units of that Sub-Account in the
     Participant Account by the amount required to provide $1 per month (the
     purchase rate).

     Once the first year's variable monthly payment amount has been determined
     for a Participant, the Company will deduct the annual premium from the
     Participant Account. This deduction is made by canceling a number of
     Accumulation Units in the Participant Account equal in value to the annual
     premium. The allocation of the annual premium between Sub-Accounts will be
     in such relationship as the monthly payments from each Sub-Accounts have to
     each other.

   
     The annual premium is calculated so that if there are no partial
     redemptions (and therefore no Underlying Mutual Fund dividends have been
     taken in cash), the payee will receive level annual payments if the net
     investment factor, on an annual basis, is equal to the assumed investment
     rate plus an amount equal to the annual Participant Account Maintenance
     Charge. Payments for subsequent years will be smaller than, equal to, or
     greater than the payments received during the initial year, depending on
     whether the actual net investment result on an annual basis of a
     Sub-Account is smaller than, equal to, or greater than the assumed
     investment rate.
    

     DETERMINATION OF AMOUNT OF VARIABLE MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR THE SECOND AND
     SUBSEQUENT YEARS

     As of the first anniversary of the commencement of Retirement Income
     Payments, the second year variable monthly payments will be determined in
     exactly the same manner as for the first year, using the purchase rates in
     the Contract for the Retired Participant's age as then determined under the
     terms of the Contract. As in the first year, an annual premium will be
     deducted and transferred to the General Account from which the Company will
     make the Retirement Income Payments. Subsequent annual determinations will
     be made in the same manner.

     Upon the death of any Retired Participant, the Participant Account will be
     reduced by the number of Accumulation Units not required to provide further
     payments during the remainder of a period certain, if any, or to a
     contingent Retired Participant. Any Accumulation Units so canceled will
     either remain in the Variable Account or be transferred to the General
     Account, depending on the Company's obligation.

     ALTERNATE ASSUMED INVESTMENT RATE

     The Contracts include purchase rates based on a 3.5% rate per annum. If not
     prohibited by the laws and regulations of the state in which this Contract
     is issued, a Contract Owner may elect on the Contract Date to have all
     variable benefits payable for all Participants determined at an assumed
     investment rate of 5% per annum. The assumed investment rate basis in the
     Contract is used merely to determine each periodic monthly payment from
     investment experience of any of the Sub-Accounts. The choice of the assumed
     investment rate affects the pattern of Retirement Income Payments. A higher
     assumed investment rate will produce a higher initial payment, but a more
     slowly rising Sub-Account of subsequent payments (or a more 


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<PAGE>   37
     rapidly falling Sub-Account of subsequent payments) than a lower assumed
     investment rate. Although a higher initial payment would be received under
     a higher assumed investment rate, there is a point in time after which
     payments under a lower assumed investment rate would be greater, assuming
     payment continues after that point in time.

     The objective of a variable retirement contract is to provide level
     payments during periods when the economy is relatively stable and to
     reflect as increased payments only the excess of investment results flowing
     from inflation or an increase in productivity. The achievement of this
     objective will depend in part upon the validity of the assumption that the
     net investment result, on an annual basis, of a Sub-Account equals the
     assumed investment rate during periods of stable prices.

                               GENERAL INFORMATION

     SUBSTITUTION OF SECURITIES

     If the shares of any Underlying Mutual Fund should no longer be available
     for investment by the Variable Account or if, in the judgment of the
     Company's management, further investment in such Underlying Mutual Fund
     shares should become inappropriate in view of the purposes of the Contract,
     the Company may substitute shares of another Underlying Mutual Fund for
     Underlying Mutual Fund shares already purchased or to be purchased in the
     future by Purchase Payments under the Contract. No substitution of
     securities in any Sub-Accounts may take place without prior approval of the
     SEC, and under such requirements as it may impose.

     PERFORMANCE ADVERTISING

   
     A "yield" and "effective yield" may be advertised for the Nationwide Money
     Market Fund Sub-Account, the Dreyfus Cash Management Fund - Class A
     Sub-Account and the Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund
     Sub-Account. "Yield" is a measure of the net dividend and interest income
     earned over a specific seven-day period (which period will be stated in the
     advertisement) expressed as a percentage of the offering price of the
     Sub-Account units. Yield is an annualized figure, which means that it is
     assumed that the Sub-Account generates the same level of net income each
     week over a 52-week period. The "effective yield" is calculated similarly
     but includes the effect of assumed compounding calculated under rules
     prescribed by the SEC. The effective yield will be slightly higher than
     yield due to this compounding effect.

     The Company may, from time to time, advertise several types of historical
     performance of the Sub-Accounts. The Company may advertise the
     Sub-Account's standardized "average annual total return," calculated in a
     manner prescribed by the SEC, and nonstandardized "total return." "Average
     annual total return" illustrates the percentage rate of return of a
     hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 for the most recent one, five and
     ten year periods, or for a period covering the time the Underlying Mutual
     Fund option has been available in the Variable Account if the Underlying
     Mutual Fund option has not been available for the prescribed periods. THIS
     CALCULATION REFLECTS THE DEDUCTION OF ALL APPLICABLE CHARGES MADE TO THE
     CONTRACTS EXCEPT FOR PREMIUM TAXES, WHICH MAY BE IMPOSED BY CERTAIN STATES.
    

   
     Nonstandardized "total return," calculated similar to standardized "average
     annual total return," illustrates the percentage rate of return of a
     hypothetical initial investment of $10,000 for the most recent one, five
     and ten year periods, or for a period covering the time the Underlying
     Mutual Fund option has been in existence. For those Underlying Mutual Fund
     options which have not been held as Sub-Accounts for one of the prescribed
     periods, the nonstandardized total return illustrations will show the
     investment performance such Underlying Mutual Fund options would have
     achieved (reduced by the same charges except the CDSC) had such Underlying
     Mutual Fund options been available in the Variable Account for the periods
     quoted. THE CDSC IS NOT REFLECTED BECAUSE THE CONTRACTS ARE DESIGNED FOR
     LONG TERM INVESTMENT. THE CDSC, IF REFLECTED WOULD DECREASE THE LEVEL OF
     PERFORMANCE SHOWN. AN INITIAL INVESTMENT OF $10,000 IS ASSUMED BECAUSE THAT
     AMOUNT MORE CLOSELY APPROXIMATES THE SIZE OF A TYPICAL CONTRACT THAN DOES
     THE $1,000 ASSUMPTION USED IN CALCULATING THE STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL
     TOTAL RETURN QUOTATIONS.
    


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<PAGE>   38
   
     The standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized total
     return quotations are calculated as described in this section using
     Underlying Mutual Fund performance for the period ended December 31, 1997.
     However, the Company generally provides performance quotations on a more
     frequent basis, the results of which could reflect better or worse results.
     The quotations and other comparative material advertised by the Company are
     based upon historical earnings and are not intended to represent or
     guarantee future results. A Contract Owner's or Participant's Account Value
     at redemption may be more or less than the original cost.
    

     The Company may also advertise the performance of the Sub-Accounts of the
     Variable Account relative to the performance of other variable annuity
     sub-accounts or mutual funds with similar or different objectives, or the
     investment industry as a whole.

     The Sub-Accounts may also be compared to certain market indexes, which may
     include, but are not limited to: S&P 500; Shearson/Lehman Intermediate
     Government/Corporate Bond Index; Shearson/Lehman Long-Term
     Government/Corporate Bond Index; Donoghue Money Fund Average; U.S. Treasury
     Note Index; and Dow Jones Industrial Average.

     Normally these rankings and ratings are published by independent tracking
     services and publications of general interest including, but not limited
     to: Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA/Wiesenberger, Morningstar,
     Donoghue's, magazines such as Money, Forbes, Kiplinger's Personal Finance
     Magazine, Financial World, Consumer Reports, Business Week, Time, Newsweek,
     U.S. News and World Report, National Underwriter; rating services such as
     LIMRA, Value, Best's Agent Guide, Western Annuity Guide, Comparative
     Annuity Reports; and other publications such as the Wall Street Journal,
     Barron's, Investor's Daily, and Standard & Poor's Outlook. In addition,
     Variable Annuity Research & Data Service (The VARDS Report) is an
     independent rating service that ranks over 500 variable annuity funds based
     upon total return performance. These rating services and publications rank
     the performance of the Underlying Mutual Funds against all mutual funds
     over specified periods and against mutual funds in specified categories.
     The rankings may or may not include the effects of sales or other charges.

     The Company is also ranked and rated by independent financial rating
     services, among which are Moody's, Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best Company.
     The purpose of these ratings is to reflect the financial strength or
     claims-paying ability of the Company. The ratings are not intended to
     reflect the investment experience or financial strength of the Variable
     Account. The Company may advertise these ratings from time to time. In
     addition, the Company may include in certain advertisements, endorsements
     in the form of a list of organizations, individuals or other parties which
     recommend the Company or the Contract. Furthermore, the Company may
     occasionally include in advertisements comparisons of currently taxable and
     tax deferred investment programs, based on selected tax brackets, or
     discussions of alternative investment vehicles and general economic
     conditions.

     The Statement of Additional Information contains more detailed information
     about performance calculations, including actual examples for each type of
     performance advertised.

     CONTRACT OWNER INQUIRIES

     Contract Owner and Participant inquiries may be directed to the Company by
     writing Nationwide Life Insurance Company, P.O. Box 16766, One Nationwide
     Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216, or calling 1-800-545-4730 (TTY:
     1-800-848-0833).

     NET INVESTMENT FACTOR

     The net investment factor for any Valuation Period is determined by
     dividing (a) by (b), and then subtracting (c) where:
     (a) is the net of:
         (1)  the Net Asset Value per share of the Underlying Mutual Fund held
              in the Sub-Account determined at the end of the current Valuation
              Period; and
         (2)  the per share amount of any dividend or capital gain distributions
              made by the Underlying Mutual Fund held in the Sub-Account if the
              "ex-dividend" date occurs during the current Valuation Period;


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<PAGE>   39
     (b) is the Net Asset Value per share of the Underlying Mutual Fund held in
         the Sub-Account determined as of the end of the immediately preceding
         Valuation Period.
   
     (c) is a factor representing the Variable Account Annual Expense Fee. Such
         factor is equal to a maximum annual rate of 0.95% of the average
         Variable Account value.
    

     For Underlying Mutual Funds that credit dividends on a daily basis and pay
     such dividends once each month or quarter, (such as money market funds and
     certain bond funds), the net investment factor allows for the monthly or
     quarterly reinvestment of these daily dividends.

   
     The net investment factor may be greater or less than one; therefore, the
     value of an Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease. It should be noted
     that changes in the net investment factor may not be directly proportional
     to changes in the Net Asset Value of Underlying Mutual Fund shares because
     of the deduction for the Variable Account Annual Expense Fee and the effect
     of the various purchase and sale transactions on any particular day.
    

     VALUATION OF ASSETS

     Underlying Mutual Fund shares in the Variable Account will be purchased and
     valued at their Net Asset Value (daily bid price exclusive of any sales
     charges). An Underlying Mutual Fund's Net Asset Value per share is
     determined by dividing the value of the total assets of the Underlying
     Mutual Fund, less liabilities, by the number of shares outstanding, with no
     charge for sales expense.

     FEDERAL TAX STATUS

     The following description of the federal tax status of these Contracts is
     not exhaustive, and special rules are provided with respect to situations
     not discussed herein. For complete information, consult a qualified tax
     adviser. The Company does not make any guarantee regarding the tax status
     of any Contract or any transaction involving the Contracts. The Contracts
     are treated as a trust for purposes of the Code under rules similar to the
     rules under Section 401(f) of the Code.

     For federal income tax purposes, the operations of the Variable Account
     form a part of the Company's operations. Under existing federal income tax
     law, no taxes are payable by the Company on the investment income of the
     Variable Account to the extent it is credited to the Contract Owners under
     the Contracts. The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under Part
     One, Subchapter L, of the Code.

     Income and capital gains of the Variable Account would normally be taxable
     to Contract Owners whether or not taken by the Contract Owners in cash.
     However, the Contracts are issued only to organizations exempt from federal
     income tax.

     The amounts received by the Participant under the Plan normally represent
     the accumulation of Purchase Payments which were not previously included in
     the Participant's gross income, and therefore any such amounts should be
     included in gross income of a Participant or Beneficiary when such amounts
     are received.

     It is the responsibility of each Contract Owner to determine that its Plan
     is established and administered in accordance with the applicable
     provisions of the Code.

     CONTRACTS ISSUED UNDER THE NEW YORK MODEL PLAN

   
     The following Contract amendments are required by the Rules and Regulations
     of the New York State Deferred Compensation Board in order to market the
     Contracts to governmental employers for use in funding public employee
     deferred compensation plans in the State of New York.
    

     Throughout the prospectus, references to "annuity" payments are modified to
     "benefit" payments.

     The "Suspension and Termination" provisions are amended to permit a
     Participant to "freeze" his or her account and maintain the account on
     deposit with the Company notwithstanding the Contract Owner's termination
     of its contractual relationship with the Company. The assets of the Plan
     are part of the general assets of the Contract Owner, provided however that
     the Contract Owner must hold all such Plan assets for the exclusive benefit
     of the Plan's Participants and Beneficiaries.


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<PAGE>   40
     All references throughout the prospectus to Optional Retirement Income
     Forms A1, A2, B1 and B2 shall mean Option 1, Option 2, Option 3 and Option
     4, respectively. All references to "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" and
     "CDSC" are deleted.

                                LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     From time to time the Company is a party to litigation and arbitration
     proceedings in the ordinary course of its business, none of which is
     expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

     In recent years, life insurance companies have been named as defendants in
     lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, relating to life insurance
     pricing and sales practices. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in
     substantial jury awards or settlements. In February 1997, Nationwide Life
     was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court
     related to the sale of whole life policies on a "vanishing premium" basis
     (John H. Snyder v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Nationwide Mutual
     Insurance Co. and Nationwide Life Insurance Co.). The plaintiff in such
     lawsuit seeks to represent a national class of Nationwide Life
     policyholders and claims unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
     This lawsuit is in an early stage and has not been certified as a class
     action. Nationwide Life intends to defend this case vigorously. There can
     be no assurance that any future litigation relating to pricing and sales
     practices will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

     The General Distributor, Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc., is not engaged
     in any litigation of any material nature.

            TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                                                         PAGE

General Information and History...........................................1
Services..................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered......................................2
Underwriters..............................................................2
Calculation of Performance................................................2
Annuity Payments..........................................................8
Financial Statements......................................................9


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                                    APPENDIX

                      PARTICIPATING UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS

(THE COMPANY MAY LIMIT THE NUMBER OF UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS SELECTED BY THE
CONTRACT OWNER, AND ALL UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE UNDER YOUR
PLAN.)

A SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES IS CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND BELOW. MORE DETAILED INFORMATION MAY BE FOUND IN THE
CURRENT PROSPECTUS FOR EACH UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND. SUCH A PROSPECTUS FOR THE
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS BEING CONSIDERED SHOULD ACCOMPANY THE PROSPECTUS AND
SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION HEREWITH. A COPY OF EACH PROSPECTUS MAY BE
OBTAINED WITHOUT CHARGE FROM NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.

THE FOLLOWING FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE ONLY FOR DEFERRED COMPENSATION CONTRACTS.

AIM WEINGARTEN FUND - INSTITUTIONAL CLASS The investment objective of the Fund
is to provide growth of capital through investments primarily in common stocks
of leading U.S. companies considered by management to have strong earnings
momentum. AIM Advisers, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

AIM CONSTELLATION FUND - INSTITUTIONAL CLASS The investment objective of the
Fund is to provide capital appreciation primarily through investments in common
stocks with emphasis on medium-sized and smaller emerging growth companies. AIM
Advisers, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

AMERICAN CENTURY:  TWENTIETH CENTURY GROWTH
The investment objective of the Fund is capital growth through investment in
securities which the management considers to have better-than-average prospects
for appreciation. It is management's intention that the portfolio will generally
consist of common stocks of large, established companies. American Century
Investment Services, Inc. services as the Fund's investment Adviser.

   
AMERICAN CENTURY:  TWENTIETH CENTURY INTERNATIONAL GROWTH
The investment objective of the Fund is capital growth by investing in an
international portfolio of common stocks, primarily in developed markets; stocks
considered by the investment manager to have prospects for appreciation. The
Fund will invest primarily in common stocks (defined to include depository
receipts for common stocks) and other equity equivalents of such companies.
American Century Investment Management, Inc. serves as the Fund's adviser.
    

AMERICAN CENTURY:  TWENTIETH CENTURY SELECT
The investment objective of the Fund is capital growth by investing primarily in
common stocks that are considered by management to have better-than-average
prospects for appreciation. Common stocks chosen must have a record of paying or
having committed themselves to the payment of regular cash dividends, but growth
is the primary consideration, and the dividends may not be significant. American
Century Investment Services, Inc. services as the Fund's investment Adviser.

AMERICAN CENTURY:  TWENTIETH CENTURY ULTRA
The investment objective of the Fund is capital growth by investing primarily in
common stocks that are considered by management to have better-than-average
prospects for appreciation. It is management's intention that the portfolio will
generally consist of common stocks of medium-sized and smaller companies.
American Century Investment Services, Inc.
services as the Fund's investment Adviser.

DAVIS NEW YORK VENTURE FUND, INC.
The investment objective of the Fund is growth of capital. It invests primarily
in common stocks, and securities convertible into common stocks. The Fund
invests in securities subject to the risk of price fluctuations reflecting both
market evaluations of the business involved and general changes in the equity
markets. It invests in securities of foreign issuers, which involve special risk
factors, and may hedge currency fluctuation risks related thereto. Davis
Selected Advisers, L.P., serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

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DREYFUS CASH MANAGEMENT - CLASS A
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide investor with as high a level
of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the
maintenance of liquidity. The Dreyfus Corporation serves as the Fund's
investment Adviser.

DREYFUS S&P 500 INDEX FUND
The Fund's objective is to provide investment results that correspond to the
price and yield performance of publicly-traded common stocks in the aggregate,
as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index.
The Dreyfus Corporation serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

DREYFUS THIRD CENTURY FUND, INC.
The Fund's primary goal is to provide capital growth through equity investment
in companies that, in the opinion of the Fund's management, not only meet
traditional investment standards, but which also show evidence that they conduct
their business in a manner that contributes to the enhancement of the quality of
life in America. Current income is secondary to the primary goal. The Dreyfus
Corporation serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

EVERGREEN INCOME AND GROWTH FUND (FORMERLY EVERGREEN TOTAL RETURN FUND)
The investment objective of the Fund is current income and capital appreciation.
The Fund invests primarily in common and preferred stocks, securities
convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, and fixed income securities.
The Fund's objective is to maximize the "total return" on its portfolio of
investments. Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

FEDERATED GNMA TRUST-INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
The investment objective of the Fund is current income. The Fund pursues this
investment objective by investing primarily in instruments issued or guaranteed
by the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"). Federated Management
serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

FEDERATED U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND: 2-5 YEARS - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
The investment objective of the Fund is current income. The Fund pursues this
investment objective by investing in U.S. Government Securities with remaining
maturities of five years or less. Federated Management serves as the Fund's
investment Adviser.

FIDELITY ASSET MANAGER(TM)
The investment objective of the Fund is a high total return with reduced risk
over the long term by allocating its assets among domestic and foreign stocks,
bonds, and short-term instruments. Fidelity Management & Research Company serves
as the Fund's investment Adviser.

FIDELITY CONTRAFUND
The investment objective of the Fund is capital appreciation by investing in
securities that its manager believes are undervalued due to an overly
pessimistic appraisal by the public. Although the Fund will usually be invested
primarily in common stocks and securities convertible into common stock, the
percentage of its assets invested in other securities may vary. Fidelity
Management & Research Company serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

FIDELITY EQUITY-INCOME FUND
The investment objective of the Fund is to obtain reasonable income from a
portfolio consisting primarily of income-producing equity securities. The Fund
seeks a yield which exceeds the composite yield on the securities comprising the
Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks. In pursuing this objective, the
Fund will also consider the potential for capital appreciation. Fidelity
Management & Research Company serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

FIDELITY GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO
The investment objective of the Fund is long term capital growth, current
income, and growth of income consistent with reasonable investment risk.
Fidelity Management & Research Company serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.


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FIDELITY MAGELLAN(R) FUND
The investment objective of the Fund is capital appreciation by investing
primarily in common stock and securities convertible into common stock. The Fund
may also invest in foreign securities, which involves additional risks. The Fund
may also invest in stock index futures and options both of which can be volatile
investments. Fidelity Management & Research Company serves as the Fund's
investment Adviser.

FIDELITY OTC PORTFOLIO
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek capital appreciation by
investing primarily in securities traded on the over-the counter (OTC)
securities market. Securities traded on the OTC include, among others,
industrial corporations, financial services institutions, public utilities, and
transportation companies, common and preferred stocks, securities convertible
into common stock, warrants and similar rights, and debt securities, and
obligations of the federal government. The fund does not place any weight on
dividend and interest income unless it believes this income will have a
favorable influence on the market value of a security. Fidelity Management &
Research Company serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

FIDELITY PURITAN FUND
The investment objective of the Fund seeks to obtain as much income as possible,
consistent with the preservation and conservation of capital, by investing in a
broadly diversified portfolio of securities, including common stocks, preferred
stocks, and bonds. While emphasis on income is an important objective, this does
not preclude growth in capital since some securities offering a better than
average yield may also possess some growth possibilities. Fidelity Management &
Research Company serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

INVESCO INDUSTRIAL INCOME FUND, INC. (FORMERLY "FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL INCOME
FUND, INC.") The investment objective of the Fund is to seek the best possible
current income while following sound investment practices by investing in
securities which will provide a relatively high yield and stable return and
which, over a period of years, may also provide capital appreciation. Capital
growth potential is a secondary factor in the selection of portfolio securities
of the Fund. The Fund invests in common stocks, as well as convertible bond and
preferred stocks. INVESCO Funds Group, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment
Adviser.

JANUS FUND
The Janus Fund is a diversified fund that seeks long-term growth of capital by
investing primarily in common stocks of a large number of issuers of any size.
Janus Capital's fundamental analysis and selection process focuses on stocks
with earnings growth potential that may not be recognized by the market. Such
securities are selected solely for their capital growth potential; investment
income is not a consideration. Janus Capital Corporation serves as the Fund's
investment Adviser.

JANUS TWENTY FUND
   
The investment objective of the Fund is growth of capital in a manner consistent
with the preservation of capital. Under normal conditions, the Fund will
concentrate its investments in a core position of 20-30 common stocks. However,
the percentage of the Fund's assets invested in common stocks will vary,
depending upon its investment adviser's opinion of prevailing market, financial
and economic conditions. Consequently, the Fund may at times hold substantial
positions in cash, or interest-bearing securities. Janus Capital Corporation
serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.
    

JANUS WORLDWIDE FUND
The investment objective of the Fund is long-term growth of capital in a manner
consistent with preservation of capital. The objective is pursued primarily
through investments in common stocks of foreign and domestic issuers. The Fund
may invest on a worldwide basis in companies and organizations of any size,
regardless of country of organization or place of principal business activity.
The Fund normally invests in issuers from at least five different countries.
Janus Capital Corporation serves as the Fund's investment adviser.

MAS FUNDS FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
The investment objective of the Fund is to achieve above-average total return
over a market cycle of three to five years, consistent with reasonable risk, by
investing in a diversified portfolio of U.S. Government securities, corporate
bonds (including bonds rated below investment grade commonly referred to as
"junk bonds"), foreign fixed-income securities and mortgage-backed securities of
domestic issuers and other fixed-income securities. The portfolio's average
weighted maturity will ordinarily be greater than five years. Miller Anderson &
Sherrerd, L.L.P. serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.


                                       41

                                   43 of 176
<PAGE>   44
MFS(R) GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND - CLASS A (FORMERLY "MFS(R) CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
FUND") The investment objective of the Fund is growth of capital. Dividend
income, if any, is incidental to the objective of capital growth. To achieve
this objective, a flexible approach toward types of companies as well as types
of securities is maintained by the Fund, depending upon the economic environment
and the relative attractiveness of the various securities markets. Massachusetts
Financial Services Company serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

MFS(R) HIGH INCOME FUND - CLASS A
The investment objective of the Fund is high current income by investing
primarily in a professionally managed diversified portfolio of fixed income
securities, some of which may involve equity features. Securities offering the
high current income sought by this Fund are ordinarily in the lower rating
categories of recognized rating agencies or are unrated and generally involve
greater volatility of price and risk of principal and income than securities in
the high rating categories. Capital growth, if any, is a consideration
incidental to the investment objective of high current income. Massachusetts
Financial Services Company serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS GROWTH STOCK FUND - CLASS A
The investment objective of the Fund is long-term growth of capital and future
income rather that current income. Massachusetts Financial Services Company
serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

NATIONWIDE(R) BOND FUND
The investment objective of the Fund is to generate a high level of income,
consistent with capital preservation, through investments in high-quality bonds
and other fixed income securities. Through investment in long-term income
obligations, including corporate debt securities, United States and Canadian
Government obligations and commercial paper, this Fund seeks to serve those who
are less willing to accept the risk associated with stocks. Nationwide Advisory
Services, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

NATIONWIDE(R) FUND
The investment objective of the Fund is to obtain a total return from a flexible
combination of current income and capital appreciation. Primary emphasis is
given to common stocks, but investments may also include convertible issues,
bonds and money market instruments. Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. serves as
the Fund's investment Adviser.

NATIONWIDE(R) GROWTH FUND
The investment objective of the Fund is to achieve long-term capital
appreciation without emphasis on current return. Major emphasis in the selection
of securities is placed on companies which have capable management, and are in
fields where social and economic trends, technological developments, and new
processes or products indicate a potential for greater than average growth.
Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

NATIONWIDE(R) MONEY MARKET FUND
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide as high a level of current
income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and maintenance of
liquidity, through investment in a diversified portfolio of high quality money
market instruments maturing in 397 days or less. These instruments include, but
are not limited to, U.S. Government and Agency obligations, obligations of large
commercial and foreign banks, certificates of deposit of large savings
associations, taxable or partly taxable obligations of state, county and local
governments, highly rated commercial paper, highly rated corporate obligations,
and repurchase agreements in any of the above. Nationwide Advisory Services,
Inc. serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

   
NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST - NATIONWIDE SMALL COMPANY FUND
The investment objective of the Fund is long-term growth of capital by investing
primarily in equity securities of domestic and foreign companies with market
capitalizations of less than $1 billion at the time of purchase. The
subadvisers, Dreyfus Corporation, Neuberger & Berman, L.P., Pictet International
Management Limited with Van Eck Associates Corporation, Strong Capital
Management, Inc. and Warburg Pincus Asset Management, Inc., were chosen because
they utilize a number of different investment styles when investing in small
company stocks. By utilizing different investment styles, the Fund's advisor
Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc., hopes to increase prospects for investment
return and to reduce market risk and volatility.
    


                                       42

                                   44 of 176
<PAGE>   45
NEUBERGER & BERMAN GUARDIAN FUND, INC.
The Fund seeks capital appreciation through investments generally in
dividend-paying issues of established companies that its investment officers
believe are well managed. The emphasis of the Fund's investments is on common
stock. The Fund diversifies its holdings among different industries and
different companies in light of conditions prevailing at any given time. Current
income is a secondary objective. Neuberger&Berman Management Incorporated serves
as the Fund's investment Adviser.

   
NEUBERGER & BERMAN GUARDIAN TRUST
The investment objective of the Fund is capital appreciation and, secondarily,
current income. The Fund seeks growth and income by investing primarily in
stocks of established, high quality companies that are not well followed on Wall
Street or are temporarily out of favor. Neuberger & Berman Management
Incorporated serves as the Fund's investment adviser.
    

NEUBERGER & BERMAN MANHATTAN FUND, INC.
The Fund seeks capital appreciation without regard to income. It invests,
through its corresponding Portfolio, in securities believed to have the maximum
potential for long-term capital appreciation. It does not seek to invest in
securities that pay dividends or interest, and any such income is incidental.
The Portfolio expects to be almost fully invested in common stocks, often of
companies that may be temporarily out of favor in the market. Its aggressive
growth investment program involves greater risks and share price volatility than
programs that invest in more conservative securities. Neuberger&Berman
Management Incorporated serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

NEUBERGER & BERMAN PARTNERS FUND, INC.
The Fund seeks capital growth by investing in securities solely on the basis of
management's evaluation of their investment merit and potential for growth using
a value-oriented approach to the selection of individual securities. The Fund's
management believes that the Fund is an attractive investment vehicle for
conservative investors who are interested in long-term appreciation from stock
investments, but who have a low tolerance for risk. Neuberger&Berman Management
Incorporated serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

   
NATIONWIDE PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED PORTFOLIOS ("NPMP") 

NPMP CONSISTS OF FIVE SEPARATE NONDIVERSIFIED FUNDS EACH OF WHICH IS A
SEPARATELY MANAGED NONDIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO WITH ITS OWN INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
AND POLICIES. THE OBJECTIVE OF EACH OF THE PORTFOLIOS WHICH IS FUNDAMENTAL, IS
TO MAXIMIZE TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN (I.E. CAPITAL GROWTH AND INCOME) SUBJECT TO
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS AND ASSET ALLOCATION POLICIES. THE PORTFOLIOS WILL
MAXIMIZE TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN AS IS SPECIFICALLY DETAILED IN THE FOLLOWING
OBJECTIVES WHICH ARE NON-FUNDAMENTAL AND CAN BE CHANGED WITHOUT APPROVAL OF A
PORTFOLIO'S SHAREHOLDERS.
    

   
         NPMP - THE AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
         The investment objective of this Fund is to provide growth of capital
         by investing in underlying funds which invest primarily in equity
         securities ("Equity Funds"). This Fund is generally appropriate for
         investors seeking higher returns over an investment time horizon of at
         least 15 years and having a higher tolerance for market fluctuations.
         Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS") serves as the Fund's
         investment adviser.
    

   
         NPMP - THE MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
         The investment objective of this Fund is to provide growth of capital
         by investing primarily in Equity Funds. However, the Fund attempts to
         reduce its volatility by also investing in the Nationwide Contract and
         Proprietary Funds which also invest primarily in fixed income
         securities ("Bond Funds"). This Fund is generally appropriate for
         moderate investors seeking high returns over an investment time horizon
         of 15 years or for more aggressive investors with an investment time
         horizon of 10 to 15 years. NAS serves as the Fund's investment adviser.
    

   
         NPMP - THE MODERATE PORTFOLIO
         The investment objective of this Fund is to provide growth of capital
         by investing primarily in Equity Funds, but will also invest a
         significant percentage of its assets in the Nationwide Contract and in
         Bond Funds. This Fund is generally appropriate for moderate investors
         seeking moderate returns over an investment time horizon of between 10
         and 15 years; conservative investors with an investment time horizon of
         at least 15 years or more; and more aggressive investors with an
         investment time horizon of 5 to 10 years. NAS serves as the Fund's
         investment adviser.
    


                                       43

                                   45 of 176
<PAGE>   46
   
         NPMP - THE MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO
         The investment objective of this Fund is to provide primarily income
         and, secondarily, long term growth of capital. This Fund will seek to
         meet its objectives by generally investing half of its assets in Equity
         Funds with the remainder in the Nationwide Contract and Bond Funds.
         This Fund is generally appropriate for moderate investors seeking lower
         fluctuations in principal combined with some of the upside potential of
         equity investments over an investment time horizon of between 5 and 10
         years. This Fund is also generally appropriate for conservative
         investors with an investment time horizon of between 10 and 15 years
         and more aggressive investors with an investment time horizon of less
         than 5 years. NAS serves as the Fund's investment adviser.
    

   
         NPMP - THE CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO
         The investment objective of this Fund is to provide primarily income
         and, secondarily, long term growth of capital. This Fund will seek to
         meet its objectives by primarily investing in a combination of the
         Nationwide Contract and Bond Funds, with a smaller investment in Equity
         Funds. This Fund is generally appropriate for investors seeking low
         fluctuations in principal over an investment time horizon of less than
         5 years, as well as more conservative investors with an investment time
         horizon of between 5 and 10 years. NAS serves as the Fund's investment
         adviser.
    

PUTNAM INVESTORS FUND - CLASS A
The investment objective of the Fund is long-term growth of capital and any
increased income resulting from such growth. The Fund is designed for investors
seeking long-term growth of capital from a portfolio consisting primarily of
common stocks. The Fund's management emphasizes investment in quality growth
stocks. Putnam Investment Management, Inc.
serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

PUTNAM VOYAGER FUND - CLASS A
The investment objective of the Fund is capital appreciation. The Fund invests
primarily in common stocks believed by the Fund's Investment Manager, Putnam
Management, to have potential for capital appreciation significantly greater
than the market average. The Fund is designed for investors willing to assume
above-average risk in return for above-average capital growth potential. Putnam
Investment Management, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

SEI INDEX FUNDS - S&P 500 INDEX PORTFOLIO
The S&P 500 Index Portfolio seeks to provide investment results that correspond
to the aggregate price and dividend performance of the securities in the
Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index which is comprised of 500
selected common stocks, most of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
The investment objective is a fundamental policy of the portfolio. There can be
no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective. SEI Fund
Management serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

SELIGMAN GROWTH FUND, INC. - CLASS A
The investment objective of the Fund is longer-term growth in capital value and
an increase in future income. Fund assets have been invested primarily in common
stocks with the inherent investment risks tempered by portfolio diversification.
J. & W. Seligman & Co., Incorporated serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

STRONG COMMON STOCK FUND, INC. The Strong Common Stock Fund seeks capital
growth. It seeks to attain this objective by investing in a diversified
portfolio of equity securities which, in the opinion of the Fund's investment
Adviser, possess the potential for price appreciation. Strong Capital
Management, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

TEMPLETON FOREIGN FUND - CLASS I
The investment objective of the Fund is long-term capital growth through a
flexible policy of investing in stocks and debt obligations of companies and
governments outside the United States. Any income realized will be incidental.
Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

TEMPLETON GLOBAL SMALLER COMPANIES GROWTH FUND - CLASS I
The investment objective of the Fund is long-term capital growth, primarily
through investment in common stocks and all types of common stock equivalents,
including rights, warrants and preferred stock, of companies of various nations
throughout the world. Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. serves as the Fund's
investment Adviser.


                                       44

                                   46 of 176
<PAGE>   47
T. ROWE PRICE INTERNATIONAL STOCK FUND(R) 
The Fund's objective is long-term growth of capital through investments
primarily in common stocks of established, non-U.S. companies. T. Rowe Price
Associates, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment Adviser.

   
WARBURG PINCUS EMERGING GROWTH FUND 
The investment objective of the Fund is maximum capital appreciation by
investing in equity securities of small-to-medium sized companies in the United
States with emerging or renewed growth potential. Warburg Pincus Asset
Management, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment adviser.
    

THE FOLLOWING UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE TO ALL CONTRACT
OWNERS ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1994:

THE BOND FUND OF AMERICA(SM), INC.
The Fund's investment objective is to provide as high a level of current income
as is consistent with the preservation of capital. The Fund invests
substantially all of its assets in marketable corporate debt securities, U.S.
Government securities, mortgage-related securities, other asset-backed
securities and cash or money market instruments. Normally, at least 65% of the
Fund's assets will be invested in bonds.

THE GROWTH FUND OF AMERICA(R), INC.
The investment objective of the Fund is growth of capital. The realization of
current income will not be a consideration. The Fund seeks to achieve its
objective by investing in a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of common
stocks. However, assets may also be held in securities convertible into common
stocks, cash or cash equivalents, straight debt securities (including U.S.
Government securities), or nonconvertible preferred stocks. The Fund will
maintain at least 65% of the value of its total assets in growth-type securities
under normal market conditions.

THE INCOME FUND OF AMERICA(R), INC.
The investment objective is to emphasize current income while secondarily
striving to attain capital growth. The Fund believes that a portfolio with
relatively high current income can also generate growth of capital.

THE FOLLOWING UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR NEW CONTRACTS ISSUED
ON OR AFTER AUGUST 1, 1993:

DELAWARE GROUP DECATUR FUND, INC.-DECATUR INCOME FUND
The investment Objective of the Fund is to achieve the highest possible current
income by investing primarily in common stocks that provide the potential for
income and capital appreciation without undue risk to principal.

THE FOLLOWING UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR NEW CONTRACTS ISSUED
ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1987:

FIDELITY CAPITAL & INCOME FUND (FORMERLY "FIDELITY HIGH INCOME FUND")
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to provide a combination of
income and capital growth by investing primarily in debt instruments and common
and preferred stocks, with a focus on lower-quality debt securities and
securities of companies with uncertain financial positions.

Effective on and after May 1, 1991, the Company shall no longer permit Contract
Owners or Participants to make additional Purchase Payments or to exchange
Contract Values into the Fidelity Capital & Income Fund Sub-Account. However,
Contract Values held in the Fidelity Capital & Income Fund Sub-Account as of May
1, 1991 may continue to be invested in that Sub-Account. Unless the Company is
notified otherwise, any Purchase Payments or exchanges which the Contract Owner
or Participants directs the Company to invest in the Fidelity Capital & Income
Fund Sub-Account on and after May 1, 1991 shall instead be automatically
invested in the Nationwide Money Market Fund Sub-Account.

The Company has determined that further investment in the Fidelity Capital &
Income Fund Sub-Account is not in the best interests of the Contract Owners and
Participants in view of the Fund's adoption, effective for shares purchased on
and after February 1, 1991, of a redemption fee equal to 1.5% of the Net Asset
Value of any Fund shares redeemed which are held less than twelve months. Any
redemption fees which the Fund may assess against Fund shares held by the
Company in the Variable Account which were purchased from February 1, 1991 to
May 1, 1991 shall be paid by the Company from surplus and shall not be paid,
directly or indirectly, by Contract Owners, Participants or the Variable
Account.


                                       45

                                   47 of 176
<PAGE>   48
                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
   
                                   MAY 1, 1998
    

                 GROUP FLEXIBLE FUND RETIREMENT CONTRACTS ISSUED
                    BY THE NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It contains
information in addition to and more detailed than set forth in the prospectus
and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated May 1, 1998. The
prospectus may be obtained from Nationwide Life Insurance Company, P.O. Box
16766, One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216, or by calling 1-800-545-4730
(TTY: 1-800-848-0833).

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                         PAGE
General Information and History............................................ 1
Services................................................................... 1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered....................................... 2
Underwriters............................................................... 2
Calculation of Performance................................................. 2
Annuity Payments........................................................... 8
Financial Statements....................................................... 9

GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY

The Nationwide DC Variable Account ("Variable Account") is a separate investment
account of Nationwide Life Insurance Company ("Company"). The Company is a
member of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and all of the Company's common
stock is owned by Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS"), a holding
company. NFS has two classes of common stock outstanding with different voting
rights enabling Nationwide Corporation (the holder of all of the outstanding
Class B Common Stock) to control NFS. Nationwide Corporation is a holding
company as well. All of its common stock is held by Nationwide Mutual Insurance
Company (95.2%) and Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company (4.8%), the
ultimate controlling persons of Nationwide Insurance Enterprise.

SERVICES

The Company, which has responsibility for administration of the Contracts and
the Variable Account, maintains records of the name, address, taxpayer
identification number, and other pertinent information for each Contract Owner
and the number and type of Contract issued to each Contract Owner and records
with respect to the Contract Value of each Contract.

All assets of the Variable Account are held in custody for safekeeping by the
Company. The assets of each Sub-Account will be kept physically segregated and
held separate and apart from assets of other Sub-Accounts and from assets of any
other firm, person, or corporation. The Company will maintain a record of all
purchases and redemption of shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund held in each
Sub-Account.

The Company, or affiliates of the Company, may have entered into agreements with
either the investment adviser or distributor of the Underlying Mutual Funds. The
agreements relate to administrative services furnished by the Company or an
affiliate of the Company and provide for an annual fee based on the average
aggregate net assets of the Variable Account (and other separate accounts of the
Company or life insurance company subsidiaries of the Company) invested in
particular Underlying Mutual Funds. These fees in no way affect the Net Asset
Value of the Underlying Mutual Funds or fees paid by the Contract Owner.

The audited financial statements and schedules have been included herein in
reliance upon the reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public
accountants, Two Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, and upon the authority
of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

                                       1
                                   48 of 176
<PAGE>   49
PURCHASE OF SECURITIES BEING OFFERED

The Contracts will be sold by licensed insurance agents in the states where the
Contracts may be lawfully sold. Such agents will be registered representatives
of broker-dealers registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 who are
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

For those Plans which provide this Contract and the Company's Group Fixed Fund
Retirement Contract, the Contract Owner, or the Participant if the Plan so
provides, may exchange Accumulation Units between any Sub-Account and the
deposit fund of the Group Fixed Fund Retirement Contract. Exchanges from the
deposit fund to any Sub-Account will be subject to the limitations of the Group
Fixed Fund Retirement Contract. Exchanges will be effective when received in
good order at the Home Office.

UNDERWRITERS

   
The Contracts, which are offered continuously, are distributed by Nationwide
Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"), One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. During the fiscal years ended December
31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, no underwriting commissions were paid by the Company
to NAS.
    

CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE

   
Any current yield quotations of the Nationwide Money Market Fund, the Dreyfus
Cash Management Fund - Class A, and the Nationwide Separate Account Trust- Money
Market Fund subject to Rule 482 of the Securities Act of 1933, will consist of a
seven calendar day historical yield, carried at least to the nearest hundredth
of a percent. The yield will be calculated by determining the net change,
exclusive of capital changes, in the value of a hypothetical pre-existing
account having a balance of one Accumulation Unit at the beginning of the base
period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting deductions from Contract
Owner accounts, and dividing the net change in account value by the value of the
account at the beginning of the period to obtain a base period return, and
multiplying the base period return by (365/7) or (366/7) in a leap year. As of
December 31, 1996, the Nationwide Money Market Fund, the Dreyfus Cash Management
Fund - Class A, seven-day current yield was 3.89%, and 4.33% respectively. The
Nationwide Money Market Fund, the Dreyfus Cash Management Fund - Class A,
effective yield is computed similarly but includes the effect of assumed
compounding on an annualized basis of the current yield quotations of the
Underlying Mutual Fund, and for the period ending December 31, 1996 was 3.96%,
and 4.43%, respectively.
    

   
The Nationwide Money Market Fund, the Dreyfus Cash Management Fund, Nationwide
Separate Account Trust- Money Market Fund Sub-Account yield and effective yield
will fluctuate daily. Actual yields will depend on factors such as the type of
instruments in the Underlying Mutual Funds' portfolios, portfolio quality and
average maturity, changes in interest rates, and the Underlying Mutual Funds'
expenses. Although each Sub-Account determines its yield on the basis of a seven
calendar day period, it may use a different time period on occasion. The yield
quotes may reflect the expense limitation described under "Investment Manager
and Other Services" in the Underlying Mutual Funds' Statement of Additional
Information. There is no assurance that the yields quoted on any given occasion
will remain in effect for any period of time and there is no guarantee that the
Net Asset Values will remain constant. It should be noted that a Contract
Owner's investment in the Nationwide Money Market Fund Sub-Account, the Dreyfus
Cash Management Fund - Class A Sub-Account, Nationwide Separate Account Trust
Money Market Fund Sub-Account are not guaranteed or insured. Yields of other
money market funds may not be comparable if a different base period or another
method of calculation is used.
    

   
The Company may, from time to time, advertise several types of historical
performance of the Sub-Accounts. The Company may advertise for the Sub-Account's
standardized "average annual total return," calculated in a manner prescribed by
the SEC, and nonstandardized "total return." "Average annual total return"
illustrates the percentage rate of return of a hypothetical initial investment
of $1,000 for the most recent one, five and ten year periods, or for a period
covering the time the Underlying Mutual Fund option has been available in the
Variable Account if the Underlying Mutual Fund option has not been available for
the prescribed periods. THIS CALCULATION REFLECTS THE DEDUCTION OF ALL
APPLICABLE CHARGES MADE TO THE CONTRACTS EXCEPT FOR PREMIUM TAXES, WHICH MAY BE
IMPOSED BY CERTAIN STATES.
    

                                       2
                                   49 of 176
<PAGE>   50
   
Nonstandardized "total return," calculated similar to standardized "average
annual total return," illustrates the percentage rate of return of a
hypothetical initial investment of $10,000 for the most recent one, five and ten
year periods, or for a period covering the time the Underlying Mutual Fund
option has been in existence. For those Underlying Mutual Fund options which
have not been held as Sub-Accounts for one of prescribed periods, the
nonstandardized total return illustrations will show the investment performance
such Underlying Mutual Fund options would have achieved (reduced by the same
charges except the Participant Account Maintenance Charge and CDSC) had such
Underlying Mutual Fund options been available in the Variable Account for the
periods quoted. THE CDSC IS NOT REFLECTED BECAUSE THE CONTRACTS ARE DESIGNED FOR
LONG TERM INVESTMENT. THE CDSC, IF REFLECTED, WOULD DECREASE THE LEVEL OF
PERFORMANCE SHOWN. AN INITIAL INVESTMENT OF $10,000 IS ASSUMED BECAUSE THAT
AMOUNT MORE CLOSELY APPROXIMATES THE SIZE OF A TYPICAL CONTRACT THAN DOES THE
$1,000 ASSUMPTION USED IN CALCULATING THE STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL
RETURN QUOTATIONS.
    

   
The standardized average annual return and nonstandardized total return
quotations reflected below are calculated as described in this section using
Underlying Mutual Fund performance for the period ended December 31, 1997.
However, the Company generally provides performance quotations on a more
frequent basis, the results of which could reflect better or worse results than
shown below. The quotations and other comparative material advertised by the
Company are based upon historical earnings and are not intended to represent or
guarantee future results. A Contract Owner's Contract Value at redemption may be
more or less than the original cost.
    

                           SERIES PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
                    STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
                                  MONEY MARKET

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             CURRENT YIELD              EFFECTIVE YIELD
             SERIES OPTIONS              PERIOD ENDING 12/31/97     PERIOD ENDING 12/31/97
<S>                                      <C>                        <C>  
Dreyfus Cash Management - Class A                5.58%                       5.74%
Nationwide(R)  Money Market Fund                 5.06%                       5.18%
Nationwide Separate Account Trust-               5.36%                       5.51%
Money Market Fund
</TABLE>
    

                         NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                           SERIES PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
                    STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
                             OTHER THAN MONEY MARKET

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1 YEAR           3 YEAR            5 YEARS          10 YEARS
                   SERIES OPTIONS                        TO 12/31/97       TO 12/31/97       TO 12/31/97      TO 12/31/97
<S>                                                      <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>   
AIM Constellation Fund - Institutional Class                5.87%            18.23%            13.78%            18.65%
AIM Weingarten Fund - Institutional Class                   18.78%           23.04%            12.55%            14.82%
American Century: Twentieth Century Growth                  21.56%           17.76%             9.67%            13.21%
American Century: Twentieth Century Select                  24.44%           20.99%            12.25%            12.36%
American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra                   15.47%           21.01%            14.89%            19.91%
The Bond Fund of America, Inc.(SM)                          1.70%             7.47%             5.18%            7.36%
Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc.                           25.91%           30.08%            19.37%            19.12%
Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc.-Decatur Income Fund       22.23%           24.24%            16.09%            12.70%
Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund                                  25.33%           27.13%            16.72%              NA
Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.                            21.65%           26.31%            13.22%            14.02%
Evergreen Income and Growth Fund                            17.90%           17.01%            10.07%            9.93%
Federated GNMA Trust-Institutional Shares                   1.30%             5.99%             3.32%            6.39%
Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 2-5 Years        -0.38%            4.08%             2.45%            5.02%
- - Institutional Shares
</TABLE>
    

                                       3
                                   50 of 176
<PAGE>   51
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1 YEAR           3 YEAR            5 YEARS          10 YEARS
                   SERIES OPTIONS                        TO 12/31/97       TO 12/31/97       TO 12/31/97      TO 12/31/97
<S>                                                      <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>     
Fidelity Asset Manager(TM)                                  14.62%           13.95%            10.39%              NA
Fidelity Capital & Income Fund                              7.12%            10.49%             9.18%            9.57%
Fidelity Contrafund                                         15.34%           23.45%            16.82%            21.07%
Fidelity Equity-Income Fund                                 22.26%           24.03%            17.47%            14.46%
Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio                          22.44%           24.90%            18.09%            17.70%
Fidelity Magellan(R)  Fund                                  18.90%           21.09%            15.97%            16.83%
Fidelity OTC Portfolio                                      2.37%            19.95%            11.69%            15.86%
Fidelity Puritan Fund                                       14.69%           15.96%            13.28%            12.83%
The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc.                         19.16%           20.10%            13.76%            14.52%
The Income Fund of America(R), Inc.                         14.51%           18.45%            12.09%            11.88%
INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc.                        18.75%           19.84%            13.12%            14.82%
Janus Fund                                                  15.06%           20.31%            12.81%            16.30%
Janus Twenty Fund                                           21.97%           27.79%            13.78%            19.15%
MAS Funds Fixed Income Portfolio                            2.07%             8.09%             5.41%            7.54%
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A         40.25%           29.19%            17.07%            15.89%
MFS(R)  Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A                 15.62%           22.94%            14.67%            12.52%
MFS(R)  High Income Fund - Class A                          5.28%            10.40%             8.54%            8.23%
Nationwide(R)  Bond Fund                                    1.77%             7.46%             3.72%            6.21%
Nationwide(R)  Fund                                         31.81%           27.54%            16.29%            15.48%
Nationwide(R)  Growth Fund                                  18.54%           20.21%            13.47%            12.73%
Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund, Inc.                      10.32%           18.93%            13.21%            15.40%
Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund, Inc.                      21.51%           26.95%            17.51%            14.97%
Neuberger & Berman Manhattan Fund, Inc.                     21.48%           19.39%            11.48%            14.10%
Putnam Investors Fund - Class A                             26.72%           27.52%            17.82%            15.19%
Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A                               18.29%           22.34%            15.95%            16.95%
SEI Index Funds-S&P 500 Index Portfolio                     25.32%           27.43%            17.04%            15.53%
Seligman Growth Fund, Inc. - Class A                        10.49%           18.95%            10.38%            12.51%
Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.                              16.35%           22.03%            16.95%              NA
T. Rowe Price International Stock Fund(R)                   -4.77%            6.02%            10.18%            8.30%
Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I                            -0.86%            8.01%            11.08%            10.30%
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Growth Fund, Inc.        -0.45%           11.72%            11.21%            11.77%
- - Class I
</TABLE>
    


                                       4

                                   51 of 176
<PAGE>   52
                         NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                           SERIES PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
                  NON-STANDARDIZED AVERAGE TOTAL ANNUAL RETURN

   
(The total return figures shown below do not reflect the deduction of the
Participant Account Maintenance Charge or any applicable Contingent Deferred
Sales Charges)
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1 YEAR           3 YEARS           5 YEARS          10 YEARS
                   SERIES OPTIONS                        TO 12/31/97       TO 12/31/97       TO 12/31/97      TO 12/31/97
<S>                                                      <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>   
AIM Constellation Fund - Institutional Class                12.37%           20.60%            15.56%            19.51%
AIM Weingarten Fund - Institutional Class                   25.28%           25.32%            14.53%            15.84%
American Century: Twentieth Century Growth                  28.06%           20.26%            11.77%            14.29%
American Century: Twentieth Century Select                  30.94%           23.39%            14.22%            13.50%
American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra                   21.97%           23.33%            16.66%            20.74%
The Bond Fund of America, Inc.(SM)                          8.20%            10.23%             7.34%            8.71%
Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc.                           32.41%           32.21%            21.07%            20.04%
Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc.-Decatur Income Fund       28.73%           26.52%            17.88%            13.89%
Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund                                  31.83%           29.33%            18.54%              NA
Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.                            28.15%           28.52%            15.20%            15.09%
Evergreen Income and Growth Fund                            24.40%           19.51%            12.09%            11.21%
Federated GNMA Trust-Institutional Shares                   7.80%             8.82%             5.60%            7.78%
Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 2-5 Years        6.12%             6.99%             4.76%            6.51%
- - Institutional Shares
Fidelity Asset Manager(TM)                                  21.12%           16.54%            12.33%              NA
Fidelity Capital & Income Fund                              13.62%           13.18%            11.13%            10.90%
Fidelity Contrafund                                         21.84%           25.71%            18.54%            21.86%
Fidelity Equity-Income Fund                                 28.76%           26.31%            19.18%            15.58%
Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio                          28.94%           27.15%            19.78%            18.65%
Fidelity Magellan(R)  Fund                                  25.40%           23.42%            17.69%            17.76%
Fidelity OTC Portfolio                                      8.87%            22.25%            13.62%            16.80%
Fidelity Puritan Fund                                       21.19%           18.48%            15.09%            13.96%
The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc.                         25.66%           22.49%            15.61%            15.55%
The Income Fund of America(R), Inc.                         21.01%           20.87%            14.00%            13.05%
INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc.                        25.25%           22.24%            15.00%            15.83% 
Janus Fund                                                  21.56%           22.68%            14.71%            17.22%
Janus Twenty Fund                                           28.47%           29.97%            15.76%            19.99%
MAS Funds Fixed Income Portfolio                            8.57%            10.83%             7.56%            8.88%
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A         46.75%           31.43%            18.92%            16.98%
MFS(R)  Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A                 22.12%           25.23%            16.50%            13.71%
MFS(R)  High Income Fund - Class A                          11.78%           13.08%            10.53%            9.66%
Nationwide(R)  Bond Fund                                    8.27%            10.20%             5.97%            7.62%
Nationwide(R)  Fund                                         38.31%           29.78%            18.16%            16.52%
Nationwide(R)  Growth Fund                                  25.04%           22.60%            15.35%            13.87%
Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund, Inc.                      16.82%           21.31%            15.05%            16.37%
Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund, Inc.                      28.01%           29.15%            19.26%            16.08%
Neuberger & Berman Manhattan Fund, Inc.                     27.98%           21.80%            13.46%            15.13%
</TABLE>
    


                                       5

                                   52 of 176

<PAGE>   53
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1 YEAR           3 YEARS           5 YEARS          10 YEARS
                   SERIES OPTIONS                        TO 12/31/97       TO 12/31/97       TO 12/31/97      TO 12/31/97
<S>                                                      <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>   
Putnam Investors Fund - Class A                             33.22%           29.72%            19.57%            16.29%
Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A                               24.79%           24.63%            17.70%            17.92%
SEI Index Funds-S&P 500 Index Portfolio                     31.82%           29.63%            18.84%            16.58%
Seligman Growth Fund, Inc. - Class A                        16.99%           21.34%            12.40%            13.64%
Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc.                              22.85%           24.35%            18.64%              NA
T. Rowe Price International Stock Fund(R)                   1.73%             8.85%            11.96%            9.57%
Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I                            5.64%            10.78%            12.86%            11.45%
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Growth Fund, Inc.        6.05%            14.33%            13.03%            12.88%
- - Class I
</TABLE>
    


                                       6

                                   53 of 176
<PAGE>   54
                         NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                           SERIES PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
                    STANDARDIZED AVERAGE TOTAL ANNUAL RETURN

THE FOLLOWING FUNDS ARE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CONTRACTS ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION
403(b) OF THE CODE ("TAX-SHELTERED ANNUITY CONTRACTS"):

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED          3 YEARS          5 YEARS        10 YEARS
                    SERIES OPTIONS                           12/31/97         TO 12/31/97      TO 12/31/97    TO 12/31/97
<S>                                                         <C>               <C>              <C>            <C>    
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. - American         8.21%             12.62%            8.14%            NA
Century VP Balanced
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. - American        -10.39%             2.80%            2.54%          6.30%
Century VP Capital Appreciation
Dreyfus Socially Responsible                                  20.72%            24.49%             NA              NA
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund                                      25.20%            27.18%           16.76%            NA
Fidelity Asset Manager Portfolio                              13.01%            13.66%            9.91%            NA
Fidelity Overseas Portfolio                                   4.00%              7.61%           11.24%          7.19%
Fidelity VIP Equity Income Portfolio                          20.40%            22.02%           17.31%          14.53%
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio                                 15.81%            20.72%           15.12%          15.05%
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio                            10.05%            13.72%           10.96%          10.43%
Neuberger & Berman Growth Portfolio                           21.29%            19.29%           10.36%          12.72%
Neuberger & Berman Limited Maturity Bond                      -0.77%             3.33%            2.31%          4.54%
Neuberger & Berman Partners Portfolio                         23.51%            28.99%             NA              NA
NSAT Capital Appreciation Fund                                26.72%            26.36%           15.93%            NA
NSAT Government Bond Fund                                     2.13%              6.61%            4.15%          6.86%
NSAT Money Market Fund                                        -2.24%             1.29%            1.14%          2.97%
NSAT Total Return Fund                                        21.71%            23.23%           14.98%          13.38%
</TABLE>
    


                         NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                           SERIES PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
                  NON-STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN

THE FOLLOWING FUNDS ARE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CONTRACTS ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION
403(b) OF THE CODE ("TAX-SHELTERED ANNUITY CONTRACTS"):

   
(The total return figures shown below do not reflect the deduction of the
Participant Account Maintenance Charge or any applicable Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge)
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED          3 YEARS          5 YEARS        10 YEARS
                    SERIES OPTIONS                           12/31/97         TO 12/31/97      TO 12/31/97    TO 12/31/97
<S>                                                         <C>               <C>              <C>            <C>     
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. - American         14.71%            15.22%           10.21%            NA
Century VP Balanced
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. - American         -4.17%             5.65%            4.75%          7.66%
Century VP Capital Appreciation
Dreyfus Socially Responsible                                  27.22%            26.75%             NA              NA
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund                                      31.70%            29.38%           18.57%            NA
Fidelity Asset Manager Portfolio                              19.51%            16.27%           11.88%            NA
Fidelity Overseas Portfolio                                   10.50%            10.42%           13.02%          8.58%
Fidelity VIP Equity Income Portfolio                          26.90%            24.34%           19.01%          15.65%
</TABLE>
    

                                       7

                                   54 of 176
<PAGE>   55
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED          3 YEARS          5 YEARS        10 YEARS
                    SERIES OPTIONS                           12/31/97         TO 12/31/97      TO 12/31/97    TO 12/31/97
<S>                                                         <C>               <C>              <C>            <C>   
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio                                 22.31%            23.06%           16.89%          16.09%
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio                            16.55%            16.29%           12.86%          11.74%
Neuberger & Berman Growth Portfolio                           27.79%            21.70%           12.40%          13.80%
Neuberger & Berman Limited Maturity Bond                      5.73%              6.28%            4.63%          6.05%
Neuberger & Berman Partners Portfolio                         30.01%            31.15%             NA              NA
NSAT Capital Appreciation Fund                                33.22%            28.62%           17.79%            NA
NSAT Government Bond Fund                                     8.63%              9.41%            6.37%          8.22%
NSAT Money Market Fund                                        4.26%              4.34%            3.53%          4.61%
NSAT Total Return Fund                                        28.21%            25.54%           16.83%          14.54%
</TABLE>
    

ANNUITY PAYMENTS
          See "Distribution of Participant Accounts (Retirement Period)" in the
     prospectus.

                                       8

                                   55 0f 176

<PAGE>   56

<PAGE>   1

                          Independent Auditors' Report
                          ----------------------------

The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and 
Contract Owners of Nationwide DC Variable Account:

      We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and
contract owners' equity of Nationwide DC Variable Account as of December 31,
1996, and the related statements of operations and changes in contract owners'
equity and schedules of changes in unit value for each of the years in the three
year period then ended. These financial statements and schedules of changes in
unit value are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
schedules of changes in unit value 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 schedules of
changes in unit value are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. Our procedures include confirmation of securities
owned as of December 31, 1996, by correspondence with the transfer agents of the
underlying mutual funds. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

      In our opinion, the financial statements and schedules of changes in unit
value referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Nationwide DC Variable Account as of December 31, 1996, and the
results of its operations and its changes in contract owners' equity and the
schedules of changes in unit value for each of the years in the three year
period then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 7, 1997


<PAGE>   2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
          STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                DECEMBER 31, 1996
<S>  <C>                                                                                                   <C>          
Assets:
   Investments at market value:
      AIM Equity Funds, Inc. - AIM Constellation Fund - Institutional Class (AIMCon)
        602,399 shares (cost $14,259,665).................................................................. $  15,559,969
      AIM Equity Funds, Inc. - AIM Weingarten Fund - Institutional Class (AIMWein)
        113,072 shares (cost $2,048,638)...................................................................     2,116,709
      American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund (ACTCGro)
        5,203,739 shares (cost $109,215,769)...............................................................   113,857,815
      American Century: Twentieth Century Select Fund (ACTCSel)
        40,443 shares (cost $1,416,625)....................................................................     1,558,259
      American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund (ACTCUltra)
        8,735,760 shares (cost $212,141,067)...............................................................   245,387,499
      The Bond Fund of America(SM), Inc. (BdFdAm)
        840,412 shares (cost $11,259,293)..................................................................    11,555,669
      Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc. - Class A (DNYVenFd)
        126,565 shares (cost $2,030,048)...................................................................     2,214,889
      Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc. -
        Decatur Income Fund Institutional Class (DeDecInc)
        12,108 shares (cost $211,000)......................................................................       223,266
      Dreyfus Cash Management - Class A (DryCsMgt)
        1,189,156 shares (cost $1,189,156).................................................................     1,189,156
      The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. (Dry3dCen)
        2,261,055 shares (cost $19,101,874)................................................................    19,942,501
      The Evergreen Total Return Fund - Class Y (EvTotRet)
        202,570 shares (cost $3,888,943)...................................................................     4,320,811
      The Institutional Shares of Federated GNMA Trust (FedGNMA)
        63,790 shares (cost $696,766)......................................................................       709,346
      Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 2-5 Years -
        Institutional Shares (FedUSGvt)
        192,750 shares (cost $2,029,312)...................................................................     2,021,946
      Fidelity Asset Manager(TM) (FidAsMgr)
        305,054 shares (cost $4,735,169)...................................................................     5,024,243
      Fidelity Capital & Income Fund (FidCapInc)
        146,082 shares (cost $1,259,941)...................................................................     1,367,329
      Fidelity Contrafund (FidContr)
        3,834,444 shares (cost $138,785,424)...............................................................   161,621,829
      Fidelity Equity-Income Fund (FidEqInc)
        4,518,074 shares (cost $152,764,386)...............................................................   193,509,106
      Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio (FidGrInc)
        343,592 shares (cost $9,236,919)...................................................................    10,558,574
      Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund (FidMgln)
        2,195,300 shares (cost $166,998,126)...............................................................   177,050,966
      The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc. (GroFdAm)
        590,243 shares (cost $9,339,439)...................................................................     9,780,334
      The Income Fund of America(R), Inc. (IncFdAm)
        921,410 shares (cost $13,855,652)..................................................................    15,221,687
      INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc. (InvIndlnc)
        1,212,737 shares (cost $14,944,799)................................................................    16,323,441
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   3


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>  <C>                                                                                                        <C>       
      Janus Fund (JanFund)
         1,527,527 shares (cost $36,424,043) .........................................................          37,348,026
      Janus Twenty Fund (Jan20Fd)
         9,094 shares (cost $285,317) ................................................................             249,801
      MAS Funds - Fixed Income Portfolio (MASFIP)
         107,500 shares (cost $1,264,144) ............................................................           1,263,128
      MFS(R) Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A (MFSGrOpp)
         1,752,439 shares (cost $19,624,736) .........................................................          22,729,133
      MFS(R) High Income Fund - Class A (MFSHiInc)
         701,822 shares (cost $3,640,479) ............................................................           3,747,729
      Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A (MFSGrStk)
         502,595 shares (cost $5,442,276) ............................................................           5,015,898
      Nationwide(R) Bond Fund (NWBdFd)
         17,202 shares (cost $162,082) ...............................................................             159,806
      Nationwide(R) Fund (NWFund)
         1,712,707 shares (cost $29,278,925) .........................................................          34,596,672
      Nationwide(R) Growth Fund (NWGroFd)
         566,434 shares (cost $6,675,510) ............................................................           7,533,572
      Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund (NWMyMkt)
         62,453,931 shares (cost $62,453,931) ........................................................          62,453,931
      Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund (NBGuard)
         5,824 shares (cost $146,180) ................................................................             149,262
      Neuberger & Berman Manhattan Fund (NBManhFd)
         25,249 shares (cost $318,519) ...............................................................             294,903
      Putnam Investors Fund - Class A (PutInvFd)
         3,665,690 shares (cost $30,690,329) .........................................................          33,761,008
      Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A (PutVoyFd)
         5,493,809 shares (cost $84,606,172) .........................................................          88,560,196
      SEI Index Funds - S&P 500 Index Portfolio (SEI500Ix)
         165,867 shares (cost $3,663,081) ............................................................           3,912,800
      Seligman Growth Fund, Inc. - Class A (SelGroFd)
         453,054 shares (cost $2,394,393) ............................................................           2,650,366
      Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc. (StComStk)
         206,719 shares (cost $4,139,930) ............................................................           4,183,996
      T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. - International Stock Fund(R) (TRIntStk)
         2,267,608 shares (cost $28,970,485) .........................................................          31,292,985
      Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I (TemForFd)
         6,442,499 shares (cost $61,076,841) .........................................................          66,744,287
      Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund, Inc. - Class I (TemGlSmCo)
         113,746 shares (cost $943,791) ..............................................................             950,919
      Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)
         1,344 shares (cost $24,480) .................................................................              27,264
      Fidelity VIP - Asset Manager Portfolio (FidVIPAM)
         1,369 shares (cost $20,568) .................................................................              23,169
      Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)
         4,373 shares (cost $81,552) .................................................................              91,971
      Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio (FidVIPGr)
         2,601 shares (cost $70,852) .................................................................              80,983
      Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio (FidVIPHI)
         1,918 shares (cost $22,802)                                                                                24,017
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   4

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>   <C>                                                                                                         <C>    
      Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio (FidVIPOv)
         5,431 shares (cost $91,135) .................................................................             102,317
      Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd)
         1,143 shares (cost $12,490) .................................................................              12,621
      Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
         36,420 shares (cost $36,420) ................................................................              36,420
      Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)
         3,503 shares (cost $40,874) .................................................................              46,487
      Neuberger & Berman AMT - Growth Portfolio (NBAMTGro)
         655 shares (cost $16,541) ...................................................................              16,880
      Neuberger & Berman AMT - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio (NBAMTLMat)
         481 shares (cost $6,698) ....................................................................               6,755
      Neuberger & Berman AMT - Partners Portfolio (NBAMTPart)
         896 shares (cost $10,788) ...................................................................              14,773
      TCI Portfolios - TCI Balanced (TCIBal)
         545 shares (cost $3,825) ....................................................................               4,107
      TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth (TCIGro)
         8,263 shares (cost $86,210) .................................................................              84,618
                                                                                                           ---------------
           Total investments .........................................................................       1,419,286,144
   Accounts receivable ...............................................................................          10,213,748
                                                                                                           ---------------
           Total assets ..............................................................................       1,429,499,892
Accounts payable .....................................................................................           3,710,610
                                                                                                           ---------------
Contract owners' equity (note 4) .....................................................................     $ 1,425,789,282
                                                                                                           ===============
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>   5

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                              STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

                                                                                1996                 1995                  1994
                                                                               ------               ------                ------ 
<S>                                                                     <C>                        <C>                 <C>        
Investment activity:
   Reinvested capital gains and dividends ........................      $   111,787,963            86,971,463          61,302,838 
   Mortality and expense charges (note 2) ........................           (7,324,869)           (5,230,867)         (4,074,902)
   Administration charge-Tier I (note 2) .........................           (3,675,030)           (4,707,781)         (3,667,411)
   Administration charge-Tier II (note 2) ........................           (1,000,535)                 --                  --
   Administration charge-Tier III (note 2) .......................             (279,498)                 --                  --
   Administration charge-Tier IV (note 2) ........................             (128,485)                 --                  --
   Administration charge-Tier V (note 2) .........................             (361,137)                 --                  --
                                                                        ---------------         -------------         -----------
      Net investment activity ....................................           99,018,409            77,032,815          53,560,525 
                                                                        ---------------         -------------         -----------
   Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold .........................          426,930,903           184,309,039         264,448,390 
   Cost of mutual fund shares sold ...............................         (365,983,789)         (162,128,137)       (230,194,049)
                                                                        ---------------         -------------         -----------
      Realized gain (loss) on investments ........................           60,947,114            22,180,902          34,254,341 
   Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ...............           33,461,531           146,852,392        (110,099,526)
                                                                        ---------------         -------------         -----------
      Net gain (loss) on investments .............................           94,408,645           169,033,294         (75,845,185)
                                                                        ---------------         -------------         -----------
         Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
            equity resulting from operations .....................          193,427,054           246,066,109         (22,284,660)
                                                                        ---------------         -------------         -----------
Equity transactions:
   Purchase payments received from contract owners ...............          391,105,511           313,176,439         283,645,521 
   Redemptions ...................................................         (384,960,385)         (174,184,814)       (244,646,099)
   Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ...................             (109,548)             (121,391)           (132,768)
   Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) ....................               (4,539)             (160,870)             (4,451)
   Adjustments to maintain reserves ..............................             (130,864)              137,602            (174,764)
                                                                        ---------------         -------------         -----------
         Net equity transactions .................................            5,900,175           138,846,966          38,687,439 
                                                                        ---------------         -------------         -----------
Net change in contract owners' equity ............................          199,327,229           384,913,075          16,402,779 
Contract owners' equity beginning of period ......................        1,226,462,053           841,548,978         825,146,199  
                                                                        ---------------         -------------         -----------
Contract owners' equity end of period ............................      $ 1,425,789,282         1,226,462,053         841,548,978 
                                                                        ===============         =============         ===========

</TABLE>




See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>   6
                         NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                        DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

   (a) Organization and Nature of Operations

      Nationwide DC Variable Account (the Account) was established by resolution
of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company (the Company) on
July 10, 1974. The Account has been registered as a unit investment trust under
the Investment Company Act of 1940.

      The Company offers group flexible fund retirement contracts through the
Account. The primary distribution for the contracts is through an affiliated
sales organization; however, other distributors may be utilized.

   (b) The Contracts

      Participants in group flexible fund contracts may be invested in any of 
      the following funds:
         AIM Equity Funds, Inc. - AIM Constellation Fund - Institutional Class 
           (AIMCon)
         AIM Equity Funds, Inc. - AIM Weingarten Fund - Institutional Class 
           (AIMWein)
         American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund (ACTCGro)
            (formerly Twentieth Century Investors, Inc. - Growth Investors)
         American Century: Twentieth Century Select Fund (ACTCSel)
            (formerly Twentieth Century Investors, Inc. - Select Investors)
         American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund (ACTCUltra)
            (formerly Twentieth Century Investors, Inc. - Ultra Investors)
         The Bond Fund of America(SM), Inc. (BdFdAm) (only available for 
         certain contracts issued beginning January 1, 1994)
         Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc. - Class A (DNYVenFd) (formerly New 
            York Venture Fund, Inc.)
         Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc. - Decatur Income Fund Institutional 
            Class (DeDecInc) (not available for contracts issued on or after 
            August 1, 1993) 
         Dreyfus Cash Management - Class A (DryCsMgt) 
         The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. (Dry3dCen) 
         The Evergreen Total Return Fund - Class Y (EvTotRet) 
         The Institutional Shares of Federated GNMA Trust (FedGNMA)
         Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 2-5 Years - Institutional
            Shares (FedUSGvt) (formerly Federated Intermediate Government Trust)
         Fidelity Asset Manager(TM) (FidAsMgr)
         Fidelity Capital & Income Fund (FidCapInc) (not available for contracts
            issued on or after January 1, 1987) 
         Fidelity Contrafund (FidContr)
         Fidelity Equity-Income Fund (FidEqInc) 
         Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio (FidGrInc) 
         Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund (FidMgln) 
         Fidelity OTC Portfolio (FidOTC) 
         Fidelity Puritan(R) Fund (FidPurtn) 
         The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc. (GroFdAm) (only available for 
            certain contracts issued beginning January 1, 1994)
         The Income Fund of America(R), Inc. (IncFdAm) (only available for 
            certain contracts issued beginning January 1, 1994)
         INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc. (InvIndInc)
         Janus Fund (JanFund)
         Janus Twenty Fund (Jan20Fd) MAS Funds - Fixed Income Portfolio (MASFIP)
         MFS(R) Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A (MFSGrOpp) 
         MFS(R) High
         Income Fund - Class A (MFSHiInc)
         Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A (MFSGrStk)

<PAGE>   7

         Nationwide(R) Bond Fund (NWBdFd) (managed for a fee by an affiliated
            investment advisor)
         Nationwide(R) Fund (NWFund) (managed for a fee by an affiliated
            investment advisor)
         Nationwide(R) Growth Fund (NWGroFd) (managed for a fee by an affiliated
            investment advisor)
         Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund (NWMyMkt) (managed for a fee by an
            affiliated investment advisor)
         Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund (NBGuard)
         Neuberger & Berman Manhattan Fund (NBManhFd)
         Putnam Investors Fund - Class A (PutInvFd)
         Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A (PutVoyFd)
         SEI Index Funds - S&P 500 Index Portfolio (SEI500Ix)
         Seligman Growth Fund, Inc. - Class A (SelGroFd)
         Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc. (StComStk)
         T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. - International Stock Fund(R)
           (TRIntStk)
         Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I (TemForFd)
         Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund, Inc. - Class I (TemGlSmCo)
           (formerly Templeton Smaller Companies Growth Fund, Inc.)

      The following funds are available for investment only by Plans established
under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 403(b).

         The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. (DrySRGro)
         Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)
         Portfolios of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund I & II
           (Fidelity VIP)
            Fidelity VIP - Asset Manager Portfolio (FidVIPAM) 
            Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI) 
            Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio (FidVIPGr) 
            Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio (FidVIPHI) 
            Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio (FidVIPOv)
         Funds of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust (Nationwide SAT)
         (managed for a fee by an affiliated investment advisor):
            Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund (NSATCapAp)
            Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd) 
            Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt) 
            Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)
         Portfolios of the Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust
            (Neuberger & Berman AMT) Neuberger & Berman AMT - Growth Portfolio
            (NBAMTGro) Neuberger & Berman AMT - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio
            (NBAMTLMat) Neuberger & Berman AMT - Partners Portfolio (NBAMTPart)
         Portfolios of the TCI Portfolios, Inc. (TCI Portfolios) 
            TCI Portfolios - TCI Balanced (TCIBal) 
            TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth (TCIGro)

     All of the above funds were being utilized as of December 31, 1996, except
The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. (DrySRGro), Fidelity
OTCPortfolio (FidOTC), Fidelity Puritan(R) Fund (FidPurtn), and Nationwide SAT -
Capital Appreciation Fund (NSATCapAp).

     The contract owners' equity is affected by the investment results of each
fund, equity transactions by contract owners and certain expenses (see note 2).
The accompanying financial statements include only contract owners' purchase
payments pertaining to the variable portions of their contracts and exclude any
purchase payments for fixed dollar benefits, the latter being included in the
accounts of the Company.

     (c) Security Valuation, Transactions and Related Investment Income

     The market value of the underlying mutual funds is based on the closing net
asset value per share at December 31, 1996. The cost of investments sold is
determined on the specific identification basis. Investment transactions are
accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed) and
dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.

     (d) Federal Income Taxes

     Operations of the Account form a part of, and are taxed with, operations of
the Company, which is taxed as a life insurance company under the IRC. The
assets in this account are held pursuant to contracts with entities which are
exempt from Federal income tax. Because of this exemption, no taxes need be
provided for investment


<PAGE>   8

income or realized and unrealized capital gains. Annuity payouts and withdrawal
payments are taxable as wages when received by the participants.

     (e) Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles may require management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, if any, at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

     (f) Reclassifications

     Certain 1995 and 1994 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the
current year presentation.

(2) Expenses

     Net purchase payments received for contracts issued before July 1, 1980,
represent contributions by the contract owners less a sales charge by the
Company of not more than 5%, to cover sales expenses. The Company does not
deduct a sales charge from purchase payments for contracts issued after July 1,
1980. However, if any part of the contract value representing participant
accounts that have been established under the contracts and held in the Account
for less than sixteen (16) years is surrendered, the Company will, with certain
exceptions, assess a contingent deferred sales charge. This charge will be equal
to not more than 5% of the lesser of all purchase payments received on behalf of
the surrendering participant or contract owner prior to the date of the request
for surrender, or the amount surrendered. Sales charges or contingent deferred
sales charges of less than 5% reflect actual variations in expense (usually
reduced agents' commissions). No sales charges are deducted on redemptions used
to purchase units in the fixed investment options of the Company. Sales charges
may be reduced or eliminated upon negotiated conversion of the contracts to
other investment programs offered by the Company or its affiliates.

     The following contract charges are deducted by the Company on contracts
issued before July 1, 1980: (a) an annual contract maintenance charge of $8
assessed by surrendering units; (b) a charge for mortality and expense risk
assessed through the daily unit value calculation equal to an annual rate of
0.95%; and (c) a charge on complete redemption, equal to the lesser of $8 or 2%
of the value of the account, except when such redemption occurs within 31 days
of the anniversary date of the contract.

     For contracts issued beginning July 1, 1980 through April 30, 1991,
contract charges include: (a) an annual contract maintenance charge of $12 or
$15, based upon administrative services provided, assessed by surrendering
units; and (b) a charge for mortality and expense risk assessed through the
daily unit value calculation equal to an annual rate of 0.95%.

     For contracts issued on or after May 1, 1991, contract charges include a
mortality risk charge, an expense risk charge and an administration charge
assessed through the daily unit value calculation equal to an annual rate of
0.35%, 0.15% and 0.45% respectively. Beginning November 1, 1996, the
administration charge was based upon the aggregate balance of assets held under
the contract by each contract owner as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                  Expense                               Administration
                    Tier           Assets (Millions)        Charge

<S>                 <C>            <C>                    <C> 
                      I                Up to $10             .45%
                     II             Over $10 to $25          .40%
                     III            Over $25 to $50          .30%
                     IV            Over $50 to $150          .20%
                      V                Over $150             .15%
</TABLE>

     Contract owners may negotiate an exchange privilege with the Company. The
exchange privilege provides for transfers of units among the various investment
options for each participant's account. The number of transfers allowed, and any
administrative charges associated therewith, are subject to negotiation between
the contract owner and the Company.

<PAGE>   9

(3) Schedule I

      Schedule I presents the components of the change in the unit values, which
are the basis for contract owners' equity. This schedule is presented in the
following format:

          o    Beginning unit value - Jan. 1

          o    Reinvested capital gains and dividends
               (This amount reflects the increase in the unit value due to
               capital gains and dividend distributions from the underlying
               mutual funds.)

          o    Unrealized gain (loss)
               (This amount reflects the increase (decrease) in the unit value
               resulting from the market appreciation (depreciation) of the
               underlying mutual funds.)

          o    Contract charges
               (This amount reflects the decrease in the unit value due to the
               mortality risk charge, expense risk charge and administration
               charge discussed in note 2.)

          o    Ending unit value - Dec. 31

          o    Percentage increase (decrease) in unit value.



<PAGE>   10
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(4) Components of Contract Owners' Equity

The following is a summary of contract owners' equity at December 31, 1996.
<S>                                                                                <C>               <C>            <C>         
Tier I                                                                               Units             Unit Value
- ------                                                                             --------          --------------
AIM Equity Funds, Inc. - AIM Constellation Fund -
   Institutional Class ................................................            6,309,167         $    2.055366  $ 12,967,647
AIM Equity Funds, Inc. - AIM Weingarten Fund -
   Institutional Class ................................................            1,300,655              1.627524     2,116,847
American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund .......................           12,224,812              4.562802    55,779,397
American Century: Twentieth Century Select Fund .......................               41,014              1.572461        64,493
American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund ........................           70,399,683              2.069865   145,717,840
The Bond Fund of AmericaSM, Inc. ......................................            3,518,054              2.155739     7,584,006
Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc. - Class A ...........................            1,180,098              1.686019     1,989,668
Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc. -
  Decatur Income Fund Institutional Class .............................               78,578              2.280210       179,174
Dreyfus Cash Management - Class A .....................................              618,162              1.159356       716,670
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. ..................................            3,824,949              2.756438    10,543,235
The Evergreen Total Return Fund - Class Y .............................            1,146,375              1.947502     2,232,568
The Institutional Shares of Federated GNMA Trust ......................              548,815              1.292380       709,278
Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 2-5 Years -
  Institutional Shares ................................................            1,214,422              1.144380     1,389,760
Fidelity Asset Manager(TM) ............................................            2,611,685              1.252704     3,271,668
Fidelity Capital & Income Fund ........................................              125,230              4.096488       513,003
Fidelity Contrafund ...................................................           56,288,590              2.059778   115,941,999
Fidelity Equity-Income Fund ...........................................           18,493,235              5.359692    99,118,044
Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio ....................................            4,201,944              2.001775     8,411,346
Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund .............................................           56,756,036              1.913110   108,580,540
The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................................            2,478,693              2.691979     6,672,590
The Income Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................................            5,291,391              2.160929    11,434,320
INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc ...................................            7,428,110              1.678513    12,468,179
Janus Fund ............................................................           15,851,766              1.603290    25,414,978
Janus Twenty Fund .....................................................              149,425              1.671698       249,793
MAS Funds - Fixed Income Portfolio ....................................              718,247              1.229760       883,271
MFS(R) Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A ............................              843,158              7.380232     6,222,702
MFS(R) High Income Fund - Class A .....................................              164,395              5.518160       907,158
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A ...................              164,786             10.880822     1,793,007
Nationwide(R) Bond Fund ...............................................               26,395              2.001472        52,829
Nationwide(R) Fund ....................................................            1,316,219             14.964379    19,696,400
Nationwide(R) Growth Fund .............................................            1,156,065              3.083008     3,564,158
Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund .......................................            7,935,176              2.884848    22,891,777
Neuberger & Berman Manhattan Fund .....................................              119,922              2.458922       294,879
Putnam Investors Fund - Class A .......................................              713,005             13.594501     9,692,947
Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A .........................................           18,151,250              3.074879    55,812,897
SEI Index Funds - S&P 500 Index Portfolio .............................              524,069              2.962497     1,552,553
Seligman Growth Fund, Inc - Class A ...................................              105,249             10.720312     1,128,302
Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc. ........................................            2,665,795              1.569484     4,183,923
T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. -
   International Stock Fund(R) ........................................            8,220,403              1.812062    14,895,880
Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I ......................................           27,327,650              1.774294    48,487,285
Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund, Inc. - Class I ...............              524,340              1.802963       945,366
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund ..............................................               16,988              1.604580        27,259
Fidelity VIP - Asset Manager Portfolio ................................               18,427              1.257222        23,167
Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio ................................               62,324              1.475687        91,971
Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio .......................................               52,165              1.552351        80,978
Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio ..................................               17,934              1.338939        24,013
Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio .....................................               88,581              1.154842       102,297
Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund .................................                7,820              1.613565        12,618
Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund ....................................               28,915              1.259556        36,420
Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund ....................................               19,743              2.354356        46,482
Neuberger & Berman AMT - Growth Portfolio .............................                9,399              1.795607        16,877
Neuberger & Berman AMT -
   Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio ....................................                5,977              1.130160         6,755
Neuberger & Berman AMT - Partners Portfolio ...........................                8,811              1.676351        14,770
TCI Portfolios - TCI Balanced .........................................                3,120              1.316124         4,106
TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth ...........................................               51,629              1.638699        84,604
   Sub-Total Tier I ...................................................           ==========              ========  ------------
                                                                                                                    $827,644,694
                                                                                                                    ------------    
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   11
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Contract owners' equity - continued

Tier II                                                                              Units           Unit Value
- -------                                                                           -----------        ------------
<S>                                                                                <C>               <C>          <C>         
American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund .......................            4,398,109         $  4.563176  $ 20,069,345
American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund ........................           18,056,950            2.070035    37,378,518
The Bond Fund of America(SM), Inc. ....................................            1,040,496            2.155938     2,243,245
Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc. - Class A ...........................              133,664            1.686157       225,378
Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc. -
   Decatur Income Fund Institutional Class ............................               13,782            2.280397        31,428
Dreyfus Cash Management - Class A .....................................              377,565            1.159453       437,769
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. ..................................              967,536            2.756663     2,667,171
The Evergreen Total Return Fund - Class Y .............................              470,751            1.947661       916,863
Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 2-5 Years -
  Institutional Shares ................................................              342,763            1.144477       392,284
Fidelity Asset Manager(TM) ............................................              671,795            1.252806       841,629
Fidelity Capital & Income Fund ........................................               77,649            4.096833       318,115
Fidelity Contrafund ...................................................           13,231,488            2.059947    27,256,164
Fidelity Equity-Income Fund ...........................................            6,443,316            5.360130    34,537,011
Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund .............................................           11,002,403            1.913267    21,050,535
The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................................              553,730            2.692199     1,490,751
The Income Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................................            1,137,681            2.161106     2,458,649
INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc ...................................            1,639,958            1.678650     2,752,915
Janus Fund ............................................................            4,109,624            1.603421     6,589,457
MAS Funds - Fixed Income Portfolio ....................................              193,871            1.229861       238,434
MFS(R) Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A ............................              361,634            7.380837     2,669,162
MFS(R) High Income Fund - Class A .....................................               41,389            5.518624       228,410
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A ...................               13,452           10.881713       146,381
Nationwide(R) Fund ....................................................              336,341           14.965604     5,033,546
Nationwide(R) Growth Fund .............................................              386,199            3.083261     1,190,752
Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund .......................................            6,749,071            2.885091    19,471,684
Putnam Investors Fund - Class A .......................................              153,709           13.595614     2,089,768
Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A .........................................            5,117,342            3.075131    15,736,497
SEI Index Funds - S&P 500 Index Portfolio .............................               71,085            2.962740       210,606
Seligman Growth Fund, Inc - Class A ...................................               17,582           10.721190       188,500
T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. -
   International Stock Fund(R) ........................................            1,718,457            1.812210     3,114,205
Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I ......................................            6,594,135            1.774439    11,700,890
   Sub-Total Tier II ..................................................           ==========            ========  ------------
                                                                                                                  $223,676,062
                                                                                                                  ------------

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   12
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Contract owners' equity - continued

Tier III                                                                 Units           Unit Value
- -----------                                                            ---------          ------------     
<S>                                                                      <C>               <C>                <C>        
American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund ........................ 1,586,526         $ 4.563925         $ 7,240,786
American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund ......................... 9,866,856           2.070374          20,428,082
The Bond Fund of America(SM), Inc. .....................................   281,942           2.156336             607,962
Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc. -
   Decatur Income Fund Institutional Class .............................     5,492           2.280770              12,526
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. ...................................   603,861           2.757115           1,664,914
The Evergreen Total Return Fund - Class Y ..............................    78,598           1.947980             153,107
Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 2-5 Years -
   Institutional Shares ................................................   104,682           1.144669             119,826
Fidelity Asset Manager(TM) .............................................   269,853           1.253012             338,129
Fidelity Capital & Income Fund .........................................    23,351           4.097522              95,681
Fidelity Contrafund .................................................... 7,230,068           2.060284          14,895,993
Fidelity Equity-Income Fund ............................................ 2,555,440           5.361008          13,699,734
Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund .............................................. 5,622,628           1.913580          10,759,348
The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc. ....................................   441,833           2.692640           1,189,697
The Income Fund of America(R), Inc. ....................................   367,278           2.161460             793,857
INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc ....................................   309,576           1.678925             519,755
Janus Fund ............................................................. 1,634,700           1.603684           2,621,542
MAS Funds - Fixed Income Portfolio .....................................    87,227           1.230062             107,295
MFS(R) Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A .............................   181,406           7.382046           1,339,147
MFS(R) High Income Fund - Class A ......................................     6,455           5.519552              35,629
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A ....................    11,971          10.883496             130,286
Nationwide(R) Fund .....................................................   195,684          14.968055           2,929,009
Nationwide(R) Growth Fund ..............................................    96,156           3.083766             296,523
Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund ........................................   901,408           2.885576           2,601,081
Putnam Investors Fund - Class A ........................................    38,905          13.597842             529,024
Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A .......................................... 2,559,117           3.075635           7,870,910
Seligman Growth Fund, Inc - Class A. ...................................     2,396          10.722947              25,692
T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. -
   International Stock Fund(R) .........................................   931,357           1.812507           1,688,091
Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I ....................................... 2,061,896           1.774730           3,659,309
   Sub-Total Tier III                                                    =========           ========        ------------
                                                                                                             $ 96,352,935
                                                                                                             ------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   13

Contract owners' equity - continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Tier IV                                                                               Units             Unit Value
- -------                                                                              --------           ----------
<S>                                                                                   <C>             <C>           <C>        
American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund .........................             735,112         $   4.564673  $ 3,355,546
American Century: Twentieth Century Select Fund .........................             949,510             1.573105    1,493,679
American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund ..........................           3,956,021             2.070713    8,191,784
The Bond Fund of America(SM), Inc. ......................................              46,844             2.156734      101,030
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. ....................................             244,163             2.757567      673,296
The Evergreen Total Return Fund - Class Y ...............................              27,416             1.948299       53,415
Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 2-5 Years -
  Institutional Shares ..................................................             104,637             1.144861      119,795
Fidelity Asset Manager(TM) ..............................................             456,745             1.253217      572,401
Fidelity Capital & Income Fund ..........................................              22,770             4.098210       93,316
Fidelity Contrafund .....................................................           3,683,606             2.060621    7,590,516
Fidelity Equity-Income Fund .............................................           1,989,159             5.361886   10,665,644
Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund ...............................................           3,295,811             1.913894    6,307,833
The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc. .....................................             158,421             2.693081      426,641
The Income Fund of America(R), Inc. .....................................             246,997             2.161814      533,962
INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc .....................................             346,238             1.679200      581,403
Janus Fund ..............................................................           1,696,374             1.603947    2,720,894
MAS Funds - Fixed Income Portfolio ......................................              27,573             1.230264       33,922
MFS(R) Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A ..............................               7,294             7.383255       53,853
MFS(R) High Income Fund - Class A .......................................                 130             5.520479          718
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A .....................                 280            10.885279        3,048
Nationwide(R) Fund ......................................................              54,398            14.970505      814,366
Nationwide(R) Growth Fund ...............................................             286,704             3.084270      884,273
Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund .........................................           1,141,686             2.886060    3,294,974
Putnam Investors Fund - Class A .........................................               4,735            13.600069       64,396
Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A ...........................................           1,979,411             3.076140    6,088,945
Seligman Growth Fund, Inc - Class A .....................................                 684            10.724703        7,336
T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. -
   International Stock Fund(R) ..........................................             881,585             1.812803    1,598,140
Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I ........................................           1,461,504             1.775020    2,594,199
                                                                                  ===========         ============  -----------
   Sub-Total Tier IV ....................................................                                           $58,919,325
                                                                                                                    -----------
</TABLE>
                                      
<PAGE>   14

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Contract owners' equity - continued
<S>                                                                          <C>                <C>       <C>           
Tier V                                                                         Units           Unit Value
- ------                                                                       ---------         ----------
AIM Equity Funds, Inc. - AIM Constellation Fund -
   Institutional Class ............................................          1,258,757        $ 2.057438  $    2,589,814
American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund ...................          6,000,935          4.567401      27,408,677
American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund ....................         16,258,739          2.071951      33,687,311
The Bond Fund of America(SM), Inc. ................................            471,875          2.158056       1,018,333
The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. ..............................          1,592,562          2.759214       4,394,219
The Evergreen Total Return Fund - Class Y .........................            494,994          1.949465         964,973
Fidelity Capital & Income Fund ....................................             84,610          4.100654         346,956
Fidelity Contrafund ...............................................          1,600,079          2.061853       3,299,128
Fidelity Equity-Income Fund .......................................          6,613,425          5.365090      35,481,620
Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio ................................          1,071,573          2.003791       2,147,208
Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund ..........................................        15,847,180          1.915038      30,347,952
MFS(R) Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A .........................         2,053,995          7.387670      15,174,237
MFS(R) High Income Fund - Class A ..................................           466,255          5.523771       2,575,486
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A ...............            270,135         10.891785       2,942,252
Nationwide(R) Bond Fund ............................................            53,369          2.003508         106,925
Nationwide(R) Fund .................................................           408,411         14.979448       6,117,771
Nationwide(R) Growth Fund ..........................................           517,548          3.086114       1,597,212
Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund ....................................         3,694,679          2.887782      10,669,428
Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund ..................................            109,176          1.367075         149,252
Putnam Investors Fund - Class A ...................................          1,571,300         13.608194      21,382,555
Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A .....................................            990,216          3.077980       3,047,865
SEI Index Funds - S&P 500 Index Portfolio .........................            724,558          2.965481       2,148,663
Seligman Growth Fund, Inc - Class A ...............................            121,166         10.731114       1,300,246
T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. -
   International Stock Fund(R) ....................................          5,512,814          1.813888       9,999,627
Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I ..................................            168,098          1.776082         298,556
   Sub-Total Tier V ...............................................         ==========          ========  --------------
                                                                                                          $  219,196,266
                                                                                                          --------------
      Total Contract Owners' Equity ...............................                                       $1,425,789,282
                                                                                                          ==============
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   15
<TABLE>
                                                                                                                        SCHEDULE 1
<CAPTION>

                                              NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                                          TIER I

                                            SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                                      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

                                   AIMCon        AIMWein       ACTCGro       ACTCSel      ACTCUltra         BdFdAm      DNYVenFd 
                                   ------        -------       -------       -------      ---------         ------      -------- 
<S>                                <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>             <C>           <C>      
1996**
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1   $1.776138      1.389659     4.005400     1.331631      1.835553        2.039710      1.345221 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                   .068204       .183484      .087806      .148352       .117544         .153233       .080821  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            .229483       .068700      .510359      .106223       .135391        (.017387)      .273992  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                 (.018459)     (.014319)    (.040763)    (.013745)     (.018623)       (.019817)     (.014015) 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31     $2.055366      1.627524     4.562802     1.572461      2.069865        2.155739      1.686019 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease
     in unit value*                       16%           17%          14%          18%           13%              6%           25% 
==================================================================================================================================

1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1   $1.316836      1.035886     3.359891     1.095899      1.345904        1.741422       .966146 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                   .056462       .182030      .555289      .161686       .086850         .148075       .099553 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            .418051       .183577      .127077      .085796       .418120         .168396       .290764 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                 (.015211)     (.011834)    (.036857)    (.011750)     (.015321)       (.018183)     (.011242) 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31     $1.776138      1.389659     4.005400     1.331631      1.835553        2.039710      1.345221   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                       35%           34%          19%          22%           36%             17%           39% 
==================================================================================================================================

1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1   $1.305850      1.044414     3.443124     1.202996      1.409710        1.850918       .994508 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                   .038234       .114765      .498592      .095333       .042137         .138760       .046949 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)           (.014948)     (.113428)    (.549338)    (.191608)     (.093077)       (.231366)     (.065935) 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                 (.012300)     (.009865)    (.032487)    (.010822)     (.012866)       (.016890)     (.009376) 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31     $1.316836      1.035886     3.359891     1.095899      1.345904        1.741422       .966146  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                        1%           (1)%         (2)%         (9)%          (5)%            (6)%          (3)% 
==================================================================================================================================

</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      DeDecInc        DryCsMgt    Dry3dCen
                                      --------        --------    --------
1996**                                                                                                                             
<S>                                    <C>            <C>          <C>                                                             
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1       1.910384      1.110383      2.238323                                                        
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                                        
     and dividends                      .365309       .059850       .380918                                                        
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  
   Unrealized gain (loss)               .024208       .000000       .160989                                                        
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  
   Contract charges                    (.019691)     (.010877)     (.023792)                                                       
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  
   Ending unit value -Dec. 31          2.280210      1.159356      2.756438                                                        
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  
   Percentage increase(decrease
     in unit value*                          19%             4%          23%
=================================================================================                                                  
1995                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                   
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1       1.449372       1.057458     1.663803                                                        
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                                        
     and dividends                      .199940        .063267      .156545                                                        
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  
   Unrealized gain (loss)               .277029        .000000      .436477                                                        
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  
   Contract charges                    (.015957)      (.010342)    (.018502)                                                       
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31         1.910384       1.110383     2.238323                                                        
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                                  
     in unit value*                          32%             5%          35%                                                       
=================================================================================                                                  
1994                                                                                                                               
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1       1.473401       1.025704     1.814915                                                        
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                                        
     and dividends                      .102070        .041657      .233019                                                        
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  
   Unrealized gain (loss)              (.112176)       .000000     (.367765)                                                       
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  
   Contract charges                    (.013923)      (.009903)    (.016366)                                                       
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31         1.449372       1.057458     1.663803                                                        
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                  
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                                  
     in unit value*                          (2)%            3%          (8)%                                                      
=================================================================================                                                  
<FN>
 * An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as contract charges do not
include the annual contract maintenance charge discussed in note 2.

** No other investment options were being utilized.

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   16
<TABLE>
                                                                                                               SCHEDULE 1, CONTINUED
<CAPTION>
                                              NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                                          TIER I

                                            SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                                      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

                                                    EvTotRet       FedGNMA      FedUSGvt     FidAsMgr      FidCapIn 
<S>                                               <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>       
1996**
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                  $1.741651      1.243001      1.115461     1.121926      3.712491  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                                  .097028       .083309       .059931      .098024       .331771  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                           .126113      (.021945)     (.020301)     .043893       .089597  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                                (.017290)     (.011985)     (.010711)    (.011139)     (.037371) 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31                    $1.947502      1.292380      1.144380     1.252704      4.096488  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                                      12%            4%            3%          12%           10% 
=================================================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                  $1.419467      1.081229       .991595      .958564      3.210584  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                                  .092352       .083381       .065310      .032047       .338236  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                           .244789       .089624       .068708      .141097       .197671  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                                (.014957)     (.011233)     (.010152)    (.009782)     (.034000) 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31                    $1.741651      1.243001      1.115461     1.121926      3.712491  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                                      23%           15%           12%          17%           16% 
=================================================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                  $1.531292      1.119643      1.020623     1.036089      3.397953 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                                  .106153       .080720       .050088      .038621       .285090  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                          (.204194)     (.108769)     (.069585)    (.106677)     (.440620) 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                                (.013784)     (.010365)     (.009531)    (.009469)     (.031839) 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31                    $1.419467      1.081229       .991595      .958564      3.210584  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                                     (7)%          (3)%          (3)%         (7)%          (6)% 
=================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     FidContr      FidEqInc      FidGrInc      
                                                     --------      --------      --------              
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>                      
1996**                                                                                                   
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                    1.705419      4.471070      1.683805                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------              
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                              
     and dividends                                   .175363       .342426       .098980                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------              
   Unrealized gain (loss)                            .196681       .592510       .236381                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------              
   Contract charges                                 (.017685)     (.046314)     (.017391)                
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------              
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31                      2.059778      5.359692      2.001775                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------              
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                        
     in unit value*                                       21%           20%           19%                
===========================================================================================              
1995                                                                                                     
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                    1.263308      3.424310      1.255568                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------              
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                              
     and dividends                                   .133103       .262606       .083036                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------              
   Unrealized gain (loss)                            .323258       .821416       .358955                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------              
   Contract charges                                 (.014250)     (.037262)     (.013754)                
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------              
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31                      1.705419      4.471070      1.683805                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------              
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                        
     in unit value*                                       35%           31%           34%                
===========================================================================================              
1994                                                                                                     
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                    1.289799      3.448520      1.239420                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------              
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                              
     and dividends                                   .009193       .333965       .092801                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------              
   Unrealized gain (loss)                           (.023586)     (.325363)     (.064842)                
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------              
   Contract charges                                 (.012098)     (.032812)     (.011811)                
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------              
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31                      1.263308      3.424310      1.255568                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------              
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                        
     in unit value*                                       (2)%          (1)%           1%                
===========================================================================================              

<FN>
 * An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as contract charges do not
include the annual contract maintenance charge discussed in note 2.

** No other investment options were being utilized.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   17
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                     SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                         NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                     TIER I

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

                                     FidMgIn       GroFdAm       IncFdAm     InvIndInc      JanFund       Jan20Fd        MASFIP   
                                     -------       -------       -------     ---------      -------       -------        ------   
<S>                                 <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>       
1996**
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $1.729361      2.366626      1.893327     1.451889     1.353271      1.320040      1.156444 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .281779       .148981       .208243      .155929      .181980       .280194       .087565 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            (.081060)      .200078       .078318      .085401      .082218       .085793      (.003056) 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.016970)     (.023706)     (.018959)    (.014706)    (.014179)     (.014329)     (.011193) 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $1.913110      2.691979      2.160929     1.678513)    1.603290      1.671698      1.229760 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                     11%           14%           14%          16%          18%           27%            6% 
===================================================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $1.275955      1.840658      1.480756     1.151056     1.055481       .978264       .980782 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .100389       .182879       .115949      .070871      .070567       .224692       .073523 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .367790       .363801       .312609      .242345      .238735       .128222       .112302  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.014773)     (.020712)     (.015987)    (.012383)    (.011512)     (.011138)     (.010163) 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $1.729361      2.366626      1.893327     1.451889     1.353271      1.320040      1.156444 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                     36%           29%           28%          26%          28%           35%           18% 
===================================================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $1.311856      1.857739      1.533299     1.208959     1.077425      1.058801      1.000000 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .051123       .083262       .097082      .097608      .021792       .002891       .029902 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            (.074747)     (.082914)     (.135450)    (.144261)    (.033660)     (.073797)     (.046046) 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.012277)     (.017429)     (.014175)    (.011250)    (.010076)     (.009631)     (.003074) 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $1.275955      1.840658      1.480756     1.151056     1.055481       .978264       .980782  
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                     (3)%          (1)%          (3)%         (5)%         (2)%          (8)%           2%(b) 
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>

                                     MFSGrOpp      MFSHiInc       MFSGrStk
                                     --------      --------       --------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>            <C>      
1996**
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1      6.114190     4.949752      8.942612
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                   
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                                        
     and dividends                     .796398      .454249      2.580988                                                          
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                   
   Unrealized gain (loss)              .534047      .164181      (.547864)                                                         
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                   
   Contract charges                   (.064403)    (.050022)     (.094914)                                                         
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                   
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31        7.380232     5.518160     10.880822                                                          
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                   
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                                  
     in unit value*(a)                      21%          11%           22%                                                         
=============================================================================                                                      
1995                                                                                                                               
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1      4.589533     4.265493      7.034148                                                          
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                   
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                                        
     and dividends                     .768242      .403605      1.177905                                                          
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                   
   Unrealized gain (loss)              .807886      .325361       .807395                                                          
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                   
   Contract charges                   (.051471)    (.044707)     (.076836)                                                         
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                   
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31        6.114190     4.949752      8.942612                                                          
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                   
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                                  
     in unit value*(a)                      33%          16%           27%                                                         
================================================================================                                                   
1994                                                                                                                               
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1      4.834037     4.422523      7.613442                                                          
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                   
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                                        
     and dividends                     .376509      .374437       .717173                                                          
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                   
   Unrealized gain (loss)             (.576664)    (.490350)    (1.229319)                                                         
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                   
   Contract charges                   (.044349)    (.041117)     (.067148)                                                         
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                   
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31        4.589533     4.265493      7.034148                                                         
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                   
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                                  
     in unit value*(a)                      (5)%         (4)%          (8)%                                                       
================================================================================                                                   
<FN>
 *  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:

      (a)Contract charges do not include the annual contract maintenance charge
      discussed in note 2; and

      (b)This investment option was not being utilized for the entire year indicated.

**  No other investment options were being utilized.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   18
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                                              NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                                          TIER I

                                            SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                                       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

                                        NWBdFd        NWFund       NWGroFd       NWMyMkt     NBManhFd      PutInvFd    
                                        ------        ------       -------       -------     --------      --------    
1996**
<S>                                 <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>           
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $1.991196     12.191058      2.667201      2.774433     2.259932     11.305164    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .127761      1.119203       .234869       .137555      .306136      1.592658    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            (.098894)     1.782082       .208017       .000000     (.084784)      .815178    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.018591)     (.127964)     (.027079)     (.027140)    (.022362)     (.118499)    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $2.001472     14.964379      3.083008      2.884848     2.458922     13.594501    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                         1%           23%           16%            4%           9%           20%    
====================================================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $1.619166      9.468045      2.092009      2.654661     1.741549      8.297318    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .123140       .820350       .282003       .145674      .165618      1.391197    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .266262      2.003431       .316217       .000000      .372594      1.710170    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.017372)     (.100768)     (.023028)     (.025902)    (.019829)     (.093521)    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $1.991196     12.191058      2.667201      2.774433     2.259932     11.305164    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                        23%           29%           27%            5%          30%           36%    
===================================================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $1.778765      9.502760      2.081399      2.583387     1.823796      8.652501    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .121459       .927943       .079372       .096188      .115456       .771381    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            (.265190)     (.873192)     (.049054)      .000000     (.180865)    (1.046752)    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.015868)     (.089466)     (.019708)     (.024914)    (.016838)     (.079812)    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $1.619166      9.468045      2.092009      2.654661     1.741549      8.297318    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                        (9)%           0%            1%            3%          (5)%          (4)%    
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                                     PutVoyFd      SEI500Ix      SelGroFd
                                     --------      --------      --------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>           <C>      
1996**
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     2.752130      2.439184      8.934609
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                                        
     and dividends                    .194543       .095147       .806272                                                          
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       
   Unrealized gain (loss              .156646       .453595      1.073420                                                          
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       
   Contract charges                  (.028440)     (.025429)     (.093989)                                                         
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31       3.074879      2.962497     10.720312                                                          
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                                  
     in unit value*                        12%           21%           20%                                                         
============================================================================                                                       
1995                                                                                                                               
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     1.982311      1.792835      7.020585                                                          
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                                        
     and dividends                    .146629       .086650       .931537                                                          
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .645332       .579852      1.057625                                                          
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       
   Contract charges                  (.022142)     (.020153)     (.075138)                                                         
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31       2.752130      2.439184      8.934609                                                          
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                                  
     in unit value*                        39%           36%           27%                                                         
============================================================================                                                       
1994                                                                                                                               
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     1.992379      1.792223      7.370495                                                          
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                                        
     and dividends                    .083642       .101704       .708203                                                          
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       
   Unrealized gain (loss)            (.075428)     (.084212)     (.990524)                                                         
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       
   Contract charges                  (.018282)     (.016880)     (.067589)                                                         
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31       1.982311      1.792835      7.020585                                                          
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                                  
     in unit value*                        (1)%           0%           (5)%                                                        
============================================================================                                                       
<FN>
 * An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as contract charges do not
include the annual contract maintenance charge discussed in note 2.

** No other investment options were being utilized.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   19
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                      SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                         NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                     TIER I

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

                                      StComStk      TRIntStk      TemForFd     TemGISmCo     DryStkIx      FidVIPAM   FidVIPEI 
                                      --------      --------      --------     ---------     --------      --------   -------- 
1996**
<S>                                 <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>       
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $1.315349      1.577274       1.518092      1.490946     1.322035      1.107535   1.303642  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .236157       .048548        .074298       .181637      .057158       .072883    .060157  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .031534       .202392        .197440       .146014      .239160       .087931    .124996  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.013556)     (.016152)      (.015536)     (.015634)    (.013773)     (.011127)  (.013108) 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $1.569484      1.812062       1.774294      1.802963     1.604580      1.257222   1.475687  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                     19%           15%            17%           21%          21%           14%        13% 
=================================================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $1.002820      1.429428       1.378759      1.279328      .975745       .955979    .974175  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .140205       .047536        .095828       .193896      .035036       .020086    .076250  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .183299       .114284        .057277       .031012      .322198       .141130    .264015  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.010975)     (.013974)      (.013772)     (.013290)    (.010944)     (.009660)  (.010798) 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $1.315349      1.577274       1.518092      1.490946     1.322035      1.107535   1.303642  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                     31%           10%            10%           17%          35%           16%        34% 
=================================================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $1.017301      1.454045       1.387073      1.353616     1.000000      1.000000   1.000000  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .063114       .087659        .098557       .032943      .016017       .000695    .011343  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            (.067992)     (.098366)      (.093448)     (.094423)    (.037213)     (.041640)  (.034096) 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.009603)     (.013910)      (.013423)     (.012808)    (.003059)     (.003076)  (.003072) 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $1.002820      1.429428       1.378759      1.279328      .975745       .955979    .974175  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                    (1)%          (2)%           (1)%          (5)%         (2)%(b)       (4)%(b)    (3)%(b) 
=================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       FidVIPGr      FidVIPHI
                                       --------      --------
1996**
<S>                                   <C>           <C>      
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1      1.366323      1.185437 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                                      
     and dividends                     .098176       .108119                                                                     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                
   Unrealized gain (loss)              .101895       .057435                                                                     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                
   Contract charges                   (.014043)     (.012052)                                                                    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31        1.552351      1.338939                                                                     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                                
     in unit value*(a)                      14%          13%                                                                     
=================================================================                                                                
1995                                                                                                                             
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1      1.018963       .992271                                                                     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                                      
     and dividends                     .005632       .071867                                                                     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                
   Unrealized gain (loss)              .353481       .131757                                                                     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                
   Contract charges                   (.011753)     (.010458)                                                                    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31        1.366323      1.185437                                                                     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                                
     in unit value*(a)                      34%           19%                                                                    
=================================================================                                                                
1994                                                                                                                             
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1      1.000000      1.000000                                                                     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                                      
     and dividends                     .000000       .000000                                                                     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                
   Unrealized gain (loss)              .022089      (.004613)                                                                    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                
   Contract charges                   (.003126)     (.003116)                                                                    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31        1.018963       .992271                                                                     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                                
     in unit value* (a)                   2%(b)           (1)%(b)                                                                
=================================================================                                                                
<FN>
  *  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:

      (a)Contract charges do not include the annual contract maintenance charge
      discussed in note 2; and 

      (b)This investment option was not being utilized for the entire year indicated.

**  No other investment options were being utilized.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   20
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED
                         NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                     TIER I

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994

                                      FidVIPOv     NSATGvtBd     NSATMyMkt     NSATTotRe     NBAMTGro     NBAMTLMat  NBAMTPart  
                                      --------     ---------     ---------     ---------     --------     ---------  ---------  
1996***
<S>                                 <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>        
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $1.029809      1.574158      1.209790      1.950853     1.661013      1.093904   1.306186   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .025345       .097615       .061618       .130389      .150704       .092066    .053229   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .110017      (.043342)      .000000       .293296      .000296      (.045340)   .330901   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.010329)     (.014866)     (.011852)     (.020182)    (.016406)     (.010470)  (.013965)  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $1.154842      1.613565      1.259556      2.354356     1.795607      1.130160   1.676351   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                     12%            3%            4%           21%           8%            3%        28%  
====================================================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $ .947883      1.338281      1.155984      1.525590     1.272940       .995462    .966223   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                          
     and dividends                    .007252       .094912       .065092       .151626      .045057       .055297    .007900   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .083925       .154829       .000000       .290215      .357539       .053054    .342968   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.009251)     (.013864)     (.011286)     (.016578)    (.014523)     (.009909)  (.010905)  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $1.029809      1.574158      1.209790      1.950853     1.661013      1.093904   1.306186   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                      9%           18%            5%           28%          30%           10%        35%  
====================================================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $1.000000      1.396125      1.123427      1.523742     1.352530      1.000000   1.000000   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .000000       .087782       .043407       .077107      .163043       .000000    .000000   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            (.049090)     (.132815)      .000000      (.060675)    (.230291)     (.001418)  (.030724)  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.003027)     (.012811)     (.010850)     (.014584)    (.012342)     (.003120)  (.003053)  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $ .947883      1.338281      1.155984      1.525590     1.272940       .995462    .966223  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                 (5)%(b)           (4)%           3%            0%          (6)%           0%(b)     (3)%(b) 
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          TCIBal        TCIGro
                                          ------        ------
<S>                                    <C>           <C>      
1996***
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1       1.184177      1.729155 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                            
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                                    
     and dividends                      .055995       .193969                                                                  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                            
   Unrealized gain (loss)               .087770       .268047                                                                  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                            
   Contract charges                    (.011818)     (.016378)                                                                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                            
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31         1.316124      1.638699                                                                  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                            
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                              
     in unit value*(a)                       11%          (5)%                                                                 
===================================================================                                                            
1995                                                                                                                           
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1        .986992      1.331537                                                                  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                            
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                                    
     and dividends                      .028002       .001532                                                                  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                            
   Unrealized gain (loss)               .179505       .410981                                                                  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                            
   Contract charges                    (.010322)     (.014895)                                                                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                            
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31         1.184177      1.729155                                                                  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                            
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                              
     in unit value*(a)                       20%           30%                                                                 
===================================================================                                                            
1994                                                                                                                           
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1             **      1.360119                                                                  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                            
   Reinvested capital gains                                                                                                    
     and dividends                                    .000146                                                                  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                            
   Unrealized gain (loss)                            (.016072)                                                                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                            
   Contract charges                                  (.012656)                                                                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                            
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31                       1.331537                                                                   
- -------------------------------------------------------------------                                                            
   Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                              
     in unit value*(a)                                    (2)%                                                                 
===================================================================                                                            
<FN>                                                                                                                           
  *  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:
      (a)Contract charges do not include the annual contract maintenance charge
      discussed in note 2; and 

      (b)This investment option was not being utilized for the entire year indicated.

 **  This investment option was not utilized or was not available.
***  No other investment options were being utilized.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   21
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                      SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                                              NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                                         TIER II +

                                            SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

                                    ACTCGro     ACTCUltra       BdFdAm     DNYVenFd     DeDecInc     DryCsMgt     Dry3dCen  
                                    -------     ---------       ------     --------     --------     --------     --------  
<S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
1996**
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1   $4.005400    1.835553       2.039710    1.345221     1.910384     1.110383     2.238323  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                   .087812      117552        .153233     .080824      .365329      .059863      .380939  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            .510348     .135379       (.017388)    .273991      .024189      .000000      .160966  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                 (.040384)   (.018449)      (.019617)   (.013879)    (.019505)    (.010793)    (.023565)  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31     $4.563176    2.070035       2.155938    1.686157     2.280397     1.159453     2.756663   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                       14%         13%             6%         25%          19%           4%          23%  
===========================================================================================================================


                                    EvTotRet     FedUSGvt     FidAsMgr   FidCapInc
                                    --------     --------     --------   ---------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>      
1996**
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    1.741651    1.115461       1.121926    3.712491 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                   .097030     .059931        .098028     .331771 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            .126118    (.020303)       .043887     .089599 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                 (.017138)   (.010612)      (.011035)   (.037028)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      1.947661    1.144477       1.252806    4.096833 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease
     in unit value*                       12%          3%            12%         10%
====================================================================================


<CAPTION>
                                   FidContr      FidEqInc      FidMgIn      GroFdAm      IncFdAm    InvIndInc      JanFund   
                                   --------      --------      -------      -------      -------    ---------      -------   
<S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         
1996**
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1   $1.705419    4.471070       1.729361    2.366626     1.893327     1.451889     1.353271    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                   .175369     .342436        .281780     .148989      .208253      .155937      .181994    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            .196677     .592501       (.081059)    .200075      .078308      .085395      .082203    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                 (.017518)   (.045877)      (.016815)   (.023491)    (.018782)    (.014571)    (.014047)   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31     $2.059947    5.360130       1.913267    2.692199     2.161106     1.678650     1.603421    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase 
     (decrease) in unit value*            21%         20%            11%         14%          14%          16%          18%   
===========================================================================================================================

<CAPTION>
                                     MASFIP     MFSGrOpp     MFSHiInc
                                     ------     --------     --------
1996**
<S>                                <C>             <C>           <C>     
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    1.156444    6.114190       4.949752
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                   .087567     .796451        .454253 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)           (.003065)    .533998        .164177 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                 (.011085)   (.063802)      (.049558)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      1.229861    7.380837       5.518624 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                        6%         21%            11%
========================================================================


<CAPTION>

                                 MFSGrStk        NWFund      NWGroFd      NWMyMkt     PutInvFd     PutVoyFd     SEI500Ix   
                                 --------        ------      -------      -------     --------     --------     --------   
1996**
- ------
<S>                               <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>         
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1   $8.942612   12.191058       2.667201    2.774433    11.305164     2.752130     2.439184    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                  2.581161    1.119275        .234885     .137556     1.592747      .194555      .095149    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)           (.548045)   1.782011        .208001     .000000      .815074      .156633      .453589    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                 (.094015)   (.126740)      (.026826)   (.026898)    (.117371)    (.028187)    (.025182)   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31    $10.881713   14.965604       3.083261    2.885091    13.595614     3.075131     2.962740    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                       22%         23%            16%          4%          20%          12%          21%   
===========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       SelGroFd     TRIntStk     TemForFd
                                       --------     --------     --------
1996**
- ------
<S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>          
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    8.934609    1.577274       1.518092 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                   .806286     .048552        .074298 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)           1.073404     .202388        .197443 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                 (.093109)   (.016004)      (.015394) 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31     10.721190    1.812210       1.774439 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                       20%         15%           17%
========================================================================
<FN>
 *   An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as contract charges do
     not include the annual contract maintenance charge discussed in note 2.

**   No other investment options were being utilized. 

+    See note 2
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   22

<TABLE>

                                                                                                      SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

<CAPTION>

                         NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                    TIER III+

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

                                    ACTCGro       ACTCUltra    BdFdAm       DeDecInc     Dry3dCen       EvTotRet      FedUSGvt     
                                    -------       ---------    ------       --------     --------       --------      --------     
1996**
<S>                                <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>          
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1   $4.005400      1.835553    2.039710      1.910384     2.238323       1.741651      1.115461     
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                   .087823       .117567     .153233       .365368      .380981        .097034       .059933     
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            .510320       .135351    (.017390)      .024153      .160920        .125977      (.020307)    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                 (.039618)     (.018097)   (.019217)     (.019135)    (.023109)      (.016682)     (.010418)    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31     $4.563925      2.070374    2.156336      2.280770     2.757115       1.947980      1.144669     
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                       14%           13%          6%           19%          23%            12%            3%    
===============================================================================================================================

<CAPTION>
                                     FidAsMgr      FidCapInc     FidContr
                                     --------      ---------     --------
1996**
<S>                            <C>   <C>            <C>          <C>      
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     1.121926       3.712491     1.705419 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .098038        .331771      .175380 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .043881        .089604      .196669 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.010833)      (.036344)    (.017184)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31       1.253012       4.097522     2.060284 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                       12%            10%         21% 
==========================================================================

<CAPTION>
                                      FidEqInc        FidMgIn        GroFdAm       IncFdAm      InvIndInc        JanFund    
                                      --------        -------        -------       -------      ---------        -------    
1996**
- ------
<S>                            <C>   <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>         
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     $4.471070       1.729361       2.366626      1.893327       1.451889       1.353271    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                     .342458        .281781        .149006       .208273        .155950        .182021    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)              .592488       (.081065)       .200051       .078292        .085383        .082179    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                   (.045008)      (.016497)      (.023043)     (.018432)      (.014297)      (.013787)   
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31       $5.361008       1.913580       2.692640      2.161460       1.678925       1.603684    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                        20%            11%            14%           14%            16%            19%    
===============================================================================================================================


<CAPTION>
                                         MASFIP       MFSGrOpp       MFSHiInc     MFSGrStk
                                         ------       --------       --------     --------
1996**
- ------
<S>                            <C>     <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>      
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1       1.156444       6.114190       4.949752     8.942612 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                      .087571        .796558        .454458     2.581506 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)              (.003061)       .533887        .163904     (.548408)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                    (.010892)      (.062589)      (.048562)    (.092214)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31         1.230062       7.382046       5.519552    10.883496 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                          6%            21%            12%         22% 
============================================================================================


<CAPTION>
                                        NWFund        NWGroFd        NWMyMkt      PutInvFd       PutVoyFd       SelGroFd    
                                        ------        -------        -------      --------       --------       --------    
1996**
<S>                            <C>    <C>              <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>            <C>       
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1      $12.191058       2.667201       2.774433     11.305164       2.752130       8.934609  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                      1.119420        .234917        .137554      1.592926        .194581        .806315  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)               1.781872        .207974        .000000       .814880        .156599       1.073372  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                     (.124295)      (.026326)      (.026411)     (.115128)      (.027675)      (.091349) 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31        $14.968055       3.083766       2.885576     13.597842       3.075635      10.722947  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                           23%            16%             4%           20%            12%            20% 
===============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   TRIntStk       TemForFd
                                   --------       --------
1996**
<S>                                  <C>            <C>      
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     1.577274       1.518092 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .048559        .074300 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .202389        .197449 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.015715)      (.015111)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31       1.812507       1.774730 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                        15%            17%
==========================================================================

<FN>
*    An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as contract charges do
     not include the annual contract maintenance charge discussed in note 2.

**   No other investment options were being utilized. 

+    See note 2

</TABLE>


<PAGE>   23
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                                              NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                                         TIER IV+

                                            SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

                                      ACTCGro       ACTCSel       ACTCUltra      BdFdAm      Dry3dCen     EvTotRet     FedUSGvt  
                                      -------       -------       ---------      ------      --------     --------     --------  
1996**
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>      
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     $4.005400      1.331631       1.835553      2.039710    2.238323    1.741651      1.115461 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .087834        .148399        .117582       .153234     .381022     .097037       .059933 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .510292        .106166        .135328      (.017388)    .160874     .126116      (.020305)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.038853)      (.013091)      (.017750)     (.018822)   (.022652)   (.016505)     (.010228)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $4.564673       1.573105       2.070713      2.156734    2.757567    1.948229      1.144861 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                        14%            18%            13%            6%         23%         12%            3%
================================================================================================================================

<CAPTION>
                                      FidAsMgr      FidCapInc     FidContr
                                      --------      ---------     --------
1996**
<S>                                  <C>            <C>          <C>      
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     1.121926       3.712491     1.705419 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .098047        .331772      .175391 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .043870        .089608      .196662 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.010626)      (.035661)    (.016851)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31       1.253217       4.098210     2.060621 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                        12%            10%          21%
===============================================================================
<CAPTION>

                                       FidEqInc        FidMgIn        GroFdAm       IncFdAm    InvIndInc     JanFund      MASFIP
                                       --------        -------        -------       -------    ---------     -------      ------
1996**
<S>                                   <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>      
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1      $4.471070       1.729361       2.366626      1.893327     1.451889    1.353271    1.156444 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                      .342479        .281783        .149022       .208293      .155964     .182048     .087575 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)               .592476       (.081063)       .200043       .078277      .085372     .082155    (.003066)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                    (.044139)      (.016187)      (.022610)     (.018083)    (.014025)   (.013527)   (.010689)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31        $5.361886       1.913894       2.693081      2.161814     1.679200    1.603947    1.230264 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                          20%            11%            14%           14%          16%         19%          6%
================================================================================================================================

<CAPTION>
                                       MFSGrOpp       MFSHiInc
                                       --------       --------
1996**
<S>                                   <C>            <C>      
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1      6.114190       4.949752 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                     .796664        .454255 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)              .533781        .164183 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                   (.061380)      (.047711)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31        7.383255       5.520479 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                         21%            12%
===============================================================================


<CAPTION>

                                        MFSGrStk         NWFund        NWGroFd       NWMyMkt       PutInvFd       PutVoyFd   
                                        --------         ------        -------       -------       --------       --------   
1996**
<S>                                   <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>          
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1      $8.942612     12.191058       2.667201      2.774433      11.305164       2.752130     
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                     2.581851       1.119564        .234950       .137553       1.593104        .194606    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)              (.548770)      1.781730        .207948       .000000        .814688        .156571    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                    (.090414)      (.121847)      (.025829)     (.025926)      (.112887)      (.027167)   
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31        10.885279      14.970505       3.084270     $2.886060      13.600069       3.076140    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                          22%            23%            16%            4%            20%            12%   
================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       SelGroFd       TRIntStk     TemForFd
                                       --------       --------     --------
1996**
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>      
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     8.934609       1.577274       1.518092 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .806343        .048567        .074301 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)            1.073337        .202387        .197454 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.089586)      (.015425)      (.014827)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      10.724703       1.812803       1.775020   
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                        20%            15%            17%
===============================================================================
<FN>

*    An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as contract charges do
     not include the annual contract maintenance charge discussed in note 2.

**   No other investment options were being utilized.

+    See note 2 

</TABLE>



<PAGE>   24
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               SCHEDULE 1, CONTINUED
                                              NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                                          TIER V+

                                            SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

                                      AIMCon          ACTCGro        ACTCUltra          BdFdAm        Dry3dCen        EvTotRet  
                                      ------          -------        ---------          ------        --------        --------  
1996**
- ------
<S>                                 <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>       
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $1.776138         4.005400        1.835553        2.039710        2.238323        1.741651  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .068263          .087885         .117650         .153258         .381239         .097058  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .229451          .510308         .135286        (.017382)        .160736         .126151  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.016414)        (.036192)       (.016538)       (.017530)       (.021084)       (.015395) 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $2.057438         4.567401        2.071951        2.158056        2.759214        1.949465  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                        16%              14%             13%              6%             23%             12% 
===============================================================================================================================

                                     FidCapInc        FidContr        FidEqInc
<CAPTION>
                                     ---------        --------        --------
1996**
- ------
<S>                                  <C>             <C>             <C>      
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1     3.712491        1.705419        4.471070 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .331796         .175441         .342592 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .089631         .196694         .592574 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.033264)       (.015701)       (.041146)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31       4.100654        2.061853        5.365090 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                        10%             21%            20% 
===============================================================================


<CAPTION>
                                   FidGrInc          FidMgIn        MFSGrOpp        MFSHiInc        MFSGrStk          NWBdFd    
1996**
<S>                                 <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>        
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $1.683805        1.729361        6.114190        4.949752        8.942612        1.991196   
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .098999         .281791         .797129         .454312        2.583355         .127782  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .236438        (.081008)        .533537         .164197        (.550009)       (.098900) 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.015451)       (.015106)       (.057186)       (.044490)       (.084173)       (.016570) 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $2.003791        1.915038        7.387670        5.523771       10.891785        2.003508  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                        19%             11%             21%             12%             22%              1% 
===============================================================================================================================

<CAPTION>

                                         NWFund         NWGroFd
1996**
<S>                                    <C>              <C>      
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1       12.191058        2.667201 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                       1.120138         .235077 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                1.781742         .207926 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                      (.113490)       (.024090)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31          14.979448        3.086114 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                            23%             16%
===============================================================================


<CAPTION>

                                     NWMyMkt        NBGuardTM        PutInvFd        PutVoyFd        SEI500Ix        SelGroFd  
                                     -------        ---------        --------        --------        --------        --------  
1996**
<S>                                 <C>              <C>            <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>       
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1    $2.774433        1.169665       11.305164        2.752130        2.439184        8.934609  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                    .137564          .076520        1.594014         .194720         .095184         .806773 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)             .000000          .131365         .814112         .156454         .453672        1.073177 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                  (.024215)        (.010475)       (.105096)       (.025324)       (.022559)       (.083445)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31      $2.887782         1.367075       13.608194        3.077980        2.965481       10.731114 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                    4%              17%             20%             12%             22%             20%     
===============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                        TRIntStk        TemForFd
                                        --------        --------
1996**
<S>                                     <C>             <C>      
   Beginning unit value - Jan. 1        1.577274        1.518092 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital gains
     and dividends                        .048595         .074334 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)                 .202414         .197488 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges                      (.014395)       (.013832)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value - Dec. 31           1.813888         1.776082  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                       15%             17%
===============================================================================
<FN>

*    An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as contract charges do
     not include the annual contract maintenance charge discussed in note 2.

**   No other investment options were being utilized 

+    See note 2
     See note 3

</TABLE>


<PAGE>   57

================================================================================

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                               STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                                       JUNE 30, 1997
                                                        (UNAUDITED)


<S>                                                                                     <C>          
ASSETS:
   Investments at market value:
      AIM Equity Funds, Inc. - AIM Constellation Fund - Institutional Class (AIMCon)
         614,391 shares (cost $15,468,773) ..........................................    $  17,184,529
      AIM Equity Funds, Inc. - AIM Weingarten Fund - Institutional Class (AIMWein)
         99,639 shares (cost $1,854,808) ............................................        2,147,225
      American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund (ACTCGro)
         4,862,939 shares (cost $100,856,684) .......................................      125,172,052
      American Century: Twentieth Century Select Fund (ACTCSel)
         41,335 shares (cost $1,473,271) ............................................        1,930,757
      American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund (ACTCUltra)
         9,171,224 shares (cost $230,269,014) .......................................      299,899,036
      The Bond Fund of AmericaSM, Inc. (BdFdAm)
         831,002 shares (cost $11,310,968) ..........................................       11,476,135
      Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc. - Class A (DNYVenFd)
         222,369 shares (cost $4,050,722) ...........................................        4,629,719
      Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc. -
      Decatur Income Fund Institutional Class (DeDecInc)
         11,918 shares (cost $209,913) ..............................................          253,129
      Dreyfus Cash Management - Class A (DryCsMgt)
         1,205,061 shares (cost $1,205,061) .........................................        1,205,061
      Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund (Dry500Ix)
         125,518 shares (cost $3,262,913) ...........................................        3,353,847
      The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. (Dry3dCen)
         2,781,441 shares (cost $24,208,849) ........................................       28,815,732
      Evergreen Income and Growth Fund - Class Y (EvIncGro)
         187,799 shares (cost $3,600,254) ...........................................        4,325,005
      The Institutional Shares of Federated GNMA Trust (FedGNMA)
         58,305 shares (cost $642,574) ..............................................          649,516
      Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 2-5 Years -
      Institutional Shares (FedUSGvt)
         210,772 shares (cost $2,201,130) ...........................................        2,202,563
      Fidelity Asset ManagerTM (FidAsMgr)
         336,509 shares (cost $5,352,237) ...........................................        6,067,252
      Fidelity Capital & Income Fund (FidCapInc)
         140,908 shares (cost $1,237,953) ...........................................        1,341,448
      Fidelity Contrafund (FidContr)
         4,756,387 shares (cost $178,959,999) .......................................      219,316,990
      Fidelity Equity-Income Fund (FidEqInc)
         5,045,919 shares (cost $179,087,002) .......................................      248,208,749
</TABLE>

                                   109 of 176
<PAGE>   58

<TABLE>

<S>                                                                                     <C>          
      Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio (FidGrInc)
         448,767 shares (cost $13,370,447) ..........................................       16,178,068
      Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund (FidMgln)
         2,269,583 shares (cost $174,012,024) .......................................      206,645,493
      The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc. (GroFdAm)
         595,026 shares (cost $9,637,910) ...........................................       11,091,287
      The Income Fund of America(R), Inc. (IncFdAm)
         980,070 shares (cost $15,010,081) ..........................................       17,406,041
      INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc. (InvIndlnc)
         1,359,895 shares (cost $17,116,496) ........................................       20,819,986
      Janus Fund (JanFund)
         1,911,959 shares (cost $46,495,206) ........................................       52,808,316
      MAS Funds - Fixed Income Portfolio (MASFIP)
         162,664 shares (cost $1,922,246) ...........................................        1,951,967
      MFS(R) Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A (MFSGrOpp)
         1,762,239 shares (cost $20,409,007) ........................................       26,363,103
      MFS(R) High Income Fund - Class A (MFSHiInc)
         645,052 shares (cost $3,348,490) ...........................................        3,489,733
      Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A (MFSGrStk)
         477,433 shares (cost $5,140,869) ...........................................        6,015,656
      Nationwide(R) Bond Fund (NWBdFd)
         13,504 shares (cost $125,632) ..............................................          124,376
      Nationwide(R) Fund (NWFund)
         2,117,202 shares (cost $38,907,160) ........................................       52,421,924
      Nationwide(R) Growth Fund (NWGroFd)
         565,916 shares (cost $6,812,519) ...........................................        8,879,224
      Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund (NWMyMkt)
         65,266,291 shares (cost $65,266,291) .......................................       65,266,291
      Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund (NBGuard)
         22,120 shares (cost $606,361) ..............................................          639,713
      Neuberger & Berman Manhattan Fund (NBManhFd)
         7,817 shares (cost $95,509) ................................................          107,253
      Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund (NBPartFd)
         40,677 shares (cost $1,124,715) ............................................        1,189,386
      Putnam Investors Fund - Class A (PutInvFd)
         3,479,335 shares (cost $29,502,329) ........................................       38,133,513
      Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A (PutVoyFd)
         6,090,887 shares (cost $95,351,347) ........................................      109,331,422
      SEI Index Funds - S&P 500 Index Portfolio (SEI500Ix)
         400,264 shares (cost $10,017,937) ..........................................       11,279,438
      Seligman Growth Fund, Inc. - Class A (SelGroFd)
         424,772 shares (cost $2,238,371) ...........................................        2,799,245
      Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc. (StComStk)
         289,790 shares (cost $5,920,436) ...........................................        6,578,230
</TABLE>


                                   110 of 176
<PAGE>   59

<TABLE>

<S>                                                                                     <C>          
      T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. - International Stock Fund(R)(TRIntStk)
         2,437,297 shares (cost $32,233,305) ........................................       37,631,858
      Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I (TemForFd)
         7,578,855 shares (cost $73,624,514) ........................................       87,308,411
      Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund, Inc. - Class I (TemGlSmCo)
         107,916 shares (cost $905,532) .............................................        1,004,696
      American Century VP - American Century VP Balanced (ACVPBal)
         711 shares (cost $5,059) ...................................................            5,511
      American Century VP - American Century VP Capital Appreciation (ACVPCapAp)
         9,803 shares (cost $100,749) ...............................................           94,693
      The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. (DrySRGro)
         182 shares (cost $3,869) ...................................................            4,262
      Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)
         1,557 shares (cost $29,161) ................................................           37,737
      Variable Insurance Products Fund II - Asset Manager Portfolio (FidVIPAM)
         1,847 shares (cost $28,081) ................................................           30,654
      Variable Insurance Products Fund - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)
         6,036 shares (cost $115,426) ...............................................          133,162
      Variable Insurance Products Fund - Growth Portfolio (FidVIPGr)
         3,175 shares (cost $89,673) ................................................          108,595
      Variable Insurance Products Fund - High Income Portfolio (FidVIPHI)
         2,787 shares (cost $33,220) ................................................           34,637
      Variable Insurance Products - Overseas Portfolio (FidVIPOv)
         7,025 shares (cost $119,953) ...............................................          140,771
      Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd)
         1,110 shares (cost $12,239) ................................................           12,206
      Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
         18,712 shares (cost $18,712) ...............................................           18,712
      Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)
         3,978 shares (cost $47,609) ................................................           62,500
      Neuberger & Berman AMT - Growth Portfolio (NBAMTGro)
         826 shares (cost $20,992) ..................................................           22,906
      Neuberger & Berman AMT - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio (NBAMTLMat)
         681 shares (cost $9,426) ...................................................            9,281
      Neuberger & Berman AMT - Partners Portfolio (NBAMTPart)
         1,096 shares (cost $14,132) ................................................           19,907
                                                                                         -------------
            Total investments .......................................................    1,764,378,909
   Accounts receivable ..............................................................           41,289
                                                                                         -------------
            Total assets ............................................................    1,764,420,198
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ....................................................................          242,596
                                                                                         -------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY (NOTE 3) ....................................................   $1,764,177,602
                                                                                        ==============

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>


                                   111 of 176
<PAGE>   60

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                                  STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                           SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                            (UNAUDITED)

                                                                     Total                                  AIMCon                
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $     7,706,347           6,827,601                --                  --   
  Mortality and expense charges ..................         (3,898,039)         (3,295,695)            (41,021)            (19,831)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................         (1,968,784)         (2,966,124)            (29,501)            (17,848)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................           (524,183)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............           (168,929)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................            (65,257)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................           (183,171)               --                (2,473)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................            897,984             565,782             (72,995)            (37,679)
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........        127,538,887         107,755,110           5,097,633             285,029
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................       (112,268,086)        (94,486,876)         (4,299,436)           (203,697)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............         15,270,801          13,268,234             798,197              81,332
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........        184,132,014          43,292,920             415,452             709,746
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............        199,402,815          56,561,154           1,213,649             791,078
  Reinvested capital gains .......................          8,663,127          33,344,947                --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........        208,963,926          90,471,883           1,140,654             753,399
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......        217,822,618         204,939,637           3,503,156           4,745,421
  Redemptions ....................................        (88,285,940)        (87,140,587)         (3,016,246)           (755,885)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....             (1,931)            (65,069)               --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............            (10,104)             (3,142)               (372)               (110)
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............           (100,249)            (12,819)                845                 528
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................        129,424,394         117,718,020             487,383           3,989,954
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............        338,388,320         208,189,903           1,628,037           4,743,353
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......      1,425,789,282       1,226,462,053          15,557,461           5,708,596
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $ 1,764,177,602       1,434,651,956          17,185,498          10,451,949
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>                                              

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    AIMWein                                 ACTCGro
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Mortality and expense charges ..................             (5,307)             (4,299)           (293,167)           (367,299)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................             (4,776)             (3,869)           (125,063)           (330,569)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               --                  --               (43,110)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               --                  --               (12,060)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               --                  --                (3,460)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --               (21,471)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................            (10,083)             (8,168)           (498,331)           (697,868)
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........            463,435             215,173          11,271,665          13,405,531
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................           (404,516)           (184,615)        (11,860,026)        (13,301,096)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............             58,919              30,558            (588,361)            104,435
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........            224,345             111,839          19,673,323          10,369,749
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............            283,264             142,397          19,084,962          10,474,184
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........            273,181             134,229          18,586,631           9,776,316
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......             65,359             257,762            (312,767)         (1,723,396)
  Redemptions ....................................           (308,173)           (102,439)         (6,954,783)         (8,733,539)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                    (4)            (14,754)
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  (367)               (319)
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............               (358)                123               1,040               3,467
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................           (243,172)            155,446          (7,266,881)        (10,468,541)
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............             30,009             289,675          11,319,750            (692,225)
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......          2,116,847           1,524,549         113,853,751         149,542,262
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............          2,146,856           1,814,224         125,173,501         148,850,037
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
                                                      
</TABLE>                                              


                                   112 of 176
<PAGE>   61

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                                  STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                           SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                            (UNAUDITED)

                                                                    ACTCSel                               ACTCUltra              
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $          --                  --                  --                  --   
  Mortality and expense charges ..................             (4,251)             (3,563)           (671,863)           (527,692)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................               (122)             (3,207)           (347,296)           (474,923)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               --                  --               (89,384)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               --                  --               (35,427)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................             (1,646)               --                (9,233)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --               (27,636)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................             (6,019)             (6,770)         (1,180,839)         (1,002,615)

  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........             85,295             504,907          18,487,083          14,409,156
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................            (68,626)           (449,443)        (12,966,126)        (10,067,133)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............             16,669              55,464           5,520,957           4,342,023
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........            315,852              54,521          36,383,589          13,663,354
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............            332,521             109,985          41,904,546          18,005,377
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
        equity resulting from operations .........            326,502             103,215          40,723,707          17,002,762

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
  Purchase payments received from contract
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......             99,406            (258,987)         26,777,345          43,900,102
  Redemptions ....................................            (53,315)           (170,755)        (13,005,968)        (17,205,535)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                   (24)                (36)
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                (1,129)             (1,039)
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                  1                (932)            (27,467)             24,674
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................             46,092            (430,674)         13,742,757          26,718,166

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............            372,594            (327,459)         54,466,464          43,720,928
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......          1,558,172           1,670,130         245,403,535         192,990,914
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $     1,930,766           1,342,671         299,869,999         236,711,842
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============

</TABLE>                                              

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    BdFdAm                                 DNYVenFd
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................            411,668          540,089               -               -   
  Mortality and expense charges ..................            (28,890)         (37,489)         (8,525)         (7,821)  
  Administration charge - Tier I .................            (16,468)         (33,740)         (7,105)         (7,039)  
  Administration charge - Tier II ................             (4,607)               -            (505)              -   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............             (1,078)               -               -               -   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................                (92)               -               -               -   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               (842)               -               -               -   
                                                        -------------    -------------   -------------   -------------   
    Net investment activity ......................            359,691          468,860         (16,135)        (14,860)  
                                                                                                                         
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........          2,797,351        2,208,734       1,030,002         242,021   
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................         (2,615,750)      (2,415,276)       (878,348)       (186,607)  
                                                        -------------    -------------   -------------   -------------   
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............            181,601         (206,542)        151,654          55,414   
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........           (131,209)        (245,008)        394,157         179,081   
                                                        -------------    -------------   -------------   -------------   
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............             50,392         (451,550)        545,811         234,495   
  Reinvested capital gains .......................                  -                -               -               -   
                                                        -------------    -------------   -------------   -------------   
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'                                                                        
        equity resulting from operations .........            410,083           17,310         529,676         219,635   
                                                                                                                         
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                                                                                     
  Purchase payments received from contract                                                                               
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......            371,695        1,385,999       3,206,481       1,495,231   
  Redemptions ....................................           (848,693)      (1,133,659)     (1,321,499)       (289,689)  
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....                 (8)          (1,927)              -               -   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............                  -                -               -               -   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............               (180)             210             105             277   
                                                        -------------    -------------   -------------   -------------   
      Net equity transactions ....................           (477,186)         250,623       1,885,087       1,205,819   
                                                                                                                         
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............            (67,103)         267,933       2,414,763       1,425,454   
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......         11,554,576       15,164,171       2,215,046       2,383,414   
                                                        -------------    -------------   -------------   -------------   
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............         11,487,473       15,432,104       4,629,809       3,808,868   
                                                        =============    =============   =============   =============   

</TABLE>                                                


                                   113 of 176
<PAGE>   62

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                                  STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                           SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                            (UNAUDITED)

                                                                   DeDecInc                                DryCsMgt              
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $         3,796               4,001              28,154              69,397
  Mortality and expense charges ..................               (586)               (521)             (2,648)             (6,550)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................               (417)               (469)             (1,557)             (5,895)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................                (70)               --                  (734)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............                (21)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................              2,702               3,011              23,215              56,952
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........             18,915                 768           3,463,566           1,693,927
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................            (16,977)               (744)         (3,463,566)         (1,693,927)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............              1,938                  24                --                  --   
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........             30,950               9,754                --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............             32,888               9,778                --                  --   
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........             35,590              12,789              23,215              56,952
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......             13,946              15,615             193,830            (255,029)
  Redemptions ....................................            (19,529)               (128)           (136,585)            (77,998)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                    (4)               --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                 (6)                (84)                196                 (65)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................             (5,589)             15,399              57,441            (333,092)
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............             30,001              28,188              80,656            (276,140)
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......            223,128             192,253           1,154,439           2,844,535
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $       253,129             220,441           1,235,095           2,568,395
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
                                                      
</TABLE>                                              

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   Dry500Ix                               Dry3dCen
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Mortality and expense charges ..................             (1,421)               --               (61,256)            (39,473)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................               (509)               --               (27,368)            (35,525)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               (341)               --                (7,207)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               (206)               --                (3,408)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................                (34)               --                  (993)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --                (4,103)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................             (2,511)               --              (104,335)            (74,998)

  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........            554,133                --             1,666,438           1,370,018
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................           (534,142)               --            (1,533,857)         (1,217,403)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............             19,991                --               132,581             152,615
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........             90,935                --             3,766,256           1,399,924
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............            110,926                --             3,898,837           1,552,539
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
        equity resulting from operations .........            108,415                --             3,794,502           1,477,541

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
  Purchase payments received from contract
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......          3,248,776                --             6,535,242           2,087,447
  Redemptions ....................................             (3,344)               --            (1,456,877)           (877,389)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............               (606)               --                (1,945)                703
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................          3,244,826                --             5,076,420           1,210,761

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............          3,353,241                --             8,870,922           2,688,302
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......               --                  --            19,942,835          14,552,502
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............          3,353,241                --            28,813,757          17,240,804
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>


                                   114 of 176
<PAGE>   63

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                                  STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                           SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                            (UNAUDITED)

                                                                  EvincGro                                 FedGNMA           
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $       102,820              78,179              22,306              21,149
  Mortality and expense charges ..................            (10,466)            (13,320)             (1,660)             (1,590)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................             (4,544)            (11,988)             (1,494)             (1,431)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................             (1,985)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               (283)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................                (51)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               (701)               --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................             84,790              52,871              19,152              18,128
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........            507,480             935,480             143,957             106,246
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................           (479,285)           (939,158)           (138,566)           (111,147)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............             28,195              (3,678)              5,391              (4,901)
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........            292,883             154,319              (5,638)            (17,680)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............            321,078             150,641                (247)            (22,581)
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........            405,868             203,512              18,905              (4,453)
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......           (208,503)           (160,729)             56,621              84,475
  Redemptions ....................................           (193,293)           (457,042)           (135,281)            (59,093)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                   (11)
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                 21              63,157                 (26)                (17)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................           (401,775)           (554,614)            (78,686)             25,354
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............              4,093            (351,102)            (59,781)             20,901
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......          4,320,926           5,673,695             709,278             632,297
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $     4,325,019           5,322,593             649,497             653,198
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>                                              

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   FedUSGvt                                FidAsMgr
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................              59,974              53,411              89,019              98,947
  Mortality and expense charges ..................              (5,339)             (4,943)            (13,402)            (16,417)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................              (3,212)             (4,449)             (7,871)            (14,776)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................                (930)               --                (1,796)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............                (174)               --                  (525)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................                (127)               --                  (614)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................                --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ----------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................              50,192              44,019              64,811              67,754
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........             701,802             885,484             414,467             869,683
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................            (718,525)           (854,486)           (341,759)           (791,338)
                                                      ----------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............             (16,723)             30,998              72,708              78,345
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........               8,798             (91,883)            425,941              93,768
                                                      ----------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............              (7,925)            (60,885)            498,649             172,113
  Reinvested capital gains .......................                --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ----------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........              42,267             (16,866)            563,460             239,867
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......             375,795              11,976             756,608             690,049
  Redemptions ....................................            (237,142)           (161,564)           (276,622)           (620,983)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....                --                  --                  --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............                --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                 (60)               (125)                (14)                (16)
                                                      ----------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................             138,593            (149,713)            479,972              69,050
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............             180,860            (166,579)          1,043,432             308,917
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......           2,021,665           2,094,259           5,023,827           6,549,948
                                                      ----------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............           2,202,525           1,927,680           6,067,259           6,858,865
                                                      ================     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>                                              


                                   115 of 176
<PAGE>   64

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                                  STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                           SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                            (UNAUDITED)

                                                                  FidCapInc                                FidContr            
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $        54,062              77,536                --                  --   
  Mortality and expense charges ..................             (3,376)             (3,442)           (476,998)           (307,464)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................             (1,136)             (3,098)           (282,862)           (276,718)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               (313)               --               (68,027)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               (408)               --               (25,686)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................                (81)               --                (8,532)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               (252)               --                (4,060)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................             48,496              70,996            (866,165)           (584,182)
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........            105,044             436,756           2,726,923           3,744,741
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................            (77,996)           (315,994)         (2,063,676)         (3,168,662)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............             27,048             120,762             663,247             576,079
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........             (3,894)           (135,741)         17,520,586           4,138,806
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............             23,154             (14,979)         18,183,833           4,714,885
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --             3,018,084           5,684,369
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........             71,650              56,017          20,335,752           9,815,072
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......            (11,896)            (26,998)         38,392,212          33,116,346
  Redemptions ....................................            (85,358)           (403,156)         (8,383,935)         (6,865,907)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                (33)               (158)            (13,704)            (68,443)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................            (97,287)           (430,312)         29,994,573          26,181,996
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............            (25,637)           (374,295)         50,330,325          35,997,068
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......          1,367,071           1,720,157         168,983,800         106,734,045
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $     1,341,434           1,345,862         219,314,125         142,731,113
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>                                              

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   FidEqInc                                FidGrInc
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................          2,519,112           2,194,879              95,150              41,378
  Mortality and expense charges ..................           (539,511)           (427,596)            (33,379)            (13,966)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................           (242,600)           (384,833)            (21,079)            (12,570)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................            (80,749)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............            (24,514)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................            (11,985)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................            (29,459)               --                (2,987)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................          1,590,294           1,382,450              37,705              14,842

  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........          4,974,081           6,614,979           2,277,778           2,930,551
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................         (2,826,840)         (4,112,116)         (1,641,610)         (2,393,972)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............          2,147,241           2,502,863             636,168             536,579
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........         28,377,028           7,475,688           1,485,966            (110,272)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............         30,524,269           9,978,551           2,122,134             426,307
  Reinvested capital gains .......................          2,314,658           2,203,152                --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
        equity resulting from operations .........         34,429,221          13,564,153           2,159,839             441,149

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
  Purchase payments received from contract
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......         30,451,360          23,330,338           6,131,220           2,118,079
  Redemptions ....................................        (10,172,818)        (11,049,206)         (2,671,546)         (3,047,544)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --               (10,436)               --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               (797)                (92)               --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                768               2,132                 928                 275
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................         20,278,513          12,272,736           3,460,602            (929,190)

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............         54,707,734          25,836,889           5,620,441            (488,041)
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......        193,502,053         158,961,606          10,558,554           6,996,905
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............        248,209,787         184,798,495          16,178,995           6,508,864
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>


                                        
                                   116 of 176
<PAGE>   65

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                              STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                      SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                        (UNAUDITED)

                                                                   FidMgin                                  FidOTC              
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $     1,635,701             986,540                --                  --   
  Mortality and expense charges ..................           (463,415)           (421,016)               --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier I .................           (251,040)           (378,914)               --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier II ................            (47,809)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............            (17,711)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................             (6,799)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................            (23,461)               --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................            825,466             186,610                --                  --   
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........          6,429,730           7,473,653                --                78,420
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................         (5,803,273)         (6,196,391)               --               (80,480)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............            626,457           1,277,262                --                (2,060)
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........         22,580,629         (22,944,955)               --                 2,064
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............         23,207,086         (21,667,693)               --                     4
  Reinvested capital gains .......................          3,184,164          25,354,072                --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........         27,216,716           3,872,989                --                     4
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......          9,659,880          19,351,529                --                  --   
  Redemptions ....................................         (7,275,908)         (8,000,483)               --               (78,420)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............             (1,160)               (553)               --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............               (998)              4,574                --                    (4)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................          2,381,814          11,355,067                --               (78,424)
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............         29,598,530          15,228,056                --               (78,420)
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......        177,046,208         159,187,313                --                78,420
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $   206,644,738         174,415,369                --                  --   
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>                                              

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    GroFdAm                                IncFdAm
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................               --                  --               383,103             431,801
  Mortality and expense charges ..................            (25,670)            (43,193)            (40,337)            (42,892)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................            (15,257)            (38,874)            (26,398)            (38,602)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................             (3,494)               --                (5,668)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............             (1,928)               --                (1,486)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               (455)               --                  (578)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................            (46,804)            (82,067)            308,636             350,307

  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........          1,043,143             910,382             953,714           1,070,396
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................           (844,290)           (645,755)           (818,928)           (949,582)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............            198,853             264,627             134,786             120,814
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........          1,012,483             625,675           1,029,925             221,067
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............          1,211,336             890,302           1,164,711             341,881
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
        equity resulting from operations .........          1,164,532             808,235           1,473,347             692,188

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
  Purchase payments received from contract
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......            744,068           2,515,115           1,681,856           1,980,021
  Redemptions ....................................           (596,949)           (950,615)           (969,906)           (781,540)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                (3,889)               --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............               (247)               --                   240                  96
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................            146,872           1,560,611             712,190           1,198,577

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............          1,311,404           2,368,846           2,185,537           1,890,765
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......          9,779,679          15,895,616          15,220,788          16,369,347
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............         11,091,083          18,264,462          17,406,325          18,260,112
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>


                                   117 of 176
<PAGE>   66


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                              STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                      SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                        (UNAUDITED)

                                                                   InvIndInc                                JanFund             
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $       227,902             283,064                --                  --   
  Mortality and expense charges ..................            (45,491)            (42,503)           (112,318)            (57,673)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................            (30,421)            (38,253)            (65,995)            (51,905)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................             (6,776)               --               (17,702)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               (896)               --                (5,221)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               (691)               --                (3,264)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................            143,627             202,308            (204,500)           (109,578)
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........            334,674             556,121             963,253             765,463
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................           (270,121)           (501,286)           (736,224)           (663,768)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............             64,553              54,835             227,029             101,695
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........          2,324,848             545,060           5,389,127           2,009,353
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............          2,389,401             599,895           5,616,156           2,111,048
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........          2,533,028             802,203           5,411,656           2,001,470
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......          2,566,634           3,043,241          12,615,917           8,900,233
  Redemptions ....................................           (601,858)           (747,914)         (2,566,045)         (1,247,350)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                (1,902)               --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                 63                (187)                657                 166
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................          1,964,839           2,293,238          10,050,529           7,653,049
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............          4,497,867           3,095,441          15,462,185           9,654,519
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......         16,322,252          15,437,671          37,346,871          18,299,936
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $    20,820,119          18,533,112          52,809,056          27,954,455
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>                                              

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    Jan20Fd                                 MASFIP
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................               --                  --                27,516               9,386
  Mortality and expense charges ..................               (639)               (151)             (4,052)             (1,549)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................               (575)               (136)             (2,420)             (1,395)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               --                  --                  (534)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               --                  --                  (291)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               --                  --                   (84)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................             (1,214)               (287)             20,135               6,442

  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........            571,046              19,853             501,360             197,618
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................           (609,105)            (17,692)           (496,768)           (195,863)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............            (38,059)              2,161               4,592               1,755
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........             35,516               4,329              30,737              (5,559)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............             (2,543)              6,490              35,329              (3,804)
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
        equity resulting from operations .........             (3,757)              6,203              55,464               2,638

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
  Purchase payments received from contract
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......            323,352              38,128             802,531             449,061
  Redemptions ....................................           (569,390)               --              (168,950)            (93,646)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                  2                --                 1,655                (154)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................           (246,036)             38,128             635,236             355,261

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............           (249,793)             44,331             690,700             357,899
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......            249,793              42,018           1,262,922             423,957
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............               --                86,349           1,953,622             781,856
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>


                                   118 of 176
<PAGE>   67

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                              STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                      SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                        (UNAUDITED)

                                                                   MFSGrOpp                                 MFSHiInc            
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $          --                  --               156,868             163,666
  Mortality and expense charges ..................            (63,398)            (58,053)             (8,935)             (9,435)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................            (11,725)            (52,247)             (1,470)             (8,491)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................             (5,363)               --                  (310)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............             (2,560)               --                  (204)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................                (54)               --                    (1)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................            (11,780)               --                (1,971)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................            (94,880)           (110,300)            143,977             145,740
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........          3,308,423           2,426,270           1,171,543             861,623
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................         (2,631,119)         (2,213,013)         (1,168,385)           (827,910)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............            677,304             213,257               3,158              33,713
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........          2,849,698           2,567,339              33,993             (47,402)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............          3,527,002           2,780,596              37,151             (13,689)
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........          3,432,122           2,670,296             181,128             132,051
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......             48,059             211,822             124,836             (43,659)
  Redemptions ....................................         (2,553,849)         (2,000,535)           (563,601)           (314,539)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                   (26)               --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............            (21,857)            (33,495)                 52                (121)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................         (2,527,647)         (1,822,234)           (438,713)           (358,319)
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............            904,475             848,062            (257,585)           (226,268)
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......         25,459,101          23,386,771           3,747,401           3,993,277
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $    26,363,576          24,234,833           3,489,816           3,767,009
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>                                              

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   MFSGrStk                                 NWBdFd
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................                --                  --                 4,574               5,829
  Mortality and expense charges ..................             (13,327)            (13,100)               (348)               (439)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................              (3,971)            (11,790)                (76)               (395)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................                (413)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............                (219)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................                  (3)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................              (2,408)               --                   (79)               --   
                                                      ----------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................             (20,341)            (24,890)              4,071               4,995
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........             392,201             375,105              48,235              81,601
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................            (433,770)           (374,711)            (51,364)            (78,653)
                                                      ----------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............             (41,569)                394              (3,129)              2,948
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........           1,301,165             654,894               1,021             (14,576)
                                                      ----------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............           1,259,596             655,288              (2,108)            (11,628)
  Reinvested capital gains .......................                --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ----------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........           1,239,255             630,398               1,963              (6,633)
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......              48,977             295,852               5,983              50,656
  Redemptions ....................................            (286,788)           (243,274)            (43,333)            (34,045)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....                (309)               (337)               --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............                (457)               --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                 (76)               (497)                (12)                (24)
                                                      ----------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................            (238,653)             51,744             (37,362)             16,587
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............           1,000,602             682,142             (35,399)              9,954
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......           5,014,974           4,930,751             159,754             183,192
                                                      ----------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............           6,015,576           5,612,893             124,355             193,146
                                                      ================     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>

                                   119 of 176
<PAGE>   68
                                              
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                              STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                      SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                        (UNAUDITED)

                                                                    NWFund                                 NWGroFd              
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $       308,964             308,134              39,535              54,628
  Mortality and expense charges ..................           (104,218)            (90,842)            (19,771)            (24,391)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................            (49,489)            (81,758)             (8,006)            (21,952)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................            (14,261)               --                (2,569)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............             (5,768)               --                  (575)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................             (1,274)               --                  (943)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................             (5,582)               --                (1,305)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................            128,372             135,534               6,366               8,285
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........          2,198,366           7,002,390             564,487           1,944,032
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................         (1,632,961)         (5,705,245)           (430,683)         (1,474,599)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............            565,405           1,297,145             133,804             469,433
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........          8,197,017           1,887,561           1,208,644             182,478
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............          8,762,422           3,184,706           1,342,448             651,911
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........          8,890,794           3,320,240           1,348,814             660,196
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......         11,434,240          (1,148,235)            295,092            (240,693)
  Redemptions ....................................         (2,492,931)         (3,485,846)           (297,558)         (1,183,647)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               (694)             (2,998)               --                  (951)
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               (759)               (996)               --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............            (22,088)             (2,580)                (72)               (357)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................          8,917,768          (4,640,655)             (2,538)         (1,425,648)
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............         17,808,562          (1,320,415)          1,346,276            (765,452)
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......         34,591,092          35,420,631           7,532,918           9,784,013
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $    52,399,654          34,100,216           8,879,194           9,018,561
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>                                              


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    NWMyMkt                                 NBGuard
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................          1,478,230           1,362,329               1,334                --   
  Mortality and expense charges ..................           (149,678)           (140,423)             (1,077)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier I .................            (48,809)           (126,381)               --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier II ................            (40,450)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............             (4,374)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................             (3,536)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................             (8,626)               --                  (323)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................          1,222,757           1,095,525                 (66)               --   

  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........         34,314,179          22,428,811             210,004                --   
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................        (34,314,179)        (22,428,811)           (197,049)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............               --                  --                12,955                --   
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........               --                  --                30,269                --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............               --                  --                43,224                --   
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
        equity resulting from operations .........          1,222,757           1,095,525              43,158                --   

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
  Purchase payments received from contract
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......          8,504,848           5,696,135             499,509                --   
  Redemptions ....................................         (3,563,577)         (5,056,930)            (52,205)               --   
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....                (15)             (3,564)               --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............             (2,217)               --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                980                (404)                (14)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................          4,940,019             635,237             447,290                --   

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............          6,162,776           1,730,762             490,448                --   
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......         58,928,944          56,462,070             149,252                --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............         65,091,720          58,192,832             639,700                --   
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>


                                   120 of 176
<PAGE>   69

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                              STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                      SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                        (UNAUDITED)

                                                                   NBManhFd                                NBPartFd
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $          --                  --                  --                  --
  Mortality and expense charges ..................               (506)             (1,028)               (749)               --
  Administration charge - Tier I .................               (455)               (925)               (674)               --
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               --                  --                  --                  --
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               --                  --                  --                  --
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               --                  --                  --                  --
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --                  --                  --
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................               (961)             (1,953)             (1,423)               --
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........            221,879             528,276              87,348                --
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................           (232,008)           (461,849)            (77,745)               --
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............            (10,129)             66,427               9,603                --
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........             35,360             (44,180)             64,671                --
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............             25,231              22,247              74,274                --
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........             24,270              20,294              72,851                --
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......            (43,085)             12,514           1,214,154                --
  Redemptions ....................................           (168,826)           (511,172)            (97,619)               --
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                  --                  --
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                (10)                 10                 (54)               --
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................           (211,921)           (498,648)          1,116,481                --
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............           (187,651)           (478,354)          1,189,332                --
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......            294,879             892,110                --                  --
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $       107,228             413,756           1,189,332                --
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>                                              

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   PutInvFd                                PutVoyFd
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Mortality and expense charges ..................            (88,461)           (101,768)           (238,656)           (177,617)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................            (19,942)            (91,591)           (132,107)           (159,855)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................             (4,357)               --               (36,668)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............             (1,077)               --               (13,001)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................                (69)               --                (6,172)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................            (17,666)               --                (2,681)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................           (131,572)           (193,359)           (429,285)           (337,472)

  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........          3,615,046           1,460,090           2,779,322           1,416,581
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................         (3,104,274)         (1,304,926)         (1,999,201)           (886,641)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............            510,772             155,164             780,121             529,940
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........          5,560,504           3,902,723          10,026,052           6,990,178
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............          6,071,276           4,057,887          10,806,173           7,520,118
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
        equity resulting from operations .........          5,939,704           3,864,528          10,376,888           7,182,646

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
  Purchase payments received from contract
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......          1,959,423           2,817,214          15,433,014          26,260,371
  Redemptions ....................................         (3,521,025)         (1,737,240)         (5,035,438)         (2,903,689)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               (616)             (4,900)               --               (12,021)
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............             (2,787)                (13)               --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............               (748)                185              (5,408)              1,252
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................         (1,565,753)          1,075,246          10,392,168          23,345,913

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............          4,373,951           4,939,774          20,769,056          30,528,559
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......         33,758,690          38,690,296          88,557,114          57,894,233
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............         38,132,641          43,630,070         109,326,170          88,422,792
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>


                                   121 of 176
<PAGE>   70

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                              STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                      SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                        (UNAUDITED)

                                                                   SEI500Ix                                SelGroFd 
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $        46,532              29,790                --                  --   
  Mortality and expense charges ..................            (18,256)             (8,136)             (6,655)             (6,161)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................             (4,941)             (7,323)             (2,485)             (5,545)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               (294)               --                  (257)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               --                  --                  (152)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               --                  --                    (8)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................             (3,720)               --                  (990)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................             19,321              14,331             (10,547)            (11,706)
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........          2,105,555             437,199             279,036             279,235
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................         (1,740,147)           (341,271)           (264,669)           (311,379)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............            365,408              95,928              14,367             (32,144)
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........          1,011,782             175,640             304,901             311,220
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............          1,377,190             271,568             319,268             279,076
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........          1,396,511             285,899             308,721             267,370
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......          7,352,360           1,295,674                (733)             99,789
  Redemptions ....................................         (1,381,164)           (307,261)           (158,602)           (226,745)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                  (217)               (230)
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                483                (680)                (37)                (97)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................          5,971,679             987,733            (159,589)           (127,283)
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............          7,368,190           1,273,632             149,132             140,087
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......          3,911,822           2,616,313           2,650,076           2,479,595
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $    11,280,012           3,889,945           2,799,208           2,619,682
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>                                              

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   StComStk                                TRIntStk
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................                700               9,427                --                  --   
  Mortality and expense charges ..................            (13,110)             (5,919)            (82,701)           (101,658)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................            (11,799)             (5,327)            (34,881)            (91,492)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               --                  --                (7,584)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               --                  --                (2,753)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               --                  --                (1,555)               --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --                (7,796)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................            (24,209)             (1,819)           (137,270)           (193,150)
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........            189,774              52,331           5,688,837           4,099,823
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................           (163,480)            (45,235)         (4,856,344)         (3,968,458)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............             26,294               7,096             832,493             131,365
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........            613,728              53,416           3,076,052           3,600,819
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............            640,022              60,512           3,908,545           3,732,184
  Reinvested capital gains .......................            121,492              81,282                --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........            737,305             139,975           3,771,275           3,539,034
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......          1,979,606           1,298,395           4,784,593          10,949,552
  Redemptions ....................................           (322,600)            (96,750)         (2,219,970)         (3,386,527)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                  --                (7,058)
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                 79                 119             (11,728)               (843)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................          1,657,085           1,201,764           2,552,895           7,555,124
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............          2,394,390           1,341,739           6,324,170          11,094,158
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......          4,183,923           1,780,584          31,295,943          35,370,483
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............          6,578,313           3,122,323          37,620,113          46,464,641
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE> 


                                   122 of 176
<PAGE>   71
                                             
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                              STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                      SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                        (UNAUDITED)

                                                                   TemForFd                               TemGISmCo 
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $          --                  --                  --                  --   
  Mortality and expense charges ..................           (189,124)           (141,721)             (2,471)             (1,666)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................           (117,196)           (127,549)             (2,224)             (1,500)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................            (29,916)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............             (6,923)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................             (2,923)               --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               (799)               --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................           (346,881)           (269,270)             (4,695)             (3,166)
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........          2,411,751           2,291,675             339,972             117,265
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................         (2,104,544)         (2,266,087)           (329,821)           (120,976)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............            307,207              25,588              10,151              (3,711)
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........          8,016,450           4,775,120              92,036              85,774
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............          8,323,657           4,800,708             102,187              82,063
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........          7,976,776           4,531,438              97,492              78,897
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......         15,801,336           9,843,837             223,062             325,483
  Redemptions ....................................         (3,209,779)         (1,613,636)           (261,029)           (111,716)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............                (59)                 (9)               --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............               (446)               (649)               (169)             (4,865)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................         12,591,052           8,229,543             (38,136)            208,902
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............         20,567,828          12,760,981              59,356             287,799
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......         66,740,239          49,968,551             945,366             570,199
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $    87,308,067          62,729,532           1,004,722             857,998
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>                                              

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   ACVPBal                        ACVPCapAp
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................                 51                  31                --                  --   
  Mortality and expense charges ..................                (12)                 (6)               (212)               (252)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................                (10)                 (5)               (191)               (227)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................                 29                  20                (403)               (479)

  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........               --                  --                   644                 308
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................               --                  --                  (608)               (205)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............               --                  --                    36                 103
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........                170                  27              (4,463)             (9,658)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............                170                  27              (4,427)             (9,555)
  Reinvested capital gains .......................                203                  64               1,834              11,221
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
        equity resulting from operations .........                402                 111              (2,996)              1,187

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
  Purchase payments received from contract
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......              1,002               1,002              13,418              19,646
  Redemptions ....................................               --                  --                  (327)               --   
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                   (12)                (18)
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............               --                  --                  --                     5
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................              1,002               1,002              13,079              19,633

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............              1,404               1,113              10,083              20,820
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......              4,106               1,781              84,604              87,998
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............              5,510               2,894              94,687             108,818
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>


                                   123 of 176
<PAGE>   72
                                                      
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                              STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                      SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                        (UNAUDITED)

                                                                   DrySRGro                                DryStkix             
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $          --                  --                   271                 106
  Mortality and expense charges ..................                 (4)               --                   (80)                (23)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................                 (3)               --                   (72)                (21)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................                 (7)               --                   119                  62

  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........                393                --                 5,793                 737
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............                393                --                 5,793                 737
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
        equity resulting from operations .........                386                --                 5,912                 799

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
  Purchase payments received from contract
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......              3,876                --                 4,563               3,858
  Redemptions ....................................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................              3,876                --                 4,563               3,858

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............              4,262                --                10,475               4,657
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......               --                  --                27,259               6,892
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $         4,262                --                37,734              11,549
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   FidVIPAM                               FidVIPEI
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................                832                 443               1,638                  81
  Mortality and expense charges ..................                (66)                (35)               (273)               (143)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................                (59)                (31)               (246)               (129)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................                707                 377               1,119                (191)

  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........               --                  --                   361               6,458
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................               --                  --                  (266)             (5,183)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............               --                  --                    95               1,275
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........                (28)                (18)              7,317                (579)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............                (28)                (18)              7,412                 696
  Reinvested capital gains .......................              2,087                 365               8,234               2,319
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
        equity resulting from operations .........              2,766                 724              16,765               2,824

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
  Purchase payments received from contract
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......              4,719               4,535              24,415              20,864
  Redemptions ....................................               --                  --                  --                (7,854)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                 (1)                  3                   1                  13
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................              4,718               4,538              24,416              13,023

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............              7,484               5,262              41,181              15,847
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......             23,167              11,609              91,971              49,272
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............             30,651              16,871             133,152              65,119
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>

                                   124 of 176
<PAGE>   73

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                              STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                      SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                        (UNAUDITED)

                                                                   FidVIPGr                                FidVIPHI           
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $           565                 117               1,817               1,014
  Mortality and expense charges ..................               (230)               (126)                (72)                (32)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................               (207)               (114)                (65)                (29)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................                128                (123)              1,680                 953
                                                       
  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........              1,823                 595                --                 5,916
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................             (1,284)               (415)               --                (5,666)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............                539                 180                --                   250
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........              8,790               1,747                 201                (589)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............              9,329               1,927                 201                (339)
  Reinvested capital gains .......................              2,531               2,957                 225                 198
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
        equity resulting from operations .........             11,988               4,761               2,106                 812
                                                       
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
  Purchase payments received from contract             
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......             15,619              16,216               8,515               7,108
  Redemptions ....................................               --                  (485)               --                (6,450)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                  2                   5                --                     1
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................             15,621              15,736               8,515                 659
                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............             27,609              20,497              10,621               1,471
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......             80,978              40,363              24,013              12,429
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $       108,587              60,860              34,634              13,900
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>                                              

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   FidVIPOv                                NSATGvBd
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................              1,845                 741                 401                 308
  Mortality and expense charges ..................               (291)               (171)                (33)                (23)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................               (262)               (154)                (30)                (21)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................              1,292                 416                 338                 264

  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........                824               5,414               2,513                --   
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................               (706)             (5,140)             (2,354)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............                118                 274                 159                --   
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........              9,637               2,973                (164)               (448)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............              9,755               3,247                  (5)               (448)
  Reinvested capital gains .......................              7,326                 816                --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
        equity resulting from operations .........             18,373               4,479                 333                (184)

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
  Purchase payments received from contract
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......             20,555              18,854               1,788               1,518
  Redemptions ....................................               (443)               (296)             (2,506)               --   
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --                   (27)                (12)
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                  2                  (3)                 (1)                 (1)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................             20,114              18,555                (746)              1,505

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............             38,487              23,034                (413)              1,321
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......            102,297              57,384              12,618               8,995
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............            140,784              80,418              12,205              10,316
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>

                                   125 of 176
<PAGE>   74

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                              STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                      SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                        (UNAUDITED)

                                                                   NSATMyMkt                              NSATTotRe
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $           938                 528                 481                 336
  Mortality and expense charges ..................                (92)                (53)               (133)                (75)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................                (83)                (48)               (120)                (68)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................                763                 427                 228                 193

  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........             22,774               2,529                  22                --   
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................            (22,774)             (2,529)                (15)               --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............               --                  --                     7                --   
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........               --                  --                 9,277               1,955
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............               --                  --                 9,284               1,955
  Reinvested capital gains .......................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
        equity resulting from operations .........                763                 427               9,512               2,148

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
  Purchase payments received from contract
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......              4,290              10,182               6,500              11,528
  Redemptions ....................................            (22,757)               --                  --                  --   
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....                 (5)               --                  --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............                 (4)                  4                   1                   1
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................            (18,476)             10,186               6,501              11,529

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............            (17,713)             10,613              16,013              13,677
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......             36,420              17,556              46,482              22,954
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $        18,707              28,169              62,495              36,631
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   NBAMTGro                                NBAMTLMat
                                                      -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                           1997                1996                 1997                1996     
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                    <C>                 <C>       
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................               --                    16                 441                 294
  Mortality and expense charges ..................                (49)               (113)                (20)                 (9)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................                (44)               (101)                (18)                 (8)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --                  --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................                (93)               (198)                403                 277

  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........               --                    21                --                  --   
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................               --                   (16)               --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............               --                     5                --                  --   
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........              1,575              (1,492)               (202)               (280)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............              1,575              (1,487)               (202)               (280)
  Reinvested capital gains .......................              1,560               3,808                --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
        equity resulting from operations .........              3,042               2,123                 201                  (3)

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
  Purchase payments received from contract
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......              2,985               4,855               2,325               1,188
  Redemptions ....................................               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                    (6)               --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --                  --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............               --                     2                  (1)                 (1)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................              2,985               4,851               2,324               1,187

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............              6,027               6,974               2,525               1,184
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......             16,877              40,369               6,755               3,129
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............             22,904              47,343               9,280               4,313
                                                      ===============     ===============     ===============     ===============
</TABLE>
                                                      
                                   126 of 176
<PAGE>   75

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT

                              STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                      SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                                                        (UNAUDITED)

                                                                   NBAMTPART
                                                      -----------------------------------     
                                                           1997                1996           
                                                      ---------------     ---------------     
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>               
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested dividends ...........................    $            47                  26
  Mortality and expense charges ..................                (43)                (24)
  Administration charge - Tier I .................                (38)                (21)
  Administration charge - Tier II ................               --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier III ...............               --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier IV ................               --                  --   
  Administration charge - Tier V .................               --                  --   
                                                      ---------------     ---------------
    Net investment activity ......................                (34)                (19)

  Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..........               --                   472
  Cost of mutual fund shares sold ................               --                  (327)
                                                      ---------------     ---------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............               --                   145
  Unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........              1,790                 542
                                                      ---------------     ---------------
    Net gain (loss) on investments ...............              1,790                 687
  Reinvested capital gains .......................                729                 324
                                                      ---------------     ---------------
      Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
        equity resulting from operations .........              2,485                 992

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
  Purchase payments received from contract
    owners - net of transfers between funds ......              2,650               2,547
  Redemptions ....................................               --                  (471)
  Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ....               --                  --   
  Contingent deferred sales charges ..............               --                  --   
  Adjustments to maintain reserves ...............               --                     1
                                                      ---------------     ---------------
      Net equity transactions ....................              2,650               2,077

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............              5,135               3,069
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......             14,770               7,737
                                                      ---------------     ---------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $        19,905              10,806
                                                      ===============     ===============
</TABLE>

                                   127 of 176
<PAGE>   76

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

                         NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                                        
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                             June 30, 1997 and 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)


(1)  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     (a) Organization and Nature of Operations

         Nationwide DC Variable Account (the Account) was established by
         resolution of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance
         Company (the Company) on July 10, 1974. The Account has been registered
         as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

         The Company offers group flexible fund retirement contracts through the
         Account. The primary distribution for the contracts is through an
         affiliated sales organization; however, other distributors may be
         utilized.

     (b) The Contracts

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>      <C>  <C>
         Participants in group flexible fund contracts may be invested in any of
         the following funds:

              AIM Equity Funds, Inc. - AIM Constellation Fund - Institutional Class (AIMCon)

              AIM Equity Funds, Inc. - AIM Weingarten Fund - Institutional Class (AIMWein)

              American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund (ACTCGro)
                (formerly Twentieth Century Investors, Inc. - Growth Investors)

              American Century: Twentieth Century Select Fund (ACTCSel)
                (formerly Twentieth Century Investors, Inc. - Select Investors)

              American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund (ACTCUltra)
                (formerly Twentieth Century Investors, Inc. - Ultra Investors)

              The Bond Fund of AmericaSM, Inc. (BdFdAm)
                (only available for certain contracts issued beginning January 1, 1994)

              Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc. - Class A (DNYVenFd)

              Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc. - Decatur Income Fund Institutional Class (DeDecInc)
                (not available for contracts issued on or after August 1, 1993)

              Dreyfus Cash Management - Class A (DryCsMgt)

              Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund (Dry500Ix)

              The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. (Dry3dCen)

              Evergreen Income and Growth Fund - Class Y (EvIncGro) (formerly
                The Evergreen Total Return Fund - Class Y)

              The Institutional Shares of Federated GNMA Trust (FedGNMA)

              Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 2-5 Years - Institutional Shares (FedUSGvt)

              Fidelity Asset ManagerTM (FidAsMgr)

              Fidelity Capital & Income Fund (FidCapInc)
                (not available for contracts issued on or after January 1, 1987)

              Fidelity Contrafund (FidContr)

              Fidelity Equity-Income Fund (FidEqInc)

              Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio (FidGrInc)
</TABLE>

                                   128 of 176
<PAGE>   77

<TABLE>

<S>           <C>
              Fidelity Magellan(R) Fund (FidMgln)

              Fidelity OTC Portfolio (FidOTC)

              Fidelity Puritan(R) Fund (FidPurtn)

              The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc. (GroFdAm)
                (only available for certain contracts issued beginning January 1, 1994)

              The Income Fund of America(R), Inc. (IncFdAm)
                (only available for certain contracts issued beginning January 1, 1994)

              INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc. (InvIndInc)

              Janus Fund (JanFund)

              Janus Twenty Fund (Jan20Fd)

              MAS Funds - Fixed Income Portfolio (MASFIP)

              MFS(R) Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A (MFSGrOpp)

              MFS(R) High Income Fund - Class A (MFSHiInc)

              Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A (MFSGrStk)

              Nationwide(R) Bond Fund (NWBdFd) (managed for a fee by an affiliated investment advisor)

              Nationwide(R) Fund (NWFund) (managed for a fee by an affiliated investment advisor)

              Nationwide(R) Growth Fund (NWGroFd) (managed for a fee by an affiliated investment advisor)

              Nationwide(R) Money Market Fund (NWMyMkt) (managed for a fee by an affiliated investment advisor)

              Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund (NBGuard)

              Neuberger & Berman Manhattan Fund (NBManhFd)

              Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund (NBPartFd)

              Putnam Investors Fund - Class A (PutInvFd)

              Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A (PutVoyFd)

              SEI Index Funds - S&P 500 Index Portfolio (SEI500Ix)

              Seligman Growth Fund, Inc. - Class A (SelGroFd)

              Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc. (StComStk)

              T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. - International Stock Fund(R) (TRIntStk)

              Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I (TemForFd)

              Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund, Inc. - Class I (TemGlSmCo)
                (formerly Templeton Smaller Companies Growth Fund, Inc.)

         The following funds are available for investment only by Plans established under Internal Revenue Code 
         (IRC) Section 403(b).

              Portfolios of the American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (American Century VP)
              (formerly TCI Portfolios, Inc.);
                American Century VP - American Century VP Balanced (ACVPBal)
                  (formerly TCI Portfolios - TCI Balanced)
                American Century VP - American Century VP Capital Appreciation (ACVPCapAp) 
                  (formerly TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth)

              The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. (DrySRGro)

              Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)
</TABLE>

                                   129 of 176
<PAGE>   78

<TABLE>

<S>           <C>
              Portfolios of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund I & II (Fidelity VIP); 
                Fidelity VIP - Asset Manager Portfolio (FidVIPAM) 
                Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)
                Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio (FidVIPGr) 
                Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio (FidVIPHI) 
                Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio (FidVIPOv)

              Funds of the Nationwide(R) Separate Account Trust (Nationwide SAT)
              (managed for a fee by an affiliated investment advisor);
                Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund (NSATCapAp)
                Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd)
                Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt) 
                Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)

              Portfolios of the Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust (Neuberger & Berman AMT); 
                Neuberger & Berman AMT - Growth Portfolio (NBAMTGro) 
                Neuberger & Berman AMT - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio (NBAMTLMat) 
                Neuberger & Berman AMT - Partners Portfolio (NBAMTPart)
</TABLE>

         All of the above funds were being utilized as of June 30, 1997, except
         Fidelity OTCPortfolio (FidOTC), Fidelity Puritan(R) Fund (FidPurtn),
         Janus Twenty Fund (Jan20Fd), and Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation
         Fund (NSATCapAp).

         The contract owners' equity is affected by the investment results of
         each fund, equity transactions by contract owners and certain expenses
         (see note 2). The accompanying financial statements include only
         contract owners' purchase payments pertaining to the variable portions
         of their contracts and exclude any purchase payments for fixed dollar
         benefits, the latter being included in the accounts of the Company.

     (c) Security Valuation, Transactions and Related Investment Income

         The market value of the underlying mutual funds is based on the closing
         net asset value per share at June 30, 1997. The cost of investments
         sold is determined on the specific identification basis. Investment
         transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy
         or sell is executed) and dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend
         date.

     (d) Federal Income Taxes

         Operations of the Account form a part of, and are taxed with,
         operations of the Company, which is taxed as a life insurance company
         under the IRC. The assets in this account are held pursuant to
         contracts with entities which are exempt from Federal income tax.
         Because of this exemption, no taxes need be provided for investment
         income or realized and unrealized capital gains. Annuity payouts and
         withdrawal payments are taxable as wages when received by the
         participants.

     (e) Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

         The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
         accepted accounting principles may require management to make estimates
         and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
         liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, if
         any, at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
         of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
         could differ from those estimates.

     (f) Reclassifications

         Certain 1996 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current
         year presentation.

                                   130 of 176
<PAGE>   79

(2)  EXPENSES

     Net purchase payments received for contracts issued before July 1, 1980,
     represent contributions by the contract owners less a sales charge by the
     Company of not more than 5%, to cover sales expenses. The Company does not
     deduct a sales charge from purchase payments for contracts issued after
     July 1, 1980. However, if any part of the contract value representing
     participant accounts that have been established under the contracts and
     held in the Account for less than sixteen (16) years is surrendered, the
     Company will, with certain exceptions, assess a contingent deferred sales
     charge. This charge will be equal to not more than 5% of the lesser of all
     purchase payments received on behalf of the surrendering participant or
     contract owner prior to the date of the request for surrender, or the
     amount surrendered. Sales charges or contingent deferred sales charges of
     less than 5% reflect actual variations in expense (usually reduced agents'
     commissions). No sales charges are deducted on redemptions used to purchase
     units in the fixed investment options of the Company. Sales charges may be
     reduced or eliminated upon negotiated conversion of the contracts to other
     investment programs offered by the Company or its affiliates.

     The following contract charges are deducted by the Company on contracts
     issued before July 1, 1980: (a) an annual contract maintenance charge of $8
     assessed by surrendering units; (b) a charge for mortality and expense risk
     assessed through the daily unit value calculation equal to an annual rate
     of 0.95%; and (c) a charge on complete redemption, equal to the lesser of
     $8 or 2% of the value of the account, except when such redemption occurs
     within 31 days of the anniversary date of the contract.

     For contracts issued beginning July 1, 1980 through April 30, 1991,
     contract charges include: (a) an annual contract maintenance charge of $12
     or $15, based upon administrative services provided, assessed by
     surrendering units; and (b) a charge for mortality and expense risk
     assessed through the daily unit value calculation equal to an annual rate
     of 0.95%.

     For contracts issued on or after May 1, 1991, contract charges include a
     mortality risk charge, an expense risk charge and an administration charge
     assessed through the daily unit value calculation equal to an annual rate
     of 0.35%, 0.15% and 0.45% respectively. Beginning November 1, 1996, the
     administration charge was based upon the aggregate balance of assets held
     under the contract by each contract owner as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 Expense                               Administration
                   Tier           Assets (Millions)        Charge
<S>                 <C>           <C>                       <C>
                     I                Up to $10             .45%
                    II             Over $10 to $25          .40%
                    III            Over $25 to $50          .30%
                    IV            Over $50 to $150          .20%
                     V                Over $150             .15%
</TABLE>

     The administration charge assessed on November 1, 1996 was based on the
     June 30, 1996 asset balance. Thereafter, the administrative charge will be
     determined using the December 31 asset balance and is effective at the next
     expense tier on the following May 1.

     Contract owners may negotiate an exchange privilege with the Company. The
     exchange privilege provides for transfers of units among the various
     investment options for each participant's account. The number of transfers
     allowed, and any administrative charges associated therewith, are subject
     to negotiation between the contract owner and the Company.


                                   131 of 176
<PAGE>   80

(3)  COMPONENTS OF CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

     The following is a summary of contract owners' equity at June 30, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     TIER I (JUNE 30, 1996, SEE NOTE 2)                            UNITS             UNIT VALUE
     ----------------------------------                        -------------        ------------   
<S>                                                            <C>                  <C>                 <C>       
        AIM Equity Funds, Inc. - AIM Constellation Fund -
           Institutional Class ................................    5,956,935        $   2.215190        $ 13,195,743
        AIM Equity Funds, Inc. - AIM Weingarten Fund -
           Institutional Class ................................    1,151,275            1.864764           2,146,856
        American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund .......   11,017,987            5.342551          58,864,157
        American Century: Twentieth Century Select Fund .......       22,513            1.897349              42,715
        American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund ........   72,349,784            2.398248         173,512,725
        The Bond Fund of AmericaSM, Inc. ......................    3,311,556            2.232512           7,393,089
        Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc. - Class A ...........    2,168,031            1.996464           4,328,396
        Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc. -
           Decatur Income Fund Institutional Class ............       74,606            2.656106             198,161
        Dreyfus Cash Management - Class A .....................      768,517            1.184759             910,507
        Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund ............................    1,274,562            1.109289           1,413,858
        The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. ..................    4,418,505            3.222516          14,238,703
        Evergreen Income and Growth Fund - Class Y ............      971,015            2.144336           2,082,182
        The Institutional Shares of Federated GNMA Trust ......      487,503            1.332293             649,497
        Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund:
           2-5 Years - Institutional Shares ...................    1,250,718            1.166734           1,459,255
        Fidelity Asset ManagerTM ..............................    2,883,496            1.386944           3,999,247
        Fidelity Capital & Income Fund ........................      108,297            4.317074             467,526
        Fidelity Contrafund ...................................   63,425,850            2.280139         144,619,754
        Fidelity Equity-Income Fund ...........................   19,811,209            6.261622         124,050,302
        Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio ....................    4,464,938            2.352296          10,502,856
        Fidelity Magellan(R)Fund ..............................   56,391,911            2.206879         124,450,124
        The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................    2,435,508            3.014050           7,340,743
        The Income Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................    5,309,866            2.365774          12,561,943
        INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc ...................    8,069,026            1.923143          15,517,891
        Janus Fund ............................................   19,168,347            1.802653          34,553,878
        MAS Funds - Fixed Income Portfolio ....................      986,725            1.271592           1,254,712
        MFS(R)Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A .............      520,467            8.472605           4,409,711
        MFS(R)High Income Fund - Class A ......................       82,353            5.812741             478,694
        Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A ...      139,238           13.672832           1,903,778
        Nationwide(R)Bond Fund ................................        7,092            2.040378              14,470
        Nationwide(R)Fund .....................................    1,467,619           18.380924          26,976,193
        Nationwide(R)Growth Fund ..............................    1,078,548            3.637361           3,923,068
        Nationwide(R)Money Market Fund ........................    8,044,978            2.942520          23,672,509
        Neuberger & Berman Manhattan Fund .....................       37,299            2.874830             107,228
        Neuberger & Berman Partners Fund ......................      903,373            1.316546           1,189,332
        Putnam Investors Fund - Class A .......................      511,822           16.101629           8,241,168
        Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A .........................   19,855,978            3.407862          67,666,433
        SEI Index Funds - S&P 500 Index Portfolio .............      802,885            3.555051           2,854,297
</TABLE>

                                   132 of 176
<PAGE>   81

<TABLE>

<S>                                                            <C>                  <C>                 <C>       
        Seligman Growth Fund, Inc - Class A ...................       93,963           12.019665           1,129,404
        Strong Common Stock Fund, Inc. ........................    3,664,039            1.795372           6,578,313
        T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. -
           International Stock Fund(R) ........................    8,795,809            2.017885          17,748,931
        Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I ......................   30,140,561            1.963694          59,186,839
        Templeton Global Smaller Companies Fund, Inc. -
           Class I ............................................      502,759            1.998416           1,004,722
        American Century VP - American Century VP Balanced ....        3,862            1.426792               5,510
        American Century VP - American Century VP
           Capital Appreciation ...............................       60,134            1.574594              94,687
        The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. ....        2,353            1.811300               4,262
        Dreyfus Stock Index Fund ..............................       19,617            1.923519              37,734
        Fidelity VIP - Asset Manager Portfolio ................       22,027            1.391525              30,651
        Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio ................       77,887            1.709549             133,152
        Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio .......................       61,742            1.758718             108,587
        Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio ..................       24,130            1.435289              34,634
        Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio .....................      105,194            1.338332             140,784
        Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund .................        7,390            1.651555              12,205
        Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund ....................       14,553            1.285463              18,707
        Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund ....................       22,334            2.798178              62,495
        Neuberger & Berman AMT - Growth Portfolio .............       10,937            2.094174              22,904
        Neuberger & Berman AMT -
           Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio ....................        8,013            1.158167               9,280
        Neuberger & Berman AMT - Partners Portfolio ...........       10,305            1.931558              19,905
                                                                ============        ============        ------------
          Sub-Total Tier I (June 30, 1996) ....................                                         $987,575,407
                                                                                                        ============
</TABLE>

                                   133 of 176
<PAGE>   82

     Contract owners' equity - continued

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     TIER II (JUNE 30, 1996, SEE NOTE 2)                          UNITS             UNIT VALUE
     ----------------------------------                        -------------        ------------   
<S>                                                            <C>                  <C>                 <C>       
        American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund .......    3,968,160        $   5.344313        $ 21,207,089
        American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund ........   18,221,899            2.399039          43,715,046
        The Bond Fund of AmericaSM, Inc. ......................      788,641            2.233277           1,761,254
        Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc. - Class A ...........      150,924            1.997121             301,413
        Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc. -
           Decatur Income Fund Institutional Class ............       14,640            2.656981              38,898
        Dreyfus Cash Management - Class A .....................      273,878            1.185155             324,588
        Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund ............................      611,693            1.109380             678,600
        The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. ..................    1,162,449            3.223578           3,747,245
        Evergreen Income and Growth Fund - Class Y ............      415,954            2.145043             892,239
        Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund:
           2-5 Years - Institutional Shares ...................      378,539            1.167124             441,802
        Fidelity Asset ManagerTM ..............................      662,023            1.387401             918,491
        Fidelity Capital & Income Fund ........................       37,574            4.318518             162,264
        Fidelity Contrafund ...................................   14,758,927            2.280891          33,663,504
        Fidelity Equity-Income Fund ...........................    6,905,035            6.263685          43,250,964
        Fidelity Magellan(R)Fund ..............................   10,948,471            2.207607          24,169,921
        The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................      588,913            3.015044           1,775,599
        The Income Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................    1,215,465            2.366554           2,876,464
        INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc ...................    1,756,039            1.923777           3,378,227
        Janus Fund ............................................    5,059,299            1.803247           9,123,166
        MAS Funds - Fixed Income Portfolio ....................      236,671            1.272012             301,048
        MFS(R)Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A .............      322,294            8.475398           2,731,570
        MFS(R)High Income Fund - Class A ......................       25,332            5.814685             147,298
        Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A ...       14,940           13.677338             204,339
        Nationwide(R)Fund .....................................      418,041           18.386980           7,686,512
        Nationwide(R)Growth Fund ..............................      372,021            3.638560           1,353,621
        Nationwide(R)Money Market Fund ........................    7,141,646            2.943504          21,021,464
        Putnam Investors Fund - Class A .......................      136,082           16.106938           2,191,864
        Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A .........................    5,501,264            3.408986          18,753,732
        SEI Index Funds - S&P 500 Index Portfolio .............       42,635            3.556222             151,620
        Seligman Growth Fund, Inc - Class A ...................       11,233           12.023628             135,061
        T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. -
           International Stock Fund(R) ........................    1,994,767            2.018550           4,026,537
        Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I ......................    8,001,155            1.964341          15,716,997
                                                                ============        ============        ------------
          Sub-Total Tier II (June 30, 1996) ...................                                         $266,848,437
                                                                                                        ============
</TABLE>

                                   134 of 176
<PAGE>   83

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     TIER II (JUNE 30, 1996, SEE NOTE 2)                          UNITS             UNIT VALUE
     ----------------------------------                        -------------        ------------   
<S>                                                            <C>                  <C>                 <C>       
        American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund .......      326,729        $   5.342996        $  1,745,712
        American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund ........    2,193,952            2.398448           5,262,080
        The Bond Fund of AmericaSM, Inc. ......................      101,219            2.232716             225,993
        Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc. -
           Decatur Income Fund Institutional Class ............          262            2.656328                 695
        Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund ............................      128,255            1.109380             142,284
        The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. ..................      149,388            3.222784             481,445
        Evergreen Income and Growth Fund - Class Y ............       61,602            2.144515             132,106
        Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund:
           2-5 Years - Institutional Shares ...................       38,773            1.166832              45,242
        Fidelity Asset ManagerTM ..............................       57,135            1.387060              79,250
        Fidelity Capital & Income Fund ........................          386            4.317438               1,667
        Fidelity Contrafund ...................................    2,015,849            2.280329           4,596,799
        Fidelity Equity-Income Fund ...........................      555,833            6.262144           3,480,706
        Fidelity Magellan(R)Fund ..............................    1,165,486            2.207063           2,572,301
        The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................       44,832            3.014301             135,137
        The Income Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................       94,655            2.365972             223,951
        INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc ...................      225,685            1.923304             434,061
        Janus Fund ............................................      685,475            1.802803           1,235,776
        MAS Funds - Fixed Income Portfolio ....................        4,605            1.271698               5,856
        MFS(R)Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A .............       27,652            8.473311             234,304
        MFS(R)High Income Fund - Class A ......................        2,578            5.813231              14,987
        Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A ...        3,371           13.673971              46,095
        Nationwide(R)Fund .....................................       66,167           18.382456           1,216,312
        Nationwide(R)Growth Fund ..............................       26,409            3.637664              96,067
        Nationwide(R)Money Market Fund ........................      314,408            2.942768             925,230
        Putnam Investors Fund - Class A .......................       12,296           16.102971             198,002
        Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A .........................      569,376            3.408146           1,940,517
        Seligman Growth Fund, Inc - Class A ...................          126           12.020667               1,515
        T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. -
           International Stock Fund(R) ........................      203,552            2.018053             410,779
        Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I ......................    1,011,988            1.963858           1,987,401
                                                                ============        ============        ------------
          Sub-Total Tier II (December 31, 1996) ...............                                         $ 27,872,270
                                                                                                        ============
</TABLE>

                                   135 of 176
<PAGE>   84

     Contract owners' equity - continued

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     TIER III (JUNE 30, 1996, SEE NOTE 2)                          UNITS             UNIT VALUE
     -----------------------------------                        -------------        ------------   
<S>                                                            <C>                  <C>                 <C>       
        American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund .......    1,472,486        $   5.347838        $  7,874,617
        American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund ........   10,618,512            2.400621          25,491,023
        The Bond Fund of AmericaSM, Inc. ......................      305,660            2.234807             683,091
        Delaware Group Decatur Fund, Inc. -
           Decatur Income Fund Institutional Class ............        5,783            2.658733              15,375
        Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund ............................      707,124            1.109562             784,598
        The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. ..................      796,286            3.225704           2,568,583
        Evergreen Income and Growth Fund - Class Y ............       79,748            2.146458             171,176
        Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund:
           2-5 Years - Institutional Shares ...................       98,636            1.167904             115,197
        Fidelity Asset ManagerTM ..............................      273,598            1.388316             379,840
        Fidelity Capital & Income Fund ........................       22,306            4.321404              96,393
        Fidelity Contrafund ...................................    8,417,666            2.282395          19,212,439
        Fidelity Equity-Income Fund ...........................    2,850,209            6.267815          17,864,583
        Fidelity Magellan(R)Fund ..............................    5,680,717            2.209063          12,549,062
        The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................      444,518            3.017032           1,341,125
        The Income Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................      432,380            2.368115           1,023,926
        INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc ...................      342,835            1.925045             659,973
        Janus Fund ............................................    2,110,479            1.804437           3,808,226
        MAS Funds - Fixed Income Portfolio ....................      212,606            1.272851             270,616
        MFS(R)Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A .............      179,568            8.480989           1,522,914
        MFS(R)High Income Fund - Class A ......................        6,521            5.818571              37,943
        Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A ...       12,077           13.686355             165,290
        Nationwide(R)Fund .....................................      255,530           18.399099           4,701,522
        Nationwide(R)Growth Fund ..............................       92,171            3.640959             335,591
        Nationwide(R)Money Market Fund ........................    1,200,656            2.945471           3,536,497
        Putnam Investors Fund - Class A .......................       39,047           16.117561             629,342
        Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A .........................    2,800,343            3.411236           9,552,631
        Seligman Growth Fund, Inc - Class A ...................        2,437           12.031559              29,321
        T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. -
           International Stock Fund(R) ........................    1,066,163            2.019881           2,153,522
        Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I ......................    2,498,003            1.965637           4,910,167
                                                                ============        ============        ------------
          Sub-Total Tier III (June 30, 1996) ..................                                         $122,484,583
                                                                                                        ============
</TABLE>

                                   136 of 176
<PAGE>   85

     Contract owners' equity - continued

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     TIER III (DECEMBER 31, 1996, SEE NOTE 2)                       UNITS             UNIT VALUE
     ----------------------------------------                   -------------        ------------   
<S>                                                            <C>                  <C>                 <C>       
        American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund .......      104,414        $   5.345203        $    558,114
        American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund ........      262,277            2.399439             629,318
        The Bond Fund of AmericaSM, Inc. ......................       17,614            2.233685              39,344
        Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund ............................        6,004            1.109562               6,662
        The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. ..................       18,508            3.224115              59,672
        Evergreen Income and Growth Fund - Class Y ............       11,567            2.145401              24,816
        Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund:
           2-5 Years - Institutional Shares ...................        1,273            1.167321               1,486
        Fidelity Asset ManagerTM ..............................        5,297            1.387633               7,350
        Fidelity Capital & Income Fund ........................       39,699            4.319246             171,470
        Fidelity Contrafund ...................................      159,985            2.281271             364,969
        Fidelity Equity-Income Fund ...........................      176,206            6.264730           1,103,883
        Fidelity Magellan(R)Fund ..............................      251,318            2.207975             554,904
        The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................        6,253            3.015546              18,856
        The Income Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................       25,948            2.366949              61,418
        INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc ...................        3,983            1.924098               7,664
        Janus Fund ............................................      152,268            1.803548             274,623
        MAS Funds - Fixed Income Portfolio ....................        6,791            1.272224               8,640
        MFS(R)Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A .............       37,024            8.476811             313,845
        MFS(R)High Income Fund - Class A ......................       16,640            5.815665              96,773
        Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A ...          150           13.679617               2,052
        Nationwide(R)Fund .....................................       16,086           18.390046             295,822
        Nationwide(R)Growth Fund ..............................       22,849            3.639166              83,151
        Nationwide(R)Money Market Fund ........................       82,283            2.944000             242,241
        Putnam Investors Fund - Class A .......................        9,530           16.109624             153,525
        Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A .........................       81,470            3.409554             277,776
        Seligman Growth Fund, Inc - Class A ...................        6,277           12.025633              75,485
        T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. -
           International Stock Fund(R) ........................       17,144            2.018887              34,612
        Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I ......................      202,790            1.964669             398,415
                                                                ============        ============        ------------
          Sub-Total Tier III (Decmber 31, 1996)................                                         $  5,866,886
                                                                                                        ============
</TABLE>

                                   137 of 176
<PAGE>   86

     Contract owners' equity - continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     TIER IV (JUNE 30, 1996, SEE NOTE 2)                       UNITS             UNIT VALUE
     -----------------------------------                       -------------        ------------   
<S>                                                            <C>                  <C>                 <C>       
        American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund .......      695,532        $   5.351365        $  3,722,046
        American Century: Twentieth Century Select Fund .......      993,461            1.900478           1,888,051
        American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund ........    4,320,818            2.402205          10,379,491
        The Bond Fund of AmericaSM, Inc. ......................       40,145            2.236337              89,778
        Dreyfus S&P 500 Index Fund ............................      294,878            1.109744             327,239
        The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. ..................      372,398            3.227832           1,202,038
        Evergreen Income and Growth Fund - Class Y ............       22,594            2.147874              48,529
        Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund:
           2-5 Years - Institutional Shares ...................      119,402            1.168684             139,543
        Fidelity Asset ManagerTM ..............................      491,697            1.389232             683,081
        Fidelity Capital & Income Fund ........................       22,307            4.324290              96,462
        Fidelity Contrafund ...................................    4,279,112            2.283901           9,773,068
        Fidelity Equity-Income Fund ...........................    2,217,418            6.271947          13,907,528
        Fidelity Magellan(R)Fund ..............................    3,500,987            2.210519           7,738,998
        The Growth Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................      158,867            3.019022             479,623
        The Income Fund of America(R), Inc. ...................      277,938            2.369676             658,623
        INVESCO Industrial Income Fund, Inc ...................      426,879            1.926315             822,303
        Janus Fund ............................................    2,111,946            1.805627           3,813,387
        MAS Funds - Fixed Income Portfolio ....................       88,522            1.273691             112,750
        MFS(R)Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A .............        6,001            8.486582              50,928
        MFS(R)High Income Fund - Class A ......................          105            5.822457                 611
        Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A ...          283           13.695378               3,876
        Nationwide(R)Fund .....................................      104,719           18.411225           1,928,005
        Nationwide(R)Growth Fund ..............................      288,836            3.643359           1,052,333
        Nationwide(R)Money Market Fund ........................    1,290,529            2.947438           3,803,754
        Putnam Investors Fund - Class A .......................        4,757           16.128192              76,722
        Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A .........................    2,031,236            3.413487           6,933,598
        Seligman Growth Fund, Inc - Class A ...................          684           12.039495               8,235
        T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. -
           International Stock Fund(R) ........................      856,198            2.021214           1,730,559
        Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I ......................    1,739,144            1.966933           3,420,780
                                                                ============        ============        ------------
          Sub-Total Tier IV (June 30, 1996) ...................                                         $ 74,891,939
                                                                                                        ============
</TABLE>

                                   138 of 176
<PAGE>   87

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Contract owners' equity - continued

     TIER V (JUNE 30, 1996, SEE NOTE 2)                               UNITS          UNIT VALUE
     -----------------------------------                       -------------        ------------   
<S>                                                            <C>                  <C>                 <C>       
       AIM Equity Funds, Inc. - AIM Constellation Fund -
          Institutional Class ................................       1,796,600      $     2.220725      $    3,989,755
       American Century: Twentieth Century Growth Fund .......       5,825,692            5.355890          31,201,766
       American Century: Twentieth Century Ultra Fund ........      17,003,461            2.404235          40,880,316
       The Bond Fund of AmericaSM, Inc. ......................         578,539            2.238266           1,294,924
       The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc. ..................       2,017,009            3.230561           6,516,071
       Evergreen Income and Growth Fund - Class Y ............         453,075            2.149691             973,971
       Fidelity Capital & Income Fund ........................          79,865            4.327949             345,652
       Fidelity Contrafund ...................................       3,098,912            2.285832           7,083,592
       Fidelity Equity-Income Fund ...........................       7,097,348            6.277249          44,551,821
       Fidelity Growth & Income Portfolio ....................       2,407,013            2.358167           5,676,139
       Fidelity Magellan(R)Fund ..............................      15,643,471            2.212388          34,609,428
       MFS(R)Growth Opportunities Fund - Class A .............       2,013,278            8.493762          17,100,304
       MFS(R)High Income Fund - Class A ......................         465,648            5.827384           2,713,510
       Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund - Class A ...         269,217           13.706957           3,690,146
       Nationwide(R)Bond Fund ................................          53,720            2.045518             109,885
       Nationwide(R)Fund .....................................         520,725           18.426785           9,595,288
       Nationwide(R)Growth Fund ..............................         558,178            3.646441           2,035,363
       Nationwide(R)Money Market Fund ........................       4,030,610            2.949932          11,890,025
       Neuberger & Berman Guardian Fund ......................         414,962            1.541586             639,700
       Putnam Investors Fund - Class A .......................       1,650,496           16.141825          26,642,018
       Putnam Voyager Fund - Class A .........................       1,229,807            3.416376           4,201,483
       SEI Index Funds - S&P 500 Index Portfolio .............       2,321,627            3.563921           8,274,095
       Seligman Growth Fund, Inc - Class A ...................         117,861           12.049677           1,420,187
       T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. -
          International Stock Fund(R) ........................       5,692,341            2.022924          11,515,173
       Templeton Foreign Fund - Class I ......................         857,193            1.968597           1,687,468
                                                                  ============        ============        ------------
         Sub-Total Tier V (June 30, 1996) ....................                                             278,638,080
                                                                                                        ==============
           Total Contract Owners' Equity .....................                                          $1,764,177,602
                                                                                                        ==============

</TABLE>

================================================================================

                                   139 of 176
<PAGE>   88

<PAGE>   1


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
                          ----------------------------


The Board of Directors
Nationwide Life Insurance Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries (collectively the Company) as of December 31,
1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholder's
equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1996.  These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. 

In 1994, the Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115,
Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.

                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
January 31, 1997
<PAGE>   2





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           Consolidated Balance Sheets

                           December 31, 1996 and 1995
                                ($000's omitted)

                                        Assets                                                1996               1995
                                        ------                                          -----------------   ----------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>                 <C>       
Investments (notes 5, 8 and 9): 
   Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
      Fixed maturity securities (cost $11,970,878 in 1996; $11,862,556 in 1995)             $12,304,639          12,485,564
      Equity securities (cost $43,890 in 1996; $23,617 in 1995)                                  59,131              29,953
   Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                         5,272,119           4,602,764
   Real estate, net                                                                             265,759             229,442
   Policy loans                                                                                 371,816             336,356
   Other long-term investments                                                                   28,668              61,989
   Short-term investments (note 13)                                                               4,789              32,792
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                             18,306,921          17,778,860
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------

Cash                                                                                             43,784               9,455
Accrued investment income                                                                       210,182             212,963
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                             1,366,509           1,020,356
Investment in subsidiaries classified as discontinued operations (notes 1 and 2)                485,707             506,677
Other assets (note 6)                                                                           426,441             388,214
Assets held in Separate Accounts (note 8)                                                    26,926,702          18,591,108
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                            $47,766,246          38,507,633
                                                                                        =================   ================

                         Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
                         ------------------------------------

Future policy benefits and claims (notes 6 and 8)                                           $17,179,060          16,358,614
Policyholders' dividend accumulations                                                           361,401             348,027
Other policyholder funds                                                                         60,073              65,297
Accrued federal income tax (note 7):
   Current                                                                                       30,170              35,301
   Deferred                                                                                     162,212             246,627
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                                192,382             281,928
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------

Dividend payable to shareholder (notes 1 and 2)                                                 485,707                   -
Other liabilities                                                                               423,047             234,147
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts (note 8)                                            26,926,702          18,591,108
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                             45,628,372          35,879,121
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------

Commitments and contingencies (notes 6, 9 and 15)

Shareholder's equity (notes 3, 4, 5, 12 and 13):
   Capital shares, $1 par value.  Authorized 5,000,000 shares, issued and
      outstanding 3,814,779 shares                                                                3,815               3,815
   Additional paid-in capital                                                                   527,874             657,118
   Retained earnings                                                                          1,432,593           1,583,275
   Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net                                       173,592             384,304
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                              2,137,874           2,628,512
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                            $47,766,246          38,507,633
                                                                                        =================   ================
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   3


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                        Consolidated Statements of Income

                  Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                   1996            1995            1994
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
<S>                                                                           <C>              <C>             <C>    
Revenues (note 16):
   Investment product and universal life insurance product policy charges       $   400,902        286,534         217,245
   Traditional life insurance premiums                                              198,642        199,106         176,658
   Net investment income (note 5)                                                 1,357,759      1,294,033       1,210,811
   Realized losses on investments  (note 5)                                            (326)        (1,724)        (16,527)
   Other income                                                                      35,861         20,702          11,312
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
                                                                                  1,992,838      1,798,651       1,599,499
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
Benefits and expenses:
   Benefits and claims                                                            1,160,580      1,115,493         992,667
   Provision for policyholders' dividends on participating policies (note 12)        40,973         39,937          38,754
   Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                                133,394         82,695          85,568
   Other operating expenses (note 13)                                               342,394        272,954         240,652
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
                                                                                  1,677,341      1,511,079       1,357,641
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
      Income from continuing operations before federal income tax expense           315,497        287,572         241,858
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------

Federal income tax expense (benefit) (note 7):
   Current                                                                          116,512         88,700          73,559
   Deferred                                                                          (5,623)        11,108           5,030
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
                                                                                    110,889         99,808          78,589
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
      Income from continuing operations                                             204,608        187,764         163,269

Income from discontinued operations (less federal income tax expense of
   $4,453, $7,446 and $10,915 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively) (note 2)         11,324         24,714          20,459
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------

      Net income                                                                $   215,932        212,478         183,728
                                                                              ===============  ==============  =============
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   4


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                 Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity

                  Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                             Unrealized
                                                                                           gains (losses)
                                                             Additional                    on securities        Total
                                                 Capital      paid-in        Retained      available-for-   shareholder's
                                                  shares      capital        earnings        sale, net          equity
                                                ----------- ------------- --------------- ----------------- ---------------
<S>                                             <C>         <C>           <C>             <C>               <C>      
1994:
   Balance, beginning of year                       $3,815      406,089       1,194,519             6,745       1,611,168
   Capital contribution                                  -      200,000               -                 -         200,000
   Net income                                            -            -         183,728                 -         183,728
   Adjustment for change in accounting for
      certain investments in debt and equity
      securities, net (note 4)                           -            -               -           212,553         212,553
   Unrealized losses on securities available-
      for-sale, net                                      -            -               -          (338,971)       (338,971)
                                                ----------- ------------- --------------- ----------------- ---------------
   Balance, end of year                             $3,815      606,089       1,378,247          (119,673)      1,868,478
                                                =========== ============= =============== ================= ===============

1995:
   Balance, beginning of year                        3,815      606,089       1,378,247          (119,673)      1,868,478
   Capital contribution (note 13)                        -       51,029               -            (4,111)         46,918
   Dividends to shareholder                              -            -          (7,450)                -          (7,450)
   Net income                                            -            -         212,478                 -         212,478
   Unrealized gains on securities available-
      for-sale, net                                      -            -               -           508,088         508,088
                                                ----------- ------------- --------------- ----------------- ---------------
   Balance, end of year                             $3,815      657,118       1,583,275           384,304       2,628,512
                                                =========== ============= =============== ================= ===============

1996:
   Balance, beginning of year                        3,815      657,118       1,583,275           384,304       2,628,512
   Capital contribution (note 13)                        -           25               5                 -              30
   Dividends to shareholder                              -     (129,269)       (366,619)          (39,819)       (535,707)
   Net income                                            -            -         215,932                 -         215,932
   Unrealized losses on securities available-
      for-sale, net                                      -            -               -          (170,893)       (170,893)
                                                ----------- ------------- --------------- ----------------- ---------------
   Balance, end of year                             $3,815      527,874       1,432,593           173,592       2,137,874
                                                =========== ============= =============== ================= ===============

</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   5


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                  Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                       1996            1995            1994
                                                                                 ---------------- --------------- ---------------
<S>                                                                              <C>              <C>             <C>    
  Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income                                                                    $    215,932        212,478         183,728
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
        activities:
           Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                         (422,572)      (321,327)       (242,431)
           Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                            133,394         82,695          85,568
           Amortization and depreciation                                                  6,962         10,234           3,603
           Realized (gains) losses on invested assets, net                                 (284)         3,250          16,094
           Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit)                                  7,603        (30,673)          9,946
           Decrease (increase) in accrued investment income                               2,781        (16,999)        (12,808)
           (Increase) decrease in other assets                                          (38,876)        39,880        (102,676)
           Increase in policy liabilities                                               305,755        135,937         118,361
           Increase in policyholders' dividend accumulations                             13,374         12,639          15,298
           (Decrease) increase in accrued federal income tax payable                     (5,131)        30,836          (5,714)
           Increase in other liabilities                                                188,900         26,851             506
           Other, net                                                                   (61,679)         1,832         (29,595)
                                                                                 ---------------  --------------- ---------------
              Net cash provided by operating activities                                 346,159        187,633          39,880
                                                                                 ---------------- --------------- ---------------

  Cash flows from investing activities:
     Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale                          1,162,766        634,553         544,843
     Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                                299,558        107,345         228,308
     Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                     -        564,450         491,862
     Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate                          309,050        207,832         190,574
     Proceeds from sale of real estate                                                   18,519         48,331          46,713
     Proceeds from repayments of policy loans and sale of other invested assets          22,795         53,587         120,506
     Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired                                  (1,573,640)    (1,942,413)     (1,816,370)
     Cost of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity acquired                              -       (593,636)       (410,379)
     Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired                                    (972,776)      (796,026)       (471,570)
     Cost of real estate acquired                                                        (7,862)       (10,928)         (6,385)
     Policy loans issued and other invested assets acquired                             (57,740)       (75,910)        (65,302)
     Short-term investments, net                                                         28,003         77,837         (89,376)
     Purchase of affiliate (note 13)                                                          -              -        (155,000)
                                                                                ---------------- --------------- ---------------
              Net cash used in investing activities                                    (771,327)    (1,724,978)     (1,391,576)
                                                                                ---------------- --------------- ---------------

  Cash flows from financing activities:
     Proceeds from capital contributions                                                     30              -         200,000
     Dividends paid to shareholder                                                      (50,000)        (7,450)              -
     Increase in investment product and universal life insurance
        product account balances                                                      2,293,933      2,809,385       3,547,976
     Decrease in investment product and universal life insurance
        product account balances                                                     (1,784,466)    (1,258,758)     (2,412,595)
                                                                                ---------------- --------------- --------------
              Net cash provided by financing activities                                 459,497      1,543,177       1,335,381
                                                                                ---------------- --------------- --------------

  Net increase (decrease) in cash                                                        34,329          5,832         (16,315)

                                                                                 ---------------- --------------- ---------------
  Cash, beginning of year                                                                 9,455          3,623          19,938
                                                                                 ---------------- --------------- ---------------
  Cash, end of year                                                               $      43,784          9,455           3,623
                                                                                 ================ =============== ===============
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   6




               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                        December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)

(1)      Organization and Description of Business
         ----------------------------------------

         Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC) is a wholly owned subsidiary
         of Nationwide Corporation (Nationwide Corp.). Wholly owned subsidiaries
         of NLIC include Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (NLAIC),
         Employers Life Insurance Company of Wausau and subsidiaries (ELICW),
         National Casualty Company (NCC), West Coast Life Insurance Company
         (WCLIC), Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. (formerly Nationwide
         Financial Services, Inc.), Nationwide Investment Services Corporation
         (formerly PEBSCO Securities Corporation) (NISC) and NWE, Inc. NLIC and
         its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as "the Company."

         Nationwide Corp. formed Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NFS) in
         November 1996 as a holding company for NLIC and the other companies of
         the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that offer or distribute long-term
         savings and retirement products. On January 27, 1997, Nationwide Corp.
         contributed to NFS the common stock of NLIC and three marketing and
         distribution companies. NFS is planning an initial public offering of
         its Class A common stock during the first quarter of 1997.

         In anticipation of the restructuring described above, on September 24,
         1996, NLIC's Board of Directors declared a dividend payable January 1,
         1997 to Nationwide Corp. consisting of the outstanding shares of common
         stock of certain subsidiaries (ELICW, NCC and WCLIC) that do not offer
         or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. In addition,
         during 1996, NLIC entered into two reinsurance agreements whereby all
         of NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business was
         ceded to ELICW and another affiliate effective January 1, 1996. These
         subsidiaries and all accident and health and group life insurance
         business have been accounted for as discontinued operations for all
         periods presented. See notes 2 and 13.

         In addition, as part of the restructuring described above, NLIC intends
         to make an $850,000 distribution to NFS which will then make an
         equivalent distribution to Nationwide Corp.

         The Company is a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement
         products to retail and institutional customers and is subject to
         competition from other financial services providers throughout the
         United States. The Company is subject to regulation by the Insurance
         Departments of states in which it is licensed, and undergoes periodic
         examinations by those departments.

         The following is a description of the most significant risks facing
         life insurers and how the Company mitigates those risks:

              LEGAL/REGULATORY RISK is the risk that changes in the legal or
              regulatory environment in which an insurer operates will create
              additional expenses not anticipated by the insurer in pricing its
              products. That is, regulatory initiatives, new legal theories or
              insurance company insolvencies through guaranty fund assessments
              may create costs for the insurer beyond those currently recorded
              in the consolidated financial statements. The Company mitigates
              this risk by offering a wide range of products and by operating
              throughout the United States, thus reducing its exposure to any
              single product or jurisdiction, and also by employing underwriting
              practices which identify and minimize the adverse impact of this
              risk.

              CREDIT RISK is the risk that issuers of securities owned by the
              Company or mortgagors on mortgage loans on real estate owned by
              the Company will default or that other parties, including
              reinsurers, which owe the Company money, will not pay. The Company
              minimizes this risk by adhering to a conservative investment
              strategy, by maintaining reinsurance and credit and collection
              policies and by providing for any amounts deemed uncollectible.
<PAGE>   7



               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


              INTEREST RATE RISK is the risk that interest rates will change and
              cause a decrease in the value of an insurer's investments. This
              change in rates may cause certain interest-sensitive products to
              become uncompetitive or may cause disintermediation. The Company
              mitigates this risk by charging fees for non-conformance with
              certain policy provisions, by offering products that transfer this
              risk to the purchaser, and/or by attempting to match the maturity
              schedule of its assets with the expected payouts of its
              liabilities. To the extent that liabilities come due more quickly
              than assets mature, an insurer would have to borrow funds or sell
              assets prior to maturity and potentially recognize a gain or loss.

(2)      Discontinued Operations
         -----------------------

         As discussed in note 1, NFS is a holding company for NLIC and certain
         other companies that offer or distribute long-term savings and
         retirement products. Prior to the contribution by Nationwide Corp. to
         NFS of the outstanding common stock of NLIC and other companies, NLIC
         effected certain transactions with respect to certain subsidiaries and
         lines of business that were unrelated to long-term savings and
         retirement products.

         On September 24, 1996, NLIC's Board of Directors declared a dividend to
         Nationwide Corp. consisting of the outstanding shares of common stock
         of three subsidiaries: ELICW, NCC and WCLIC. ELICW writes group
         accident and health and group life insurance business and maintains it
         offices in Wausau, Wisconsin. NCC is a property and casualty company
         that serves as a fronting company for a property and casualty
         subsidiary of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC), an affiliate.
         NCC maintains its offices in Scottsdale, Arizona. WCLIC writes high
         dollar term life insurance policies and is located in San Francisco,
         California. ELICW, NCC and WCLIC have been accounted for as
         discontinued operations for all periods presented. NLIC did not
         recognize any gain or loss on the disposal of these subsidiaries.

         A summary of the combined results of operations, including the results
         of the accident and health and group life insurance business ELICW
         assumed from NLIC in 1996, and assets and liabilities of ELICW, NCC and
         WCLIC as of and for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 is
         as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    1996           1995          1994
                                                                                ------------   -----------   -----------

               <S>                                                               <C>             <C>           <C>   
               Revenues                                                          $   668,870       422,149        84,226
               Net income                                                             11,324        26,456        11,753
               Assets, consisting primarily of investments                         3,029,293     2,967,326     2,537,692
               Liabilities, consisting primarily of policy benefits and claims     2,543,586     2,460,649     2,179,263
</TABLE>

         During 1996, NLIC entered into two reinsurance agreements whereby all
         of NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business was
         ceded to ELICW and NMIC, effective January 1, 1996. See note 13 for a
         complete discussion of the reinsurance agreements. NLIC has
         discontinued its accident and health and group life insurance business
         and in connection therewith has entered into reinsurance agreements to
         cede all existing and any future writings to other affiliated companies
         and will cease writing any new business prior to December 31, 1997.
         NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business is
         accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
         NLIC did not recognize any gain or loss on the disposal of the accident
         and health and group life insurance business. The assets, liabilities,
         results of operations and activities of discontinued operations are
         distinguished physically, operationally and for financial reporting
         purposes from the remaining assets, liabilities, results of operations
         and activities of NLIC.
<PAGE>   8
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         A summary of the results of operations, net of amounts ceded to ELICW
         and NMIC in 1996, and assets and liabilities of NLIC's accident and
         health and group life insurance business as of and for the years ended
         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    1996           1995          1994
                                                                                ------------   -----------   -----------

<S>                                                                                 <C>            <C>           <C>    
               Revenues                                                             $      -       354,788       362,476
               Net income (loss)                                                           -        (1,742)        8,706
               Assets, consisting primarily of investments                           259,185       239,426       234,082
               Liabilities, consisting primarily of policy benefits and claims       259,185       239,426       234,082
</TABLE>

(3)      Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
         ------------------------------------------

         The significant accounting policies followed by the Company that
         materially affect financial reporting are summarized below. The
         accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
         accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) which
         differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by
         regulatory authorities. Annual Statements for NLIC and its insurance
         subsidiaries, filed with the department of insurance of each insurance
         company's state of domicile, are prepared on the basis of accounting
         practices prescribed or permitted by each department. Prescribed
         statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the
         National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as well as
         state laws, regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted
         statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not
         so prescribed. The Company has no material permitted statutory
         accounting practices.

         In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is
         required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
         amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent
         assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial
         statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the
         reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those
         estimates.

         The most significant estimates include those used in determining
         deferred policy acquisition costs, valuation allowances for mortgage
         loans on real estate and real estate investments and the liability for
         future policy benefits and claims. Although some variability is
         inherent in these estimates, management believes the amounts provided
         are adequate.

         (a)  Consolidation Policy
              --------------------

              The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NLIC
              and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Subsidiaries that are
              classified and reported as discontinued operations are not
              consolidated but rather are reported as "Investment in
              Subsidiaries Classified as Discontinued Operations" in the
              accompanying consolidated balance sheets and "Income for
              Discontinued Operations" in the accompanying consolidated
              statements of income. All significant intercompany balances and
              transactions have been eliminated.

         (b)  Valuation of Investments and Related Gains and Losses
              -----------------------------------------------------

              The Company is required to classify its fixed maturity securities
              and equity securities as either held-to-maturity,
              available-for-sale or trading. Fixed maturity securities are
              classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the positive
              intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity and are
              stated at amortized cost. Fixed maturity securities not classified
              as held-to-maturity and all equity securities are classified as
              available-for-sale and are stated at fair value, with the
              unrealized gains and losses, net of adjustments to deferred policy
              acquisition costs and deferred federal income tax, reported as a
              separate component of shareholder's equity. The adjustment to
              deferred policy acquisition costs represents the change in
              amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs that would have
              been required as a charge or credit to operations had such
              unrealized amounts been realized. The Company has no fixed
              maturity securities classified as held-to-maturity or trading as
              of December 31, 1996 or 1995.
<PAGE>   9
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



              Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at the unpaid principal
              balance less valuation allowances. The Company provides valuation
              allowances for impairments of mortgage loans on real estate based
              on a review by portfolio managers. The measurement of impaired
              loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows
              discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a
              practical expedient, at the fair value of the collateral, if the
              loan is collateral dependent. Loans in foreclosure and loans
              considered to be impaired are placed on non-accrual status.
              Interest received on non-accrual status mortgage loans on real
              estate are included in interest income in the period received.

              Real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and
              valuation allowances. Other long-term investments are carried on
              the equity basis, adjusted for valuation allowances. Impairment
              losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when
              indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash
              flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the
              assets' carrying amount.

              Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are
              determined on the basis of specific security identification.
              Estimates for valuation allowances and other than temporary
              declines are included in realized gains and losses on investments.

         (c)  Revenues and Benefits
              ---------------------

              INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE PRODUCTS:
              Investment products consist primarily of individual and group
              variable and fixed annuities, annuities without life contingencies
              and guaranteed investment contracts. Universal life insurance
              products include universal life insurance, variable universal life
              insurance and other interest-sensitive life insurance policies.
              Revenues for investment products and universal life insurance
              products consist of net investment income, asset fees, cost of
              insurance, policy administration and surrender charges that have
              been earned and assessed against policy account balances during
              the period. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense
              include interest credited to policy account balances and benefits
              and claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy
              account balances.

              TRADITIONAL LIFE INSURANCE PRODUCTS: Traditional life insurance
              products include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums
              and benefits and consist primarily of whole life insurance,
              limited-payment life insurance, term life insurance and certain
              annuities with life contingencies. Premiums for traditional life
              insurance products are recognized as revenue when due. Benefits
              and expenses are associated with earned premiums so as to result
              in recognition of profits over the life of the contract. This
              association is accomplished by the provision for future policy
              benefits and the deferral and amortization of policy acquisition
              costs.

              ACCIDENT AND HEALTH INSURANCE PRODUCTS: Accident and health
              insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the terms of the
              policies. Policy claims are charged to expense in the period that
              the claims are incurred. All accident and health insurance
              business is accounted for as discontinued operations. See note 2.

         (d)  Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
              ---------------------------------

              The costs of acquiring new business, principally commissions,
              certain expenses of the policy issue and underwriting department
              and certain variable agency expenses have been deferred. For
              investment products and universal life insurance products,
              deferred policy acquisition costs are being amortized with
              interest over the lives of the policies in relation to the present
              value of estimated future gross profits from projected interest
              margins, asset fees, cost of insurance, policy administration and
              surrender charges. For years in which gross profits are negative,
              deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized based on the
              present value of gross revenues. For traditional life products,
              these deferred policy acquisition costs are predominantly being
              amortized with interest over the premium paying period of the
              related policies in proportion to the ratio of actual annual
              premium revenue to the anticipated total premium revenue. Such
              anticipated premium revenue was estimated using the same
              assumptions as were used for computing liabilities for future
              policy benefits. Deferred policy acquisition costs are adjusted to
              reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses on fixed
              maturity securities available-for-sale as described in note 3(b).
<PAGE>   10

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

         (e)  Separate Accounts
              -----------------

              Separate Account assets and liabilities represent contractholders'
              funds which have been segregated into accounts with specific
              investment objectives. The investment income and gains or losses
              of these accounts accrue directly to the contractholders. The
              activity of the Separate Accounts is not reflected in the
              consolidated statements of income and cash flows except for the
              fees the Company receives.

         (f)  Future Policy Benefits
              ----------------------

              Future policy benefits for investment products in the accumulation
              phase, universal life insurance and variable universal life
              insurance policies have been calculated based on participants'
              contributions plus interest credited less applicable contract
              charges.

              Future policy benefits for traditional life insurance policies
              have been calculated using a net level premium method based on
              estimates of mortality, morbidity, investment yields and
              withdrawals which were used or which were being experienced at the
              time the policies were issued, rather than the assumptions
              prescribed by state regulatory authorities. See note 6.

              Future policy benefits and claims for collectively renewable
              long-term disability policies and group long-term disability
              policies are the present value of amounts not yet due on reported
              claims and an estimate of amounts to be paid on incurred but
              unreported claims. The impact of reserve discounting is not
              material. Future policy benefits and claims on other group health
              insurance policies are not discounted. All health insurance
              business is accounted for as discontinued operations. See note 2.

         (g)  Participating Business
              ----------------------

              Participating business represents approximately 52% in 1996 (54%
              in 1995 and 55% in 1994) of the Company's life insurance in force,
              78% in 1996 (79% in 1995 and 79% in 1994) of the number of life
              insurance policies in force, and 40% in 1996 (47% in 1995 and 51%
              in 1994) of life insurance premiums. The provision for
              policyholder dividends is based on current dividend scales. Future
              dividends are provided for ratably in future policy benefits based
              on dividend scales in effect at the time the policies were issued.

         (h)  Federal Income Tax
              ------------------

              The Company, with the exception of ELICW, files a consolidated
              federal income tax return with NMIC, the majority shareholder of
              Nationwide Corp. The members of the consolidated tax return group
              have a tax sharing arrangement which provides, in effect, for each
              member to bear essentially the same federal income tax liability
              as if separate tax returns were filed. Through 1994, ELICW filed a
              consolidated federal income tax return with Employers Insurance of
              Wausau A Mutual Company, an affiliate. Beginning in 1995, ELICW
              files a separate federal income tax return.

              The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting
              for income tax. Under this method, deferred tax assets and
              liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
              attributable to differences between the financial statement
              carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
              respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit
              carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
              using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
              years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
              recovered or settled. Under this method, the effect on deferred
              tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
              in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
              Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce the
              deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.
<PAGE>   11
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         (i)  Reinsurance Ceded
              -----------------
  
              Reinsurance premiums ceded and reinsurance recoveries on benefits
              and claims incurred are deducted from the respective income and
              expense accounts. Assets and liabilities related to reinsurance
              ceded are reported on a gross basis. All of the Company's accident
              and health and group life insurance business is ceded to
              affiliates and is accounted for as discontinued operations. See
              notes 2 and 13.

         (j)  Reclassification
              ----------------

              Certain items in the 1995 and 1994 consolidated financial
              statements have been reclassified to conform to the 1996
              presentation.


(4)      Change in Accounting Principle
         ------------------------------

         Effective January 1, 1994, the Company changed its method of accounting
         for certain investments in debt and equity securities in connection
         with the issuance of STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (SFAS)
         NO. 115 - ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY
         SECURITIES. As of January 1, 1994, the Company classified fixed
         maturity securities with amortized cost and fair value of $6,299,665
         and $6,721,714, respectively, as available-for-sale and recorded the
         securities at fair value. Previously, these securities were recorded at
         amortized cost. The effect as of January 1, 1994 has been recorded as a
         direct credit to shareholder's equity as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

             <S>                                                                     <C>    
             Excess of fair value over amortized cost of fixed maturity
                securities available-for-sale                                         $ 422,049
             Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs                            (95,044)
             Deferred federal income tax                                               (114,452)
                                                                                    --------------
                                                                                      $ 212,553
                                                                                    ==============
</TABLE>


(5)      Investments
         -----------

         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities
         available-for-sale were as follows as of December 31, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     Gross         Gross
                                                                    Amortized     unrealized    unrealized     Estimated
                                                                      cost           gains        losses       fair value
                                                                  ------------    ----------    -----------    -----------  
<S>                                                                <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>    
             1996:
               Fixed maturity securities:
                 U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                   U.S. government corporations and agencies       $   275,696         4,795        (1,340)        279,151
                 Obligations of states and political subdivisions        6,242           450            (2)          6,690
                 Debt securities issued by foreign governments         100,656         2,141          (857)        101,940
                 Corporate securities                                7,999,310       285,946       (33,686)      8,251,570
                 Mortgage-backed securities                          3,588,974        91,438       (15,124)      3,665,288
                                                                   ------------    ----------   ------------   ------------ 
                     Total fixed maturity securities                11,970,878       384,770       (51,009)     12,304,639
               Equity securities                                        43,890        15,571          (330)         59,131
                                                                   ------------    ----------   ------------   ------------ 
                                                                   $12,014,768       400,341       (51,339)     12,363,770
                                                                   ============    ==========   ============   ============ 
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   12
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities
         available-for-sale were as follows as of December 31, 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     Gross         Gross
                                                                    Amortized     unrealized    unrealized     Estimated
                                                                      cost           gains        losses       fair value
                                                                   ------------    ----------   -----------  ---------------
<S>                                                                <C>                <C>              <C>         <C>    
             1995:
               Fixed maturity securities:
                 U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of 
                   U.S. government corporations and agencies       $   310,186        12,764           (1)         322,949
                 Obligations of states and political subdivisions        8,655         1,205           (1)           9,859
                 Debt securities issued by foreign governments         101,414         4,387          (66)         105,735
                 Corporate securities                                7,888,440       473,681      (25,742)       8,336,379
                 Mortgage-backed securities                          3,553,861       165,169       (8,388)       3,710,642
                                                                   ------------    ----------   -----------  ---------------
                     Total fixed maturity securities                11,862,556       657,206      (34,198)      12,485,564
               Equity securities                                        23,617         6,382          (46)          29,953
                                                                   ------------    ----------   -----------  ---------------
                                                                   $11,886,173       663,588      (34,244)      12,515,517
                                                                   ============    ==========   ===========  ===============
</TABLE>


         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
         securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1996, by contractual
         maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from
         contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or
         prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              
                                                                                   Amortized        Estimated
                                                                                      cost          fair value
                                                                                ---------------   --------------
                                                                                
<S>                                                                             <C>                    <C>                 
             Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
                Due in one year or less                                         $     440,235          444,214
                Due after one year through five years                               3,937,010        4,053,152
                Due after five years through ten years                              2,809,813        2,871,806
                Due after ten years                                                 1,194,846        1,270,179
                                                                                ---------------   --------------
                                                                                    8,381,904        8,639,351

             Mortgage-backed securities                                             3,588,974        3,665,288
                                                                                ---------------   --------------
                                                                                  $11,970,878       12,304,639
                                                                                ===============   ==============
</TABLE>


         The components of unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale,
         net, were as follows as of December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                   1996            1995
                                                                              ---------------  --------------

             <S>                                                                  <C>              <C>    
             Gross unrealized gains                                               $349,002         629,344
             Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs                       (81,939)       (138,914)
             Deferred federal income tax                                           (93,471)       (171,649)
                                                                              ---------------  --------------
                                                                                   173,592         318,781

             Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net, of
                subsidiaries classified as discontinued operations (note 2)              -          65,523
                                                                              ---------------  --------------
                                                                                  $173,592         384,304
                                                                              ===============  ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   13
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         An analysis of the change in gross unrealized gains (losses) on
         securities available-for-sale and fixed maturity securities
         held-to-maturity follows for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                          1996             1995            1994
                                                                     ---------------   -------------  --------------
             <S>                                                     <C>               <C>            <C>    
             Securities available-for-sale:
                Fixed maturity securities                               $(289,247)         876,332       (675,373)
                Equity securities                                           8,905              (26)        (1,927)
             Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                         -           75,626       (398,183)
                                                                     ---------------   -------------  --------------
                                                                        $(280,342)         951,932     (1,075,483)
                                                                     ===============   =============  ==============
</TABLE>

         Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 1996,
         1995 and 1994 were $299,558, $107,345 and $228,308, respectively.
         During 1996, gross gains of $6,606 ($4,838 and $3,045 in 1995 and 1994,
         respectively) and gross losses of $6,925 ($2,147 and $21,280 in 1995
         and 1994, respectively) were realized on those sales.

         During 1995, the Company transferred fixed maturity securities
         classified as held-to-maturity with amortized cost of $25,429 to
         available-for-sale securities due to evidence of a significant
         deterioration in the issuer's creditworthiness. The transfer of those
         fixed maturity securities resulted in a gross unrealized loss of
         $3,535.

         As permitted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Special
         Report, A GUIDE TO IMPLEMENTATION OF STATEMENT 115 ON ACCOUNTING FOR
         CERTAIN INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES, issued in November
         1995 the Company transferred all of its fixed maturity securities
         previously classified as held-to-maturity to available-for-sale. As of
         December 14, 1995, the date of transfer, the fixed maturity securities
         had amortized cost of $3,320,093, resulting in a gross unrealized gain
         of $155,940.

         Investments that were non-income producing for the twelve month period
         preceding December 31, 1996 amounted to $26,805 ($27,712 in 1995) and
         consisted of $248 ($6,982 in 1995) in fixed maturity securities,
         $20,633 ($14,740 in 1995) in real estate and $5,924 ($5,990 in 1995) in
         other long-term investments.

         Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of
         $30,338 as of December 31, 1996 ($30,482 as of December 31, 1995) and
         valuation allowances of $15,219 as of December 31, 1996 ($25,819 as of
         December 31, 1995).

         The recorded investment of mortgage loans on real estate considered to
         be impaired (under SFAS NO. 114 - ACCOUNTING BY CREDITORS FOR
         IMPAIRMENT OF A LOAN as amended by SFAS NO. 118 - ACCOUNTING BY
         CREDITORS FOR IMPAIRMENT OF A LOAN-INCOME RECOGNITION AND DISCLOSURE)
         as of December 31, 1996 was $51,765 ($44,409 as of December 31, 1995),
         which includes $41,663 ($23,975 as of December 31, 1995) of impaired
         mortgage loans on real estate for which the related valuation allowance
         was $8,485 ($5,276 as of December 31, 1995) and $10,102 ($20,434 as of
         December 31, 1995) of impaired mortgage loans on real estate for which
         there was no valuation allowance. During 1996, the average recorded
         investment in impaired mortgage loans on real estate was approximately
         $39,674 ($22,181 in 1995) and interest income recognized on those loans
         was $2,103 ($387 in 1995), which is equal to interest income recognized
         using a cash-basis method of income recognition.

         Activity in the valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real
         estate is summarized for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                   1996           1995
                                                                               -------------  --------------

<S>                                                                                <C>             <C>   
             Allowance, beginning of year                                          $49,128         46,381
                  Additions charged to operations                                    4,497          7,433
                  Direct write-downs charged against the allowance                  (2,587)        (4,686)
                                                                               -------------  -------------  
             Allowance, end of year                                                $51,038         49,128
                                                                               =============  ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   14

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         An analysis of investment income by investment type follows for the
         years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                          1996             1995           1994
                                                                     ---------------   -------------  ------------
        <S>                                                           <C>              <C>            <C>          
             Gross investment income:
                 Securities available-for-sale:
                   Fixed maturity securities                          $   917,135          685,787        647,927
                   Equity securities                                        1,291            1,330            509
                 Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                     -          201,808        185,938
                 Mortgage loans on real estate                            432,815          395,478        372,734
                 Real estate                                               44,332           38,344         40,170
                 Short-term investments                                     4,155           10,576          6,141
                 Other                                                      3,998            7,239          2,121
                                                                     ---------------   -------------  --------------
                       Total investment income                          1,403,726        1,340,562      1,255,540
             Less investment expenses                                      45,967           46,529         44,729
                                                                     ---------------   -------------  ---------------  
                       Net investment income                           $1,357,759        1,294,033      1,210,811
                                                                     ===============   =============  ==============
</TABLE>

         An analysis of realized gains (losses) on investments, net of valuation
         allowances, by investment type follows for the years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996          1995          1994
                                                                     ------------  ------------  ------------
        <S>                                                          <C>           <C>           <C>    
             Securities available-for-sale:
                Fixed maturity securities                              $(3,462)        4,213        (7,296)
                Equity securities                                        3,143         3,386         1,422
             Mortgage loans on real estate                              (4,115)       (7,091)      (20,446)
             Real estate and other                                       4,108        (2,232)        9,793
                                                                     ------------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                                      $   (326)       (1,724)      (16,527)
                                                                     ============  ============  ============
</TABLE>

         Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $6,161 and $5,592
         as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, were on deposit with
         various regulatory agencies as required by law.

(6)      Future Policy Benefits and Claims
         ---------------------------------

         The liability for future policy benefits for investment contracts
         represents approximately 87% and 87% of the total liability for future
         policy benefits as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The
         average interest rate credited on investment product policies was
         approximately 6.3%, 6.6% and 6.5% for the years ended December 31,
         1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

         The liability for future policy benefits for traditional life insurance
         policies has been established based upon the following assumptions:

              Interest rates:  Interest rates vary as follows:
              --------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                   Year of issue                Interest rates
                   -----------------   ----------------------------------------

                   <S>                <C>                
                   1996                6.6%, not graded
                   1984-1995           6.0% to 10.5%, not graded
                   1966-1983           6.0% to 8.1%, graded over 20 years to 4.0% to 6.6%
                   1965 and prior      generally lower than post 1965 issues

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   15
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


              WITHDRAWALS: Rates, which vary by issue age, type of coverage
              and policy duration, are based on Company experience.

              MORTALITY: Mortality and morbidity rates are based on
              published tables, modified for the Company's actual
              experience.

         The Company has entered into a reinsurance contract to cede a portion
         of its general account individual annuity business to The Franklin Life
         Insurance Company (Franklin). Total recoveries due from Franklin were
         $240,451 and $245,255 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
         The contract is immaterial to the Company's results of operations. The
         ceding of risk does not discharge the original insurer from its primary
         obligation to the policyholder. Under the terms of the contract,
         Franklin has established a trust as collateral for the recoveries. The
         trust assets are invested in investment grade securities, the market
         value of which must at all times be greater than or equal to 102% of
         the reinsured reserves.

         The Company has reinsurance agreements with certain affiliates as
         described in note 13. All other reinsurance agreements are not material
         to either premiums or reinsurance recoverables.

(7)      Federal Income Tax
         -------------------

         The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
         components of the net deferred tax liability as of December 31, 1996
         and 1995 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                              1996               1995
                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
            <S>                                                         <C>                 <C>    
             Deferred tax assets:
                Future policy benefits                                        $175,571            149,192
                Liabilities in Separate Accounts                               188,426            129,120
                Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate                   23,366             25,165
                Other policyholder funds                                         7,407              7,424
                Other assets and other liabilities                              53,757             41,847
                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
                  Total gross deferred tax assets                              448,527            352,748
                  Less valuation allowances                                     (7,000)            (7,000)
                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
                  Net deferred tax assets                                      441,527            345,748
                                                                        =================   ===============

             Deferred tax liabilities:
                Deferred policy acquisition costs                              399,345            299,579
                Fixed maturity securities                                      133,210            227,345
                Deferred tax on realized investment gains                       37,597             40,634
                Equity securities and other long-term investments                8,210              3,780
                Other                                                           25,377             21,037
                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
                  Total gross deferred tax liabilities                         603,739            592,375
                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
                                                                              $162,212            246,627
                                                                        =================   ===============
</TABLE>

         In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management
         considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the
         total gross deferred tax assets will not be realized. Nearly all future
         deductible amounts can be offset by future taxable amounts or recovery
         of federal income tax paid within the statutory carryback period. There
         has been no change in the valuation allowance for the years ended
         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
<PAGE>   16

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

         Total federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1996,
         1995 and 1994 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S.
         federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                1996                    1995                    1994
                                                   ----------------------   ----------------------   ----------------------
                                                      Amount        %          Amount        %          Amount        %
                                                   ----------------------   ----------------------   ----------------------

             <S>                                      <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C> 
             Computed (expected) tax expense          $110,424     35.0        $100,650     35.0         $84,650     35.0
             Tax exempt interest and dividends
                received deduction                        (212)    (0.1)            (18)    (0.0)           (130)    (0.1)
             Other, net                                    677      0.3            (824)    (0.3)         (5,931)    (2.5)
                                                   ------------  --------   ------------- --------   ------------- --------
               Total (effective rate of each year)    $110,889     35.2       $  99,808     34.7         $78,589     32.5
                                                   ============  ========   ============= ========   ============= ========
</TABLE>

         Total federal  income tax paid was $115,839,  $51,840 and $83,239  
         during the years ended  December 31, 1996,  1995 and 1994, 
         respectively.


 (8)     Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments
         -----------------------------------------------------

         SFAS NO. 107 - DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
         (SFAS 107) requires disclosure of fair value information about existing
         on and off-balance sheet financial instruments. SFAS 107 defines the
         fair value of a financial instrument as the amount at which the
         financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction
         between willing parties. In cases where quoted market prices are not
         available, fair value is based on estimates using present value or
         other valuation techniques.

         These techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used,
         including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.
         Although fair value estimates are calculated using assumptions that
         management believes are appropriate, changes in assumptions could cause
         these estimates to vary materially. In that regard, the derived fair
         value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent
         markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in the immediate
         settlement of the instruments. SFAS 107 excludes certain assets and
         liabilities from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the
         aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying
         value of the Company.

         Although insurance contracts, other than policies such as annuities
         that are classified as investment contracts, are specifically exempted
         from SFAS 107 disclosures, estimated fair value of policy reserves on
         life insurance contracts is provided to make the fair value disclosures
         more meaningful.

         The tax ramifications of the related unrealized gains and losses can
         have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been
         considered in the estimates.

         The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
         estimating its fair value disclosures:

              CASH, SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AND POLICY LOANS: The carrying amount
              reported in the consolidated balance sheets for these instruments
              approximates their fair value.

              FIXED MATURITY AND EQUITY SECURITIES: Fair value for fixed
              maturity securities is based on quoted market prices, where
              available. For fixed maturity securities not actively traded, fair
              value is estimated using values obtained from independent pricing
              services or, in the case of private placements, is estimated by
              discounting expected future cash flows using a current market rate
              applicable to the yield, credit quality and maturity of the
              investments. The fair value for equity securities is based on
              quoted market prices.

              SEPARATE ACCOUNT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES: The fair value of assets
              held in Separate Accounts is based on quoted market prices. The
              fair value of liabilities related to Separate Accounts is the
              amount payable on demand, which includes certain surrender
              charges.
<PAGE>   17
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


              MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE: The fair value for mortgage loans
              on real estate is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses,
              using interest rates currently being offered for similar loans to
              borrowers with similar credit ratings. Loans with similar
              characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations.
              Fair value for mortgages in default is the estimated fair value of
              the underlying collateral.

              INVESTMENT CONTRACTS: Fair value for the Company's liabilities
              under investment type contracts is disclosed using two methods.
              For investment contracts without defined maturities, fair value is
              the amount payable on demand. For investment contracts with known
              or determined maturities, fair value is estimated using discounted
              cash flow analyses. Interest rates used are similar to currently
              offered contracts with maturities consistent with those remaining
              for the contracts being valued.

              POLICY RESERVES ON LIFE INSURANCE CONTRACTS: Included are
              disclosures for individual life insurance, universal life
              insurance and supplementary contracts with life contingencies for
              which the estimated fair value is the amount payable on demand.
              Also included are disclosures for the Company's limited payment
              policies, which the Company has used discounted cash flow analyses
              similar to those used for investment contracts with known
              maturities to estimate fair value.

              POLICYHOLDERS' DIVIDEND ACCUMULATIONS AND OTHER POLICYHOLDER
              FUNDS: The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance
              sheets for these instruments approximates their fair value.

              COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND CREDIT: Commitments to extend credit have
              nominal fair value because of the short-term nature of such
              commitments. See note 9.

           Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments
           subject to SFAS 107 and policy reserves on life insurance contracts
           were as follows as of December 31, 1996 and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                           1996                            1995
                                                             ------------------------------   -------------------------------
                                                                Carrying      Estimated          Carrying       Estimated
                                                                 amount       fair value          amount        fair value
                                                             ------------------------------   --------------- ---------------
               <S>                                             <C>             <C>               <C>             <C>       
               Assets
               ------
               Investments:
                  Securities available-for-sale:
                     Fixed maturity securities                 $12,304,639     12,304,639        12,485,564      12,485,564
                     Equity securities                              59,131         59,131            29,953          29,953
                  Mortgage loans on real estate, net             5,272,119      5,397,865         4,602,764       4,961,655
                  Policy loans                                     371,816        371,816           336,356         336,356
                  Short-term investments                             4,789          4,789            32,792          32,792
               Cash                                                 43,784         43,784             9,455           9,455
               Assets held in Separate Accounts                 26,926,702     26,926,702        18,591,108      18,591,108

               Liabilities
               -----------
               Investment contracts                             13,914,441     13,484,526        13,229,360      12,876,798
               Policy reserves on life insurance contracts       2,971,337      2,775,991         2,836,323       2,733,486
               Policyholders' dividend accumulations               361,401        361,401           348,027         348,027
               Other policyholder funds                             60,073         60,073            65,297          65,297
               Liabilities related to Separate Accounts         26,926,702     26,164,213        18,591,108      18,052,362
</TABLE>

(9)      Additional Financial Instruments Disclosures
         --------------------------------------------
         
         FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK: The Company is a
         party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the
         normal course of business through management of its investment
         portfolio. These financial instruments include commitments to extend
         credit in the form of loans. These instruments involve, to varying
         degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized on the
         consolidated balance sheets.
<PAGE>   18
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         Commitments to fund fixed rate mortgage loans on real estate are
         agreements to lend to a borrower, and are subject to conditions
         established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed
         expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment
         of a deposit. Commitments extended by the Company are based on
         management's case-by-case credit evaluation of the borrower and the
         borrower's loan collateral. The underlying mortgage property represents
         the collateral if the commitment is funded. The Company's policy for
         new mortgage loans on real estate is to lend no more than 75% of
         collateral value. Should the commitment be funded, the Company's
         exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the borrower
         is represented by the contractual amounts of these commitments less the
         net realizable value of the collateral. The contractual amounts also
         represent the cash requirements for all unfunded commitments.
         Commitments on mortgage loans on real estate of $327,456 extending into
         1997 were outstanding as of December 31, 1996.

         SIGNIFICANT CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK: The Company grants mainly
         commercial mortgage loans on real estate to customers throughout the
         United States. The Company has a diversified portfolio with no more
         than 21% (20% in 1995) in any geographic area and no more than 2% (2%
         in 1995) with any one borrower as of December 31, 1996.

         The Company had a significant reinsurance recoverable balance from one
         reinsurer as of December 31, 1996 and 1995. See note 6.

         The summary below depicts loans by remaining principal balance as of
         December 31, 1996 and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                             Apartment
                                                Office       Warehouse         Retail         & other           Total
                                              ------------  -------------   -------------   -------------   --------------
              <S>                              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>                 
               1996:
                 East North Central             $139,518        119,069         549,064         215,038        1,022,689
                 East South Central               33,267         22,252         172,968          90,623          319,110
                 Mountain                         17,972         43,027         113,292          73,390          247,681
                 Middle Atlantic                 129,077         54,046         160,833          18,498          362,454
                 New England                      33,348         43,581         161,960               -          238,889
                 Pacific                         202,562        325,046         424,295         110,108        1,062,011
                 South Atlantic                  103,889        134,492         482,934         385,185        1,106,500
                 West North Central              126,467          2,441          75,180          40,529          244,617
                 West South Central              104,877        120,314         197,090         304,256          726,537
                                              -------------   -------------   -------------   --------------  ------------
                                                $890,977        864,268       2,337,616       1,237,627        5,330,488
                                              ============  =============   =============   =============
                    Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount                                            58,369
                                                                                                            --------------
                         Total mortgage loans on real estate, net                                             $5,272,119
                                                                                                            ==============
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                 <S>                          <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>              <C>    
               1995:
                 East North Central             $138,965        101,925         514,995         175,213          931,098
                 East South Central               21,329         13,053         180,858          82,383          297,623
                 Mountain                              -         17,219         138,220          45,274          200,713
                 Middle Atlantic                 116,187         64,813         158,252          10,793          350,045
                 New England                       9,559         39,525         148,449               1          197,534
                 Pacific                         183,206        233,186         374,915         105,419          896,726
                 South Atlantic                  106,246         73,541         446,800         278,265          904,852
                 West North Central              133,899         14,205          78,065          36,651          262,820
                 West South Central               69,140         92,594         190,299         267,268          619,301
                                              ------------  ------------    -------------   -------------   --------------
                                                $778,531        650,061       2,230,853       1,001,267        4,660,712
                                              ============  =============   =============   =============
                    Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount                                            57,948
                                                                                                            --------------
                         Total mortgage loans on real estate, net                                             $4,602,764
                                                                                                            ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   19
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(10)     Pension Plan
         ------------

         The Company is a participant, together with other affiliated companies,
         in a pension plan covering all employees who have completed at least
         one thousand hours of service within a twelve-month period and who have
         met certain age requirements. Benefits are based upon the highest
         average annual salary of a specified number of consecutive years of the
         last ten years of service. The Company funds pension costs accrued for
         direct employees plus an allocation of pension costs accrued for
         employees of affiliates whose work efforts benefit the Company.

         Effective January 1, 1995, the plan was amended to provide enhanced
         benefits for participants who met certain eligibility requirements and
         elected early retirement no later than March 15, 1995. The entire cost
         of the enhanced benefit was borne by NMIC and certain of its property
         and casualty insurance company affiliates.

         Effective December 31, 1995, the Nationwide Insurance Companies and
         Affiliates Retirement Plan was merged with the Farmland Mutual
         Insurance Company Employees' Retirement Plan and the Wausau Insurance
         Companies Pension Plan to form the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
         Retirement Plan. Immediately prior to the merger, the plans were
         amended to provide consistent benefits for service after January 1,
         1996. These amendments had no significant impact on the accumulated
         benefit obligation or projected benefit obligation as of December 31,
         1995.

         Pension costs charged to operations by the Company during the years
         ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $7,381, $10,478 and
         $10,063, respectively.

         The Company's net accrued pension expense as of December 31, 1996 and
         1995 was $1,075 and $1,392, respectively.

         The net periodic pension cost for the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
         Retirement Plan as a whole for the year ended December 31, 1996 and for
         the Nationwide Insurance Companies and Affiliates Retirement Plan as a
         whole for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996             1995              1994
                                                                   ---------------  ---------------   ---------------

              <S>                                                    <C>                  <C>               <C>   
              Service cost (benefits earned during the period)       $   75,466           64,524            64,740
              Interest cost on projected benefit obligation             105,511           95,283            73,951
              Actual return on plan assets                             (210,583)        (249,294)          (21,495)
              Net amortization and deferral                             101,795          143,353           (62,150)
                                                                   ---------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                     $   72,189           53,866            55,046
                                                                   ===============  ===============   ===============
</TABLE>


         Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996             1995              1994
                                                                   ---------------  ---------------   ---------------

              <S>                                                   <C>              <C>               <C>  
              Weighted average discount rate                           6.00%            7.50%             5.75%
              Rate of increase in future compensation levels           4.25%            6.25%             4.50%
              Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets         6.75%            8.75%             7.00%
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   20
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         Information regarding the funded status of the Nationwide Insurance
         Enterprise Retirement Plan as a whole as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
         follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                1996              1995
                                                                           ---------------   ---------------
              <S>                                                          <C>               <C>      
              Accumulated benefit obligation:
                 Vested                                                      $1,338,554         1,236,730
                 Nonvested                                                       11,149            26,503
                                                                           ---------------   ---------------
                                                                             $1,349,703         1,263,233
                                                                           ===============   ===============

              Net accrued pension expense:
                 Projected benefit obligation for services rendered to       
                    date                                                     $1,847,828         1,780,616
                 Plan assets at fair value                                    1,947,933         1,738,004
                                                                           ---------------   ---------------
                    Plan assets in excess of (less than) projected benefit
                       obligation                                               100,105           (42,612)
                 Unrecognized prior service cost                                 37,870            42,845
                 Unrecognized net gains                                        (201,952)          (63,130)
                 Unrecognized net asset at transition                            37,158            41,305
                                                                           ---------------   ---------------
                                                                            $   (26,819)          (21,592)
                                                                           ===============   ===============
</TABLE>

         Basis for measurements, funded status of plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1996              1995
                                                                           ---------------   ---------------

              <S>                                                              <C>               <C>  
              Weighted average discount rate                                   6.50%             6.00%
              Rate of increase in future compensation levels                   4.75%             4.25%
</TABLE>

         Assets of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Retirement Plan are
         invested in group annuity contracts of NLIC and ELICW.

(11)     Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
         -------------------------------------------

         In addition to the defined benefit pension plan, the Company, together
         with other affiliated companies, participates in life and health care
         defined benefit plans for qualifying retirees. Postretirement life and
         health care benefits are contributory and generally available to full
         time employees who have attained age 55 and have accumulated 15 years
         of service with the Company after reaching age 40. Postretirement
         health care benefit contributions are adjusted annually and contain
         cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance. In addition,
         there are caps on the Company's portion of the per-participant cost of
         the postretirement health care benefits. These caps can increase
         annually, but not more than three percent. The Company's policy is to
         fund the cost of health care benefits in amounts determined at the
         discretion of management. Plan assets are invested primarily in group
         annuity contracts of NLIC.

         The Company elected to immediately recognize its estimated accumulated
         postretirement benefit obligation; however, certain affiliated
         companies elected to amortize their initial transition obligation over
         periods ranging from 10 to 20 years.

         The Company's accrued postretirement benefit expense as of December 31,
         1996 and 1995 was $34,884 and $33,537, respectively, and the net
         periodic postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1996, 1995 and 1994
         was $3,286, $3,132 and $4,284, respectively.
<PAGE>   21
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         The amount of NPPBC for the plan as a whole for the years ended
         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        1996          1995          1994
                                                                                     -----------   -----------   -----------

            <S>                                                                       <C>              <C>           <C>  
             Service cost (benefits attributed to employee service during the year)   $  6,541         6,235         8,586
             Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation             13,679        14,151        14,011
             Actual return on plan assets                                               (4,348)       (2,657)       (1,622)
             Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates              173         2,966           568
             Net amortization and deferral                                               1,830        (1,619)        1,622
                                                                                     -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                                       $17,875        19,076        23,165
                                                                                     ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

         Information regarding the funded status of the plan as a whole as of
         December 31, 1996 and 1995 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                             1996              1995
                                                                                        ---------------   ---------------
             <S>                                                                          <C>                   <C>   
             Accrued postretirement benefit expense:
                Retirees                                                                  $   92,954            88,680
                Fully eligible, active plan participants                                      23,749            28,793
                Other active plan participants                                                83,986            90,375
                                                                                        ---------------   ---------------
                   Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO)                      200,689           207,848
                Plan assets at fair value                                                     63,044            54,325
                                                                                        ---------------   ---------------
                   Plan assets less than accumulated postretirement benefit obligation      (137,645)         (153,523)
                Unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates                               1,654             1,827
                Unrecognized net gains                                                       (23,225)           (1,038)
                                                                                        ---------------   ---------------
                                                                                           $(159,216)         (152,734)
                                                                                        ===============   ===============
</TABLE>

         Actuarial  assumptions  used for the  measurement  of the APBO as of 
         December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the NPPBC for 1996, 1995 and 1994 were 
         as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1996          1996         1995         1995         1994
                                                      APBO         NPPBC         APBO        NPPBC         NPPBC
                                                   ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
             <S>                                     <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>  

             Discount rate                            7.25%         6.65%        6.75%        8.00%        7.00%
             Long-term rate of return on plan
                 assets, net of tax                     -           4.80%         -           8.00%         N/A
             Assumed health care cost trend rate:
                 Initial rate                        11.00%        11.00%       11.00%       10.00%       12.00%
                 Ultimate rate                        6.00%         6.00%        6.00%        6.00%        6.00%
                 Uniform declining period           12 Years      12 Years     12 Years     12 Years     12 Years
</TABLE>


         The health care cost trend rate assumption has an effect on the amounts
         reported. For the plan as a whole, a one percentage point increase in
         the assumed health care cost trend rate would increase the APBO as of
         December 31, 1996 by $701 and the NPPBC for the year ended December 31,
         1996 by $83.

(12)     Shareholder's Equity, Regulatory Risk-Based Capital, Retained Earnings 
         and Dividend Restrictions
         ---------------------------------------------------------------------

         Each insurance company's state of domicile imposes minimum risk-based
         capital requirements that were developed by the NAIC. The formulas for
         determining the amount of risk-based capital specify various weighting
         factors that are applied to financial balances or various levels of
         activity based on the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance
         is determined by a ratio of the company's regulatory total adjusted
         capital, as defined by the NAIC, to its authorized control level
         risk-based capital, as defined by the NAIC. Companies below specific
         trigger points or ratios are classified within certain levels, each of
         which requires specified corrective action. NLIC and each of its
         insurance company subsidiaries exceed the minimum risk-based capital
         requirements.
<PAGE>   22
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         The statutory capital shares and surplus of NLIC as of December 31,
         1996, 1995 and 1994 was $1,000,647, $1,363,031 and $1,262,861,
         respectively. The statutory net income of NLIC for the years ended
         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $73,218, $86,529 and $76,532,
         respectively.

         NLIC is limited in the amount of shareholder dividends it may pay
         without prior approval by the Department of Insurance of the State of
         Ohio (the Department). NLIC's dividend of the outstanding shares of
         common stock of certain companies which was declared on September 24,
         1996 and the anticipated $850,000 dividend (as discussed in note 1) are
         deemed extraordinary under Ohio insurance laws. As a result of such
         dividends, any dividend paid by NLIC during the 12-month period
         immediately following the $850,000 dividend would also be an
         extraordinary dividend under Ohio insurance laws. Accordingly, no such
         dividend could be paid without prior regulatory approval.

         In addition, the payment of dividends by NLIC may also be subject to
         restrictions set forth in the insurance laws of New York that limit the
         amount of statutory profits on NLIC's participating policies (measured
         before dividends to policyholders) that can inure to the benefit of the
         Company and its stockholder.

         The Company currently does not expect such regulatory requirements to
         impair its ability to pay operating expenses and stockholder dividends
         in the future.

(13)     Transactions With Affiliates
         ----------------------------

         The Company leases office space from NMIC and certain of its
         subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, the
         Company made lease payments to NMIC and its subsidiaries of $9,065,
         $8,986 and $8,133, respectively.

         Pursuant to a cost sharing agreement among NMIC and certain of its
         direct and indirect subsidiaries, including the Company, NMIC provides
         certain operational and administrative services, such as sales support,
         advertising, personnel and general management services, to those
         subsidiaries. Expenses covered by this agreement are subject to
         allocation among NMIC, the Company and other affiliates. Amounts
         allocated to the Company were $101,584, $107,112, and $100,601 in 1996,
         1995 and 1994, respectively. The allocations are based on techniques
         and procedures in accordance with insurance regulatory guidelines.
         Measures used to allocate expenses among companies include individual
         employee estimates of time spent, special cost studies, salary expense,
         commissions expense and other methods agreed to by the participating
         companies that are within industry guidelines and practices. The
         Company believes these allocation methods are reasonable. In addition,
         the Company does not believe that expenses recognized under the
         intercompany agreements are materially different than expenses that
         would have been recognized had the Company operated on a stand alone
         basis. Amounts payable to NMIC from the Company under the cost sharing
         agreement were $15,111 and $1,186 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
         respectively.

         The Company also participates in intercompany repurchase agreements
         with affiliates whereby the seller will transfer securities to the
         buyer at a stated value. Upon demand or a stated period, the securities
         will be repurchased by the seller at the original sales price plus a
         price differential. Transactions under the agreements during 1996 and
         1995 were not material. The Company believes that the terms of the
         repurchase agreements are materially consistent with what the Company
         could have obtained with unaffiliated parties.
<PAGE>   23

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

         Intercompany reinsurance contracts exist between NLIC and, respectively
         NMIC and ELICW whereby all of NLIC's accident and health and group life
         insurance business is ceded on a modified coinsurance basis. NLIC
         entered into the reinsurance agreements during 1996 because the
         accident and health and group life insurance business was unrelated to
         NLIC's long-term savings and retirement products. Accordingly, the
         accident and health and group life insurance business has been
         accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
         Under modified coinsurance agreements, invested assets are retained by
         the ceding company and investment earnings are paid to the reinsurer.
         Under the terms of NLIC's agreements, the investment risk associated
         with changes in interest rates is borne by NMIC or ELICW, as the case
         may be. Risk of asset default is retained by NLIC, although a fee is
         paid by NMIC or ELICW, as the case may be, to NLIC for the NLIC's
         retention of such risk. The agreements will remain in force until all
         policy obligations are settled. However, with respect to the agreement
         between NLIC and NMIC, either party may terminate the contract on
         January 1 of any year with prior notice. The ceding of risk does not
         discharge the original insurer from its primary obligation to the
         policyholder. NLIC believes that the terms of the modified coinsurance
         agreements are consistent in all material respects with what NLIC could
         have obtained with unaffiliated parties.

         Amounts ceded to ELICW in 1996 are included in ELICW's results of
         operations for 1996 which, combined with the results of WCLIC and NCC,
         are summarized in note 2. Amounts ceded to ELICW in 1996 include
         premiums of $224,224, net investment income and other revenue of
         $14,833, and benefits, claims and other expenses of $246,641. Amounts
         ceded to NMIC in 1996 include premiums of $97,331, net investment
         income of $10,890, and benefits, claims and other expenses of $100,476.

         The Company and various affiliates entered into agreements with
         Nationwide Cash Management Company (NCMC) and California Cash
         Management Company (CCMC), both affiliates, under which NCMC and CCMC
         act as common agents in handling the purchase and sale of short-term
         securities for the respective accounts of the participants. Amounts on
         deposit with NCMC and CCMC were $4,789 and $9,654 as of December 31,
         1996 and 1995, respectively, and are included in short-term investments
         on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

         On April, 5 1996, Nationwide Corp. contributed all of the outstanding
         shares, with shareholder equity value of $30, of NISC to NLIC. NLIC
         contributed an additional $500 to NISC on August 30, 1996.

         On March 1, 1995, Nationwide Corp. contributed all of the outstanding
         shares of common stock of Farmland Life Insurance Company (Farmland) to
         NLIC. Farmland merged into WCLIC effective June 30, 1995. The
         contribution resulted in a direct increase to consolidated
         shareholder's equity of $46,918. As discussed in note 2, WCLIC is
         accounted for as discontinued operations.

         Effective December 31, 1994, NLIC purchased all of the outstanding
         shares of common stock of ELICW from Wausau Service Corporation (WSC)
         for $155,000. NLIC transferred fixed maturity securities and cash with
         a fair value of $155,000 to WSC on December 28, 1994, which resulted in
         a realized loss of $19,239 on the disposition of the securities. The
         purchase price approximated both the historical cost basis and fair
         value of net assets of ELICW. ELICW has and will continue to share home
         office, other facilities, equipment and common management and
         administrative services with WSC. As discussed in note 2, ELICW is
         accounted for as discontinued operations.

         Certain annuity products are sold through three affiliated companies
         which are also subsidiaries of Nationwide Corp. Total commissions and
         fees paid to these affiliates for the years ended December 31, 1996,
         1995 and 1994 were $76,922, $57,280 and $50,168, respectively.

(14)     Bank Lines of Credit
         --------------------

         In August 1996, NLIC, along with NMIC, established a $600,000 revolving
         credit facility which provides for a $600,000 loan over a five year
         term on a fully revolving basis with a group of national financial
         institutions. The credit facility provides for several and not joint
         liability with respect to any amount drawn by either NLIC or NMIC. NLIC
         and NMIC pay facility and usage fees to the financial institutions to
         maintain the revolving credit facility. All previously existing line of
         credit agreements were canceled.
<PAGE>   24
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(15)     Contingencies
         -------------

         The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits. In the opinion of
         management, the effects, if any, of such lawsuits are not expected to
         be material to the Company's financial position or results of
         operations.

(16)     Segment Information
         -------------------

         The Company has three primary segments: Variable Annuities, Fixed
         Annuities and Life Insurance. The Variable Annuities segment consists
         of annuity contracts that provide the customer with the opportunity to
         invest in mutual funds managed by the Company and independent
         investment managers, with the investment returns accumulating on a
         tax-deferred basis. The Fixed Annuities segment consists of annuity
         contracts that generate a return for the customer at a specified
         interest rate, fixed for a prescribed period, with returns accumulating
         on a tax-deferred basis. The Life Insurance segment consists of
         insurance products that provide a death benefit and may also allow the
         customer to build cash value on a tax-deferred basis. In addition, the
         Company reports corporate expenses and investments, and the related
         investment income supporting capital not specifically allocated to its
         product segments in a Corporate and Other segment. In addition, all
         realized gains and losses, investment management fees and other revenue
         earned from mutual funds, other than the portion allocated to the
         variable annuities and life insurance segments, are reported in the
         Corporate and Other segment.

         During 1996, the Company changed its reporting segments to better
         reflect the way the businesses are managed. Prior periods have been
         restated to reflect these changes.

         The following table summarizes the revenues and income from continuing
         operations before federal income tax expense for the years ended
         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and assets as of December 31, 1996,
         1995 and 1994, by business segment.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                              1996              1995              1994
                                                                        -----------------  ---------------   ---------------
             <S>                                                        <C>                <C>               <C>    
              Revenues:
                   Variable Annuities                                      $    284,638          189,071           132,687
                   Fixed Annuities                                            1,092,566        1,051,970           939,868
                   Life Insurance                                               435,657          409,135           383,150
                   Corporate and Other                                          179,977          148,475           143,794
                                                                        -----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                           $  1,992,838        1,798,651         1,599,499
                                                                        =================  ===============   ===============

              Income from continuing operations before federal income tax
                 expense:
                   Variable Annuities                                            90,244           50,837            24,574
                   Fixed Annuities                                              135,405          137,000           138,950
                   Life Insurance                                                67,242           67,590            53,046
                   Corporate and Other                                           22,606           32,145            25,288
                                                                        -----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                          $     315,497          287,572           241,858
                                                                        =================  ===============   ===============

              Assets:

                   Variable Annuities                                        25,069,725       17,333,039        11,146,465
                   Fixed Annuities                                           13,994,715       13,250,359        11,668,973
                   Life Insurance                                             3,353,286        3,027,420         2,752,283
                   Corporate and Other                                        5,348,520        4,896,815         3,678,303
                                                                        -----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                            $47,766,246       38,507,633        29,246,024
                                                                        =================  ===============   ===============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   25
<TABLE>


                                                                                                                 SCHEDULE I

                                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                                                 
                                               Consolidated Summary of Investments -
                                             Other Than Investments in Related Parties
                                                                 
                                                      As of December 31, 1996
                                                         ($000's omitted)
<CAPTION>

- --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------    --------------   -----------------
                           Column A                                 Column B         Column C          Column D
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------    --------------   -----------------
                                                                                                    Amount at which
                                                                                                     shown in the
                                                                                                     consolidated
                      Type of Investment                              Cost         Market value      balance sheet
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------    --------------   -----------------
<S>                                                             <C>                <C>               <C>      
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
   Bonds:
      U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities     $  3,757,887        3,834,762           3,834,762
      States, municipalities and political subdivisions                  6,242            6,690               6,690
      Foreign governments                                              100,656          101,940             101,940
      Public utilities                                               1,798,736        1,843,938           1,843,938
      All other corporate                                            6,307,357        6,517,309           6,517,309
                                                                ---------------    --------------   -----------------
          Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale        11,970,878       12,304,639          12,304,639
                                                                ---------------    --------------   -----------------

Equity securities available-for-sale:
   Common stocks:
      Industrial, miscellaneous and all other                           43,501           50,405              50,405
   Non-redeemable preferred stock                                          389            8,726               8,726
                                                                ---------------    --------------   -----------------
          Total equity securities available-for-sale                    43,890           59,131              59,131
                                                                ---------------    --------------   -----------------

Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                   5,327,317                            5,272,119 (1)
Real estate, net:
   Investment properties                                               253,383                              217,611 (1)
   Acquired in satisfaction of debt                                     57,933                               48,148 (1)
Policy loans                                                           371,816                              371,816
Other long-term investments                                             27,370                               28,668 (2)
Short-term investments                                                   4,789                                4,789
                                                                ---------------                      ----------------
          Total investments                                        $18,057,376                           18,306,921
                                                                ===============                      ================
<FN>

- ----------
(1)  Difference from Column B is primarily due to valuation allowances due to
     impairments on mortgage loans on real estate and due to accumulated
     depreciation and valuation allowances due to impairments on real estate.
     See note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

(2) Difference from Column B is primarily due to operating gains of investments
    in limited partnerships.

</TABLE>






See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE>   26
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                                               SCHEDULE III

                                    NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                            Supplemental Insurance Information

                                          As of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                           and for each of the years then ended

                                                     ($000's omitted)

- ----------------------------------- --------------  ------------------  -----------------   ------------------ ---------------
             Column A                  Column B          Column C            Column D           Column E          Column F
- ----------------------------------- --------------  ------------------  -----------------   -----------------  ---------------
                                       Deferred       Future policy                            Other policy
                                        policy      benefits, losses,                           claims and         
                                     acquisition        claims and      Unearned premiums    benefits payable    Premium
             Segment                    costs         loss expenses            (1)                 (2)           revenue
- ----------------------------------- --------------  ------------------  -----------------    ----------------  --------------

<C>                                 <C>             <C>                 <C>                    <C>                <C>    
1996: Variable Annuities               $   791,611                   -                                      -               -
      Fixed Annuities                      242,421          14,952,877                                    687          24,030
      Life Insurance                       414,417           1,995,802                                395,739         174,612
      Corporate and Other                  (81,940)            230,381                                 25,048               -
                                    --------------  ------------------                       ----------------  -------------- 
             Total                      $1,366,509          17,179,060                                421,474         198,642
                                    ==============  ==================                       ================  ============== 

1995: Variable Annuities                   571,283                   -                                      -               -
      Fixed Annuities                      221,111          14,221,622                                    455          32,774
      Life Insurance                       366,876           1,898,641                                383,983         166,332
      Corporate and Other                 (138,914)            238,351                                 28,886               -
                                    --------------  ------------------                       ----------------  -------------- 
             Total                      $1,020,356          16,358,614                                413,324         199,106
                                    ==============  ==================                       ================  ============== 

1994: Variable Annuities                   395,397                   -                                      -               -
      Fixed Annuities                      198,639          12,633,253                                    240          20,134
      Life Insurance                       327,079           1,806,762                                371,984         156,524
      Corporate and Other                   74,445             233,569                                 26,927               -
                                    --------------  ------------------                       ----------------  -------------- 
             Total                     $   995,560          14,673,584                                399,151         176,658
                                    ==============  ==================                       ================  ============== 
<CAPTION>

- ----------------------------------- -------------- -------------------  -----------------    ----------------  -------------- 
             Column A                  Column G          Column H            Column I           Column J          Column K
- ----------------------------------- -------------- -------------------  -----------------    ----------------  -------------- 
                                         Net                               Amortization           Other
                                      investment    Benefits, claims,      of deferred          operating        
                                        income          losses and            policy            expenses          Premiums
             Segment                     (3)       settlement expenses  acquisition costs          (3)            written
- ----------------------------------- -------------- -------------------  -----------------   -----------------  -------------- 

1996: Variable Annuities               $   (21,449)              4,624             57,412             132,357
      Fixed Annuities                    1,050,557             838,533             38,635              79,737
      Life Insurance                       174,002             211,386             37,347              78,965
      Corporate and Other                  154,649             106,037                  -              51,335
                                    -------------- -------------------  -----------------   ----------------- 
             Total                      $1,357,759           1,160,580            133,394             342,394
                                    ============== ===================  =================   ================= 

1995: Variable Annuities                   (17,640)              2,881             26,264             109,089
      Fixed Annuities                    1,002,718             804,980             29,499              80,260
      Life Insurance                       171,255             201,986             31,021              68,832
      Corporate and Other                  137,700             105,646             (4,089)             14,773
                                    -------------- -------------------  -----------------   ----------------- 
             Total                      $1,294,033           1,115,493             82,695             272,954
                                    ============== ===================  =================   =================  

1994: Variable Annuities                   (13,415)              2,277             22,135              83,701
      Fixed Annuities                      903,572             702,082             29,849              69,975
      Life Insurance                       166,329             191,006             29,495              69,861
      Corporate and Other                  154,325              97,302              4,089              17,115
                                    -------------- -------------------  -----------------   ----------------- 
             Total                      $1,210,811             992,667             85,568             240,652
                                    ============== ===================  =================   =================  
<FN>

- ----------
(1)  Unearned premiums are included in Column C amounts.

(2)  Column E agrees to the sum of the Balance Sheet captions, Policyholders'
     dividend accumulations and Other policyholder funds.

(3)  Allocations of net investment income and certain general expenses are based
     on a number of assumptions and estimates, and reported operating results
     would change by segment if different methods were applied.


</TABLE>

See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE>   27


                                                                    SCHEDULE IV

                              NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                  Reinsurance

                                    As of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                     and for each of the years then ended

                                                ($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -------------------------------   ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
           Column A                  Column B           Column C           Column D          Column E          Column F
- -------------------------------   ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
                                                                                                              Percentage
                                                        Ceded to         Assumed from                         of amount
                                   Gross amount      other companies   other companies      Net amount      assumed to net
                                  ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
<S>                               <C>               <C>                <C>                <C>               <C> 
1996:
Life insurance in force              $47,071,264          6,633,567            288,593        40,726,290           0.7%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============

Premiums:
   Life insurance                        225,615             29,282              2,309           198,642           1.2%
   Accident and health insurance         291,871            305,789             13,918                 -         N/A
                                  ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
          Total                      $   517,486            335,071             16,227           198,642           8.2%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============


1995:
Life Insurance in force              $41,087,025          8,935,743            391,174        32,542,456           1.2%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============

Premiums:
   Life insurance                        221,257             24,360              2,209           199,106           1.1%
   Accident and health insurance         298,058            313,036             14,978                 -         N/A
                                  ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
          Total                      $   519,315            337,396             17,187           199,106           8.6%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============


1994:
Life Insurance in force              $35,926,633          7,550,623            829,742        29,205,752           2.8%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============

Premiums:
   Life insurance                        198,705             24,912              2,865           176,658           1.6%
   Accident and health insurance         303,435            321,696             18,261                 -         N/A
                                  ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
          Total                      $   502,140            346,608             21,126           176,658          12.0%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============
<FN>

- ----------
Note:  The life insurance caption represents principally premiums from
       traditional life insurance and life-contingent immediate annuities and
       excludes deposits on invesment products and universal life insurance
       products.
</TABLE>


See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE>   28

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                                 SCHEDULE V

                                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                                                 
                                                 Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
                                                                 
                                           Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                                         ($000's omitted)

- -------------------------------------------------  ------------   -----------------------------   ------------ -------------
                    Column A                         Column B               Column C               Column D      Column E
- -------------------------------------------------  ------------   -----------------------------   ------------ -------------
                                                    Balance at     Charged to                                   Balance at
                                                   beginning of     costs and      Charged to     Deductions      end of
                  Description                         period        expenses     other accounts      (1)          period
- -------------------------------------------------  ------------   ------------   --------------   ------------ -------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>          <C>   
1996:
Valuation  allowances - mortgage loans on real
   estate                                              $49,128          4,497               -          2,587        51,038
Valuation allowances - real estate                      25,819        (10,600)              -              -        15,219
                                                   ------------   ------------   --------------   ------------ -------------
     Total                                             $74,947         (6,103)              -          2,587        66,257
                                                   ============   ============   ==============   ============ =============


1995:
Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities             -          8,908               -          8,908             -
Valuation  allowances  - mortgage  loans on real
   estate                                               46,381          7,433               -          4,686        49,128
Valuation allowances - real estate                      27,330         (1,511)              -              -        25,819
                                                   ------------   ------------   --------------   ------------ -------------
     Total                                             $73,711         14,830               -         13,594        74,947
                                                   ============   ============   ==============   ============ =============


1994:
Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities         4,800         (4,800)              -              -             -
Valuation  allowances  - mortgage  loans on real
   estate                                               42,150         20,445               -         16,214        46,381
Valuation allowances - real estate                      31,357         (4,027)              -              -        27,330
                                                   ------------   ------------   --------------   ------------ -------------
     Total                                             $78,307         11,618               -         16,214        73,711
                                                   ============   ============   ==============   ============ =============
<FN>

- ----------
(1)  Amounts represent direct write-downs charged against the valuation allowance.
</TABLE>



See accompanying independent auditors' report.

<PAGE>   89

<PAGE>   1
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
                        Consolidated Statements of Income
                                   (Unaudited)
                            (in millions of dollars)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            (Unaudited)
                                                                                           September 30,     December 31,
                                         Assets                                                 1997             1996
                                         ------                                          ----------------- ----------------
<S>                                                                                             <C>               <C>    
Investments:
   Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
      Fixed maturity securities (cost $12,313.6 in 1997; $11,970.9 in 1996)                   $12,738.7          12,304.6
      Equity securities (cost $60.8 in 1997; $43.9 in 1996)                                        73.8              59.1
   Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                           5,135.4           5,272.1
   Real estate, net                                                                               305.1             265.8
   Policy loans                                                                                   403.9             371.8
   Other long-term investments                                                                     23.0              28.7
   Short-term investments                                                                         431.8               4.8
                                                                                          ----------------- ----------------
                                                                                               19,111.7          18,306.9
                                                                                          ----------------- ----------------
Cash                                                                                              100.7              43.8
Accrued investment income                                                                         221.3             210.2
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                               1,570.0           1,366.5
Investment in subsidiaries classified as discontinued operations                                    -               485.7
Other assets                                                                                      394.6             426.5
Assets held in Separate Accounts                                                               36,791.6          26,926.7
                                                                                          ----------------- ----------------
                                                                                              $58,189.9          47,766.3
                                                                                          ================= ================

                          Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
                          ------------------------------------
Future policy benefits and claims                                                             $17,817.8          17,179.1
Policyholders' dividend accumulations                                                             369.4             361.4
Other policyholder funds                                                                           59.7              60.1
Accrued federal income tax:
   Current                                                                                         46.3              30.2
   Deferred                                                                                       207.1             162.2
                                                                                          ----------------- ----------------
                                                                                                  253.4             192.4
                                                                                          ----------------- ----------------
Dividend payable                                                                                    -               485.7
Other liabilities                                                                                 536.2             423.0
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts                                                       36,791.6          26,926.7
                                                                                          ----------------- ----------------
                                                                                               55,828.1          45,628.4
                                                                                          ----------------- ----------------
Shareholder's equity:
   Capital shares, $1.00 par value. Authorized 5.0 million shares, issued and
      outstanding 3.8 million shares                                                                3.8               3.8
   Additional paid-in capital                                                                     914.7             527.9
   Retained earnings                                                                            1,229.9           1,432.6
   Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net                                         213.4             173.6
                                                                                          ----------------- ----------------
                                                                                                2,361.8           2,137.9
                                                                                          ----------------- ----------------
                                                                                              $58,189.9          47,766.3
                                                                                          ================= ================
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   2
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
                        Consolidated Statements of Income
                                   (Unaudited)
                            (in millions of dollars)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Three months ended            Nine months ended
                                                                           September 30,                 September 30,
                                                                     ---------------------------   ---------------------------
                                                                         1997          1996            1997          1996
                                                                     ------------- -------------   ------------- -------------
<S>                                                                     <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>  
Revenues:

  Investment product and universal life insurance product
    policy charges                                                       $143.3         102.3           393.4         288.8
  Life insurance premiums                                                  50.2          47.2           155.9         150.3
  Net investment income                                                   355.3         339.9         1,047.6       1,009.6
  Realized gains (losses) on investments                                   (4.8)         (5.1)            4.3           4.3
  Other income                                                             12.4           9.9            38.2          28.5
                                                                     ------------- -------------   -------------  -------------
                                                                          556.4         494.2         1,639.4       1,481.5
                                                                     ------------- -------------   -------------  -------------

Benefits and expenses:
  Interest credited                                                       256.0         245.6           756.9         732.9
  Other benefits and claims                                                41.8          51.5           134.3         139.4
  Provision for policyholders' dividends on participating policies          9.1           8.7            31.3          31.5
  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                        43.7          25.7           126.7          96.8
  Other operating expenses                                                 97.9          91.8           286.0         239.9
                                                                     ------------- -------------   -------------  -------------
                                                                          448.5         423.3         1,335.2       1,240.5
                                                                     ------------- -------------   -------------  -------------

          Income from continuing operations before federal
            income tax expense                                            107.9          70.9           304.2         241.0
                                                                     ------------- -------------   ------------- -------------

Federal income tax expense (benefit):
   Current                                                                 28.2          35.3            83.4          93.9
   Deferred                                                                 9.5         (10.0)           23.5          (9.4)
                                                                     ------------- -------------   -------------  -------------
                                                                           37.7          25.3           106.9          84.5
                                                                     ------------- -------------   -------------  -------------

          Income from continuing operations                                70.2          45.6           197.3         156.5

Income from discontinued operations (less federal income
   tax expense of $1.0 and $5.0 in 1996)                                    -             2.3             -             9.6
                                                                     ------------- -------------   -------------  -------------

          Net income                                                    $  70.2          47.9           197.3         166.1
                                                                     ============= =============   ============= =============
</TABLE>



See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   3

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
                 Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity
                                   (Unaudited)
                  Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996
                            (in millions of dollars)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Unrealized
                                                                                            gains (losses)
                                                          Additional                        on securities            Total
                                           Capital         paid-in         Retained         available-for-       shareholder's
                                            shares         capital         earnings           sale, net              equity
                                         -------------   -------------  ----------------  -------------------  -------------------
<S>                                           <C>             <C>           <C>                 <C>                  <C>    
1996:
   Balance, January 1, 1996                   $3.8            657.1         1,583.3             384.3                2,628.5
   Dividends to shareholder                    -              (79.3)         (356.3)            (28.6)                (464.2)
   Net income                                  -                -             166.1               -                    166.1
   Unrealized losses on securities
     available-for-sale, net                   -                -               -              (249.8)                (249.8)
                                         -------------   -------------  ----------------  -------------------  -------------------
   Balance, September 30, 1996                $3.8            577.8         1,393.1             105.9                2,080.6
                                         =============   =============  ================  ===================  ===================



1997:
   Balance, January 1, 1997                    3.8            527.9         1,432.6             173.6                2,137.9
   Capital contributions                       -              836.8             -                 -                    836.8
   Dividends to shareholder                    -             (450.0)         (400.0)              -                   (850.0)
   Net income                                  -                -             197.3               -                    197.3
   Unrealized gains on securities
     available-for-sale, net                   -                -               -                39.8                   39.8
                                         -------------   -------------  ----------------  -------------------  -------------------
   Balance, September 30, 1997                $3.8            914.7         1,229.9             213.4                2,361.8
                                         =============   =============  ================  ===================  ===================
</TABLE>



See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   4

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                   (Unaudited)
                  Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996
                            (in millions of dollars)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     1997            1996
                                                                                                --------------  --------------
<S>                                                                                             <C>                  <C>  
  Cash flows from operating activities:
    Net income                                                                                  $    197.3           166.1
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
        Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                                         (358.2)         (313.7)
        Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                                            126.7            96.8
        Amortization and depreciation                                                                 (0.5)            5.2
        Realized gains on investments, net                                                            (4.3)           (4.3)
        Deferred federal income tax                                                                   23.5            15.1
        Increase in accrued investment income                                                        (11.1)           (2.5)
        Decrease (increase) in other assets                                                           31.4           (36.0)
        Increase in policyholder account balances                                                     58.2           233.3
        Increase in policyholders' dividend accumulations                                              8.0            10.0
        Increase (decrease) in accrued federal income tax payable                                     16.1            (0.6)
        Increase in other liabilities                                                                113.2           176.6
        Other, net                                                                                    (3.9)          (19.3)
                                                                                                --------------  --------------
          Net cash provided by operating activities                                                  196.4           326.7
                                                                                                --------------  --------------

  Cash flows from investing activities:
    Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale                                          640.8           917.4
    Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                                              248.7           223.3
    Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate                                        296.1           191.1
    Proceeds from sale of real estate                                                                 23.2            16.1
    Proceeds from repayments of policy loans and sale of other invested assets                        19.8            18.6
    Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired                                                (1,732.1)       (1,047.9)
    Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired                                                  (552.2)         (721.7)
    Cost of real estate acquired                                                                     (24.3)           (4.8)
    Policy loans issued and other invested assets acquired                                           (48.2)          (43.1)
    Short-term investments, net                                                                     (428.2)          (62.3)
                                                                                                --------------  --------------
          Net cash used in investing activities                                                   (1,556.4)         (513.3)
                                                                                                --------------  --------------

  Cash flows from financing activities:
    Proceeds from capital contributions                                                              836.8             -
    Increase in investment product and universal life insurance product account balances           2,343.1         1,851.3
    Decrease in investment product and universal life insurance product account balances          (1,763.0)       (1,597.0)
                                                                                                --------------  --------------
          Net cash provided by financing activities                                                1,416.9           254.3
                                                                                                --------------  --------------

  Net increase in cash                                                                                56.9            67.7

  Cash, beginning of period                                                                           43.8             9.4
                                                                                                --------------  --------------
  Cash, end of period                                                                           $    100.7            77.1
                                                                                                ==============  ==============
</TABLE>




See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   5

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)
              Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
                      Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997

(1)      Organization and Basis of Presentation
         --------------------------------------

         Prior to January 27, 1997, Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC) was
         a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation (Nationwide Corp.).
         On January 27, 1997, Nationwide Corp. contributed the common stock of
         NLIC to Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NFS). NFS was formed by
         Nationwide Corp. in November 1996 as a holding company for members of
         the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that offer or distribute long-term
         savings and retirement products. NLIC and its subsidiaries are
         collectively referred to as "the Company."

         The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the
         Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
         accounting principles, which differ from statutory accounting practices
         prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities, for interim
         financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and
         Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all
         information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting
         principles for complete financial statements. The financial information
         included herein reflects all adjustments (all of which are normal and
         recurring in nature) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary
         for a fair presentation of financial position and results of
         operations. Operating results for all periods presented are not
         necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full
         year. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been
         eliminated. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial
         statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated
         financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31,
         1996 included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K.

         Certain items in the prior period consolidated financial statements
         have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

(2)      Dividends and Capital Contributions
         -----------------------------------

         On September 24, 1996, NLIC's Board of Directors declared a dividend to
         Nationwide Corp. consisting of the common stock of certain subsidiaries
         classified as discontinued operations. As of and during the year ended
         December 31, 1996, these previously wholly owned subsidiaries of NLIC
         were classified as discontinued operations since they do not offer or
         distribute long-term savings and retirement products. The dividend was
         paid by NLIC on January 1, 1997.

         On February 24, 1997, NLIC paid a dividend to NFS, which made an
         equivalent dividend to Nationwide Corp., consisting of securities
         having an aggregate fair value of $850.0 million. NLIC recognized a
         gain of $14.4 million on the transfer of securities.

         On March 10, 1997 and March 11, 1997, NFS made cash capital
         contributions to NLIC totaling $836.8 million.


<PAGE>   90
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

   
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>                                                                                 <C>
Item 24.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
              (a) Financial Statements:
                  (1) Financial statements and schedule included
                      in Prospectus.  (Part A):                                                    
                      Condensed Financial Information.                                             
                  (2) Financial statements and schedule included in Part B:
                      Those financial statements and schedule required by Item
                      23 to be included in Part B have been incorporated therein
                      by reference
                      to the Prospectus (Part A).                                                  
              Nationwide DC Variable Account:
                      Independent Auditors' Report.                                                
                      Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Contract
                      Owners' Equity as of December 31, 1996                                       
                      Statements of Operations and Changes in
                      Contract Owners' Equity for the years ended
                      December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.                                            
                      Notes to Financial Statements.                                               
                      Schedules of Changes in Unit Values.                                         
                      Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Contract
                      Owners' Equity, June 30, 1997 (unaudited).                                   
                      Statements of Operations and Changes in Contract
                      Owners' Equity, Six Month Periods Ended June 30,
                      1997 and 1996 (unaudited).                                                   
                      Notes to Financial Statements, June 30, 1997 and
                      1996 (unaudited).                                                            
              Nationwide Life Insurance Company:
                      Independent Auditors' Report.                                                
                      Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December
                      31, 1996 and 1995.                                                           
                      Consolidated Statements of Income for the
                      years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
                      1994.                                                                        
                      Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's
                      Equity for the years ended December 31,
                      1996, 1995 and 1994.                                                         
                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for
                      the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
                      and 1994.                                                                    
                      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.                                  
                      Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) for nine months
                      ended September 30, 1997 and 1996.                                           
                      Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) for three
                      and nine months ended September 30, 1997.                                    
                      Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity
                      (unaudited) for nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996.               
                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
                      for nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996.                           
</TABLE>
    


                                   140 of 176
<PAGE>   91
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                <C>
                      Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
                      for nine months ended September 30, 1997                                     
                      Schedule I - Consolidated Summary of Investments -
                      Other Than Investments in Related Parties                                    

                      Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information                           

                      Schedule IV - Reinsurance                                                    

                      Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts                               
</TABLE>
    


                                   141 of 176
<PAGE>   92
   
Item 24.      (b) Exhibits

                        (1)  Resolution of the Depositor's Board of
                             Directors authorizing the establishment of
                             the Registrant - Filed previously with Registration
                             Statement (File No. 2-51911) and is hereby 
                             incorporated by reference.
                        (2)  Not Applicable
                        (3)  Underwriting or Distribution of contracts
                             between the Registrant and Principal
                             Underwriter - Filed previously with Registration 
                             Statement (File No. 2-51911) and is hereby
                             incorporated by reference.
                        (4)  The form of the variable annuity contract - Filed 
                             previously with Registration Statement (File No. 
                             2-51911) and is hereby incorporated by reference.
                        (5)  Variable Annuity Application - Filed previously 
                             with Registration Statement (File No. 2-51911) and 
                             is hereby incorporated by reference.
                        (6)  Articles of Incorporation of Depositor - Filed 
                             previously with Registration Statement (File No.
                             2-51911) and is hereby incorporated by reference.
                        (7)  Not Applicable
                        (8)  Not Applicable
                        (9)  Opinion of Counsel - Filed previously with 
                             Registration Statement (File No. 2-51911) and is
                             hereby incorporated by reference.
                      (10)   Not Applicable
                      (11)   Not Applicable
                      (12)   Not Applicable
                      (13)   Not Applicable

    

                                   142 of 176
<PAGE>   93
Item 25.      DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                            BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR
<S>                                                                <C>
                          Lewis J. Alphin                                        Director
                          519 Bethel Church Road
                          Mount Olive, NC  28365

                          Keith W. Eckel                                         Director
                          1647 Falls Road
                          Clarks Summit, PA 18411

                          Willard J. Engel                                       Director
                          1100 East Main Street
                          Marshall, MN 56258

                          Fred C. Finney                                         Director
                          1558 West Moreland Road
                          Wooster, OH 44691

                          Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.                              Director
                          600 South Washington Street
                          Butler, PA  16001

                          Joseph J. Gasper                         President and Chief Operating Officer
                          One Nationwide Plaza                                 and Director
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Henry S. Holloway                                Chairman of the Board
                          1247 Stafford Road                                   and Director
                          Darlington, MD  21034

                          Dimon Richard McFerson                   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                        Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
                          Columbus, OH  43215                                  and Director

                          David O. Miller                                        Director
                          115 Sprague Drive
                          Hebron, OH  43025

                          C. Ray Noecker                                         Director
                          2770 Winchester Southern S.
                          Ashville, OH 43103

                          James F. Patterson                                     Director
                          8765 Mulberry Road
                          Chesterland, OH  44026
</TABLE>


                                   143 of 176
<PAGE>   94
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                            BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR
<S>                                                                <C>
                          Arden L. Shisler                                       Director
                          1356 North Wenger Road
                          Dalton, OH  44618

                          Robert L. Stewart                                      Director
                          88740 Fairview Road
                          Jewett, OH  43986

                          Nancy C. Thomas                                        Director
                          10835 Georgetown Street NE
                          Louisville, OH  44641

                          Harold W. Weihl                                        Director
                          14282 King Road
                          Bowling Green, OH  43402

                          Gordon E. McCutchan                            Executive Vice President,
                          One Nationwide Plaza                          Law and Corporate Services
                          Columbus, OH  43215                                  and Secretary

                          Robert A. Oakley                               Executive Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                            Chief Financial Officer
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Robert J. Woodward, Jr.                       Executive Vice President -
                          One Nationwide Plaza                           Chief Investment Officer
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          James E. Brock                                  Senior Vice President -
                          One Nationwide Plaza                            Life Company Operations
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          W. Sidney Druen                            Senior Vice President and General
                          One Nationwide Plaza                        Counsel and Assistant Secretary
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Harvey S. Galloway, Jr.                  Senior Vice President-Chief Actuary-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                          Life, Health and Annuities
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Richard A. Karas                            Senior Vice President - Sales -
                          One Nationwide Plaza                              Financial Services
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Michael D. Bleiweiss                                Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                         Individual Annuity Operations
                          Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>


                                   144 0f 176
<PAGE>   95
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                            BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR
<S>                                                               <C>
                          Matthew S. Easley                       Vice President - Marketing, Innovation
                          One Nationwide Plaza                                and Compliance
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Ronald L. Eppley                                    Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                             Applications Services
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Timothy E. Murphy                                   Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                              Strategic Marketing
                          Columbus, Ohio  43215

                          R. Dennis Noice                                     Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                               Retail Operations
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Joseph P. Rath                                 Vice President - Product
                          One Nationwide Plaza                             and Market Compliance
                          Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>


Item 26.    PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE DEPOSITOR OR
            REGISTRANT.

            *    Subsidiaries for which separate financial statements are filed
            **   Subsidiaries included in the respective consolidated financial 
                 statements
            ***  Subsidiaries included in the respective group financial 
                 statements filed for unconsolidated subsidiaries
            **** other subsidiaries


                                   145 of 176
<PAGE>   96
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE          PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
<S>                                               <C>                  <C>             <C>
         Affiliate Agency of Ohio, Inc.                 Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency
         Affiliate Agency, Inc.                       Delaware                         Life Insurance Agency
         Allnations, Inc.                               Ohio                           Promotes cooperative insurance corporations
                                                                                       worldwide
         American Marine Underwriters, Inc.           Florida                          Underwriting Manager
         Auto Direkt Insurance Company                Germany                          Insurance Company
         California Cash Management Company          California                        Investment Securities Agent
         Colonial County Mutual insurance              Texas                           Insurance Company
         Company
         Colonial Insurance Company of               California                        Insurance Company
         California
         Columbus Insurance Brokerage and             Germany                          Insurance Broker
         Service GMBH
         Companies Agency Insurance Services         California                        Insurance  Broker
         of California
         Companies Agency of Alabama, Inc.            Alabama                          Insurance Broker
         Companies Agency of Idaho, Inc.               Idaho                           Insurance Broker
         Companies Agency of Illinois, Inc.           Illinois                         Acts as Collection Agent for Policies placed
                                                                                       through Brokers
         Companies Agency of Kentucky, Inc.           Kentucky                         Insurance Broker
         Companies Agency of Massachusetts,        Massachusetts                       Insurance Broker
         Inc.
         Companies Agency of New York, Inc.           New York                         Insurance Broker
         Companies Agency of Pennsylvania, Inc.     Pennsylvania                       Insurance Broker
         Companies Agency of Phoenix, Inc.            Arizona                          Insurance Broker
         Companies Agency of Texas, Inc.               Texas                           Insurance Broker
         Companies Agency, Inc.                      Wisconsin                         Insurance Broker
         Companies Annuity Agency of Texas,            Texas                           Insurance Broker
         Inc.
         Countrywide Services Corporation             Delaware                         Products Liability, Investigative and Claims
                                                                                       Management Services
         Employers Insurance of Wausau A             Wisconsin                         Insurance Company
         Mutual Company
     **  Employers Life Insurance Company of         Wisconsin                         Life Insurance Company
         Wausau
         F & B, Inc.                                    Iowa                           Insurance Agency
         Farmland Mutual Insurance Company              Iowa                           Insurance Company
</TABLE>


                                   146 of 176
<PAGE>   97
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE          PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
<S>                                               <C>                  <C>             <C>
         Financial Horizons Distributors              Alabama                          Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Alabama, Inc.
         Financial Horizons Distributors                Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Ohio, Inc.
         Financial Horizons Distributors              Oklahoma                         Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Oklahoma, Inc.
         Financial Horizons Distributors               Texas                           Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Texas, Inc.
      *  Financial Horizons Investment Trust       Massachusetts                       Investment Company
         Financial Horizons Securities                Oklahoma                         Broker Dealer
         Corporation
         Gates, McDonald & Company                      Ohio                           Cost Control Business
         Gates, McDonald & Company of Nevada           Nevada                          Self-Insurance Administration Claims
                                                                                       Examinations and Data Processing Services
         Gates, McDonald & Company of New             New York                         Workers Compensation Claims Administration
         York, Inc.
         Gates, McDonald Health Plus, Inc.              Ohio                           Managed Care Organization
         Greater La Crosse Health Plans, Inc.        Wisconsin                         Writes Commercial Health and Medicare
                                                                                       Supplement Insurance
         Insurance Intermediaries, Inc.                 Ohio                           Insurance Broker and Insurance Agency
         Key Health Plan, Inc.                       California                        Pre-paid health plans
         Landmark Financial Services of New           New York                         Life Insurance Agency
         York, Inc.
         Leben Direkt Insurance Company               Germany                          Life Insurance Company
         Lone Star General Agency, Inc.                Texas                           Insurance Agency
     **  MRM Investments, Inc.                          Ohio                           Owns and operates a Recreational Ski Facility
     **  National Casualty Company                    Michigan                         Insurance Company
         National Casualty Company of America,     Great Britain                       Insurance Company
         Ltd.
     **  National Premium and Benefit                 Delaware                         Insurance Administrative Services
         Administration Company
     **  Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc.             Ohio                           Registered Broker-Dealer, Investment Manager
                                                                                       and Administrator
         Nationwide Agency, Inc.                        Ohio                           Insurance Agency
         Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance              Iowa                           Insurance Company
         Company
     **  Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust         Massachusetts                       Investment Company
         Nationwide Cash Management Company             Ohio                           Investment Securities Agent
         Nationwide Communications, Inc.                Ohio                           Radio Broadcasting Business
         Nationwide Community Urban                     Ohio                           Redevelopment of blighted areas within the
         Redevelopment Corporation                                                     City of Columbus, Ohio
</TABLE>


                                   147 of 176
<PAGE>   98
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE          PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
<S>                                               <C>                  <C>             <C>
         Nationwide Corporation                         Ohio                           Organized for the purpose of acquiring,
                                                                                       holding, encumbering, transferring, or      
                                                                                       otherwise disposing of shares, bonds, and   
                                                                                       other evidences of indebtedness, securities,
                                                                                       and contracts of other persons,             
                                                                                       associations, corporations, domestic or     
                                                                                       foreign and to form or acquire the control  
                                                                                       of other corporations                       

      *  Nationwide Development Company                 Ohio                           Owns, leases and manages commercial real 
                                                                                       estate
         Nationwide Financial Institution             Delaware                         Insurance Agency
         Distributors Agency, Inc.
         Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.          Delaware                         Holding Company
         Nationwide General Insurance Company           Ohio                           Insurance Company
         Nationwide HMO, Inc.                           Ohio                           Health Maintenance Organization
      *  Nationwide Indemnity Company                   Ohio                           Reinsurance Company
         Nationwide Insurance Enterprise                Ohio                           Membership Non-Profit Corporation
         Foundation
         Nationwide Insurance Golf Charities,           Ohio                           Membership Non-Profit Corporation
         Inc.
      *  Nationwide Investing                      Massachusetts                       Investment Company
         Foundation II
         Nationwide Investing Foundation              Michigan                         Investment Company
         Nationwide Investment Services               Oklahoma                         Registered Broker-Dealer in Deferred
         Corporation                                                                   Compensation Market
         Nationwide Investors Services, Inc.            Ohio                           Stock Transfer Agent
     **  Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance          Ohio                           Life Insurance Company
         Company
     **  Nationwide Life Insurance Company              Ohio                           Life Insurance Company
         Nationwide Lloyds                             Texas                           Texas Lloyds Company
         Nationwide Management Systems, Inc.            Ohio                           Develops and operates Managed Care Delivery
                                                                                       System
         Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance               Ohio                           Insurance Company
         Company
         Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company            Ohio                           Insurance Company
         Nationwide Properties, Ltd.                    Ohio                           Develops, owns and operates real estate and
                                                                                       real estate investments.
         Nationwide Property and Casualty               Ohio                           Insurance Company
         Insurance Company
         Nationwide Realty Investors, Ltd.              Ohio                           Develops, owns and operates real estate and
                                                                                       real estate investments.
      *  Nationwide Separate Account Trust         Massachusetts                       Investment Company
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Alabama                          Life Insurance Agency
         Alabama, Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Arizona                          Life Insurance Agency
         Arizona, Inc.
</TABLE>


                                   148 of 176
<PAGE>   99
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE          PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
<S>                                               <C>                  <C>             <C>
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Montana                          Life Insurance Agency
         Montana, Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of         Nevada                          Life Insurance Agency
         Nevada, Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of          Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency
         Ohio, Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Oklahoma                         Life Insurance Agency
         Oklahoma, Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of         Texas                           Life Insurance Agency
         Texas, Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Wyoming                          Life Insurance Agency
         Wyoming, Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services,          Delaware                         Life Insurance Agency
         Inc.
         NEA Valuebuilder Services Insurance       Massachusetts                       Life Insurance Agency
         Agency, Inc.
         Neckura General Insurance Company            Germany                          Insurance Company
         Neckura Holding Company                      Germany                          Administrative Service for Neckura Insurance
                                                                                       Group
         Neckura Insurance Company                    Germany                          Insurance Company
         Neckura Life Insurance Company               Germany                          Life Insurance Company
         NWE, Inc.                                      Ohio                           Special Investments
         PEBSCO of Massachusetts Insurance         Massachusetts                       Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Agency, Inc.                                                                  Plans for Public Employees
         PEBSCO of Texas, Inc.                         Texas                           Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
                                                                                       Plans for Public Employees
         Pension Associates of Wausau, Inc.          Wisconsin                         Pension plan administration, record keeping
                                                                                       and consulting and compensation consulting
         Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation       Wisconsin                         Health Maintenance organization
         Prevea Health Insurance Plan, Inc.          Wisconsin                         Health Maintenance organization
         Public Employees Benefit Services            Delaware                         Markets and Administraters Deferred
         Corporation                                                                   Compensation Plans for Public Employees
         Public Employees Benefit Services            Alabama                          Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Corporation of Alabama                                                        Plans for Public Employees
         Public Employees Benefit Services            Arkansas                         Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Corporation of Arkansas                                                       Plans for Public Employees
         Public Employees Benefit Services            Montana                          Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Corporation of Montana                                                        Plans for Public Employees
         Public Employees Benefit Services           New Mexico                        Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Corporation of New Mexico                                                     Plans for Public Employees
         Scottsdale Indemnity Company                   Ohio                           Insurance Company
</TABLE>


                                   149 of 176
<PAGE>   100
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE          PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
<S>                                               <C>                  <C>             <C>
         Scottsdale Insurance Company                   Ohio                           Excess and surplus lines insurance company
         Scottsdale Surplus Lines Insurance           Arizona                          Excess and surplus lines insurance company
         Company
         SVM Sales GmbH, Neckura Insurance            Germany                          Sales support for Neckura Insurance Group
         Group
         The Beak and Wire Corporation                  Ohio                           Radio Tower Joint Venture
         Wausau Business Insurance Company           Wisconsin                         Insurance Company
         Wausau General Insurance Company             Illinois                         Insurance Company
         Wausau Insurance Company (U.K.)           United Kingdom                      Insurance and Reinsurance Company
         Limited
         Wausau International Underwriters           California                        Special Risks, Excess and Surplus Lines
                                                                                       Insurance Underwriting Manager
     **  Wausau Preferred Health Insurance           Wisconsin                         Insurance and Reinsurance Company
         Company
         Wausau Service Corporation                  Wisconsin                         Holding Company
         Wausau Underwriters Insurance Company       Wisconsin                         Insurance Company
     **  West Coast Life Insurance Company           California                        Life Insurance Company
</TABLE>


                                   150 of 176
<PAGE>   101
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          
                                                                     NO. VOTING SECURITIES 
                                                                     (SEE ATTACHED CHART)
                                                     STATE             UNLESS OTHERWISE    
                      COMPANY                   OF ORGANIZATION            INDICATED                       PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
<S>                                             <C>                <C>                             <C>
    *  MFS Variable Account                           Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account
    *  NACo Variable Account                          Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide DC Variable Account                 Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide DCVA-II                             Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide Fidelity Advisor Variable           Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
       Account                                                     Account
    *  Nationwide Life Separate Account No. 1         Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account         Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-A               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Separate Account
    *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-B               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Separate Account
       Nationwide VA Separate Account-C               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Separate Account
    *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-Q               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Separate Account
    *  Nationwide Variable Account                    Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide Variable Account-3                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide Variable Account-4                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide Variable Account-5                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide Variable Account-6                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide Variable Account-8                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide Variable Account-9                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide Variable Account-II                 Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide VL Separate                         Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annunity    Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
       Account-B                                                   Separate Account
    *  Nationwide VL Separate                         Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
       Account-C                                                   Separate Account
    *  Nationwide VL Separate                         Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
       Account-A                                                   Separate Account
    *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account                Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                                   Account
    *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-4              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                                     Account
</TABLE>


                                   151 of 176
<PAGE>   102
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                               (left side)
<S>                               <C>                               <C>                                  <C>
- ------------------------
| NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |
| GOLF CHARITIES, INC. |
|                      |
|      MEMBERSHIP      |
|      NONPROFIT       |
|     CORPORATION      |
- ------------------------
                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                  |      EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU     |
                                                  |           A MUTUAL COMPANY             |
                                                  |             (EMPLOYERS)                |
                                                  |                                        |========================================
                                                  | Contribution Note         Cost         |
                                                  | -----------------         ----         |
                                                  | Casualty                  $400,000,000 |
                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                                |
           -----------------------------------------------------------------------
           |                                  |                                  |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------       ----------------------------         ---------------------------
|    SAN DIEGO LOTUS      |       |   WAUSAU INSURANCE CO.  |       |      WAUSAU SERVICE      |         |                         |
|     CORPORATION         |       |      (U.K.) LIMITED     |       |     CORPORATION (WSC)    |         |    NATIONWIDE LLOYDS    |
|Common Stock: 748,212    |       |Common Stock: 8,506,800  |       |Common Stock: 1,000 Shares|         |                         |
|------------  Shares     |       |------------  Shares     |       |------------              |         |                         |
|                         |       |                         |       |                          |=========|                         |
|              Cost       |       |              Cost       |       |              Cost        |     ||  |      A TEXAS LLOYDS     |
|              ----       |       |              ----       |       |              ----        |     ||  |                         |
|Employers-               |       |Employers-               |       |Employers-                |     ||  |                         |
|100%          $29,000,000|       |100%          $18,683,300|       |100%          $176,763,000|     ||  |                         |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------       ----------------------------     ||  ---------------------------
                                                                                 |                   ||
                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------  ||
                              |                                 |                                 |  ||
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |  ||  ---------------------------
|     WAUSAU BUSINESS     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   COUNTRYWIDE SERVICES   |  |  ||  |                         |
|    INSURANCE COMPANY    |   |   |    OF KENTUCKY, INC.    |   |   |        CORPORATION       |  |  ||  |                         |
|Common Stock: 10,900,000 |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 100 Shares  |  |  ||  |        COMPANIES        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------              |  |  ||  |        AGENCY OF        |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |---|                          |  |  ||==|        TEXAS, INC.      |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |  ||  |                         |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |  ||  |                         |
|WSC-100%      $33,800,000|   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $145,852    |  |  ||  |                         |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |  ||  ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |  ||
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |  ||  ---------------------------
|   WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS   |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |      WAUSAU GENERAL      |  |  ||  |                         |
|    INSURANCE COMPANY    |   |   | OF MASSACHUSETTS, INC.  |   |   |     INSURANCE COMPANY    |  |  ||  |                         |
|Common Stock: 8,750      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 200,000     |  |  ||  |     COMPANIES ANNUITY   |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares      |  |  ||  |         AGENCY OF       |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |---|                          |  |  ====|         TEXAS, INC.     |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |      |                         |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |      |                         |
|WSC-100%      $69,560,006|   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $39,000,000 |  |      |                         |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|   GREATER LA CROSSE     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   WAUSAU INTERNATIONAL   |  |      |     AMERICAN MARINE     |
|   HEALTH PLANS, INC.    |   |   |    OF NEW YORK, INC.    |   |   |       UNDERWRITERS       |  |      |    UNDERWRITERS, INC.   |
|Common Stock: 3,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000       |  |      |Common Stock: 20         |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares      |  |      |------------  Shares     |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |---|                          |  |------|                         |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |      |              Cost       |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |      |              ----       |
|WSC-33.3%     $861,761   |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $10,000     |  |      |WSC-100%      $248,222   |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |     COMPANIES AGENCY     |  |      |     COMPANIES AGENCY    |
|    OF ALABAMA, INC.     |   |   |  OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.  |   |   |    INSURANCE SERVICES    |  |      |     OF ILLINOIS, INC.   |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |       OF CALIFORNIA      |  |      |                         |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000       |  |      |Common Stock: 250        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |---|------------  Shares      |  |------|------------  Shares     |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |   |                          |  |      |                         |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |      |              Cost       |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |      |              ----       |
|WSC-100%      $100       |   |   |WSC-100%      $100       |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000      |  |      |WSC-100%      $2,500     |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   COMPANIES AGENCY      |   |   |      PHYSICIANS PLUS     |  |      |         COMPANIES       |
|     OF IDAHO, INC.      |   |   |     OF PHOENIX, INC.    |   |   |         INSURANCE        |  |      |        AGENCY, INC.     |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |        CORPORATION       |  |      |                         |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock:    7,150    |  |      |Common Stock: 100        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------     Shares   |  |      |------------  Shares     |
|                         |-------|                         |   |---|Preferred Stock: 11,540   |  |------|                         |
|                         |       |                         |   |   |---------------  Shares   |  |      |                         |
|                         |       |                         |   |   |                          |  |      |                         |
|              Cost       |       |              Cost       |   |   |                Cost      |  |      |              Cost       |
|              ----       |       |              ----       |   |   |                ----      |  |      |              ----       |
|WSC-100%      $1,000     |       |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-33 1/3%     $6,215,459|  |      |WSC-100%      $10,000    |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                                                                |                                 |      
                                                                |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                                                                |   |      PREVEA HEALTH       |  |      |    PENSION ASSOCIATES   |
                                                                |   |  INSURANCE PLAN, INC.    |  |      |      OF WAUSAU, INC.    |
                                                                |   |Common Stock: 3,000 Shares|  |      |Common Stock: 1,000      |
                                                                |   |------------              |  |      |------------  Shares     |
                                                                ----|                          |  -------|                         |
                                                                    |                          |         |                         |
                                                                    |              Cost        |         |Companies        Cost    |
                                                                    |              ----        |         |Agency, Inc.     ----    |
                                                                    |WSC-33 1/3%   $500,000    |         |(Wisconsin)-100% $10,000 |
                                                                    ----------------------------         ---------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   103
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                                  (middle)
<S>                                               <C>                                               <C>         
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       |                           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                               |
=======|                           INSURANCE COMPANY                               |================================================
       |                              (CASUALTY)                                   |
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||                              |
              |                        ||                              -------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||    |                                                                      |
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
|      ALLNATIONS, INC.        |       ||    |    |      NATIONWIDE GENERAL      |                  |        NECKURA HOLDING       |
|Common Stock:    3,136 Shares |       ||    |    |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |                  |       COMPANY (NECKURA)      |
|------------                  |       ||    |    |                              |                  |                              |
|                 Cost         |       ||    |    |Common Stock:    20,000       |                  |Common Stock:    10,000       |
|                 ----         |       ||    |    |------------     Shares       |                  |------------     Shares       |
|Casualty-24.5%   $88,320      |       ||    |    |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
|Fire-24.5%       $88,463      |       ||    |    |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
|Preferred Stock: 1,466 Shares |       ||    |----|Casualty-100%    $5,944,422   |         ---------|Casualty-100%    $87,943,140  |
|---------------               |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|                 Cost         |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|                 ----         |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|Casualty-7.7%    $100,000     |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|Fire-7.7%        $100,000     |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                       ||    |                                             |    
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|       FARMLAND MUTUAL        |       ||    |    |      NATIONWIDE PROPERTY     |         |        |           NECKURA            |
|      INSURANCE COMPANY       |       ||    |    |         AND CASUALTY         |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Guaranty Fund                 |       ||    |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |         |        |                              |
|------------                  |=========    |----|Common Stock:    60,000       |         |--------|Common Stock:    6,000        |
|Certificate                   |             |    |------------     Shares       |         |        |------------     Shares       |
|-----------      Cost         |             |    |                 Cost         |         |        |                 Cost         |
|                 ----         |             |    |                 ----         |         |        |Neckura-         ----         |
|Casualty         $500,000     |             |    |Casualty-100%    $6,000,000   |         |        |100%             DM 6,000,000 |
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
              |                              |                                             |    
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|        F & B, INC.           |             |    |      COLONIAL INSURANCE      |         |        |         NECKURA LIFE         |
|                              |             |    |     COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA    |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Common Stock:    1 Share      |             |    |          (COLONIAL)          |         |        |                              |
|------------                  |             |----|Common Stock:    1,750        |         |--------|Common Stock:   4,000         |
|                 Cost         |             |    |------------     Shares       |         |        |------------    Shares        |
|                 ----         |             |    |                 Cost         |         |        |                Cost          |
|Farmland                      |             |    |                 ----         |         |        |                ----          |
|Mutual-100%      $10          |             |    |Casualty-100%    $11,750,000  |         |        |Neckura-100%    DM 15,825,681 |
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                             |                                             |        
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|  NATIONWIDE AGRIBUSINESS     |             |    |         SCOTTSDALE           |         |        |        NECKURA GENERAL       |
|     INSURANCE COMPANY        |             |    |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Common Stock:    1,000,000    |             |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|------------     Shares       |             |    |Common Stock:    30,136       |         |        |Common Stock:    1,500        |
|                 Cost         |------------------|------------     Shares       |         |--------|------------     Shares       |
|                 ----         |                  |                 Cost         |         |        |                 Cost         |
|Casualty-99.9%   $26,714,335  |                  |                 ----         |         |        |                 ----         |
|Other Capital:                |                  |Casualty-100%    $150,000,000 |         |        |Neckura-100%     DM 1,656,925 |
|-------------                 |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
|Casualty-Ptd.    $   713,567  |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
- --------------------------------                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                                 |                         |        
                                                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                  |          SCOTTSDALE          |         |        |       COLUMBUS INSURANCE     |
                                                  |        SURPLUS LINES         |         |        |      BROKERAGE AND SERVICE   |
                                                  |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |         |        |              GmbH            |
                                                  |                              |         |        |Common Stock:    1 Share      |
                                                  |                              |         |--------|------------                  |
                                                  |        "NEWLY FORMED"        |         |        |                 Cost         |
                                                  |                              |         |        |                 ----         |
                                                  |                              |         |        |Neckura-100%     DM 51,639    |
                                                  |                              |         |        |                              |
                                                  |                              |         |        |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                                 |                         |        
                                                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                  |      NATIONAL PREMIUM &      |         |        |          LEBEN DIREKT        |
                                                  |    BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION    |         |        |        INSURANCE COMPANY     |
                                                  |           COMPANY            |         |        |                              |
                                                  |Common Stock:    10,000       |         |        |Common Stock:    4,000 Shares |
                                                  |------------     Shares       |------------------|------------                  |
                                                  |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
                                                  |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
                                                  |Scottsdale-100%  $10,000      |                  |Neckura-100%     DM 4,000,000 |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------

                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
                                                  |         SVM SALES            |                  |          AUTO DIREKT         |
                                                  |            GmbH              |                  |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  |Common Stock:    50 Shares    |                  |Common Stock:    1,500 Shares |
                                                  |------------                  |                  |------------                  |
                                                  |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
                                                  |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
                                                  |Neckura-100%     DM 50,000    |                  |Neckura-100%     DM 1,643,149 |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   104
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                              (right side)
<S>     <C>                                       <C>                                              <C>         
                                                                                                            ------------------------
                                                                                                            | NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |
                                                                                                            | ENTERPRISE FOUNDATION|
                                                                                                            |                      |
                                                                                                            |      MEMBERSHIP      |
                                                                                                            |      NONPROFIT       |
                                                                                                            |     CORPORATION      |
                                                                                                            ------------------------
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       |                           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                               |
=======|                         FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY                            |
       |                                (FIRE)                                     |
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       |
- ---------------                                                        --------------------------------------------------
              |                                                                                                         |
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       |
  |                                          |                                                                  |       |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                ----------------------------------
  |     |         SCOTTSDALE           |     |    |         NATIONWIDE           |                |          NATIONWIDE            |
  |     |      INDEMNITY COMPANY       |     |    |      COMMUNITY URBAN         |                |          CORPORATION           |
  |     |                              |     |    |       REDEVELOPMENT          |                |                                |
  |     |                              |     |    |        CORPORATION           |                |Common Stock:    Control:       |
  |     |Common Stock:    50,000       |     |    |Common Stock:    10 Shares    |                |------------     -------        |
  |-----|------------     Shares       |     |----|------------                  |                |$13,642,432      100%           |
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                |         Shares     Cost        |
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                |         ------     ----        |
  |     |Casualty-100%    $8,800,000   |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,000       |                |Casualty 12,992,922 $751,352,485|
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                |Fire        649,510   24,007,936|
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                |          (See Page 2)          |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                ----------------------------------
  |                                          |                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |         NATIONWIDE           |     |    |          INSURANCE           |                                                  
  |     |      INDEMNITY COMPANY       |     |    |     INTERMEDIARIES, INC.     |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |-----|Common Stock:    28,000       |     |----|Common Stock:    1,615        |                                                  
  |     |------------     Shares       |     |    |------------     Shares       |                                                  
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
  |     |Casualty-100%    $294,529,000 |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,615,000   |                                                  
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |                                          |                                                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |          LONE STAR           |     |    |       NATIONWIDE CASH        |                                                  
  |     |     GENERAL AGENCY, INC.     |     |    |      MANAGEMENT COMPANY      |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |Common Stock:    100 Shares   |                                                  
  ------|Common Stock:    1,000        |     |----|------------                  |                                                  
        |------------     Shares       |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
        |                 Cost         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
        |                 ----         |     |    |Casualty-90%     $9,000       |                                                  
        |Casualty-100%    $5,000,000   |     |    |NW Adv. Serv.     1,000       |                                                  
        --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
                      ||                     |                                                                                      
        --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
        |   COLONIAL COUNTY MUTUAL     |     |    |       CALIFORNIA CASH        |                                                  
        |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |     |    |          MANAGEMENT          |                                                  
        |                              |     |    |                              |                                                  
        |Surplus Debentures            |     |    |Common Stock:    90 Shares    |                                                  
        |------------------            |     |----|------------                  |                                                  
        |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
        |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
        |Colonial         $500,000     |     |    |Casualty-100%    $9,000       |                                                  
        |Lone Star         150,000     |     |    |                              |                                                  
        --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
                                             |                                                      
                                             |    --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
                                             |    |         NATIONWIDE           |                  |           THE BEAK AND       |
                                             |    |     COMMUNICATIONS, INC.     |                  |         WIRE CORPORATION     |
                                             |    |Common Stock:    14,750       |                  |                              |
                                             |    |------------     Shares       |                  |Common Stock:    750 Shares   |
                                             -----|                 Cost         |------------------|------------                  |
                                                  |                 ----         |                  |                 Cost         |
                                                  |Casualty-100%    $11,510,000  |                  |                 ----         |
                                                  |Other Capital:                |                  |NW Comm-100%     $531,000     |
                                                  |-------------                 |                  |                              |
                                                  |Casualty-Ptd.      1,000,000  |                  |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------



Subsidiary Companies -- Solid Line
Contractual Association -- Double Lines

March 6, 1997
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   105
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                        (Left Side)
                                                NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)

                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |              EMPLOYERS INSURANCE               |
                                        |                  OF WAUSAU                     |==========================================
                                        |               A MUTUAL COMPANY                 |
                                         ------------------------------------------------



























<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             |                                  |                                   |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ---------------------------
               | NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE |      |        NATIONWIDE         |      |   NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL    |
               |     COMPANY (NW LIFE)     |      |    FINANCIAL SERVICES     |      | INSTITUTION DISTRIBUTORS  |
               |                           |      |      CAPITAL TRUST        |      |   AGENCY, INC. (NFIDAI)   |
               | Common Stock: 3,814,779   |      | Preferred Stock:          |      | Common Stock:     1,000   |
               | ------------  Shares      |      | ---------------           |      | ------------      Shares  |
               |                           |      |                           |      |                           |
               | NFS--100%                 |      | NFS--100%                 |      | NFS--100%                 |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ---------------------------
                               |                                                                    ||  
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------        ---------------------------   ||   -------------------------- 
|    NATIONWIDE LIFE AND    |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |      |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |  ||  |                          |
| ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY |  |  |     ADVISORY SERVICES     |      |    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY    |  ||  |                          |
|        (NW LIFE)          |  |  |      (NW ADV. SERV.)      |      |      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 68,000      |  |  | Common Stock: 7,676       |      | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|--| ------------  Shares      |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |       OF OHIO, INC.      |
|               Cost        |  |  |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life--100% $58,070,003 |  |  | NW Life--100% $5,996,261  |  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $100         |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   -------------------------- 
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                              
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|         NWE, INC.         |  |  |        NATIONWIDE         |  ||  |    LANDMARK FINANCIAL     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |   INVESTOR SERVICES, INC. |  ||  |        SERVICES OF        |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |       NEW YORK, INC.      |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 100         |  |  | Common Stock: 5           |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  | ------------  Shares      |==||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    |
|               Cost        |  |  |                     Cost  |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                     ----  |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life--100% $35,971,375 |  |  | NW Adv. Serv.--100% $5,000|  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $10,100      |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||    
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|   NATIONWIDE INVESTMENT   |  |  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |  ||  |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |  ||  |                          |
|   SERVICES CORPORATION    |  |  |     INVESTMENT TRUST      |  ||  |      SECURITIES CORP.     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 5,000       |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |       OF TEXAS, INC.     |
|               Cost        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life--100% $529,728    |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $153,000     |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                    
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
| NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||  |   AFFILIATE AGENCY, INC.  |  ||  |                          |
|    COMPANY OF NEW YORK    |  |  |         INVESTING         |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |         FOUNDATION        |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock:             |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||  |          AFFILIATE       |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |__||==|          AGENCY OF       |
|               Cost        |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |      |          OHIO, INC.      |
|               ----        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |      |                          |
| NW Life--100%             |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |      |                          |
| (Proposed)                |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $100         |      |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------        --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                                                
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
|     NATIONWIDE REALTY     |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
|      INVESTORS, LTD.      |  |  |          INVESTING        |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |        FOUNDATION II      |  ||                               
| Units:                    |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| ------                    |  |  |                           |==||                               
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| NW Life--90%              |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| NW Mutual--10%            |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||                               
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
                               |                                 ||                               
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
|     NATIONWIDE REALTY     |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
|      INVESTORS, LTD.      |  |  |      SEPARATE ACCOUNT     |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |            TRUST          |  ||                               
| Units:                    |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| ------                    |__|  |                           |__||                               
|                           |     |                           |                                   
|                           |     |                           |                                   
| NW Life--97.6%            |     |                           |                                   
| NW Mutual--2.4%           |     |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |                                   
 ---------------------------       ---------------------------                                    
</TABLE>                           
<PAGE>   106
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                           (Center)

<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |               NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                |
========================================|               INSURANCE COMPANY                |==========================================
                                        |                  (CASUALTY)                    |
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |
                                                                 |              ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |              |
                                               ---------------------------------------
                                              |    NATIONWIDE CORPORATION (NW CORP)   |
                                              |   Common Stock:           Control     |
                                              |   ------------            -------     |
                                              |    13,642,432               100%      |
                                              |              Shares      Cost         |
                                              |             ------      ----          |
                                              | Casualty    12,992,922   $751,352,485 |
                                              | Fire           649,510     24,007,936 |
                                               ---------------------------------------
                                                                |
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                                     |                                |                             |
 ---------------------------     --------------------------       -----------------------------      ---------------------------- 
|    NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL   |   |   MRM INVESTMENTS, INC.   |    |      WEST COAST LIFE        |    |    NATIONAL CASUALTY       |
|    SERVICES, INC. (NFS)   |   |                           |    |     INSURANCE COMPANY       |    |         COMPANY            |
|                           |   |                           |    |                             |    |           (NC)             |
| Common Stock: Control     |   | Common Stock: 1           |    | Common Stock: 1,000,000     |    | Common Stock: 100          |
| ------------  -------     |   | ------------  Share       |    | ------------  Shares        |    | ------------  Shares       |
|                           |   |                           |    |                             |    |                            |
|                           |   |               Cost        |    |               Cost          |    |                Cost        | 
| Class A     Public--100%  |   |               ----        |    |               ----          |    |                ----        |
| Class B     NW Corp--100% |   | NW Corp.--100% $1,339,218 |    | NW Corp.--100% $152,946,930 |    | NW Corp.--100% $73,442,439 |
 ---------------------------     ---------------------------      -----------------------------      ---------------------------- 
             |                                                                                                     |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                   |
                             |                                                  |                                  |
                ---------------------------                       ---------------------------        ----------------------------
               | PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFIT  |                     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER       |    |   NCC OF AMERICA, INC.     |
               |   SERVICES CORPORATION    |                     |   INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.   |    |         (INACTIVE)         |
               |         (PEBSCO)          |                     |             (NEA)           |    |                            |
               | Common Stock: 236,494     |==||                 | Common Stock: 500           |    |                            |
               | ------------  Shares      |  ||                 | ------------  Shares        |    |                            |
               |                           |  ||                 |                             |    |                            |
               | NFS--100%                 |  ||                 | NFS--100%                   |    | NFS--100%                  |
                ---------------------------   ||                  -----------------------------      ----------------------------
                                              ||                                 ||  
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  
               |          ALABAMA          |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||
               |                           |  ||  |     OF ALABAMA, INC.      |  ||
               | Common Stock: 100,000     |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||
               | PEBSCO--100%  $1,000      |  ||  | NEA--100%      $5,000     |  ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
                                              ||                                 || 
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||
               |         ARKANSAS          |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||
               |                           |  ||  |      OF ARIZONA, INC      |  ||
               | Common Stock: 50,000      |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||
               | PEBSCO--100%  $500        |  ||  | NEA--100%     $1,000      |  ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
               |  PEBSCO OF MASSACHUSETTS  |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||
               |  INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.   |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||
               |                           |  ||  |      OF MONTANA, INC.     |  ||
               | Common Stock: 1,000       |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||
               | PEBSCO--100%  $1,000      |  ||  | NEA--100%     $500        |  ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  |                           |
               |          MONTANA          |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||  |                           |
               |                           |  ||  |      OF NEVADA, INC.      |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |
               | Common Stock: 500         |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|       OF OHIO, INC.       |
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                           |
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                           |
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                           |
               | PEBSCO--100%  $500        |  ||  | NEA--100%     $500        |  ||  |                           |
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  |                           |
               |        NEW MEXICO         |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||  |                           |
               |                           |  ||  |      OF WYOMING, INC.     |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |
               | Common Stock: 1,000       |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.     |
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                           |
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                           |
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                           |
               | PEBSCO--100%  $1,000      |  ||  | NEA--100%     $500        |  ||  |                           |
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ----------------------------
               |                           |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  |                            |
               |                           |  ||  |    SERVICES INSURANCE     |  ||  |                            |
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |       AGENCY, INC.        |  ||  |      NEA VALUEBUILDER      |
               |        TEXAS, INC.        |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||  |      INVESTOR SERVICES     |
               |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |__||==|        OF TEXAS, INC.      |
               |                           |      |                           |      |                            |
               |                           |      |               Cost        |      |                            |
               |                           |      |               ----        |      |                            |
               |                           |      | NEA--100%     $1,000      |      |                            |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ----------------------------

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   107
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                            (Right)

<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |               NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                |
========================================|            FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY              |
                                        |                   (FIRE)                       |
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |
- -----------------------------------------------------------------|   












- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              |                                |                              |
                ---------------------------         ------------------------------       ------------------------------
               |      GATES, MCDONALD        |     |   EMPLOYERS LIFE INSURANCE   |     |    NATIONWIDE HMO, INC.      |
               |     & COMPANY (GATES)       |     |       OF WAUSAU (ELIOW)      |     |         (NW HMO)             |
               |                             |     |                              |     |                              |
               | Common Stock:   254         |     | Common Stock:   250,000      |     | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |  |  |                 Cost         |  |  |                 Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |  |  |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | NW CORP.--100%  $25,683,532 |  |  | NW CORP.--100%  $126,509,480 |  |  | NW CORP.--100%  $14,603,732  |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |                                    |                                    |
           |    ---------------------------     |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |   |  GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY  |  |  |       WAUSAU PREFERRED       |  |  |    NATIONWIDE MANAGEMENT     |
           |   |      OF NEW YORK, INC.      |  |  |      HEALTH INSURANCE CO.    |  |  |         SYSTEMS, INC.        |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   | Common Stock:   3           |  |  | Common Stock:   250,000      |  |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |  |  |                 Cost         |  |  | NW HMO          Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |  |  |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | GATES--100%     $106,947    |  |  | NW CORP.--100%  $57,413,193  |  |  | Inc.--100%      $25,149      |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |                                    |                                    |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |   |  GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY  |  |  |     KEY HEALTH PLAN, INC.    |  |  |          NATIONWIDE          |
           |   |         OF NEVADA           |  |  |                              |  |  |          AGENCY, INC.        |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   | Common Stock:   40          |  |  | Common Stock:   1,000        |  |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |     |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |     |                 Cost         |  |  | NW HMO          Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |     |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | Gates--100%     $93,750     |     | ELIOPW--80%  $2,700,000      |  |  | Inc.--99%       $116,077     |
           |    -----------------------------       ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |
           |    -----------------------------     
           |   |      GATES, MCDONALD        |  
           |   |     HEALTH PLUS, INC.       |  
           |   |                             |  
           |   | Common Stock:   200         |       
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  
               |                             |  
               |                 Cost        |  
               |                 ----        |  
               | NW CORP.--100%  $2,000,000  |  
                -----------------------------   









                                                                                Subsidiary Companies    -- Solid Line

                                                                                Contractual Association -- Double Line

                                                                                Partnership Interest    -- Dotted Line



                                                                                                             March 6, 1997

                                                                                                                    Page 2
</TABLE>
                                                
                                                                              
<PAGE>   108
ITEM 27.  NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS

   
         The number of Contract Owners of Contracts as of February 28, 1997 was
3,092.
    

ITEM 28.  INDEMNIFICATION

   
         Provision is made in the Company's Amended and Restated Code of
         Regulations and expressly authorized by the General Corporation Law of
         the State of Ohio, for indemnification by the Company of any person who
         was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
         threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether
         civil, criminal, administrative or investigative by reason of the fact
         that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of the
         Company, against expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines
         and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such
         person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, to the
         extent and under the circumstances permitted by the General Corporation
         Law of the State of Ohio.
    

         Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
         Act of 1933 ("Act") may be permitted to directors, officers or persons
         controlling the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the
         Company has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and
         Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
         expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.


ITEM  29.   PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

            (a)   Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS") acts as principal
                  underwriter and general distributor for the Nationwide DC
                  Variable Account, Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account,
                  Nationwide DCVA-II, Nationwide Variable Account-II, Nationwide
                  Variable Account-5, Nationwide Variable Account-6, Nationwide
                  Variable Account-8, Nationwide Variable Account-9, Nationwide
                  VA Separate Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate Account-B,
                  Nationwide VA Separate Account-C, Nationwide VL Separate
                  Account-A, Nationwide VL Separate Account-B, Nationwide VL
                  Separate Account-C, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2,
                  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3, Nationwide VLI Separate
                  Account-4, NACo Variable Account and Nationwide Variable
                  Account, all of which are separate investment accounts of the
                  Company or its affiliates.

                  NAS also acts as principal underwriter for the Nationwide
                  Investing Foundation, Nationwide Separate Account Trust,
                  Financial Horizons Investment Trust, and Nationwide Investing
                  Foundation II and Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust, which are
                  open-end management investment companies.

            (b)          NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.
                               DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       POSITIONS AND OFFICES
         NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                                        WITH UNDERWRITER

<S>                                                         <C>
Joseph J. Gasper                                                       President and Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

Dimon Richard McFerson                                         Chairman of the Board of Directors and
One Nationwide Plaza                                                        Chairman and
Columbus, OH  43215                                             Chief Executive Officer--Nationwide
                                                                 Insurance Enterprise and Director
Gordon E. McCutchan
One Nationwide Plaza                                              Executive Vice President-Law and
Columbus, OH  43215                                               Corporate Services and Director

Robert A. Oakley                                             Executive Vice President - Chief Financial
One Nationwide Plaza                                                    Officer and Director
Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>


                                   154 of 176
<PAGE>   109
<TABLE>
<S>                                                         <C>    
Robert J. Woodward, Jr.                                     Executive Vice President - Chief Investment
One Nationwide Plaza                                                    Officer and Director
Columbus, OH 43215

W. Sidney Druen                                                      Senior Vice President and
One Nationwide Plaza                                                    General Counsel and
Columbus, OH  43215                                                     Assistant Secretary

James F. Laird, Jr.                                                   Vice President - General
One Nationwide Plaza                                                Manager and Acting Treasurer
Columbus, OH  43215

Edwin P. McCausland                                                       Vice President -
One Nationwide Plaza                                                  Fixed Income Securities
Columbus, OH  43215

Harry S. Schermer                                                   Vice President - Investments
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

Joseph P. Rath                                                      Vice President - Compliance
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

William G. Goslee                                                          Vice President
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

Peter J. Neckermann                                                        Vice President
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

Rae M. Pollina                                                               Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(c)      NAME OF           NET UNDERWRITING          COMPENSATION ON
         PRINCIPAL         DISCOUNTS AND             REDEMPTION OR              BROKERAGE
         UNDERWRITER       COMMISSIONS               ANNUITIZATION              COMMISSIONS      COMPENSATION
         -----------       -----------               -------------              -----------      ------------
<S>                        <C>                       <C>                        <C>              <C>                
         Nationwide               N/A                       N/A                          N/A                N/A
         Advisory
         Services,
           Inc.
</TABLE>



                                   155 of 176
<PAGE>   110
ITEM 30.  LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

         Robert O. Cline
         Nationwide Life Insurance Company
         One Nationwide Plaza
         Columbus, OH 43215

ITEM 31.  MANAGEMENT SERVICES

         Not Applicable

ITEM 32.  UNDERTAKINGS

         The Registrant hereby undertakes to:

         (a)      File a post-effective amendment to this registration statement
                  as frequently as is necessary to ensure that the audited
                  financial statements in the registration statement are never
                  more than 16 months old for so long as payments under the
                  variable annuity contracts may be accepted;

         (b)      Include either (1) as part of any application to purchase a
                  contract offered by the prospectus, a space that an applicant
                  can check to request a Statement of Additional Information, or
                  (2) a post card or similar written communication affixed to or
                  included in the prospectus that the applicant can remove to
                  send for a Statement of Additional Information; and

         (c)      Deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any
                  financial statements required to be made available under this
                  Form promptly upon written or oral request.

         (d)      Represent that any contract offered by the prospectus and
                  which is issued pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code, is
                  issued by the Registrant in reliance upon, and in compliance
                  with, the Securities and Exchange Commission's no-action
                  letter to the American Council of Life Insurance (publicly
                  available November 28, 1988) which permits withdrawal
                  restrictions to the extent necessary to comply with IRC
                  Section 403(b)(11).

         The Depositor hereby represents:

         (a)      That the fees and charges deducted under the Contract in the
                  aggregate are reasonable in relation to the services rendered,
                  the expenses expected to be incurred, and the risks assumed by
                  the Company.


                                   156 of 176
<PAGE>   111
         OFFERED BY

                  NATIONWIDE
                  LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
















                         Group
                         Flexible Fund
                         Retirement
                         Contracts


                                                     PROSPECTUS
   
                                                     MAY 1, 1998
    




                                   157 of 176
<PAGE>   112
                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                    GROUP FLEXIBLE FUND RETIREMENT CONTRACTS
                ISSUED THROUGH THE NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
   
         (Supplement Dated May 1, 1998 to Prospectus Dated May 1, 1998)
    

THIS SUPPLEMENT UPDATES CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE PROSPECTUS AND
SHOULD BE KEPT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. THIS SUPPLEMENT IS FOR USE ONLY WITH
CONTRACTS ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION 403(b) OF THE CODE ("TAX-SHELTERED ANNUITY
CONTRACTS").

1.  The section entitled "SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES" in the prospectus is
    amended by including the following Underlying Mutual Fund options available
    only for Tax-Sheltered Annuity Contracts.

                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                              <C>
PARTICIPANT TRANSACTION EXPENSES
         Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge...............................      5 %
         (as a percentage of Purchase Payments)
ANNUAL CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE(1)...........................................  $  15
VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average account value)
         Mortality and Expense Risk Fee.........................................   0.50 %
         Administration Charge..................................................   0.45 %
                                                                                  -------
         Total Variable Account Annual Expenses.................................   0.95 %

UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES(2)
(as a percentage of Underlying Mutual Fund average net assets)
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               ------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               Total Underlying
                                                                                   Other          Mutual Fund
                                                                Management Fees   Expenses          Expenses
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>               <C>          <C>
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. - American               1.00%           0.00%             1.00%
Century VP Balanced
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. - American               1.00%           0.00%             1.00%
Century VP Capital Appreciation
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.                      0.72%           0.24%             0.96%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund                                            0.25%           0.05%             0.30%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Equity Income Portfolio                                0.51%           0.07%             0.58%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio                                       0.61%           0.08%             0.69%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio(3)                               0.59%           0.12%             0.71%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio                                     0.76%           0.17%             0.93%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP II Asset Manager Portfolio                             0.64%           0.10%             0.74%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Growth Portfolio                                 0.83%           0.09%             0.92%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio                  0.65%           0.13%             0.78%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Partners Portfolio                               0.84%           0.11%             0.95%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Capital Appreciation Fund                                      0.65%           0.03%             0.68%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Government Bond Fund                                           0.55%           0.02%             0.57%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Money Market Fund                                              0.45%           0.02%             0.47%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Total Return Fund                                              0.65%           0.02%             0.67%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


(1)   The Annual Contract Maintenance Charge will also be assessed on the date
      that amounts held with respect to a Participant are fully withdrawn from
      the Contract.

(2)   The Underlying Mutual Fund expenses shown above are assessed at the
      Underlying Mutual Fund level and are not direct charges against Variable
      Account assets or reductions from Contract Values. These Underlying Mutual
      Fund expenses are taken into consideration in computing each Underlying
      Mutual Fund's Net Asset Value, which is the share price used to calculate
      the Variable Account's unit value. None of the above Underlying Mutual
      Fund options are subject to 12b-1 fees.

(3)   The Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund - High Income
      Portfolio may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to
      as junk bonds.


                                   158 of 176
<PAGE>   113
                                     EXAMPLE

The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be incurred
under this Contract assuming a $1000 initial Purchase Payment and 5% annual
return on assets.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             ----------------------------------------------------
                                                          If you surrender your Contract
                                                     at the end of the applicable time period
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1 Yr.         3 Yrs.        5 Yrs.       10 Yrs.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.         71           114           159           285
- - American Century VP Balanced
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.         71           114           159           285
- - American Century VP Capital Appreciation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund,          70           112           157           281
Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund                           63            91           121           206
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Equity Income Portfolio               66           100           137           239
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio                      67           104           142           251
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio                 68           104           144           253
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio                    70           111           155           278
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP II Asset Manager Portfolio            68           105           145           257
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Growth Portfolio                70           111           155           277
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Limited Maturity Bond           68           107           147           261
Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Partners Portfolio              70           112           156           280
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Capital Appreciation Fund                     66            98           133           232
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Government Bond Fund                          65            98           133           231
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Money Market Fund                             66            99           134           233
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Total Return Fund                             66            98           133           232
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                                        (continued on next page)


                                   159 of 176
<PAGE>   114


                               EXAMPLE (continued)

The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be incurred
under this Contract assuming a $1000 initial Purchase Payment and 5% annual
return on assets.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              ---------------------------------------------------
                                                      If you do not surrender your Contract
                                                     at the end of the applicable time period
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1 Yr.         3 Yrs.        5 Yrs.       10 Yrs.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.         21            64           109           235
- - American Century VP Balanced
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.         21            64           109           235
- - American Century VP Capital Appreciation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund,          20            62           107           231
Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund                           13            41            71           156
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Equity Income Portfolio               16            50            87           189
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio                      17            54            92           201
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio                 18            54            94           203
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio                    20            61           105           228
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP II Asset Manager Portfolio            18            55            95           207
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Growth Portfolio                20            61           105           227
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Limited Maturity Bond           18            57            97           211
Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Partners Portfolio              20            62           106           230
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Capital Appreciation Fund                     16            48            83           182
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Government Bond Fund                          15            48            83           181
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Money Market Fund                             16            49            84           183
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Total Return Fund                             16            48            83           182
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                                        (continued on next page)



                                   160 of 176
<PAGE>   115
                               EXAMPLE (continued)

The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be incurred
under this Contract assuming a $1000 initial Purchase Payment and 5% annual
return on assets.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              ---------------------------------------------------
                                                          If you annuitize your Contract
                                                     at the end of the applicable time period
                                                 1 Yr.         3 Yrs.        5 Yrs.       10 Yrs.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.         21            64           109           235
- - American Century VP Balanced
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.         21            64           109           235
- - American Century VP Capital Appreciation
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund,          20            62           107           231
Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund                           13            41            71           156
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Equity Income Portfolio               16            50            87           189
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio                      17            54            92           201
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio                 18            54            94           203
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio                    20            61           105           228
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP II Asset Manager Portfolio            18            55            95           207
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Growth Portfolio                20            61           105           227
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Limited Maturity Bond           18            57            97           211
Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Partners Portfolio              20            62           106           230
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Capital Appreciation Fund                     16            48            83           182
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Government Bond Fund                          15            48            83           181
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Money Market Fund                             16            49            84           183
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Total Return Fund                             16            48            83           182
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


The Example should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or lesser than those shown.

The purpose of the Summary of Contract Expenses and Example is to assist the
Participant in understanding the various costs and expenses that a Participant
will bear directly or indirectly when investing in the Contract. The table
reflects expenses of the Variable Account as well as the Underlying Mutual Fund
investment options. For a more detailed explanation of these expenses, see
"Variable Account Charges and Other Deductions" in the prospectus. In addition
to the expenses shown above, deductions for premium taxes may also be
applicable, depending upon the jurisdiction in which the Contract is sold (see
"Premium Taxes" in the prospectus).


                                   161 of 176
<PAGE>   116
2.  The section entitled "CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION" in the prospectus is
    amended by adding the following information about the Underlying Mutual Fund
    options available for Tax-Sheltered Annuity Contracts.

                         CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

         Accumulation Unit Values (For an Accumulation Unit outstanding
                             throughout the period)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               ACCUMULATION           ACCUMULATION              NUMBER OF
                                UNIT VALUE             UNIT VALUE           ACCUMULATION UNITS
                               AT BEGINNING              AT END             OUTSTANDING AT THE
          FUND                  OF PERIOD               OF PERIOD           END OF THE PERIOD              YEAR
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                    <C>                   <C>                            <C>
 American Century                1.316124               1.509759                      4,531                1997
 Variable Portfolios,            1.184177               1.316124                      3,120                1996
 Inc. - American                 0.986992               1.184177                      1,504                1995
 Century VP Balanced             1.000000               0.986992                          0                1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 American Century                1.638699               1.570313                     50,033                1997
 Variable Portfolios             1.729155               1.638699                     51,629                1996
 Inc. - American                 1.331537               1.729155                     50,891                1995
 Century VP                      1.360119               1.331537                     38,898                1994
 Capital                         1.244720               1.360119                     33,128                1993
 Appreciation                    1.273681               1.244720                     21,051                1992
                                 0.906306               1.273681                     10,348                1991
                                 1.000000               0.906306                      4,711                1990
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Dreyfus Stock                   1.604580               2.113257                     21,714                1997
 Index                           1.322035               1.604580                     16,988                1996
 Fund                            0.975745               1.322035                      5,213                1995
                                 1.000000               0.975745                        782                1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Dreyfus Socially                1.564429               1.990292                      4,478                1997
 Responsible                     1.302837               1.564429                          0                1996
 Growth Fund                     0.977428               1.302837                          0                1995
                                 1.000000               0.977428                          0                1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fidelity VIP                    1.552351               1.898743                     70,171                1997
 Growth Portfolio                1.366323               1.552351                     52,165                1996
                                 1.018963               1.366323                     29,541                1995
                                 1.000000               1.018963                      7,026                1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fidelity VIP                    1.475687               1.872610                     90,224                1997
 Equity Income                   1.303642               1.475687                     62,324                1996
 Portfolio                       0.974175               1.303642                     37,796                1995
                                 1.000000               0.974175                      5,699                1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fidelity VIP                    1.338939               1.560592                     29,112                1997
 High Income                     1.185437               1.338939                     17,934                1996
 Portfolio                       0.992271               1.185437                     10,485                1995
                                 1.000000               0.992271                      1,484                1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Fidelity VIP                    1.154842               1.276107                    125,065                1997
 Overseas Portfolio              1.029809               1.154842                     88,581                1996
                                 0.947883               1.029809                     55,723                1995
                                 1.000000               0.947883                     10,984                1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    


                                   162 of 176
<PAGE>   117
                   CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION, Continued
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                ACCUMULATION           ACCUMULATION             NUMBER OF
                                 UNIT VALUE             UNIT VALUE             ACCUM. UNITS
                                AT BEGINNING              AT END            OUTSTANDING AT THE
           FUND                  OF PERIOD               OF PERIOD          END OF THE PERIOD              YEAR
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                    <C>                  <C>                           <C>
 Fidelity VIP II                 1.257222               1.502515                     25,131                1997
 Asset Manager                   1.107535               1.257222                     18,427                1996
 Portfolio                       0.955979               1.107535                     10,482                1995
                                 1.000000               0.955979                      2,037                1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Neuberger &                     1.795607               2.294545                     12,306                1997
 Berman                          1.661013               1.795607                      9,399                1996
 Growth Portfolio                1.272940               1.661013                     24,304                1995
                                 1.352530               1.272940                     17,238                1994
                                 1.278609               1.352530                     12,520                1993
                                 1.178398               1.278609                      8,757                1992
                                 0.917001               1.178398                      4,358                1991
                                 1.000000               0.917001                          0                1990
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Neuberger &                      1.130160               1.194950                    7,063                1997
 Berman                           1.093904               1.130160                    5,977                1996
 Limited Maturity                 0.995462               1.093904                    2,860                1995
 Bond Portfolio                   1.000000               0.995462                      597                1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Neuberger &                      1.676351               2.179432                   13,504                1997
 Berman                           1.306186               1.676351                    8,811                1996
 Partners Portfolio               0.966223               1.306186                    5,923                1995
                                  1.000000               0.966223                    3,237                1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NSAT Government                  1.613565               1.752816                    8,433                1997
 Bond Fund                        1.574158               1.613565                    7,820                1996
                                  1.338281               1.574158                    5,714                1995
                                  1.396125               1.338281                      971                1994
                                  1.286974               1.396125                      632                1993
                                  1.204500               1.286974                    1,660                1992
                                  1.041986               1.204500                      527                1991
                                  1.000000               1.041986                        0                1990
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NSAT Capital                     1.509879               2.011485                        0                1997
 Appreciation Fund                1.208468               1.509879                        0                1996
                                  1.000000               1.208468                        0                1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NSAT Money                       1.259556               1.313205                    6,361                1997
 Market Fund                      1.209790               1.259556                   28,915                1996
                                  1.155984               1.209790                   14,512                1995
                                  1.123427               1.155984                    2,543                1994
                                  1.103814               1.123427                        0                1993
                                  1.077714               1.103814                        0                1992
                                  1.028111               1.077714                        0                1991
                                  1.000000               1.028111                        0                1990
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

                                   163 of 176
<PAGE>   118


                   CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION, Continued
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                ACCUMULATION           ACCUMULATION             NUMBER OF
                                 UNIT VALUE             UNIT VALUE             ACCUM. UNITS
                                AT BEGINNING              AT END            OUTSTANDING AT THE
           FUND                  OF PERIOD               OF PERIOD          END OF THE PERIOD             YEAR
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                    <C>                  <C>                           <C>
 NSAT Total                       2.354356               3.018448                   42,827                1997
 Return Fund                      1.950853               2.354356                   19,743                1996
 (formerly                        1.525590               1.950853                   11,766                1995
 "Common                          1.523742               1.525590                    3,996                1994
 Stock Fund")                     1.386859               1.523742                      845                1993
                                  1.294230               1.386859                      500                1992
                                  0.943464               1.294230                       69                1991
                                  1.000000               0.943464                        0                1990
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    


                                   164 of 176

<PAGE>   119
3.    The section entitled "CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE" in the prospectus is
      amended by adding the following paragraph:

            For Tax-Sheltered Annuity Contracts, the Company will make a maximum
      charge of $15 per Participant per year to reimburse the Company for
      certain administrative expenses relating to the maintenance of individual
      Participant records and the mailing of periodic statements to
      Participants. The Contract Maintenance Charges, which are guaranteed never
      to increase, are designed only to help the Company offset such
      administrative expenses, and such charges will not exceed the Company's
      actual administration expenses under the Contracts.

4.    The section entitled "DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACTS" in the prospectus is
      amended by adding the following new section:

      PARTICIPANT RIGHTS UNDER TAX-SHELTERED ANNUITY CONTRACTS

            Participant rights under the Contract are set forth in the Plan, if
      any, and are described more fully in the Certificate of Participation
      issued to each Participant by the Company and which describes the rights
      and benefits to which the Participant is entitled under the Contract. The
      term Contract Owner, as used throughout the Contract, refers to the
      purchaser and the holder of the Contract. However, the Contract Owner's
      rights are limited by the Plan, if any, the Code and applicable
      regulations. Participant Accounts held under the Contract shall be
      non-forfeitable at all times. No amounts payable under the Contract with
      respect to a Participant may be sold, assigned, discounted, or pledged as
      collateral for a loan or as a security for the performance of an
      obligation or for any other purpose to any person other than the Company.
      In addition, to the extent permitted by law, no such sum shall in any way
      be subject to legal process requiring the payment of any claim against the
      payee. The Company will accept direction only from the Participant except
      as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan, if any. The Company shall
      be entitled to rely on any action taken or omitted by the Participant,
      pursuant to the terms of the Contract.

5.    The section entitled "SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION" in the prospectus is
      amended by deleting the last two sentences of that section.

6.    The section entitled "APPLICATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS" in the prospectus
      is amended by adding the following paragraph at the end:

            With respect to Tax-Sheltered Annuity Contracts, Purchase Payments
      for each Participant may not exceed the Contract's allowable portion of
      the lesser of the maximum exclusion allowance under Code Section 403(b),
      or the elective deferral limits set forth in Code Section 402(g), except
      for amounts eligible for rollover, transfer or exchange treatment under
      the Code. In no event may the Purchase Payments exceed the limits
      described in Code Section 415. The amount of the Purchase Payments and
      earnings thereon in excess of the limits set forth in Code Section 402(g)
      ("excess deferrals") shall be returned in accordance with that section to
      the Participant upon written request, without application of the
      Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, if any, and in accordance with the Plan,
      if any. The Company may change the required minimum annual Purchase
      Payment to any amount which does not violate the applicable provisions of
      the Code.

7.    The section entitled "REDEMPTION OF PARTICIPANT ACCOUNTS (TERMINATION)" in
      the prospectus is amended by adding the following paragraph at the end:

            With respect to Tax-Sheltered Annuity Contracts, Section 403(b)(11)
      of the Code prohibits redemptions of Purchase Payments made pursuant to a
      salary reduction agreement (within the meaning of 402(g)(3)(C) of the
      Code) before the person reaches age 59-1/2, separates from service, dies,
      becomes disabled (within the meaning of Code Section 72(m)(7)), or faces a
      financial hardship as defined by the Plan, or, if no Plan is specified, as
      used in Section 403(b)(11)(B) of the Code and applicable regulations. This
      prohibition applies to Purchase Payments made in years beginning after
      December 31, 1988, to earnings on those Purchase Payments, and to earnings
      on amounts held as of December 31, 1988. Hardship redemptions are limited
      to the amount of Purchase Payments attributable to Participant elective
      contributions and earnings on Purchase Payments held as of December 31,
      1988, and may be subject to a 10% tax penalty. The value of contracts
      issued pursuant to Section 403(b) may be transferred to other contracts of
      other carriers. However, the exchange, under Section 1035 of the Code, of
      a contract which had an accumulated value prior to


                                   165 of 176
<PAGE>   120
      January 1, 1989, for a new contract may subject the pre-1989 value to the
      limits of Section 403(b)(11). The Company issues this Contract in reliance
      upon, and in compliance with, a Securities and Exchange Commission
      industry-wide no-action letter (publicly available November 28, 1988)
      which permits withdrawal restrictions to the extent necessary to comply
      with Section 403(b)(11).

8.    The section entitled "DISTRIBUTION OF PARTICIPANT ACCOUNTS (RETIREMENT
      PERIOD)" in the prospectus is amended by Including the following section:

      REQUIRED DISTRIBUTION FOR TAX-SHELTERED ANNUITY CONTRACTS

            The entire interest of a Participant under a Contract issued
      pursuant to Code Section 403(b) accruing after December 31, 1986, will,
      notwithstanding anything else contained herein, be distributed to the
      Participant under the Optional Retirement Income Form selected over-

            A.    the life of the Participant or the lives of the Participant
                  and the Participant's designated Beneficiary; or

            B.    a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the
                  Participant or the life expectancy of the Participant and the
                  Participant's designated Beneficiary.

            If the Participant's entire interest is to be distributed in equal
      or substantially equal payments over a period described in A or B, such
      payments will commence no later than the first day of April following the
      calendar year In which the Participant attains age 70-1/2 (the Required
      Beginning Date). In the case of a governmental plan or church plan (as
      defined in Code Section 89(i)(4)), the Required Beginning Date will be the
      later of the dates determined under the preceding sentence or April 1 of
      the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Participant
      retires.

            Payments commencing on the Required Beginning Date will not be less
      than the lesser of the quotient obtained by dividing the entire interest
      of the Participant by the life expectancy of the Participant, or the joint
      and last survivor expectancy of the Participant and the Participant's
      designated Beneficiary (whichever is applicable). Life expectancy and
      joint and last survivor expectancy are computed by the use of return
      multiples contained in Section 1.72-9 of the Treasury Regulations.

            All Optional Retirement Income Forms described in the prospectus
      must comply with the minimum Distribution and incidental death benefit
      provision of Code Section 401(a)(9) and applicable regulations.

9.    The section entitled "DEATH BENEFIT BEFORE RETIREMENT" in the prospectus
      is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

      DEATH BENEFIT BEFORE RETIREMENT

            If the Participant dies before his or her retirement income
      commences, generally the entire Participant Account Value must be
      distributed within five years after the Participant's death. There are two
      exceptions: (1) if payments are to be made to the Participant's designated
      Beneficiary and the Distributions begin within one year of the
      Participant's death, payments may be extended over the life (or a period
      not exceeding the life expectancy) of the Beneficiary; and (2) if the
      Beneficiary is the surviving spouse and the Distributions begin by the
      time the Participant would have reached age 70-1/2, payments may be made
      over the life (or a period not exceeding life expectancy) of the surviving
      spouse.

10.   References throughout the Prospectus to the "GROUP FIXED FUND RETIREMENT
      CONTRACT" are hereby changed to "GROUP FIXED TAX DEFERRED ANNUITY
      CONTRACT."

11.   The Appendix of Participating Underlying Mutual Funds in the prospectus is
      amended in its entirety by the following Underlying Mutual Funds. These
      Underlying Mutual Funds are available only to serve as the Underlying
      investment for variable annuity and variable life contracts issued through
      separate accounts of life Insurance companies which may or may not be
      affiliated. A full description of the Underlying Mutual Funds, their
      investment policies and restrictions, risks, charges and expenses and all
      other aspects of their operation is contained in the prospectuses of the
      Underlying Mutual Funds, which should be read in conjunction with this
      prospectus before investing.


                                   166 of 176
<PAGE>   121
   
AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE PORTFOLIOS, INC. A MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN CENTURY(SM)
FAMILY OF INVESTMENTS
    

   
      American Century Variable Products, Inc. was organized as a Maryland
corporation in 1987. It is a diversified, open-end management investment
company, designed only to provide investment vehicles for variable annuity and
variable life insurance products of insurance companies. American Century
Variable Portfolios, Inc. is managed by American Century Investment Management,
Inc.
    

   
      -AMERICAN CENTURY VP BALANCED (FORMERLY "TCI BALANCED")
    

   
      Investment Objective: Capital growth and current income. The Fund will
      seek to achieve its objective by maintaining approximately 60% of the
      assets of the Fund in common stocks (including securities convertible into
      common stocks and other equity equivalents) that are considered by
      management to have better-than-average prospects for appreciation and
      approximately 40% in fixed income senior securities. There can be no
      assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
    

   
      -AMERICAN CENTURY VP CAPITAL APPRECIATION (FORMERLY "TCI GROWTH")
    

   
      Investment Objective: Capital growth. The Fund will seek to achieve its
      objective by investing in common stocks (including securities convertible
      into common stocks and other equity equivalents) that meet certain
      fundamental and technical standards of selection and have, in the opinion
      of the Fund's investment manager, better than average potential for
      appreciation. The Fund tries to stay fully invested in such securities,
      regardless of the movement of stock prices generally.
    

   
      The Fund may invest in cash and cash equivalents temporarily or when it is
      unable to find common stocks meeting its criteria of selection. It may
      purchase securities only of companies that have a record of at least three
      years continuous operation. There can be no assurance that the Fund will
      achieve its investment objective
    

   
DREYFUS STOCK INDEX FUND, INC.
    

   
      The Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc. is an open-end, non-diversified,
management investment company. It was incorporated under Maryland law on January
24, 1989, and commenced operations on September 29, 1989. The Dreyfus
Corporation ("Dreyfus") serves as the Fund's manager, while Mellon Equity
Associates, an affiliate of Dreyfus, serves as the Fund's index manager.
    

   
      Investment Objective: To provide investment results that correspond to the
      price and yield performance of publicly traded common stocks in the
      aggregate, as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock
      Price Index. The Fund is neither sponsored by nor affiliated with Standard
      & Poor's Corporation.
    

   
THE DREYFUS SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GROWTH FUND, INC.
    

   
      The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. is an open-end,
diversified, management investment company. It was incorporated under Maryland
law on July 20, 1992, and commenced operations on October 7, 1993. The Dreyfus
Corporation serves as the Fund's investment adviser and provides day-to-day
management of the Fund's portfolio.
    

   
      Investment Objective: The Fund's primary goal is to provide capital growth
      through equity investment in companies that, in the opinion of the Fund's
      management, not only meet traditional investment standards but which also
      show evidence that they conduct their business in a manner that
      contributes to the enhancement of the quality of life in America. Current
      income is secondary to the primary goal.
    


FIDELITY INVESTMENTS VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND

      The Fund is an open-end, diversified, management investment company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on November 13, 1981. The Fund's
shares are purchased by insurance companies to fund benefits under variable
insurance and annuity policies. Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR")
is the Fund's manager.


                                   167 of 176
<PAGE>   122

   
      -EQUITY-INCOME PORTFOLIO
    

   
      Investment Objective: To seek reasonable income by investing primarily in
      income-producing equity securities. In choosing these securities FMR also
      will consider the potential for capital appreciation. The Portfolio's goal
      is to achieve a yield which exceeds the composite yield on the securities
      comprising the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index.
    

   
      -GROWTH PORTFOLIO
    

   
      Investment Objective: Seeks to achieve capital appreciation. This
      Portfolio will invest in the securities of both well-known and established
      companies, and smaller, less well-known companies which may have a narrow
      product line or whose securities are thinly traded. These latter
      securities will often involve greater risk than may be found in ordinary
      investment security. FMR's analysis and expertise plays an integral role
      in the selection of securities and, therefore, the performance of the
      portfolio. Many securities which FMR believes would have the greatest
      potential may be regarded as speculative, and investment in the Portfolio
      may involve greater risk than is inherent in other underlying mutual
      funds. It is also important to point out that the Portfolio makes most
      sense for you if you can afford to ride out changes in the stock market,
      because it invests primarily in common stocks. FMR also can make temporary
      investments in securities such as investment-grade bonds, high quality
      preferred stocks and short-term notes, for defensive purposes when it
      believes market conditions warrant.
    

   
      -HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO
    

   
      Investment Objective: Seeks to obtain a high level of current income by
      investing primarily in high-risk, lower-rated, high-yielding, fixed income
      securities, while also considering growth capital. The Portfolio manager
      will seek high current income normally by investing the Portfolio's assets
      as follows:
    

   
      - at least 65% in income-producing debt securities and preferred stocks,
      including convertible securities
    

   
      - up to 20% in common stocks and other equity securities when consistent
      with the Portfolio's primary objective or acquired as part of a unit
      combining fixed-income and equity securities
    

   
      Higher yields are usually available on securities that are lower-rated or
      that are unrated. Lower-rated securities are usually defined as Ba or
      lower by Moody's; BB or lower by Standard & Poor's and may be deemed to be
      of a speculative nature. The Portfolio may also purchase lower-quality
      bonds such as those rated Ca3 by Moody's or C- by Standard & Poor's which
      provide poor protection for payment of principal and interest (commonly
      referred to as "junk bonds"). For a further discussion of lower-rated
      securities, please see the "Risks of Lower-Rated Debt Securities" section
      of the Portfolio's prospectus.
    

   
      - OVERSEAS PORTFOLIO
    

   
      Investment Objective: To seek long term growth of capital primarily
      through investments in foreign securities. The Overseas Portfolio provides
      a means for investors to diversify their own portfolios by participating
      in companies and economics outside of the United States.
    

   
FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND II
    

   
      The Variable Insurance Products Fund II is an open-end, diversified,
management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on
March 21, 1988. The Fund's shares are purchased by insurance companies to fund
benefits under variable insurance and annuity policies. Fidelity Management &
Research Company ("FMR") is the Fund's manager.
    

   
      -ASSET MANAGER PORTFOLIO
    

   
      Investment Objective: To seek high total return with reduced risk over the
      long-term by allocating its assets among domestic and foreign stocks,
      bonds and short-term fixed income instruments.
    


                                   168 of 176
<PAGE>   123


   
NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST
    

   
      Nationwide Separate Account Trust (the "Trust") is a diversified and
open-end management investment company created under the laws of Massachusetts.
The Trust offers shares in the four separate mutual funds listed below, each
with its own investment objectives. Currently, shares of the Trust will be sold
only to life insurance company separate accounts to fund the benefits under
variable life insurance policies or variable annuity contracts issued by life
insurance companies. The assets of the Trust are managed by Nationwide Advisory
Services, Inc., One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215. A wholly-owned
subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company.
    

   
      -CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND
    

   
      Investment Objective: The Fund is designed for investors who are
      interested in long-term growth. The Fund seeks to meet its objective
      primarily through a diversified portfolio of the common stock of companies
      which the investment manager determines have a better-than-average
      potential for sustained capital growth over the long term.
    

   
      -GOVERNMENT BOND FUND
    

   
      Investment Objective: To provide as high a level of income as is
      consistent with the preservation of capital. It seeks to achieve its
      objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of securities issued or
      backed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
    

   
      -MONEY MARKET FUND
    

   
      Investment Objective: To seek as high a level of income as is considered
      consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity by investing
      primarily in money market instruments.
    

   
      -TOTAL RETURN FUND
    

   
      Investment Objective: To obtain a reasonable long-term total return (i.e.,
      earnings growth plus potential dividend yield) on invested capital from a
      flexible combination of current return and capital gains through
      investments in common stocks, convertible issues, money market instruments
      and bonds with a primary emphasis on common stocks.
    

   
NEUBERGER & BERMAN ADVISERS MANAGEMENT TRUST (FORMERLY " ADVISERS MANAGEMENT
TRUST")
    

      Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust is an open-end diversified
management investment company established as a Massachusetts business trust on
December 14, 1983. Shares of the Trust are offered in connection with a certain
variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued through
life insurance company separate accounts and are also offered directly to
qualified pension and retirement plans outside of the separate account context.
The investment adviser is Neuberger & Berman management Incorporated.

   
      -GROWTH PORTFOLIO
    

   
      Investment Objective: The Portfolio seeks capital growth through
      investments in common stocks of companies that the investment adviser
      believes will have above average earnings or otherwise provide investors
      with above average potential for capital appreciation. To maximize this
      potential, the investment adviser may utilize, from time to time,
      securities convertible into common stocks, warrants and options to
      purchase such stocks.
    

   
      -LIMITED MATURITY BOND PORTFOLIO (FORMERLY "BOND PORTFOLIO")
    

   
      Investment Objective: To provide the high level of current income,
      consistent with low risk to principal and liquidity. As a secondary
      objective, it also seeks to enhance its total return through capital
      appreciation when market factors, such as falling interest rates and
      rising bond prices, indicate that capital appreciation may be available
      without significant risk to principal. It seeks to achieve its objectives
      through investments in a diversified portfolio of limited maturity debt
      securities.
    


                                   169 of 176
<PAGE>   124
   
      -PARTNERS PORTFOLIO
    

   
      Investment Objective: To seek capital growth. This Portfolio will seek to
      achieve its objective by investing primarily in the common stock of
      established companies. Its investment program seeks securities believed to
      be undervalued based on fundamentals such as low price-to-earnings ratios,
      consistent cash flows, and support from asset values. The objective of the
      Partners Portfolio is not fundamental and can be changed by the Trustees
      of the Trust without shareholder approval. Shareholders will, however,
      receive at least 30 days prior notice thereof. There is no assurance the
      investment objective will be met.
    

12.   The section entitled "FEDERAL TAX STATUS" in the prospectus is amended by
      adding the following paragraphs at the end:

            Recent changes to the Code permit the rollover of most Distributions
      from qualified Plans to other qualified Plans, Individual Retirement
      Accounts, or Individual Retirement Annuities. Most Distributions from Tax
      Sheltered Annuities may be rolled over to other Tax Sheltered Annuities,
      Individual Retirement Accounts or Individual Retirement Annuities.
      Distributions which may not be rolled over are those which are:

            1.    one of series of substantially equal annual (or more frequent)
                  payments made: a) over the life (or life expectancy) of the
                  employee, b) the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of
                  the employee and the employee's designated Beneficiary, or c)
                  for a specified period of ten years or more; and

            2.    a required minimum Distribution

            Any Distribution eligible for rollover will be subject to federal
      tax withholding at a 20 percent rate unless the Distribution is
      transferred directly to a Qualified Plan, Individual Retirement Account,
      or Individual Retirement Annuity.

            You should consult your financial or tax consultant to discuss in
      detail your particular tax situation and the use of the Contracts.


                                   170 of 176
<PAGE>   125
              ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
                        ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES




The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and
Contract Owners of Nationwide DC Variable Account:


The audits referred to in our report on Nationwide Life Insurance Company (the
Company) dated January 31, 1997, included the related financial statement
schedules as of December 31, 1996, and for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1996, included in the registration statement. These
financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statement schedules based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial
statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects
the information set forth therein.

We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the heading "Services" in the Statement of Additional Information.




                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Columbus, Ohio
April 24, 1997


                                   171 of 176
<PAGE>   126
                                   SIGNATURES

   
      As required by the Securities Act of 1933, and the Investment Company Act
of 1940, the Registrant, NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT, certifies that it meets
the requirements of Securities Act Rule 485 for effectiveness of the
Post-Effective Amendment and has caused this Post-Effective Amendment to be
signed on its behalf in the City of Columbus, and State of Ohio, on this 27th
day of February, 1998.
    


                                      NATIONWIDE DC VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                             ----------------------------------------------
                                              (Registrant)

                                    NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                             ----------------------------------------------
                                              (Depositor)

                                          By /s/ JOSEPH P. RATH
                             ----------------------------------------------
                                             Joseph P. Rath
                             Vice President - Product and Market Compliance

   

      As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment
has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 27th
day of February, 1998.
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      SIGNATURE                                                TITLE

<S>                                       <C>                                           
LEWIS J. ALPHIN                                               Director
- -------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin

KEITH W. ECKEL                                                Director
- -------------------------
Keith W. Eckel

WILLARD J. ENGEL                                              Director
- -------------------------
Willard J. Engel

FRED C. FINNEY                                                Director
- -------------------------
Fred C. Finney

JOSEPH J. GASPER                                           President/Chief
- -------------------------                          Operating Officer and Director
Joseph J. Gasper

CHARLES L. FUELLGRAF, JR.                                     Director
- -------------------------
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.

HENRY S. HOLLOWAY                                       Chairman of the Board
- -------------------------                                    and Director
Henry S. Holloway

DIMON RICHARD McFERSON                              Chairman and Chief Executive
- -------------------------                 Officer-Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Director
Dimon Richard McFerson

DAVID O. MILLER                                               Director
- -------------------------
David O. Miller

C. RAY NOECKER                                                Director
- -------------------------
C. Ray Noecker

ROBERT A. OAKLEY                                      Executive Vice President-
- -------------------------                              Chief Financial Officer
Robert A. Oakley

JAMES F. PATTERSON                                            Director          By:          JOSEPH P. RATH
- -------------------------                                                          ------------------------------------
James F. Patterson                                                                    Joseph P. Rath, Attorney-in-Fact

ARDEN L. SHISLER                                              Director
- -------------------------
Arden L. Shisler

ROBERT L. STEWART                                             Director
- -------------------------
Robert L. Stewart

NANCY C. THOMAS                                               Director
- -------------------------
Nancy C. Thomas

HAROLD W. WEIHL                                               Director
- -------------------------
Harold W. Weihl
</TABLE>



                                   176 of 176
<PAGE>   127
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY



         KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned as
directors and/or officers of NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, and NATIONWIDE
LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY, both Ohio corporations, which have filed or
will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the provisions
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, various Registration Statements and
amendments thereto for the registration under said Act of Individual Deferred
Variable Annuity Contracts in connection with MFS Variable Account, Nationwide
Variable Account, Nationwide Variable Account-II, Nationwide Variable Account-3,
Nationwide Variable Account-4, Nationwide Variable Account-5, Nationwide
Variable Account-6, Nationwide Fidelity Advisor Variable Account, Nationwide
Multi-Flex Variable Account, Nationwide Variable Account-8, Nationwide Variable
Account-9, Nationwide VA Separate Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate Account-B,
Nationwide VA Separate Account-C and Nationwide VA Separate Account-Q; and the
registration of fixed interest rate options subject to a market value adjustment
offered under some or all of the aforementioned individual Variable Annuity
Contracts in connection with Nationwide Multiple Maturity Separate Account and
Nationwide Multiple Maturity Separate Account-A, and the registration of Group
Flexible Fund Retirement Contracts in connection with Nationwide DC Variable
Account, Nationwide DCVA-II, and NACo Variable Account; and the registration of
Group Common Stock Variable Annuity Contracts in connection with Separate
Account No. 1; and the registration of variable life insurance policies in
connection with Nationwide VLI Separate Account, Nationwide VLI Separate
Account-2, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-4,
Nationwide VL Separate Account-A, Nationwide VL Separate Account-B, and
Nationwide VL Separate Account-C, and hereby constitutes and appoints Dimon R.
McFerson, Joseph J. Gasper, W. Sidney Druen, Mark R. Thresher, and Joseph P.
Rath, and each of them with power to act without the others, his/her attorney,
with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his/her name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to approve, and sign such
Registration Statements and any and all amendments thereto, with power to affix
the corporate seal of said corporation thereto and to attest said seal and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection
therewith, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby granting
unto said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and
perform all and every act and thing requisite to all intents and purposes as
he/she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming that which
said attorneys, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof. This instrument may be executed in one or more counterparts.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have herewith set their names and
seals as of this 22nd day of July, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                 <C>
/s/ Lewis J. Alphin                                                 /s/ David O. Miller
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin, Director                                           David O. Miller, Director

/s/ Keith W. Eckel                                                  /s/ C. Ray Noecker
- -------------------------------------------------                   -------------------------------------------------
Keith W. Eckel, Director                                            C. Ray Noecker, Director

/s/ Willard J. Engel                                                /s/ Robert A. Oakley
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Willard J. Engel, Director                                          Robert A. Oakley, Executive Vice President - Chief
                                                                    Financial Officer

/s/ Fred C. Finney                                                  /s/ James F. Patterson
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Fred C. Finney, Director                                            James F. Patterson, Director

/s/ Charles L. Fuellgraf                                            /s/ Arden L. Shisler
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr., Director                                 Arden L. Shisler, Director

/s/ Joseph J. Gasper                                                /s/ Robert L. Stewart
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Joseph J. Gasper, President and Chief Operating Officer             Robert L. Stewart, Director
and Director

/s/ Henry S. Holloway                                               /s/ Nancy C. Thomas
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Henry S. Holloway, Chairman of the Board, Director                  Nancy C. Thomas, Director

/s/ Dimon Richard McFerson                                          /s/ Harold W. Weihl
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Dimon R. McFerson, Chairman and Chief Executive                     Harold W. Weihl, Director
Officer-Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Director
</TABLE>






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